Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026
07:31
A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills
Published on: February 13, 2020
7.5K
Improving fit to work assessments for rail safety workers by exploring work limitations
J S Boschman1, C T J Hulshof2, M H W Frings-Dresen2
1Academic Medical Center, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22660, 1100 DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. j.s.boschman@amc.nl.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|February 13, 2016
Summary
Fit to work assessments for rail safety workers should include work limitations and health complaints. Older age does not generally increase work limitations, but health issues do, especially for vigilance and physical abilities.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Transportation Safety
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Rail safety workers have job requirements including vigilance, clear judgment, communication, eyesight, and physical abilities.
- Current fit to work assessments may not fully capture all aspects impacting worker performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of including work limitations in fit to work assessments for rail safety workers.
- To determine if older age or existing health complaints are risk factors for work limitations.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 484 rail safety workers assessing perceived work limitations and job-related health problems.
- Statistical analyses included McNemar tests for comparing proportions and univariate logistic regression for associations.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed between reported health complaints (2-26%) and work limitations (10-32%).
- Older age (over 50) was not generally associated with work limitations, though a link was found for physical abilities in the 40-50 age group.
- Health complaints related to vigilance and physical abilities significantly increased the risk of reporting work limitations (ORs 2.4-17.9).
Conclusions:
- Fit to work assessments for rail safety personnel should incorporate assessments of both health complaints and perceived work limitations.
- The study does not support the general assumption that workers over 40 are at increased risk for work limitations.
