AFA Försäkring gives SEK 65.2 million to work environment research for a total of 16 research projects across Sweden. Four of the projects will be carried out at LiU.
“We want to make a long-term contribution to a good work environment with fewer occupational injuries and less sick leave. One way we do this is by supporting research that promotes a safe and healthy working life,” says Ulrika Hektor, head of AFA Försäkring’s Research and Development Department, in a press release.
Exoskeletons for emergency responders – SEK 4.9 million
Erik Prytz, assistant professor at the Department of Computer and Information Science, is to evaluate exoskeletons as a technological solution to reduce work-related injuries in the emergency services.
Together with the Metropolitan Gothenburg Rescue Service and researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Erik Prytz is to identify the tasks where exoskeletons could be helpful. They will examine supportive passive exoskeletons as well as active motorised ones. The aim is to conduct user tests to examine work environment effects and fire fighters’ acceptance of the technology.
“We will also study when in the rescue process this type of new technology can be helpful and how it interacts with other equipment,” says Erik Prytz, who receives SEK 4.9 million for the project.
Cleaning staff in the private cleaning industry – SEK 4.1 million
Ida Seing, senior associate professor at the Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, will investigate how sick leave and rehabilitation processes work in the private cleaning industry.
“Cleaner is one of the most common professions for women in Sweden, but still relatively invisible in both research and public debate. At the same time, sickness benefit has become more restrictive, with a greater focus on rapid return to work. We want to understand how this manifests itself, both for those on sick leave and for employers and unions who are to support them,” says Ida Seing.
The findings will provide new knowledge that can develop and improve work environment and rehabilitation efforts in vulnerable professions in the private sector cleaning industry. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Mid Sweden University.
“This funding makes it possible to highlight the conditions of an often overlooked professional group. And to create an overall picture of how sick leave and the road back to work are handled in everyday life, focusing on the perspective and experiences of cleaners, employers and trade union representatives,” says Ida Seing.
Having part-time managerial duties – SEK 4.3 million
Alma Persson, senior associate professor at Tema Genus (Gender Studies), will investigate how part-time managerial duties impact the work environment in organisations where such a management model is common. The aim is to understand the specific conditions arising in the borderland between management and employeeship, where friction may occur. What strategies are there for handling the double roles?
Shaping the digital work environment – SEK 3.4 million
Johan Blomkvist Block, docent at the Department of Computer and Information Science, is to develop a method to assist change leaders in analysing and managing psychosocial work environment effects of digitalisation in health and social care. The aim is to improve the psychosocial work environment and to increase understanding of how digitalisation impacts the work environment.
