Showing papers in "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2018"
TL;DR: While the integrated, per capita, exposure of PM for a large fraction of the first-world may be less than 1 mg per day, links between several syndromes, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, loss of cognitive function, anxiety, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, stroke, and PM exposure have been suggested.
Abstract: Objective:Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) is estimated to cause millions of premature deaths annually. This work conveys known routes of exposure to PM and resultant health effects.Methods:A review of available literature.Results:Estimates for daily PM exposure are provided. Known mecha
123 citations
TL;DR: Two of the highest total cost burdens from chronic illness were related to mental (behavioral) health conditions and musculoskeletal disorders.
Abstract: Objective This study aimed to examine a detailed breakdown of costs (absenteeism, presenteeism, and medical/pharmaceutical expenses), of the employees in four pharmaceutical companies in Japan. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. Absenteeism and presenteeism were measured by a self-administered questionnaire for workers, and their costs were estimated using the human capital approach. Presenteeism was evaluated by the degree affected quality and quantity of work. Medical and pharmaceutical expenses were obtained by insurance claims. Results The monetary value due to absenteeism was $520 per person per year (11%), that of presenteeism was $3055 (64%), and medical/pharmaceutical expenses were $1165 (25%). Two of the highest total cost burdens from chronic illness were related to mental (behavioral) health conditions and musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion A total cost approach can help employers set priorities for occupational health, safety, and population health management initiatives.
109 citations
TL;DR: This position statement clarifies current best practices in the diagnosis of occupational noise-induced hearing loss.
Abstract: Occupational hearing loss is preventable through a hierarchy of controls, which prioritize the use of engineering controls over administrative controls and personal protective equipment. The occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) physician plays a critical role in the prevention of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This position statement clarifies current best practices in the diagnosis of occupational NIHL.
95 citations
TL;DR: Well-being is a positive and unifying concept that captures multiple factors that contribute to workers’ health and quality of life and will provide tools for NIOSH partners to help workers flourish.
Abstract: Objective:This article describes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) development of a conceptual framework for worker well-being. While well-being research is growing, there is a need to translate theoretical concepts into practical models for measurement and action.M
81 citations
TL;DR: Findings suggest that brief, targeted interventions improve psychological outcomes and point to the need for larger scale studies comparing the individual and combined treatments that can inform development of tailored, effective, and low-cost programs for health care workers.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to assess whether an in-person mindfulness-based resilience training (MBRT) program or a smartphone-delivered resiliency-based intervention improved stress, well-being, and burnout in employees at a major tertiary health care institution.Methods:Sixty participants
63 citations
TL;DR: The WISH Assessment holds promise as a tool that may inform organizational priority setting and guide research around causal pathways influencing implementation and outcomes related to these approaches.
Abstract: Objective:To present a measure of effective workplace organizational policies, programs, and practices that focuses on working conditions and organizational facilitators of worker safety, health and well-being: the workplace integrated safety and health (WISH) assessment.Methods:Development of this
63 citations
TL;DR: This paper addresses arsenic exposure sources and pathways, adverse health effects of arsenic exposure and those subpopulations at increased risk, and the evaluation and treatment of those exposed to elevated arsenic levels.
Abstract: Arsenic is ubiquitous in the environment and human exposure can occur from multiple possible routes including diet. Occupational medicine physicians asked to evaluate workers with elevated urine arsenic levels may be unaware that many sources of arsenic exposure are not work related. In this paper, we address arsenic exposure sources and pathways, adverse health effects of arsenic exposure and those subpopulations at increased risk, and the evaluation and treatment of those exposed to elevated arsenic levels.
53 citations
TL;DR: Systematic bibliography analysis of about the last 17 years on multiple chemical sensitivity was carried out in order to detect new diagnostic and epidemiological evidence.
Abstract: Objective:Systematic bibliography analysis of about the last 17 years on multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) was carried out in order to detect new diagnostic and epidemiological evidence. The MCS is a complex syndrome that manifests as a result of exposure to a low level of various common contamina
53 citations
TL;DR: Prevalence of diagnosed MCS has increased over 300%, and self-reported chemical sensitivity over 200%, in the past decade, and reducing exposure to fragranced products could help reduce adverse health and societal effects.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), its co-occurrence with asthma and fragrance sensitivity, and effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products.Methods:A nationally representative cross-sectional population-based sample of adu
49 citations
TL;DR: Results showed both occupational and behavioral factors play significant roles in declines in kidney function in Guatemala, underline the need for a comprehensive approach to the epidemic as well as further investigation of risk factors to guide research and interventions.
Abstract: Objectives:To characterize kidney function of sugarcane workers in Guatemala over the 6-month harvest and identify risk factors associated with changes in kidney function.Methods:Demographic and biological data were collected for 330 sugarcane cutters at the beginning and end of the harvest. Multiva
48 citations
TL;DR: Interventions should aim at improving coworker relationships, work efficiency, and management promotion of the hospital violence prevention climate.
Abstract: Objective:To identify organizational factors contributing to workplace violence in hospitals.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2013 among employees in a Midwestern hospital system (n = 446 respondents). Questions concerned employees’ experiences of violence at work in the previous year
TL;DR: Significant post-intervention reductions in lethal force errors, and in the extent and duration of autonomic arousal, were maintained across 12 months, suggesting annual retraining to maintain health and safety gains.
Abstract: Objectives:The aim of this study was to test an intervention modifying officer physiology to reduce lethal force errors and improve healthMethods:A longitudinal, within-subjects intervention study was conducted with urban front-line police officers (n = 57) The physiological intervention applied a
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health1, Johns Hopkins University2, University of Iowa3, Harvard University4, Regions Hospital5, HealthPartners6, City University of New York7, University of Illinois at Chicago8, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill9, Colorado School of Public Health10, University of Massachusetts Lowell11
TL;DR: Rigorous, valid methodologic, and measurement approaches are needed for TWH intervention as well as for basic/etiologic, translational, and surveillance research.
Abstract: Objective:There is growing interest in the NIOSH Total Worker Health® program, specifically in the process of designing and implementing safer, health-promoting work and workplaces. A Total Worker Health (TWH) Research Methodology Workshop was convened to discuss research methods and future needs.Me
TL;DR: Investigation of the role of occupational and nonoccupational ultraviolet (UV)-exposure concerning the development of basal cell carcinoma found individuals with high levels of occupational UV-exposure were at significantly increased BCC-risk compared with individuals with low levels.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the role of occupational and nonoccupational ultraviolet (UV)-exposure concerning the development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC).Methods:We undertook a population-based multicenter case–control study. Patients with first incident BCC (n = 836) were p
TL;DR: The findings support the use of both lifestyle modification and bariatric surgery to assist appropriate patients in losing weight.
Abstract: Objective:To conduct a comprehensive literature review to develop recommendations for managing obesity among workers to improve health outcomes and to explore the impact of obesity on health costs to determine whether a case can be made for surgical interventions and insurance coverage.Methods:We se
TL;DR: Evidence-based literature supports a productive aging framework for the workforce involving the following elements: 1) life span perspective; 2) comprehensive and integrated approaches to occupational safety and health; 3) emphasis on positive outcomes for both workers and organizations; and 4) supportive work culture for multigenerational issues.
Abstract: Objectives:The U.S. population is experiencing a demographic transition resulting in an aging workforce. The objective of this article is to elucidate and expand an approach to keep that workforce safe, healthy, and productive.Methods:This article elucidates the framework for the National Center for
TL;DR: Obesity had the greatest impact on work productivity in Construction, followed by Arts and Hospitality occupations, and differentially impacted productivity and costs, depending upon occupation.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to quantify the relationship between workers’ body mass index and work productivity within various occupations.Methods:Data from two administrations (2014 and 2015) of the United States (US) National Health and Wellness Survey, an Internet-based survey administere
TL;DR: Interaction with the online resilience training program had a positive effect on resilience, stress, and symptoms in proportion to the time of use.
Abstract: Objective:To determine if participation in an online resilience program impacts resilience, stress, and somatic symptoms.Methods:Approximately 600 enrollees in the meQuilibrium resilience program received a series of brief, individually prescribed video, and text training modules in a user-friendly
TL;DR: This short multicomponent workplace intervention was successful in reducing prolonged sitting and increasing physical activity in the workplace, although total sitting time was not reduced and the impact on cardiometabolic health was minimal.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a work-based multicomponent intervention to reduce office workers’ sitting time.Methods:Offices (n = 12; 89 workers) were randomized into an 8-week intervention (n = 48) incorporating organizational, individual, and environmental ele
TL;DR: This article leveraged a state workers' compensation claims database and machine learning techniques to target prevention efforts by injury causation and industry, and developed auto-coding methods to code more than 1.2 million Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation claims.
Abstract: Objective:This study leveraged a state workers’ compensation claims database and machine learning techniques to target prevention efforts by injury causation and industry.Methods:Injury causation auto-coding methods were developed to code more than 1.2 million Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation cl
TL;DR: An early RTW improves acute LBP and functional recovery, and alternate confounding explanations only partially eclipse this therapeutic effect.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect on health outcomes of an early or immediate return-to-work (RTW) after acute low back pain (LBP). METHODS A longitudinal cohort of workers (N = 557) consulting for uncomplicated LBP were assessed on demographic, pain, occupational, and psychosocial variables. Pain and function were assessed at 3-month postpain onset. We tested the longitudinal effects of an early RTW on 3-month outcomes. RESULTS Pain and function improved more rapidly for workers with an immediate (30.7%) or early (1 to 7 days) RTW (36.8%). Eleven demographic, health, or workplace variables were identified as potential confounds, but controlling for these factors only partially attenuated the benefits of an early RTW. CONCLUSIONS An early RTW improves acute LBP and functional recovery, and alternate confounding explanations only partially eclipse this therapeutic effect.
TL;DR: The results of the current study suggest that the presence of bullying in the workplace can have a detrimental effect on employees’ mental health even if they are not personally victimized.
Abstract: Objective:We sought to investigate the contextual effect of workplace bullying on subsequent individual psychological distress and intention to leave.Methods:A longitudinal study was conducted among 3142 Japanese employees in the public sector. Both the baseline and follow-up questionnaires inquired
TL;DR: Farmworkers and nonfarmworkers were similar in detections and concentrations for the pesticide urinary metabolites included in this analysis, which justifies policy development to reduce pesticide exposure in all communities.
Abstract: Objectives:This paper compares detections and concentrations of pesticide urinary metabolites for Latina farmworkers and nonfarmworkers in North Carolina.Methods:Thirty-one farmworkers and 55 nonfarmworkers provided urine samples in 2012 and 2013. Urine samples were analyzed for detections and conce
TL;DR: Interventions aiming at increasing the compatibility of work and private life may substantially help to decrease burnout risk of professionals working in a health care setting.
Abstract: Objective:Studies investigating the relative importance of effort–reward imbalance and work–privacy conflict for burnout risk between professional groups in the health care sector are rare and analyses by educational attainment within professional groups are lacking.Methods:The study population cons
TL;DR: Interventions to reduce ambient air pollution may help alleviate the diabetes burden in the US, and there was limited evidence of effect modification by region.
Abstract: Objective:To examine the association between air pollution and diabetes prevalence in the United States, 2002 to 2008.Methods:Annual average particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone concentrations were calculated using daily county-level data from the CDC's Tracking Network. Individual-level outcome and
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined determinants of firefighting simulation task performance and found that higher fitness and lower fat mass were associated with faster performance, while fitter and leaner individuals perform the task more quickly.
Abstract: To examine determinants of firefighting simulation task performance. Sixty-eight (63 male; 5 female) firefighters completed a firefighting simulation (eg, equipment carry, casualty evacuation) previously validated to test occupational fitness among UK firefighters. Multiple linear regression methods were used to determine physiological and physical attributes that best predicted completion time. Mean (±SD) time taken to complete the simulation was 610 (±79) seconds. The prediction model combining absolute cardiorespiratory capacity (L min) and fat mass explained the greatest variance in performance and elicited the least random error (R = 0.765, R = 0.585, standard error of the estimate [SEE]: ±52 seconds). Higher fitness and lower fat mass were associated with faster performance. Firefighter simulation test performance is associated with absolute cardiorespiratory fitness and fat mass. Fitter and leaner individuals perform the task more quickly. Work-based interventions should enhance these attributes to promote safe and effective operational performance.
TL;DR: A TWH intervention tailored for construction crews can simultaneously improve safety, health, and well-being.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 14-week Total Worker Health (TWH) intervention designed for construction crews. METHODS Supervisors (n = 22) completed computer-based training and self-monitoring activities on team building, work-life balance, and reinforcing targeted behaviors. Supervisors and workers (n = 13) also completed scripted safety and health education in small groups with practice activities. RESULTS The intervention led to significant (P < 0.05) improvements in family-supportive supervisory behaviors (d = 0.72). Additional significant improvements included reported frequency of exercising 30 minutes/day and muscle toning exercise (d = 0.50 and 0.59), family and coworker healthy diet support (d = 0.53 and 0.59), team cohesion (d = 0.38), reduced sugary snacks and drinks (d = 0.46 and d = 0.46), sleep duration (d = 0.38), and objectively-measured systolic blood pressure (d = 0.27). CONCLUSION A TWH intervention tailored for construction crews can simultaneously improve safety, health, and well-being.
TL;DR: Assessment of cardiorespiratory effects of air pollution in older adults exercising outdoors in winter indicated that an interquartile increase in the Air Quality Health Index was associated with a significant increase in heart rate and significant decreases in forced expiratory volume.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to assess cardiorespiratory effects of air pollution in older adults exercising outdoors in winter.Methods:Adults 55 years of age and older completed daily measurements of blood pressure, peak expiratory flow and oximetry, and weekly measurements of heart rate var
TL;DR: Investigating the association between 9/11-related posttraumatic stress disorder, dust cloud exposure, and subsequent development of stroke among 42,527 enrollees in the World Trade Center Health Registry found that individuals with 9/ 11-related PTSD and/or intense dust exposure may have an increased risk of developing stroke.
Abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the association between 9/11-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dust cloud exposure, and subsequent development of stroke among 42,527 enrollees in the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Registry.Methods:Using four waves of longitudinal data
TL;DR: Incumbent firefighters showed differential microRNA expression compared with new recruits, providing potential mechanisms for increased cancer risk in firefighters.
Abstract: Objectives:Firefighters have elevated cancer incidence and mortality rates. MicroRNAs play prominent roles in carcinogenesis, but have not been previously evaluated in firefighters.Methods:Blood from 52 incumbent and 45 new recruit nonsmoking firefighters was analyzed for microRNA expression, and th