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Lax M. Occupational Disease in New York State: The Political Economic Context. New Solut 2024; 34:95-111. [PMID: 39042914 DOI: 10.1177/10482911241260404] [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] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
In 1987 Landrigan and Markowitz co-authored a report entitled "Occupational Disease in New York State." They found that death and illness from occupational disease were common and that the costs of exposure to hazardous conditions warranted public funding for new occupational health infrastructure in New York State. A recent confirmatory report recognized a wider spectrum of contemporary hazards and emphasized how public health problems connect to work. These reports provide factual snapshots at 2 points in time, but they do not explain nor analyze the changing conditions they describe. Including macro-contexts such as globalization, financialization, and neoliberalism, this article demonstrates several unique occupational safety and health implications by clarifying key themes related to the state's role, especially regulation and healthcare delivery systems. Conclusions directly tie the trajectory of occupational disease to workers' collective ability to confront and roll back neoliberalism while pushing occupational disease out of its medical/science silo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lax
- Family Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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2
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Schaefer C, Ahonen E. Creating Shared Perspectives for Worker Well-being: A Community Health-Focused Certificate in Total Worker Health®. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:445-449. [PMID: 38335729 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003064] [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: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to highlight the utility of a new certificate program in Total Worker Health ® (TWH) designed for health professionals in other community health settings (OCHS). METHODS Stakeholder needs assessment, priority setting, and comparison with existing core competencies in TWH approaches were performed to identify learning objectives and curricular threads in alignment with adult learning principles. Faculty-student pairings were conducted for content and assessment development. RESULTS A free six-module training course that prepares OCHS professionals to collaborate with occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals. CONCLUSIONS TWH can be advanced through collaboration between OSH and OCHS professionals. In service of shared ground, OCHS professionals should articulate the influence of work on health, TWH principles, and OSH vocabulary and concepts. Such training is a necessary step toward facilitating groups for the benefit of all work and workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camie Schaefer
- From the Utah Center for Promotion of Work Equity Research, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (C.S., E.A.); and Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (C.S., E.A.)
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Nobrega S, Zhang Y. Let's Learn Together! A Mixed-Methods Study to Assess Readiness for Interprofessional Education on Total Worker Health® Practice. Workplace Health Saf 2024; 72:223-233. [PMID: 38217437 PMCID: PMC11132934 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231217320] [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] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals increasingly need interdisciplinary collaborative practice competencies to respond to complex worker safety, health, and well-being risks. Effective collaboration with non-OSH-trained professionals (e.g., health promotion, human resources) is critical for planning integrated interventions that address work and non-work risks, consistent with a "Total Worker Health" (TWH) approach. Interprofessional education (IPE) pedagogy offers skill-building for interdisciplinary collaboration, but little attention has been given to IPE in OSH education and training literature. The goal of this study was to assess OSH professionals' perceptions about IPE to guide application in postgraduate TWH education. METHODS The mixed-methods study involved 210 U.S. professionals in safety (31%), industrial hygiene (16%), occupational nursing (12%) and medicine (11%), and related disciplines (30%). Participants completed a 12-item Readiness for Interprofessional Education Scale (RIPLS) adapted for TWH. Nineteen survey-takers also participated in virtual focus groups to share opinions about IPE benefits, barriers, and desirable course features. FINDINGS Occupational safety and health professionals reported high overall readiness for IPE (RIPLS, 4.45 ± 0.47), endorsing IPE for interdisciplinary skill-building. Salient IPE motivators were learning new perspectives from diverse disciplines and industries; gaining new subject expertise; developing common ground across disciplines; and learning TWH best practices. Participants recommended case studies to practice interdisciplinary problem-solving through group work. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE Interprofessional education is a promising pedagogy for OSH continuing education to promote interdisciplinary collaboration skills needed for TWH practice in the workplace. Occupational safety and health educators need to build competency in IPE pedagogical theory and practice to ensure effective training design and evaluation.
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Vitrano G, Micheli GJL. Effectiveness of Occupational Safety and Health interventions: a long way to go. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1292692. [PMID: 38784580 PMCID: PMC11111875 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1292692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) has become an area of increasing concern for organizations and institutions. As it evolves, it has gradually posed ongoing challenges, becoming more complex, for organizations. Consequently, more comprehensive studies are required to advance academic and institutional research. From this perspective, this study aims to gather research contributions on the effectiveness of existing interventions for OSH improvement and identify areas for further exploration. Methods According to the nature of scientific literature, the overall process of a literature review was investigated following an integrative approach, which involved searching for, selecting, and analyzing various literature in a creative and integrated manner, without a predefined structure. Results The analysis suggests that there is room for improvement in understanding the effectiveness of OSH interventions and more concrete guidance is still desirable. Based on the literature, some research areas for future developments in OSH interventions are identified. One potential area to explore further is fostering human-centered technological development and a more conscious network of stakeholders, with higher coordination, shared knowledge, and open communication. Implications Focusing on the proposed directions will support scholars and practitioners in pursuing continuous OSH improvement through more effective and well-grounded workplace interventions and encourage organizations to be proactive in daily OSH management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Vitrano
- Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Jaegers LA, McAndrew R, Cornelius A, Scott SD, Pridgeon S, El Ghaziri M, Bello JK. COVID-19 Preparedness, Stressors, and Data-Driven Solutions for Healthcare Workers at a Regional Rural-Urban Hospital System: A Longitudinal Total Worker Health ® Study. Workplace Health Saf 2024; 72:30-38. [PMID: 37873624 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231202792] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, healthcare workers were devastated by the insufficient preparedness to respond to their patients' and personal health needs. A gap exists in resources to prevent or reduce acute and long-term healthcare worker mental illnesses resulting from COVID-19 frontline response. METHODS We performed an exploratory, mixed methods, longitudinal study of healthcare workers at a regional rural-urban hospital system in the Midwest United States during the COVID-19 response (4 timepoints, 2020). Using the Total Worker Health® (TWH) participatory needs assessment approach, self-identified frontline COVID-19 workers participated in a survey including Health-Related Quality of Life, Impact of Event Scale, and a modified version of the American Nursing Association COVID-19 survey; and a hospital timeline tracked system-level activities. FINDINGS Response rate at Timepoint (T)1 was 21.7% (N = 39) and of those, 14 (36%) completed all four surveys. From T1 to T4, the rate of COVID-19 patients steadily increased, staff exceeded the threshold for post-traumatic stress disorder at T1 and T4; staff reported not enough rest or sleep 50% of the month, T1-T4. Helpfulness of family support increased but community support decreased, T1-T4. Concerns with performing new tasks increased; the challenges related to lack of protective equipment and negative media decreased. Workers wanted to be involved in decision-making, desired timely communication, and needed adequate physical, environmental, and psychological supports. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Utilization of a TWH® strategy for describing health needs, hospital response, and multi-level staff suggestions to workplace health solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic identified evidence-based health promotion interventions in a hospital system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Jaegers
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University
| | - Rose McAndrew
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University
| | - Andrea Cornelius
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Department of Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences, Saint Louis University
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer K Bello
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University
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Brossoit RM, Hammer LB, Crain TL, Leslie JJ, Bodner TE, Brockwood KJ. The effects of a Total Worker Health intervention on workplace safety: Mediating effects of sleep and supervisor support for sleep. J Occup Health Psychol 2023; 28:263-276. [PMID: 37578781 PMCID: PMC10544778 DOI: 10.1037/ocp0000357] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
We tested the effects of a randomized controlled trial Total Worker Health intervention on workplace safety outcomes. The intervention targeted employee sleep at both the supervisor-level (e.g., sleep-specific support training) and employee-level (e.g., sleep tracking and individualized sleep feedback). The intervention components were developed using principles of the Total Worker Health approach and the theory of triadic influence for health behaviors. We hypothesized that employees in the treatment group would report greater safety compliance, safety participation, and safety motivation, and would be less likely to experience a work-related accident or injury following the intervention through improvements in sleep quantity and quality, as well as increased perceptions of supervisors' support for sleep. It was theorized that the indirect effects of the intervention on workplace safety outcomes via sleep mediators operated through a resource pathway, whereas the supervisor support for sleep mediator operated through an exchange pathway. Results broadly revealed that employees in the treatment group, compared to those in the control group, reported greater workplace safety behaviors and safety motivation, and reduced workplace accidents and injuries 9 months post-baseline, through lower dissatisfaction with sleep, reduced sleep-related impairments, and greater supervisor support for sleep 4 months post-baseline. Intervening on sleep and supervisor support for sleep in an integrated Total Worker Health framework can have a positive impact on workplace safety. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leslie B. Hammer
- Department of Psychology, Portland State University
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University
| | | | | | | | - Krista J. Brockwood
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University
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Gebhard D, Herz M. How to Address the Health of Home Care Workers: A Systematic Review of the Last Two Decades. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:689-703. [PMID: 36440715 PMCID: PMC9996797 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221141084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Making home care a healthy workplace is a societal concern but research on specific interventions is still scarce. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an initial overview of interventions addressing home care workers' health. All (quasi-) experimental studies, presenting any intervention among home care employees, and reporting any outcome related to occupational health, safety, or well-being were included. PsycArticles, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched from January 2000 to February 2022. From 16,345 publications, 18 studies with 2432 participants were included and assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Organizational and training/educational approaches were found in five studies each, a behavioral approach in one, and seven studies presented a combined approach. Due to methodological limitations and the heterogeneity of interventions, the existing studies are insufficient to inform new programs, but emphasize the need for tailored approaches, integrated concepts, and participatory intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Gebhard
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, 9184Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Herz
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, 9184Technical University of Munich, Germany
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Magnavita N. Workplace Health Promotion Embedded in Medical Surveillance: The Italian Way to Total Worker Health Program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3659. [PMID: 36834352 PMCID: PMC9968016 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In 2011, NIOSH launched the Total Worker Health (TWH) strategy based on integrating prevention and health promotion in the workplace. For several years now, in Italy, this integration has led to the creation of workplace health promotion embedded in medical surveillance (WHPEMS). WHPEMS projects, which are also implemented in small companies, focus each year on a new topic that emerges from the needs of workers. During their regular medical check-up in the workplace, workers are invited to fill in a questionnaire regarding the project topic, its outcome, and some related factors. Workers receive advice on how to improve their lifestyles and are referred to the National Health Service for any necessary tests or treatments. Results collected over the past 12 years from more than 20,000 participants demonstrate that WHPEMS projects are economical, sustainable, and effective. The creation of a network of occupational physicians who are involved in WHPEMS projects could help to improve the work culture, health, and safety of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Magnavita
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; ; Tel.: +39-347-330-0367
- Department of Woman, Child and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Schulte PA, Delclos GL, Felknor SA, Streit JMK, McDaniel M, Chosewood LC, Newman LS, Bhojani FA, Pana-Cryan R, Swanson NG. Expanding the Focus of Occupational Safety and Health: Lessons from a Series of Linked Scientific Meetings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15381. [PMID: 36430096 PMCID: PMC9690540 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There is widespread recognition that the world of work is changing, and agreement is growing that the occupational safety and health (OSH) field must change to contribute to the protection of workers now and in the future. Discourse on the evolution of OSH has been active for many decades, but formalized support of an expanded focus for OSH has greatly increased over the past 20 years. Development of approaches such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)'s Total Worker Health® concept and the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Healthy Workplace Framework are concrete examples of how OSH can incorporate a new focus with a wider view. In 2019, NIOSH initiated a multi-year effort to explore an expanded focus for OSH. This paper is a report on the outputs of a three-year cooperative agreement between NIOSH and The University of Texas School of Public Health, which led to subject matter expert workshops in 2020 and an international conference of global interest groups in 2021. This article traces the background of these meetings and identifies and assesses the lessons learned. It also reviews ten thematic topics that emerged from the meetings: worker health inequalities; training new OSH professionals; future OSH research and practice; tools to measure well-being of workers; psychosocial hazards and adverse mental health effects; skilling, upskilling and improving job quality; socioeconomic influences; climate change; COVID-19 pandemic influences; and strategic foresight. Cross-cutting these themes is the need for systems and transdisciplinary thinking and operationalization of the concept of well-being to prepare the OSH field for the work of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Schulte
- Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - George L. Delclos
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sarah A. Felknor
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Jessica M. K. Streit
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - Michelle McDaniel
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - L. Casey Chosewood
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Lee S. Newman
- Center for Health, Work & Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, CU Anschutz, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | | | - Rene Pana-Cryan
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC 20024, USA
| | - Naomi G. Swanson
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
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Bello JK, Jaegers LA. Interprofessional and community engagement for evaluating and growing evidence-based criminal justice practice and policy. J Clin Transl Sci 2022; 7:e34. [PMID: 36845309 PMCID: PMC9947605 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2022.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
People experiencing incarceration are often invisible to the public due to the restricted settings in which they reside and receive services. Limited access to criminal justice settings leaves policymakers and healthcare professionals with sparse information to understand the unique needs of this population. The unmet needs of justice-involved individuals are more likely observed by professionals who provide services in correctional settings. We provide three distinct examples of projects conducted within correctional settings and how they formed pathways to interdisciplinary research and community partnerships to address the unique health and social needs of incarcerated individuals. Our partnerships in a variety of correctional settings led to exploratory research of women and men's prepregnancy health needs, participatory workplace health interventions, and process evaluation of reentry programming. The limitations and challenges to research in correctional settings are considered along with the clinical and policy implications of these projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K. Bello
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, SLUCare Academic Pavilion, 1008 S. Spring Ave., 3rd Floor, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lisa A. Jaegers
- Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences and School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, 3437 Caroline St., Suite 2020, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
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Roberts B, Jacobs N, Mathis C, Reamer H, Kardous CC, Gaffney S, L Neitzel R. Evaluation of a wearable consumer noise measurement device in a laboratory setting. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 152:547. [PMID: 35931541 DOI: 10.1121/10.0012916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to noise occurs throughout daily life and, depending on the intensity, duration, and context, can lead to hearing loss, disturbed sleep, decreased academic achievement, and other negative health outcomes. Recently, smartwatches that use the device's onboard microphone to measure noise levels were released. This study evaluated the accuracy of these smartwatches in a controlled laboratory setting. For broadband pink noise, a total of 11 441 measurements were collected. The results showed that, on average, the smartwatch reported 3.4 dBA lower than the reference system on average. For the octave-band, a total of 18 449 measurements were collected. The smartwatch measured lower than the reference microphone from the 125 Hz to 1000 Hz octave bands, were somewhat in agreement at 2000 Hz, measured higher sound pressure levels than the reference microphone at 4000 Hz, and then lower at 8000 Hz. Despite not meeting the ANSI criteria for sound level meters, in some cases, these smartwatches still provide a reasonable degree of accuracy and have the potential for use in studies that require the measurement of personal noise exposure over an extended period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Roberts
- Cardno ChemRisk, 205 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60606, USA
| | - Neva Jacobs
- Cardno ChemRisk, 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 200, Arlington, Virginia 22201, USA
| | - Claire Mathis
- Cardno ChemRisk, 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 200, Arlington, Virginia 22201, USA
| | - Heidi Reamer
- Cardno ChemRisk, 205 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60606, USA
| | - Chucri Chuck Kardous
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA
| | - Shannon Gaffney
- Cardno ChemRisk, 235 Pine Street, Suite 2300, San Francisco, California 94105, USA
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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Jaegers LA, El Ghaziri M, Katz IM, Ellison JM, Vaughn MG, Cherniack MG. Critical incident exposure among custody and noncustody correctional workers: Prevalence and impact of violent exposure to work-related trauma. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:500-511. [PMID: 35383425 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Correctional workers are at high risk for exposure to trauma, both as direct violence and as threats to their safety and well-being. The distress associated with these critical incidents (CIs) affects mental and physical health. Current tools are limited for detecting CIs in this workforce and are therefore insufficient for addressing correctional worker trauma. METHODS Community prison employees (N = 105) self-reported CIs using the adapted Correctional Worker Critical Incident Survey (CWCIS). We examined: (1) prevalence of CIs and occurrences, (2) differences in exposures to CIs by custody and noncustody staff, and (3) differences in job satisfaction, posttraumatic stress (PTSD), lower back disease, and health behaviors, such as missed work and sleep. RESULTS CIs occurred among most staff (59%) and more often for custody staff as compared to noncustody staff. CIs most often experienced were coworker injury, exposure to disease, and badly beaten adults (frequency 10-50). For the 1-9 frequency category, the most described events were: seeing someone dying, life threatened, and coworker injury. PTSD was identified in 44% of staff, and those who experienced CIs reported lower job satisfaction, greater feelings of PTSD, and more work absences than those not experiencing CIs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS CIs and PTSD are prevalent among custody and noncustody correctional workers; and job dissatisfaction, PTSD, and work absence are significantly worse for those who experienced CIs. The CWCIS detected CIs; future study is needed to inform trauma prevention, reduction, and rehabilitation interventions specific to correctional work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Jaegers
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences Saint Louis University St. Louis Missouri USA
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice Saint Louis University St. Louis Missouri USA
| | - Mazen El Ghaziri
- Susan and Alan Solomont School of Nursing University of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell Massachusetts USA
| | - Ian M. Katz
- Department of Psychology, College of Sciences Old Dominion University Norfolk Virginia USA
| | - Jared M. Ellison
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, College of Arts and Letters Old Dominion University Norfolk Virginia USA
| | - Michael G. Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice Saint Louis University St. Louis Missouri USA
| | - Martin G. Cherniack
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine University of Connecticut Health Center Farmington Connecticut USA
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Najaf K, Dhiaf MM, Nasrallah NH, Atayah OF, Marashdeh H. Role of ICT for workers’ safety at the workplace during pandemics: evidence from global data. JOURNAL OF HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jhlscm-12-2021-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThis study contributes to the extant literature on ICT firms by investigating the interrelationship between the health and safety (H&S) measures, market performance, and the coronavirus (COVID-19).Design/methodology/approachTo conduct the confirmatory analysis by testing our hypotheses, data have been collected from Bloomberg of all ICT firms from five countries. The authors gathered from 2010 until 2020 as the research sample to examine the pandemic impact on market performance and H&S measures.FindingsFirst, our results reveal a significant and positive relationship between market performance (proxied by Tobin’s Q) and the H&S measures of information technology (IT) firms. Second, the authors find that the IT firms have significantly increased the H&S measures during the COVID-19 period and were dynamic in linking employees’ adaptive capabilities to positive attributes. This has contributed to business success, resiliency, and sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors used a quantitative method of testing our hypotheses. Future studies may consider checking the robustness using qualitative methods such as structural or semi-structural interviews.Practical implicationsThe study offers valuable insights to academics, practitioners, stakeholders, policymakers, and international entities by fostering knowledge about responses to crises, integrating digital solutions, and disseminating digital information. The study also has implications on the health, social, business, and economic levels. This study is a call for international and local humanitarian organisations such as United Nations High Commission, Care international and many more to understand the gravity of safety of the workers in the workplace during the pandemic period and introduce a firm-level policy accordingly.Originality/valueThis paper is novel considering that the paper is unique in evaluating ICT firms’ market performance and H&S from a global perspective, considering the context of this historical pandemic.
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Sanetti LMH, Pierce AM, Gammie L, Dugan AG, Cavallari JM. Scale-out of a Total Worker Health® approach for designing interventions to reduce teacher stress: pilot implementation evaluation. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:814. [PMID: 35461229 PMCID: PMC9034693 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13241-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teachers have high rates of daily stress and the majority of available interventions are focused at the teacher-level. Yet, best practices in Total Worker Health® approaches indicate organization-level interventions identified using a participatory approach are most effective. We conducted an exploratory scale-out pilot study to examine the adoption of the Healthy Workplace Participatory Program (HWPP), an evidence-based, Total Worker Health approach to engage employees (e.g., teachers) and supervisory personnel (e.g., administrators) in the design and implementation of workplace well-being interventions within two elementary schools. METHODS We evaluated the program both quantitatively and qualitatively collecting implementation outcome data (i.e., fidelity, acceptability, understanding, feasibility, system alignment) as well as data-driven adaptations using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded. Data from the first school informed scale-out adaptation of the HWPP intervention, HWPP-Education, within the second school. We compared implementation outcomes between Pilot Schools 1 and 2 to evaluate improvements in the adapted HWPP. RESULTS Adaptations to HWPP program content and process were suggested to increase feasibility and contextual fit. Acceptability, understanding, and feasibility ratings showed statistically significant improvements comparing School 1 to School 2 which implemented the improved HWPP-Education. Furthermore, users reported adaptations including shorter meeting design and faster process were feasible within their work context. CONCLUSION This pilot study is the first attempt to scale out the HWPP to educators, and while not intended to confirm efficacy, it showed promising results for scale-out. Results from Pilot Schools 1 and 2 suggest systematic use of quantitative and qualitative implementation data can effectively inform scale-out efforts that increase critical outcomes such as fidelity, acceptability, understanding, feasibility, system alignment, and leader engagement as well as decrease the extent of system resources needed. As such, this scale-out process may be a feasible approach on which to base large-scale implementation efforts of the HWPP among educators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M H Sanetti
- Neag School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Alexandra M Pierce
- Neag School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Lauren Gammie
- Neag School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Alicia G Dugan
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA
| | - Jennifer M Cavallari
- School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA
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15
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Roelofs C. Total Worker Health® Employer Preparedness: A Proposed Model and Survey of Human Resource Managers' Perceptions. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e91. [PMID: 35179110 PMCID: PMC9385882 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.364] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent disasters have demonstrated gaps in employers' preparedness to protect employees and promote their well-being in the face of disruptive events. Our objective was to develop a useful strategy for advancing comprehensive employer preparedness and to assess employer preparedness in a sample of employers. METHODS A Total Worker Health Employer Preparedness Model was developed to include seven domains: planning, human resources policies, hazard reduction, training, staffing, communications, and resources for resilience. A Survey and scoring Index based upon the Model were administered to human resources professionals in the northeast United States. RESULTS Seventy-six responded, representing diverse employment sectors. The mean Index score was 8.8 (out of 23), which is a moderate level of preparedness. Nine scored over 15, indicating greater preparedness. Thirteen scored 0. Employers were most prepared for severe weather events and least prepared for acts of violence. There were no significant differences by sector, size, or reach, although the health-care sector reported higher scores. CONCLUSIONS This unique attempt to assess TWH Employer Preparedness can serve as the basis of important further study that strengthens the empirical basis of the construct. Additionally, the Model, Survey, and Index can assist employers in advancing their preparedness for all hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora Roelofs
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Francis College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Ellison JM, Jaegers LA. Suffering in Silence: Violence Exposure and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Jail Correctional Officers. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e28-e35. [PMID: 34775396 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Correctional officers are exposed to violence more often than many other public service workers, yet little is known about the traumatic nature of these risks. We examine violence exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among a large, multi-facility sample of jail officers. METHOD One thousand three hundred and sixty five officers working in 20 jails were surveyed regarding background characteristics, exposure to violence at work, and post-traumatic stress symptoms measured by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). RESULTS About one-third of the sample met the criteria for a "provisional PTSD Diagnosis" or "probable PTSD".' Victimization and exposure to violence, both in and outside of work, significantly contributed to PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the severity of, and link between, exposure to violence and PTSD among jail officers. Implications for diagnosing, treating, and preventing PTSD among jail officers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared M Ellison
- Old Dominion University, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, College of Arts and Letters, Norfolk, VA (Dr Ellison); and Saint Louis University, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences, School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, St. Louis, MO (Dr Jaegers)
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17
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Worker perspectives on the impact of non-standard workdays on worker and family well-being: A qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2230. [PMID: 34879831 PMCID: PMC8652092 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12265-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-standard work schedules (NSWSs), occurring outside of regular and predictable daytime hours, may negatively affect worker and family health. This qualitative study sought to understand worker perspectives on the health and well-being impacts of NSWSs among full-time, transportation maintainers, correctional, and manufacturing workers. Methods Forty-nine workers participated in 8 focus groups. Data were transcribed and analyzed with ATLAS.ti, using the constant comparative method to identify themes and sub-themes. Results Workers reported that long work hours and irregular and unpredictable schedules posed the biggest obstacles to their well-being. Workers reported that NSWSs were associated with behavior impacts (poor family and social connections, poor eating, poor sleep, lack of exercise recovery), physical health impacts (exhaustion, weight gain) and extended work exposures (increased stress, increased accidents). Conclusions This highlights the importance of developing and implementing effective workplace interventions to address these barriers to health and health behaviors.
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18
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Siegel A, Hoge AC, Ehmann AT, Martus P, Rieger MA. Attitudes of Company Executives toward a Comprehensive Workplace Health Management-Results of an Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study in Germany. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111475. [PMID: 34769990 PMCID: PMC8583484 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Workplace health management (WHM) in Germany aims at maintaining and increasing the health and well-being of employees. Little is known about company executives’ attitudes toward WHM. To gain more insight, we conducted a large-scale survey in companies in the German county of Reutlingen in 2017. We sent a standardized questionnaire to 906 companies, containing inter alia 26 self-constructed declarative statements depicting company executives’ opinions on various WHM aspects; 222 questionnaires could be evaluated. By exploratory factor analysis we assigned the 26 items to six factors reflecting different attitudes toward WHM. Factor values were standardized to a scale from 0 to 10. The attitude ‘positive view of general health services in the company’, for example, achieved by far the lowest mean agreement (3.3 points). For the attitude ‘general skepticism toward WHM’, agreement and disagreement were balanced (5.0 points). Using multiple regression analyses, we searched for variables that could partially explain respondents’ agreement with attitudes. In conclusion, a general WHM skepticism was widespread, but not dominant. The idea that general health services should be offered in companies was predominantly rejected. Older respondents and respondents from smaller companies and craft enterprises were more skeptical than average about WHM and its possible extensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim Siegel
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; (A.C.H.); (A.T.E.); (M.A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-7071-29-86812
| | - Aileen C. Hoge
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; (A.C.H.); (A.T.E.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Anna T. Ehmann
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; (A.C.H.); (A.T.E.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Peter Martus
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, University Hospital Tübingen, Silcherstr. 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Monika A. Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; (A.C.H.); (A.T.E.); (M.A.R.)
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Dissemination and Implementation Science Approaches for Occupational Safety and Health Research: Implications for Advancing Total Worker Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111050. [PMID: 34769573 PMCID: PMC8583149 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Total Worker Health® (TWH), an initiative of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is defined as policies, programs, and practices that integrate protection from work-related health and safety hazards by promoting efforts that advance worker well-being. Interventions that apply the TWH paradigm improve workplace health more rapidly than wellness programs alone. Evidence of the barriers and facilitators to the adoption, implementation, and long-term maintenance of TWH programs is limited. Dissemination and implementation (D&I) science, the study of methods and strategies for bridging the gap between public health research and practice, can help address these system-, setting-, and worker-level factors to increase the uptake, impact, and sustainment of TWH activities. The purpose of this paper is to draw upon a synthesis of existing D&I science literature to provide TWH researchers and practitioners with: (1) an overview of D&I science; (2) a plain language explanation of key concepts in D&I science; (3) a case study example of moving a TWH intervention down the research-to-practice pipeline; and (4) a discussion of future opportunities for conducting D&I science in complex and dynamic workplace settings to increase worker safety, health, and well-being.
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An Exploratory, Qualitative Study of How Organizations Implement the Hierarchy of Controls Applied to Total Worker Health®. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910032. [PMID: 34639334 PMCID: PMC8508424 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Understanding of how Total Worker Health® (TWH) guidelines are implemented in employment organizations in the USA is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to explore how the principles of the Hierarchy of Controls Applied to NIOSH Total Worker Health (TWH HoC), have been implemented among organizations featured as Promising Practices for TWH between 2012–2019, with special focus on the work-related issues of fatigue, stress, sedentary work, and tobacco control. We also sought to identify benefits, obstacles, and lessons learned in the implementation of the TWH HoC. Eighteen organizations were identified to be included in the study. Using a qualitative cross-sectional design and purposive sampling, seven in-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen key informants. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to guide the thematic analysis and interpretation of qualitative data. Four themes identified include recognition of the TWH approach and TWH HoC, implementation of the TWH HoC, barriers and facilitators in addressing specific work-related issues, and implementation climate primes benefits, obstacles, and lessons learned. The inner setting (i.e., culture, implementation climate, readiness for implementation) of organizations was a prominent determinant of the implementation of integrated worker safety, health, and well-being interventions.
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21
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Cavallari JM, Suleiman AO, Garza JL, Namazi S, Dugan AG, Henning RA, Punnett L. Evaluation of the HearWell Pilot Program: A Participatory Total Worker Health® Approach to Hearing Conservation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189529. [PMID: 34574456 PMCID: PMC8472491 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to pilot test HearWell, an intervention created to preserve hearing among highway maintainers, by using a participatory Total Worker Health® (TWH) approach to designing, implementing and evaluating interventions. Regional maintenance garages were randomized to control (n = 6); HearWell (n = 4) or HearWell Design Team (n = 2) arms. Maintainer representatives from the HearWell Design Team garages identified barriers to hearing health and collaborated to design interventions including a safety leadership training for managers, a noise hazard management scheme to identify noise levels and indicate the hearing protection device (HPD) needed, and a comprehensive HearWell training video and protocol. These worker-designed interventions, after manager input, were delivered to the HearWell Design Team and the HearWell garages. Control garages received standard industry hearing conservation training. Periodic surveys of workers in all 12 garages collected information on the frequency of HPD use and a new hearing climate measure to evaluate changes in behaviors and attitudes over the study period and following interventions. An intention-to-treat approach was utilized; differences and trends in group HPD use and hearing climate were analyzed using a mixed-effects model to account for repeated measures from individual participants. The HearWell Design Team maintainers reported the highest frequency of HPD use. Hearing climate improved in each group 6 months following intervention implementation, with the largest increase and highest value for the HearWell Design Team workers. The HearWell pilot intervention showed promising results in improving HPD use through a participatory TWH approach to hearing conservation. Furthermore, results suggest that employee participation in hearing conservation programs may be necessary for maximal effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Cavallari
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA;
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (J.L.G.); (A.G.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Adekemi O. Suleiman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA;
| | - Jennifer L. Garza
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (J.L.G.); (A.G.D.)
| | - Sara Namazi
- Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA 01109, USA;
| | - Alicia G. Dugan
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (J.L.G.); (A.G.D.)
| | - Robert A. Henning
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA;
| | - Laura Punnett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
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Robertson MM, Tubbs D, Henning RA, Nobrega S, Calvo A, Murphy LA. Assessment of organizational readiness for participatory occupational safety, health and well-being programs. Work 2021; 69:1317-1342. [PMID: 34366313 DOI: 10.3233/wor-213552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organizational readiness for change measures were reviewed to develop an assessment tool for guiding implementation of an occupational safety and health program based on Total Worker Health (TWH) principles. Considerable conceptual ambiguity in the theoretical and empirical peer-reviewed literature was revealed. OBJECTIVE Develop and validate an assessment tool that organizations can use to prepare for implementation of a participatory TWH program. METHODS Inclusion criteria identified 29 relevant publications. Analysis revealed eight key organizational characteristics and predictors of successful organizational change. A conceptual framework was created that subject matter experts used to generate prospective survey items. Items were revised after pretesting with 10 cognitive interviews with upper-level management and pilot-tested in five healthcare organizations. Reliability of the domain subscales were tested based on Cronbach's α. RESULTS The Organizational Readiness Tool (ORT) showed adequate psychometric properties and specificity in these eight domains: 1) Current safety/health/well-being programs; 2) Current organizational approaches to safety/health/well-being; 3) Resources available for safety/health/well-being; 4) Resources and readiness for change initiatives to improve safety/health/well-being; 5) Resources and readiness for use of teams in programmatic initiatives; 6) Teamwork; 7) Resources and readiness for employee participation; and 8) Management communication about safety/health/well-being. Acceptable ranges of internal consistency statistics for the domain subscales were observed. CONCLUSIONS A conceptual model of organizational readiness for change guided development of the Organizational Readiness Tool (ORT), a survey instrument designed to provide actionable guidance for implementing a participatory TWH program. Initial internal consistency was demonstrated following administration at multiple organizations prior to implementation of a participatory Total Worker Health® program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Robertson
- Department of Psychology, Center for Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,D'Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diana Tubbs
- Department of Psychology, Center for Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Robert A Henning
- Department of Psychology, Center for Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Suzanne Nobrega
- Biomedical Engineering, Center for Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Alec Calvo
- Department of Psychology, Center for Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Lauren A Murphy
- D'Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Kotejoshyer R, Gilmer DO, Namazi S, Farr D, Henning RA, Cherniack M. Impact of a Total Worker Health ® Mentoring Program in a Correctional Workforce. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8436. [PMID: 34444186 PMCID: PMC8393833 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Correctional Officers show signs of adverse health early in their careers. We evaluated the impact of a one-year peer health mentoring program for new officers based on a Total Worker Health® approach; (2) Methods: Cadets (n = 269) were randomly assigned to a mentored or control group. Cadets in this mixed methods design completed physical assessments, and surveys at three time points to assess demographics, health, mentoring, and workplace variables. Physical testing included several health markers. Surveys and physical data were analyzed as repeated measures. Regression analyses were used to analyze the relationship between mentoring characteristics and outcomes. A semi-structured interview of mentors was analyzed qualitatively. (3) Results: Higher mentoring frequency was associated with lower burnout. Health behaviors and outcomes declined over time in all groups, but mentees displayed slower decline for body mass index (BMI) and hypertension compared to controls. (4) Conclusions: A continuous peer health mentoring program seemed protective to new officers in reducing burnout and also declines in BMI and hypertension. Short-term physical health markers in younger officers may not be an index of psycho-social effects. A participatory design approach is recommended for a long-term health mentoring program to be both effective and sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajashree Kotejoshyer
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Farmington, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (D.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Declan O. Gilmer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (D.O.G.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Sara Namazi
- Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA 01109, USA;
| | - Dana Farr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Farmington, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (D.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Robert A. Henning
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (D.O.G.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Martin Cherniack
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Farmington, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (D.F.); (M.C.)
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Tenney L, Dexter L, Shapiro DC, Dally M, Brown CE, Schwatka NV, Huebschmann AG, McMillen J, Newman LS. Impact of Advising on Total Worker Health Implementation. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:657-664. [PMID: 33950039 PMCID: PMC8729231 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is understood about the mechanisms for improving the adoption and implementation of Total Worker Health® (TWH) in workplace settings. The primary objective of this study was to identify whether the delivery of TWH advising is associated with subsequent changes in TWH in small-to-medium sized businesses. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study of a TWH intervention in 200 organizations completing Health Links Healthy Workplace Assessments™ between October 2016 and December 2019. Organizations were offered consultation via telephonic and live web-based advising sessions. RESULTS Organizations exhibited non-significant albeit positive change in assessment scores from baseline to assessment 2. Businesses receiving advising showed significant score improvements from assessment 2 to 3, versus those without advising. CONCLUSIONS TWH consultation may enhance adoption of organizational behaviors that promote worker health, safety, and well-being over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Tenney
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Lynn Dexter
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - David C. Shapiro
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Miranda Dally
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Carol E. Brown
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Natalie V. Schwatka
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Amy G. Huebschmann
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Adult & Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS) Dissemination and Implementation program, Division of General Internal Medicine and Center for Women’s Health Research, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 E. 17th Ave., Mailstop B180, Aurora, CO 80045
| | | | - Lee S. Newman
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, and Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Place, Mailstop B119, Aurora, CO, 80045
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Haas EJ, Furek A, Casey M, Yoon KN, Moore SM. Applying the Social Vulnerability Index as a Leading Indicator to Protect Fire-Based Emergency Medical Service Responders' Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8049. [PMID: 34360357 PMCID: PMC8345582 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During emergencies, areas with higher social vulnerability experience an increased risk for negative health outcomes. However, research has not extrapolated this concept to understand how the workers who respond to these areas may be affected. Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) merged approximately 160,000 emergency response calls received from three fire departments during the COVID-19 pandemic with the CDC's publicly available Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to examine the utility of SVI as a leading indicator of occupational health and safety risks. Multiple regressions, binomial logit models, and relative weights analyses were used to answer the research questions. Researchers found that higher social vulnerability on household composition, minority/language, and housing/transportation increase the risk of first responders' exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Higher socioeconomic, household, and minority vulnerability were significantly associated with response calls that required emergency treatment and transport in comparison to fire-related or other calls that are also managed by fire departments. These results have implications for more strategic emergency response planning during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as improving Total Worker Health® and future of work initiatives at the worker and workplace levels within the fire service industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Haas
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (A.F.); (K.N.Y.); (S.M.M.)
| | - Alexa Furek
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (A.F.); (K.N.Y.); (S.M.M.)
| | - Megan Casey
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA;
| | - Katherine N. Yoon
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (A.F.); (K.N.Y.); (S.M.M.)
| | - Susan M. Moore
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (A.F.); (K.N.Y.); (S.M.M.)
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26
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Nobrega S, Morocho C, Robertson MM, Kurowski A, Rice S, Henning RA, Punnett L. A mixed-method approach to tailor the implementation of a participatory Total Worker Health ® program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2021; 14:409-425. [PMID: 36483462 PMCID: PMC9727953 DOI: 10.1108/ijwhm-01-2021-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose – Total Worker Health® (TWH) programs, which represent a holistic approach for advancing worker safety, health and well-being, require an employer to adapt programmatic coordination and employee involvement in program design and delivery. Organizational readiness for such measures requires competencies in leadership, communication, subject expertise and worker participation. In the absence of documented methods for TWH readiness assessment, the authors developed a process to prospectively identify implementation facilitators and barriers that may be used to strengthen organizational competencies and optimize the organizational "fit" in advance. Design/methodology/approach – The mixed-method baseline assessment instruments comprised an online organizational readiness survey and a key leader interview; these were administered with key organizational and labor leaders in five US healthcare facilities. Findings about organizational resources, skills available and potential implementation barriers were summarized in a stakeholder feedback report and used to strengthen readiness and tailor implementation to the organizational context. Findings – The research team was able to leverage organizational strengths such as leaders' commitment and willingness to address nontraditional safety topics to establish new worker-led design teams. Information about program barriers (staff time and communication) enabled the research team to respond with proactive tailoring strategies such as training on participant roles, extending team recruitment time and providing program communication tools and coaching. Originality/value – A new method has been developed for prospective organizational readiness assessment to implement a participatory TWH program. The authors illustrate its ability to identify relevant organizational features to guide institutional preparation and tailor program implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Nobrega
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cesar Morocho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michelle M Robertson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Management and Organizational Development, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alicia Kurowski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Serena Rice
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert A Henning
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Laura Punnett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
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Jaegers LA, Vaughn MG, Werth P, Matthieu MM, Ahmad SO, Barnidge E. Work-Family Conflict, Depression, and Burnout Among Jail Correctional Officers: A 1-Year Prospective Study. Saf Health Work 2021; 12:167-173. [PMID: 34178393 PMCID: PMC8209357 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Correctional officers (COs) experience elevated rates of mental and physical ill-health as compared with other general industry and public safety occupations. The purpose of this study was to investigate demographic, mental health, job tenure, and work-family characteristics and their prospective association to burnout within and between jail officers during one year of new employment. METHODS In 2016, newly hired jail officers (N = 144) completed self-reported surveys across four time points in a one-year prospective study at a Midwestern United States urban jail. Linear mixed-effects and growth modeling examined how work-family conflict (W-FC) and depressive symptoms relate to perceptions of burnout over time. RESULTS Jail officer burnout increased and was related to rises in W-FC and depression symptoms. Within-person variance for W-FC (B pooled = .52, p < .001) and depression symptoms (B pooled = .06, p < .01) were significant predictors of burnout. Less time on the job remained a significant predictor of burnout across all analyses (B pooled = .03, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Results from this study indicate that burnout increased during the first year of new employment; and increased W-FC, higher depression, and brief tenure were associated with burnout among jail COs. Future study of correctional workplace health is needed to identify tailored, multilevel interventions that address burnout and W-FC prevention and early intervention among COs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Jaegers
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences, St. Louis, MO, USA
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael G. Vaughn
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Graduate School of Social Welfare, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Paul Werth
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University College of Arts & Sciences, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Monica M. Matthieu
- School of Social Work, Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Syed Omar Ahmad
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Saint Louis University Doisy College of Health Sciences, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ellen Barnidge
- Behavioral Science and Health Education, Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Felknor SA, Streit JMK, McDaniel M, Schulte PA, Chosewood LC, Delclos GL. How Will the Future of Work Shape OSH Research and Practice? A Workshop Summary. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115696. [PMID: 34073326 PMCID: PMC8198798 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Growth of the information economy and globalization of labor markets will be marked by exponential growth in emerging technologies that will cause considerable disruption of the social and economic sectors that drive the global job market. These disruptions will alter the way we work, where we work, and will be further affected by the changing demographic characteristics and level of training of the available workforce. These changes will likely result in scenarios where existing workplace hazards are exacerbated and new hazards with unknown health effects are created. The pace of these changes heralds an urgent need for a proactive approach to understand the potential effects new and emerging workplace hazards will have on worker health, safety, and well-being. As employers increasingly rely on non-standard work arrangements, research is needed to better understand the work organization and employment models that best support decent work and improved worker health, safety, and well-being. This need has been made more acute by the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic that has resulted in dramatic changes in employment patterns, millions of lost jobs, an erosion of many economic sectors, and widespread disparities which further challenge occupational safety and health (OSH) systems to ensure a healthy and productive workplace. To help identify new research approaches to address OSH challenges in the future, a virtual workshop was organized in June 2020 with leading experts in the fields of OSH, well-being, research methods, mental health, economics, and life-course analysis. A paradigm shift will be needed for OSH research in the future of work that embraces key stakeholders and thinks differently about research that will improve lives of workers and enhance enterprise success. A more transdisciplinary approach to research will be needed that integrates the skills of traditional and non-traditional OSH research disciplines, as well as broader research methods that support the transdisciplinary character of an expanded OSH paradigm. This article provides a summary of the presentations, discussion, and recommendations that will inform the agenda of the Expanded Focus for Occupational Safety and Health (Ex4OSH) International Conference, planned for December 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Felknor
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Jessica M. K. Streit
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA; (J.M.K.S.); (P.A.S.)
| | - Michelle McDaniel
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.M.); (G.L.D.)
| | - Paul A. Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA; (J.M.K.S.); (P.A.S.)
| | - L. Casey Chosewood
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA;
| | - George L. Delclos
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.M.); (G.L.D.)
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Chang CH, Shao R, Wang M, Baker NM. Workplace Interventions in Response to COVID-19: an Occupational Health Psychology Perspective. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCIENCE 2021; 5:1-23. [PMID: 33842692 PMCID: PMC8021486 DOI: 10.1007/s41542-021-00080-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has imposed significant threats to individuals' physical health and has substantially changed the socioeconomic order and the nature of our work and life all over the world. To guide organizations to design effective workplace interventions to mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19, we take the occupational health psychology (OHP) perspective to propose a framework that highlights important areas for organizations to intervene in order to better protect workers' physical health and safety and to promote workers' psychological well-being. Specifically, we integrate the prevention-based public health model with the Total Worker Health (TWH) and OHP-based approaches to propose a comprehensive set of primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions that target different groups of employees with varied exposure risks to the new coronavirus. We believe these proposed interventions can contribute positively to the development of healthy and safe work. Implications of these proposed interventions for workers, organizations, and policy makers are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Hsiang Chang
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 316 Physics Road, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Ruodan Shao
- Area of Organization Studies, Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mo Wang
- Department of Management, Warrington College of Business, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Nathan M. Baker
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 316 Physics Road, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
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Biswas A, Begum M, Van Eerd D, Smith PM, Gignac MAM. Organizational Perspectives on How to Successfully Integrate Health Promotion Activities into Occupational Health and Safety. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:270-284. [PMID: 33769396 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is increasing recognition of the value of integrating efforts to promote worker health with existing occupational health and safety activities. This paper aimed to identify facilitators, barriers and recommendations for implementing integrated worker health approaches. METHODS Thirteen stakeholders from different job sectors participated in a workshop that targeted key issues underlying integrated worker health approaches in their own and other organizations. Included were participants from human resources, occupational health and safety, government, and unions. Thematic analysis and an online ranking exercise identified recommendation priorities and contributed to a conceptual framework. RESULTS Participants highlighted the importance of planning phases in addition to implementation and evaluation. Themes highlighted organizational priorities, leadership buy-in, external pressures, training, program promotion and evaluation metrics. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide practical directions for integrating worker health promotion and safety and implementation steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviroop Biswas
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Biswas, Begum, Van Eerd, Smith, Gignac); Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Biswas, Smith, Gignac); Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Smith)
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Roelofs C, Sugerman-Brozan J, Kurowski A, Russell L, Punnett L. Promoting Opioid Awareness Through a Union-Based Peer Training Model. New Solut 2021; 31:286-297. [PMID: 33423614 DOI: 10.1177/1048291120982597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Work factors, including physical job demands, appear to be risk factors for opioid overdoses. We collaborated with unions representing workers in high-risk occupations and offered resources to develop tailored educational interventions for their members. An ironworkers' local, a statewide nurses' union, and a Teamsters local union participated, at levels higher than we had anticipated. The three unions trained 285 workers, including apprentices, stewards, and those nearing retirement. Short surveys assessed pre- and post-training knowledge, attitudes, confidence in helping others, and related domains. Seventy percent of respondents reported heavy or very heavy physical demands at work, and one-half had experienced work-related pain. After training, participants reported more knowledge about opioids, less concern about stigma related to help-seeking, and more ability to provide help to a co-worker struggling with opioids. Peers with recovery experience provided a unique contribution to training. Tailored job-specific and peer-delivered educational interventions may be able to reduce the potential impact of opioids on working people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alicia Kurowski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | | | - Laura Punnett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
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El Ghaziri M, Jaegers LA, Monteiro CE, Grubb PL, Cherniack MG. Progress in Corrections Worker Health: The National Corrections Collaborative Utilizing a Total Worker Health® Strategy. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:965-972. [PMID: 32868600 PMCID: PMC7864532 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine National Corrections Collaborative (NCC) activities, as an outreach initiative, to advance corrections workplace health and safety research, practice, and policy through a series of applied Research to Practice (r2p) meetings informed by the Total Worker Health(Total Worker Health is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) (TWH) strategy. METHODS We mapped the coalescence of correctional worker health concerns, federal and national professional organization initiatives, and research activities that formed the NCC in 2014. RESULTS During the NCC's 5-years of TWH activities, attendance increased, partner composition expanded, and themes of concern evolved. Partners were motivated to participate and work together towards building evidence for health and safety r2p. CONCLUSIONS A unified plea to the academic and federal research communities for assistance with better evaluation instruments, data linkages, and for adopting an integrated TWH approach to workforce health and wellbeing continue to drive NCC r2p activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen El Ghaziri
- Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell (Dr El Ghaziri); Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University (Dr Jaegers); School of Social Work, Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice (Dr Jaegers), Saint Louis, Missouri; Sociology Department, Suffolk University, Boston (Dr Monteiro), Massachusetts; Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio (Dr Grubb); Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut (Dr Cherniack)
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Kernan G, Cifuentes M, Gore R, Kriebel D, Punnett L. A Corporate Wellness Program and Nursing Home Employees' Health. Front Public Health 2020; 8:531116. [PMID: 33194941 PMCID: PMC7664128 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.531116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many employed Americans suffer from chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Worksite wellness programs provide opportunities to introduce health promotion strategies. While there is evidence of the effectiveness of workplace health promotion, this is tempered by concern that benefits may be less available to low-wage workers with inflexible working conditions. Objective: The aim was to evaluate a workplace health promotion (WHP) in the long-term care sector (skilled nursing facilities). Methods: Nursing home employees from 18 facilities within a single company were surveyed by a standardized, self-administered questionnaire. A company-sponsored WHP program was offered to the facilities, which were free to take it up or not. We categorized the facilities by level of program adoption. Cross-sectional associations were estimated between program category and prevalence of individual-level worker health indicators, adjusting for center-level working conditions. Results: A total of 1,589 workers in 5 job categories completed the survey. Average levels of psychological demands and social support at work were relatively high. Supervisor support stood out as higher in centers with well-developed WHP programs, compared to centers with no programs. There were no differences among program levels for most health outcomes. Workers in centers with well-developed programs had slightly lower average body mass index and (unexpectedly) slightly lower prevalence of non-smoking and regular aerobic exercise. Conclusions: Only small health benefits were observed from well-developed programs and working conditions did not appear to confound the negative results. This low-intensity, low-resourced workplace health promotion program may have benefited a few individuals but seems to have had only modest influence on average levels of the measured health indicators. Many nursing home employees experience obstacles to health behaviors; approaches that provide more environmental and economic supports for healthy behaviors, such as Total Worker Health®, may yield larger health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Kernan
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Manuel Cifuentes
- Department of Public Health, Regis College, Weston, MA, United States
| | - Rebecca Gore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - David Kriebel
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Laura Punnett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
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Punnett L, Nobrega S, Zhang Y, Rice S, Gore R, Kurowski A. Safety and Health through Integrated, Facilitated Teams (SHIFT): stepped-wedge protocol for prospective, mixed-methods evaluation of the Healthy Workplace Participatory Program. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1463. [PMID: 32993607 PMCID: PMC7526105 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09551-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare facilities are notorious for occupational health and safety problems. Multi-level interventions are needed to address interacting exposures and their overlapping origins in work organization features. Worker participation in problem identification and resolution is essential. This study evaluates the CPH-NEW Healthy Workplace Participatory Program (HWPP), a Total Worker Health® protocol to develop effective employee teams for worker safety, health, and wellbeing. METHODS Six public sector, unionized healthcare facilities are enrolled, in three pairs, matched by agency. The unit of intervention is a workplace health and safety committee, adapted here to a joint labor-management "Design Team" (DT). The DT conducts root cause analyses, prioritizes problems, identifies feasible interventions in light of the constraints and needs of the specific setting, makes business-case presentations to facility leadership, and assists in evaluation. Following a stepped-wedge (cross-over) design, one site in each pair is randomly assigned to "immediate intervention" status, receiving the full coached intervention at baseline; in the "lagged intervention" site, coaching begins about half-way through the study. Program effectiveness and cost-effectiveness outcomes are assessed at both organizational (e.g., workers' compensation claim and absenteeism rates, perceived management support of safety) and individual levels (e.g., self-rated health, sleep quality, leisure-time exercise). Targeted pre-post analyses will also examine specific outcomes appropriate to the topics selected for intervention. Process evaluation outcomes include fidelity of the HWPP intervention, extent of individual DT member activity, expansion of committee scope to include employee well-being, program obstacles and opportunities in each setting, and sustainability (within the available time frame). DISCUSSION This study aims for a quantitative evaluation of the HWPP over a time period long enough to accomplish multiple intervention cycles in each facility. The design seeks to achieve comparable study engagement and data quality between groups. We will also assess whether the HWPP might be further improved to meet the needs of U.S. public sector healthcare institutions. Potential challenges include difficulty in pooling data across study sites if Design Teams select different intervention topics, and follow-up periods too short for change to be observed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04251429 (retrospectively registered January 29, 2020), protocol version 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Punnett
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
| | - Suzanne Nobrega
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA
- Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Serena Rice
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Rebecca Gore
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
| | - Alicia Kurowski
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW), Lowell, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1 University Avenue, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA
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Dennerlein JT, Burke L, Sabbath EL, Williams JAR, Peters SE, Wallace L, Karapanos M, Sorensen G. An Integrative Total Worker Health Framework for Keeping Workers Safe and Healthy During the COVID-19 Pandemic. HUMAN FACTORS 2020; 62:689-696. [PMID: 32515231 PMCID: PMC7346710 DOI: 10.1177/0018720820932699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to recommend an integrated Total Worker Health (TWH) approach which embraces core human factors and ergonomic principles, supporting worker safety, health, and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND COVID-19 has resulted in unprecedented challenges to workplace safety and health for workers and managers in essential businesses, including healthcare workers, grocery stores, delivery services, warehouses, and distribution centers. Essential workers need protection, accurate information, and a supportive work environment with an unwavering focus on effective infection control. METHOD The investigators reviewed emerging workplace recommendations for reducing workers' exposures to the novel coronavirus and the challenges to workers in protecting their health. Using a theoretical framework and guidelines for integrating safety and health management systems into an organization for TWH, the investigators adapted the framework's key characteristics to meet the specific worker safety and health issues for effective infection control, providing supports for increasing psychological demands while ensuring a safe work environment. RESULTS The recommended approach includes six key characteristics: focusing on working conditions for infection control and supportive environments for increased psychological demands; utilizing participatory approaches involving workers in identifying daily challenges and unique solutions; employing comprehensive and collaborative efforts to increase system efficiencies; committing as leaders to supporting workers through action and communications; adhering to ethical and legal standards; and using data to guide actions and evaluate progress. CONCLUSION Applying an integrative TWH approach for worker safety, health, and well-being provides a framework to help managers systematically organize and protect themselves, essential workers, and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. APPLICATION By using the systems approach provided by the six implementation characteristics, employers of essential workers can organize their own efforts to improve system performance and worker well-being during these unprecedented times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack T. Dennerlein
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Jack T. Dennerlein, Northeastern University, Robinson Hall, Room 301, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, USA;
| | - Lisa Burke
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Glorian Sorensen
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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