Showing papers in "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2012"
TL;DR: Any organization in which individuals work extended hours or hours during which people typically sleep can benefit from addressing fatigue in the workplace, particularly important for safety-sensitive oper-
Abstract: Safety and productivity in the workplace are intimately related to worker health. A workplace may have chemical, physical, biological, and/or psychosocial hazards that have the potential to impact physical and psychological well-being. How these hazards are managed in the workplace is key. A workplace in which these hazards are wellcontrolled, with an active culture of health and a supportive work environment, can enhance worker health and well-being, both on and off the job. Healthier employees result in fewer health claims, better safety records, and greater productivity. Well-rested, alert employees are critical to safe and productive operations. Virtually everyone experiences some level of fatigue from time to time. However, excessive fatigue while working is an important condition in which the interrelationship of health, safety, and productivity can create a vicious or a virtuous cycle. Specific medical and lifestyle interventions have been shown to promote a well-rested and alert workforce. In addition, specific factors in the organization of work have been shown to promote either alertness or fatigue. Because of the potential impact of fatigue on health, safety, and productivity, any organization in which individuals work extended hours or hours during which people typically sleep can benefit from addressing fatigue in the workplace. This is particularly important for safety-sensitive oper-
291 citations
150 citations
TL;DR: Evidence that perceived job insecurity may be linked to health even among those who avoided unemployment in the late-2000s recession is provided.
Abstract: Objective:To examine the association between perceived job insecurity in the next 12 months and current health with a sample representing working-aged employed adults in southeast Michigan in late 2009/early 2010 (n, 440 to 443).Methods:Logistic regression was used to compare the health of participa
94 citations
TL;DR: Exposures to wood dust, formaldehyde, and cement dust were not significantly associated with laryngeal cancer, and the role of solvents could not be concluded on.
Abstract: Objective:To review epidemiologic data on occupational exposures and laryngeal cancer.Methods:We performed a systematic literature search and a series of meta-analyses for agents with at least 10 available studies with homogenous exposure.Results:We analyzed 99 publications. Significantly increased
80 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the relationship between burnout and behavior-related health risk factors, using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MAPI) and a questionnaire.
Abstract: Objective:To explore the relationship between burnout and behavior-related health risk factors.Methods:We collected data from a population-based sample (n = 3264) through interviews, questionnaires, and health examinations. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory—General Survey. Smo
76 citations
TL;DR: The Workplace POWER weight loss program improved a number of important work-related outcomes in male shift workers and revealed a significant intervention effect for weight, quality of life (mental), presenteeism, absenteeism, and injuries.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a workplace-based weight loss program (Workplace POWER [Preventing Obesity Without Eating like a Rabbit]) for male shift workers on a number of work-related outcomes.Methods:A total of 110 overweight/obese (body mass index = 25–40) (mean
74 citations
TL;DR: Online screening followed by polysomnography for high-risk drivers demonstrates as many as 21% of commercial drivers may have OSA, leading several trucking firms to mandate OSA screening.
Abstract: Introduction
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common among commercial drivers and associated with health/safety risks, leading several trucking firms to mandate OSA screening.
73 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a cross-sectional survey of a national sample of midsize employers (100 to 4999 employees) representing five low-wage industries was conducted to describe workplace health promotion (WHP) implementation, readiness, and capacity among mid-size employers in lowwage industries in the United States.
Abstract: Objective:To describe workplace health promotion (WHP) implementation, readiness, and capacity among midsize employers in low-wage industries in the United States.Methods:A cross-sectional survey of a national sample of midsize employers (100 to 4999 employees) representing five low-wage industries.
72 citations
TL;DR: Findings provide evidence of increased CVD with long working hours, and the effect of longer working hours was significantly associated with the risk of CVD in the random-effects model of all 11 studies.
Abstract: Objective To conduct a meta-analysis from published studies to evaluate the relationship between long working hours and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) Methods Among a total of 341 published studies found from publicly accessible databases, five cohort studies and six case-control studies were analyzed for the study Results Statistically significant heterogeneity has been observed (P = 0037) The effect of longer working hours was significantly associated with the risk of CVD in the random-effects model of all 11 studies (odds ratio, 137; 95% confidence interval, 111 to 170) On the basis of meta-regression analysis, the result was not affected by the mean age, region, or the study year The P value using Eager test was 0701 suggesting this analysis was unlikely to have any publication bias Conclusions These findings provide evidence of increased CVD with long working hours
68 citations
TL;DR: Worksite policies and environments supporting a culture of health are important to helping employees adopt and maintain healthy behaviors and result in substantial decrease in employee health risks and medical costs.
Abstract: Objective:To identify the need for worksite cultures of health, the organizational factors that support worksite cultures of health, the tools that have been used to measure worksite cultures of health, and the research needs related to healthy worksite culture.Methods:A cross-sectional survey invol
67 citations
TL;DR: Working longer hours was significantly associated with larger waist circumferences and higher body mass index among male police officers working the midnight shift.
Abstract: Objective:To investigate the associations between long work hours and adiposity measures in police officers.Methods:Participants included 408 officers from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress study who were examined between 2004 and 2009. Total work hours were abstracted from pay
TL;DR: Findings do not support an elevated risk for respiratory outcomes among personnel deployed within proximity of documented burn pits in Iraq.
Abstract: Objective:To investigate respiratory illnesses and potential open-air burn pit exposure among Millennium Cohort participants who deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.Methods:Using multivariable logistic regression, newly reported chronic bronchitis or emphysema, newly reported asthma, and self-reported r
TL;DR: Latino poultry-processing workers have a high prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome, which likely results from the repetitive and strenuous nature of the work.
Abstract: Objective:
To determine the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) over 1 year in Latino poultry processing workers.
Methods:
Symptoms and nerve conduction studies were used to identify Latino poultry processing workers (106 wrists) and Latinos in other manual labor occupations (257 wrists) that did not have CTS at baseline, and these individuals were then evaluated in the same manner 1 year later.
Results:
Based on wrists, the 1-year incidence of CTS was higher in poultry processing workers than non-poultry manual workers (19.8% vs. 11.7%, P?=?0.022). Poultry workers had a higher odds (1.89; P?=?0.089) of developing CTS over 1 year compared to non-poultry manual workers.
Discussion:
Latino poultry processing workers have an incidence of CTS that is possibly higher than Latinos in other manual labor positions. Latino poultry workers' high absolute and relative risk of CTS likely results from the repetitive and strenuous nature of poultry processing work.
TL;DR: Obesity and smoking have large long-term impacts on health care costs of working-age adults and controlling comorbidities impacted incremental costs of obesity but may lead to underestimation of the true incremental costs because obesity is a risk factor for developing chronic conditions.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To provide the simultaneous 7-year estimates of incremental costs of smoking and obesity among employees and dependents in a large health care system METHODS We used a retrospective cohort aged 18 years or older with continuous enrollment during the study period Longitudinal multivariate cost analyses were performed using generalized estimating equations with demographic adjustments RESULTS The annual incremental mean costs of smoking by age group ranged from $1274 to $1401 The incremental costs of morbid obesity II by age group ranged from $5467 to $5530 These incremental costs drop substantially when comorbidities are included CONCLUSIONS Obesity and smoking have large long-term impacts on health care costs of working-age adults Controlling comorbidities impacted incremental costs of obesity but may lead to underestimation of the true incremental costs because obesity is a risk factor for developing chronic conditions
TL;DR: The aging workforce will lead to substantial increase in work disability and besides general disease and injury preventative practices, policies could aim to provide tailored RTW programs for aging workers.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:: To assess the impact of an aging workforce on (1) the incidence of work-related injury or disease and (2) the return-to-work (RTW) process. METHODS:: Workers' compensation claims (from 2001 to 2004) from Victoria, Australia (n = 59,525) were analyzed. Time off work was defined in terms of time until first RTW, number of workdays compensated, and work disability recurrences. RESULTS:: The incidence of lost-time claims was 7.54 per 1000 worker-years; incidence increased with age to reach a maximum at ages 50 to 54 years. Days until first return also increased with age, as did the sum of compensated days. Recurrences were common (37%) and also increased with age. CONCLUSIONS:: The aging workforce will lead to substantial increase in work disability. Besides general disease and injury preventative practices, policies could aim to provide tailored RTW programs for aging workers. Language: en
TL;DR: The results underscore the substantial economic and cultural disadvantages that adversely impact health in Appalachia, especially in the coal-mining areas of Central Appalachia.
Abstract: Objective:To determine the predictive value of coal mining and other risk factors for explaining disproportionately high mortality rates across Appalachia.Method:Mortality and covariate data were obtained from publicly available databases for 2000 to 2004. Analysis employed ordinary least square mul
TL;DR: A brief telephonic program to improve work functioning was tested in an early-stage randomized controlled trial involving 79 Maine State Government employees who were screened in for depression and at-work limitations and was superior to usual care.
Abstract: Objective—To test a new program’s effectiveness in reducing depression’s work burden. Methods—A brief telephonic program to improve work functioning was tested in an early-stage randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 79 Maine State Government employees who screened-in for depression and at-work limitations (treatment group=59; usual care group=27). Group differences in baseline to follow-up change scores on The Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), WLQ Absence Module and PHQ-9 depression severity scale were tested with analysis of covariance. Results—While there were no baseline group differences (p≥.05), by follow-up the treatment group had significantly better scores on every outcome and differences in the longitudinal changes were all statistically significant (p=.0.27 to .0001). Conclusions—The new program was superior to usual care. The estimated productivity cost savings are $6041.70 per participant annually.
TL;DR: In a population of active duty US military personnel, an increase in postdeployment respiratory symptoms and medical encounters for obstructive pulmonary diseases, relative to predeployment rates, is observed in the absence of an association with cumulative deployment duration or total number of deployments.
Abstract: Objective To evaluate the association between postdeployment respiratory conditions and deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. Methods We linked deployment history of US military personnel with postdeployment medical records. We then conducted a nested case-control study. Results Relative to a single deployment, multiple deployments were not significantly associated with obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 1.42). Cumulative time deployed was also not significantly associated with obstructive pulmonary disease. Nevertheless, we did note that the rate of respiratory symptoms and encounters for obstructive pulmonary diseases (predominantly asthma and bronchitis) increased from before to after deployment. Conclusions In a population of active duty US military personnel, we observed an increase in postdeployment respiratory symptoms and medical encounters for obstructive pulmonary diseases, relative to predeployment rates, in the absence of an association with cumulative deployment duration or total number of deployments.
TL;DR: Sleep deficiency is significantly associated with pain, functional limitation, and workplace interference, suggesting modifiable outcomes for workplace health and safety interventions.
Abstract: Objective
Health care workers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms and pain. This study tested the hypothesis that sleep deficiency is associated with pain, functional limitations, and work-interfering physical limitations.
TL;DR: Although the intervention improved aerobic capacity, it was not successful in improving musculoskeletal pain and other work-related factors.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate whether an exercise intervention shown to increase aerobic capacity, would also lead to less musculoskeletal pain; improved work ability, productivity, and perceived physical exertion; and less sick leave. Methods: Sixty-seven construction workers were randomized into an exercise group training 3 × 20 minutes per week and a control group. Questionnaires and text messages were completed before and after the 12-week intervention. Results: No significant changes were found in musculoskeletal pain, work ability, productivity, perceived physical exertion, and sick leave with the intervention. Questionnaires and text messages provided similar results of pain and work ability. Conclusions: Although the intervention improved aerobic capacity, it was not successful in improving musculoskeletal pain and other work-related factors. A detectable improvement presumably requires a more multifaceted intervention, larger sample size, or longer follow-up. Text messages may be a convenient data-collection method in future studies.
TL;DR: Higher health expenditures among postpartum depressed women highlight the importance of addressing mental health issues in the workplace.
Abstract: Objective:To investigate the association of postpartum depression with health services expenditures among employed women.Methods:Women, aged 18 years and older, were recruited from three community hospitals in Minnesota while hospitalized for childbirth in 2001. Using Andersen's Behavioral Model, we
TL;DR: Incidence estimates of national benefits for workers' compensation were generated by combining existing published data and shifting costs were shifted to workers and their families, non–workers' compensation insurance carriers, and governments.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:: Whereas national prevalence estimates for workers' compensation benefits are available, incidence estimates are not. Moreover, few studies address which groups in the economy pay for occupational injury and illness when workers' compensation does not. METHODS:: Data on numbers of cases and costs per case were drawn from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Council on Compensation Insurance data sets. Costs not covered by workers' compensation were estimated for private and public entities. RESULTS:: Total benefits in 2007 were estimated to be $51.7 billion, with $29.8 billion for medical benefits and $21.9 billion for indemnity benefits. For medical costs not covered by workers' compensation, other (non-workers' compensation) insurance covered $14.22 billion, Medicare covered $7.16 billion, and Medicaid covered $5.47 billion. CONCLUSION:: Incidence estimates of national benefits for workers' compensation were generated by combining existing published data. Costs were shifted to workers and their families, non-workers' compensation insurance carriers, and governments. Language: en
TL;DR: Rotating shift work was associated with both overweight and obesity; and night-only shift workwas associated with obesity, not overweight.
Abstract: Objective: To examine the associations between shift work types and overweight/obesity among female nurses and midwives. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Measurement included exposure variables: rotating shift work and night-only shift work; outcome variables: overweight and obesity; and potential confounding and associated variables: modifiable lifestyle factors, general health status, menopausal status, and work pattern. Results: Among the 2086 participants, almost 60% were overweight/obese (31.7% overweight; 27.1% obese). After we adjusted the selected confounders, we found that rotating shift workers were 1.02 times more likely to be overweight/obese than day workers (P = 0.007; 95% confidence interval [95% Cl], 1.004 to 1.03; and P = 0.02; 95% CI: 1.004 to 1.04, respectively). Night-only shift work was found to be significantly associated with obesity only (P = 0.031; relative risk, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.002 to 1.04). Conclusions: Rotating shift work was associated with both overweight and obesity; and night-only shift work was associated with obesity, not overweight.
TL;DR: The high attack rate in this outbreak was due to lack of awareness, rainfall patterns, soil disruption, and failure to use appropriate controls, so multiple risk-based measures are needed to control occupational coccidioidomycosis in endemic areas.
Abstract: Objective To describe the investigation of a 2007 occupational coccidioidomycosis outbreak in California, recommend prevention measures, and assess statewide disease burden. Methods We evaluated the worksite, observed work practices, interviewed the workers and employer, reviewed medical records, provided prevention recommendations including risk-based respirator selection, and analyzed statewide workers' compensation claims. Results Ten of 12 workers developed acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis; none used respiratory protection. We recommended engineering, work practice, and administrative controls, powered air-purifying respirator use, and medical care. Occupational coccidioidomycosis incidence nearly quadrupled in California from 2000 to 2006, with the highest rates in construction and agricultural workers. Conclusions Construction workers are at risk for occupational coccidioidomycosis. The high attack rate in this outbreak was due to lack of awareness, rainfall patterns, soil disruption, and failure to use appropriate controls. Multiple risk-based measures are needed to control occupational coccidioidomycosis in endemic areas.
TL;DR: Workers with lower health, lower work-related well-being, or lower work ability are at risk for ending up in precarious temporary employment or unemployment during an economic recession.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:: The healthy worker effect implies that healthy workers go "up" in employment status whereas less healthy workers go "down" into precarious temporary employment or unemployment. These hypotheses were tested during an economic recession, by predicting various upward and downward contract trajectories, based on workers' health status, work-related well-being, and work ability. METHODS:: Two waves (2008 and 2009) of the Netherlands Working Conditions Cohort Study (N = 7112) were used and logistic regression analyses were performed to test the hypothesis of this study. RESULTS:: Lower general health and higher emotional exhaustion at baseline predicted future unemployment among permanent employees. Various downward trajectories were also predicted by lower work-related well-being and lower work ability, whereas the opposite was true for one of the upward trajectories. CONCLUSIONS:: Workers with lower health, lower work-related well-being, or lower work ability are at risk for ending up in precarious temporary employment or unemployment. Copyright © 2012 by American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
TL;DR: The annual cumulative dose and cost of opioids per claim increased over the study period related to an increase in prescriptions for long-acting opioids.
Abstract: Objective:Quantify temporal changes in opioid use.Methods:Claim and prescription data for Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation claims open from 1999 and 2009 were analyzed by claim age and type of opioid.Results:There was a significant cumulative yearly increase in morphine milligram equivale
TL;DR: The findings suggest that shift workers are at a higher risk of developing LBP over time, especially those who are overweight/obese.
Abstract: Objective: To examine whether shift work is a risk factor for low back pain (LBP) and the interaction effects of shift work and overweight/obesity on LBP over time among nurses. Methods: A longitudinal study over 2 years. Measurements included reported LBP, shift work status, and selected potential confounders. Results: Among 928 LBP-free nurses at baseline, 319 (34.4%) developed LBP over 2 years. After adjusting for confounders, shift workers were 1.15 times more likely to develop LBP (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.40; P = 0.03). The interaction analysis showed that overweight/obese shift workers were more likely to develop LBP than day workers (overweight: aOR, 1.23 vs aOR, 1.03, respectively; obesity: aOR, 1.34 vs aOR, 1.10, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that shift workers are at a higher risk of developing LBP over time, especially those who are overweight/obese.
TL;DR: This study addresses a high-priority area of reducing firefighter injuries and workers' compensation claims by determining the relationship between lifestyle variables including body mass index and filing a workers' Compensation claim due to firefighter injury.
Abstract: Objective—To determine the relationship between lifestyle variables including body mass index (BMI) and filing a worker’s compensation claim due to firefighter injury Methods—A cross-sectional evaluation of firefighter injury related worker compensation claims occurring 5 years after the original PHLAME study intervention Results—Logistic regression analysis for variables predicting filing a worker’s compensation claim due to an injury were performed with a total of 433 participants The odds of filing a compensation claim were almost three times higher for firefighters with a BMI >30 compared to firefighters with normal BMI (odds ratio=289, p<05) Conclusions—This study addresses a high priority area of reducing firefighter injuries and worker’s compensation claims Maintaining a healthy body weight is important to reduce injury and worker’s compensation claims among firefighters
TL;DR: Even low levels of cobalt exposure seem to hamper lung function both in smokers and nonsmokers, and the impact is considered low in relation to the effect of aging.
Abstract: Objective:To follow-up lung function and airway symptoms in workers exposed to cobalt dust at a hard metal plant.Methods:A total of 582 employees underwent spirometry and completed a questionnaire. A historical exposure matrix was created, assigning figures for historical and recent work-related exp
TL;DR: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders may impact presenteeism in allied health care professionals in these populations and costs associated with presenteesism due to WMDS may be substantial.
Abstract: Objective The objective of this research was to determine the impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) on presenteeism in allied health care professionals. Methods Data were collected via postal questionnaires. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders were assessed using an established instrument and case definition. Data on presenteeism were collected with the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (13-item version). The association between WMSD and presenteeism was assessed with a Mann-Whitney U test. Results The response rate was 76%. About 48% of therapists reported WMSD in the past 4 weeks (n = 712). Moderate WMSD were associated with higher levels of presenteeism than minor WMSD. Both work impairment and work output were affected by WMSD. Conclusions Work-related musculoskeletal disorders may impact presenteeism in these populations. Costs associated with presenteeism due to WMDS may be substantial.