Search

This article examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market in Germany. It raises concerns about job displacement and wealth disparities, comparing the situation to the historical "Engels' pause" during the Industrial Revolution. While Germany has not yet seen significant wealth inequalities due to AI, there is evidence of an AI-induced Engels' pause, with digital skills becoming increasingly important and AI adoption in the workplace increasing. The article also discusses the challenges faced by migrant workers, power imbalances, and Germany's regulatory approach to AI in the workplace. It highlights the upcoming EU Platform Work Directive and the differing interests of employers' organizations and trade unions in governing AI-driven tools. The potential impacts of AI on labor markets, including inequality and precarious work, are also explored. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for strong policy interventions to address socioeconomic challenges and promote fairness and inclusion in the digitalized world of work. [Extracted from the article]

Through an ethnographic study of a manufacturing monitoring technology, the author examines how the relations among workers, managers, and third-party technologists impact the ongoing configuration of cloud-based workplace technologies. Because these technologies are broadly networked, data-driven, and highly malleable, the author argues that technologists have an increasingly prominent role. By tracing issues raised by workers and managers in the focal customer firm, the study shows that the employment relation can explain only a limited set of outcomes. An analysis that accounts for technologists' innovative and economic relations with their users fully explains which issues are resolved and how. In contrast to research that implies technologists amplify institutionalized patterns of labor–management relations through their design choices, this study shows that technologists are complex organizational actors with situated interests, values, and identities. Through the development of a triadic model of relations, the author demonstrates why technologists must be included in analyses of contemporary technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the commonest occupational disease globally. However, literature on ONIHL in airport employees of developing countries is scarce. Aims: To assess the burden of ONIHL and its associated factors among employees working at an international airport in Eastern India. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 such airport employees who had been working in the airport for >1 year. By stratified random sampling, participants were recruited from airfield, terminal, and administration sections. ONIHL was measured using a portable audiometer and noise exposure using a sound-level meter. Results: The mean age was 34.1 ± 9.2 years, 89.2% were men. The mean year of working in the airport was 7.6 ± 6.3 years. The 8-hour-time-equivalent noise exposure ranged from 56.6 to 86.5 dBA. Approximately 50% of the employees do not wear any hearing protection equipment when working. Prevalence of ONIHL was found to be 7.6%. On multivariable analysis, higher noise exposure and use of hearing protection equipment were found to be positively and negatively associated with ONHIL, respectively. Conclusion: ONIHL was found to be prevalent among employees working at the airport, and focus should be given on reducing noise exposure levels and ensuring use of protective equipment among the employees. Keywords: Airport, noise-induced hearing loss, occupational health, personal protective equipment, Author(s): Alapan Bandyopadhyay [1]; Abhijit Mukherjee [2]; Gautam Dhar [3]; Arup J. Rout (corresponding author) [1] INTRODUCTION Noise has long been reported as a known cause of hearing loss. Exposure [...]

Background: Prolonged hours of sitting in sustained posture is a common job requirement of desk job workers. Potential risk of iliopsoas muscle shortening leading to lumbar hyperlordosis, which in turn may cause low-back pain was identified. Thus, this study determined association between iliopsoas muscle length and lumbar lordosis in desk job workers. Methods and Material: This cross-sectional study was conducted on forty-six desk job workers working for 5 hrs/day for at least 5 years. Workers were assessed for iliopsoas muscle length using Modified Thomas test and flexi-ruler was used to measure lumbar lordosis. Pearson's correlation was operated for association of iliopsoas length with lumbar lordosis. Results: Lumbar lordosis demonstrated moderate positive correlation with both right (r = 0.628) and left Iliopsoas muscle length (r = 0.647). Conclusion: This study concluded workers with higher degree of lumbar lordosis presented with shorter iliopsoas length. Timely intervention to maintain the length of this muscle will ensure low incidence of low-back pain among desk job workers thereby safeguarding their spine due to cumulative trauma. Keywords: Desk-job-workers, ilio-psoas-length, lumbar-lordosis, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, Author(s): Prachi M. Singhvi [1]; Juhi K. Bharnuke (corresponding author) [1] INTRODUCTION Low-back pain (LBP) has a high prevalence among desk job workers and is one of the most common [...]

We outline core principles for how government action on AI can benefit public and private sector workers, and comment on how two recent executive orders reflect those principles. Our goal is to help inform the significant work that lies ahead for federal, state, and local governments in their efforts to model responsible use of AI.

ABSTRACT This study explores honeybee as a food source through chemical analysis of pupa and adult stages of honeybee drones and workers (Apis mellifera L.). The findings reveal that drones exhibited higher protein and fat content, while workers have the highest carbohydrate levels. Additionally, seventeen amino acids and nine minerals were identified, with drones in the adult stage having elevated levels of fifteen amino acids, notably glutamic acid at 7.97 g/100 g. Moreover, 24 fatty acids were discovered, with oleic acid being most abundant in drones (55.96% in adult, 44.14% in pupa). Furthermore, potassium and sodium were the dominant minerals in both drone and worker samples; however, adult drone had higher concentrations of potassium, iron, copper, and phosphorus than the other samples. Also, nine phenolic compounds were identified, which exhibited the highest concentration in the adult drone sample (20095.72 μg/100 g). Importantly, the adult drone sample demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects on breast and colorectal cancer cells (MCF7 and HCT116), inhibiting them at rates of 98.1% and 81.5%, respectively. These results emphasize the nutritional potential of honeybees (especially adult drones) as a functional food, rich in amino acids, fatty acids and possessing antioxidant and anticancer properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The risk for mpox virus (MPXV) transmission in most workplaces has not been thoroughly assessed in the context of the 2022 global mpox outbreak. Our objectives were to describe mpox case patients who worked while infectious and the subsequent workplace contact tracing efforts, risk assessments, and outcomes. Methods: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requested information from health departments in the United States in September 2022 to identify people with confirmed or probable mpox who worked outside the home while infectious, either before or after diagnosis, from June 1 through August 31, 2022. We collected and summarized data on demographic, clinical, and workplace characteristics of case patients and workplace contact investigations. We stratified data by industry and occupation categories. Results: In total, 102 case patients were reported by 6 jurisdictions. The most common industries were accommodation and food services (19.8%) and professional business, management, and technical services (17.0%). Contact investigations identified 178 total contacts; 54 cases (52.9%) had no contacts identified. Of 178 contacts, 54 (30.3%) were recommended to receive postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and 18 (10.1%) received PEP. None of the contacts developed a rash or were tested for orthopox or mpox, and none were reported to have confirmed or probable mpox. Conclusion: Data from 6 jurisdictions suggest that the risk of MPXV transmission from workers to others in workplace settings in many industries is low. These findings might support future updates to exposure risk classifications and work activity recommendations for patients. These findings also demonstrate the importance of collecting and analyzing occupation and industry data in case reports to better understand risks in workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The workplace is an important setting for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) exposure and transmission. Using data from a large case–control study in Colorado during 2021 and 2022, we aimed to evaluate working outside the home and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, the racial and ethnic distribution of workers in occupations associated with infection, and workplace face mask use. Methods: Cases were Colorado adults with a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) reported to Colorado's COVID‐19 surveillance system selected from surveillance data ≤12 days after their specimen collection date. Control participants were randomly selected adult Coloradans with a RT‐PCR‐confirmed negative SARS‐CoV‐2 test result reported to the same surveillance system. Results: Working outside the home was associated with infection (odds ratio [OR] = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–1.54). Among participants working outside the home, "Food Preparation and Serving Related" (aOR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.80–3.06), "Transportation and Material Moving" (aOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.62–2.69), "Construction and Extraction" (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.36–2.59), "Protective Service" (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.15–2.24), and "Sales and Related" (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.22–1.69) were occupational categories most strongly associated with infection. American Indian/Alaskan Native, Black, and Hispanic/Latino participants were more likely than others to work in occupational categories with the highest odds of infection (p < 0.05). Cases were less likely than controls to report always wearing a mask (31.9% vs. 41.5%) and wearing a KN95/N95/KF94 mask (16.8% vs. 27.2%) at work. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of occupation and workplace mask use in the COVID‐19 pandemic and its disproportionate racial/ethnic impact on workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-wage public-facing frontline workers (FLWs), such as grocery store clerks, were required to monitor retail customers and enforce COVID-19 protocols. OBJECTIVE: This analysis aimed to examine FLWs experiences of enforcing COVID-19 pandemic measures. METHODS: Between September 2020 and March 2021, in Ontario and Quebec (Canada), we conducted in-depth interviews about customer-related work and health risks with FLWs who interacted with the public (n = 40) and their supervisors (n = 16). Using a lens of situational analysis, verbatim transcripts were coded according to recurring topics. RESULTS: We found that enforcing public health measures placed already-precarious workers in difficult occupational health circumstances. Enforcement of measures created additional workplace responsibilities, stress, and exposed them to potentially negative reactions from customers. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to better support these workers and improved methods of protection are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research and monitoring of human resources available for vision rehabilitation services has been a neglected area of work in the past. This study aims to offer an overview of the vision rehabilitation workforce available in Italy, in order to profile the distribution and number of human resources for vision rehabilitation. Methods: Data on the available vision rehabilitation professionals were collected from the yearly report on the state of implementation of policies relating to the prevention of blindness, education and vision rehabilitation, according to a law which was passed by the Italian Ministry of Health, Department of Health Prevention. The report presents a review of all professional workers dealing with low vision rehabilitation centers in Italy between January 2005 and December 2019. Data on the distribution and type of services of government-supported low vision centers across the country were also obtained and examined. Results: Of the 289 low vision rehabilitation workers in 2019, 28% were ophthalmologists, 31% orthoptists, 19% psychologists, 17% nurses and 5% social workers. The health workforce densities across the Italian regions ranged from 1.62 to 0.12 per 100.000. The density of vision rehabilitation workers showed a no growing trend from 2006 to 2015. During the study period, it was found a weak but statistically significant association of workforce density with the number of government-supported low vision centers across the Italian territory (r2 = 0.3, p < 0.05). The vision rehabilitation workforce was not associated with the number of low vision patients who accessed to a vision rehabilitation center (r2 = 0.05, p < 0.0001). Discussion: A critical review has identified the following national situation: need-based shortages of workers in the vision rehabilitation service sector, as well as deficiencies in data sources. Based on our results, we would recommend increasing the development of human resources trained and dedicated to vision rehabilitation and improve data collection and analysis; provide structural enhancements, across all service levels. These considerations may contribute to the enhancement of policy decisions in order to guarantee an adequate vision rehabilitation workforce and meet national rehabilitation needs. Furthermore, this analysis should be used as a lesson learned by other countries, as low-income ones, in order to develop vision rehabilitation services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 1922 Rand Rebellion was the only instance of worker protest in the twentieth century in which a modern state used tanks and military airplanes, as well as mounted infantry, to suppress striking workers. These circumstances were unprecedented in their own time and for most of the century. The compressed and intensely violent rebellion of twenty thousand white mineworkers in South Africa's gold mines had several overlapping features. Within a matter of days—from 6 to 12 March—it went from a general strike to a racial pogrom and insurrection against the government of Prime Minister Jan Smuts. Throughout all these twists and turns, the battle standard remained, "Workers of the world unite and fight for a White South Africa!" Race and violence were integral features of South Africa's industrial history, but they do not explain the moments when discrete groups of people chose to use them as weapons or bargaining tools. At the close of the First World War, for instance, South Africa's white mine workers demanded a more comprehensive distribution of the privileges of white supremacy, but in a manner that was both violent and contentious. Consequently, South Africa's immediate postwar period became one of the most violent moments in its history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the increasing demand for production, shift work has become necessary. However, shift workers often experience decreased sleep quality due to misalignment between their working hours and physiological rhythms. This study aims to investigate the impact of workplace exercise on the sleep quality of rotational shift workers. Methods: This interventional study involved 164 production line shift workers, who were divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 82) and a control group (n = 82). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI). The experimental group engaged in corrective exercises conducted within the workplace for two 10-minute sessions per day, six days a week for eight weeks. Following the intervention, PSQI questionnaires were re-administered to both groups. Results: The results indicated that after the workplace exercise intervention, the sleep quality of rotational shift workers in the experimental group improved by 7.3%, while it decreased by 28.1% in the control group. Additionally, the exercise intervention significantly reduced sleep latency (Z = -3.47, P < 0.001) and sleep disturbance (Z = -2.9, P < 0.001), while enhancing sleep efficiency (Z = -2.34, P = 0.01). Conclusion: Implementing workplace exercise interventions with supervisors and in groups can enhance sleep quality among rotational shift workers leading to reduced sleep latency and disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between cognitive complaints, systemic inflammatory biomarkers, and psychological generalwell-being (PGWB) after mild/asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to the presence of long COVID and work tasks. Methods: University employees and metal workers were recruited in a cross-sectional study 4 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection to assess cognitive impairment, individual PGWB index, inflammatory biomarkers, namely platelet-lymphocyte, neutrophil-lymphocyte, and lymphocytemonocyte ratios, and the presence of long COVID symptoms. Results: A significant increase in the levels of inflammatory biomarkers was observed in subjects with long COVID. Furthermore, the PGWB index was influenced by long COVID symptoms and subjective cognitive and depressive symptoms, but not by work activity. Conclusions: In occupational settings, it is crucial to detect the presence of long COVID symptoms and systemic inflammation early, as they may be associated with lower PGWB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain attributed to musculoskeletal disorders are a significant hinderance to work ability and economic growth, especially in developing countries. Quality of life and lived experience of workers with musculoskeletal disorders have not been explored enough to determine whether person-centred care is provided. There is a wealth of evidence for using the biomedical approach in the management of workers with musculoskeletal disorders, which has proved ineffective in reducing absenteeism and symptoms experienced by workers. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of workers seeking care for musculoskeletal disorders and how their pain attitudes and beliefs influenced their experience. Methods: A qualitative approach with thematic analysis was used. Purposive sampling was used to recruit six participants for semi-structured interviews. All participants were either experiencing pain attributed to a musculoskeletal disorder or had received care for a musculoskeletal disorder. Results: Pain attitudes and beliefs of workers with a musculoskeletal disorder and healthcare professionals greatly influenced the care and recovery process of musculoskeletal disorders. There is a primary biomedical lens informing care of workers with musculoskeletal disorders received. Workers expect healthcare professionals to explore their concerns further, but the focus of care for most participants was their presenting complaint. There is also a need for the autonomy of workers to be preserved, and communication between healthcare professionals and workers with musculoskeletal disorders needs to improve. Conclusions: Many stakeholders are involved in the recovery process from musculoskeletal disorders. There is a need for a biopsychosocial informed practice to improve return-to-work (RTW) in workers with musculoskeletal disorders. Change is needed at all healthcare system levels to reduce the negative experiences of workers and maladaptive pain beliefs that is associated with persisting symptoms and extended absenteeism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An inclusive workforce leads to higher productivity and creativity, increased job satisfaction, and decreased turnover. Though few studies have identified factors affecting inclusion in construction, there is a need for a measurement index to enable organizations to assess their progress in inclusion. Therefore, this study aimed to compute the share percentage of each attribute contributing to inclusion in the construction industry, specifically for women and transgender individuals. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used as the multiattribute decision-making tool to transform the judgments of five experts, three practitioners and two academicians, into a list of weighted attributes. Fourteen attributes emerged from AHP, which were grouped into eight unique gender inclusion factors: endorsement of inclusion, external collaboration, quality of work–life, career development, equitable work environment, effective communication, worker health and welfare, and safe work environment. The results underscored the predominance of endorsement-related attributes such as commitment from top management and inclusion at the top management level for enhancing gender inclusion on sites. External collaboration emerged as a prominent factor, whereas communication with management was the least weighted attribute. The findings have threefold implications. The hierarchy structure will enable practitioners to map the various attributes in their organization and suggest actions based on the requirements of the workforce. Second, the ranked list will enable practitioners to focus on the limited resources available to enhance the inclusion of the attributes with higher weightage. Third, the attribute weight will help researchers develop a quantitative index for computing the level of gender inclusion on construction sites. Apart from the general limitations of an AHP-based evaluation, the findings of this paper cannot be used to assess the presence of an attribute onsite; instead, they can indicate the extent to which an attribute contributes to inclusion in the construction industry. Practical Applications: Existing studies have made it abundantly clear that diversity and inclusion are essential practices for the sustenance and progress of the global economy. However, there is limited practical evidence to back up these studies. For example, research that suggests an increase in inclusion in construction sites increases worker productivity cannot be proven quantitatively. This is because although productivity data can be measured, the level of inclusion at a site or that a person feels cannot be measured. To facilitate such research directions about inclusion, especially in construction, it is of the utmost importance to come up with an index that will enable practitioners to assess the inclusion at a site. Developing such an index is a complex task involving many stages. This study endeavored to address one of the stages—weighting of attributes—in detail and explore the results and applications therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos, Revista de Ciencias Administrativas y Económicas is the property of Universidad Politecnica Salesiana 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 Retos, Revista de Ciencias Administrativas y Económicas is the property of Universidad Politecnica Salesiana 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.)

Non-restorative sleep (NRS) affects not only individuals' health, but also company productivity, highlighting the importance of measures in the workplace to improve sleep. This study aimed to examine the clustering of the presence of restorative sleep (RS) and lifestyle habits in a Japanese working population and to explore the characteristics of these clusters. The subjects were 58,150 Japanese working men aged 40−59 years who underwent health check-ups across the country from April 2015 to March 2016. Data for the presence of RS, the frequency and amount of drinking, smoking/exercise habits, and body mass index obtained from health check-ups were clustered with latent class analysis. In addition, the characteristics of each cluster were examined from the perspectives of lifestyle-related disease-associated blood test results obtained from health check-ups and the status of medical treatment at medical institutions as determined from medical claims data. Consequently, RS and lifestyle habits were found to form five clusters. The "NRS, no exercise, drinkers" cluster showed the highest probability of not achieving RS. An "Obese, occasional binge drinkers" cluster with a higher percentage of patients with sleep-apnea syndrome and a "Nondrinkers" cluster with proportions of those taking sleeping pills/anxiolytics and antidepressants/antipsychotics were observed. Furthermore, the "Daily smokers and drinkers" and "RS and drinkers" clusters showed a relatively high probability of achieving RS. These findings suggest that some individuals may not be aware of the sleep disorders caused by their drinking and smoking habits. Measures to improve sleep must be tailored to the characteristics of each cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We assessed the impact on metal levels of seafood, mollusk and fish consumption (SMFc) before urine and toenail sample donation among workers exposed to metals. Methods: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study with 101 workers from the chemical and metal industry and 40 unexposed workers from the services sector. We measured urinary (As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Li, Mo, Pb, Se, Sr, Tl, V, W and Zn) and toenail (same plus Al, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni and U) metal levels. Results: Urinary arsenic levels were higher among workers eating seafood or mollusks (102 ppm vs. 55.4 ppm; p = 0.042) or fish (109 ppm vs. 48 ppm; p = 0.007) 8 h before sample donation. Urinary mercury was associated with consumption of blue fish (11.865 ppm) and canned sardines (19.125 ppm) (p = 0.028). With respect to toenails, fish consumption was associated with aluminum (17 ppm vs. 8.6 ppm; p = 0.012) and beryllium (5 ppb vs. 1 ppb; p = 0.017). Arsenic urinary levels were associated with numbers of hours prior to sample collection since latest SMFc (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Among workers exposed to metals, seafood, mollusk and fish consumption is an important determinant of urinary arsenic levels, as sea fish for urinary mercury, but not for other metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Background Method Results Conclusion Implications This study aims to investigate full‐time working adults and the extent to which generative concern and gender moderate the association between positive and negative work‐to‐family spillover on life satisfaction and positive and negative affect.Families are an important and viable support for many people and their well‐being. At the same time, an increasing number of women and men are working full‐time in the United States, and work is likely to spill over into family life and affect well‐being.Using data from the second wave of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, 1,570 full‐time working adults were examined. Regression analyses, controlling for education, hours worked for pay, parental status, and alternative well‐being outcomes, were conducted.The results showed that generative concern and gender moderated the effect of negative work‐to‐family spillover on life satisfaction and the effect of positive work‐to‐family spillover on positive affect, albeit differently for women and men.The findings emphasize the importance of generative concern as a potential resource in full‐time working adults.Companies could give employees the opportunity to pass on important skills to others, offer advice, or mentor young employees to strengthen generative concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the construction industry, irregular schedules and long hours disrupt workers' circadian rhythms, adversely affecting their safety and health. While studies have shown that sleep timing influences safety and health, they often overlook sleep quantity, work-shift start time, and a broad range of safety and health outcomes. To fill this gap, this study examines the relationship between circadian rhythm and safety health factors, including psychological issues, wellbeing, behavioral issues, altruistic behaviors, sleep quantity, starting hours at work, and parental care in 1,400 construction workers using a questionnaire. We investigated safety health using scales for psychological issues (0-34), wellbeing (0-24), behavioral issues (0-29), and altruistic behaviors (0-27). Midsleep time on weekends estimated circadian rhythm, with multilevel regressions adjusting for sleep quantity, work start time, and various characteristics. Results showed average midsleep at 04: 11 h, with a 1 h delay associated with increased psychological issues (0.37), behavioral issues (3.0%), decreased wellbeing (0.19), and decreased altruistic behaviors (0.18). These findings highlight a correlation between early circadian rhythm and poor safety health, independent of sleep quantity and work-shift start time. Addressing circadian rhythm disruptions could be crucial for improving safety health outcomes, suggesting that work schedule adjustments and better sleep practices may mitigate adverse effects on workers' health and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Respiratory illnesses resulting from dust exposure have a long history as occupational diseases, constituting approximately 60% of work-related health issues. The aim of this research was to employ the protection motivation theory in examining the proper utilization of respirators by employees at the Alumina Company of Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 on 430 workers from the Alumina Company of Iran who were selected as a cluster. Each of the 22 operating sites in Alumina Company of Iran was considered a cluster and 8 sites were randomly selected. The data measurement tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, whose validity and reliability were also checked. Data collection was done using SPSS 22 statistical software and statistical models. Descriptive, T-Test, ANOVA, correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis were analyzed. Results: The results showed that the average age of the participants was 41.17±7.83 years. In the regression model, perceived sensitivity and perceived response cost (p < 0.05) were significantly predictive of behavior. Among the constructs of motivational theory, perceived sensitivity was a predictor of behavior (p<0.05). Among the demographic variables, only the variables of education (P=0.026) and smoking had a significant relationship with the behavior score (P=0.005) and other variables had a significant relationship. Conclusion: The perceived sensitivity and perceived cost rise, there is an increase in the utilization of respirators among individuals. Therefore, it is imperative to develop educational initiatives and interventions aimed at enhancing protective and safety practices, drawing from the constructs of protection motivation theory. It is crucial to highlight the significance of respirator usage among workers, and it is recommended that further exploration of this research be conducted across various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Historia Contemporanea is the property of Historia Contemporania 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 Revista Electrónica de Psicología Iztacala is the property of Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala 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.)

Background: Hypertension has been linked to socially patterned stressors, including discrimination. Few studies have quantified the risk of hypertension associated with exposure to perceived job discrimination. Methods: We used prospective cohort data from the Sister Study (enrollment from 2003–2009) to estimate self‐reported incident hypertension associated with perceived job discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or health status. Job discrimination in the prior 5 years was assessed in 2008–2012, and incident doctor‐diagnosed hypertension was ascertained in previously hypertension‐free participants. Results: Among the 16,770 eligible participants aged 37–78 years at the start of follow‐up, 10.5% reported job discrimination in the past 5 years, and 19.2% (n = 3226) reported incident hypertension during a median follow‐up of 9.7 years (interquartile range 8.2–11.0 years). Self‐reported poor health or inclusion in minoritized groups based on race/ethnicity or sexual orientation were more frequent among those reporting job discrimination. In a Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for covariates, report of at least one type of job discrimination (compared to none) was associated with a 14% (hazard ratio = 1.14 [95% confidence: 1.02–1.27]) higher hypertension risk. Results from sensitivity analyses reinforced the findings. Conclusions: Results suggest that interventions addressing job discrimination could have workplace equity and health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evolved ergonomic principles needed by garment workers for garment finishing in Southeastern Nigeria. Specifically, it determined important ergonomic principles necessary for garment finishing, ergonomic principles already adopted by garment workers and ergonomic improvement needed by the garment workers. Survey research design was adopted. Population was made up of 267 garment workers drawn from 19 registered garment companies in the area of the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using mean, and improvement need index. Findings show 15 important ergonomic principles for garment finishing which include; improving visibility by contrasting the colour of the garment being inspected from the colour of the work surface (X̄= 3.83), titling the work surface towards the operator while pressing to help improve visibility (X̄= 3.75), providing adjustable chairs with proper back support and cushioning for hand sewers (X̄= 3.74), among others. None of the 15 identified important ergonomic principles were being practiced by the garment workers. Thus, there is need for ergonomic improvement in the 15 identified important ergonomics principles needed for garment finishing. It was thus recommended among others that the needed ergonomic principles should be packaged into a training manual for occupational health and safety education for the garment workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review study was to assess the risk of exposure to BTEX compounds in gas station workers and operators. The main components of BTEX compounds are Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene and Xylene. Petroleum, coal large quantities in crude oil and its products are the most important sources of BTEX compounds. These compounds have both high solubility (found in surface and underground waters) and evaporate quickly. Gas stations are one of the most important sources of emission of these compounds in communities. Workers who work in these places have a lot of exposure to these compounds. Exposure to these dangerous compounds can cause many problems for workers. This study was a narrative review article. According to different databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, Cochran and Science Direct, 451 articles were retrieved. 55 full-text articles entered into the analysis process. Finally, 32 articles were selected in this study. The search was restricted to English-language papers published between 1 February 1995 and 13 August 2022. The results of our study showed that the carcinogenic risk (ILCR) for gas station workers in Bangkok (1.82 ∗ 10−4 − 2.50 ∗ 10−4), Shiraz (6.49∗10−7 − 1.27 ∗ 10−5), Brazil (1.82 ∗ 10−4), Ardabil (390∗10−6 ± 1884 ∗ 10−6) and Johannesburg (3.78 ∗ 10−4) was high. The non-cancer risk for oil industry workers of Dilijan (Iran) who were exposed to toluene was also reported in the range of 10−6∗176. The health of gas station workers is affected by exposure to BTEX and gasoline vapor emissions. According to the result this study, BTEX compounds cause genotoxic changes, chromosomal and genetic abnormalities. Genotoxicity at high levels in gas station workers can cause cancerous and non-cancerous risks. Improving the production process of diesel fuel and gasoline in refineries, using periodical examinations of workers and operators at gas and fuel stations, using Euro 4 and 5 fuels, and replacing worn out cars can play an important role in reducing the emission of BTEX compounds and thus reducing health risks and carcinogenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Teras Jurnal: Jurnal Teknik Sipil is the property of Teras Jurnal: Jurnal Teknik Sipil 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.)

Objectives. Associations between shift-work, musculoskeletal symptoms and absenteeism are poorly investigated in the manufacturing industry. This study aimed to investigate associations between working schedule, musculoskeletal symptoms and days of absenteeism among pulp and paper industry workers. Methods. Musculoskeletal symptoms of 904 workers were assessed through the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. χ2 tests assessed associations between being a day-worker or shift-worker, the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and days of absenteeism. Results. A significant association was found between working schedule and symptoms in the lower back in the last 12 months, with shift-workers presenting higher prevalence than day-workers (p = 0.022). Significant associations were also found between days of absenteeism and symptoms in the shoulders (p = 0.002), which mostly led to absenteeism of 100–365 days; elbows (p < 0.001), wrists/hands (p = 0.045) and ankles/feet (p = 0.042), which produced absenteeism mostly of 25–99 days; and dorsal region (p = 0.001), which mainly led to absenteeism of 10–24 days. No associations were found between working schedule and days of absenteeism (p = 0.265). Conclusion. Shift-work is associated with increased prevalence of lower back symptoms, but seems not to influence days of absenteeism. Shoulders seem to be the region leading to higher days of absenteeism, followed by elbows, wrists/hands, ankles/feet and the dorsal region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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.)

Air pollution in the workplace is a major health issue in developing countries. Cement manufacturing is a complex process that extracted the raw materials to the grinding of the end product in the cement factories (CF). Workers in CF are exposed to many harmful factors, such as dust and respirable particles of cement. This study is aimed to compare the respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT), total and differential white blood cells (WBC), serum level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and serum or urine heavy metal levels were between CF workers with control subjects. The case-control study with convenience sampling was undertaken. A total of 40 nonsmoking male cement workers with 40 healthy volunteers were recruited in the study. Respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT), total and differential white blood cells (WBC), serum level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and serum or urine heavy metal levels were compared between the two groups. The frequency of respiratory symptoms including wheezing, dyspnoea, cough, and sputum, haematological parameters, serum level of hs-CRP level, as well as serum or urine heavy metal levels were significantly higher in cement workers. All PFT values except forced vital capacity (FVC) were lower in workers of the CF workers compared to control subjects. Respiratory insult, systemic inflammation and heavy metal changes were shown in CF workers. Increased serum and urine heavy metals may induce inflammatory processes leading to lung disorders. These results emphasize that the continuous monitoring of workers' workplace safety and occupational status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Dental team members are susceptible to high mental and physical stress levels, which could have increased during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate Jordanian dental workers' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and determine its predictors during the COVID-19 Pandemic. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted on dental team members, namely; Dentists, dental Assistants, and Dental Technicians. The survey questionnaire was composed of questions related to stress during COVID-19, a short-form survey of 12 items (SF-12), a Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale (DASS-21), and a Nordic musculoskeletal disorder questionnaire (NMQ). Descriptive analyses were used to describe the main outcome measures, and multiple variable regression analysis was conducted to identify the quality of life predictors. RESULTS: Participants' HRQoL measured by SF-12 showed a mean±SD score of 67.1±17.19 for the physical component and 54.51±20.27 for the mental component. The Nordic scale showed symptoms of lower back pain as 63.9% over 12 months, 32% over 12 months' functional limitation symptoms, and 45% in 7 days The regression model was found strong for our study with 53.8% variations (r2 = 0.538, F = 43.739, P < 0.001) in health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Our study concluded that the level of HRQoL among Jordanian dental specialists during COVID-19 was observed to impact levels of physical and mental well-being which negatively influence the quality of life. Predictive factors like depression, stress, anxiety, musculoskeletal health, and individual everyday quality of life significantly affect the HRQoL of dental specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)

Purpose: Pain and disability associated with lower limb osteoarthritis (OA) may contribute to difficulties at work. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of workers with lower limb OA on difficulties, concerns, and coping strategies used at work. Methods: Twenty-two individuals with lower limb OA who were working in paid employment participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were qualitatively analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Codes were identified and refined through review of interview transcripts and discussion with the research team. Results: Six themes were identified in relation to experiences working with lower limb OA. Themes were as follows: weight-bearing physical demands are challenging; lower limb OA can affect work performance; emotional consequences of pain; concerns about work in the future; positive experiences of supportive colleagues and managers; and minimal effects on sedentary work. Three themes were identified relating to strategies to manage at work: adjustments at work help manage pain and avoid exacerbations; regular strategies to manage pain; and healthcare professionals are consulted, but usually not specifically for work. Conclusions: Workers with lower limb OA experience physical and emotional difficulties at work that can impact work performance. Workers are concerned about longevity and job security and use a range of strategies to manage symptoms and remain at work. Employers, employees, and healthcare professionals may need to work together to create workplace accommodations to help workers with lower limb OA confidently remain in work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issues of political consciousness amidst early industrial mining workers in Bolivia is discussed. Despite notable illiteracy, early Andean proletarianization reveals high engagement with modernity and the emergence of anti-imperialist activism.

Abstract Introduction: One significant factor affecting employee performance is high ambient temperature or heat. Numerous studies have highlighted the negative effects of heat stress in various work environments. Therefore, enhancing workers' knowledge and attitudes toward heat stress can improve their performance. Materials and Methods: This semi-structured content analysis was conducted among tile industry workers in Yazd city in 2023. Participants engaged in both individual and group interviews. Initially, three unstructured interviews helped identify key points, followed by semi-structured interviews, which served as the primary data collection method. The study's reliability and validity were assessed using Lincoln and Guba. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached, and the findings were organized into main themes and subcategories. Results: The workers' perspectives on the issue were explored from various angles, leading to two main themes: knowledge and attitude, each with different subcategories. The knowledge theme includes individual and management factors, while the attitude theme encompasses individual and environmental factors. Conclusion: The tile industry workers in Yazd City demonstrated varying levels of knowledge about heat stress and held attitudes that reflected the negative impacts of this stressor. Factors such as age and education level influenced their knowledge and attitudes. Workers' understanding and attitudes towards heat stress can be achieved through proper training.

Climate change, as the greatest challenge of the century, has widespread effects on workers. These changes can lead to an increase in heat-related diseases, loss of jobs, and economic damage to businesses, change labor migration patterns and a decrease in job productivity. Therefore, considering the fact that climate change is currently and in the future considered one of the most important environmental challenges, long-term forecasting of climate variables to understand the extent of changes and consequently taking necessary measures to reduce the adverse effects of climate change should be of concern to various experts, including environmental science professionals. In this regard, public health experts, in line with their mission (the science of prevention), are seeking and organizing strategies to reduce these harmful effects on the health of communities and workers. Conducting research related to climate change for better preparedness for adaptation to this phenomenon and also reducing the costs of damages caused by these changes is very essential.

Background Globally, millions of people are affected annually by health-care-associated infections, many of which could be avoided by strict compliance with standard infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols. Aim This study assessed the knowledge and practice of IPC among secondary health-care workers (HCWs) in Southern Cross River State. Materials and methods A structured questionnaire was used in conjunction with a descriptive cross-sectional design to collect data from 336 health-care personnel. IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 was used to analyse the generated data. Results The results show that 58% of the respondents had a high knowledge level of IPC and 52.4% exhibited a high level of standard IPC practice. About 53% reported that IPC protocols were available in their facility. No association was found between sociodemographic characteristics of HCWs and their practice of standard IPC practice except for sex. A significant association was found between sex and level of IPC practice (P = 0.015), the male HCWs had higher practice of IPC than their female counterparts. Although no association was found between knowledge and practice of IPC among the HCWs, the level of practice was, however, higher among the doctors than the nurses who had a higher level of knowledge on IPC. A logistic regression analysis further showed that only sex was significant (P = 0.021) in influencing a high level of IPC practice among the HCWs in this study. Conclusion It is, therefore, imperative for health-care facility leadership to organise training and retraining programs on IPC to improve knowledge and compliance among HCWs, especially in the face of emerging infectious diseases in Nigeria.

Abstract Background Research and monitoring of human resources available for vision rehabilitation services has been a neglected area of work in the past. This study aims to offer an overview of the vision rehabilitation workforce available in Italy, in order to profile the distribution and number of human resources for vision rehabilitation. Methods Data on the available vision rehabilitation professionals were collected from the yearly report on the state of implementation of policies relating to the prevention of blindness, education and vision rehabilitation, according to a law which was passed by the Italian Ministry of Health, Department of Health Prevention. The report presents a review of all professional workers dealing with low vision rehabilitation centers in Italy between January 2005 and December 2019. Data on the distribution and type of services of government-supported low vision centers across the country were also obtained and examined. Results Of the 289 low vision rehabilitation workers in 2019, 28% were ophthalmologists, 31% orthoptists, 19% psychologists, 17% nurses and 5% social workers. The health workforce densities across the Italian regions ranged from 1.62 to 0.12 per 100.000. The density of vision rehabilitation workers showed a no growing trend from 2006 to 2015. During the study period, it was found a weak but statistically significant association of workforce density with the number of government-supported low vision centers across the Italian territory (r2 = 0.3, p

Abstract Background Pain attributed to musculoskeletal disorders are a significant hinderance to work ability and economic growth, especially in developing countries. Quality of life and lived experience of workers with musculoskeletal disorders have not been explored enough to determine whether person-centred care is provided. There is a wealth of evidence for using the biomedical approach in the management of workers with musculoskeletal disorders, which has proved ineffective in reducing absenteeism and symptoms experienced by workers. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of workers seeking care for musculoskeletal disorders and how their pain attitudes and beliefs influenced their experience. Methods A qualitative approach with thematic analysis was used. Purposive sampling was used to recruit six participants for semi-structured interviews. All participants were either experiencing pain attributed to a musculoskeletal disorder or had received care for a musculoskeletal disorder. Results Pain attitudes and beliefs of workers with a musculoskeletal disorder and healthcare professionals greatly influenced the care and recovery process of musculoskeletal disorders. There is a primary biomedical lens informing care of workers with musculoskeletal disorders received. Workers expect healthcare professionals to explore their concerns further, but the focus of care for most participants was their presenting complaint. There is also a need for the autonomy of workers to be preserved, and communication between healthcare professionals and workers with musculoskeletal disorders needs to improve. Conclusions Many stakeholders are involved in the recovery process from musculoskeletal disorders. There is a need for a biopsychosocial informed practice to improve return-to-work (RTW) in workers with musculoskeletal disorders. Change is needed at all healthcare system levels to reduce the negative experiences of workers and maladaptive pain beliefs that is associated with persisting symptoms and extended absenteeism.