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Employee burnout can affect workers’ health, motivation, and job performance, and speed staff turnover. In law enforcement, burnout has been attributed to a variety of job-related, organizational, and personal factors, ranging from the danger inherent to the job to the liabilities of late shift work, tension with supervisors, and gender relations in the organization. Overlooked in almost all of these studies has been the place of civilians in police work, and how their burnout experiences differ from—or resemble—those of their sworn counterparts. This study is based on surveys of both sworn and civilian employees of 12 police agencies from across the United States. In the survey they described their extent of emotional exhaustion, and reported on features of their lives and work that have been hypothesized to magnify or minimize this stress reaction. The study found that the burnout process is a universal one, driven by virtually the same factors among both civilians and sworn officers. Difficulties balancing work and life responsibilities, the support they receive from coworkers and supervisors, the fairness of personnel policies, and several personal factors contributed to burnout levels. The implications of these findings for both research and practice are also explored. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate health risks to operators of large and small load-haul-dump (LHD) vehicles exposed to whole-body vibration (WBV), based on criteria established in ISO 2631-1, ISO 2631-5, and EU Directive 2002/44 EC. Studies simultaneously evaluating health risks based on all three standards are limited. Operator WBV exposure was measured in accordance with ISO 2631-1 using a tri-axial seat pad accelerometer. According to ISO 2631-1, four of the seven large LHD vehicle operators and three of six small LHD vehicle operators were exposed to WBV above the 8-hour vibration dose value (VDV) health guidance caution zone (HGCZ). According to the EU Directive 2002/44/EC criteria one of the seven large LHD vehicle operators and one of the six small LHD vehicle operators were exposed to WBV above the VDV daily exposure limit. However, health risks predicted by ISO 2631-5 criteria only placed one of seven large LHD vehicle operators and one of the six small LHD vehicle operators in the high probability of an adverse health effect category. Thus, the probability of adverse health effects, associated with WBV exposure during LHD vehicle operation, is suggested to be greatest based on the ISO 2631-1 8-hour VDV HGCZ and lowest based on ISO 2631-5 Sed criterion values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of La Medicina del Lavoro is the property of Mattioli 1885 SpA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of La Medicina del Lavoro is the property of Mattioli 1885 SpA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of La Medicina del Lavoro is the property of Mattioli 1885 SpA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of La Medicina del Lavoro is the property of Mattioli 1885 SpA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The main objective of this study is to investigate workplace mobbing in Turkish hospitality industry and effects on female employees' health and safety needs and turnover cognitions. Application field of the research consists of 373 female employees who work at five-star hotel establishments in Turkey. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Pearson product moment correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results indicate that high levels of mobbing activities are associated with lower levels of employee health and safety needs. Moreover, there was no correlation between employees' turnover cognitions and managers mobbing behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Although innovative HRM practices have been found to improve performance, the management literature has overlooked their effect on individual level outcomes, such as employee health and well-being. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the implementation of these innovative practices has an impact on the three dimensions of well-being (physical, psychological and social) and whether well-being should be considered as a mediator of the innovative HRM-performance relationship. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses qualitative data collected from an in-depth case study via document analysis and semi-structured interviews with HR practitioners and employees. The data were coded using N-Vivo software. Findings – The paper shows that innovative HRM practices can lead to both positive and negative well-being outcomes. Furthermore, they create trade-offs between the three dimensions of well-being. While they increase employee well-being on one dimension, they are detrimental to another. Research limitations/implications – Due to the scope of the research, the paper bounded itself to analyzing three innovative HRM practices. Different trade-offs may exist for other practices. Practical implications – Many organizations are introducing innovative HRM practices assuming that they will improve performance. However, the existence of well-being trade-offs needs to be acknowledged and managed. Originality/value – This paper shows that for a comprehensive understanding of the effects of innovative HRM practices further studies need to contemplate the different dimensions of well-being separately, as trade-offs may occur between them. It further suggests that well-being may be an unexplored mediator of the innovative HRM-performance relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor air quality in a pig-confinement building may potentially place farmers at higher health risk than other workers for exposure to airborne pollutants that may reach infectious levels. The aim of this study was to assess worker exposure to fungi in indoor environments in Portuguese swine buildings. Air samples from 7 swine farms were collected at a flow rate of 140 L/min, at 1 m height, onto malt extract agar supplemented with chloramphenicol (MEA). Surfaces samples of the same indoor sites were obtained by swabbing the surfaces. Samples from the floor covering were also collected from four of seven swine farms. All collected samples were incubated at 27°C for 5–7 days. After lab processing and incubation of obtained samples, quantitative colony-forming units (CFU)/m3, CFU/cm2, and CFU/g and qualitative results were determined with identification of isolated fungal species.Aspergillus versicolorwas the most frequent species found in air (21%), followed byScopulariopsis brevicaulis(17%) andPenicilliumsp. (14%).Aspergillus versicolorwas also the most frequent species noted on surfaces (26.6%), followed byCladosporiumsp. (22.4%) andScopulariopsis brevicaulis(17.5%).Chrysosporiumwas the most frequently found genera in the new floor covering (38.5%), whileMucorwas the most prevalent genera (25.1%) in used floor covering. Our findings corroborate a potential occupational health threat due to fungi exposure and suggest the need for a preventive strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been growing attention to using evidence on effectiveness to guide public health and health improvement policies, strategies, programmes and actions 'on the ground'. However, there has been insufficient recognition of the complexity attached to interpreting such evidence and translating it into action. In this paper, a randomized controlled trial is used as an illustrative case study to uncover layers of that complexity. It is suggested that these layers should be taken into account in designing, executing, analysing and reporting primary evaluative studies and reviews; formulating recommendations for action; and developing more fully fit-for-purpose approaches to evidence-informed public health and health improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worker safety and health continue to be a huge concern for the construction industry. Construction contractors are always looking for new ideas that will help improve their company's safety performance. One such idea is the utilization of safety performance indicators as part of contractor safety programs. There is no guidance in the safety literature to the contractors on the most effective leading indicators. The purpose of the study was to evaluate selected leading indicators under real project conditions and develop recommendations for their use by construction contractors. Three types of leading indicators were selected and tested for the study: pretask plan (PTP) review, worker safe behavior observation (WSBO), and site safety audits. To evaluate the leading indicators under real project conditions, a large construction project was selected from the western United States. It was found that pretask plan review and worker safe behavior observation can be used by contractors as leading indicators as part of their safety program. A WSBO is a better leading indicator compared with a PTP review indicator. These two indicators can help construction companies to devise intervention methods that can fix any weakness identified before there is an injury or incident. The paper provides two guidance checklists for contractors interested in implementing a WSBO and PTP review leading indicator program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To review the literature about the effects of environmental noise on the hearing ability of firefighters. Method: The PubMed and Scielo databases were searched and studies from 2002 to 2012 that included the keywords firefighters, noise, and hearing loss were identified. Initially, 24 studies were selected, but only 10 met the inclusion criteria of investigating the effects of occupational noise on firefighters. Results: Only 2 (20%) studies quantified levels of sound pressure and performed audiological tests to identify associations with noise intensity and 3 (30%) questionnaire-based studies reported that these professionals are more susceptible to hearing loss. Four (50%) studies found that noise exposure damages the auditory system in this population. Discussion: These findings indicate that there is a necessity for preventive measures to be adopted by this population since it is considered to be at risk. Conclusion: In recent years, there have been few studies of firefighters' exposure to occupational noise, but our findings show the importance of new studies that include proper means of quantifying their exposure to noise in different work environments, in order to identify possible adverse conditions as well as to aid in the diagnosis of hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is obvious that every professional worker is known as an active agent in production and productivity. Therefore; employers consider specifically the health of their staff and creating a suitable space in agreement with their physical and psychological characteristics. Librarianship is also among those professions. However; there should be more evidence in order to shed light on the importance of the ergonomic factors for all library managers and policy makers and moreover; make the staff both reach self-awareness and take the right action about the health of their career. The very aim of this study is to find out whether librarians' health is affected by the ergonomic factors or no? Methods: This is a descriptive survey study. Musculoskeletal disorders were studied using a questionnaire and checklist designed based on NAYUSH and USHA standards. The questionnaire was composed of two parts: the first part included questions about demographic information and the second part included questions related to musculoskeletal disorders based on the Nordic questionnaire. The data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software, and the results were obtained. Results: The study indicated that librarians' health is affected by ergonomic factors. 52.6% of the staff had some kinds of musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders. The greatest complications were on neck and back discomfort caused by working with improper working tools. Conclusion: Despite the population being young, the incidence of complications was high and there was a meaningful relationship between increasing work experience and the incidence of experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms. Moreover; the working factors that affected different parts of the body were found mostly in the neck and back regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to describe the health and working conditions of informal traders in five municipalities of the Cauca department, Colombia, in 2011. Methodology: a descriptive and cross-sectional study, conducted using 223 subjects participating in a national standardized survey. Results: most individuals (80%) had health insurance; however, they did not pay pension and did not benefit from occupational hazard insurance. Over 70% of them used mobile phones and had access to water and electricity services, yet had little access to gas or drainage. Likewise, 60% of the participants said they were in good health, and over 50% of them considered their workplace safe. Milk vendors were the most content (92.3%) in their working conditions. Discussion: the findings related to sex, age, level of educational, marital status, etc., are consistent with those of a similar study conducted on the same demographic at a national level. Similarly, it was found that no organized groups of informal traders have been established in the municipalities under study, which may hinder the improvement of these individuals' conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The process of regularization of workers paid by the Social Protection Health System of Mexico is described and analyzed. Materials and methods. Primary and secondary data collected by the external evaluation of the Mexican System for Social Protection in Health in 2009 were used. Results. The regularization clearly improved the labor conditions of workers contracted by the system but a broader systemic implication of regularization does not seem to be necessarily positive. Conclusion. It is important to consider the need to guarantee that this type of changes in the contractual conditions of workers benefit all actors, particularly the insured population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recent advances in participatory programs for improving workplace conditions are discussed to examine practical ways to facilitate ergonomics improvements. Background: Participatory training programs are gaining importance, particularly in promoting occupational health and safety in small-scale workplaces. These programs have led to many improvements that can reduce work-related risks in varied situations. Materials: Recent experiences in participatory action–oriented training programs in small workplaces and agriculture are reviewed. The emphasis of the review is on training steps, types of improvements achieved, and the use of action tools by trainers and training participants. Results: Immediate improvements in multiple technical areas are targeted, including materials handling, workstation design, physical environment, welfare facilities, and work organization. In facilitating ergonomics improvements in each local situation, it is important to focus on (a) building on local good practices; (b) applying practical, simple improvements that apply the basic principles of ergonomics; and (c) developing action-oriented toolkits for direct use by workers and managers. This facilitation process is effective when locally designed action toolkits are used by trainers, including local good examples, action checklists, and illustrated how-to guides. Intervention studies demonstrate the effectiveness of participatory steps that use these toolkits in promoting good practices and reducing work-related risks. Conclusion: In facilitating ergonomics improvements in small-scale workplaces, it is important to focus on practical, low-cost improvements that build on local good practices. The use of action-oriented toolkits reflecting basic ergonomics principles is helpful. The promotion of the intercountry networking of positive experiences in participatory training is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The length of the active working life period increases. The interest in the ways of keeping the quality of life, the high working capacities and potentiality of individual creative abilities is high. Many of the habits of the healthy lifestyle and behaviours are developed during the late adolescence and early adulthood. The decline of the individuals' physical activity in that period have an input in the future life quality. The physical working capacities are based on the physical health, the physical development level, physical activity and the healthy lifestyle. The target of the paper is to evaluate the principle anthropometric characteristics and provide the analysis of the students' physical activity levels. Regular physical activity is protective against numerous chronic disease and gives an important contribution for the healthy lifestyle. The main benefits of physical activity are disease preventions, stress management, to have a fun cycling, the improved body beauty. Recent research suggests that a significant percentage of students did not get adequate physical activity. The information concerning eating habits, sports habits, life styles are very important. We have provided a questionnaire for the students from different higher schools concerning physical activities. Respondents were aged from 19 years to 33 years. The questionnaire includes the positions that allow us to collect information about sports and physical activity during the time of the working day and after it. The questionnaire embraced all the spectrums of the week's physical activities. The data of the questionnaire were evaluated according to the scale (in points) and calculated. Those data allow us to divide respondents into subgroups according to the levels of physical activity (low, moderate, and good, high). The determination of the degree of physical activity is essential for answering questions on health sciences for the identification of the target groups for health-related intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The relationships between the occupational, educational, and verbal-cognitive characteristics of health care professionals and their motivational interviewing (MI) skills before, during, and after training were investigated. Method: Fifty-eight community-based addiction clinicians (M = 42.1 years, SD = 10.0; 66% Female) were assessed prior to enrolling in a 2-day MI training workshop and being randomized to one of three post-workshop supervision programs: live supervision via tele-conferencing (TCS), standard tape-based supervision (Tape), or workshop training alone. Audiotaped sessions with clients were rated for MI skillfulness with the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) coding system v 2.0 at pre-workshop and 1, 8, and 20 weeks post-workshop. Correlation coefficients and generalized linear models were used to test the relationships between clinician characteristics and MI skill at each assessment point. Results: Baseline MI skill levels were the most robust predictors of pre- and post-supervision performances. Clinician characteristics were associated with MI Spirit and reflective listening skill throughout training and moderated the effect of post-workshop supervision method on MI skill. TCS, which provided immediate feedback during practice sessions, was most effective for increasing MI Spirit and reflective listening among clinicians with no graduate degree and stronger vocabulary performances. Tape supervision was more effective for increasing these skills among clinicians with a graduate degree. Further, TCS and Tape were most likely to enhance MI Spirit among clinicians with low average to average verbal and reasoning performances. Conclusions: Clinician attributes influence the effectiveness of methods used to promote the acquisition of evidence- based practices among community-based practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health-related issues are becoming very popular both in the broad spheres of the society and in organizations. Taking care of employee health helps the employer with maintaining and improving organizational effectiveness. The aim of the study was to identify and assess the relationship between the Five-Factor Wellness Model and work-related factors such as interpersonal conflicts, organizational constraints, workload, work-family conflict, decision latitude, transformational leadership, psychological job characteristics and perceived organizational support. The subjects of the study were 177 employees of a call center. Healthy lifestyle was measured applying a Five-Factor Wellness questionnaire (Myers, Sweeney 2005b). Physical symptoms, interpersonal conflicts, organizational constraints and workload were measured using respective scales designed by Spector and Jex (2007). Decision latitude was measured employing Karasek (1985) questionnaire. Work-family conflict was measured referring to a subscale of negative work-home interaction (Geurts et al. 2005). A transformational leadership style was measured using General Scale of transformational leadership (Carless et al. 2000). Perceived organizational support was measured using a short version of Perceived Organizational Support scale (Eisenberger et al. 1986). Research findings show that healthy lifestyle as measured by the Five-Factor Wellness Model was predicted by lower work-family conflict, whereas physical symptoms - by marked work-family conflict, decision latitude and gender (female). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper was based on a study that examined the social representations of health-illness process among workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), users of the Reference Center of Occupational Health (CEREST ) in the city of Juiz de Fora, state of Minas Gerais. Information was collected through semistructured interviews with 12 workers, aged between 29 and 55 years. Data were subjected to thematic analysis. The themes of analysis called "representation of health" and "representation of illness" set that, for these workers, illnesses and labor disability represent a painful gap and the destruction of life projects. Tables of deterioration of living conditions and work degradation, reflected on the health of workers, refer us to sustain that the prevention of health problems that would find a higher degree of resolution would be the replanning of work process' organization and effective performance of public health policies, through symbolic representations of broader health, illness and healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Industry-based strategies for dissemination of an evidence-based occupational sun protection program, Go Sun Smart (GSS), were tested. Design. Two dissemination strategies were compared in a randomized trial in 2004-2007. Setting. The North American ski industry. Subjects. Ski areas in the United States and Canada (n = 69) and their senior managers (n = 469). Intervention. Employers received GSS through a basic dissemination strategy (BDS) from the industry's professional association that included conference presentations and free starter kits. Half of the areas also received the enhanced dissemination strategy (EDS), in which project staff met face-to-face with managers and made ongoing contacts to support program use. Measures. Observation of program materials in use and managers' reports on communication about sun protection. Analysis. The effects of two alternative dissemination strategies were compared on program use using PROC MIXED in SAS, adjusted for covariates using one-tailed p values. Results. Ski areas receiving the EDS used more GSS materials (x̄ = 7.36) than those receiving the BDS (x̄ = 5.17; F = 7.82, p <.01). Managers from more areas receiving the EDS reported communicating about sun protection in employee newsletters/flyers (x̄ = .97, p = .04), in guest e-mail messages (x̄ = . 75, p = .02), and on ski area Web sites (x̄ = .38, p = .02) than those receiving the BDS (x̄ = .84, .50, .15, respectively). Conclusion. Industry professional associations play an important role in disseminating prevention programs; however, active personal communication may be essential to ensure increased implementation fidelity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black wattle silviculture is an important activity in southern Brazil. Much of the wood is used in the production of charcoal and the pyrolysis products impacts on air quality. This paper estimates the level of atmospheric contamination from the production of charcoal in one region of Brazil. We describe a low-cost charcoal kiln that can capture condensable gases and we estimate the levels of exposure of kiln workers to carbon monoxide. The latter results indicated that exposure to carbon monoxide can be reduced from an average of 950ppm to 907ppm and the mass of gases reduced by 16.8%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of La Medicina del Lavoro is the property of Mattioli 1885 SpA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of La Medicina del Lavoro is the property of Mattioli 1885 SpA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of La Medicina del Lavoro is the property of Mattioli 1885 SpA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses a study conducted to analyse the use of the working and health conditions survey (WHCS) in occupational health research. It informs that a literature of WHCS was conducted in PubMed in the period 1990-2009 including research articles. It also informs that scientific literature based on the WHCS revealed that some topics have been unexplored including workers participation, preventive interventions, and labour and familiar conciliation.

Objectve: Person-Environment fit (P-E fit) paradigm, seems to be especially useful in explaining phenomena related to work attitudes and occupational health. The study explores the relationship between a specific facet of P-E fit as Person-Organization fit (P-O fit) and health. Materials and Methods: Research was conducted on the random sample of 600 employees. Person-Organization Fit Questionnaire was used to asses the level of Person-Organization fit; mental health status was measured by General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28); and items from Work Ability Index allowed for evaluation of somatic health. Data was analyzed using non parametric statistical tests. The predictive value of P-O fit for various aspects of health was checked by means of linear regression models. Results: A comparison between the groups distinguished on the basis of their somatic and mental health indicators showed significant differences in the level of overall P-O fit (χ = 23.178; p < 0.001) and its subdimensions: for complementary fit (χ = 29.272; p < 0.001), supplementary fit (χ = 23.059; p < 0.001), and identification with organization (χ = 8.688; p = 0.034). From the perspective of mental health, supplementary P-O fit seems to be important for men's well-being and explains almost 9% of variance in GHQ-28 scores, while in women, complementary fit (5% explained variance in women's GHQ score) and identification with organization (1% explained variance in GHQ score) are significant predictors of mental well-being. Interestingly, better supplementary and complementary fit are related to better mental health, but stronger identification with organization in women produces adverse effect on their mental health. onclusions: The results show that obtaining the optimal level of P-O fit can be beneficial not only for the organization (e.g. lower turnover, better work effectiveness and commitment), but also for the employees themselves. Optimal level of P-O fit can be considered as a factor maintaining workers' health. However, prospective research is needed to confirm the results obtained in this exploratory study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occupational exposure of petroleum product and its exhaust are causing significant health problem in petrol pump workers. The present study was planned to assess the lung function according to the duration of occupational exposure in petrol pump workers. Aims: To assess the lung function according to the duration of occupational exposure in petrol pump workers. Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study done on the 119 petrol pump workers, who were involved in filling the petrol or diesel. Hundred and nineteen petrol pump workers were divided into four groups depending on the duration of exposure; their pulmonary function test was done and was compared with 33 healthy nonsmokers. Results: Significant reduction was seen in the FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec), FVC (forced vital capacity) in petrol pump workers who were exposed to more than 5 years. Flow rates i.e. FEF 25-75%, PEFR and PIFR also decreased significantly in the workers exposed more than 10 years. Conclusion: Petrol pump workers are vulnerable to develop restrictive lung disease especially those who are involved in the occupation for long duration (more than 5 years). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sedentary time is independently associated with an increased risk of metabolic disease. Worksite interventions designed to decrease sedentary time may serve to improve employee health. Objecti ve The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and use of a pedal exercise machine for reducing workplace sedentary time. Methods Eighteen full-time employees (mean age+SD 40.2+10.7 years; 88% female) working in sedentary occupations were recruited for participation. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected at baseline and 4 weeks. Participants were provided access to a pedal exercise machine for 4 weeks at work. Use of the device was measured objectively by exercise tracking software, which monitors pedal activity and provides the user real-time feedback (eg, speed, time, distance, calories). At 4 weeks, participants completed a feasibility questionnaire. Resul ts Participants reported sitting 83% of their working days. Participants used the pedal machines an average of 12.2+6.6 out of a possible 20 working days and pedalled an average of 23.4+20.4 min each day used. Feasibility data indicate that participants found the machines feasible for use at work. Participants also reported sedentary time at work decreased due to the machine. Discussion Findings from this study suggest that this pedal machine may be a feasible tool for reducing sedentary time while at work. These findings hold public health significance due to the growing number of sedentary jobs in the USA and the potential of the device for use in large-scale worksite health programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the state of the art of the research on occupational health conducted at the schools of nursing and psychology of Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC -- PEDAGOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBIA) between 1983 - 2010. Methodology: A non-experimental study with a quantitative approach and the document analysis technique. The population universe was formed by 497 units of analysis. The sample was selected through sampling by logical criteria. The sample consisted of 71 units of analysis, where 51 corresponded to occupational hazards, 14 to occupational health, and 6 to health education. Data collection was performed by means of a grid composed of two categories, namely: formal aspects and theoretical aspects. Results: The results show that 56% of the research is on nursing and 44% on psychology. The year with the greatest amount of academic production was 2007 for both schools, with a total of 15 dissertations, 7 for nursing, and 8 for psychology. Amongst the most studied risk factors is psychosocial risk; the most quoted author was Gloria Villalobos. Conclusions: Each discipline approaches and addresses the research questions from its own field of knowledge. In nursing, the main focus is the study of occupational health education, and physical and chemical risk factors. In psychology, on the other hand, the focus is rather on psychosocial risk factors, stress, mental load, and job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The various metabolic and circulatory alterations that are related to noise exposure may cause the onset of several symptoms, including tinnitus. Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of tinnitus complaints in elderly individuals with and without history of occupational noise exposure. Method: This prospective study was conducted in a sample population consisting of 502 individuals aged over 60 years, by anamnesis and audiological evaluation. The variables that were studied were the frequency of tinnitus and the history of occupational noise. Logistic regression was used to control for potential confusion or modifications caused by the effects of the other variables on the associations of interest. Results and Discussion: Tinnitus was reported in 50% of the cases, with tinnitus reported in 40% of the elderly individuals with history of occupational noise exposure, and in 43% of controls (elderly individuals without history of occupational noise exposure). A high frequency of tinnitus was detected in the population under investigation, but there were no statistically significant associations between the presence of tinnitus and history of occupational noise exposure. Conclusion: The results of this study may have occurred due to other factors such as the age of the individuals without history of occupational noise exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The evaluation of physical activity level of scientists and determining factors which influence the physical activity. Getting to know the characteristics of the group and observing its behavior can lead to pro-healthy campaign. Material/Methods: Research was conducted on 301 Warsaw scientific institutes employees (NIPH-NIH - 82 persons, IMWM - 50 persons, IPPLM - 39 persons, BRI - 50 persons NFNI - 80 persons). A questionnaire was applied. Analysis was made with the usage of SPSS v.17. In accordance with WHO classifications, the interviewed were divided into active (n=162) and non-active (n=139). The active group consisted of persons with a high and average level of physical activity and the non-active group was made of persons who had a low level of physical activity or did not do any exercises. The log-line analysis served to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and various variables. The chi-squared test was used to find significant differences in analysis. Results: Low level of physical activity was characteristic of half of the interviewed scientists (NIPH-NIH - 48.8%, IMWM - 32.0%, IPPLM - 38.5%, BRI - 32.0% and NFNI - 93.8%). Scientists from NFNI have 30 times stronger risk of having physical activity level insufficient in order to maintain good health condition. The questioned men have a double chance to be active persons. Regular participation in recreation (OR 2.43) and a high level of tourism activity (OR 2.38) diminish twice as much the risk of being non-active. Conclusions: The Warsaw scientific institutes employees cannot serve as an example for the rest of the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deprivation has been recognized as a major determinant of health and is associated with several musculoskeletal conditions. This study examines the effect of deprivation on the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome using a regional prospective audit database. Over a 6 year period there were 1564 patients diagnosed with CTS with an annual incidence of 72/100,000 population. There was a significant difference in population incidence of CTS from the most deprived (81/100,000) to the least deprived (62/100,000) (p = 0.003). Functional impairment was higher in the most deprived group compared with the least (DASH 56 vs 48, p = 0.001). The most deprived group exhibited the greatest exposure to occupation vibration (42.7%), and had the greatest risk of bilateral disease (OR = 2.33, p < 0.001). We report an association between socioeconomic deprivation and carpal tunnel syndrome, with the disease being more likely to be bilateral and have a poorer DASH score in the most deprived patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: Few intervention studies aimed at preventing occupational injuries (OI) are available, particularly in the foundry sector. Evaluation of effectiveness of an intervention to prevent OI was carried out in two foundries (cast-iron = A, non-ferrous = B). Methods: A multifaceted intervention was developed by a team composed of occupational physician, safety personnel and workers' representatives. Intervention focused on safety procedures, education, health surveillance (HS), fitness for work and first aid. Mandatorily registered OI data were collected. Primary outcome was reduction in injury rates. Before-after, pre-peri-post and interrupted time series (ITS) analyses were performed. Secondary outcomes mainly regarded re-injury rates and lost workdays (LW) reduction, access to HS, implementation of good practices and insurance litigation costs. Results: In 1997-2009, 556 and 97 OI occurred in A and B, accounting for 11,597 and 2,567 LW, respectively. A significant ( P < 0.01) decrease in OI incidence (−57% in A and −51% in B) and frequency (−56% in A and −46% in B) was shown. ITS analysis displayed a significant ( P < 0.01) long-term decreasing trend for incidence (−0.29), frequency (−0.35) and severity (−0.55) rates in foundry B. Upper and lower extremity, eye, hand and head injuries were reduced. HS allowed focused human factor and fitness for work evaluation. Positive changes in safety culture and procedures were obtained. Conclusions: The intervention showed effectiveness in reducing OI rates and in improving quantitative and qualitative outcomes in two representative foundries. Challenges and limitations of interventions to assess effectiveness in preventing OI were evaluated and solutions applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from an occupational medical health surveillance program, we studied the associations between mental stressors and social support and the two outcome measures postdeployment psychological distress and multiple physical symptoms among Danish soldiers deployed to Iraq. The study was cross-sectional and questionnaire-based with soldiers returning from the mission as the target group. Witnessing atrocities, fear of being physically harmed, feeling of insecurity, feeling of meaninglessness, and having been in touch with prisoners were associated with both outcome measures. In conclusion, our findings support the assumption that other factors than combat exposure--psychosocial and cultural--are of importance in increasing psychological distress among soldiers deployed to lraq. Additionally, we have shown that the reporting of multiple physical symptoms among the deployed soldiers is closely related to increased psychological discomfort and certain mental stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Police officers and security guards are more exposed to violence during their work duties than the general workforce and it can damage their psychological health. Still research on specific forms of violence and a potential pathway through which violence may affect distress is scarce.Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the association of two forms of violence with distress among police officers and security guards and whether personal worry about future violence mediates this association.Methods Violence was specified as physically violent acts and threats or assaults with a deadly weapon. Symptoms of psychological distress were measured using the General Health Questionnaire-12 scale.Results Analyses of 1993 completed responses (response rate 58%) showed that the odds ratio of distress for ‘physically violent acts was’ 1.67 (95% CI = 1.11–2.51) and for ‘threats or assaults with a deadly weapon’ 1.62 (95% CI = 1.20–2.17). When personal worry about future violence was taken into account, the association between exposure to physically violent acts and distress was completely broken. Instead, with the same adjustment, the association between exposure to threats or assaults with a deadly weapon and distress held. The results indicate that the association between physically violent acts and distress is mediated by personal worry about future violence, while threats or assaults with a deadly weapon had a stronger and independent association with distress.Conclusions It is concluded that there is association between violence and distress. Personal worry about future violence mediates this association. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: It is unknown whether immigrants working in the cleaning industry have a poorer health and work ability than cleaners from the native population. The main aim was to investigate differences in objective and self-reported health measures between immigrant and Danish cleaners. Methods: Three hundred and fifty-one cleaners, consisting of 166 Danes (88% women) and 179 immigrants (74% women) (6 with unknown ethnicity), from 9 workplaces in Denmark participated in the study. Health and work ability were obtained by objective (e.g., BMI and blood pressure) and self-reported measures (e.g., work ability, self-rated health, and musculoskeletal symptoms). In order to investigate differences between Danish and immigrant cleaners, logistic regression analyses and General Linear Models were performed. Results: When controlling for age, sex, workplace, job seniority, and smoking, more Danish compared with immigrant cleaners were current smokers (42% vs. 28%, p < 0.001 (not controlled for smoking)), had hypertension (46% vs. 26%, p < 0.05) and drank more alcohol (3.0 vs. 0.8 units per day, respectively, p < 0.001). Contrary, more immigrants compared with Danish cleaners were measured to be overweight (47% vs. 30%, p < 0.05), reported less than good work ability (57% vs. 42%, p < 0.01), considered it unthinkable/unsure to be able to perform work 2 years ahead (37% vs. 23%, p < 0.01), reported reduced self-rated health (46% vs. 38%, p < 0.01) and everyday pain in the neck/shoulder (28% vs. 11%, p < 0.01), wrist (18% vs. 7%, p < 0.01), and lower back (21% vs. 10%, p < 0.01). There were no differences in self-reported chronic diseases. Conclusions: Although the health of the cleaners was alarmingly poor, the immigrant cleaners generally had a poorer self-reported health and work ability than the Danish cleaners. These findings highlight the need for occupational health actions among cleaners, particularly tailored to the immigrant subpopulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Evaluate counselors' adherence to an intervention protocol, counselors' competence, and the associations between three process indicators and body weight at follow-up in a 6-month individually based lifestyle intervention for construction workers. Design. Process evaluation with qualitative and quantitative data. Setting. Occupational health service. Subjects. A total of 408 male construction workers with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease received the intervention, and 27 occupational health professionals delivered the intervention. Intervention. Seven counseling sessions, the first during which four prescribed items had to be discussed. Motivational interviewing (Ml) was used as a counseling technique. Measures and Analysis. The number of sessions and the items discussed were registered by the counselors. Adherence to MI was determined by expert scoring of transcripts of random segments of 19 counseling sessions. Counselors' competence was rated by participants and counselors separately. Associations between three process indicators and body weight at follow-up were determined by linear and logistic regression analyses. Results. Two-thirds of all participants attended five or more sessions, and 38.5% attended all seven sessions. In 90.2% of all cases, the counselor discussed all obligatory items in the first session. MI adherence was reached in one audiotaped fragment. Most (86.3%) of all participants agreed with the counselor being competent. Neither counselors' competence nor number of sessions or items discussed was significantly associated with body weight Conclusions. Performing five sessions and discussing four prescribed items was feasible for the counselors, whereas performing MI was not. Still, participants were positive about the counselors' competence and willing to attend the intervention sessions. Investigators are encouraged to report the evaluation of their intervention process to improve future lifestyle interventions in research or in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An occupational health physiotherapy service was set up in May 2008 for staff at an occupational health centre based at an acute London NHS hospital. This service was set up following a service review in 2006-7. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy provision within an occupational health setting as part of a quality improvement exercise. Methods: A 1-year retrospective study was performed to evaluate outcomes following discharge from physiotherapy. All data were captured on the computerised cohort database system and analysed descriptively. Results: The mean number of physiotherapy consultations before discharge was 3.9 sessions. There was a high attendance rate of 72.9%. The average waiting time for a physiotherapy initial assessment was 6.56 days. Spinal injuries contributed to the highest proportion of musculoskeletal injuries (57%). The largest staff group seen was staff nurses (24%). Injuries made worse by work contributed to the highest number of cases (46%). 76% were advised to remain at work after discharge from physiotherapy. A financial analysis showed significant cost saving when benchmarked against other physiotherapy providers. Conclusions: The physiotherapy service has demonstrated productivity, value of money and positive outcomes. The improved outcomes are attributed to an innovative, rapid access service together with multidisciplinary input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress, originating from climatic factors of the tropics or sub-tropics, and/or from work operations represents a major factor, which affects the performance and productivity of workers, as well as, impairing their health and well-being. The present study was conducted to evaluate the thermal environment in three companies: Saudi Cables, Jeddah Cables and Saudi Can Co. in Jeddah industrial area. After a walking through-survey in the three companies, the different heat parameters were measured at different working areas during summer and winter seasons. These included: Ta, Tw, Tg, WBGT, relative humidity and air velocity. Results revealed that the levels of heat stress exceeded the TLV in mostly all the working areas where no air conditioning is provided. The natural climate was found to be the most significantly contributing factor to heat stress both in summer and winter. An outline of a control strategy is suggested emphasizing on evaporative engineering heat control, work and hygiene practices and auxiliary cooling clothing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated unsafe work practices, health hazards, and the association between pesticide residues with environmental problems in six communities in the largest vegetable producing province in the Philippines. Tools used were a structured questionnaire encompassing the work exposure assessment of 542 farmers engaged in vegetable production. The majority of the farmers were pyrethroid users, followed by users of organophosphate and then carbamate. The risk factors noted in the study were use of incomplete personal protective equipment, wiping sweat with a piece of residue-contaminated fabric, re-entering recently sprayed area, dermal contact with spills from leakage of backpack sprayers, and other spills while mixing pesticides. Organophosphate use was significantly associated with the symptom of skin itchiness (r = 0.74). The study showed that farmers used unsafe work practices and were exposed to health hazards related to pesticide use. Pesticide use should be governed by standards for occupational exposure and environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, and the 2000 U.S. decennial census to analyze how occupational risk relates to the earnings of Hispanic immigrant men. Our findings indicate that those with limited English-language fluency received significantly higher compensating wages in unsafe jobs than their English-fluent counterparts. The larger occupational-risk premiums accrued by limited-English-proficient (LEP) foreign-born Hispanic men also hold when further including U.S.-born Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White men in the sample. These findings are consistent with underlying differences in preferences toward wages versus safety between LEP and English-proficient workers and/or differences in coverage under formal workers' compensation programs, perhaps because undocumented workers (many of whom already faced hazardous conditions when migrating illegally to work in the United States) comprise a disproportionate share of the LEP. However, our data and methodologies do not allow us to determine whether these premiums adequately compensate the LEP for the occupational risk they undertake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explored occupational physicians' (OPs) practices of referrals for imaging of workers occupationally exposed to ling/pleural carcinogens and the factors related to them. Data were gathered using a cross-sectional telephone survey of 379 OPs practicing in Southern France. The article found that 81 percent of the OPs referred exposed patients for chest radiographs, 33.5 percent for computed tomography, and 16.1 percent referred neither.

The article presents a study on occupational safety and health (OSH) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. According to an operational analysis report of the OSH Regulations, 80 percent of workplace investigated failed to adhere fully to regulations. The study found that the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) governs workplace safety and health under the Human Resources Ministry.

The article presents a study of statutory medical examinations (SME) legislation and enforcement in the Asia-Pacific region. Information about SME in 13 Asian-Pacific countries, including the Philippines, China, and Korea, was gathered through a questionnaire survey of occupational health (OH) experts from those countries. Results suggested that SME laws were complex throughout the Asia-Pacific and reported common problems, such as manpower shortage, lack of SME awareness, and high costs.

The article reflects on the ethics and bioethics of the work of the occupational health physician. Whatever branch of medicine, the work involves health, sickness and patients, and collective and individual analyses. It is the role of the physician to work on occupational health in the workplace. Occupational medicine exists because health is an indispensible civil right. Companies thus hire doctors to take care of the health of their employees, primarily so as not to infringe existing laws and, secondarily, to increase their profit by expanding production and the work of healthy individuals. This involves conflicts between the duties of the physician and the interests of the company. The physician, however, in this peculiar situation, should abide by ethical and bioethical principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess health status of South Australian (SA) metropolitan fire-fighters in terms of lung function and health-related quality of life, compare these with general population controls, and explore associations between fire-fighters’ self-reported occupational exposure and health status. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional comparison of (respiratory) health indices between 501 fire-fighters and 1,324 general population controls taken from the North West Adelaide Health Study (NWAHS). All were men aged 21 to 61. Measurements included spirometry (i.e., forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV), forced vital capacity (FVC), mid-expiratory flow (FEF) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health-related quality of life questionnaire. Results: Health status in the fire-fighters was generally better than in NWAHS controls. Mean % predicted FEV and FVC were 103.4% [SD 12.1] versus 89.5% [13.7] and 110.0% [11.6] versus 88.5% [12.5] (both p < 0.001 in linear regression analysis, adjusted for age, smoking, BMI, and FEV % predicted). FEV/FVC and FEF were significantly lower in the fire-fighters ( p < 0.003). A total of 93 (18.6%) fire-fighters and 82 (6.2%) controls had an FEV/FVC < 70% ( p < 0.001). The SF-36 Mental Health scale was the only scale on which fire-fighters had a lower mean score ( p = 0.009), but none of the SF-36 scales showed clinically meaningful differences between the cohorts. Fire-fighters exposed > 6 h/week to dust, smoke, and fire showed lower FEV, FEV % predicted, and FVC values compared to those who were less exposed ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Male metropolitan fire-fighters showed better general health, better lung health, and similar mental health compared to general population controls. The high rate of fire-fighters with FEV/FVC values below the recommended cut-point for airflow obstruction illustrates the inappropriateness of this clinical cut-point for use in populations preselected on their physical fitness. The observed dose–effect relationship between self-reported occupational exposure and fire-fighters’ lung function warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the occupational respiratory disease in three regions of Spain such as Navarre, Catalonia and Asturias, and compare the results with those of reported on the regions' Department of Labour. The study sent notification forms to physician members of the regions' Allergy, Pneumology and Occupational Medicine Societies to gather data. Results show that the cases reported to the study was more than three times higher than those of the Department of Labour.

Working conditions and employment arrangements make a significant contribution to the burden of cardiovascular disease, in particular in modern societies where mental and emotional demands and threats are becoming widespread. Occupational research has identified health-adverse features of modern work with the help of theoretical models. One such model, effort-reward imbalance, has been developed by this author and his group and has been widely tested in epidemiological and experimental studies. The model claims that stressful experience at work is elicited by a lack of reciprocity between efforts spent at work and rewards received in return, where rewards include money, promotion prospects, job security, and esteem. Results demonstrate elevated risks of coronary heart disease among employees exposed to effort-reward imbalance. Moreover, in ambulatory and experimental investigations, elevated heart rate and blood pressure and altered secretion of stress hormones were observed under these conditions. Although additional scientific evidence is needed, available findings call for practical measures towards improving quality of work, most importantly at the level of single companies and organisations. This conclusion is supported by first results from intervention studies that are guided by this theoretical approach. In view of the burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to unfavourable working conditions, such efforts are well justified and need to be extended in order to promote healthy work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives There are a limited number of studies about the cost-effectiveness of occupational health and safety (OSH) interventions. Applying the results of a cost-effectiveness study from one country to another is hampered by differences in the organization of healthcare and social security. In order to find out how these problems can be overcome, we transferred the results of a Dutch occupational cost-effectiveness study to the Finnish situation and vice-versa. Methods We recalculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) for the target country based on resource use in the original study and the associated costs in the target country. We also allocated the costs to the employer, the employee, and tax-payers. Results We found that the ICER did not differ very much from those in the original studies. However, the different healthcare funding structure led to a more unfavorable ICER for employers in the Netherlands. Both interventions represented a cost saving for tax-payers and employees. Employers had to invest ϵ10-54 to avert one day of sick leave. Conclusions We conclude that results of cost-effectiveness studies can be transferred from one country to another, but many adjustments are needed. An extensive description of the intervention, a detailed list of resource use, allocation of costs to various parties, and detailed knowledge of the healthcare systems in the original studies are necessary to enable calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]