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Business-to-business suppliers invest in safety training programs believing that such programs mitigate safety hazards, prevent workplace injuries, and create value for their customers. However, causal evidence of these effects is sparse. Study 1 uses site-level monthly data from a global oil field services company. Exploiting sharp discontinuities in safety training hours due to catastrophic accidents, the authors find that a 10% increase in safety training hours per capita decreases safety hazards per capita by 6.45%–9.57%. Study 2 measures the causal impact of business establishments' safety training intensity on their workplace injuries: it leverages Local Law 196 requiring workers at construction establishments in New York City to complete at least ten hours of safety training. This legislation reduced injury rates at construction establishments in New York City by.54–.68 percentage points (a 15.56%–18.84% decrease) relative to their counterparts. Study 3, a stated-choice conjoint experiment of business-to-business procurement professionals, documents that the focal supplier's investment in safety training increases the probability of its proposal being selected by those professionals. Collectively, these findings validate the need for suppliers to invest in safety training as a risk-mitigation vehicle that has positive implications for business-to-business buying decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously shown evidence that some individuals seem to consistently minimize low back loads when lifting. while others do not. However, it is unknown why. Individual differences in ability to perceive relevant sensory information may explain differences in minimization of low back loads during lifting, consistent with considering load reduction in one's movement objective in an optimal feedback control theory framework. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether individuals' ability to perceive proprioceptive information (both force- and posture-senses) at the low back was associated with peak low back loads when performing generic or occupation-specific lifts. Seventy-two participants were recruited to perform 10 barbell (generic) and backboard (occupation-specific) lifts, while whole-body kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected. Peak low back compression and anteroposterior shear forces normalized to body mass were calculated as dependent variables. Both posture matching ability and force matching ability at the heavier force targets were associated with lower means and variability of peak low-back loads in both lift types, albeit with small effect sizes (R² 5.17). These findings support the utility of an optimal feedback control theory framework to explore factors explaining interindividual differences in low back loads during lifting. Further, this evidence suggests improving proprioceptive ability may be a useful strategy in lift training programs designed for workplace injury prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work covers the issues related to the diagnosis of selected occupational safety hazards in Polish wood processing enterprises. The main objective is to build models in order to identify occupational accident profiles in these enterprises on the basis of individual records characterizing the casualties, provided by Statistics Poland. The modelling task employed the latent class analysis (LCA) data mining technique. In order to enhance the process of building the LCA model and to support the procedure of selecting input variables relevant to the model, an iterative algorithm was elaborated by the authors. The impact of an enterprise size on occupational accident consequences was statistically confirmed. Following this result, LCA models were developed independently for smaller (micro and small), and for larger (medium and large) enterprises. Latent classes, presenting occupational accident profiles, were visualized in the form of heat maps. Similarities and differences between the occupational accident profiles identified for the two types of enterprises were indicated. It has been shown that employees of smaller enterprises are at greater risk of suffering more serious injury from accidents at work than employees of larger enterprises. However, in both cases, the most critical latent classes concern occupational accidents related to operating machinery; they affect workers with a low level of job seniority, and result in injuries (often traumatic amputations) involving upper limbs in particular. [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: Technological disasters in Asia have significant public health and environmental implications, but there is limited epidemiological analysis of these events. This study aims to characterize the epidemiological profile of technological disasters in Asia from 2000 to 2021, focusing on morbidity and mortality trends. Methods: A retrospective descriptive observational analysis was conducted using data from emergency events database (EM‐DAT), DesInventar, NatCAt, and Sigma. The study categorized disasters into transport, industrial, and miscellaneous accidents. Statistical analyses were used to examine frequencies, trends, and correlations among the different disaster types. Results: From 2000 to 2021, Asia experienced 2333 technological disasters, with transport accidents being the most frequent (55.77%), followed by industrial (26.10%) and miscellaneous accidents (18.13%). The overall trend showed a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of these disasters and in average mortality and injury rates. The study highlighted the varying impact of different disaster types, with industrial accidents causing the highest fatality and affected rates despite being less frequent than transport accidents. Conclusions: The study indicates a declining trend in the frequency and severity of technological disasters in Asia, reflecting improved safety measures and disaster management. However, the high impact of industrial accidents underscores the need for targeted prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Playing guitar involves several physical demands, most inclusive of which are long hours of practice, which can make musculoskeletal symptoms common. OBJETIVE: To determine the epidemiology of neuromuscular injuries in guitar players residing in Portugal and risk factors. METHODS: The sample consisted of 105 guitar players, being 103 (98.10%) men, aged between 30–75 years (29,83±10,23). The measurement instrument used was a digital survey, shared by email, on social networks and in person. RESULTS: Fifty-six (53.30%) guitar players had injuries throughout their musical practice, totaling 132 injuries, 13 (12.40%) guitar players were injured at the time of assessment and 31 (29.5%) guitar players had injuries in the last 12 months, totaling 63 injuries. The value of injury proportion was 0.29 (CI 95% : 0.14–0.44) and the injury rate was 0.42 injuries per 1,000 hours of music practice. The most common types of injury were: tendinopathy (22; 34.92%) and low back pain (9; 14.29%). The most affected anatomical sites were: wrist (18; 28.57%) and lumbar spine (10; 15.87%). Repetitive movement was the injury mechanism most mentioned by guitar players (24; 35.29%) followed by maintaining postures for a prolonged period of time (15; 22.06%). Guitar players who did not warm up before practicing were 0.33 (CI: 0.13–0.79; p = 0.013) more likely to have an injury. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high percentage of injuries in guitar players and failure to warm up was a risk factor for the development of injuries. This type of study can help in creating injury prevention strategies in this type of population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: De Quervain's tenosynovitis is upper-limb disorder, more frequent in women. It is rarely recognized as an occupational disease. OBJECTIVE: In this paper we reported work related de Quervain's tenosynovitis in cow milker. METHODS: Ergonomic risk factors were assessed by utilizing assessment of repetitive tasks (ART) of the upper limbs method. Physical examination and imaging exams were used. RESULTS: We presented a 36-year-old female agricultural worker (workplace cow milker) exposed to work factors (forceful hand/wrist exertions, repetition, extreme postures) for 14 years. She was suffering the pain in the right hand, mainly near the thumb for few years. She was treated conservatively and surgically, however disability was permanent. Clinical examination showed slight edema of the right hand, increased palm's sweating. Patient had reduced range of movements and grip strength. CONCLUSIONS: Report shows that work-related factors were strongly associated with diagnosed de Quervain's tenosynovitis. Hand function plays an essential role in carrying out activities of daily living and this disorder pose a relevant burden of disease. Exposure to biomechanical factors should be an important initial target for the prevention of De Quervain's tenosynovitis in the working population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Firefighting is recognised as a physically demanding occupation involving exposure to hazardous environments and activities. An aging workforce combined with the age-related decline in physical fitness may result in increased future workers' compensation expenditure for fire service organisations. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to investigate the costs associated with musculoskeletal sprain and strain injury and the impacts of age and injury location on Workers' Compensation claims submitted by professional urban firefighters. METHODS: Claim rates, direct costs, and days lost were extracted from a professional Fire Service organisation's workers' compensation claim database for financial years between 2011 to 2018. RESULTS: The mean cost per claim increased with age, with a mean claim cost of the 60–70-year-old group over 10 times more than the 20–29-year-old group. The mean days lost per claim were also higher for claims submitted by firefighters aged over 50. CONCLUSIONS: Older firefighters miss more workdays when injured and are associated with increased claims costs, particularly those in the 60–70-year group. With an aging workforce, Fire Service organisations must implement appropriate management and prevention strategies to reduce the potential risks associated with an aging workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Information on worker occupation and industry is critical to understanding the occupational risks of heat‐related illness (HRI), yet few syndromic surveillance systems capture these key data elements. This study evaluates the work data reported through Washington syndromic surveillance for its utility in characterizing HRI ED visits by industry and occupation. Methods: Standard industry and occupation codes were assigned to employer name and occupation descriptions reported in Washington ED visit records maintained within the state's syndromic surveillance system, for visits involving HRI in 2020–2022. HRI ED visits involving workplace heat exposure were identified based on discharge diagnoses or on keywords in the triage note or chief complaint fields. HRI ED visits were summarized by patient characteristics, and visit rates were calculated by industry and occupation. Results: Employer name or occupation descriptions were reported in 21.5% of HRI ED records among patients age 16 and older, and in 41.2% of records with mention of heat exposure at work. Twice as many records were classified for industry as for occupation. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting and transportation and warehousing had the highest rates of HRI ED visits. Specific industries with the highest rates included support activities for agriculture and forestry, the postal service, and fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food manufacturing. Conclusion: Syndromic surveillance data are a valuable source of occupational health surveillance information when work characteristics are reported, enhancing our understanding of the occupational risks of injuries and illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effect of exports on worker safety and health in the US. We use foreign countries' unilateral liberalization as an instrument to capture the demand shocks on US exports. Our two‐stage estimates with establishment fixed effects suggest that a $1000 increase in exports per worker decreased the workplace injury rate by a significant 0.7%, which implies an annual reduction of about 55,000 injuries among manufacturing workers. The reduction in injuries is more salient among establishments with lower injury rates, indicating an increase of inequality in working conditions. The improvement in working conditions might come from more investment in advanced equipment and better compliance with safety and health regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient safety is a critical concern in dentistry. Adverse events (AEs) can harm patients, increase costs, and decrease satisfaction. Understanding AE types and frequencies is crucial for effective risk management and quality improvement. This study analyzes incident reports to identify preliminary incident patterns as a starting point for developing risk management strategies. However, under-reporting limits the ability to identify true incident patterns, highlighting the need for improved reporting systems and encouragement of incident reporting. Further research is underway to develop such a system and promote reporting to ensure sufficient data quality for effective risk management. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1,618 incident reports from December 2018 to August 2023 was conducted. A validated classification system, developed from a 5-year retrospective analysis and approved by 14 experts, categorized patient safety incidents, aligning with Thailand's Hospital Accreditation standards. Descriptive statistics summarized AE frequency and distribution. Results: Of the reports, 752 were patient safety, 503 personnel safety, and 363 organizational safety incidents. Top patient safety incidents included medical record errors (176), accidental damage (66), post-operative complications (65), medical emergencies (64), and communication errors (53). Personnel safety incidents involved inappropriate working conditions (135) and work-related injuries with contact transmission risk (117). Organizational safety incidents mainly concerned policy and operational processes (131). Conclusions: This study reveals the preliminary patterns of adverse events (AEs) in dental settings and underscores the limitations due to under-reporting, which affect the ability to fully understand true incident patterns. To effectively manage risks, there is a critical need for improving the existing incident reporting system and encouraging a culture of comprehensive reporting among dental professionals. Future efforts should focus on enhancing reporting systems to ensure high-quality data, enabling better identification of incident trends and supporting targeted risk management strategies to improve patient safety in dentistry. [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]

Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders represent a major public health problem, contributing significantly to the global burden of disability-adjusted life years and affecting the quality of life of all population groups. The main problem in most musculoskeletal disorders is low back pain. Therefore, our study aims to identify the overall prevalence of work-related low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: Research published between 2010 and 2023 in English, conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa was included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Using Boolean logic operators and targeted keywords, we searched for publications on a number of electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Science Direct). The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal techniques were utilized to conduct a quality assessment of the papers and ascertain their relevance to the study. The degree of heterogeneity among the included studies, the 95% confidence interval, and the pooled prevalence were estimated using a random effects model. Sensitivity studies were carried out to determine the causes of heterogeneity and the impact of outliers. Results: In this study, a total of 970 articles were retrieved, and 35 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of low back pain among the working population in sub-Saharan Africa was (55.05% [95% CI: 49.34, 60.76]). Based on a sub-group analysis by countries, the higher pooled prevalence of low back pain was found in Uganda at (61.48% [95% CI: 40.39, 82.57]), while the lower pooled prevalence of low back pain was in Ghana at (34.48% [95% CI: 17.96, 51.01]). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 55.05% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous years. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers incorporate and enhance strategies for the prevention and management of low back pain within the health system management guidelines of each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethodsResultsConclusionTo describe the incidence, mechanisms, and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with traumatic iritis in a U.S. Midwestern county population.Retrospective population-based cohort of all residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota diagnosed with traumatic iritis from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015. The medical records of patients with traumatic iritis were identified using the Rochester Epidemiology Project database, which contains virtually all medical care in the county. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, presentation, and follow-up data. Incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 per year.There were 156 incident diagnoses of traumatic iritis during the 10-year study period, yielding an age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate of 10.7 per 100,000 per year. Traumatic iritis disproportionately occurred in male (p < 0.001) and Black (p < 0.001) patients. The mean age of diagnosis was 33 years (range: 4–96 years), mean number of traumatic iritis-specific follow-up visits was 2.1 (range: 0–26), and median duration of traumatic iritis-specific follow-up was 11 days (range: 1 day-1.6 years). There were 155 (99.4%) patients with unilateral disease. The most frequent mechanisms of traumatic iritis were sports-related (N = 29, 18.6%), assault-related (N = 23, 14.7%), scratch (N = 22, 14.1%), and work-related (N = 21, 13.5%) injuries. The mean initial and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the affected eye was 20/40 and 20/30, respectively. Loss of follow-up was more frequently observed in Black patients (p < 0.001) and patients with smoking history (p = 0.004).Traumatic iritis was most frequently observed in younger males and Black patients. Common mechanisms included sports, assault, scratch, and work-related injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing industrial sophistication and complexity, workplaces are increasingly prone to occupational accidents, causing negative impacts on workers and employers, including economic losses and decreased productivity. South Korea occupational safety and health has implemented new policies addressing potential risks to overcome stagnation in industrial accident reduction and predict site accidents from past cases. Cases are human-classified according to rules, including occurrence type or original causal materials. However, human errors, subjective judgments, synonyms, and terms incorrectly used by classifiers reduce original data quality and impede developments or applications of policies, technologies, and methods preventing accidents based on past accidents. This study proposes three artificial intelligence models to objectively classify the occurrence type of accident cases. Models are developed based on a natural language processing model (KoBERT), which considers Korean language characteristics. Each model is tested by sequentially performing sentence preprocessing, keyword replacement, and morphological analysis. The proposed Model 3 exhibits 93.1% accuracy, which was the highest among tested models. Up to three classification categories for occurrence type are allowed to assist objective classification. The accident case-based occurrence type classification model is effective for industrial accident prevention, aiding in strategy development and reducing social costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been limited research on the health impacts of extreme bushfire exposure among emergency responders (ER) involved in suppressing extreme bushfires. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between extreme bushfires and ER's compensated injury and illness in Victoria, Australia. State-wide ER compensation claims from January 2005 to April 2023 were analysed. Logistic regression modelling was used to identify factors associated with compensation claims during the extreme bushfire periods in 2009 and 2019/20, compared to all other claims, adjusting for seasonality (summer). Of the 44,164 included claims, 1105 (2.5%) had recorded injury/disease onset dates within extreme bushfire periods, and 11,642 (26.4%) occurred in summer months. Over half of claims were made by police (52.4%), followed by ambulance officers/paramedics (27.2%) and firefighters (20.5%). Extreme bushfire period claims were associated with older workers (odds ratio/OR = 1.58,95%CI = 1.30–1.92, ages ≥ 55 vs. 35–44 years). Mental disorders (OR = 1.61,95%CI = 1.25–2.07), intracranial injuries (OR = 3.04,95%CI = 1.69–5.48) and infections/parasites (OR = 3.11,95%CI = 1.61–5.98) vs. wounds were associated with extreme bushfire period claims. Given the expected increase in extreme bushfire events and the ageing workforce, study findings underscore the importance of primary and secondary prevention in ER. This can include periodic health surveillance for older workers, access to early treatment, and ongoing support for mental health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study explores the association between sleep quality, cumulative fatigue and occupational injuries among shift workers in Pakistan’s manufacturing industries. Methods. The study surveyed 200 shift workers using a self-administered questionnaire. Sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and fatigue with the standard shiftwork index (SSI). Statistical analyses included t tests, χ2 tests and logistic regression. Results. Night shift employees had higher odds of occupational injuries (odds ratio [OR] 3.591, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.079, 11.944], p = 0.037) compared to day shift workers. Cumulative fatigue (OR 3.044, 95% CI [1.145, 8.089], p = 0.026) and PSQI global score (OR 1.249, 95% CI [1.002, 1.556], p = 0.048) also indicated an increased injury risk. Conclusion. Night shift workers experienced poorer sleep quality, higher fatigue and increased injuries than day shift workers. Employers should implement artificial intelligence to detect and manage fatigue, set strategic shift schedules for maximum sleep opportunities and train workers to improve sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational health and safety are the most valuable assets for any firm. The hazards that may occur in the workplace should be analysed and studied to minimize the possibility of their incidence. WMSDs (Work-related Musculo Skeletal Disorders) injuries are one of the most common accidents that happen in the workplace in some countries exceeding 40% of the total types of accidents. Thus, many techniques like REBA were innovated to analyse the risks leading to these kinds of injuries. This article studies and analyses 15 postures ergonomically in detail to cover all the working stations in a Gas Springs factory in Türkiye. This high number of postures with real-life cases from a developing country such as Türkiye can be considered an essential contribution to this field. Classical REBA and the REBA calculator are used in the application as tools and methods. Additionally, a comparison between REBA results with RULA and OWAS results for each posture is provided. The application showed that 53.33% of the postures' results were medium-level risks. This percentage displays that the workers aren't at a very dangerous risk level, but executives still should take action to reduce the risk level. This study aims to understand REBA and its importance. The article also shows how to apply Classical REBA step by step and how to use the REBA calculator. Finally, the outputs of this article should be beneficial practically and theoretically. It would be practical for the factory to develop the working stations according to the suggestion and theoretically for researchers to build new studies on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effectiveness of Convolutional Autoencoder (CAE) and Variational Autoencoder (VAE) models in detecting anomalies within occupational accident data from the Mining of Coal and Lignite (NACE05), Manufacture of Other Transport Equipment (NACE30), and Manufacture of Basic Metals (NACE24) sectors. By applying fractional dimension methods—Box Counting, Hall–Wood, Genton, and Wavelet—we aim to uncover hidden risks and complex patterns that traditional time series analyses often overlook. The results demonstrate that the VAE model consistently detects a broader range of anomalies, particularly in sectors with complex operational processes like NACE05 and NACE30. In contrast, the CAE model tends to focus on more specific, moderate anomalies. Among the fractional dimension methods, Genton and Hall–Wood reveal the most significant differences in anomaly detection performance between the models, while Box Counting and Wavelet yield more consistent outcomes across sectors. These findings suggest that integrating VAE models with appropriate fractional dimension methods can significantly enhance proactive risk management in high-risk industries by identifying a wider spectrum of safety-related anomalies. This approach offers practical insights for improving safety monitoring systems and contributes to the advancement of data-driven occupational safety practices. By enabling earlier detection of potential hazards, the study supports the development of more effective safety policies, and could lead to substantial improvements in workplace safety outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated the functional outcomes of nerve reconstruction for nerve gaps exceeding 7 cm, using sural nerve autografts. The cases primarily involved brachial plexus injuries and peripheral nerve injuries. The most frequent causes of these injuries were motorcycle accidents and workplace incidents, predominantly affecting young individuals. The best outcomes for nerve injuries are achieved through primary coaptation. All the patients in our study underwent delayed nerve reconstruction rather than primary repair for various reasons, resulting in outcomes that were not as favourable as those of primary repair. Despite using avascular nerve grafts to bridge long nerve gaps, many of our patients still experienced meaningful recovery. Motor function recovery outperformed sensory function recovery across all types of reconstructions. Hence, in situations where facilities and expertise for vascularized nerve grafts are unavailable, attempting reconstruction with an extended nerve graft for long nerve gap is justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Hamstring muscle (HM) flexibility is frequently compromised in people with chronic low back pain (CLBP), contributing to disability and leading to a less favorable recovery. In a previous article, we presented the results of a study on the immediate effect of passive HM stretching on flexibility in 90 people with CLBP. There was considerable variability in the changes after stretching. The objective of this supplementary analysis was to compare the clinical characteristics of individuals who experienced a significant improvement in flexibility with those who did not. Methods: We fixed a threshold of 7° to indicate an improvement in passive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) angle and differentiate between 'Responders' and 'Non-responders' regarding passive HM stretching. Results: Only body mass index differed between groups; it was significantly smaller in Responders (p = 0.007). The majority of Non-responders experienced workplace accidents, but this was of marginal difference compared to Responders (p = 0.056). Conclusions: Further studies should consider a broader clinical analysis with a larger sample size to understand which factors influence the HM stretching response in CLBP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children and young people who live in out-of-home care (OoHC) can display aggressive behaviours when their emerging self-regulation and executive functioning systems are overwhelmed. Consequently, their carers can experience incidents that may cause some carers' ongoing stress symptoms. Early intervention with occupational health supports is important; however, including a specific trauma treatment such as Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is unusual. EMDR supports the resolution of stress symptoms and helps carers promote a stable home environment. Stability contributes to calm home environments and incident reduction. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to better understand the inclusion of EMDR into a workforce wellbeing model and explore changes in incident numbers in houses, staff retention, and time-loss injury. Interviews with senior managers and focus groups with therapeutic practitioners from two Australian states were conducted. Descriptive statistics for administrative data were calculated after a quantitative audit. Several programs including EMDR and occupational health policies were working towards enhanced workplace safety. A reduction in the monthly average incident rate from 11.9 (2019–2020) to 6.9 (2022–2023) was identified. Offering an effective treatment to staff that promotes wellbeing, retention, and stability in care homes may be a critically important policy recommendation for organisations with staff at risk of traumatic incidents. IMPLICATIONS Eye -Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective trauma therapy that works for residential out-of-home care staff. EMDR enhances carers' emotional wellbeing and capacity when working with the young people in their care. More stable relationships between carers, children, and young people can lead to reductions in stressful workplace incidents and a more stable workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-energy distal radius fractures have not been as well studied as the more common osteoporotic fractures. Differences between these two groups of fractures have implications on the prevention and clinical management of such injuries. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients in our institution who presented with distal radius fractures within the period of a year. Demographic data, injury mechanism, fracture classification, associated injuries and work-related status were obtained and analysed. Results: High energy fractures made up 27.1% of the cases. Falls from height were the most common cause, followed by motor vehicle accidents. These high-energy fractures were more commonly seen in males, younger patients (average age 41 vs. 61 years), and in workplace accidents. These injuries were also more likely to be bilateral and associated with an additional ipsilateral upper extremity injury. The high-energy group was also more likely to have an AO type B fracture. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of distal radius fractures seen in our population are high-energy injuries. Their contrasting patient and injury profiles suggest that they should be considered separately from osteoporotic fractures. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Every year, 2.3 million people worldwide succumb to work-related accidents and illnesses. The primary industries have long been acknowledged with elevated accident risks. Recent levels and trends of injury and associated fatalities in these sectors are uncertain. An enhanced understanding of these risks in these industries is required for effective injury prevention in the future. Aims This study aimed to describe registered fatalities in the primary industries worldwide, exploring potential disparities between countries and identifying trends in injury rates. Methods Data were obtained on fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers in farming, fishing and forestry for the years 2010–2015 from the International Labour Organization ILO-STAT database. Descriptive statistics and mixed-model regression analyses were conducted. Fatal occupational injuries in upper- and middle-income countries were compared. Results The study incorporated data from 32 countries: 21 from Europe. America had the highest mean occupational fatality injury rate (76.9). The highest recorded rates for individual countries occurred in Colombia in 2014 (265.2) and Lithuania in 2015 (75.0), and the lowest in Greece in 2012 (0.2). Significant variation in injury rates was evident among the countries. There was no trend in the incidence of fatal injuries from 2010 to 2015, neither for all countries, nor Europe. Middle-income countries had higher occupational fatality injury rate than upper-income countries. Conclusions The occupational fatality injury rate exhibited considerable variation, ranging from 0.9 to 265.2, and the injury rate was lowest in upper-income countries. There was no trend in the figures 2010–2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The veterinary workplace carries a high risk of staff accidents and injuries, yet there is scant research exploring it in comparison with other comparable fields, such as human medicine. Aims To understand how veterinary professionals define injuries and to understand what injuries they do, or do not, deem reportable. Methods A cross-sectional survey comprising demographic questions and open-text questions was shared with veterinary practice staff across the UK. Data were analysed descriptively and using an inductive content analysis. Results There were 740 respondents, who were broadly representative of the veterinary profession. There were differences in how injuries were defined; for example, small animal veterinarians expected injuries to involve blood, while equine and production animal veterinarians were more likely to expect injuries to reduce their ability to perform work and require medical treatment. Many suggested that 'all' workplace injuries should be reported; however, 'minor' injuries were often overlooked, for example, needlestick injuries did not always meet the criteria of being an 'injury'. Injuries caused by staff themselves (e.g. trips) were less likely to be reported than injuries that could be blamed on an external factor (e.g. dog bite). Conclusions Collectively, the data suggest a wide-ranging perception of risk of injury in practice, with some harms seen as 'everyday norms'. Veterinary practices should interpret their injury statistics with a high degree of caution. They should explore the microcultures within their practices relating to worker perception of risk, injury and barriers to reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In high-risk agricultural environments, tasks, weather, and work conditions vary throughout the year. Also, injuries peak during certain periods. The primary objective of this study was to examine operator- and farm-level characteristics as risk factors for injuries within each of the four seasons. The secondary objective was to examine seasonal differences in the incident location and primary cause of these injuries. Method: We analyzed data from the 2018 and 2020 Farm and Ranch Health and Safety Surveys (FRHSS), conducted in seven U.S. states by the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH), which were collected using a stratified random sampling approach to ensure representativeness. The survey data were merged with operation-level data from the Farm Market iD database. We employed Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to examine the association of seasonal injuries with individual and operation-level characteristics. The chi-square test of independence was used to assess the association between injury incident location and season, as well as injury cause and season. Pairwise Z-tests of proportions were conducted to evaluate the differences in the proportions of injuries due to specific combinations of injury location and cause across each pair of seasons. Results: Surveys conducted in 2018 and 2020 yielded a combined response rate of 15.9%, with 5,428 responses and 7,915 unique operators. Of these, 903 operators reported at least one injury during the past 12 months. Seasonally, most injuries occurred in spring (34.2%), followed by summer (24.7%). Male operators had higher injury odds in the spring (adjusted OR = 1.42) and summer (aOR = 2.41). Those managing both a farm and a ranch reported increased injury risks in winter (aOR = 1.73) and spring (aOR = 1.48). Operators in cow-calf operations faced higher springtime injury risks (aOR = 1.45). High stress and exhaustion were consistent risk factors across all seasons. The highest proportion of injury incidents occurred in the farmyard (43.6%), and livestock were the most common cause of injury (24.9%). Conclusion: Results highlight the need for season-specific prevention and intervention strategies, considering farmers' and ranchers' risk characteristics, injury locations, and causes. These findings can inform targeted measures for high-risk populations at optimal times and locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Storytelling engages audiences, passes down traditions and history, educates, and helps people understand and interpret their environment. Many of those who work in agriculture have been part of the storytelling tradition since childhood. Research has demonstrated the emotional impact of personal stories and how prevention information is conveyed effectively "farmer to farmer" through this method of communication. Methods: Since 2016, the Telling the Story Project has provided a space for those directly or indirectly involved in an agricultural incident to share their story and unique perspectives on how similar incidents can be avoided. Results: This collaborative project, developed between the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Agriculture Safety Centers, has resulted in 11 stories on a dedicated website, safety and health resources, and educational guides. The stories and educational guidelines have been marketed extensively through traditional and social media sources, employed in safety training, and embraced by educators in agricultural programs. The website has provided a national and international reach with more than 35,000 visits. Conclusion: Qualitative thematic analysis of the stories provided data on the circumstances leading up to each incident, valuable information on how the storytellers interpreted the aftermath, and a novel perspective on how safety professionals can create messaging that will resonate with the farming community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pediatric farm injuries tend to be more severe and have poorer outcomes compared to injuries sustained in non-farm settings. Timely emergency medical service (EMS) response and transport to definitive care is crucial for optimizing outcomes for trauma patients. We aimed to determine if pediatric farm injuries were associated with longer EMS response and transport times compared to pediatric non-farm injuries in rural communities. Methods: The 2021 National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) database was used to identify rural EMS activations where injured pediatric patients who were transported to a hospital. Median transport times for farm and non-farm injuries, as well as other components of prehospital time and use of air EMS transport, were compared between injuries on farms and injuries in non-farm rural settings. Results: The analytic sample included 22,248 rural EMS activations for pediatric injuries, of which 156 (1%) were for pediatric farm injuries. For non-farm and farm injuries, the median transport times were 20 minutes and 28 minutes, respectively. Median total prehospital time was 50 minutes compared to 62 minutes, and 9.8% of patients with non-farm injuries versus 20.5% of those with farm injuries were transported to a hospital by air EMS units. After multivariable adjustment, farm vs. non-farm injury location was associated with a 4 minute increase in EMS transport time, but no difference in initial EMS response time, EMS time on scene, or use of air EMS units. Conclusion: Among children sustaining an injury that resulted in rural EMS activation, farm injuries were associated with prolonged transport time compared to non-farm injuries, which may contribute to worse in-hospital outcomes described to pediatric farm injuries in prior research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve site safety status, the construction safety literature has investigated machine learning (ML) prediction models with a particular emphasis on their prediction accuracy. This study shifts its focus on reliability of a construction safety model beyond their prediction accuracy by increasing its representativeness. A novel dual-edge construction safety network was synthesized that considers the mutual contribution of behaviors (human factors) and the physical environment (workplace factors). A graph convolutional network (GCN) was created to learn the high-level information of the dual-edge network to predict the severity outcome of construction accidents. The dual-edge GCN model was tested on a comprehensive construction safety dataset collected from 73 projects that resulted in an 85.67% prediction accuracy while leveraging shared human and workplace factors in predicting construction accident outcomes. The incorporated dual-edge safety network offers more representative and explainable accident visualization that enables prioritizing related safety interventions and developing tailored prevention strategies based on two different decision objectives. Compared with other ML approaches, the proposed construction safety model emphasizes both human and workplace factors without trading off its prediction accuracy, thereby increasing the reliability of the prediction outcome for integration in relevant safety decisions. The transparency of the input network and its accident visualization enable practitioners to develop tailored prevention strategies while increasing trust in accident prediction outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma-related spinal injuries have been reported as far back as Egyptian times when their severity was recognized but treatment limited and outcomes poor. Advances in the knowledge and management of these injuries have arisen due to increased periods of conflict in the 20th and 21st centuries. With terrorist activity increasing globally, clinicians working in the civilian environment are increasingly being called upon to manage severe, high-energy injuries of the sort usually seen in conflict. This review considers the differences in the mechanism, pattern, and management of spinal trauma in a military combat setting to allow translation to a civilian setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Musculoskeletal issues at work have an influence on daily life, productivity, and quality of life. Musculoskeletal issues that go untreated can result in severe damage and function loss, which can limit participation, cause financial loss, and add to the rising burden of illness in the world. Objective: The purpose of this study was to find the effect of occupational therapy rehabilitation program in occupational therapy students with work related musculoskeletal disorder. Study Design: Quasi-experimental, pilot study design was chosen for the research Methods: The study employed a quasi-experimental study design. Thirty occupational therapy students aged 20-25 years were recruited through convenience sampling after a prevalence check where 30 students reported 54 musculoskeletal problems. A total number of participants (n= 30) received occupational therapy rehabilitation program. Standardised Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (SNMQ) and Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) were administered to Pain and work related musculoskeletal disorder for all the participants. Result: It revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in pre-test and post-test with numeric pain rating scale (t=10.625, p=0.000). There was a significant difference in percentage in 7 days component of SNMQ. There was no statistical difference with post-test of score of 12 months component of SNMQ. Conclusion: Occupational therapy rehabilitation program is effective for reducing Musculoskeletal disorder or discomfort in occupational therapy students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research note reevaluates the occupational health impact of right-to-work (RTW) legislation, incorporating recent developments in causal inference techniques. In an era marked by an uptick in the adoption of anti-union legislation and increases in workplace fatalities and injuries, it is particularly urgent to examine the extent to which RTW laws affect workers' health. Using a state-year-level dataset spanning 28 years and collected from multiple data sources, we apply an innovative generalized synthetic control method to overcome several limitations of the traditional two-way fixed-effects approach to examine the effect of RTW laws on occupational fatal injuries as well as various other health outcomes. Robustness checks were conducted using a wide range of alternative methods for two-way fixed-effects adjustments. In contrast with findings from previous studies, we found null effects on occupational fatal injuries, as well as on all other health outcomes. Overall, our results indicate that findings from previous studies are based on very thin empirical evidence, with potentially underestimated standard errors and unobserved confounders. Our results highlight the importance of revisiting research questions using updated methodological tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy and validity of ocular trauma scores (OTS) among patients with open globe injury (OGI) in rural hospital settings and to identify the determinants predicting poor visual outcomes. Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted through a chart review of OGI patients between July 2018 and June 2023 at Bueng Kan Hospital. Demographic and preoperative factors affecting the final visual outcome were evaluated. OTS score for each patient was calculated and categorized. Final visual acuity (VA) after 6 months was compared to the predicted VA from OTS study. Poor visual outcome was defined as legal blindness after 6 months of treatment. Results: Thirty-nine eyes from patients with a mean age of 44.05 years were evaluated. Most subjects were male (94.87%), and workplace injuries were the most common (78.38%). Compared to the OTS study, patients in OTS category 2 achieved a significantly higher percentage of better final VA, while categories 3 and 4 showed similar outcomes. OTS category 1 patients had a lower proportion of no light perception (NLP) outcomes, though the difference was not significant. Poor visual outcomes were predicted by initial VA (OR=4.64), wound extension ≥10 mm (OR=20.66), and lens injury (OR=7.44). Conclusion: OTS is beneficial for predicting final vision in patients with OGI, particularly with less severe trauma. Severe cases can sometimes result in better-than-expected visual outcomes, emphasizing the need for cautious management and counseling by ophthalmologists. Factors that estimate poor visual outcomes involve poor initial VA, wound extension ≥10 mm, and lens damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe rail construction industry is notable for its large scale, substantial investment, extensive stakeholders involvement, long construction period, and intricate operation and technology. This industry is among the most dangerous due to the highest number of occupational accident cases worldwide. Therefore, it is crucial to analyse and identify the existing literature on occupational accident factors in rail construction. To address the research aim, the study identified the factors that contribute to occupational accidents using systematic review methodology. This systematic literature review adheres to the rigorous Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Relevant publications from the past 25 years were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Science Direct electronic databases. Through a meticulous review of 43 selected publications, five accident factor themes were discovered: worker, workplace, materials and equipment, organizational, and environmental influences. The detailed analysis of these themes has led to the identification of 19 specific sub-factors within these categories, providing a granular understanding of the intricate elements contributing to accidents. This study offers a foundational understanding of accident factors in the rail construction industry, paving the way for targeted OSH interventions aimed at preventing occupational accidents in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The iron and steel industries are among the most dangerous workplaces in the world compared to other manufacturing industries. Workers are exposed to multiple occupational hazards, which predispose them to high risks of both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Currently, the data on the global prevalence and associated risk factors for occupational injuries in the iron and steel industries is fragmented and incomplete. This study was undertaken to address this issue by pooling data relating to the prevalence of occupational injuries and its associated factors among workers in iron and steel industries studies around the world. Methods: The search was conducted systematically using PubMed, HINARI, EMBASE and Google Scholar for published studies in English that reported on occupational injuries and associated risk factors among workers in iron and steel industries. MetaXL version 5.3 software was used in the meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of occupational injuries and associated risk factors among workers in the iron and steel industries. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42022344258. Results: Of the 447 articles identified, 15 studies from 9 countries met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence estimate of occupational injury was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.93). The pooled results indicated that the odds of having an occupational injury were 4.06 times higher among workers who did not use personal protective equipment compared to those who used such equipment. Likewise the odds of occupational injuries was increased by 1.65 among night shift workers compared to the counterpart. Conclusions: The global prevalence of occupational injuries in iron and steel industries was 55%. The results indicate that night work shift and the lack of use of personal protective equipment has a higher impact than other factors in the occurrence of occupational injuries in the iron and steel industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Work-related stress is detrimental to individual health and incurs substantial social costs. Interventions to tackle this problem are urgently needed, with mHealth solutions being a promising way of delivering accessible and standardized interventions on a wide scale. This study pilot tests a low-intensive mHealth intervention designed to mitigate the negative consequences of stress through promoting recovery strategies. Methods: Nursing school students (N = 16) used the intervention for a month. Data were collected immediately before, immediately after, and one month after the end of the intervention. Additionally, intensive longitudinal data were collected daily during the time of the intervention. Primary outcome measures include recruitment and retention rates, engagement with and acceptability of the intervention, as well as evaluating the quality of measurement instruments. Results: Recruitment and retention rates provide a benchmark that we need to invite 10–12 times the intended target sample size. Engagement and acceptability metrics are promising overall, showing key areas that need to be adapted to improve the intervention. Measurement quality is acceptable with instruments mostly functioning as intended. Conclusion: Results show that the intervention and study protocol are feasible for conducting a randomized controlled trial given a few adjustments. The randomization algorithm needs to match the sample size in order to allocate evenly distributed experimental groups. Acceptability of the intervention may be improved through adapting the recommended recovery strategies. Some additional outcome measures are suggested to provide a more comprehensive picture of intervention effects. Trial registration: NCT06228495. Registered retrospectively 01/10/2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study investigates the possibility of developing a unique model for predicting work-related injuries in Serbian underground coal mines using neural networks and fuzzy logic theory. Accidents are common due to the unique nature of underground mineral extraction involving people, machinery and limited workplaces. Methods. A universal model for predicting occupational accidents takes into account influential factors such as organizational aspects, personal and collective protective equipment, on-the-job training and leadership factors. The selected networks achieved a prediction accuracy of >90%. Results. The study successfully identifies potential risks and critical worker groups leading to injuries. The sensitivity analysis provides insights for targeted safety measures and improved organizational practices. Conclusion. This data-driven approach makes a valuable contribution to safety in the mining industry. Implementation of the predictive model can reduce injuries and machine damage, and improve worker well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Workforce health is one of the primary and challenging issues, especially in industrialized countries. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ability to predict accident-proneness among Saveh Industry workers in Iran, based on an extended Health Belief Model, that included the construct of spiritual health. Method: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2022 on 384 workers in Saveh, Iran. The study aimed to explore relationships between accident proneness behavior, spiritual health, and health beliefs. The accident-proneness questionnaire consisted of two parts: the first part included demographic questions, and the second part comprised 9 sections covering personality traits, workplace harmful factors, miscellaneous factors, musculoskeletal disorders, safety culture, safety attitudes, job stress, organization interest, and degree of risk-taking. The Health Belief Model included 31 questions, while spiritual health was measured with the 20-question Paloutzian and Ellison questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Results: In terms of accident proneness, 229 (59.6%), exhibited high levels, 148 (38.5%) had medium levels, and 7 (1.8%) showed low levels of accident-proneness. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that in the first model, variables of perceived self-efficacy, vulnerability, and severity independently predicted workers accident proneness, explaining a total of 43% of variance in accident proneness behavior. In the second step, perceived self-efficacy (β = 34%), perceived sensitivity (β = 27%), spiritual health (β = 16%), and perceived severity (β = 12%) were included, respectively, which explained a total of 46% of the variance of accident-prone behavior of workers. Conclusion: Given the high rate of accident proneness observed in this study, there is a critical need for policymakers and health planners to design policies aimed at mitigating the risks associated with occupational accidents. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of integrating spiritual health into the Health Belief Model, as a conceptual framework for planning effective intervention programs to enhance workplace safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMaterials and methodsResultsConclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION:Immigrant workers are more likely to suffer work-related injuries compared to native-born Canadians. Their physical rehabilitation usually involves physiotherapy. This study sought to better understand the experiences of injured immigrant workers receiving compensation and physiotherapy treatments.We conducted a qualitative study using an interpretive descriptive methodology. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 10 compensated immigrant workers about the physiotherapy services they received. Transcripts were analyzed thematically and with an intersectional lens.Two major themes were identified: 1) complex pathways to physiotherapy, and 2) key pillars of physiotherapy experiences. The first theme demonstrates that a lack of familiarity with the health and compensation systems, delayed access to physiotherapy, and cumulative burdens complicate the care of immigrant workers. The second theme shows that moral/emotional support, pain relief, and the recognition of sociocultural beliefs and fears are key aspects to improving the experiences of care for these workers.This study offers new insights into physiotherapy in the context of a work injury, which may help physiotherapists adapt care to the complex needs of immigrant workers. The intersectional lens used in the analysis offers interesting ways of accounting for the multiple social identities of these workers.Injured immigrant workers are at a heightened risk of experiencing impacts on both their physical and mental well-being.Rehabilitation professionals should be supported with resources and training to facilitate timely access to care for immigrant workers, including education on the health and compensation systems.Healthcare institutions should ensure that rehabilitation professionals have the tools and support to develop culturally sensitive approaches that address systemic and sociocultural barriers faced by immigrant workers.Injured immigrant workers are at a heightened risk of experiencing impacts on both their physical and mental well-being.Rehabilitation professionals should be supported with resources and training to facilitate timely access to care for immigrant workers, including education on the health and compensation systems.Healthcare institutions should ensure that rehabilitation professionals have the tools and support to develop culturally sensitive approaches that address systemic and sociocultural barriers faced by immigrant workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Very few studies have examined the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters and aggression since the change in PTSD diagnosis criteria a decade ago. Furthermore, these studies have used measures based on PTSD criteria of the DSM‐IV. The current study therefore examines the association between PTSD symptom clusters, exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs), and various types of aggression following the change in PTSD criteria and in accordance with the criteria of the DSM‐5‐TR. Method: A sample of 167 Israeli combat veterans completed validated self‐report questionnaires tapping PTSD symptoms, exposure to PMIEs, and aggression levels. Results: Our analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the number of court‐martials, betrayal‐based PMIEs, all PTSD symptom clusters, and aggression. We also found that the arousal cluster, as well as the number of court‐martials and age, predicted aggression, whereas the re‐experiencing cluster predicted lower aggression levels. Conclusion: Besides an updated understanding of the association between all PTSD symptom clusters and various forms of aggression, these findings emphasize the importance of targeting arousal symptoms and especially anger in treatment of veterans with PTSD symptoms and those who report experiences of betrayal. The findings also suggest clinicians to consider arousal symptoms, age, and history of court‐martials when conducting either clinical or actuarial risk assessments of veterans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For over three decades, tree care workers in the United States have experienced disproportionately high rates of fatal injuries. While the types of fatalities have been well documented, few studies have used a qualitative approach to examine underlying circumstances and other contributing risk factors. In this study, a total of 69 investigative fatal injury reports spanning from 1987 to 2023 from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) were reviewed and assessed. Overall, most fatal work incidents resulted from falls from trees, being struck by tree sections or branches, being caught, or dragged into equipment (e.g., woodchippers, stump grinders), and electrocutions. Over 23.0% of decedents had been on the job one year or less at the time of death. An estimated 58.0% of employers lacked a safety plan, and only 39.1% provided job training to employees. Recurring safety assessment recommendations stressed that employers and workers conduct thorough job hazard assessments, provide proper training, and develop and implement a work safety plan. These findings support current initiatives to implement public health policy action to protect tree care workers. Additional safety measures must be considered for new and vulnerable workers, before actively performing tree care work. The persistent occurrences of these fatal incidents demand a call to action, necessitating the adoption of a national policy that establishes uniform safety standards and mandates comprehensive training. Implementing these decisive measures will not only protect workers but also reduce costly accidents and insurance premiums, decrease lost productivity, and promote a culture of safety within the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are a typical health problem and a significant cause of disability among workers from various fields across the industrialized world. Although aircraft mechanics and maintenance technicians experience high rates of workplace injuries, there is scarce evaluation of injury risk exposures from the various jobs/tasks in this industry. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal Discomfort/pain among maintenance personnel at RMAF in Malaysia and association between risk factors and MSD. Materials and methods: A total of 40 aviation maintenance personnel (Engineering department) from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) were randomly selected via the simple random sampling. Relevant data were collected using ergonomics assessment tools comprising Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Results: Based on the 12-month prevalence of WMSDs, the lower back region recorded the highest percentage of body discomfort and pain (77.5%) (CI 95%: 64.0-91.0), followed by the neck region (70%) (CI 95%: 55.0-85.0). Chi square analysis for the one-week prevalence shows that there is association between age (p=0.012) and duration of services in Royal Malaysian Air Forces (p=0.008) with prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Age and duration of services in Royal Malaysian Air Forces is directly associated. Workers in the aviation maintenance industry, particularly those working in the engine bay, were exposed to a high risk of back, shoulder, and wrist region injury, which affected their well-being and productivity. Hence, aviation maintenance workers were recommended to perform routine physical exercises as an alternative ergonomic intervention. Conclusion: In conclusion, WMSD massively impacts workers' well-being in the aviation maintenance industry. Thus, an appropriate and effective ergonomic intervention, such as routine physical exercises, should be designed to protect workers from the severe impact of WMSDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational health and safety (OHS) policies in healthcare institutions must be well managed, because healthcare practice involves many physical, biological, ergonomic, chemical, and psychosocial hazards that can affect the health of healthcare workers. In addition, their work performance may be affected by the so-called organisational myopia. In this context, the aim of our study was to determine how organisational myopia affects OHS practices in healthcare institutions and whether it increases the risk of occupational accidents. The study population consisted of a convenience sample of 420 healthcare professionals working throughout Turkey who completed a questionnaire addressing these three domains: organisational myopia, OHS practices, and risk of occupational accidents. Their responses were analysed with exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and Spearman's correlation to assess the adequacy of measurement tools and identify relationships between variables, followed by mediation analysis. We found that OHS practices mitigate organisational myopia and the risk of occupational accidents. We also found no significant effect of organisational myopia on the risk of occupational accidents. Our findings underscore the importance of OHS practices in healthcare institutions and that organisational myopia should be evaluated in special contexts such as working time, experience, or routinisation. [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]

• Job control does not lower psychological distress from work injuries in healthcare workers. • Dual analysis of self-reported and organizational injury records offers comprehensive injury insights. • Finds significant but small correlation between two measures of work injuries. • Supports the need for further research into the moderators of the work injury–psychological distress relationship. Introduction: The study investigates the relationship between work-related injuries, psychological distress, and the influence of perceived job control on healthcare workers, using Bakker and Demerouti's (2007) job demands-resources model as theoretical grounding. Method: We analyzed data from 610 healthcare workers (81.1% female) at a northern UK hospital, incorporating both self-reported and organizationally recorded work injury incidents over the three years preceding the survey, along with measures of psychological distress and perceived job control. Results: Unexpectedly, we found that the occurrence of work-related injuries, irrespective of the method of reporting, is not related to lower psychological distress among those employees who report a high level of job control. This relationship holds even when adjusting for various demographic and occupational variables. Conclusions and Practical Applications : Given the prevalence of work injuries in the healthcare sector, our findings suggest a need for a deeper exploration into how job characteristics might interact to offset the consequences of work injuries, challenging existing assumptions and opening new avenues for research into the psychology of workplace safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aviation manufacturing is a key industry in Kansas with potential safety concerns. • Workers' compensation claims that accrued indemnity from 2014 to 2022 were examined. • The median total cost of such claims was $26,941 in 2022 dollars. • The hand and shoulder together comprised over half of claims. • Overexertion and repetitive motion were the most common causes. Workers' compensation injuries entail burdensome financial and social costs. This study's objective was to describe cost and frequency of workplace injuries in aviation manufacturing in the state of Kansas using workers' compensation data. Manufacturing incurs more workers' compensation claims in Kansas than any other industry, and aviation contributes more of those claims than any other sub sector. Workers' compensation insurance and reporting are required in the state of Kansas. Data were provided by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and included all closed workers' compensation claims entailing indemnity and medical costs filed in the state from 2014 to 2022. Cost of claim data were normalized to 2022 U.S. dollars and data were analyzed as a function of percentage and claim cost by body part, type of injury, cause of injury, specific musculoskeletal disorder type, and as a function of age and gender injury rates. Aviation claims entailed a median total cost of $26,941 and represented 8% of all closed claims filed in the state from 2014 to 2022. The grand total direct cost over the nine-year period was $75,404,147. Medical costs comprised 48.6% of all costs, indemnity 45.0%, and legal 6.4%. The most frequently injured body part was the hand/wrist (35.9%) followed by the shoulder (20.6%), and the most expensive body parts were related to the back. Overexertion (38.6%) was the most common cause followed by repetitive motion (22.8%). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders were the most common type accounting for 67.4% of all claims. Men and workers aged 55–64 incurred slightly higher claim rates than average. A sharp decrease in number of claims closed in 2021 coincided with production shutdowns the previous year related to the Covid-19 pandemic and design issues. Aviation manufacturing is a key industry in Kansas and this study is the first known to describe costs and frequencies of workplace injuries in the sector using workers' compensation data. This guide to the most problematic and costly injuries in aviation manufacturing helps practitioners prioritize prevention strategies to most effectively reduce workplace injury and helps safety and health practitioners in prioritizing prevention efforts to reduce the most severe and costly aviation manufacturing injuries and illnesses. It also brings attention to some special considerations when working with safety data from 2020 to 2022 related to the Covid-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioxin-like compounds, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as among the most enduring toxic chemical substances in the environment, are linked to various occupational activities and industrial accidents worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine and present research publications on dioxins, pinpoint current research trends, identify research gaps, and highlight potential avenues for future exploration in the field. The study period for relevant research articles ranged from 1923 to December 31, 2022, and these articles were sourced from the Scopus database. The analysis involved the identification of key contributors to the field and the visualization of topics, themes, and international collaboration. VOSviewer software (version 1.6.20) was used for visualization analysis. A total of 11,620 publications on dioxins were documented in the Scopus database. The predominant category of these documents comprised 9780 original articles, which represents 84.17% of the total publications. The United States lead in the number of publications, with 3992 (34.35%), followed by Japan, with 1429 (12.3%), China, with 1005 (8.65%), and Germany, with 974 (8.38%). Before 2002, scholarly attention in this field focused primarily on the health effects, environmental fate, and mechanism of toxicity of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). However, a noticeable change in research focus has been observed since 2002, highlighting the emergence of a topic related to the health effects and environmental fate of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PFDFs). This study is the first to conduct a comprehensive quantitative bibliometric analysis of dioxins over time. These findings indicate a significant increase in the overall growth of the dioxin literature over the past 30 years. These findings may prove crucial in guiding and organizing subsequent investigations related to dioxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Veteran homelessness has declined in the past decade, but the proportion of unsheltered homeless veterans has increased. We identified characteristics of unsheltered homelessness in a large contemporary veteran cohort and examined outpatient and inpatient encounters before and after intake to US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) homeless programs. Methods: National data from the Homeless Operations Management Evaluation System (HOMES) database and the Corporate Data Warehouse were analyzed on 191 204 veterans experiencing housing instability from January 2018 through December 2021. We used hierarchical multivariate logistic regressions to model associations between sheltered status and veteran correlates. Repeated-measures analysis of variance assessed changes in care utilization after intake in homeless programs. Results: Age <50 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.4), Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3), some college education (OR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1), and a bachelor's degree (OR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2) were associated with veteran unsheltered homelessness. Unsheltered veterans were more likely to have a VA service-connected disability (OR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.4-1.5), military sexual trauma (OR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1), and/or combat exposure (OR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1). Unsheltered and sheltered homeless veterans had an increase in outpatient encounters and a decrease in inpatient care after intake to the VA homeless program. Conclusions: Contemporary unsheltered homeless veterans are younger and Hispanic with some college education. Innovative public health approaches that better engage and reduce barriers to entry need to be tested for a diverse unsheltered homeless population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans strive to understand and respond to abnormal changes that occur within their surrounding contexts. Current literature is yet to discuss the process of triggering an enquiring process within the human cognition after the occurrence of an unforeseen change event or an accident, to explain what behavioral response can follow, and to recognize what factors shape such a response. This article presents a new theoretical model – tagged as the 'Slammed Adjacent Door (SAD)' model that addresses the behaviour of an individual responder to a simple change event, which is expanded to discuss the wider social and organizational behaviour relevant to an accident. The model establishes the link between the preliminary cognition of potential investigators and their following practical response to an accident, by discussing the dynamic interactions of various endogenous and exogenous factors that trigger and control their post-event investigative actions. According to the SAD model, an industrial accident investigation is a six-phased sequence of mental manipulations, decisions, and physical actions that are initiated, motivated, and sustained by complex mutually-influencing personal, organizational, and wider set of input factors. The model has consequential set of theoretical and practical implications relating to organizational or other incidents and accidents investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]