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Scott E, Sorensen J. Examining the Facets of Burden from Agricultural Injury: Policy Implications. New Solut 2024:10482911241257287. [PMID: 38860331 DOI: 10.1177/10482911241257287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. Loss of life, injury, and illness estimates in the agriculture industry only measure a fraction of the total burden to society. The purpose of this review was to conduct a comprehensive scan of the peer-reviewed literature to catalog research that explores the burden of agricultural injury to synthesize what is currently known. In total, 116 full-text papers meeting eligibility criteria were reviewed. Publications documenting agricultural injury burden were scanned and observations were categorized using a priori themes previously identified by occupational safety and health researchers. Results from this review indicate the true burden of agricultural injury is more expansive and complex than previous narratives on injury burden would imply. Future research should consider policies that encourage the collection of more expansive injury burden data, as well as methods to incorporate them into standard injury surveillance efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Scott
- Bassett Medical Center, Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety, Cooperstown, NY, USA
| | - Julie Sorensen
- Bassett Medical Center, Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety, Cooperstown, NY, USA
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2
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Brown K. Mental health implications and psychologic factors in workers' compensation cases. JAAPA 2024; 37:1-5. [PMID: 38662901 DOI: 10.1097/01.jaa.0000000000000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Work-related injuries can harm mental health and affect other facets of injured workers' lives. Clinicians must be aware of the problem of emotional distress and treat the whole patient after a workplace injury. More education and information are needed for clinicians, employers, and workers' compensation carriers so that injured workers can be properly screened for mental health issues and supported during treatment. Further research is needed to establish a protocol for early intervention to minimize the negative emotional and mental health effects of workplace injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi Brown
- Kristi Brown practices in orthopedics at OrthoIndy Urgent Care in Indianapolis, Ind. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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3
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Sears JM, Wickizer TM, Franklin GM, Fulton-Kehoe D, Hannon PA, Harris JR, Graves JM, McGovern PM. Development and maturation of the occupational health services research field in the United States over the past 25 years: Challenges and opportunities for the future. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:996-1008. [PMID: 37635638 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Work is an important social determinant of health; unfortunately, work-related injuries remain prevalent, can have devastating impact on worker health, and can impose heavy economic burdens on workers and society. Occupational health services research (OHSR) underpins occupational health services policy and practice, focusing on health determinants, health services, healthcare delivery, and health systems affecting workers. The field of OHSR has undergone tremendous expansion in both definition and scope over the past 25 years. In this commentary, focusing on the US, we document the historical development and evolution of OHSR as a research field, describe current doctoral-level OHSR training, and discuss challenges and opportunities for the OHSR field. We also propose an updated definition for the OHSR field: Research and evaluation related to the determinants of worker health and well-being; to occupational injury and illness prevention and surveillance; to healthcare, health programs, and health policy affecting workers; and to the organization, access, quality, outcomes, and costs of occupational health services and related health systems. Researchers trained in OHSR are essential contributors to improvements in healthcare, health systems, and policy and programs to improve worker health and productivity, as well as equity and justice in job and employment conditions. We look forward to the continued growth of OHSR as a field and to the expansion of OHSR academic training opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M Sears
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas M Wickizer
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Gary M Franklin
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Tumwater, Washington, USA
| | - Deborah Fulton-Kehoe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Peggy A Hannon
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Harris
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Janessa M Graves
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Patricia M McGovern
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Peters SE, Gundersen DA, Katz JN, Sorensen G, Wagner GR. Thriving from Work Questionnaire: Dimensionality, reliability, and validity of the long and short form questionnaires. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:281-296. [PMID: 36748853 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thriving from Work is defined as the state of positive mental, physical, and social functioning in which workers' experiences of their work and working conditions enable them to thrive in their overall lives, contributing to their ability to achieve their full potential at work, at home, and in the community. The purpose of this study was to develop a psychometrically-sound questionnaire measuring the positive contribution that work can have on one's well-being both at, and outside of, their work. METHODS We used both a qualitative and quantitative approach of item reduction, domain mapping dimensionality testing, development of "long-" and "short-" versions of the questionnaire, reliability, and construct and criterion validity testing. This was established in two independent online samples of US based workers (n = 1550, n = 500). RESULTS We developed a bi-factor model 30-item long-form and a uni-factorial 8-item short-version. The long-form measures both the latent construct of Thriving from Work and six domains (psychological/emotional; work-life integration; social; experience of work; basic needs; health). Both long- and short- forms were found to have high empirical reliability (0.93 and 0.87 respectively). The short-form captures 94% of variance of the long-form. Construct and criterion validity were supported. Test-retest reliability was high. CONCLUSIONS The Thriving from Work Questionnaire appears to be a valid and reliable measure of work-related well-being in United States workers. Further testing is needed to refine and test the instrument in specific industries, unique worker populations, and across geographic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Peters
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel A Gundersen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Survey and Qualitative Methods Core, Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Katz
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Glorian Sorensen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory R Wagner
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Kreshpaj B, Wegman DH, Burstrom B, Davis L, Hemmingsson T, Håkansta C, Jonsson J, Johansson G, Kjellberg K, Sanchez Martinez N, Matilla-Santander N, Orellana C, Bodin T. Precarious employment and occupational injuries in Sweden between 2006 and 2014: a register-based study. Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:179-185. [PMID: 36585247 PMCID: PMC10086457 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precarious employment (PE) has been suggested as a risk factor for occupational injuries (OIs). However, several issues such as under-reporting and time at risk pose obstacles to obtaining unbiased estimates of risk OBJECTIVE: To investigate if PE is a risk factor for OIs in Sweden. METHODS This register-based study included employed workers aged 18-65, resident in Sweden between 2006 and 2014. PE was operationalised as a multidimensional construct (score) and by its five items (contract insecurity, contractual temporariness, multiple jobs/multiple sectors, income level, collective bargaining agreement). Our outcome was OI in the following year. Pooled ORs for OIs in relation to PE and PE items were calculated by means of multivariate logistic regression models for women and men separately. RESULTS Precarious workers were at lower risk of OIs as compared with non-precarious workers among both males and females (OR <1) also when applying weights for under-reporting and adjusting for time at risk (part-time work). Male agencies workers had a higher risk of OIs (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.23), as did male and female workers in multiple jobs/sectors (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.28 and OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.13 respectively), and female workers in the low-income groups (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.12). Low coverage of collective bargaining agreements was associated with a lower risk of OIs for both men and women (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.31 and OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.27, respectively). CONCLUSIONS While several mechanisms may explain why precarious workers in Sweden present lower risks of OIs, several dimensions of PE such as temp agency work and multiple job-holding could be important risk factors for OIs and merit further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertina Kreshpaj
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden .,Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - David H Wegman
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bo Burstrom
- Department of Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Letitia Davis
- Occupational Health Surveillance Program, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tomas Hemmingsson
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carin Håkansta
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Working Life Science, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Johanna Jonsson
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gun Johansson
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholms Lans Landsting, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katarina Kjellberg
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholms Lans Landsting, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nestor Sanchez Martinez
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nuria Matilla-Santander
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Orellana
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Theo Bodin
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholms Lans Landsting, Stockholm, Sweden
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Societal burden of work on injury deaths in New Zealand, 2005-14: An observational study. SSM Popul Health 2023; 21:101353. [PMID: 36845672 PMCID: PMC9945765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Work poses increased risk of injury not only for workers but also for the public, yet the broader impact of work-related injury is not quantified. This study, utilising population data from New Zealand, estimates the societal burden of work-related fatal injury (WRFI) by including bystanders and commuters. Methods This observational study selected deaths due to unintentional injury, in persons aged 0-84 years using International Classification of Disease external cause codes, matched to coronial records, and reviewed for work-relatedness. Work-relatedness was determined by the decedent's circumstances at the time of the incident: working for pay, profit, in kind, or an unpaid capacity (worker); commuting to or from work (commuter); or a bystander to another's work activity (bystander). To estimate the burden of WRFI, frequencies, percentages, rates, and years-of-life lost (YLL) were estimated. Results In total 7,707 coronial records were reviewed of which 1,884 were identified as work-related, contributing to 24% of the deaths and 23% of the YLL due to injury. Of these deaths close to half (49%) occurred amongst non-working bystanders and commuters. The overall burden of WRFI was widespread across age, sex, ethnic and deprivation sub-groups. Injury deaths due to machinery (97%) and due to being struck by another object (69%) were predominantly work-related. Interpretation When utilising a more inclusive definition of work-relatedness the contribution of work to the societal burden of fatal injuries is substantial, conservatively estimated at one quarter of all injury deaths in New Zealand. Other estimates of WRFI likely exclude a similar number of fatalities occurring among commuters and bystanders. The findings, also relevant to other OECD nations, can guide where public health efforts can be used, alongside organisational actions, to reduce WRFI for all those impacted.
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Lax MB, Zoeckler JM. Occupational Disease in New York State: An Update. New Solut 2023; 32:304-323. [PMID: 36799954 DOI: 10.1177/10482911231152896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
An assessment of occupational disease in New York State was undertaken that partially replicated and expanded earlier work from 1987. Utilizing an expanded conception of occupational disease, the assessment used a variety of data sources and methods to provide estimates of mortality and morbidity of occupational disease; workers exposed to specific workplace hazards; disparities in occupational disease among racial/ethnic groups and gender; costs and distribution of costs of occupational disease; and accessible occupational medical resources. Examples of the pathways work may impact health in some of the major health issues of current import including stress-related health conditions; substance use; and overweight/obesity were included. The report contains recommendations for addressing the problem of occupational disease in New York State and advocates for the convening of a statewide group to develop an occupational disease prevention agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Lax
- Occupational Health Clinical Center, Department of Family Medicine State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Jeanette M Zoeckler
- Occupational Health Clinical Center, Department of Family Medicine State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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The influence of socio-cognitive mindfulness and resilience on middle managers' stress and thriving during COVID-19: results from two studies. JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jmd-05-2022-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence of socio-cognitive mindfulness on resilience, stress and thriving among middle managers in higher education at two separate periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Study 1, the authors examined how socio-cognitive mindfulness predicted perceived stress and whether the relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress was mediated by resilience. In Study 2, the authors replicated the first study and further hypothesized that the link between mindfulness and thriving was also mediated by resilience.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted cross-sectional correlational studies to test the hypotheses using data from 163 middle managers in higher education early in the pandemic in Study 1 and 204 middle managers a year later in Study 2.FindingsStudy 1 findings showed socio-cognitive mindfulness predicted perceived stress, and that resilience fully mediated this relationship. In Study 2, socio-cognitive mindfulness did not predict perceived stress, but it did predict thriving, and that relationship was fully mediated by resilience.Originality/valueThis research is the first to address how socio-cognitive mindfulness directly impacts perceived stress and thriving and its impact through building resilience. To date, few studies have focused on stress in higher education middle managers or addressed the importance of building socio-cognitive mindfulness and resilience to thrive amid ongoing challenges. Implications of the pandemic's influence on the results are also addressed.
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Schulte PA, Delclos GL, Felknor SA, Streit JMK, McDaniel M, Chosewood LC, Newman LS, Bhojani FA, Pana-Cryan R, Swanson NG. Expanding the Focus of Occupational Safety and Health: Lessons from a Series of Linked Scientific Meetings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15381. [PMID: 36430096 PMCID: PMC9690540 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There is widespread recognition that the world of work is changing, and agreement is growing that the occupational safety and health (OSH) field must change to contribute to the protection of workers now and in the future. Discourse on the evolution of OSH has been active for many decades, but formalized support of an expanded focus for OSH has greatly increased over the past 20 years. Development of approaches such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)'s Total Worker Health® concept and the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Healthy Workplace Framework are concrete examples of how OSH can incorporate a new focus with a wider view. In 2019, NIOSH initiated a multi-year effort to explore an expanded focus for OSH. This paper is a report on the outputs of a three-year cooperative agreement between NIOSH and The University of Texas School of Public Health, which led to subject matter expert workshops in 2020 and an international conference of global interest groups in 2021. This article traces the background of these meetings and identifies and assesses the lessons learned. It also reviews ten thematic topics that emerged from the meetings: worker health inequalities; training new OSH professionals; future OSH research and practice; tools to measure well-being of workers; psychosocial hazards and adverse mental health effects; skilling, upskilling and improving job quality; socioeconomic influences; climate change; COVID-19 pandemic influences; and strategic foresight. Cross-cutting these themes is the need for systems and transdisciplinary thinking and operationalization of the concept of well-being to prepare the OSH field for the work of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Schulte
- Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - George L. Delclos
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sarah A. Felknor
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Jessica M. K. Streit
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - Michelle McDaniel
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - L. Casey Chosewood
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Lee S. Newman
- Center for Health, Work & Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, CU Anschutz, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | | | - Rene Pana-Cryan
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC 20024, USA
| | - Naomi G. Swanson
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
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Schulte PA, Iavicoli I, Fontana L, Leka S, Dollard MF, Salmen-Navarro A, Salles FJ, Olympio KPK, Lucchini R, Fingerhut M, Violante FS, Seneviratne M, Oakman J, Lo O, Alfredo CH, Bandini M, Silva-Junior JS, Martinez MC, Cotrim T, Omokhodion F, Fischer FM. Occupational Safety and Health Staging Framework for Decent Work. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710842. [PMID: 36078562 PMCID: PMC9518038 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The 2030 United Nations Goal 8 for sustainable development focuses on decent work. There is utility in identifying the occupational safety and health aspects of Goal 8, as they pertain to the four pillars of decent work: job creation, social protection, rights of workers, and social dialogue. A workgroup of the International Commission on Occupational Health and collaborators addressed the issue of decent work and occupational safety and health (OSH) with the objective of elaborating a framework for guidance for practitioners, researchers, employers, workers, and authorities. This article presents that framework, which is based on an examination of the literature and the perspectives of the workgroup. The framework encompasses the intersection of the pillars of decent (employment creation, social protection, rights of workers, and social dialogue) work with new and emerging hazards and risks related to various selected determinants: new technologies and new forms of work; demographics (aging and gender); globalization; informal work; migration; pandemics; and OSH policies and climate change. The OSH field will need an expanded focus to address the future of decent work. This focus should incorporate the needs of workers and workforces in terms of their well-being. The framework identifies a starting point for the OSH community to begin to promote decent work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Schulte
- Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-7462430
| | - Luca Fontana
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stavroula Leka
- Business School, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
| | - Maureen F. Dollard
- PSC Global Observatory, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Acran Salmen-Navarro
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Fernanda J. Salles
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Kelly P. K. Olympio
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Roberto Lucchini
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marilyn Fingerhut
- Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Francesco S. Violante
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Jodi Oakman
- Center for Ergonomics and Human Factors, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Olivier Lo
- Medical Services Division, International SOS, Singapore 486018, Singapore
| | - Camila H. Alfredo
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Marcia Bandini
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | | | | | - Teresa Cotrim
- Ergonomics Laboratory, CIAUD, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, University of Lisbon, 1499-002 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Folashade Omokhodion
- Division of Occupational Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200132, Nigeria
| | - Frida M. Fischer
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
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Oakman J, Kinsman N, Lambert K, Stuckey R, Graham M, Weale V. Working from home in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic: cross-sectional results from the Employees Working From Home (EWFH) study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e052733. [PMID: 35379616 PMCID: PMC8980729 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the impacts, on mental and physical health, of a mandatory shift to working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Cross sectional, online survey. SETTING Online survey was conducted from September 2020 to November 2020 in the general population. PARTICIPANTS Australian residents working from home for at least 2 days a week at some time in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Demographics, caring responsibilities, working from home arrangements, work-related technology, work-family interface, psychosocial and physical working conditions, and reported stress and musculoskeletal pain. RESULTS 924 Australians responded to the online questionnaire. Respondents were mostly women (75.5%) based in Victoria (83.7%) and employed in the education and training and healthcare sectors. Approximately 70% of respondents worked five or more days from home, with only 60% having a dedicated workstation in an uninterrupted space. Over 70% of all respondents reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain or discomfort. Gendered differences were observed; men reported higher levels of family to work conflict (3.16±1.52 to 2.94±1.59, p=0.031), and lower levels of recognition for their work (3.75±1.03 to 3.96±1.06, p=0.004), compared with women. For women, stress (2.94±0.92 to 2.66±0.88, p<0.001) and neck/shoulder pain (4.50±2.90 to 3.51±2.84, p<0.001) were higher than men and they also reported more concerns about their job security than men (3.01±1.33 to 2.78±1.40, p=0.043). CONCLUSIONS Preliminary evidence from the current study suggests that working from home may impact employees' physical and mental health, and that this impact is likely to be gendered. Although further analysis is required, these data provide insights into further research opportunities needed to assist employers in optimising working from home conditions and reduce the potential negative physical and mental health impacts on their employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Oakman
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha Kinsman
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina Lambert
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rwth Stuckey
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa Graham
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victoria Weale
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Garcia LP, Assunção AÁ, Algranti E, Jackson Filho JM, Saito CA, Garcia EG. Revista Brasileira de Saúde Ocupacional (Brazilian Journal of Occupational Health): heading to its 50 th anniversary. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE SAÚDE OCUPACIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2317-6369ed122en2022v47e20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eduardo Algranti
- Fundação Jorge Duprat Figueiredo de Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho, Brasil
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Garcia LP, Assunção AÁ, Algranti E, Jackson Filho JM, Saito CA, Garcia EG. Revista Brasileira de Saúde Ocupacional: rumo aos 50 anos. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE SAÚDE OCUPACIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2317-6369ed122pt2022v47e20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eduardo Algranti
- Fundação Jorge Duprat Figueiredo de Segurança e Medicina do Trabalho, Brasil
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Dropkin J, Roy A, Szeinuk J, Moline J, Baker R. A primary care team approach to secondary prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders: Physical therapy perspectives. Work 2021; 70:1195-1217. [PMID: 34842206 DOI: 10.3233/wor-205139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among work-related conditions in the United States, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for about thirty-four percent of work absences. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play an essential role in the management of work-related MSDs. For conditions diagnosed as work-related, up to seventeen percent of cases are PCP managed; within these conditions, up to fifty-nine percent are diagnosed as musculoskeletal. Negative factors in treatment success confronting PCPs include time constraints and unfamiliarity with work-related MSDs. A multidimensional team approach to secondary prevention, where PCPs can leverage the expertise of allied health professionals, might provide a useful alternative to current PCP practices for the treatment of work-related MSDs. OBJECTIVE Provide the structure of and rationale for an "extended care team" within primary care for the management of work-related MSDs. METHODS A systematic literature search, combining medical subject headings and keywords, were used to examine eight peer-reviewed literature databases. Gray literature, such as government documents, were also used. RESULTS An extended care team would likely consist of at least nine stakeholders within primary care. Among these stakeholders, advanced practice orthopedic physical therapists can offer particularly focused guidance to PCPs on the evaluation and treatment of work-related MSDs. CONCLUSIONS A multidimensional approach has the potential to accelerate access and improve quality of work-related outcomes, while maintaining patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Dropkin
- Occupational Ergonomics, Workforce Safety, Northwell Health, Occupational Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, NY, USA
| | - Asha Roy
- Workforce Safety, Northwell Health, Lake Success, NY, USA
| | - Jaime Szeinuk
- Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Jacqueline Moline
- Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, NY, USA
| | - Robert Baker
- Rehabilitation Services, Outpatient Physical Therapy, Center for Orthopedics, North Bay Healthcare, Fairfield, CA, USA
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Gaspar FW, Thiese MS, Wizner K, Hegmann K. Guideline adherence and lost workdays for acute low back pain in the California workers' compensation system. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253268. [PMID: 34138937 PMCID: PMC8211224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Context The use of clinical-practice guidelines is a suggested method for improving health outcomes by the earlier provision of necessary and effective medical interventions. Objective To quantify the influence of adherence to guideline-recommended interventions in the first week of treatment for an initial low back pain (LBP) injury on lost workdays. Methods In a retrospective cohort of California’s workers’ compensation claims data from May 2009 to May 2018, 41 diagnostic and treatment interventions were abstracted from the medical claims for workers with acute LBP injuries and compared with guideline recommendations. Lost workdays within 1-year post-injury were compared by guideline adherence using quantile regressions. Results Of the 59,656 workers who met the study inclusion criteria, 66.1% were male and the average (SD) age was 41 (12) years. The median number (IQR) of lost workdays was 27 (6–146) days. In the first week of treatment, 14.2% of workers received only recommended interventions, 14.6% received only non-recommended interventions, and 51.1% received both recommended and non-recommended interventions. Opioid prescriptions fell 86% from 2009 to 2018. Workers who received only guideline-recommended interventions experienced significantly fewer lost workdays (11.5 days; 95% CI: -13.9, -9.1), a 29.3% reduction, than workers who received only non-recommended interventions. The percentage of workers receiving only recommended interventions increased from 10.3% to 18.2% over the 9 years. Conclusion and relevance When workers received guideline-recommended interventions, they typically returned to work in fewer days. The majority of workers received at least one non-recommended intervention, demonstrating the need for adherence to guideline recommendations. Fewer lost workdays and improved quality care are outcomes that strongly benefit injured workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fraser W. Gaspar
- MDGuidelines, ReedGroup Ltd, Westminster, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Matthew S. Thiese
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Kerri Wizner
- MDGuidelines, ReedGroup Ltd, Westminster, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kurt Hegmann
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
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16
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Lane TJ, Berecki-Gisolf J, Iles R, Smith PM, Collie A. The impact of long-term workers' compensation benefit cessation on welfare and health service use: protocol for a longitudinal controlled data linkage study. Int J Popul Data Sci 2021; 6:1419. [PMID: 34036182 PMCID: PMC8130798 DOI: 10.23889/ijpds.v6i1.1419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2012, the Australian state of New South Wales passed legislation that reformed its workers’ compensation system. Section 39 introduced a five-year limit on income replacement, with the first affected group having their benefits cease in December 2017. There is limited evidence on how this will affect their healthcare service use and where they will go for financial support. Methods Multiple data sources will be linked: administrate workers’ compensation claims data from the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), universal health insurance data from the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), state hospital and emergency department data, and social welfare data from the Department of Social Services’ Data Over Multiple Individual Occurrences (DOMINO). An estimated 4,125 injured workers had their benefits cease due to Section 39. These will form the exposure group who will be compared to 1) a similar group of workers’ compensation claimants who have had at least two years of compensated time off work but whose benefits did not cease due to Section 39; and 2) a community comparison group drawn from state hospital and emergency department records. An accredited third party will link the data, which will be accessible only via secure virtual machine. Initial analyses will compare the prevalence and incidence of service use across groups in both the year before and year after benefit cessation; the community control will be assigned the median benefit cessation date in lieu of an actual date. To estimate the impact of benefit cessation due to Section 39, we will conduct time series analysis of the prevalence and incidence of service use. Discussion This study will provide much-needed evidence on the consequences of long-term benefit cessation, particularly on subsequent healthcare and welfare service use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Lane
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janneke Berecki-Gisolf
- Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ross Iles
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter M Smith
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Collie
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Guerin RJ, Sleet DA. Using Behavioral Theory to Enhance Occupational Safety and Health: Applications to Health Care Workers. Am J Lifestyle Med 2021; 15:269-278. [PMID: 34025319 PMCID: PMC8120621 DOI: 10.1177/1559827619896979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Work-related morbidity and mortality are persistent public health problems across all US industrial sectors, including health care. People employed in health care and social services are at high risk for experiencing injuries and illnesses related to their work. Social and behavioral science theories can be useful tools for designing interventions to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and can provide a roadmap for investigating the multilevel factors that may hinder or promote worker safety and health. Specifically, individual-level behavioral change theories can be useful in evaluating the proximal, person-related antecedents (such as perceived behavioral control) that influence work safety outcomes. This article (1) provides a brief overview of widely used, individual-level behavior change theories and examples of their application to occupational safety and health (OSH)-related interventions that involve the health care community; (2) introduces an integrated theory of behavior change and its application to promoting the OSH of health care workers; and (3) discusses opportunities for application of individual-level behavior change theory to OSH research and practice activities involving health care workers. The use of behavioral science to consider the role of individual behaviors in promoting health and preventing disease and injury provides a necessary complement to structural approaches to protecting workers in the health care industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Guerin
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - David A. Sleet
- San Diego State University, San Diego, California
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to build a predictive model for "return to work" (RTW) after sick leave by using a machine-learning algorithm. METHODS Panel data of 2000 participants (1686 males and 314 females) from the Labor Welfare Research Institute of the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service were used. A gradient boosting machine (GBM) was used to build the predictive model. RESULTS The GBM showed excellent performance in a binary classification (returned to work vs not working). However, the model of the three-group classification showed suboptimal performance. CONCLUSIONS Although machine-learning algorithms using common predictive factors can accurately predict whether one can work after sick leave, they cannot differentiate the form of returning to work. Future research with detailed information based on the injury or disease is warranted.
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Schulte PA, Streit JMK, Sheriff F, Delclos G, Felknor SA, Tamers SL, Fendinger S, Grosch J, Sala R. Potential Scenarios and Hazards in the Work of the Future: A Systematic Review of the Peer-Reviewed and Gray Literatures. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 64:786-816. [PMID: 32719849 PMCID: PMC7454321 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It would be useful for researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to anticipate the hazards that workers will face in the future. The focus of this study is a systematic review of published information to identify and characterize scenarios and hazards in the future of work. Eleven bibliographic databases were systematically searched for papers and reports published from 1999 to 2019 that described future of work scenarios or identified future work-related hazards. To compile a comprehensive collection of views of the future, supplemental and ad hoc searches were also performed. After screening all search records against a set of predetermined criteria, the review yielded 36 references (17 peer-reviewed, 4 gray, and 15 supplemental) containing scenarios. In these, the future of work was described along multiple conceptual axes (e.g. labor market changes, societal values, and manual versus cognitive work). Technology was identified as the primary driver of the future of work in most scenarios, and there were divergent views in the literature as to whether technology will create more or fewer jobs than it displaces. Workforce demographics, globalization, climate change, economic conditions, and urbanization were also mentioned as influential factors. Other important themes included human enhancement, social isolation, loneliness, worker monitoring, advanced manufacturing, hazardous exposures, sustainability, biotechnology, and synthetic biology. Pandemics have not been widely considered in the future of work literature, but the recent COVID-19 pandemic illustrates that was short-sighted. Pandemics may accelerate future of work trends and merit critical consideration in scenario development. Many scenarios described 'new' or 'exacerbated' psychosocial hazards of work, whereas comparatively fewer discussed physical, chemical, or biological hazards. Various preventive recommendations were identified. In particular, reducing stress associated with precarious work and its requirements of continual skill preparation and training was acknowledged as critical for protecting and promoting the health and well-being of the future workforce. In conclusion, the future of work will be comprised of diverse complex scenarios and a mosaic of old and new hazards. These findings may serve as the basis for considering how to shape the future of work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jessica M K Streit
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Fatima Sheriff
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Texas, Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George Delclos
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Texas, Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarah A Felknor
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sara L Tamers
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sherry Fendinger
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - James Grosch
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Assunção AÁ, Abreu MNS, Souza PSN. Factors associated with self-reported exposure to chemical substances at work in Brazil: results from the National Health Survey, 2013. Rev Saude Publica 2020; 54:92. [PMID: 32901756 PMCID: PMC7454166 DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2020054001461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of self-reported exposure to chemical substances at work and its associated factors in a sample of Brazilian adults that participated in the National Health Survey, conducted between 2013 and 2014. METHODS Our sample consisted of adults aged 18 years or older that answered question E1 of module E: “In the week of July 21-27, 2013 (reference week), did you work as regular employee or intern for at least an hour in any activity paid with cash?” Sociodemographic data, situation and health behaviors were analyzed with single and multivariate binary logistic regression. The model was adjusted by the variables of all groups, adopting a 5% significance level. The values of odds ratio (OR) and respective confidence intervals were obtained. RESULTS Women (OR = 0.74; 95%CI 0.66–0.82) had a lower chance of exposure to chemicals. The highest chances were observed in groups with no instruction or that attended up to middle-school (OR = 1.77; 95%CI 1.50–2.08), high school (OR = 1.62; 95%CI 1.37–1.91), age between 25 and 54 years (OR = 1.26; 95%CI 1.07–1.48), current smokers (OR = 1.21; 95%CI 1.07–1.37), who reported tiredness (OR = 1.35; 95%CI 1.21–1.50), hearing difficulties (OR = 1.24; 95%CI 1.04–1.48) and who reported having suffered an accident at work (OR = 2.00; 95%CI 1.57–2.54). CONCLUSIONS The unprecedented results cover the entire workforce. Positive associations with hearing loss, smoking and history of work accidents are consistent, as well as the inverse association with education level and gender differences. The absence of association with asthma was surprising. To fill gaps in investigations on chronic non-communicable diseases, we suggested improving the PNS collection instrument in the occupational dimension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Ávila Assunção
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Faculdade de Medicina. Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Social. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Mery Natali Silva Abreu
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Escola de Enfermagem. Departamento de Gestão em Saúde. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Andrees V, John SM, Nienhaus A, Skudlik C, Brans R, Augustin M, Krensel M. Economic evaluation of a tertiary prevention program for occupational skin diseases in Germany. Contact Dermatitis 2020; 82:361-369. [DOI: 10.1111/cod.13506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Andrees
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP)University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf (UKE) Hamburg Germany
| | - Swen M. John
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health TheoryUniversity of Osnabrück Osnabrück Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm), University of Osnabrück Osnabrück Germany
| | - Albert Nienhaus
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP)University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf (UKE) Hamburg Germany
| | - Christoph Skudlik
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health TheoryUniversity of Osnabrück Osnabrück Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm), University of Osnabrück Osnabrück Germany
| | - Richard Brans
- Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine and Health TheoryUniversity of Osnabrück Osnabrück Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm), University of Osnabrück Osnabrück Germany
| | - Matthias Augustin
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP)University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf (UKE) Hamburg Germany
| | - Magdalene Krensel
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP)University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf (UKE) Hamburg Germany
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Kalweit A, Herrick RF, Flynn MA, Spengler JD, Berko JK, Levy JI, Ceballos DM. Eliminating Take-Home Exposures: Recognizing the Role of Occupational Health and Safety in Broader Community Health. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 64:236-249. [PMID: 31993629 PMCID: PMC7064272 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxic contaminants inadvertently brought from the workplace to the home, known as take-home or paraoccupational exposures, have often been framed as a problem that arises due to unsanitary worker behavior. This review article conceptualizes take-home exposures as a public health hazard by (i) investigating the history of take-home contaminants and how they have been studied, (ii) arguing that an ecosocial view of the problem is essential for effective prevention, (iii) summarizing key structural vulnerabilities that lead populations to be at risk, and (iv) discussing future research and prevention effort needs. This article reframes take-home exposures as one of many chronic pathways that contributes to persistent health disparities among workers, their families, and communities. Including the role of work in community health will increase the comprehensiveness of prevention efforts for contaminants such as lead and pesticides that contribute to environmental disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kalweit
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert F Herrick
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael A Flynn
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Science Integration, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - John D Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J Kofi Berko
- US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Policy & Standard Division, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jonathan I Levy
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diana M Ceballos
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Evanoff BA, Rohlman DS, Strickland JR, Dale AM. Influence of work organization and work environment on missed work, productivity, and use of pain medications among construction apprentices. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:269-276. [PMID: 31774191 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Construction is among the most dangerous industries. In addition to traditional hazards for workplace injury and illness, other threats to health and well-being may occur from work organization and work environment factors, including irregular employment, long commutes, long work hours, and employer policies regarding health and safety. These nontraditional hazards may affect work and health outcomes directly, or through effects on health behaviors. The cumulative impacts of both traditional and nontraditional hazards on health-related outcomes among construction workers are largely unknown. METHODS We conducted a survey among apprentice construction workers to identify relationships between work organization and environmental factors with five outcomes of economic relevance to employers: missed work due to work-related injury, missed work due to any pain or injury, self-reported workability, health-related productivity, and use of prescription medications for pain. RESULTS A total of 963 surveys were completed (response rate 90%) in this young (mean age 28) working cohort. Multivariate Poisson regression models found associations between the outcomes of interest and multiple work factors, including job strain, safety behaviors of coworkers, and mandatory overtime. Univariate analysis showed additional associations, including precarious work, and supervisor support for safety. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this cross-sectional study suggest that work organization and environment factors influence health and work outcomes among young construction trade workers. Future work with longitudinal data will examine the hypothesized paths between work factors, health behaviors, health outcomes, and work outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. A. Evanoff
- Division of General Medical SciencesWashington University School of Medicine in St Louis St Louis Missouri
- Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest Iowa City Iowa
| | - D. S. Rohlman
- Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest Iowa City Iowa
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public HealthUniversity of Iowa Iowa City Iowa
| | - J. R. Strickland
- Division of General Medical SciencesWashington University School of Medicine in St Louis St Louis Missouri
- Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest Iowa City Iowa
| | - A. M. Dale
- Division of General Medical SciencesWashington University School of Medicine in St Louis St Louis Missouri
- Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest Iowa City Iowa
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Schulte PA, Delclos G, Felknor SA, Chosewood LC. Toward an Expanded Focus for Occupational Safety and Health: A Commentary. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16244946. [PMID: 31817587 PMCID: PMC6949988 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Powerful and ongoing changes in how people work, the workforce, and the workplace require a more holistic view of each of these. We argue that an expanded focus for occupational safety and health (OSH) is necessary to prepare for and respond rapidly to future changes in the world of work that will certainly challenge traditional OSH systems. The WHO Model for Action, various European efforts at well-being, and the Total Worker Health concept provide a foundation for addressing changes in the world of work. However, a paradigm expansion to include the recognition of worker and workforce well-being as an important outcome of OSH will be needed. It will also be vital to stimulate transdisciplinary efforts and find innovative ways to attract and train students into OSH professions as the paradigm expands. This will require active marketing of the OSH field as vibrant career choice, as a profession filled with meaningful, engaging responsibilities, and as a well-placed investment for industry and society. An expanded paradigm will result in the need for new disciplines and specialties in OSH, which may be useful in new market efforts to attract new professionals. Ultimately, to achieve worker and workforce well-being we must consider how to implement this expanded focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA; (S.A.F.); (L.C.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - George Delclos
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Sarah A. Felknor
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA; (S.A.F.); (L.C.C.)
| | - L. Casey Chosewood
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA; (S.A.F.); (L.C.C.)
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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 Productive Aging at Work of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Subject matter experts used a snowball method to review published literature to substantiate elements in the framework. RESULTS 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. CONCLUSION The productive aging framework provides a foundational and comprehensive approach for addressing the aging workforce.
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Clinical correlates of workplace injury occurrence and recurrence in adults. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222603. [PMID: 31513669 PMCID: PMC6742381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To examine the morbidities associated with workplace injury and to explore how clinical variables modify the risk of injury recurrence. Methods A case-control study was designed using Florida’s statewide inpatient, outpatient, and emergency visits data obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. We included adults who were admitted for a workplace injury (WPI) or injury at other places (IOP), and a matched population of random controls without WPI/IOP. The associations between WPI and clinical morbidities were assessed by univariate and multivariable regression, ranking predictors by information gain, area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), and odds ratios. We analyzed WPI recurrence using survival methods (Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression, survival decision trees) and developed prediction models via regularized logistic regression, random forest, and AdTree. Performance was assessed by 10-fold cross-validation comparing AUROC, sensitivity, specificity, and Harrell’s c-index. Results A total of 80,712 WPI, 161,424 IOP, and 161,424 control patients were included; 485 distinct clinical diagnostic and 160 procedure codes were analyzed after filtering. Acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis, sprains and strains of shoulder and upper arm, ankle and foot, or other and unspecified parts of back, accidents caused by cutting and piercing instruments or objects, and overexertion and strenuous movements were identified as important consequences of WPI. The prediction models of injury recurrence identified several key factors, such as insurance type and prior injury events, although none of the models exhibited high predictive performance (best AUROC = 0.60, best c-index = 0.62). Conclusions WPI is associated to diverse serious physical comorbidity burden. There are demographic, social and clinical comorbidity components associated to the risk of WPI recurrence, although their predictive value is moderate, which warrants future investigation in other information source domains, e.g. deepening into the environmental and societal sphere.
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Sears JM, Edmonds AT, Coe NB. Coverage Gaps and Cost-Shifting for Work-Related Injury and Illness: Who Bears the Financial Burden? Med Care Res Rev 2019; 77:223-235. [PMID: 31018756 DOI: 10.1177/1077558719845726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The heavy economic burden of work-related injury/illness falls not only on employers and workers' compensation systems, but increasingly on health care systems, health and disability insurance, social safety net programs, and workers and their families. We present a flow diagram illustrating mechanisms responsible for the financial burden of occupational injury/illness borne by social safety net programs and by workers and their families, due to cost-shifting and gaps in workers' compensation coverage. This flow diagram depicts various pathways leading to coverage gaps that may shift the burden of occupational injury/illness-related health care and disability costs ultimately to workers, particularly the most socioeconomically vulnerable. We describe existing research and important research gaps linked to specific pathways in the flow diagram. This flow diagram was developed to facilitate more detailed and comprehensive research into the financial burden imposed by work-related injury/illness, in order to focus policy efforts where improvement is most needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M Sears
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Norma B Coe
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Felknor SA, Schulte PA, Schnorr TM, Pana-Cryan R, Howard J. Burden, Need and Impact: An Evidence-Based Method to Identify Worker Safety and Health Research Priorities. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 63:375-385. [DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Felknor
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Office of the Director, Atlanta GA, USA
| | - Paul A Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Education and Information Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Teresa M Schnorr
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Regina Pana-Cryan
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Office of the Director, Washington DC, USA
| | - John Howard
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Office of the Director, Washington DC, USA
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Pati S, Dwivedi R, Athe R, Dey PK, Swain S. Minimum data set (MDS) based trauma registry, is the data adequate? An evidence-based study from Odisha, India. J Family Med Prim Care 2019; 8:7-13. [PMID: 30911474 PMCID: PMC6396589 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_307_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In majority of the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the societal cost of injuries are alarming. The severity and magnitude of the road traffic injuries (RTI) in India are not estimated accurately due to the lack of availability of data. The data are limited on the aspects such as demographics, cause, severity of injury, processes of care, and the final outcome of injuries. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of setting up a sustainable trauma registry in Odisha, India, and to determine the demographics, mechanism, severity, and outcomes of injury reported to the facilities/hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted at Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital (SCB-MCH), Cuttack, India. Injured patients who reported/admitted to the emergency department were observed, and data were collected by using a minimum data set (MDS) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Data were collected for a period of one month in June 2015. Observations were collected on 20 variables. The completeness of data collection ranged from 60% (19 variables) to 70% (23 variables) out of total 33 variables. RESULTS This study uses 145 cases of injury reported in SCB-MCH. Out of the total reported population at the trauma registry, about 21% were females. Nearly 45% of the injury occurred on road/street. RTI accounted for 36.6% of injury. Out of the total admitted cases, 2.8% died in the emergency department, 11% were discharged to home, and 7.6% left against medical advice. Majority of the respondents have reported single injuries (77%). Head injuries were more common and severe among majority of the reported cases (44.1%), followed by neck injury (28.3%) and chest (15.9%). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates the challenges in obtaining complete data on injury. Data were missing in terms of admission, discharge, and Glasgow Comma Scale (GCS) among the studied population. This study suggests that individual GCS scoring should be done instead of total GCS scoring in each trauma patient. By collection and storage of adequate data, better policy decisions can be implemented, which will minimize and prevent trauma cases and maximize the utilization of the available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghamitra Pati
- Health Technology Assessment (HTAIn), ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Rinshu Dwivedi
- Health Technology Assessment (HTAIn), ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ramesh Athe
- Health Technology Assessment (HTAIn), ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Dey
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Subhashisa Swain
- Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Flynn MA. Im/migration, Work, and Health: Anthropology and the Occupational Health of Labor Im/migrants. ANTHROPOLOGY OF WORK REVIEW 2018; 39:116-123. [PMID: 31080311 PMCID: PMC6503519 DOI: 10.1111/awr.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ahonen EQ, Fujishiro K, Cunningham T, Flynn M. Work as an Inclusive Part of Population Health Inequities Research and Prevention. Am J Public Health 2018; 108:306-311. [PMID: 29345994 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2017.304214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Despite its inclusion in models of social and ecological determinants of health, work has not been explored in most health inequity research in the United States. Leaving work out of public health inequities research creates a blind spot in our understanding of how inequities are created and impedes our progress toward health equity. We first describe why work is vital to our understanding of observed societal-level health inequities. Next, we outline challenges to incorporating work in the study of health inequities, including (1) the complexity of work as a concept; (2) work's overlap with socioeconomic position, race, ethnicity, and gender; (3) the development of a parallel line of inquiry into occupational health inequities; and (4) the dearth of precise data with which to explore the relationships between work and health status. Finally, we summarize opportunities for advancing health equity and monitoring progress that could be achieved if researchers and practitioners more robustly include work in their efforts to understand and address health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Quinn Ahonen
- Emily Quinn Ahonen is with the departments of Environmental Health Science and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis. Kaori Fujishiro is with the Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH. Thomas Cunningham is with the Training Research and Evaluation Branch, Education and Information Division, NIOSH. Michael Flynn is with the Occupational Health Equity Program, NIOSH
| | - Kaori Fujishiro
- Emily Quinn Ahonen is with the departments of Environmental Health Science and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis. Kaori Fujishiro is with the Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH. Thomas Cunningham is with the Training Research and Evaluation Branch, Education and Information Division, NIOSH. Michael Flynn is with the Occupational Health Equity Program, NIOSH
| | - Thomas Cunningham
- Emily Quinn Ahonen is with the departments of Environmental Health Science and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis. Kaori Fujishiro is with the Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH. Thomas Cunningham is with the Training Research and Evaluation Branch, Education and Information Division, NIOSH. Michael Flynn is with the Occupational Health Equity Program, NIOSH
| | - Michael Flynn
- Emily Quinn Ahonen is with the departments of Environmental Health Science and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis. Kaori Fujishiro is with the Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH. Thomas Cunningham is with the Training Research and Evaluation Branch, Education and Information Division, NIOSH. Michael Flynn is with the Occupational Health Equity Program, NIOSH
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Schulte PA, Cunningham TR, Nickels L, Felknor S, Guerin R, Blosser F, Chang CC, Check P, Eggerth D, Flynn M, Forrester C, Hard D, Hudson H, Lincoln J, McKernan LT, Pratap P, Stephenson CM, Van Bogaert D, Menger-Ogle L. Translation research in occupational safety and health: A proposed framework. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:1011-1022. [PMID: 28990211 PMCID: PMC5771485 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Translation research in occupational safety and health is the application of scientific investigative approaches to study how the outputs of basic and applied research can be effectively translated into practice and have an impact. This includes the study of the ways in which useful knowledge and interventions are disseminated, adopted, implemented, and institutionalized. In this paper, a 4-stage framework (Development, Testing, Institutionalization, and Evaluation) is presented. Translation research can be used to enhance the use and impact of occupational safety and health knowledge and interventions to protect workers. This type of research has not received much attention in the occupational safety and health field. However, in contemporary society, it is critical to know how to make an impact with the findings and outputs of basic and applied research. This paper provides a novel framework for consideration of how to advance and prioritize translation research for occupational safety and health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fred Blosser
- NIOSH Washington, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Pietra Check
- NIOSH Washington, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | | | | | - David Hard
- NIOSH Morgantown, Morgantown, West Virginia
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