Mental ill health is a significant cause of suicide and disability worldwide. It has particularly affected the construction industry. The construction labor sectors in Australia and the United Kingdom have suicide rates 2 and 3.7 times higher, respectively, than their overall national averages, which has attracted the attention of researchers and the industry. However, few studies have examined the state of construction workers' mental health. This paper systematically reviews the existing body of knowledge on mental health in the construction industry. In total, 16 journal articles met inclusion criteria, and 32 risk factors (RFs) were deduced. The foremost RFs were related to job demand and job control. A conceptual framework and checklist to aid in better understanding these RFs were developed. In assessing mental health, the primary tool used was the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. The findings of this study help to deepen the understanding of professional mental health assessment scales and relevant RFs and protective factors as used in the construction industry. The study concludes that stronger methodologies are needed for studies into RFs and protective factors in the construction industry.

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Mental Ill-Health Risk Factors in the Construction Industry: Systematic Review.

Towards ranger resilience : a social work model to assist rangers in dealing with workplace challenges

Background Women in metropolitan areas have lower employment participation and employment rates than men Although women face multiple challenges in the labor market, those who have a history of substance use and are abstinent may have a greater disadvantage in obtaining viable employment opportunities due to factors associated with substance use No research to date has examined employment experiences among women in recovery from substance use Objective This study examined employment characteristics and experiences of women who had a history of substance use and lived in sober-living environments in urban areas Method Data were collected through telephone interviews to sober living homes that were located in 20 urban areas Results Themes identified through thematic analysis included employment challenges, the importance of work to substance abuse recovery, job satisfaction, employment aspirations, and employment support in the sober living home Conclusion Employment is important to women in substance abuse recovery, not only as a means for financial support, but also as a life priority The results highlight how employer scheduling practices, low-level positions, and lack of employment supports impact recovery Findings provide insight into the need for employment support services, including employer education and flexible policies for women in recovery

Good job, bad job: The employment experiences of women in recovery from substance abuse.

Nyaope is a relatively new drug on the South African market and mostly (mis)used by youths. Without targeted intervention, this drug could negatively affect the wellbeing of the people involved. Aftercare and reintegration services are often downplayed, with little emphasis in both research and practice. This article reports on the aftercare needs of nyaope users from both the users’ and the significant others’ points of view in Hammanskraal (a South African township). A collective case study was implemented through semi-structured interviews with both nyaope users and significant others. Recommendations are offered to role players involved in aftercare and reintegration services.

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The aftercare needs of nyaope users and their significant others: implications for aftercare and reintegration services

Geographically Distributed Employees’ Perceptions of Employee Assistance Program Access by

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Geographically Distributed Employees' Perceptions of Employee Assistance Program Access

Background Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are responsible for helping employees cope with problems such as: mental distress, alcoholism and other drug dependencies, marital and financial difficulties--in short, the whole host of personal and family troubles endemic to the human condition. Objective The study explored the challenges that employees who abuse substances experience when returning to work after the completion of an employee assistance program. Methods The study used a qualitative exploratory descriptive research design. Three male participants and two key informants participated in the study. One semi structured interview was conducted with each one of the participants and one semi structured interview with the key informants. Results Four themes emerged: 1) Loss of one's worker role identity, 2) Negative influences of the community continues to effect the success of EAP, 3) EAP as a vehicle for change and, 4) Healthy occupations strengthen EAP. Conclusions This study portrayed the following: how substance abuse effect the worker role of individuals employed in the open labor market, the challenges and facilitators experienced by employees who abuse substances when returning to their previous work roles and how occupation based interventions can be incorporated in EAP programs. Occupational therapists could use the health promotion approach, work simplification, energy conservation techniques and ergonomic analysis techniques.

Sinazo Tom

Papers

The challenges that employees who abuse substances experience when returning to work after completion of employee assistance programme (EAP)