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Shore E, Tenney L, Schwatka NV, Dally M, Dexter L, Brown CE, Newman LS. A pilot study of changes in Total Worker Health® policies and programs and associated changes in safety and health climates in small business. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:1045-1052. [PMID: 34462934 PMCID: PMC8989365 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little longitudinal research on whether changes to Total Worker Health® (TWH) policies and programs are associated with changes in health climate and safety climate. We hypothesize that as TWH policies and programs change, employees will report changes in safety climate and health climate from baseline to 1 year. METHODS Twenty-five diverse small businesses and their employees participated in assessments completed approximately 1 year apart. The exposures of interest, TWH policies and programs, were measured using the business-level Healthy Workplace Assessment™ which collects information on six benchmarks. The outcomes of interest, employee perceptions of safety climate and health climate, were measured via an employee survey. We employed paired t-tests and simple linear regression to assess change over a 1-year period. RESULTS The mean Healthy Workplace Assessment overall score changed by 11.3 points (SD = 11.8) from baseline to Year 1. From baseline to Year 1, the mean scores of each benchmark changed in a positive direction within this sample. The mean safety climate score and health climate score changed by +0.1 points (SD = 0.2) and +0.1 points (SD = 6.4) from baseline to Year 1, respectively. The associations between changes in the overall Healthy Workplace Assessment score and health climate and safety climate scores were negligible [β = 0.01 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.002, 0.02), and β = 0.01 (95% CI: 0.002, 0.02), respectively]. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that when small businesses improve upon their TWH policies and programs they experience marginal measurable improvements in employee perceptions of their workplace safety climate and health climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Shore
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, 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 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
| | - Liliana Tenney
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, 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 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
| | - Natalie V. Schwatka
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, 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 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
| | - Miranda Dally
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, 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 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., 3 Floor, 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., 3 Floor, 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
| | - Lee S. Newman
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, 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 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, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
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Cao W, Cao N, Gu M, Li P, Li M, Luo C, Liu H, Jiang F, Li C, Cao S. Prevalence of Percutaneous Injuries and Associated Factors Among a Sample of Midwives in Hunan Province, China. Workplace Health Saf 2020; 68:422-431. [PMID: 32469688 DOI: 10.1177/2165079920914923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Percutaneous injuries and blood-borne-related infections pose occupational hazards to healthcare professionals. However, the prevalence and associated factors for these hazards among midwives in Hunan Province, China are poorly documented. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 1,282 eligible midwives in the cities of Yongzhou, Chenzhou, Hengyang, and Changsha in Hunan Province, China, from January 2017 to July 2017. The association of selected independent variables with percutaneous injuries was investigated using binary logistic regression. Results: 992 participants responded (77.3%), and within the previous 12 months, 15.7% experienced percutaneous injuries. In multivariate analysis, hospital size, age, length of employment as a midwife, weekly working hours, and three aspects of Hospital Safety Climate Scale were associated with percutaneous injuries. The risk of percutaneous injuries among the midwives working in hospitals with ≤399 beds was higher than that among those working in hospitals with ≥400 beds by nearly 3 times. Furthermore, the percutaneous injury prevalence of midwives decreased as age increased. Moreover, the probability of percutaneous injuries among the midwives with weekly working hours of >40 was 4.35 times higher compared with that among midwives with weekly working hours of ≤40. Conclusion/Application to practice: The prevalence of percutaneous injuries among midwives in the study hospitals was substantial. Our results further proved that risk mitigation strategies tailored to midwives are needed to reduce this risk. These strategies include ensuring a positive organizational climate, providing highly safe devices, and reducing the workload.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nanlin Cao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University
| | | | | | - Min Li
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
| | | | | | - Fuyun Jiang
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China
| | | | - Shunwang Cao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
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Payne J, Cluff L, Lang J, Matson-Koffman D, Morgan-Lopez A. Elements of a Workplace Culture of Health, Perceived Organizational Support for Health, and Lifestyle Risk. Am J Health Promot 2018; 32:1555-1567. [PMID: 29529865 PMCID: PMC6106858 DOI: 10.1177/0890117118758235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the impact of elements of a workplace culture of health (COH) on employees' perceptions of employer support for health and lifestyle risk. DESIGN We used 2013 and 2015 survey data from the National Healthy Worksite Program, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-led initiative to help workplaces implement health-promoting interventions. SETTING Forty-one employers completed the CDC Worksite Health Scorecard to document organizational changes. PARTICIPANTS Eight hundred twenty-five employees provided data to evaluate changes in their health and attitudes. MEASURES We defined elements of a COH as environmental, policy, and programmatic supports; leadership and coworker support; employee engagement (motivational interventions); and strategic communication. Outcomes included scores of employees' perceptions of employer support for health and lifestyle risk derived from self-reported physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco use. ANALYSIS We estimated effects using multilevel regression models. RESULTS At the employee level and across time, regression coefficients show positive associations between leadership support, coworker support, employee engagement, and perceived support for health ( P < .05). Coefficients suggest a marginally significant negative association between lifestyle risk and the presence of environmental and policy supports ( P < .10) and significant associations with leadership support in 2015 only ( P < .05). CONCLUSION Relational elements of COH (leadership and coworker support) tend to be associated with perceived support for health, while workplace elements (environmental and policy supports) are more associated with lifestyle risk. Employers need to confront relational and workplace elements together to build a COH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurie Cluff
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jason Lang
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Wizner K, Nasarwanji M, Fisher E, Steege AL, Boiano JM. Exploring respiratory protection practices for prominent hazards in healthcare settings. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2018; 15:588-597. [PMID: 29750600 PMCID: PMC6201744 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2018.1473581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of respiratory protection, an important component of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare, is dependent on the hazard and environmental conditions in the workplace. This requires the employer and healthcare worker (HCW) to be knowledgeable about potential exposures and their respective protective measures. However, the use of respirators is inconsistent in healthcare settings, potentially putting HCWs at risk for illness or injury. To better understand respirator use, barriers, and influences, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Health and Safety Practices Survey of Healthcare Workers provided an opportunity to examine self-reported use of respirators and surgical masks for targeted hazards. The hazards of interest included aerosolized medications, antineoplastic drugs, chemical sterilants, high-level disinfectants, influenza-like illness (ILI), and surgical smoke. Of the 10,383 HCWs who reported respiratory protection behaviors, 1,904 (18%) reported wearing a respirator for at least one hazard. Hazard type, job duties, site characteristics, and organizational factors played a greater role in the likelihood of respirator use than individual factors. The proportion of respirator users was highest for aerosolized medications and lowest for chemical sterilants. Most respondents reported using a surgical mask for at least one of the hazards, with highest use for surgical smoke generated by electrosurgical techniques and ILI. The high proportion of respirator non-users who used surgical masks is concerning because HCWs may be using a surgical mask in situations that require a respirator, specifically for surgical smoke. Improved guidance on hazard recognition, risk evaluation, and appropriate respirator selection could potentially help HCWs better understand how to protect themselves at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri Wizner
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Mahiyar Nasarwanji
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edward Fisher
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrea L. Steege
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - James M. Boiano
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Blachere FM, Lindsley WG, McMillen CM, Beezhold DH, Fisher EM, Shaffer RE, Noti JD. Assessment of influenza virus exposure and recovery from contaminated surgical masks and N95 respirators. J Virol Methods 2018; 260:98-106. [PMID: 30029810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at significantly higher risk of exposure to influenza virus during seasonal epidemics and global pandemics. During the 2009 influenza pandemic, some healthcare organizations recommended that HCWs wear respiratory protection such as filtering facepiece respirators, while others indicated that facemasks such as surgical masks (SMs) were sufficient. To assess the level of exposure a HCW may possibly encounter, the aim of this study was to (1.) evaluate if SMs and N95 respirators can serve as "personal bioaerosol samplers" for influenza virus and (2.) determine if SMs and N95 respirators contaminated by influenza laden aerosols can serve as a source of infectious virus for indirect contact transmission. This effort is part of a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 5-year multidisciplinary study to determine the routes of influenza transmission in healthcare settings. A coughing simulator was programmed to cough aerosol particles containing influenza virus over a wide concentration range into an aerosol exposure simulation chamber virus/L of exam room air), and a breathing simulator was used to collect virus on either a SM or N95 respirator. Extraction buffers containing nonionic and anionic detergents as well as various protein additives were used to recover influenza virus from the masks and respirators. The inclusion of 0.1% SDS resulted in maximal influenza RNA recovery (41.3%) but with a complete loss of infectivity whereas inclusion of 0.1% bovine serum albumin resulted in reduced RNA recovery (6.8%) but maximal retention of virus infectivity (17.9%). Our results show that a HCW's potential exposure to airborne influenza virus can be assessed in part through analysis of their SMs and N95 respirators, which can effectively serve as personal bioaerosol samplers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francoise M Blachere
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - William G Lindsley
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Cynthia M McMillen
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA; Center for Vaccine Research, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Donald H Beezhold
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Edward M Fisher
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ronald E Shaffer
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John D Noti
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA
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