Showing papers in "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2017"
TL;DR: To minimize the psychological impact of future outbreaks of infectious diseases, healthcare workers should be prepared for the potential psychological impact and employers should encourage a supportive environment in the workplace and ensure that support is in place for those most at risk.
Abstract: Objective:To conduct a systematic literature review to identify social and occupational factors affecting the psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers involved in the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) crisis.Methods:Four literature databases were searched and data extracted from relevant
396 citations
TL;DR: Wellness must be a high priority for health care systems to optimize health in clinicians to enhance high-quality care and decrease the odds of costly preventable medical errors.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to describe (1) nurses’ physical and mental health; (2) the relationship between health and medical errors; and (3) the association between nurses’ perceptions of wellness support and their health.Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted with 179
170 citations
TL;DR: The gig economy describes forms of contingent work arrangements that require digital platforms, representing an evolution in contingent work, both in moving up the educational scale and in increased visibility.
Abstract: "The gig economy describes forms of contingent work arrangements that require digital platforms, representing an evolution in contingent work, both in moving up the educational scale and in increased visibility. It has engaged many workers who are highly educated and might previously have been in traditional employer-employee relationships, and appears to increase their vulnerability to wage theft, independent contractor misclassification, job insecurity, and lack of occupational health protections. As occupational health physicians, our need to develop, evaluate, and implement interventions to address the needs of workers in non-traditional employment relationships is growing."
111 citations
TL;DR: Investigation of the curvilinear relationship between extent of telecommuting and work-related well-being found that employers should invest in creating good work environments in general, among both telecommuters and nontelecommuters.
Abstract: Objectives:This study aimed to investigate the curvilinear relationship between extent of telecommuting and work-related well-being (ie, burnout, work engagement, and cognitive stress complaints), as well as to test whether job characteristics act as explanatory mechanisms underlying this relationsh
93 citations
TL;DR: This data-driven, worksite-based intervention was effective in decreasing risks of patient-to-worker violence and related injury in hospitals.
Abstract: Objective:To evaluate the effects of a randomized controlled intervention on the incidence of patient-to-worker (Type II) violence and related injury in hospitals.Methods:Forty-one units across seven hospitals were randomized into intervention (n = 21) and control (n = 20) groups. Intervention units
77 citations
TL;DR: Workers with high resilience have better outcomes in difficult work environments, and resilience has a more protective effect when job strain is high.
Abstract: Objective:To examine whether resilience has a protective effect in difficult work environments.Methods:A survey of 2063 individuals measured individual resilience, stress, burnout, sleep problems, likelihood of depression, job satisfaction, intent to quit, absences, and productivity. It also measure
72 citations
TL;DR: The introduction of active rest program by workplace units provides a viable means for improving workplace vigor and presenteeism, and shows improved “vigor” values in work engagement and WFun.
Abstract: Objective:The present study was designed to examine the effects of active rest by workplace units on not only workers’ individual vigor but also workplace vigor and presenteeism.Methods:A total of 130 workers performed our active rest (short-time exercise) program for 10 minutes per day during their
69 citations
TL;DR: Findings are consistent with other industrialized countries, underscoring the need for ongoing awareness of noise-induced occupational HL.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss (HL), self-reported occupational noise exposure, and hearing protection usage among Canadians.Methods:In-person household interviews were conducted with 3666 participants, aged 16 to 79 years (1811 males) with 94% complet
68 citations
TL;DR: A strikingly high prevalence of dehydration and AKI exists in Florida agricultural workers, and the odds of AKI increased 47% for each 5-degree increase in heat index.
Abstract: Objective:Recent findings suggest that laboring in hot occupational environments is related to kidney damage in agricultural workers. We examined hydration status and kidney function in 192 Florida agricultural workers.Methods:Blood and urine samples were collected over 555 workdays during the summe
67 citations
TL;DR: Recommendations for action include developing a mental health in the workplace “how to” guide, scorecard, recognition program, and executive training.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of the study was to declare a call to action to improve mental health in the workplace.Methods:We convened a public health summit and assembled an Advisory Council consisting of experts in the field of occupational health and safety, workplace wellness, and public policy to offer r
67 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that taking short, frequent breaks from sitting may be an effective strategy for improving affective outcomes among sedentary female employees.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to determine whether individuals who participated in an intervention to reduce sitting at work would report changes in arousal, fatigue, and mood.Methods:Inactive females with full-time sedentary occupations (N = 49) were randomly assigned to take short, frequent
TL;DR: More attention is needed to decrease burnout and increase work engagement, particularly in industry, service, and the public sector, as the Job Demands-Resources model may be helpful in this regard, as it is valid across sectors.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to gain insight in the importance of job demands and resources and the validity of the Job Demands Resources Model across sectors.Methods:We used one-way analyses of variance to examine mean differences, and multi-group Structural Equation Modeling analyses to tes
TL;DR: A shorter daily rest period (DRP) was associated with high diastolic BP and fatigue, and a longer DRP (≥14 hours) is recommended for improving workers’ cardiovascular health.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine the effects of the daily rest period (DRP) on resting blood pressure (BP) and fatigue and determine the optimal DRP for daytime workers. METHODS Fifty-four daytime employees participated in a 1-month observational study. BP was measured thrice at the workplace. Employees underwent a pre- and post-survey to determine the usual DRP and assess subjective health outcomes. To determine the optimal DRP, DRP criteria were set as 11, 12, 13, and 14 hours. RESULTS Workers with a shorter DRP had high diastolic BP and fatigue. Diastolic BP was higher in the short group than in the long group for the 14-hour DRP criteria alone. CONCLUSIONS Shorter DRP was associated with high diastolic BP. We recommend a longer DRP (≥14 hours) for improving workers' cardiovascular health.
TL;DR: Given that feasible and effective means are available for reducing job strain, these findings provide a business incentive for expanding psychosocial risk management efforts, complementing and reinforcing legal and ethical directives.
Abstract: Objectives Building on previously-published population-attributable risk estimates of job strain-attributable (past year) depression of 13.2% for men and 17.2% for women, this study quantified the potential financial benefits of eliminating job strain as a risk factor for depression. Methods State-transition Markov modelling was used to capture costs and health outcomes from a societal perspective over 1-year and lifetime time horizons. Epidemiologic inputs were sourced from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Cost inputs were sourced nationally (from Australian national Medicare system) and from the international literature. The analysis was prevalence-based, and modelled the future costs and health outcomes for persons that were employed and met criteria for lifetime DSM-IV major depression in the study reference year (2007). Results In 2007 the weighted lifetime prevalence of DSM-IV depression in the Australian workforce was 14.7% (12.0% men, 18.0% women). In 1 year, $890 million (5.8%) of the societal cost of depression in the Australian workforce was attributable to job strain. The majority of these costs were incurred by employers, arising from the costs of lost productive time and increased risk of job turnover/job loss among employees with depression. Conclusions Given that feasible and effective means are available for reducing job strain (as demonstrated in systematic reviews of job stress intervention research), these findings provide a business incentive for expanding psychosocial risk management efforts, complementing and reinforcing legal and ethical directives.
TL;DR: SLB has the potential to reduce absenteeism, presenteeism, and associated costs, and merits being fostered by corporate policy to contribute to workforce health, productivity, and efficiency.
Abstract: Objective:This study investigates associations between supportive leadership behavior (SLB) and presenteeism/absenteeism, and estimates related costs.Methods:Cross-sectional data from a German industrial sample (n = 17,060) assessing SLB and presenteeism/absenteeism were used. Adjusted interval regr
TL;DR: Although wellness programs are offered at the majority of workplaces in the U.S., employees are unlikely to be aware of these efforts and would like employers to be forthcoming in providing programs promoting good health.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to provide a current picture of the state of workplace health promotion (wellness) programs in the U.S. from both employer and employee perspectives.Methods:We analyzed data from two independent surveys of employers (N = 1500) and the general population (N = 4611)
TL;DR: The results offer employers an authoritative, free, epidemiologically grounded, and easy-to-use tool that gives specific information about how alcohol, prescription pain medication misuse, and illicit drug use is likely impacting workplaces like theirs.
Abstract: Objective:Substance use disorders are among the most common and costly health conditions affecting Americans Despite estimates of national costs exceeding $400 billion annually, individual companies may not see how substance use impacts their bottom lines through lost productivity and absenteeism,
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the relationship between partner well-being and outcomes of chronically diseased individuals participating in an employer sponsored health improvement program, using the Actor Partner Interdependence Model.
Abstract: Objective:To evaluate the relationship between partner well-being and outcomes of chronically diseased individuals participating in an employer sponsored well-being improvement program.Methods:Using the Actor Partner Interdependence Model, we evaluated whether prior partner well-being was associated
TL;DR: Prescription opioid and benzodiazepine drugs may be both a personal risk factor for work-related injury and a consequence of workplace exposures, and eight conceptual models emerged.
Abstract: Objective:Prescription opioid and benzodiazepine drug use, which has risen significantly, can affect worker health. Exploration of the scientific literature assessed (1) interrelationships of such drug use, occupational risk factors, and illness and injury, and (2) occupational and personal risk fac
TL;DR: The lack of association between exposure to asbestos-free talc, lung cancer, and mesothelioma was confirmed, and increased mortality from pneumoconiosis among miners is attributable to past exposure to silica.
Abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to update the analysis of mortality of a cohort of talc miners and millers in Northern Italy. Methods We analyzed the mortality during 1946 to 2013 of 1722 male workers in an asbestos-free talc mine (1166 miners and 556 millers) employed during 1946 to 1995. Results The overall standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 1.24 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.17 to 1.32]; no deaths were observed from pleural cancer; mortality from lung cancer was not increased. Mortality from pneumoconiosis was increased (SMR 26.62; 95% CI 20.71 to 33.69), in particular among miners, and was associated with duration of employment and time since first employment. Conclusions We confirmed the lack of association between exposure to asbestos-free talc, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Increased mortality from pneumoconiosis among miners is attributable to past exposure to silica.
TL;DR: Chronic disease can significantly reduce work productivity by increasing absenteeism, presenteeism, and net negative critical incidents, as well as increased odds for excess negative critical work incidents.
Abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic disease(s) on work productivity. Methods Using the Health & Work Performance Questionnaire, information was collected from 516 workers on chronic disease status and work productivity. Propensity-score matching was performed to identify matched-pairs of workers. Results In the propensity-score matched sample, workers with chronic diseases were more likely to have increased absenteeism and presenteeism rates, 6.34 and 2.36 times the rates if no chronic diseases, respectively. In addition, they had greater odds for getting negative critical work incidents and less odds for positive incidents than none or balanced status. Multimorbidity showed more significant increase in absenteeism and presenteeism rates, as well as increased odds for excess negative critical work incidents. Conclusion Chronic disease(s) can significantly reduce work productivity by increasing absenteeism, presenteeism, and net negative critical incidents.
TL;DR: The study emphasizes the need for sufficient time for rest and recuperation between shifts, which included short sleep duration, slightly prolonged sleep onset latency, more abrupt ending of main sleep period, increased sleepiness, and higher level of perceived stress on the following shift.
Abstract: Objective:We aimed to compared sleep characteristics associated with quick returns (QRs, <11 hours between shift intervals) with those associated with other common shift transitions.Methods:Sixty-seven nurses completed a 2-week work and sleep diary (94.0% female, mean age 47.7 years). A multilevel f
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors estimated potential benefits to employers of PSL in reducing absenteeism related to the spread of influenza-like illness (ILI) in U.S. workers.
Abstract: Objective:Most U.S. employers are not required to provide paid sick leave (PSL), and there is limited information on the economic return of providing PSL. We estimated potential benefits to employers of PSL in reducing absenteeism related to the spread of influenza-like illness (ILI).Methods:We used
TL;DR: Urinary parabens concentrations were significantly associated with an increase in the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology, in sperm with high DNA stainability and a decrease in the percentages of motility and testosterone level.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between environmental exposure to parabens and semen quality parameters [main semen parameters, computer-aided semen analysis (CASA parameters], sperm chromatin structure, and the level of reproductive hormones in men [follicle-stimulat
TL;DR: Bullying is a risk factor for disability retirement, but both bullied men and women had a higher risk of disability than nonbullied employees of the same gender.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to determine 1) whether bullying is related to all-cause disability retirement, 2) whether bullying contributes to the variance in disability retirement above high job demands and lack of job control, and 3) to establish gender differences in the relationship.Meth
TL;DR: Older workers whose physical abilities do not meet job demands face increased injury risk as they age, and this study examined the association between job demand and occupational injury among older workers.
Abstract: Objective:We examined the association between job demand and occupational injury among older workers.Methods:Participants were workers aged 50+ enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study, 2010 to 2014. Participants reported physical ability within three domains: physical effort, stooping/kneeling/c
TL;DR: The preliminary findings suggest that exposure to ambient PAH may play a role in telomere shortening in children living in a highly polluted city, including those with asthma.
Abstract: The main objective of this pilot study was to gather preliminary information about how telomere length (TL) varies in relation to exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in children living in a highly polluted city.
We conducted a cross-sectional study of children living in Fresno, California (n = 14). Subjects with and without asthma were selected based on their annual average PAH level in the 12-months prior to their blood draw. We measured relative telomere length from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
We found an inverse linear relationship between average PAH level and TL (R = 0.69), as well as between age and TL (R = 0.21). Asthmatics had shorter mean telomere length than non-asthmatics (TLasthmatic = 1.13, TLnon-asthmatic = 1.29).
These preliminary findings suggest that exposure to ambient PAH may play a role in telomere shortening.Become familiar with previous evidence suggesting that telomere length may be a biomarker of air pollution-induced cytotoxicity.Summarize the new findings on the association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure and telomere length in adolescents, including those with asthma.Discuss the implications for recommendations and policies to mitigate the health and respiratory effects of traffic-related air pollution.
TL;DR: The measure had high reliability and significant discrimination to indicate the presence of a unique team-based aspect of resilience that contributed to higher work engagement and higher self-rated team performance, over and above the effects of individual resilience.
Abstract: Objective:This study develops, and initial evaluates, a new measure of team-based resilience for use in research and practice.Methods:We conducted preliminary analyses, based on a cross-sectional sample of 344 employees nested within 31 teams.Results:Seven dimensions were identified through explorat
TL;DR: The WFun suggests that the WFun is useful in detecting those who have health problems affecting their work, using an assessment by an occupational health nurse as objective standard.
Abstract: Objective This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun), a questionnaire to detect workers with health problems which affect their work, using an assessment by an occupational health nurse as objective standard. Methods The WFun was completed by 294 employees. The nurse interviewed to assess 1) health problems; 2) effects of health on their work; necessity for 3) treatment, 4) health care instruction, and 5) consideration of job accommodation. Results The odds ratio in the high work functioning impairment group compared with the low was highly statistically significant with 9.05, 10.26, 5.77, 9.37, and 14.70, respectively. The WFun demonstrated the high detectability with an area under the receiver operating characteristic of 0.75, 0.81, 0.72, 0.79, and 0.83, respectively. Conclusions This study suggests that the WFun is useful in detecting those who have health problems affecting their work.
TL;DR: These standards represent performance on surrogate tests commensurate with minimum acceptable performance of essential strength-based occupational tasks in UK firefighters.
Abstract: Objective: To assess sensitivity and specificity of surrogate physical ability tests as predictors
of criterion firefighting task performance and to identify corresponding minimum muscular
strength and endurance standards. Methods: Fifty-one (26 male; 25 female) participants
completed three criterion tasks (ladder lift, ladder lower, ladder extension) and three
corresponding surrogate tests (One-repetition maximum (1RM) seated shoulder press; 1RM
seated rope pull-down; repeated 28 kg seated rope pull-down). Surrogate test standards were
calculated that best identified individuals who passed (sensitivity; true positives) and failed
(specificity; true negatives) criterion tasks. Results: Best sensitivity/specificity achieved were
1.00/1.00 for a 35 kg seated shoulder press, 0.79/0.92 for a 60 kg rope pull-down and 0.83/0.93
for 23 repetitions of the 28 kg rope pull-down. Conclusions: These standards represent
performance on surrogate tests commensurate with minimum acceptable performance of
essential strength-based occupational tasks in UK firefighters.