A back injury prevention program was developed, implemented and evaluated for employees at Corning Corporation. Subjects included 38 manufacturing employees; 21 in the intervention group and 17 in the control group. The subjects included slightly more males (62%) than females (37%), significantly more whites (87%) than African Americans or other minorities (13%), and an average age of 30-39 years. The intervention involved frequent stretching exercises done throughout the 12 hour workday. A two-way ANOVA was used to access self-reported back discomfort reported by a questionnaire during pre- and post- intervention periods. Although no significant interactions between groups across time occurred, there was a decline in discomfort for both groups. A correlational analyses was used to study the relationship between participation in the stretching exercises and discomfort. The correlation coefficient for the frequency of discomfort variable reached significance and the region of discomfort approached statistical significance. Statistical significance was not evident for intensity, duration and level of discomfort variables. Except for the relationship between increased participation in the intervention program and a increased reduction in frequency of discomfort, statistical evidence is absent regarding the benefit of the intervention. However, other positive results support the possibility of program continuation. / Master of Science

Employee involvement and participation in HIV-prevention interventions at the workplace remains a barrier to effective programme implementation, which contributes significantly to programme failure and the consequent continued spread of HIV among employees at the workplace. This study explores employee involvement and participation in HIV-prevention interventions at a Bulawayo tyre manufacturing firm. It assesses factors affecting employee involvement and participation in these interventions, and examines the implications of these findings for programme implementation. I used a semi-standardised interview schedule to conduct in-depth, face-to-face qualitative interviews and a self-administered questionnaire to collect quantitative data. The responses showed the nature of employee involvement in HIV-prevention at the firm was at a co-option level, and the type of participation was mere token participation. I recommended that the firm should develop a clear understanding of the importance of stakeholder involvement in HIV-prevention programmes. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

The purpose of this study is to explore the EAP environment and provide a better understanding of the related roles of the Employee Assistant Practitioners/Professionals (EAPs) in respect of their treatment of various forms of illnesses in the workplace – particularly HIV and AIDS. The EAP role is not aligned to any individual profession, as it is designed to match employees’ holistic needs. It is in this context that the repertoire of EAP roles would include caring, psycho-social, therapeutic and technical skills. The EAP role is therefore endowed with the potential to meet a range of inter-departmental and multi-disciplinary needs – such as Nursing, Allied Health Professions, and Healthcare Sciences. A generic Assistant Practitioners Performance Management system (scorecard) had to be developed and agreed to with the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) Management in order to maintain consistency when developing APE programmes and roles. Notwithstanding the fact that the Employee Assistant Practitioners do also address the growing HIV/AIDS concerns in the workplace – including psycho-social problems of employees and their families – there is minimal acknowledgment of the EAPs’ roles, and little recognition of their welfare and well-being programmes. Drawing eclectically from various inter-related disciplinary terrains, the study centripetally explores the roles of EAPs as well as HIV/AIDS frameworks in the workplace. Quantitative and qualitative descriptive research methods were employed to assess challenges encountered by the City of Johannesburg (C.o.J) employees and their dependants. Questionnaires were used for the data collection of this study. The repertoire of participants in the study (n=55) comprised of doctors, social workers, nurses, HR officers, and other CoJ employees themselves. vi The questionnaire became the pivotal quantitative data analysis reference point ias it focused on numbers or quantities, and less on the qualitative analysis, which focused on differences in quality. The results of the study are based on numeric analysis and statistics to quantify the qualitative analysis. The prevalence of fewer participants was largely influenced by the depth of the data collection process, which did not allow for large numbers of research participants. The findings of the study revealed, amongst other factors, that there was an unsurpassed need to integrate different HIV/AIDS frameworks in order that the roles of EAPs becomes more effectively and efficiently defined and executed. The roles of EAPs were hitherto not well defined, resulting in duplication and confusion of service delivery to some employees utilising the EAP services. However, some of the EAP roles are highly appreciated and increasingly supported by managers and employees. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made for clarifying and extending the criticality of EAP roles and functions. / Health Studies / Ph. D. (Health Studies)

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology: Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / In South Africa, HIV and AIDS workplace programmes have been implemented for more than two decades without any audited and certifiable standards. In 2007, the South African National Standard launched South African National Standard (SANS 16001) 16001 to assist, encourage and support companies to implement minimum standards for HAMS. Companies are now expected to use this standard to improve HIV and AIDS Management System. It therefore, becomes imperative for companies to establish workplace HAMS in line with the set standard. To determine to what extent the company‟s HAMS has been aligned to the SANS 16001, an evaluation of the current management system in relation to the new SANS 16001 system is needed. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the HIV and AIDS Management System in a Richards Bay Company. Methodology A single case study using a quantitative research design was used to evaluate HAMS in a Richards Bay Company. The sample consisted of all consenting participants who were selected from key position holders in accordance with the requirements of SANS 16001: 2007 and the general workers. These key position holders were comprised of senior managers, middle managers and those employees who play an important role in implementing HAMS. Two different sets of questionnaires were used to collect data. One questionnaire was used to collect data from the managers because they were key role players in HAMS. The second questionnaire was used to collect data from the general workforce. The data from the questionnaire was captured and subsequently analysed using the version 9 of SPSS. Results There was evidence that the company was committed to continuous improvement regarding HIV and AIDS management as indicated by both key position holders and the general workforce.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the full Degree of Master of Technology: Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / South Africa is currently at the epicentre of the AIDS epidemic with 5.6 million people living with HIV disease. The province of KwaZulu-Natal has the biggest burden with an antenatal HIV prevalence of 39.5% in 2010. It is estimated that 24.5% of South Africa‟s working age population is HIV positive. Most infected people living with HIV in Africa are between ages 15 and 50 years which is the peak working age. AIDS now causes more deaths and suffering among the 18-44 year age group than any other disease. Organisations clearly present as one of the most effective and significant settings in which to respond to the epidemic. The effective management of HIV and AIDS within organisations is critical in order to reduce the negative consequences of the epidemic on the economy. HIV and AIDS Management Systems (HAMS) within organisations have been implemented for approximately twenty years but they have been largely ineffective, mainly due to poor uptake of services. Therefore, there is a need for HAMS practice to be evaluated in relation to current best practice standards to ensure quality management, continual improvement and successful uptake of services. This qualitative study evaluated one organisation‟s HAMS in relation to SANS 16001 and described employees‟ experiences of HAMS in this setting. The theoretical framework underpinning this study is the Deming cycle which is a well known quality management system methodology. From the results of the study it was apparent that the organisation was aligned with most of SANS 16001 general requirements for HAMS. Employees experienced the intended benefits of prevention, treatment and support from the organisation‟s HAMS.

Thesis (M. Med. Community Health)--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-77).

Employee involvement and participation in HIV-prevention interventions at the workplace remains a barrier to effective programme implementation, which contributes significantly to programme failure and the consequent continued spread of HIV among employees at the workplace. This study explores employee involvement and participation in HIV-prevention interventions at a Bulawayo tyre manufacturing firm. It assesses factors affecting employee involvement and participation in these interventions, and examines the implications of these findings for programme implementation. I used a semi-standardised interview schedule to conduct in-depth, face-to-face qualitative interviews and a self-administered questionnaire to collect quantitative data. The responses showed the nature of employee involvement in HIV-prevention at the firm was at a co-option level, and the type of participation was mere token participation. I recommended that the firm should develop a clear understanding of the importance of stakeholder involvement in HIV-prevention programmes. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

The purpose of this study is to explore the EAP environment and provide a better understanding of the related roles of the Employee Assistant Practitioners/Professionals (EAPs) in respect of their treatment of various forms of illnesses in the workplace – particularly HIV and AIDS. The EAP role is not aligned to any individual profession, as it is designed to match employees’ holistic needs. It is in this context that the repertoire of EAP roles would include caring, psycho-social, therapeutic and technical skills. The EAP role is therefore endowed with the potential to meet a range of inter-departmental and multi-disciplinary needs – such as Nursing, Allied Health Professions, and Healthcare Sciences. A generic Assistant Practitioners Performance Management system (scorecard) had to be developed and agreed to with the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) Management in order to maintain consistency when developing APE programmes and roles. Notwithstanding the fact that the Employee Assistant Practitioners do also address the growing HIV/AIDS concerns in the workplace – including psycho-social problems of employees and their families – there is minimal acknowledgment of the EAPs’ roles, and little recognition of their welfare and well-being programmes. Drawing eclectically from various inter-related disciplinary terrains, the study centripetally explores the roles of EAPs as well as HIV/AIDS frameworks in the workplace. Quantitative and qualitative descriptive research methods were employed to assess challenges encountered by the City of Johannesburg (C.o.J) employees and their dependants. Questionnaires were used for the data collection of this study. The repertoire of participants in the study (n=55) comprised of doctors, social workers, nurses, HR officers, and other CoJ employees themselves. vi The questionnaire became the pivotal quantitative data analysis reference point ias it focused on numbers or quantities, and less on the qualitative analysis, which focused on differences in quality. The results of the study are based on numeric analysis and statistics to quantify the qualitative analysis. The prevalence of fewer participants was largely influenced by the depth of the data collection process, which did not allow for large numbers of research participants. The findings of the study revealed, amongst other factors, that there was an unsurpassed need to integrate different HIV/AIDS frameworks in order that the roles of EAPs becomes more effectively and efficiently defined and executed. The roles of EAPs were hitherto not well defined, resulting in duplication and confusion of service delivery to some employees utilising the EAP services. However, some of the EAP roles are highly appreciated and increasingly supported by managers and employees. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made for clarifying and extending the criticality of EAP roles and functions. / Health Studies / Ph. D. (Health Studies)

Occupational Health Service (OHS) has an important role in society. It is designed to prevent illness and strengthen the health of workers. OHS operations and development are currently being studied at the School of Technology and Health at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. One of the industries studied is the home maker service. During the 2010s were such employees one of the most ill groups in Sweden. This master's thesis in occupational environment development and change management focus on examining the special knowledge an OHS and its clients in one home maker service need to strengthen the workers of the industry and find out how the interaction between OHS and home maker service works and how it could be evolved. A qualitative study was conducted in a Swedish city on the basis of an organizational perspective. Six persons between 30 and 65 years of age were interviewed. The interviewed people’s occupations were ergonomist, safety engineer, home health aides and managers from both companies. To gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon the interviews were transcribed. Key themes for the interviewees were collaboration, economy and engagement, important health and safety issues, prevention, the home help service needs of OHS and what support OHS need in their work with the home maker services. The studied parties agreed that they had no developed cooperation and that there was a gap between them. All interviewees consisted on the work environment problems in the industry. These were stress, time pressure, heavy physical work, patients’ homes were not always suited for the home health aides, lack of colleagues, intimidation and violence and smoking patients. There was found a barrier between the preventive work that could be undertaken and what was ordered from the home maker service. / Företagshälsovården (FHV) har en betydelsefull roll i samhället. Den finns till för att förebygga ohälsa och stärka hälsan hos arbetstagare. Företagshälsovårdens verksamhet och utveckling studeras just nu på skolan för teknik och hälsa på Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan. En av de branscher som åskådliggörs är hemtjänsten. Under 00-talet var arbetstagarna i hemtjänsten en av de mest sjukskrivna grupperna i Sverige. Det här magister-examensarbetet inom arbetsmiljöutveckling och förändringsledning fokuserar på att undersöka vilken specialkunskap FHV behöver för att stärka hemtjänstbranschens arbetstagare samt ta reda på hur samverkan mellan FHV och hemtjänsten fungerar och hur den kan utvecklas. En kvalitativ intervjustudie utfördes i en svensk storstad med utgångspunkt i ett organisationsperspektiv. Sex personer mellan 30 och 65 år intervjuades. Intervjuobjektens yrken var ergonom, arbetsmiljöingenjör, undersköterska i hemtjänsten och chefer från båda parter. För att få en djupare förståelse för fenomenet transkriberades intervjuerna. Betydelsefulla gemensamma teman för intervjupersonerna var samverkan, ekonomi och engagemang, viktiga arbetsmiljöfrågor, förebyggande arbete i dag, hemtjänstens tjänstebehov av FHV och vilket stöd FHV behöver i sitt arbete med hemtjänsten.   De studerade parterna var överens om att de inte hade något utvecklat samarbete och att det bestod ett glapp mellan dem. Alla intervjupersoner var eniga om arbetsmiljöproblemen i branschen. Dessa var stress, tidspress, tungt fysisk arbete, att brukarnas hem inte alltid var anpassade för hemtjänstpersonalen, avsaknad av kollegor, hot och våld samt rökande brukare. Det fanns idag en barriär mellan det förebyggande arbete som skulle kunna bedrivas och vad som beställdes av hemtjänsten. / "Nyttiggörande av branschkunskap – implementering av nätverk” med projektledare Annika Vänje

Young women working in SMEs are increasingly being affected by HIV and AIDS, and SMEs are expected to respond to HIV and AIDS through workplace policies and programmes. This requires commitment from SMEs to help young women who face various gendered vulnerabilities to HIV and AIDs. The study, whose purpose was to investigate young women workers’ experiences of the HIV and AIDS response of small and medium enterprises in a semi urban area in KwaZulu-Natal, used a qualitative approach and collected data from three SMEs in Pietermaritzburg during the period of the study. Findings of the study indicate that the majority of respondents from all three SMEs agree on experiencing limited or no HIV and AIDS policies and programmes in SMEs. With reference to incomplete or limited responses, two SMEs provide financial assistance for funerals. However, some aspects such as education and awareness, monitoring, management commitment, provision of medical aid, facilitation of peer education, appointment of an HIV officer and more were not evident. Thus recommendations were made on how SMEs should respond, and future research ideas were outlined. / Health Studies / M. A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)