Search

Farming is one of the top industries in Michigan and has the highest fatality rate. National sources of non-fatal farm injuries underestimate the burden, especially among children. In this paper, we provide a more accurate estimate of non-fatal farm injuries in Michigan by using an ongoing multi-source surveillance system. Michigan's farm-injury surveillance system includes abstractions of hospital-based medical records, poison control center calls, ambulance runs, and workers' compensation claims for individuals with a farm-related injury. For this analysis, injury onset occurred in 2015 to 2021 and included all injuries regardless of age or occupation. We identified 4,306 injuries in adults and 336 injuries in youth. For those 0–13 years of age all but two were family members. For those 14–15 and 16–17 years of age, 19% and 45%, respectively were hired hands. For adults, 51% were owner/operators, 43% were hired hands, and 5% were family members. For all ages, the most frequent injury source was cattle. Lacerations/cuts/punctures were the most common type of injury for those < 14 years of age while for older individuals it was contusions/bruises. The plurality of injuries occurred in the summer months. Children working on a farm are in unique situation and tracking injuries and identifying injury sources provide necessary information to protect their health and well-being. Michigan's farm-injury surveillance system will continue to provide a comprehensive count of work-related injuries among Michigan's farming population. The information is used to direct public health intervention both at the individual and population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodResultsDiscussionThe relationship of specific domains of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) (i.e. leisure, work, home, transportation) with mental health/illness is still unclear. Thus, we systematically gathered the evidence that examined the relationship between specific domains of PA and SB with measures of mental health/illness in adults.The review was conducted according to PRISMA criteria, and the search was carried out in the PubMed, SportDiscus, and APA PsychInfo databases. The studies presented a medium to low risk of bias, according to the criteria chosen.The search resulted in 155 records, of which 26 were included with 538,206 people involved. The majority of the studies assess the domain of ‘leisure’, for both PA and SB.Based on the gathered information, leisure-time PA was the domain most associated with mental health. Transportation and occupational PA were associated with better mental health in European countries but not in women from lower social classes. Conversely, leisure-time SB was the domain most associated with deleterious mental health outcomes, especially among inactive people. These findings may add to the current public recommendations on PA, stressing the importance of the domain, in addition to the amount and intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to estimate farm fatality rates and to describe patterns of fatal agricultural injuries on Saskatchewan farms from 2005 to 2019. Data on work-related farm fatalities was collected from January 2005 to December 2019 in the Province of Saskatchewan as a part of the injury and mortality surveillance for the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting (CAIR) program. Data were abstracted from records made available by the Provincial Coroner's Office. There were 166 farm work-related fatalities recorded between 2005 and 2019 in Saskatchewan. The majority (93.4%) of work-related fatalities were in males. The overall work-related fatality rate was 10.5 (95% CI: 8.9–12.1) per 100,000 farm population. The overall age-adjusted work-related fatality rate was 18.1 (95% CI: 15.2–20.9) per 100,000 farm population among males and 1.4 (95% CI: 0.6–2.3) per 100,000 farm population among females. Age-adjusted rate decreased from 91.2 (95% CI: 69.4–117.66) per 100,000 farm population in 2005–2009 to 89.7 (95% CI: 64.9–120.2) per 100,000 farm population in 2015–2019 in males. Trend analysis of the work-related fatality rate in all cases showed a non-significant average annual decline of 2.6% (p = 0.156). Rollover injuries contributed to a high proportion of fatalities in children (30.0%) and the elderly population (14.9%). The most common causative agent was a tractor, and the most common location of injury was the farmyard or field. The burden of mortality in this industry is still substantial. There was a non-significant decreasing trend in the injury rate over the 15-year period. Elderly farmers continue to be at high risk for fatality, while the rates for children have declined. Application of prevention approaches could reduce the risk of fatal injury, and in particular the high proportion of rollover injuries in children and the elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores racial/ethnic inequalities in work-related injuries among U.S. construction workers. Data from the 2004–2017 National Health Interview Survey were used to estimate work-related injuries by race/ethnicity in construction. Disparities in demographic, socioeconomic, and injury status among construction workers were examined by race/ethnicity. Injury differences were also evaluated in multiple logistic regression analyses controlling for potential confounders. Compared to white, non-Hispanic workers, minority workers were more likely to have lower socioeconomic statuses (e.g., lower educational attainment, lack of health insurance coverage, and family income below the poverty level), which considerably increased the likelihood of work-related injuries. The odds of work-related injuries were 70% higher among racial/ethnic minorities than white, non-Hispanics in construction. Injuries were also more severe among minorities than white, non-Hispanic workers. Among workers with a work-related injury, nearly 85% of Hispanics reported missing at least one workday due to injury, 45.6% higher than the proportion of 57.9% for their white, non-Hispanic counterparts. After adjusting for major demographic and socioeconomic factors, the work-related injury difference between race/ethnicity was no longer statistically significant. However, the odds of work-related injury remained significantly higher among workers who were younger (35–54 years vs. ≥ 55 years: aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3–3.6); male (aOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 2.9–9.8); not college-educated (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0–2.2); had a family income below the poverty threshold (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.8); or held a blue-collar occupation (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2–3.4). These findings suggest that the injury differences between race/ethnicity were strongly associated with demographics and socioeconomic inequalities in these worker groups. The identified injury disparities should be reduced or eliminated, following the hierarchy of controls paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress occupational exposure limits (OELs) were developed in the 1970s to prevent heat-related illnesses (HRIs). The OELs define the maximum safe wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) for a given physical activity level. This study's objectives were to compute the sensitivity of heat stress OELs and determine if Heat Index could be a surrogate for WBGT. We performed a retrospective analysis of 234 outdoor work-related HRIs reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 2016. Archived NOAA weather data were used to compute each day's maximum WBGT and Heat Index. We defined the OELs' sensitivity as the percentage of incidents with WBGT>OEL. Sensitivity of the OELs was between 88% and 97%, depending upon our assumption about acclimatization status. In fatal cases, the OELs' sensitivity was somewhat higher (92-100%). We also computed the sensitivity of each possible Heat Index discrimination threshold. A Heat Index threshold of 80 °F (26.7 °C) was exceeded in 100% of fatalities and 99% of non-fatal HRIs. In a separate analysis, we created simulated weather data to assess associations of WBGT with Heat Index over a range of realistic outdoor heat conditions. These simulations demonstrated that for a given Heat Index, when radiant heat was included, WBGT was often higher than previously reported. The imperfect correlation between WBGT and Heat Index precluded a direct translation of OELs from WBGT into Heat Index. We conclude that WBGT-based heat stress exposure limits are highly sensitive and should be used for workplace heat hazard assessment. When WBGT is unavailable, a Heat Index alert threshold of approximately 80 °F (26.7 °C) could identify potentially hazardous workplace environmental heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 6 December 2019 we start the 10th year of the European Journal of Psychotraumatogy (EJPT), a full Open Access journal on psychotrauma. This editorial is part of a of the journal where we will acknowledge some of our most impactful articles of the past decade (also discussed below and marked with * in the reference list). In this editorial the editors present a decennial review of the field addressing a range of topics that are core to both the journal and to psychotraumatology as a discipline. These include neurobiological developments (genomics, neuroimaging and neuroendocrine research), forms of trauma exposure and impact across the lifespan, mass trauma and early interventions, work-related trauma, trauma in refugee populations, and the potential consequences of trauma such as PTSD or Complex PTSD, but also resilience. We address innovations in psychological, medication (enhanced) and technology-assisted treatments, mediators and moderators like social support and finally how new research methods help us to gain insights in symptom structures or to better predict symptom development or treatment success. We aimed to answer three questions 1. Where did we stand in 2010? 2. What did we learn in the past 10 years? 3. What are our knowledge gaps? We conclude with a number of recommendations concerning top priorities for the future direction of the field of psychotraumatology and correspondingly the journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) can be a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but its role among relatively heavy smokers with potential co-exposure to workplace vapors, gas, dust, and fumes (VGDF) has not been studied. Methods: To estimate the contribution of SHS exposure to COPD risk, taking into account smoking effects and work-related exposures to VGDF, we quantified SHS based on survey responses for 1400 ever-employed subjects enrolled in the COPDGene study, all current or former smokers with or without COPD. Occupational exposures to VGDF were quantified based on a job exposure matrix. The associations between SHS and COPD were tested in multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, VGDF exposure, and cumulative smoking. Results and Discussion: Exposures to SHS at work and at home during adulthood were associated with increased COPD risk: odds ratio (OR) = 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.23; p = 0.01) and OR = 1.09 (95%CI: 1.00-1.18; p = 0.04) per 10 years of exposure adjusted for smoking and other covariates, respectively. In addition, subjects with employment histories likely to entail exposure to VGDF were more likely to have COPD: OR = 1.52 (95%CI: 1.16-1.98; p < 0.01) (adjusted for other covariates). While adult home SHS COPD risk was attenuated among the heaviest smokers within the cohort, workplace SHS and job VGDF risks persisted in that stratum. Conclusion: Among smokers all with at least 10 pack-years, adult home and work SHS exposures and occupational VGDF exposure are all associated with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This article presents a systematic review of epidemiological studies linking cleaning work and risk of asthma and rhinitis. Methods: Published reports were identified from PubMed covering the years from 1976 through June 30, 2012. In total, we identified 24 papers for inclusion in the review. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Strengthening of the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement checklist of 22 items for cross-sectional, cohort and case-control studies. Results: Increased risk of asthma or rhinitis has been shown in 79% of included epidemiological studies. In four studies the increased risk of asthma in cleaning workers was confirmed by objective tests, such as bronchial hyper-reactivity or airflow obstruction. Level of exposure to cleaning products, cleaning sprays, bleach, ammonia, mixing products and specific job tasks has been identified as specific causes of asthma and rhinitis. Conclusions: Possible preventive measures encompass the substitution of cleaning sprays, bleach and ammonia, avoidance of mixing products, the use of respiratory protective devices, worker education and medical surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article estimates the true number of yearly work-related amputations in the manufacturing sector in Norway from 1998 to 2007. Results reveal a yearly incidence rate that ranged from 21/100,000 to 62/100,000 workers during the study period. The findings suggest an undercount of amputations reported to the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's registry ranging from 16% to 58% during the study period. The study highlights the need for robust epidemiological surveillance infrastructure.

This article explores diversity in the identity of vocational teachers and the ways these identities are both situated in cultural and political contexts and built upon life and career histories. The analysis is developed from a study of work-related programmes offered to students aged 15-18 in one school board in Canada, with a particular focus on five courses. Teacher identity emerged as a significant factor that supported the distinctly vocational-educational learner experience that was identified through the research. The case-study approach enabled us to examine features of the context in relation to teacher identity. In particular, we propose that vocational teacher identities were modulated in relation to accountabilities to different ‘communities of practice’, such as those of prior or concurrent industry affiliations. We identify features of the policy context that enabled this modulation of identity and the formation of a ‘community of practice’ among technology teachers. Rich qualitative data is re-presented in conceptual terms which may be useful in framing and guiding educational decisions that are attuned to developing authentic vocational and educational experiences for young people. This analysis of vocational teacher identities not only expands upon current perspectives on teacher identity, but also throws new light on theoretical and practical debates surrounding teacher agency and curriculum control within heavily mandated and monitored professional contexts such as schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) cause both human suffering and economic losses. Psychosocial stressors at work have been found to be associated with risk of MSDs, but it is unclear whether the association is causal. This review summarises the results of 54 longitudinal studies investigating the impact of psychosocial stressors at work on the onset of musculoskeletal disorders in the neck/shoulder, upper extremities, and low back. We searched for longitudinal studies published in English language between 2000 and 2009 inclusive via a systematic literature search in various publication databases. We defined quality criteria to ensure that the included studies relied on well assessed and analysed data. We clustered the psychosocial factors examined in the studies into nine categories of self-reported psychosocial work environment and one category of psychological distress. We used three body-specific endpoints (neck/shoulder; upper extremities; low back) and one overall endpoint (all body regions combined). Of the 40 meta-analyses conducted, 26 were based on at least five effect sizes. Of those, 19 revealed statistically significant pooled effect sizes. We conclude that psychosocial factors should be considered as independent predictors of onset of MSDs and be relevant to prevention and intervention programmes in occupational safety and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swedish recycling centres are manned facilities for waste collection. There is no special category in the official injury statistics for employees at recycling centres, which precludes a straightforward analysis of reported occupational injuries. This study aimed at identifying the frequency of reported accidents and diseases and the type of events that contribute to such injuries at recycling centres, based on official injury statistics. The employees were identified as being affected by more than three to five times as many accidents compared with the total workforce in Sweden. The reported accidents had occurred during a wide range of situations, but most frequently during manual handling of waste. Reported work-related diseases were mostly associated with musculoskeletal disorders, mainly due to heavy lifting. A more detailed classification of sanitation professions and workplaces in the official injury statistics would facilitate future studies of injuries in a specific professional category, e.g. employees at recycling centres. Suggestions for prevention are given. Statement of Relevance: The present article describes all reported work accidents and diseases among employees at recycling centres from 1992 to February 2005. It also highlights the problem of identifying new working groups in the official statistics and gives advice for a detailed classification to facilitate such future studies of injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The objective of this paper is to determine the percent of adults with asthma attributable to work and describe characteristics of the work-related asthma population in New York State. Sociodemographic and control characteristics of those with and without work-related asthma are compared. Methods. Data from three population-based surveys and one case-based surveillance system were analyzed. Work-relatedness of asthma was determined by self-report for the population-based surveys and by physician report for the case-based system. Self-reported sociodemographic and control characteristics were analyzed for the population-based surveys by work-relatedness. Results. The percent of work-relatedness among adults with current asthma in New York State ranged from 10.6% to 44.5%. Significantly more adults with work-related asthma had poorly controlled asthma than those without work-related asthma. More adults with work-related asthma also tended to be employed in the manufacturing, educational services, and public administration industries than the general population. The most frequently reported exposure was dust. Conclusions. Adults with work-related asthma have decreased control and adverse socioeconomic impacts compared to those with asthma that is not work-related. Increased recognition and physician reporting is necessary to further prevent the impact of work-related exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of morbidity and cost. Efforts to control LBP are largely unsuccessful, and better understanding of risks is needed, especially psychological factors. The purpose of this research was to assess the association between worker attributions and LBP. Attributing LBP to internal causes may increase the worker's perceived control, whereas external attribution may cause distress. A new model was developed to explore these associations. A cross-sectional design was used in this study of 278 garment workers. Data were gathered by a self-administered questionnaire and through direct observation. Responses to questions on worker attributions of LBP cause and knowledge of back safety were subjected to factor analysis and other psychometric evaluation to develop scales. Six hypotheses were tested using multivariate logistic regression. Workers who scored high in internal attribution were more likely to be knowledgeable of back safety (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 2.0–6.7). Workers reporting high demand were more likely to report LBP (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2–4.4). Workers attributing LBP to job tasks were more likely to report LBP (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.5-6.9), and those reporting high supervisor support were less likely to report LBP (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.08–0.66). Workers with annual incomes above $15,000 were more likely to report LBP in the test of both the Demand-Control-Support and Attribution models (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.2–6.9 and OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.5–11.1, respectively). While both models appeared to be useful for the study of low back pain, the R[sup 2][sub L] of the Demand-Control-Support model equaled only 11.9 percent, whereas the Attribution model equaled 26.2 percent. This study provides evidence that attribution theory is useful in the study of LBP, including in future interventions in the prevention of LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review the design and results of controlled interventions against work related neck and upper limb disorders are discussed. The method of intervention—workstation redesign, work reorganization, worker training and education—is related to the outcome. The result should be evaluated using a range of intermediate and end-point variables. Very little attention has yet been paid to the cost effectiveness of interventions and unsuccessful interventions are seldom reported, which makes an evaluation of the ‘most successful design’ incomplete. The use of reference groups for control of background variables, like fluctuations in work output and staff turnover is emphasized. The role of researchers, as active interveners or as passive recorders of effects is discussed, and the importance of an active contribution from management and employers is stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background and aims. This review summarizes the scientific literature relevant to occupational risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Material and methods. This review emphasizes recent work in the field, while placing this in the context of two previous systematic reviews of the subject. Results. Both the earlier summaries of the literature estimated that the population attributable risk percent (PAR%) of COPD linked to occupational exposures is approximately 15%. More recent studies also strongly support the association between workplace exposures and COPD. Among never smokers, the PAR% for work-related factors may approach 40%. Emerging data also indicate that occupational exposures, at a minimum, are additive to smoking-associated risk of COPD. Conclusions. The PAR% for work-related COPD is at least 15%. Scientific significance. The consistency, strength, and plausibility of these data support a causal relationship between occupational exposures and COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]