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Shiri R, Mattila-Holappa P, Kauppi M, Aalto V, Oksanen T, Ervasti J. How does lowering psychosocial risks influence sickness absence? A prospective cohort study analyzed as a quasi-experiment. Eur J Public Health 2024; 34:136-142. [PMID: 38041444 PMCID: PMC10843950 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined how reducing work-related psychosocial stressors affected long-term sickness absence of younger and older employees. METHODS We used data from 43 843 public sector employees in Finland who participated in surveys in 2018 and 2020. We assessed psychosocial factors, such as job demands, job control, work effort, job rewards and worktime control. We obtained sickness absence data from registers for spells longer than 10 consecutive working days. We applied age-specific propensity score weighting and generalized linear models to estimate the effects of changes in psychosocial factors between 2018 and 2020 on sickness absence in 2020. RESULTS Among employees under 50 years, increasing job rewards by 1 SD reduced the risk of sickness absence by 17% [risk ratio (RR) 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.96]. Among employees aged 50 years or older, decreasing job demands by 1 SD reduced the risk of sickness absence by 13% (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78-0.98), and increasing job control by 1 SD reduced the risk by 12% (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.76-1.01). Changes in efforts and worktime control had no significant associations with sickness absence. CONCLUSIONS Reducing psychosocial stressors can lower the occurrence of long-term sickness absence, but the associations differ by age group. Younger workers benefit more from enhancing job rewards, while older workers benefit more from lowering job demands and increasing job control. To establish the causal impact of psychosocial risk reduction on sickness absence across age groups, future research should employ randomized controlled trials as the methodological approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahman Shiri
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Maarit Kauppi
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Aalto
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Turku, Finland
| | - Tuula Oksanen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jenni Ervasti
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
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Fontana D, Ceron R, d'Errico A. Occupational physical activity, all-cause mortality and incidence of cardiovascular diseases: results from three Italian cohorts. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2024; 97:81-100. [PMID: 38099982 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-02028-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the association of exposure to Occupational Physical Activity (OPA) with all-cause mortality and incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). METHODS The study population was composed of three Italian cohorts: a national cohort of employees participating in the National Health Survey 2005, followed-up until 2014 (ILS 2005), and two urban cohorts of employees resident in Turin at 2001 and 2011 censuses (TLS 2001 and TLS 2011, respectively), both followed-up until 2018. Follow-up was conducted through individual record-linkage with death registries and hospital admissions archives. Exposure to OPA was assigned through an Italian job-exposure matrix (JEM). Relative Risks of both CVD incidence and overall mortality associated with OPA quartiles (IRR) were estimated using Poisson regression models adjusted for socio-demographics and health, and in the national cohort, also for leisure time physical activity, BMI, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension. RESULTS Compared to the lowest quartile, the highest OPA quartile was associated in both genders with significantly increased mortality in TLS 2001 (IRR = 1.11 among men, IRR = 1.20 among women) and in TLS 2011 (IRR = 1.27 among men and IRR = 1.73 among women), whereas in the ILS 2005 cohort no association was found. Among women, high OPA was also associated with CVD risk in TLS 2001 and 2011 (IRR = 1.39 and IRR = 1.16 for the highest quartile, respectively), while in the ILS cohort in both genders only the third quartile showed a significantly higher risk. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that OPA does not have a beneficial effect on CVD and mortality, but rather suggest that it may produce deleterious health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Fontana
- Epidemiology Unit, ASL TO3, Piedmont Region, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ceron
- Occupational Health and Safety Unit, ASL CN1, Piedmont Region, Saluzzo, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Angelo d'Errico
- Epidemiology Unit, ASL TO3, Piedmont Region, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy.
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Cillekens B, Mollet JM, Smit RA, Kuijer PPFM, Coenen P. 'Wait…, let me tell you, if I worked for a boss, I would be on sick leave': A Qualitative Study of Self-Employed Workers in Physically Demanding Jobs in the Netherlands. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023:10.1007/s10926-023-10153-z. [PMID: 38032487 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10153-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of self-employed workers with a physically demanding job on work participation. METHODS We interviewed self-employed workers with a physically demanding job, using semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded. The main topic addressed was the workers' health in relation with their work participation, work demands, and preventive measures. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded by three team members of the research team in several steps. We used the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist to report our findings. RESULTS We interviewed 18 self-employed workers: 83% male, 49 years (SD 7), self-employed for 18 years (SD 9) and the majority (n = 14) worked in the construction sector. Thematic analysis revealed facilitators and barriers for work participation across three main themes: personal factors, work factors, and healthcare. Personal factors compassed sub-themes such as health and financial consequences. Work factors included sub-themes related to work demands and adaptations and healthcare encompassed sub-themes associated with work-related care and medication. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study that investigated the perspectives of self-employed workers in physically demanding jobs regarding work participation. While most facilitators and barriers were consistent with those described in the literature for employees, certain factors, such as financial consequences of ceasing work, emerged important factors for work participation among self-employed workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Cillekens
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center (VUMC), Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Societal Participation and Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M Mollet
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center (VUMC), Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Societal Participation and Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rixt A Smit
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center (VUMC), Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Paul F M Kuijer
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center (VUMC), Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Societal Participation and Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Sports, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter Coenen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center (VUMC), Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health, Societal Participation and Health, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Sports, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Falkstedt D, Almroth M, Hemmingsson T, d'Errico A, Albin M, Bodin T, Selander J, Gustavsson P, Kjellberg K. Job demands and job control and their associations with disability pension-a register-based cohort study of middle-aged and older Swedish workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:1137-1147. [PMID: 37450035 PMCID: PMC10504155 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01995-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Job demands and control at work and their combination, job strain, have been studied in relation to risk of disability pension (DP) previously. In the present study, based on registry data, we aimed to deepen the knowledge by analyzing major disease groups among the DPs, dose-response shape of the associations, and potential confounding effects of physical workload. METHODS Approximately 1.8 million workers aged 44 or older and living in Sweden in 2005 were followed up for 16 years, up to a maximum of 65 years of age. We linked mean values of job demands and job control, estimated in a job-exposure matrice (JEM) by gender, to individuals through their occupational titles in 2005. These values were categorized by rank order, and, for the construction of job-strain quadrants, we used a median cut-off. Associations with DP were estimated in Cox proportional-hazards models. RESULTS In models accounting for covariates including physical workload, low levels of job control were associated with higher risk of DP among both men and women. This association was most clear for DP with a psychiatric diagnosis, although a dose-response shape was found only among the men. High levels of job demands were associated with decreased risk of DP across diagnoses among men, but the same association varied from weak to non-existing among women. The high- and passive job-strain quadrants both showed increased risk of DP with a psychiatric diagnosis. CONCLUSION The results suggest that, at the occupational level, low job control, but not high job demands, contributes to an increased incidence of DP, particularly regarding DP with a psychiatric diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Falkstedt
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, 10th Floor, 113 65, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Melody Almroth
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, 10th Floor, 113 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Hemmingsson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, 10th Floor, 113 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelo d'Errico
- Department of Epidemiology, Local Health Unit ASL TO 3, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Albin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, 10th Floor, 113 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Theo Bodin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, 10th Floor, 113 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Selander
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, 10th Floor, 113 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Gustavsson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, 10th Floor, 113 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katarina Kjellberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 4, 10th Floor, 113 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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Alkaabi FA, Maghelal PK. Early retirement intentions among Abu Dhabi Police: investigating the role of psychosocial work factors and sickness absenteeism. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1221. [PMID: 37353845 PMCID: PMC10288693 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16129-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Police departments are encouraged to integrate their health and safety management systems with the operational arrangements to demonstrate commitment to the improvement of working environment in the police is by the collection and analysis of occupational health data such as sickness absence and early retirement intention. METHODS About 760 responses to the Occupational Health and Safety Survey by the Abu Dhabi Police employees was used to analyse the early retirement intentions considering the work-related factors and sickness absence data. RESULTS Logistic regression results of the unadjusted model reported higher odds that lower levels of co-worker support, supervisor support, workplace support related to intentions of early retirement. Also, unfavourable perception of health management increases the odds to early retirement among the employees. CONCLUSION The outcome of this study provides insights into the determinants of early retirement intentions in the less explored region of middle-east, specifically in Abu Dhabi. Thorough analysis of such data will help police organisations to prioritise plans and improve the health and wellbeing of officers, in turn contributing to strengthening the fight against crime and minimizing the number of occupational injuries and premature exit from paid work.
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A Feasibility Study on the Conversion from Manual to Semi-Automatic Material Handling in an Oil and Gas Service Company. SAFETY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/safety9010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In manufacturing companies, manual material handling (MMH) involves lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, and lowering objects, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among workers, resulting in high labor costs due to excessive overtime incurred for manual product preparation. The aim of this study was to show how ergonomic measures were used to reduce the risk of MSDs and to reduce operating costs in the warehouse department of an oil and gas service company. A preliminary study using the Nordic Body Map survey showed that the workers experienced pain in various parts of the body, indicating the presence of MSDs. The researchers then used methods such as the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) assessments to verify whether the MMH activities had an acceptable level of risk. The results revealed that certain manual material handling (MMH) activities were assessed as low–very high risk, with RULA scores ranging from 3 to 7 and REBA scores ranging from 4 to 11. An immediate solution was to replace the manual process with a semi-automatic process using a vacuum lifter. A feasibility study was conducted using the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period to justify the economic viability of the solution. The analysis indicated that implementing the vacuum lifter not only mitigated the risk of MSDs but also reduced the operating costs, demonstrating its viability and profitability. Overall, this study suggests that implementing a vacuum lifter as an assistive device in the warehouse would be a beneficial investment for both the workers and the company, improving both well-being and finances.
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Radauceanu A, Grzebyk M, Boini S, Dziurla M, Atain-Kouadio JJ, Aublet-Cuvelier A. Low Back Pain and Upper-Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in French Postal Workers Driving Light-Duty Vehicles for Mail and Parcel Delivery. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2509. [PMID: 36767879 PMCID: PMC9916289 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Occupational driving of light-duty vehicles (LDVs) became increasingly important in parcel delivery faced with the explosive growth of e-commerce. Since musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent the most reported driving-related health problem, we aimed to analyze the risk of low back pain (LBP) and upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) associated with driving LDVs for parcel delivery. In 306 postal workers exposed to driving and 100 unexposed workers, information on occupational driving, physical/psychosocial constraints, and work organization were collected via a questionnaire. MSDs were assessed using the Nordic Questionnaire, 14 additional questions regarding LBP, and a standardized clinical examination for UEMSDs. Statistical modeling consisted of multivariable logistic regression for UEMSDs and the item response theory approach for LBP. UEMSDs were associated with the distance of rural rounds and inversely associated with urban/mixed delivery rounds. Handling heavy loads was associated with LBP, and high physical demands during delivery rounds were related to MSDs. Karasek dimensions and mobbing actions were associated with MSDs. Work recognition, driving training, using an automatic gearbox, and the utilization of additional staff during peak periods were inversely associated with MSDs. Our results suggest that the distance driven in rural settings and high physical demands were associated with MSDs, while some organizational factors could protect from MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Radauceanu
- Department of Epidemiology, French Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS), 1, Rue du Morvan, CS 60027, CEDEX, 54519 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Michel Grzebyk
- Department of Epidemiology, French Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS), 1, Rue du Morvan, CS 60027, CEDEX, 54519 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Stéphanie Boini
- Department of Epidemiology, French Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS), 1, Rue du Morvan, CS 60027, CEDEX, 54519 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Mathieu Dziurla
- Department of Epidemiology, French Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS), 1, Rue du Morvan, CS 60027, CEDEX, 54519 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Atain-Kouadio
- Working Life Department, French Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS), 1, Rue du Morvan, CS 60027, CEDEX, 54519 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Agnès Aublet-Cuvelier
- Working Life Department, French Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases (INRS), 1, Rue du Morvan, CS 60027, CEDEX, 54519 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Undem K, Leinonen T, Kristensen P, Merkus SL, Hasting RL, Gran JM, Mehlum IS. Gender Differences in Associations between Biomechanical and Psychosocial Work Exposures and Age of Withdrawal from Paid Employment among Older Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10563. [PMID: 36078277 PMCID: PMC9518318 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work exposures are known predictors of withdrawal from employment, but the associations between work exposures and withdrawal may vary with gender. This study evaluated gender differences in associations between biomechanical and psychosocial work exposures and age of withdrawal from paid employment among older workers in Norway. METHODS 77,558 men and 67,773 women (born 1949-1953) were followed from age 62 until withdrawal from paid employment or end of follow-up in 2016 (up to five years follow-up). Information about eight biomechanical and seven psychosocial exposures was obtained from a gender-specific job exposure matrix. Using Cox regression, the difference in mean estimated time until withdrawal between non-exposed and exposed was calculated for each gender and work exposure separately. RESULTS The largest gender difference was found for high psychological demands. Among men, the non-exposed withdrew earlier than the exposed (-3.66 months (95% CI: -4.04--3.25 months)), and contrary among women (0.71 (0.28-1.10)), resulting in a gender difference of 4.37 (3.81-4.97) months. Gender differences were also found for monotonous work (4.12 (3.51-4.69) months), hands above shoulder height (2.41 (1.76-3.10) months), and high iso-strain (2.14 (1.38-2.95) months). CONCLUSIONS There were observed gender differences in the associations between some biomechanical and psychosocial work exposures and mean age of withdrawal from paid employment among older workers. However, the results are likely affected by the selection of who remains in the workforce at age 62 and should be interpreted accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Undem
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0363 Oslo, Norway
| | - Taina Leinonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00250 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Jon Michael Gran
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basal Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid S. Mehlum
- National Institute of Occupational Health, 0363 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, 0450 Oslo, Norway
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