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Showing papers in "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2013"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A 20-item scale explaining 67% of variance, measuring seven aspects of workplace resilience, which are teachable and capable of conscious development, shows considerable promise as a reliable instrument for use in the area of employee support and development.
Abstract: Objective:To develop an effective measure of resilience at work for use in individual work-related performance and emotional distress contexts.Methods:Two separate cross-sectional studies investigated: (1) exploratory factor analysis of 45 items putatively underpinning workplace resilience among 397

144 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The NIOSH TWH™ Program responds to demands for information and practical solutions to the health, safety, and well-being challenges that workers and their employers face and addresses issues related to the nation's need to sustain a globally competitive workforce.
Abstract: Objective:The objective of this article was to provide an overview of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Total Worker Health™ (TWH™) Program that was launched by the institute in 2011Methods:This article describes the TWH™ concept, relevant issues, and the NIOSH Progr

120 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Evidence regarding economic impact of worker health promotion programs is limited and inconsistent and higher-quality research is needed to demonstrate the value of specific programs.
Abstract: Objective:To assess the evidence regarding the economic impact of worker health promotion programs.Objective:Peer-reviewed research articles were identified from a database search. Included articles were published between January 2000 and May 2010, described a study conducted in the United States th

95 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a definition of an integrated approach to worker health and operationalize this definition using indicators of the extent to which integrated efforts are implemented in an organization, guided by the question "How will we know it when we see it?"
Abstract: Objective:To offer a definition of an “integrated” approach to worker health and operationalize this definition using indicators of the extent to which integrated efforts are implemented in an organization.Methods:Guided by the question—How will we know it when we see it?—we reviewed relevant litera

92 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The intervention was implemented well on the level of the mindfulness training, but poorly on thelevel of e-coaching and homework time investment, and attention should be paid to satisfaction and trainer-participant relationship.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the process of the implementation of an intervention aimed at improving work engagement and energy balance, and to explore associations between process measures and compliance. METHODS:: Process measures were assessed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. RESULTS:: The mindfulness training was attended at least once by 81.3% of subjects, and 54.5% were highly compliant. With regard to e-coaching and homework exercises, 6.3% and 8.0%, respectively, were highly compliant. The training was appreciated with a 7.5 score and e-coaching with a 6.8 score. Appreciation of training and e-coaching, satisfaction with trainer and coach, and practical facilitation were significantly associated with compliance. CONCLUSION:: The intervention was implemented well on the level of the mindfulness training, but poorly on the level of e-coaching and homework time investment. To increase compliance, attention should be paid to satisfaction and trainer-participant relationship. Copyright © 2013 by American College of Occupational and Environmental.

87 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Evidence seems to support that building cultures of health and safety provides a competitive advantage in the marketplace and companies that build a culture of health by focusing on the well-being and safety of their workforce yield greater value for their investors.
Abstract: Objective:To test the hypothesis that comprehensive efforts to reduce a workforce's health and safety risks can be associated with a company's stock market performance.Methods:Stock market performance of Corporate Health Achievement Award winners was tracked under four different scenarios using simu

81 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Efforts to improve worker productivity should take a holistic approach encompassing employee health improvement and engagement strategies, especially when it comes to dealing with absenteeism.
Abstract: Objective: To better understand the combined influence of employee engagement, health behavior, and physical health on job performance and absenteeism. Methods: Analyses were based on 20,114 employees who completedtheHealthwaysWell-BeingAssessmentfrom2008to2010.Employees represented three geographically dispersed companies in the United States. Results: Employee engagement, health behavior, and physical health indices were simultaneously significantly associated with job performance and also with absenteeism. Employee engagement had a greater association with job performance than did the health behavior or physical health indices, whereas the physical health index was more strongly associated with absenteeism. Specificelementsoftheindiceswereevaluatedforassociationwithself-rated job performance and absenteeism. Conclusion: Efforts to improve worker productivity should take a holistic approach encompassing employee health improvement and engagement strategies.

78 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The association between work–life stress and adverse health behaviors suggests that interventions at both the occupational (health protection) and individual (health promotion) level may be helpful in mitigating effects of work– life stress, consistent with the Total Worker Health approach.
Abstract: Objective:Review relationships between work–life stress and health behaviors to advance understanding of pathways between occupational and individual risk factors and health and safety outcomes.Methods:A background on the Total Worker Health concept is provided, and a review of research on the relat

68 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Existing evidence supports an integrated approach in terms of health outcomes but will benefit significantly from research designed to support the business case for employers of various company sizes and industry types.
Abstract: Objective:To describe integrated worker health protection and promotion (IWHPP) program characteristics, to discuss the rationale for the integration of occupational safety and health and worksite health promotion programs, and to summarize what is known about the impact of these programs on health

67 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A national dialogue to build awareness of integrated health protection and promotion for the aging workforce is needed and the nation will gain a vital, competitive workforce.
Abstract: Objective:To explore issues related to the aging workforce, including barriers to integrating health protection and promotion programs, and provide recommendations for best practices to maximize contributions by aging workers.Methods:Workgroups reviewed literature and case studies to develop consens

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Investigation of the burden of depression on work productivity found decreased overall productivity was seen at all levels of depression, and as severity increased, presenteeism and absenteeism worsened.
Abstract: Objective:To examine the burden of depression on work productivity.Methods:Full-time employees with diagnosed depression were surveyed using the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression severity, and the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Future studies should seek greater variation in employee levels of activity and presenteeism to confirm the relationships between objectively measured physical activity, sedentary behavior, and presenteism.
Abstract: Objective: Employee presenteeism is the extent to which health conditions adversely affect at-work productivity. Given the links between health and activity, this study examined associations between objectively measured physical activity, sedentary behavior, and presenteeism. Methods: Participants were 108 office employees (70% women, mean age 40.7 +/- 11.2 years). Activity was measured using ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers to determine sedentary (<= 150 counts) and light (151 to 1689 counts) activity; presenteeism with the Work Limitations Questionnaire. Results: Fifty-seven percent of time was spent in sedentary behavior and 38% in light activity. The median Work Limitations Questionnaire Index was 4.38; 6% of participants reported at least moderate impairment. Significant associations were reported for time spent in sedentary behavior before/after work (odds ratio [OR] = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.08 to 6.20) and in light activity, overall (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.97) and duringworkday lunch hours (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.77), and presenteeism. Conclusions: Future studies should seek greater variation in employee levels of activity and presenteeism to confirm these relationships.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The value of participatory methods for achieving successful workplace health promotion (WHP) programming, and specifically the relevance of Participatory ergonomics (PE) for the Total Worker Health (TWH) initiative are described.
Abstract: Objective:To describe the value of participatory methods for achieving successful workplace health promotion (WHP) programming, and specifically the relevance of participatory ergonomics (PE) for the Total Worker Health (TWH) initiative.Methods:We review the concept of macroergonomics, and how PE is

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There is an association between hypothyroidism and specific herbicides and insecticides in male applicators, similar to previous results for spouses.
Abstract: Objective Evaluate the association between thyroid disease and use of insecticides, herbicides, fumigants/fungicides in male applicators in the Agricultural Health Study.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The need for rigorous studies on construction worker mental health and how it affects their work and well-being is strongly suggested.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES:: We aimed to investigate how mental distress was associated with pain and injuries in a convenience sample of construction workers. METHODS:: A cross-sectional, mental health assessment was conducted in a convenience sample of construction workers (N = 172). A subsample participated in a clinical interview (n = 10). We used a cutoff (1.50 or greater) on Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 to determine substantial mental distress and determined associations with pain and injury outcomes. RESULTS:: The prevalence of substantial mental distress was 16% in the workers. This was supported by follow-up clinical interviews where 9 of 10 workers fulfilled the criteria for a mental disorder. Substantial mental distress was associated with both injury rate and self-reported pain. CONCLUSION:: This pilot study strongly suggests the need for rigorous studies on construction worker mental health and how it affects their work and well-being. Language: en

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A meta-analysis of occupational MF NDD studies found weak associations for occupational MF exposure proxies with AD and MND, and disease misclassification, particularly for AD, and imprecise exposure assessment affected most studies.
Abstract: Objective:Previous studies reported associations of occupational electric and magnetic fields (MF) with neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Results differ between studies using proxy exposure based on occupational titles and estimated MF levels. We conducted a meta-analysis of occupational MF NDD, pr

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The often-ignored well-being risks such as work-related and financial health risks provided incremental explanation of longitudinal productivity variations beyond traditional measures of health-related risks.
Abstract: Objective:Toexaminethelongitudinalrelationshipbetweenmodifiablewellbeing risks and productivity. Methods: A total of 19,121 employees from five employers participated in baseline and follow-up well-being assessment surveys. Multivariate regressions assessed whether changes in absenteeism, presenteeism, and job performance were associated with changes in 19 modifiable well-being risks. Results: Over time, a 5% reduction in total count of well-being risks was significantly associated with 0.74% decrease in absenteeism, 2.38% decrease in presenteeism, and 0.24% increase in performance. High blood pressure, recurring pain, unhealthy diet, inadequate exercise, poor emotional health, poor supervisor relationship, not utilizing strengths doing job, and organization unsupportive of well-being had greater independent contributions in explaining productivity impairment. Conclusions: The often-ignored well-being risks such as work-related and financial health risksprovidedincrementalexplanationoflongitudinalproductivityvariations beyond traditional measures of health-related risks.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a multimethod study was performed examining a sample of 322 workers in a private company to test a theoretical model in which workaholism predicts both directly and indirectly, via psychophysic strain, job performance and sickness absences.
Abstract: Objective:To test a theoretical model in which workaholism predicts both directly and indirectly, via psychophysic strain, job performance and sickness absences.Methods:A multimethod study was performed examining a sample of 322 workers in a private company. The study was articulated into two phases

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Although all women experience menopause, women with DMS have significantly higher utilization and productivity burdens than other women aged more than 40 years.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To quantify employee burden of those diagnosed with menopause symptoms. METHODS This regression-based study analyzed 2001-to-2010 medical, pharmacy, sick leave, disability, workers' compensation, and productivity data of large US employers. A cohort of employed women with diagnosed menopause symptoms (DMS), aged more than 40 years, were identified using medical claims International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 627.xx. Control employees were propensity matched on age, employer, plan enrollment length, and enrollment end date. RESULTS The study included 17,322 in each cohort. Employees with DMS had significantly higher medical ($4315 vs $2972, P < 0.001), pharmacy ($1366 vs $908, P < 0.001), sick leave costs ($647 vs $599, P < 0.001), and sick leave days (3.57 vs 3.30, P < 0.001). Employees with DMS had 12.2% (P = 0.007) lower hourly productivity and 10.9% (P = 0.014) lower annual productivity than controls. CONCLUSIONS Although all women experience menopause, women with DMS have significantly higher utilization and productivity burdens.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Intervention Design and Analysis Scorecard (IDEAS) provides a stepwise approach for developing intervention proposals, including root cause analysis and setting evaluation criteria such as scope, obstacles, and cost/benefit trade-offs.
Abstract: Objective: As part of a Research-to-Practice Toolkit development effort by the Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace, to develop and test a structured participatory approach for engaging front-line employees in the design of integrated health protection and promotion interventions. Methods: On the basis of a participatory ergonomics framework, the Intervention Design and Analysis Scorecard (IDEAS) provides a stepwise approach for developing intervention proposals, including root cause analysis and setting evaluation criteria such as scope, obstacles, and cost/benefit trade-offs. The IDEAS was tested at four diverse worksites with trained facilitators. Results: Employees were able to develop and gain management support for integrated interventions at each worksite. Conclusions: The IDEAS can be used effectively by front-line employees to plan integrated interventions in a program dedicated to continuous improvement of employee health protection/promotion and Total Worker Health.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings revealed that workplace stress, stress at home, and financial stress were related to presenteeism, and other health risks were unrelated toPresenteeism.
Abstract: Objective:An emerging concern in the workplace is the productivity of employees who come to work instead of staying home when they are ill, also referred to as presenteeism. This study examined the health risks associated with presenteeism.Methods:Using a cross-sectional correlational design, we use

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors found an increased risk of PTD for second-trimester chloroform, bromodichloromethane, and all HAA exposure metrics and detected consistent associations for adjusted mean BWT and THMBr exposures, reinforcing the need to consider different disinfection by-product exposure metrics in epidemiological studies.
Abstract: Objectives:We examinedtherelationship between adversereproductiveoutcomes and exposure to several disinfection by-products including haloacetic acids (HAAs), trihalomethanes (THMs), and the brominated THMs sum (THMBr). Methods: Second- and third-trimester exposure scores were estimated from quarterly town-level average THM and HAA concentration data andwereexaminedrelativetomeanbirthweight(BWT),smallforgestational age (SGA), and preterm delivery (PTD). Results: We found an increased risk of PTD for second-trimester chloroform, bromodichloromethane, and all HAA exposure metrics (adjusted odds ratio range: 1.04 to 1.15), but detected no associations for SGA and third-trimester exposures. Mean BWT deficits were observed across all HAA (26 to 33 g) and THMBr (11 to 23 g) exposure categories. Conclusions: We detected consistent associations for adjusted mean BWT and THMBr exposures; these data reinforce the need to consider different disinfection by-product exposure metrics in epidemiological studies.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The GW Illness (GWI) definition advanced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specified caseness as having at least one symptom from two of the three factors: fatigue, mood-cognition, and musculoskeletal.
Abstract: Objective:To further elucidate the nature of illness in veterans of the 1990 to 1991 Gulf War (GW) by examining the GW Illness (GWI) definition advanced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which specified caseness as having at least one symptom from two of the three factors: fatigue,

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Considering all of the evaluated work-related factors, role conflict and emotional demands contributed the most to the population risk of developing psychological distress.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of occupational role conflict and emotional demands on subsequent psychological distress. METHODS A randomly drawn cohort from the general Norwegian working-age population was followed up for 3 years (n = 12,550; response rate = 67%). Eligible respondents were in paid work during the reference week in 2006 and 2009 or temporarily absent from such work (n = 6,745; response rate = 68%). RESULTS In the fully adjusted model, both high role conflict (odds ratios = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.15 to 2.03) and high emotional demands (odds ratios = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.13 to 1.69) were significant predictors of psychological distress. Additional significant predictors were low job control, bullying/harassment, and job insecurity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Considering all of the evaluated work-related factors, role conflict and emotional demands contributed the most to the population risk of developing psychological distress.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: High work control and good team climate were associated with a decreased and shift/period work and client violence was associated with an increased risk of disability pensions, and psychosocial work factors can predict health outcomes with economic impact.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:: To study associations between psychosocial work factors (PWF) and sick leave, occupational accident, and disability pension. METHODS:: A random population of 967 civil servants participated in a survey on PWF and health. The median follow-up time was 7 years. RESULTS:: Frequent feedback from supervisor, good opportunities for mental growth, good team climate, and high appreciation were associated with a decrease in the risk of sickness absences and shift/period work, monotonous movements, and crowdedness of workplace were associated with an increase in the risk of sickness absences. Good communication at work was associated with a decrease in client violence and high work pressure was associated with an increased risk of occupational accidents. High work control and good team climate were associated with a decreased and shift/period work and client violence was associated with an increased risk of disability pensions. CONCLUSIONS:: Psychosocial work factors can predict health outcomes with economic impact. Language: en

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study offers comfort concerning health effects of HF on childhood cancers in Pennsylvania counties before and after HF drilling began, using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Abstract: Objective: Evaluate whether childhood cancer incidence is associated with counties with hydraulic fracturing (HF). Methods: We compared cancer incidence in children in Pennsylvania counties before and after HF drilling began, using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The total number of cancers observed was close to expected both before drilling began (SIR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90 to 0.99) and after drilling (SIR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.07) for counties with oil and natural gas wells. Analyses for childhood leukemia were also unremarkable (SIR for leukemia before drilling = 0.97 [95% CI, 0.88 to 1.06]; SIR for leukemia after drilling = 1.01 [95% CI, 0.92 to 1.11]). A slightly elevated SIR was found for central nervous system tumors after drilling (SIR = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.25). This was because of a slight excess in those counties with the fewest number of wells. Conclusions: This study offers comfort concerning health effects of HF on childhood cancers.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In LEOs, sleep duration is more strongly associated with the occurrence of MetS than sleep quality, independent of mental health, Nevertheless, short sleep duration and poor sleep quality may affect mental health in LEO's.
Abstract: Objective:To assess the association of sleep characteristics and mental health with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in law enforcement officers (LEOs).Methods:Sleep duration (≤6, >6–<8, ≥8 hours/night), sleep quality (“good,” “poor”), mental health (stress, burnout, depression), and MetS components we


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Investigating factors associated with fatal accidents among contractors and operators by using the Mine Safety and Health Administration database found contractors had a higher proportion of fatal injuries.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:: To explore factors associated with fatal accidents among contractors and operators by using the Mine Safety and Health Administration database. METHODS:: Cross-sectional data on 157,410 miners employed by operators or contractors during 1998-2007 were analyzed using logistic regression and multiple imputation. RESULTS:: Univariate odds of fatal versus nonfatal accident were 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 2.3 to 3.4) times higher for contractors than operators. In a multivariable model, fatality was associated with contractor, less experience at the current mine, and occurrence at more than 8 hours into the workday (P Language: en