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We integrate the job characteristics and dual work passion models to explore the indirect (via work meaningfulness) effects of job characteristics (i.e., job autonomy, task identity, skill variety, task significance, feedback from the job and feedback from others) on two types of work passion, harmonious passion (HP) and obsessive passion (OP). We first advance occupation‐specific predictions for job characteristics‐to‐work passion relationships and then explore differences in those relationships between HP and OP across four occupational sectors: knowledge work (n = 201), blue‐collar work (n = 148), nonprofit work (n = 141), and managerial work (n = 133). Our findings demonstrate that job characteristics are important drivers of work passion. However, our key discovery is that the motivational impact of the job characteristics is not universally applicable but rather depends on the specific occupational context and whether passion is harmonious or obsessive. We therefore conclude that when it comes to translating job characteristics into work passion, the one‐size‐fits‐all approach is not appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the impact of algorithmic management on worker behaviors, focusing on workers' commitment to service quality and referral tendencies. Drawing upon the job demands‐resources model, we argue that high levels of algorithmic management could create hindrance demands that impede service quality and demotivate referral behaviors. We propose that high workload, as a challenge demand, buffers the negative effects of algorithmic management on worker outcomes. We find support for our proposed research model in an experiment with a sample of 1362 platform‐based food‐delivery riders. We also conduct a qualitative study with 21 riders, which provides a more nuanced understanding of how algorithmic management affects workers' attitudes, behaviors, and referral tendencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study proposes and tests a self‐concept‐based perspective for the effects of formal mentoring support on affective organizational commitment (AOC) via multiple mediators. Using time‐lagged multi‐source dyadic data (n = 203), we demonstrate that formal mentoring support significantly influences newcomer–protégés' AOC through an underlying self‐evaluative mechanism indicated by organization‐based self‐esteem (OBSE), even in the presence of a well‐established alternative mediator (perceived organizational support; POS). Moreover, we further demonstrate when or under what circumstances such effects might be attenuated or exaggerated by introducing a salient boundary condition to such a process (i.e., perceived mentor organizational prototypicality). As the findings reveal, by making newcomer–protégés feel good about themselves in the workplace (i.e., perceive self‐value) formal mentoring support can also promote organizational commitment, effects that are likely to be amplified when the formal mentor is perceived to be prototypical of the organization. Thus, bridging the mentoring and socialization literatures, the inclusion of our proposed mediators and moderator and testing their relationships simultaneously not only provides a more nuanced view of the underlying mechanisms through which the effects of formal mentoring support are channeled to influence newcomer–protégés' work attitudes but it offers new theoretical elaboration and contextual understanding that we hope will prompt future research and be of benefit to human resource practitioners. Implications to theory, practice and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When does pay dispersion elicit positive or negative employee attitudes? A review of the pay dispersion literature indicates a controversy around this vital question and suggests that numerous contingency factors moderate the effects of pay dispersion. In an empirical study of four Finnish companies consisting of 141 work units, we examine contingencies in attitudinal reactions to job‐based pay dispersion among blue‐collar workers. Based on archival pay data matched with employee survey responses (n = 536), we find that perceptions of pay basis legitimacy, task interdependence, and an individual's pay standing within the work unit explain the strength and direction of the relation between job‐based pay dispersion and employee attitudes (i.e., work engagement and organizational commitment). Our findings have implications for the design of pay systems and contribute to a better appreciation of the complexities underlying employee attitudinal responses to pay dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transportation industry involves various ergonomic injuries caused by activities exceeding workers' capabilities. Although the construction industry has been thoroughly studied regarding work--related injuries, hazardous activities, and effective ergonomic solutions, there is a lack of such research in the transportation sector. However, injuries, risky activities, and effectiveness of solutions may be different in transportation activities due to different work duration, intensity, and frequency. Thus, this research intends to explore the common work-related injuries, hazardous transportation activities, and the effectiveness of ergonomic solutions for transportation maintenance workers. This thorough examination incorporated historical injury records, online surveys, in-person site observations, and field experiments. Specifically, a preliminary list was first created based on transportation workers' historical injury data, including common injured worker positions, injury types, activities causing most injures, and potential risk factors. An online survey was then designed to identify work-related injuries and activities. Following observations, field experiments involved 29 transportation maintenance workers. Back injuries emerged as the most prevalent when engaging in lifting and pushing/pulling tasks. Using a back exoskeleton can eliminate physical fatigue risks when lifting weights of 50 pounds or more. In addition, lifting lighter loads (31.5 pounds) can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. RELEVANCE TO HUMAN FACTORS/ERGONOMICS THEORY: Prevalent work-related injuries, hazardous activities, and effective ergonomic solutions have been thoroughly researched in the construction domain. However, with the injury and fatality statistics of the transportation industry, there is a lack of studies investigating what injuries are prevalent, what activities are risky, and what solutions could be effective in the transportation industry. To the best of author's knowledge, this paper is the first research presenting a new framework exploring prevalent work-related injuries, hazardous activities, and ergonomic solutions' effectiveness in the domain of transportation maintenance work through the analysis of historical data, online survey data, onsite observations, and field experiment. Theoretically, this paper fills the lack of research about identification of ergonomic injuries and risky activities in the transportation industry, and contributes to the development of ergonomically effective process, practice, and technique for improved health and safety in the transportation maintenance work. Practically, the research team worked with a state Department of Transportation to help the transportation-related workers, managers, and organizations better realize the risky activities and understand how to prevent the risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Retail workers comprise millions of people, but little is known about their eating behaviors and food consumption patterns. OBJECTIVE: To examine the healthy eating behaviors and food consumption frequencies of retail workers in shopping malls. METHODS: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 385 retail employees working in ready-made garment stores of shopping malls in Istanbul (42% of those eligible). A descriptive information form, the nutrition subscale of the Health-promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP), and the Food Consumption Frequency Survey were used as data collection tools. RESULTS: It was determined that more than half of the participants skipped breakfast and other meals and consumed fast food and packaged and acidic drinks five to six days a week. The mean score of the participants on the HPLP-nutrition subscale was determined to be 11.79±3.29. CONCLUSIONS: The retail workers in shopping malls were found to have insufficient healthy eating behaviors, a low frequency of healthy food consumption, and a high level of fast-food consumption. Maintaining healthy eating habits is crucial for the health of employees. It is necessary for workplaces to take steps to help their employees become aware of and practice healthy eating. Workplaces should also be encouraged to provide healthy food options for their employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Depressive symptoms, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common morbidities among coal miners, but the risk of these morbidities has not been analyzed relative to other occupations taking into account relevant covariates. Methods: Using random digit dialing, we surveyed men aged 50 or over with a history of employment who resided in counties in Appalachia with high coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) mortality rates. We used the Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) Screen and the Brief Trauma Questionnaire to query specific traumatic experiences. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire scale to assess depression symptoms and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire to measure anxiety. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between coal mining and depression, anxiety, and PTSD, adjusting for trauma, smoking and demographics. Results: Of 1,428 participants, 233 (16.3%) reported coal mining employment. Coal mining was associated with increased odds of depression (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.4) and anxiety (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.7). Among those with any trauma (n = 711), coal mining was not associated with increased risk of PTSD (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.5 to 1.3]. Non-coal trauma was associated with three-fold increased odds of anxiety (OR 3.2; 95% CI 2.0 to 5.1); for coal trauma, anxiety was associated with six-fold increased odds (OR 6.0; 95% CI 2.9 to 12.4). Conclusions: Appalachian region coal miners carry an increased burden of depression and anxiety. This should be recognized by clinicians and at a population level, as worthy of individual and public health intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Methods Results Conclusions The risk factors for the degeneration of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) have not been adequately and thoroughly studied. This study aimed to analyze the population distribution characteristics of patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) and assess the correlation between PFOA and radiological parameters, including patella morphology, PFJ congruity, and patellar alignment. Moreover, the risk factors across various demographic groups were further analyzed.A retrospective analysis was conducted to examine the population distribution characteristics of PFOA patients from September 2020 to September 2023. Radiological parameters of the PFJ were measured from the anteroposterior and lateral views of knee joint as well as axial view of patella using X‐ray imaging and the PACS imaging system at the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. These parameters included patella morphology (patella type, width, thickness, and Wiberg index), PFJ congruity (patella height, Wiberg angle, sulcus angle, and lateral patella angle), and patellofemoral alignment (patella tilt angle, displacement, and lateral patellofemoral angle). PFOA severity was classified according to the Iwano PFJ radiological classification, and its correlation with the aforementioned parameters was examined. Additionally, risk factors for PFOA across different populations were further evaluated.The study included 1080 patients according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Age, female gender, overweight or obesity, and manual workers were significantly associated with PFOA. Moreover, type III patella (OR = 3.03, p < 0.05), greater patella width (OR = 1.12, p = 0.01), sulcus angle (OR = 1.04, p < 0.01), patella tilt angle (OR = 1.13, p < 0.01), and patella displacement (OR = 1.22, p < 0.01) as well as smaller patella thickness (OR = 0.87, p < 0.01), Insall–Salvati index (OR = 0.24, p = 0.04), and lateral patellofemoral angle (OR = 0.93, p = 0.02) were identified as risk factors for PFOA. Furthermore, greater patella thickness (OR = 1.17, p < 0.05) and smaller patella displacement (OR = 0.79, p < 0.01) correlated with higher Kujala patellofemoral scores. Discrepancies in risk factors across different populations were also observed.Older age, female gender, obesity, manual workers, and specific aberrations in patellofemoral parameters are predictive factors for PFOA. Additionally, greater patella thickness and smaller patella displacement were associated with increased severity of clinical symptoms. Thus, more attention should be paid to the discrepancies that exist in different populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each year, more than 700 000 people die by suicide globally, the majority of whom are men. The United Nations and World Health Organization have set targets to reduce suicide rates by one-third by 2030. While large-scale suicide prevention programmes are required to meet these targets, diffusion of these types of initiatives is difficult—particularly with male populations. This qualitative study investigated the MATES in Construction suicide prevention programme in Australia. Guided by Social Identity Theory and the Social Identity Model for Collective Action, the study aimed to understand why construction workers chose to volunteer and advocate for industry-based suicide prevention programmes, and how their worker identity, solidarity and relationships impacted their volunteering and advocacy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 participants who had chosen to engage with MATES as volunteers. Data were interpreted using a reflexive approach to thematic analysis, and four themes were constructed from the data relating to feelings of belonging, connection and solidarity between workers and their industry; how specific context and roles impacted identity while existing within an overall sense of identity and solidarity; how industry mateship supported engagement in suicide prevention; and how the role of lived experience, mateship and responsibility provided hope for change. Providing intervention skills to workers, particularly workers with a lived experience of mental ill-health, empowered them to believe that they could make a difference by acting collectively. The MATES engagement model described in this study may have applications for other health promotion prevention programmes targeting male cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop the Remote Health Value Framework to evaluate the models of healthcare provision for workers in the oil and gas sector, predominantly situated in rural and remote areas. Methods: The framework was co-designed with the leadership team in one global oil and gas company using a multi-criteria decision analysis approach with a conjoint analysis component. This was used to elicit and understand preferences and trade-offs among different value domains that were important to the stakeholders with respect to the provision of healthcare for its workers. Preference elicitation and interviews were conducted with a mix of health, safety, and environment (HSE) team and non-HSE managers and leaders. Results: Out of five presented value domains, participants considered the attribute 'Improving health outcomes of employees' the most important aspect for the model of healthcare which accounted for 37.3% of the total utility score. Alternatively, the 'Program cost' attribute was least important to the participants, accounting for only 11.0% of the total utility score. The marginal willingness-to-pay analysis found that participants would be willing to pay A$9090 per utile for an improvement in a particular value attribute. Conclusions: This is the first value framework for healthcare delivery in the oil and gas industry, contextualised by its delivery within rural and remote locations. It provides a systematic and transparent method for creating value-based healthcare models. This approach facilitates the evaluation of healthcare investments, ensuring they align with value domains prioritised by the HSE and leadership teams. What is known about the topic? It has been challenging for oil and gas companies to deliver and evaluate value-based healthcare services to improve workers' wellbeing, supplementing essential emergency services and occupational health. What does this paper add? The Remote Health Value Framework (RHVF), developed and tested in this work, offers a blueprint for designing and evaluating models of care considering the companies' and workers' priorities. What are the implications for practitioners? The RHVF's application has the potential to improve industry standards, enabling a data-driven approach to healthcare investments that closely align with both corporate objectives and employee wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is a study of service provider perceptions of the place, role and practices of CHWs in a four-year, large-scale private sector funded, public service ICT-enabled COPC intervention with rural and remote mining communities. Like all South African communities, apart from large mining house employees and some contractors, most people use available public healthcare services and private traditional as well as limited allopathic private sector providers. In addition to the limitations of facility centred primary healthcare and a fragmented health care system, the many negative health effects of mining on the communities, go unattended. Methods: This is a rapid, qualitative pragmatic study. Using site and participation convenience sampling, 37 semi-structured individual or group interviews were conducted with 57 stakeholders from 38 of the 135 intervention PHC facilities. Using a data driven, inductive approach, the results were analysed thematically in terms of perceived changes in the role and place of CHWs. Results: CHWs registered 42 490 households and captured the demographic and social profiles as well as the health status of over 154 910 individuals using AitaHealth™. These data provided healthcare professionals and managers with knowledge about community demographics, at-risk groups and vulnerable individuals. The intervention changed the locational focus of CHW practice and expanded their scope of work and competencies in household comprehensive health education, advice and care. It led to a growth in community and professional confidence in CHWs as trusted members of mining community PHC teams and to more focused and efficient clinic work. Conclusion: This ICT-enabled COPC intervention adopted a comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery that started by including CHWs in PHC teams and locating them in communities. Inclusive and systematic continuous learning, clinically-led CHW service support and ICT-enabled information technology engendered trust in CHWs as competent PHC members, and grew community confidence in them and the PHC system as a whole. Although health, care and other professionals and workers valued the changes the intervention brought to their work as well as people's lives in underserved and vulnerable mining communities, its sustainability is contingent on the vagaries of political will and financial commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-wage workers face a structural problem in seeking to improve their work standards: While companies have substantial labor market power to impose work terms and conditions, workers require affirmative state support to collectively press their workplace demands. But their employers can mobilize private capital and property rights, often with judicial deference, to fend off state intrusions into the workplace. While the National Labor Relations Act aims to resolve this structural problem by protecting the rights of workers to join unions, strike, and collectively bargain, employers, backed by judicial support for managerial prerogatives and property rights, can often leverage NLRA weaknesses and limitations to its scope to prevail in labor contests. To build union density and political power for low-wage workers who cannot effectively access federal labor rights, such as home health care workers, fast-food workers, and app-based drivers, unions and worker centers seeking to organize these workers have, increasingly, turned to state and local law, instead of or in addition to the NLRA. Groundbreaking state and local economic and racial justice campaigns have expanded labor rights and enabled these workers to participate in state and local labor policymaking to raise their workplace standards. But the turn to state and local government does not avoid the structural problem. Employers reproduce structural inequality in state law, often by dominating state initiatives and legislative processes, in order to limit, nullify, or coopt state and local labor law. The NLRA does not preempt these employer counterstrategies, and federal constitutional challenges to them typically fail because federal courts often view these labor contests as ordinary politics beyond constitutional scrutiny. Mapping the structural problem in state and local labor contests underscores the importance of state law to confront it, as shown in recent legal mobilization of state constitutions by unions and worker centers to reduce structural inequality and build countervailing power. Repositioning state labor law as a potential foundation for labor revitalization has practical and theoretical implications for the future of low-wage worker organizing. State labor constitutionalism, and legal and administrative designs that encourage direct worker participation in state sectoral standard-setting and in local labor policymaking, can protect state labor policymaking from employer cooptation and nullification. These prescriptions can contribute to the foundational NLRA purpose of reducing structural inequality by building countervailing power in the states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognising that many workers worldwide often face poverty and exploitation, the International Labour Organisation aims to promote decent and productive work opportunities for all. We conducted a scoping review to get an overall view of current academic literature on decent work and precarious work for samples of blue-collar workers. The studies included in this review, focused on empirical research conducted from 2006 onwards, that primarily investigated decent work or precarious work among semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers. The review team used a data-charting form and collected information from thirty-five articles. Most recent studies (2020–2023) were related to the experiences and livelihoods of non-traditional blue-collar workers namely platform drivers and informal waste pickers. Before 2020, the most commonly studied theme related to the experiences of migrant workers. The findings shed light on the experiences of these workers, particularly in South Africa and India and provide valuable insight into their work experiences for further discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the well-being (engagement) and work fulfilment of 628 blue-collar workers as outcomes of decent work, based on the Psychology of Working Theory and its target group. It takes a positive preventative approach and demonstrates the motivational role of work engagement and psychological ownership in contributing to the work fulfilment of blue-collar workers experiencing decent work. Data was collected from a South African-owned trailer manufacturing company. The results show a positive relationship between decent work and work fulfilment, with work engagement mediating this relationship. Additionally, psychological ownership positively moderates the relationship between decent work and work engagement. This study adds insights into the underlying mechanism (work engagement) that elucidates how decent work relates to work fulfilment. This study sheds light on how decent work contributes to work fulfilment through work engagement. Furthermore, suggesting that this relationship is stronger for blue-collar workers with higher levels of psychological ownership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates that the decline in routine occupations and concurrent rise in abstract occupations are largely due to workers changing jobs. The reduction in routine manual tasks is further explained by workers transitioning to unemployment or retirement. In contrast, the increase in non‐routine manual occupations is primarily driven by the entry of young or unemployed individuals into the workforce. Plant closure information is used to identify involuntary job separations. These findings indicate that routine cognitive workers can adjust to smaller employment disruptions compared to routine manual workers among women. However, a contrasting pattern is observed for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social support and quality of life (QoL) are crucial for the well-being of individuals. Myanmar women migrant workers in Thailand represent a vulnerable population, yet there are limited studies on social support and QoL among these migrants. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated associations between social support and QoL among Myanmar women migrant workers in central and northern Thailand through multistage sampling using a structured questionnaire. Social support was measured using the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey, and QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple linear regression was analysed to find the association between social support and QoL, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Results: Among 575 participants, they had an average overall social support score of 61.73 ± 16.47, with low support = 24.35%, moderate support = 46.43%, and high support = 29.22%. The average overall QoL score was 90.54 ± 13.23. Higher social support was positively associated with QoL (B = 4.781 for moderate support and B = 9.721 for high support, p < 0.01). Higher education and easier access to emergency finances were also positively associated with QoL. Conclusion: Tailored social support interventions are recommended to enhance QoL among Myanmar women migrant workers in Thailand. Community nurses play a critical role in these interventions by providing education, facilitating access to resources, and fostering supportive networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Dockworkers are exposed to physical overloads that can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders, leading to functional disability and absenteeism. OBJECTIVE: to map, critically appraise, and synthesize the available evidence on the prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases associated with port occupational activities. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in structured and unstructured databases in August 2023, with no date or language restriction, to identify observational studies evaluating the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dockworkers' occupational activity. The risk of bias was assessed using validated tools based on the included study designs. Data from studies were pooled in meta-analyses. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: We identified 12 analytical cross-sectional studies involving 7821 participants in ports of five countries. Most studies (75%) had a moderate methodological quality according to the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Considering the overall worker categories and any musculoskeletal disorders, the meta-analysis showed a prevalence of 58% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 37% to 78%), with degenerative spinal diseases 42% (95% CI –0.6% to 91%) and low back pain 36% (95% CI 21% to 50%) being the most prevalent conditions. Symptoms were predominantly in foremen and stevedores. The certainty of the evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal disorders seem prevalent among dockworkers, mainly degenerative spinal diseases and low back pain. Studies with greater methodological consistency are still needed to validate these hypotheses and assist in decision-making for implementing preventive and informational policies in maritime port management organizations. PROSPERO registry CRD42021257677. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore how business groups use internal labour markets (ILMs) in response to changing economic conditions. We show that following the exit of a large industry competitor, group-affiliated firms expand, and gain market share by increasing their reliance on the ILM to ensure swift hiring, especially of technical managers and skilled blue collar workers. The ability to take advantage of this shock to growth opportunities is greater in firms with closer access to their affiliates' human capital, as geographical proximity facilitates employee relocations across units. Overall, our findings point to the ILM as a prominent mechanism making affiliation with a business group valuable at times of change. For the ILM to perform its role in the face of industry shocks, group sectoral diversification must be combined with geographical proximity between affiliates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Social and organisational changes in businesses have led to the appearance of "emergent risks" which affect workers but are less evident and hard to quantify such as psychosocial risks. Linked to psychosocial risks, issues such as work‐related stress and workplace violence are major challenges to occupational health and safety. This paper analyses the trends in the concerns expressed by wage‐earners in Spain regarding psychosocial factors that may affect them in the workplace. Methods. A causal analysis based on the application of binary logistic regression is presented, covering certain social and occupational characteristics of survey respondents and the psychosocial factors included in the Spanish National Surveys of Working Conditions for 2007 and for 2011‐2012. Binary logistic regression is a multivariate statistical tool that serves as a classification technique, identifying the variables that affect the probability of the event to be studied (dichotomous variable). This technique has the advantage that it does not require that the explanatory variables follow a normal distribution. The aim is to estimate the influence of the explanatory variables on the probability of the occurrence of the event under study, represented by the explained variable. Results. During the economic crisis of 2008, workers became more concerned about losing their jobs and about factors related to personnel cutbacks and decreases in investment in the prevention of occupational risks. Downsizing due to the crisis led to increased workloads for many of those still in work. Thus, in 2011, the likelihood of workers being concerned about working hours was greater, especially among respondents aged 25–34 and those working in commerce and transport. Workload was found to be a particular concern among respondents aged 25–34 and among workers in transport, communication, financial, professional, and administrative activities; health‐related activities; and industry. Conclusions. Policy should also be directed towards improving the structural aspects of psychosocial variations, in terms of work conditions, employment protection, and employment security to protect workers against income fluctuations as a result of job loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are an important problem in South Africa; they account for 60% of all deaths. Early screening could help lower NCD incidences and long-term consequences. Objective: The study aimed to profile NCD risk factors among insourced support staff at the University of Pretoria in 2018. Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at the University of Pretoria, Hatfield Campus. The World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) questionnaire was administered to collect data in three steps. The participants' behavioural risk profiles were gathered using the face-to-face interview technique (STEP I), followed by their physical risk profile using anthropometric and blood pressure measurements (STEP II). Last was the biochemical risk profile, including finger-prick blood glucose and cholesterol measurement (STEP III). Data were analysed using Epi-Info, version 3.54. Subjects: A convenient sample of participants aged 18–64 years from the Departments of Industrial Hygiene and Building Services, Landscape Services, Sports Fields Management, and Security Services (n = 146, 60% were females) took part in the study. Results: Most participants (97.8%) had low daily fruit and vegetable intake. Some 80% of the study population always or often added salt to their food when cooking. Daily alcohol consumption was reported by a quarter of the sample. More than two-thirds of all the participants were overweight or obese and 61% had central obesity. Conclusion: The study identified a high prevalence of several NCD risk factors. Tailored nutrition education and monitoring are needed to lower the elevated risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional labour refers to the process of managing the self to fulfil the emotional requirements of a job, particularly with regard to interactions with customers, co‐workers and clients. Previous research has identified that client relationships, in particular, can lead to a strain on emotional labour. This is of particular concern for the hairdressing industry in Scotland, given that it is unregulated and consequently no formal support or essential training is provided to support hairdressers to navigate client relationships. The current study therefore sought to explore how hairdressers navigate the social and emotional aspects of client relations and how these impact upon psychological wellbeing. Interviews were conducted with seven self‐employed Scottish hairdressers before reflexive thematic analysis was applied to the data, generating themes of Safeguarding the salon via client vetting, Follow the client's lead, Supporting clients through personal problems and Social fatigue. These findings identify the unwritten but complex social process used by hairdressers to safeguard their own wellbeing and the impact that this can have when this is not accomplished. Future research should consider the impact of emotional labour on employed vs. self‐employed workers to further explore how job autonomy influences the social and emotional challenges that hairdressers experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Prolonged standing is one of the significant contributors to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in industry workers. Yoga is proven to be an effective therapy in treating occupational hazards. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of yoga on CVI among industry workers. Methodology: Male workers (n = 100) from machinery manufacturing industries in Bangalore meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited for the study. The yoga group received a specifically designed yoga module for 6 days a week for 12 weeks, and the control group was offered lifestyle suggestions. Plasma homocysteine was used as the primary outcome variable, whereas Venous Clinical Severity Score, ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI), ankle and calf circumference, CVI questionnaire, and Chalder fatigue scale were assessed as secondary variables at baseline and the end of 12 weeks of intervention. Results: Eighty-eight participants (yoga = 43, control = 45) completed the study. A one-way analysis of covariates (ANCOVA) was used to determine the significant differences between groups in the post-values. A significant difference was found between groups in plasma homocysteine (partial eta squared = 0.34, p < 0.001). All variables, except for ABPI, calf circumference, and ankle circumference, had shown statistically significant differences between the yoga and control groups after 12 weeks of intervention, with moderate to high effect sizes. There were no significant adverse events associated with the intervention. Conclusions: Yoga practices can reduce the symptoms of CVI along with vascular inflammation as indicated by reduced plasma homocysteine. Overall, yoga practices are found to be safe and efficacious for managing CVI. IEC Reference Number: RES/IEC-SVYASA/184/2021 Trial Registration Number (If Clinical Trial): CTRI/2021/02/030944 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We estimated associations of a rest break ordinance, implemented for construction workers in Dallas, Texas in 2016, with workplace injuries and illnesses. Methods: We used workers' compensation claims data to compare changes in rates of injuries and illnesses among Dallas County, Texas construction (ie, "treated") workers with changes in untreated workers, before (2013-2015) and after (2016-2018) a rest break ordinance was implemented. Results: Immediately after the ordinance was implemented, rates of injuries/illnesses among treated workers were modestly lower than in comparison workers (rate ratio comparing postmandate vs premandate rates, treated vs comparison workers: 0.89, 95%confidence interval: 0.72-1.11). Postordinance versus preordinance slope trends were similar in the treated versus the comparison group. Conclusions: Ten-minute rest breaks were associated with modestly lower rates of workplace injury/illnesses. More comprehensive standards may be needed for protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the work experience and respiratory health of women coal miners in the United States using Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) data. Methods: Analysis included CWHSP participants with self-reported sex of female between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 2022, and examined radiographic surveillance, demographics, and job history. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-certified physicians classified chest radiographs. Results: Among 8,182 women participants, most worked <10 years and a majority reported working in non-dusty jobs. Among 3,392 with ≥1 year of coal mining tenure, 18 (0.5%) had evidence of pneumoconiosis, with no cases of progressive massive fibrosis. Conclusion: Women coal miners participating in the CWSHP had short mining careers and low pneumoconiosis prevalence. Few worked in the most dusty jobs, indicating limited exposure to coal mine dust. This underscores the need to explore women's roles in mining, and for improved gender-specific employment reporting. Such changes can enhance health and work conditions for women in male-dominated industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why, despite increased female support, do social democratic parties (SDPs) in most Western European countries face electoral decline? To study this puzzle, we harness a well-documented regularity: diminishing support for SDPs by manual workers and their increased support for the far right. We contend that this trend is intensified in contexts where the economic positions of SDPs align with market-oriented policies or converge with those of the far right. Additionally, as men are disproportionately represented among manual workers, this shift contributes to the reversal of the gender gap in support for SDPs. Drawing on public opinion data from 18 countries spanning half a century, along with labor and party economic position data, our findings substantiate this argument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine knowledge, attitude, and practices towards Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among maintenance and administration workers in selected health facilities in the Modimolle-Mookgopong Municipality. Non-probability convenient sampling was used to select 250 participants. Maintenance workers were populated within the age range of 26–35 years, being more than administrative personnel (COR 1.59, CI 0.8–3.16). Maintenance workers showed more knowledge of noise being an unwanted sound (COR 1.04, CI 0.29–3.73), an ear infection (COR 4.65, CI 1.48–14.58) and poor hearing of speech as a sign of hearing loss (AOR 0.25, CI 0.07–0.86). Thirty-four percent (34%) of maintenance workers believed that ear screening and assessments are important while 17.9% believed not to be important. Forty-eight percent (58%) of maintenance workers suggested that they could not use hearing protectors effectively without training while 13.7% suggested training is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most research focuses around impairments in body function and structure, with relatively only a small number exploring their social impact. 1) compare characteristics for individuals who before stroke were blue collar vs. white collar workers 2) identify clinical, functional, and job-related factors associated with return to work within 1 year after discharge 3) identify specific ADL individual items (assessed at rehabilitation discharge) as return to work predictors and 4) identify return to work causal mediators. Retrospective observational cohort study, analyzing adult patients with stroke admitted to rehabilitation between 2007 and 2021, including baseline Barthel Index (BI) and return to work assessments between 2008 and 2022. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards were applied. Causal mediation analyses using 1000-bootstrapped simulations were performed. A total of 802 individuals were included (14.6% returned to work), 53.6% blue-collar and 46.4% white-collar. Blue-collar workers showed significantly higher proportion of ischemic stroke, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Individuals not returning to work presented a higher proportion of blue collar, dominant side affected, aphasia, lower BI scores, and larger length of stay (LOS). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards identified age at injury, aphasia, hypertension, and total discharge BI score (C-Index = 0.74). Univariable Cox models identified three independent BI items at all levels of independence: bathing (C-Index = 0.58), grooming (C-Index = 0.56) and feeding (C-Index = 0.59). BI efficiency (gain/LOS) was a causal mediator. Blue collar workers showed higher proportion of risk factors and comorbidities. Novel factors, predictors, and a return to work mediator were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) is the most common upper-extremity musculoskeletal problem among workers. In this study, a machine learning model was built to predict and classify the presence or absence of SAPS in assembly workers with shoulder joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength data using support vector machine (SVM). Permutation importance was used to determine important variables for predicting workers with or without SAPS. The accuracy of the support vector classifier (SVC) polynomial model for classifying workers with SAPS was 82.4%. The important variables in model construction were internal rotation and abduction of shoulder ROM and internal rotation of shoulder muscle strength. It is possible to accurately perform SAPS classification of workers with relatively easy-to-obtain shoulder ROM and muscle strength data using this model. In addition, preventing SAPS in workers is possible by adjusting the factors affecting model building using exercise or rehabilitation programs. Practitioner summary: This study aimed to create a machine learning model that can predict and classify SAPS using shoulder ROM and muscle strength and identify the variables that are of high importance in model construction. This model could be used to predict or classify workers' SAPS and manage or prevent SAPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue is one of the menaces that contribute to the rising number of construction-related accidents and fatalities in projects. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify several strategies that can be adopted to mitigate fatigue in construction projects. This was achieved through a quantitative study. A questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection in the quantitative study. The study revealed that frustration/depression or work pressure is one of the significant causes of fatigue in construction projects. Fatigue risk management education and bonding among workers are some of the underlying strategies that can be used to mitigate the identified causes. Depending on the nature of the fatigue causative elements, the study further established that some mitigation strategies are more effective than others. Therefore, further studies should be conducted by prospective researchers on a range of attributes that may influence the success of fatigue mitigation strategies in construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the relationship between work fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders in gas station operators in Pontianak City. This study used with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consists of 150 gas station workers. Data collection was carried out by observing and interviewing. Respondents characteristics were recorded through interviews using a questionnaire. Data on work fatigue were obtained by interviews using the IFRC questionnaire and musculoskeletal data using the Nordic Body Map questionnaire. The study results show that 50% of workers experience a high level of work fatigue, and 26% of workers experience severe musculoskeletal disorders. There is a significant relationship between work fatigue and musculoskeletal diseases (p = 0.001). The study established the need for intervention as a preventive measure by providing sufficient rest time, stretching, setting work shifts, improving ergonomic work positions for gas station operators, and controlling the work environment through environmental improvement and monitoring and using personal protective equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. For several years, the so-called 'gig economy' has kept transforming urban transportation dynamics. However, the literature has often overlooked the demanding, stressful and safety-compromising conditions under which delivery riders carry out their occupational tasks. This research aimed to examine whether fatigue acts as a mediating mechanism in the complex relationships among job settings, stress-related psychosocial factors at work and the occurrence of occupational traffic crashes among two-wheeled food delivery riders. Methods. This cross-sectional study field-surveyed 248 food delivery riders operating across various platforms. Participants responded to a questionnaire on work features, psychosocial factors and occupational safety issues. The data underwent both descriptive analyses and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results. As hypothesized, the occupational (riding) crashes of food delivery riders can be largely explained through work-related fatigue, which exerts a full mediation between job settings, stress-related factors and riding safety outcomes. Conclusions. These results highlight fatigue as a significant yet overlooked threat in this occupation, emphasizing the need to connect stress-related conditions with safety incidents, a relationship not previously explored among delivery riders. Moreover, our findings stress the necessity for policies and interventions targeting stress and fatigue management to improve occupational health and road safety in the gig economy era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Although some studies have shown role stressors can lead to unsafe behaviors, it is unclear how role stressors induce delivery riders' unsafe behaviors. We found that delivery riders suffered from tremendous role stressors during the delivery process and had to conduct frequent smartphone interactions. This study aimed to explore the effects of role stressors and smartphone interactions on delivery riders' unsafe behaviors. Methods. First, a questionnaire survey (N = 326) was used to collect data, and correlation and regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between role stressors, smartphone interaction frequency and delivery riders' unsafe behaviors. Second, a scenario survey (N = 35) was conducted, and comparative analysis was used to further explore how smartphone interactions affect delivery riders' unsafe behaviors. Results. The questionnaire survey revealed that role stressors, smartphone interaction frequency and delivery riders' unsafe behaviors were positively correlated. In addition, the role stressors forced delivery riders to conduct necessary and unnecessary smartphone interactions. The scenario survey found that smartphone interactions reduced delivery riders' motion speed and motion ability, and increased their psychology, so they had a risk-taking mentality, which led to an increase in unsafe behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmitted by biological, socioeconomic and cultural factors that increase the vulnerability of certain population groups such as civil construction workers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of workers in the construction industry about infection by HIV and associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted, including 381 construction workers, in the cities of João Pessoa, Cabedelo, and Santa Rita, in the State of Paraíba, Brazil, performed through interviews, using a data collection instrument with social demographic variables and the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive measures, and for comparison between the categories the Kruskal-Wallis test was used, with margin of error of 5%. RESULTS: A predominance of male workers was observed (97.4%) among 381 workers; aged 30-39 (34.1%); married (81.4%); with up to eight years of education (66.6%); family income of up to 2x the minimum wage (52.8%) and coming from the country (43.8%). The average of correct responses was 63.3%, with higher indices (70.0%) related to transmission and forms of prevention. There were higher percentages of hits among those who had studied for 12 years or more. Workers from the capital of Paraíba presented a higher number of correct responses (67.44%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a low index of knowledge of construction workers about HIV, highlighting their consequent vulnerability to acquiring this infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Blue-collar workers generally have less healthy lifestyles, poorer health, and a lower life expectancy than white-collar workers. At least in part this may be attributed to their work and working conditions. Employers increasingly provide interventions to improve health and wellbeing and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. However, they often do not reach blue-collar workers. The aim of this scoping review was to identify the facilitators for and barriers to implementing such interventions among blue-collar workers. Methods: A scoping review in which the study population of the selected studies consists of blue-collar workers (≥ 18 years old) in paid employment. Furthermore, included studies should report facilitators and barriers to implementing interventions to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. The literature search was conducted in six databases. The resulting studies were extracted with the help of the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results: 15 articles were included; these were reviews, intervention studies, qualitative studies and process evaluations. A main facilitator was a participatory approach, which involves the blue-collar worker in the entire process of defining, developing, and implementing a multidimensional preventive intervention. The main barriers on the worker level were unfavorable worker characteristics and unsupportive behavior/attitudes. The main barriers on the organization level were a culture with a high production standard, a hierarchical culture, inflexible work, and an unsupportive attitude from the employer. Conclusion: This review showed the multifaceted nature of implementation. A tailored implementation plan that involves the stakeholders (including workers) is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of self-employed workers with a physically demanding job on work participation. Methods: We interviewed self-employed workers with a physically demanding job, using semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded. The main topic addressed was the workers' health in relation with their work participation, work demands, and preventive measures. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded by three team members of the research team in several steps. We used the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist to report our findings. Results: We interviewed 18 self-employed workers: 83% male, 49 years (SD 7), self-employed for 18 years (SD 9) and the majority (n = 14) worked in the construction sector. Thematic analysis revealed facilitators and barriers for work participation across three main themes: personal factors, work factors, and healthcare. Personal factors compassed sub-themes such as health and financial consequences. Work factors included sub-themes related to work demands and adaptations and healthcare encompassed sub-themes associated with work-related care and medication. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study that investigated the perspectives of self-employed workers in physically demanding jobs regarding work participation. While most facilitators and barriers were consistent with those described in the literature for employees, certain factors, such as financial consequences of ceasing work, emerged important factors for work participation among self-employed workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, human workers in manual assembly lines are increasingly being supported by the deployment of complementary technology. Collaborative robots (or cobots) represent a low-threshold opportunity for partial automation and are increasingly being utilised by manufacturing corporations. As collaborative robots can be used to either conduct tasks in parallel to the human worker or collaborate with the worker on an identic task, industrial planners experience an increasingly complex environment of assembly line balancing. This contribution proposes three different decomposition approaches for Benders' decomposition algorithms exploring the multiple possible partitions of the formulation variables. We evaluate the performance of the algorithms by conducting extensive computational experiments using test instances from literature and compare the findings with results generated by a commercial solver and a metaheuristic solution procedure. The results demonstrate the Benders' decomposition algorithms' efficiency of finding exact solutions even for large instances, outperforming the benchmark procedures in computational effort and solution quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical workers experience difficult psychosocial working conditions that may expose them to poor mental health outcomes. This study aims to explore the relationships between psychological distress, access to social support, burnout, and sleep quality in Canadian electrical workers. A 30-item cross-sectional survey including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and social support questions from the WHO-QoL-BREF were completed by 118 electrical workers. Data was analyzed to determine differences between groups, correlations between variables, and to identify predictors of poor sleep quality. No significant differences were found in burnout scores and subjective sleep quality between apprentices, electricians, and contractors. Apprentices reported being more psychologically distressed than electricians (p = 0.005) and contractors (p < 0.001). Electrical workers preferred social support from spouses, family, or friends when things get tough at work. Poor sleep quality was correlated with personal burnout (r = 0.45), work-related burnout (r = 0.37), and psychological distress (r = 0.39); however, these factors did not predict poor sleep quality. The study suggests a need for improved interpersonal communication, stress management, and help-giving behavior among electrician-apprentice and contractor-apprentice relationships in the workplace. Future research should explore the cultural and social dynamics between workers to better understand their impacts on health and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most adults will experience at least one chronic health condition (CHC) during their working lives, and many will continue working despite the challenges that these conditions present. One common challenge faced by workers with CHCs is work–health management interference (WHMI) or competing pressures that arise from the need to manage a CHC while also meeting work demands. Prior studies have shown that WHMI predicts between-person differences in work outcomes (e.g., increased burnout, decreased work ability), but workers with CHCs tend to have "good days" and "bad days," making the within-person experience of WHMI an issue worth investigating. Additionally, job resources have not been examined as a possible buffer against the negative effects of WHMI. In a twice-daily diary study of 76 full-time workers with chronic pain, we found that approximately one fifth of the variability in WHMI occurred within persons, and end-of-day WHMI was predicted by midday severity in pain symptoms, both within and between persons. As hypothesized, we found that midday WHMI predicted end-of-day burnout (positively) and engagement (negatively) at both the within- and between-persons levels. Job control buffered the effects of WHMI on lagged burnout (but not engagement) at a between-persons level, but a similar effect was not observed for supervisor support on either burnout or engagement. Our findings provide an improved understanding of WHMI as an experience that varies within persons and suggest that efforts to support workers with CHCs may need to be individualized both to the person and to the day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Funeral workers (FWs) work within increasingly medicalized and commodified death-management systems. This study explored Worker Health and Safety (WHS) impacts in contemporary death management on Australian and Irish FWs. Mixed methods combined a survey and interviews. Survey data were descriptively summarized, interviews thematically analyzed, and a schematic systems model developed of the combined results. Survey participants (n = 45) reported psychosocial hazards from work pressures, competition, and fatigue. Psychosocial hazards were more frequently reported than physical hazards by Australian FWs. Physical hazards were of greater concern to Irish FWs. Themes from 11 interviews were: Personal Attributes, Work Demands, and Socio-Cultural Context. All FWs reported conflicts between individual capacities, work demands, and resources, resulting in hazardous personal states including difficulty sleeping and stress. Respectfully manually handling human remains and "event management" demands for increasingly elaborate funerals created negative WHS impacts. This research informs risk management for FWs and other workers in the increasingly complex death-care industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines how livelihood security is co-produced through multiple strategies in Southeast Asia's agrarian transformation, by considering the case of Cambodian migrant workers, who cobble together their livelihood through a combination of land, labour and debt. These workers leverage small landholdings as collateral to take on debts to finance migration to Thailand, where low wages and insecure employment inhibit their ability to repay such debts. The traditional social welfare role of land as a safety net is superseded by the use of land as collateral to access microfinance loans, which are also commonly used to respond to livelihood shocks. In this financialised context, social protection schemes insufficiently address the combined livelihood risks that are assumed by workers and do not provide meaningful protection to workers. Drawing on field interviews, we argue that these various supposed sources of livelihood security rather act to increase precarity for workers, by exacerbating labour discipline and dependence on employers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food retail businesses experienced a pronounced increase in sales when food hospitality outlets closed in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. This study investigates how pandemic-related modifications to food retail businesses in Ontario, Canada affected the well-being of workers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 food retail employees between June 2020 and May 2021 as part of the Food Retail Environment Study for Health and Economic Resiliency (FRESHER). Transcripts were analyzed inductively, and themes were refined using the Effort Reward Imbalance Model. Themes were connected to the main components of this model: extrinsic effort, intrinsic effort, money, esteem, status control, and burnout. Results indicate that, for food retail employees, the presence of an imbalance between efforts and rewards threatens well-being via symptoms of burnout. Further study is needed to examine how this inequality and burnout among this population might be measured and addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study analyzed Ohio workers' compensation data to identify potential prevention strategies for common oil and gas extraction industry claims. Methods: Claim rates for 2001-2018 were calculated per full-time equivalent employee. Descriptive analyses on free-text descriptions of lost-time (LT) claims (>7 days away from work) identified common characteristics among claims and injured workers. Results: Among 3134 claims, 860 (27%) were LT. The industry group, drilling contractors, experienced the highest LT claims rate, whereas the cost from servicing contractors was the highest. Contact with objects and equipment caused the highest LT claims rate. The most frequent LT occupation was roustabout, and the most frequent LT work activity was material handling. Transportation incidents caused most fatalities and hospitalizations. Over half of LT claims were from short-tenured workers. Conclusions: Both proven and innovative approaches are needed to reduce severe workers' compensation claims in this industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have investigated the health hazards caused by exposure to the noise of heavy equipment used at construction sites. Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport operates a registration system for construction machinery, and regular safety inspections are mandatory. Although workers inspecting construction machinery vehicles are exposed to unwanted noise, no noise exposure assessment has been made regarding these workers in Korea. The time-weighted average (TWA) daily average noise exposure level among construction machinery inspectors at 18 inspection centers was 75.3 dB(A). Among the inspection steps, the exhaust gas inspection step was found to exhibit the highest noise exposure level, up to 100 dB(A). In Korea, if the noise level of a workplace exceeds 85 dB(A) as a TWA, workers are required to undergo special medical examinations. This study found that special medical examinations were required for two of the 18 target inspection centers (approximately 115 workers) as the 8-hour TWA noise level exceeded 85 dB(A). Therefore, regular noise exposure assessment and special medical examinations for noise are required to prevent inspectors from developing hearing disorders due to noise exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To identify appropriate interventions to prevent injury, we conducted a qualitative study among commercial shrimp fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico. Methods. Using qualitative and participatory research methods, including interviews, photovoice, and workplace observations in southeast Texas and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, we examined the social‒structural dimensions that contribute to physical and psychological injury. Results. We found that multiple layers of vulnerability and danger exist among shrimpers with interacting themes: (1) recognizing risk, (2) precarious employment, and (3) psychological distress. Conclusions. Our results add to the growing body of knowledge that emphasizes the negative health impacts of underregulated, high-risk, and physically demanding work performed primarily by im/migrants. Public Health Implications. Our findings highlight the larger social‒structural conditions and context of hardships endemic to migrant labor and suggest implications for practice and policy interventions. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(8):824–832. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307696) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is an increasingly prevalent work-related condition that affects workers in manufacturing in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which often causes disability or additional problems when doing demanding physical duties. This study focused on the risk factors for LBP in the context of workers with LBP who work in the ready-made garment (RMG) factories. Methods and materials: A cross-sectional study involved 385 RMG workers, all of whom were adults with ≥ 1 year of work job experience and who typically worked in a sitting position. We use surveys method for collecting data, and a standardized questionnaire covering sociodemographic, pain, work, associated effects, and activities, as well as risk factor-related variables, was used. To evaluate the associations among categorical variables and LBP, we used the chi-square test. To identify the variables that showed strong relationships with LBP, multivariable logistic regression analysis was also carried out. Results: The participant's age (mean ± SD) is 31.27 ± 6.94. One-hundred ninety-four of the 385 participants between the ages of 30–39 years (23.9%) suffered from LBP and statistically strongly significant (χ2 = 15.187, p < 0.05). BMI, employment pattern, and specific work experience are also strongly significant. Out of all risk factors, age 40 and above (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.53–17.78), overweight (BMI > = 25 kg/m2) (OR 10.72, 95% CI 2.16–53.5), work in an awkward position, stationary position for ling time, working beyond physical ability, incorrectly using body mechanics, repeated twisting and bending, continuously longtime sitting, and using ergonomically improper tools were found to be significantly associated with LBP. Conclusion: The point prevalence of LBP among RMG workers is 41.6%. Only male gender is associated with the presence of LBP. This study showed that working in an awkward position, stationary position for a long time, incorrectly using body mechanics, repeated twisting, and bending had significant associations with LBP. Training programs that instruct proper weight-bearing skills should be encouraged by factories. The occurrence of LBP must also be reduced by regularly performing screening activities to detect it, with a special focus on married people, overweight or obese, and older-aged people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and user's impression of an arm-support exoskeleton in complex and realistic ceiling construction tasks. 11 construction workers performed 9 tasks. We determined objective and subjective efficacy of the exoskeleton by measuring shoulder muscle activity and perceived exertion. User's impression was assessed by questionnaires on expected support, perceived support, perceived hindrance and future intention to use the exoskeleton. Wearing the exoskeleton yielded persistent reductions in shoulder muscle activity of up to 58% and decreased perceived exertion. Participants reported limited perceived hindrance by the exoskeleton, as also indicated by no increase in antagonistic muscle activity. The findings demonstrate the high potential of an arm-support exoskeleton for unloading the shoulder muscles when used in the dynamic and versatile working environment of a ceiling construction worker, which is in line with the consistent intention of the workers to use the exoskeleton in the future. Practitioner Summary: The majority of research focuses on the effect of using an arm-support exoskeleton during isolated postures and prescribed movements. We investigated the efficacy of an exoskeleton during a complex and realistic work, namely ceiling construction. Shoulder muscle activity was lower in almost all tasks when wearing the exoskeleton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sickness absence has been linked to short and long, as well as poor, sleep in a few studies. Such studies have started from a baseline measurement and followed up on subsequent sickness absence. In the present study, however, we focused on the change in biennial reports of sickness absence and sleep measures (using work-related variables as possible modifiers). We also searched for an interaction between predictors and gender since women report more sleep problems. Methods: A total of 5377 individuals (random sample from the Swedish working population) participated across five biennial points of measurement. Data were analyzed using mixed-model logistic regression. Results: The multivariable analysis of variation across the five time points showed that the significant sleep-related predictors of sickness absence (at least one occurrence during the preceding year) were sleep duration during days off (OR = 1.16, 95% Cl = 1.08;1.24) and sleep problems (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.33;1.51). These also remained significant after the addition of psychosocial work factors. Sensitivity analyses indicated that a 9 h sleep duration during days off may represent a critical level in terms of increased sickness absence and that late rising contributed to the association between sickness absence and long sleep duration during days off. Women reported a higher sickness absence than men (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.74;2.68) and had a higher probability of sickness absence for long sleep during days off and during the workweek than men. Conclusions: It was concluded that increases in sleep problems and sleep duration during days off are longitudinally associated with changes in sickness absence and that women have a closer link between the two. This suggests that treatment for sleep problems may reduce the risk of sickness absence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Construction workers are prone to develop musculoskeletal problems and it is a leading cause for the morbidity due to their work type. This study aimed to assess the body mechanics practice and perceived musculoskeletal problems of construction workers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2019 and July 2020 among 390 construction workers at construction sites under selected villages of Udupi District, Karnataka by using by proportionate method. Villages were selected using a simple random sampling method and samples were collected by convenience sampling. Samples were mason helpers between 20 and 50 years of age, without any history of chronic musculoskeletal problems. Tools used were demographic proforma, self-reported body mechanics practice questionnaire, and modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. Analysis done with descriptive and inferential statistics by using SPSS Version 16.0. Results: Majority 144 (36.9%) of the participants were in the age group between 41 and 50 years. Most 376 (96.4%) of them were men and majority of them 309 (79%) followed fair body mechanics practice and 191 (49%) of the participants had low back problems and were responsible for their activity restrictions. Body mechanic practice of the construction workers was found to be significantly associated with unhealthy practice (P ≤ 0.001) and health problems (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that the body mechanic practice of the construction workers was found to be significantly associated with unhealthy practices and health problems. The study recommends that educating construction workers about the importance of following proper body mechanics at the workplace and during day-to-day activities is crucial to prevent musculoskeletal problems and improve quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]