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Ayaz D, Asi E, Meydanlioglu A, Oncel S. Effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in the workplace: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Ind Med 2024. [PMID: 38884628 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23627] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Workplaces are suitable areas for smoking cessation programs and incentives. This study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of interventions in the workplace for smoking cessation in working individuals. METHODS All studies published in English between 2013 and 2022 were searched in Pub Med, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. Meta-analysis was based on PRISMA 2020. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO. A random effects model was applied to the meta-analysis processes, and Hedges' g was used to calculate the effect size. RESULTS Of the included studies, 11 were randomized controlled trials, and 8 were cluster randomized controlled trials. In different working sectors, various interventions such as motivational/individual interviews, group counseling, telephone coaching, web-based training, mindfulness meditation, and financial interventions were implemented. These interventions were carried out alone or in combination with one or more other interventions. The interventions generally have short-term effects, and financial incentives or supports were the factors that positively motivate the interventions. The joint effect size of attempts to quit smoking in the workplace (Hedges' g) was 1.171. Heterogeneity between studies was significant (Q = 199.762, p = 0.015, I2 = 80.477%). No publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS We determined that smoking cessation interventions applied in the workplace have a large effect. We recommend that the long-term effects of increasing effectiveness of these interventions be considered and planned in line with the needs of working groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Ayaz
- Health Science Institute, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ercan Asi
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ayse Meydanlioglu
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Selma Oncel
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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Zhang Z, Lin KY. Applying implementation science to evaluate participatory ergonomics program for continuous improvement: A case study in the construction industry. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2024; 115:104181. [PMID: 37988875 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104181] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
While participatory ergonomics (PE) presents numerous benefits, its empirical effectiveness remains elusive due to the lack of transparency in implementation contexts and processes. This hinders our ability to discern the reasons behind a program's success or failure and to determine optimization and adaptation strategies. To unravel this "black box," we present a case study using implementation science to evaluate a PE program and illuminate the mechanisms linking process to outcome. The study examines a 4.5-year PE program at a construction company, targeting musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from material-cart handling. Using the RE-AIM framework and Implementation Causal Pathway Model, we evaluated implementation process and catalogued contextual factors through worker surveys (n = 106), safety document review (27 training sessions and 7 construction projects), and key informant observations. We assessed the program's impact using a 42-worker survey and an analysis of 8-year injury data, and determined the return-on-investment (ROI) by monetizing the collected data. The program achieved significant impact: Workers' ergonomic knowledge improved from 73% in baseline to 86% in follow-up; 97% of workers reported at least one positive change in their crews; and no cart handling injuries occurred after the first program change, resulting in a ROI rate of 1.99. Implementation process evaluation revealed that seamless integration, tailored intervention, and ongoing adjustments contributed to the success. Five organizational factors necessary for the effective functioning of these three strategies were identified, along with three moderators that amplified their influence. Finally, this case study demonstrates that implementation science offers a coherent structure for evaluating PE programs, uncovering mechanisms of change, and informing future improvements and adaptations. Our research facilitates knowledge transfer from implementation science to ergonomics, eventually leading to more cost-effective PE programs that are faithfully implemented across various industrial settings to prevent MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Construction Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Ken-Yu Lin
- Department of Construction Management, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Hayashi H, Li Y, Sussman DD, Okuzono S, Viswanath K, Kawachi I. A Scoping Review of Interventions to Improve Occupational Safety and Health of Construction Workers. Am J Health Promot 2023; 37:1162-1170. [PMID: 37565269 PMCID: PMC10631273 DOI: 10.1177/08901171231193783] [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: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review comprehensively examines interventions which sought to improve the occupational safety and/or health of construction workers. Factors that explain the (in)effectiveness of interventions were also summarized. DATA SOURCE This review consisted of a search using two electronic databases, PubMed and Web of Science. STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA Targeted workers in the construction industry; had at least one primary outcome that aimed to improve occupational safety and/or health; were published between January 01, 1990 and December 01, 2019; and were written in English. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two researchers independently carried out the process of reviewing the titles, abstracts and full texts, and extracted all data. If there were differences, discussions were held until a consensus was reached. RESULTS A total of 1297 articles were retrieved and 24 were selected for final evaluation. Seventeen studies reported significant intervention effects, while 7 found their primary outcome not significantly improved. CONCLUSION Future research should place more effort on interventions aimed at improving both occupational safety and health outcomes in an integrated manner, with environmental interventions that accompany behavioral interventions at the individual level. Besides, additional effort is also needed to ensure the involvement of relevant stakeholders in designing the intervention, avoiding contamination effects (through cluster randomization), optimizing the "dosage" of intervention, and improving measurement of outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Hayashi
- Department of Public Health, McCann Healthcare Worldwide Japan Inc., Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Research, Down to Earth Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Public Health, McCann Healthcare Worldwide Japan Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| | - David D. Sussman
- Department of Global Studies, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Japan
| | - Sakurako Okuzono
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kasisomayajula Viswanath
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology and Department of Population Sciences, Dana-Faber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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What Personal and Work-Related Characteristics of Dutch Construction Workers With Knee Osteoarthritis Are Associated With Future Work Ability? J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:271-276. [PMID: 36240753 PMCID: PMC9988233 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess personal and work-related characteristics of construction workers with knee osteoarthritis (KO) associated with their ability to perform their current profession in the following 2 years. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed among Dutch construction workers diagnosed with KO using data from the Worker Health Surveillance. Logistic regression was used to assess the characteristics associated with future work ability. RESULTS On the basis of 344 construction workers with KO, being able to perform their current profession in 2 years' time was associated with working weekly 36 to 45 hours (odds ratio [OR], 3.0 to 6.3), performing high-intensity exercises 1 to 2 times weekly (OR, 2.0 to 2.6), being younger than 56 years (OR, 0.2 to 0.3), and not performing strenuous work activities such as lifting and kneeling (OR, 0.4 to 0.5). CONCLUSIONS To keep construction workers with KO at work, intervention studies should evaluate the effects of reducing strenuous work activities and promote leisure-time exercise.
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Long Work Hours, Overtime, and Worker Health Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study among Stone, Sand, and Gravel Mine Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137740. [PMID: 35805396 PMCID: PMC9265419 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: Research has shown that long work hours and overtime are associated with health impairment, including stress, burnout, and overall health. However, this has not been thoroughly assessed among stone, sand, and gravel mine workers. As such, this study examined whether significant differences in stress, burnout, and overall health existed among workers that worked different hours each week. Methods: ANOVA analyses were completed for the outcome variables (stress, burnout, and health status). Each analysis included three categorical independent variables: age, sex, and work hours. Age and sex were control variables. BMI was added to the health status analysis as an additional control variable. Results: There were significant differences between work hour groups for all three outcomes. Post hoc analyses determined that workers working >60 h/week had more stress, more burnout, and lower health. Differences were not found between age or sex. There were no differences in health status for different BMI groups, but the interaction of BMI and work hours was significant. Conclusions: Working more than 60 h per week was problematic. Mine and safety administrators should enact programs to protect and promote worker health, particularly among those working long hours, especially if more than 60 h per week.
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Schwatka NV, Dally M, Shore E, Tenney L, Brown CE, Scott JG, Dexter L, Newman LS. Small + Safe + Well: lessons learned from a Total Worker Health® randomized intervention to promote organizational change in small business. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1039. [PMID: 35610627 PMCID: PMC9128251 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13435-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leadership commitment to worker safety and health is one of the most important factors when organizations develop and implement a Total Worker Health® approach. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a Total Worker Health ("TWH") leadership development program that targeted owners and other senior-level leadership positions on changing organizational and worker outcomes from baseline to one-year later. METHODS The Small + Safe + Well study included small businesses from a variety of industries in the state of Colorado, USA that were participating in Health Links™. We designed a randomized waitlisted control comparison design (RCT) to evaluate the added benefit of a TWH leadership development program. An employer assessment tool was used to assess TWH policies and programs, and an employee health and safety survey was used to assess safety leadership and health leadership practices, safety climate and health climate, safety behaviors and health behaviors, and well-being. We used a linear mixed model framework with random effects for business and employee to assess the impact of intervention on the outcomes of interest. RESULTS Thirty-six businesses (37% retention) and 250 employees (9% retention) met the RCT study inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Businesses improved their TWH policies and programs score from baseline to one-year later, regardless of leadership intervention group assignment. Neither intervention group demonstrated improvements in employee-reported outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study sought to address a gap in the literature regarding small business senior leadership development for TWH. Our study demonstrates many of the challenges of conducting studies focused on organizational change in workplaces, specifically in small businesses. When designing TWH intervention studies, researchers should consider how to best engage small business leaders in interventions and implementations early on, as well as methods that are well matched to measuring primary and secondary outcomes longitudinally. Future research is needed to test the feasibility and sustainability of TWH interventions in small business. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ( ID U19OH011227 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie V Schwatka
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Miranda Dally
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Erin Shore
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Present Address: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Liliana Tenney
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Carol E Brown
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Joshua G Scott
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Present Address: 2U, Inc., Lanham, MD, USA
| | - Lynn Dexter
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Lee S Newman
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, and Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Crane MM, Halloway S, Walts ZL, Gavin KL, Moss A, Westrick JC, Appelhans BM. Behavioural interventions for CVD risk reduction for blue-collar workers: a systematic review. J Epidemiol Community Health 2021; 75:1236-1243. [PMID: 34321281 PMCID: PMC8595631 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2021-216515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Individuals working in blue-collar occupations experience high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the characteristics and efficacy of behavioural interventions that have targeted CVD risk factors in this high-risk group. METHODS Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched seven databases to find interventions focused on changing the following: blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, physical activity, smoking or weight. Eligible studies tested a behavioural intervention (not exclusively policy, environmental, or pharmaceutical), in individuals working in blue-collar occupations using a randomised study design. Study quality was evaluated using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's study quality assessment tool. RESULTS 22 studies evaluating 31 interventions were included: 11 were rated as 'good' or 'fair' quality. Intervention intensity ranged from a single contact via a mailed letter to studies that included individual-level contacts at multiple time points between staff and participants. Studies that included at least some individual contact generally yielded the greatest effects. Interventions had the greatest observed effects on self-report changes in diet, regardless of intervention intensity. Four of the five higher quality studies that explicitly tailored the intervention to the occupational group were successful at reducing at least one risk factor. CONCLUSIONS Interventions that used individual contact and tailored the intervention to the occupational setting yielded the greatest effects on CVD risk-factor reduction in individuals working in blue-collar occupations. Generally, studies were low quality but showed promising effects for reaching this high-risk population. Future work should incorporate these promising findings in higher quality studies. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019136183.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Crane
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Shannon Halloway
- Department of Community, Systems and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zoe L Walts
- Neuroscience Program, Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Illinois, USA
| | - Kara L Gavin
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Angela Moss
- Department of Community, Systems and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Bradley M Appelhans
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Older Male Construction Workers and Sustainability: Work-Related Risk Factors and Health Problems. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132313179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the characteristics of working conditions, exposure to risk factors, and health-related problems of older male construction workers. In this study, 1519 male construction workers were the subjects of study, and the working conditions, exposure to occupational risk factors, and physical health-related problems were compared among workers under 50 years, in their 50s, and 60 or over. Older male construction workers have lower educational backgrounds and lower average salaries. The degree of exposure to risk factors was higher in workers aged 60 or over than other age groups, such as high temperature, awkward posture, manual material handling, standing posture, repetitive motion, fumes/dust, vapor, skin contact, and tobacco smoke. In addition, the complaint rate of hearing problems, overall fatigue, backache, upper limb pain, or lower limb pain was higher in older workers. In particular, the complaint rate of musculoskeletal pain was 56.6%, overall fatigue was 40.3%, and the rate of depression symptoms was 41.9%. This study shows a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, overall fatigue, and depression symptoms of male elderly construction workers, suggesting that comprehensive support is needed to improve not only the working conditions of workers but also psychological health problems.
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Rachmah Q, Martiana T, Mulyono M, Paskarini I, Dwiyanti E, Widajati N, Ernawati M, Ardyanto YD, Tualeka AR, Haqi DN, Arini SY, Alayyannur PA. The effectiveness of nutrition and health intervention in workplace setting: a systematic review. J Public Health Res 2021; 11. [PMID: 34781627 PMCID: PMC8859724 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Health status of workers are crucial to maintain their productivity and it will impact on output per capita. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition and health intervention in workplace setting and implication for further research. Articles were searched from PubMed, PMC, Cochrane Library (Trial), Science-direct, and Google scholar published from 2005-2020. Inclusion criteria were the intervention subject aged 19-64 years old with experimental randomized control trial (RCT) or non-RCT study design. Several keywords used for literature searching including “nutrition education in workplace”, “nutrition intervention in workplace”, and “workplace intervention”. Data were narratively described. Eleven studies were meet inclusion and exclusion criteria and further be reviewed. Five studies focused on intervene food environment in the workplace, four studies focused on nutrition education using different channels i.e., workplace visiting and emails, the other two interventions were objected to decrease health risk regarding occupational health. Positive outcomes were recorded for all workplace intervention, including increase in nutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, reduce risky behavior, and also improved body mass index and blood biomarkers. Workplace nutrition and health intervention proved to be an effective way to enhanced balanced nutrition behavior and improve health status. This study implies an urgency of nutrition and health intervention in a workplace. Significance for public health This systematic review proved several nutrition and health intervention in workplace setting that resulting in improvement of healthy behavior, anthropometric and biochemical indicators. Further, nutrition and health intervention can be implemented in workplace as a way to increase work productivity, reduce the disease burden costs of employee, and improve general health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qonita Rachmah
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya.
| | - Tri Martiana
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya.
| | - Mulyono Mulyono
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya.
| | - Indriati Paskarini
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya.
| | - Endang Dwiyanti
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya.
| | - Noeroel Widajati
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga.
| | - Meirina Ernawati
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya.
| | - Yustinus D Ardyanto
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya.
| | - Abdul R Tualeka
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya.
| | - Dani N Haqi
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya.
| | - Shintia Y Arini
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya.
| | - Putri A Alayyannur
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya.
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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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Sorensen G, Peters SE, Nielsen K, Stelson E, Wallace LM, Burke L, Nagler EM, Roodbari H, Karapanos M, Wagner GR. Implementation of an organizational intervention to improve low-wage food service workers' safety, health and wellbeing: findings from the Workplace Organizational Health Study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1869. [PMID: 34656090 PMCID: PMC8520284 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11937-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many organizational interventions aim to improve working conditions to promote and protect worker safety, health, and well-being. The Workplace Organizational Health Study used process evaluation to examine factors influencing implementation of an organizational intervention. This paper examines the extent to which the intervention was implemented as planned, the dose of intervention implemented, and ways the organizational context hindered or facilitated the implementation of the intervention. Methods This proof-of-concept trial was conducted with a large, multinational company that provides food service through contractual arrangements with corporate clients. The 13-month intervention was launched in five intervention sites in October 2018. We report findings on intervention implementation based on process tracking and qualitative data. Qualitative data from 25 post-intervention interviews and 89 process tracking documents were coded and thematically analyzed. Results Over the 13-month intervention, research team representatives met with site managers monthly to provide consultation and technical assistance on safety and ergonomics, work intensity, and job enrichment. Approximately two-thirds of the planned in-person or phone contacts occurred. We tailored the intervention to each site as we learned more about context, work demands, and relationships. The research team additionally met regularly with senior leadership and district managers, who provided corporate resources and guidance. By assessing the context of the food service setting in which the intervention was situated, we explored factors hindering and facilitating the implementation of the intervention. The financial pressures, competing priorities and the fast-paced work environment placed constraints on site managers’ availability and limited the full implementation of the intervention. Conclusions Despite strong support from corporate senior leadership, we encountered barriers in the implementation of the planned intervention at the worksite and district levels. These included financial demands that drove work intensity; turnover of site and district managers disrupting continuity in the implementation of the intervention; and staffing constraints that further increased the work load and pace. Findings underscore the need for ongoing commitment and support from both the parent employer and the host client. Trial registration This study was retrospectively registered with the Clinical Trials. Gov Protocol and Results System on June 2, 2021 with assigned registration number NCT04913168.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glorian Sorensen
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Susan E Peters
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Karina Nielsen
- University of Sheffield, Conduit Rd, Sheffield, S10 1FL, UK
| | - Elisabeth Stelson
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | - Lisa Burke
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Eve M Nagler
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hamid Roodbari
- University of Sheffield, Conduit Rd, Sheffield, S10 1FL, UK
| | - Melissa Karapanos
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Gregory R Wagner
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Jones W, Somerset S, Evans C, Whittingham K, Middleton M, Blake H. Test@work: evaluation of workplace HIV testing for construction workers using the RE-AIM framework. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1737. [PMID: 34560853 PMCID: PMC8464147 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11739-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community testing for HIV can reach previously untested populations but is rarely offered in workplaces. Targeting the construction sector could reach workers from high risk populations. METHODS The RE-AIM framework was used to evaluate Test@Work, a workplace HIV testing intervention for construction workers implemented at 21 events (10 companies) in the UK. Test@Work had three components: 1) an online health toolkit to inform managers about health screening and HIV testing; 2) general health checks; and 3) opt-in HIV consultation and testing. Quantitative data were collected using registration and exit questionnaires with workers (n = 426) and pre/post-event questionnaires with managers (n = 15), with qualitative analysis of free text responses. RESULTS Reach 426 individuals had health checks. Participants were broadly representative of the UK construction workforce, but with a higher proportion of permanent workers. Most workers reported being in good health but also believed their work had an adverse impact on their health. Effectiveness: 97% of health check participants opted to have a consultation about sexual health (n = 413) and 82% had an HIV test (n = 348), of whom 78% had not previously been tested. All HIV tests were non-reactive. HIV testing at work was considered acceptable by most participants. Participants reported learning new things about their health (74%), said they would make changes as a result (70%) and felt confident of success (median score 8/10). Adoption: Recruitment of companies was challenging and time consuming. Seven of the participating companies were very large, employing over 1000 workers, which is atypical of construction generally. IMPLEMENTATION All events were completed as planned and were considered successful by all parties. Maintenance: All managers would arrange further events if they were offered them. Six managers incorporated sexual health awareness into their health programmes, but this was not possible for many as health agendas were set centrally by their organisations. CONCLUSIONS Opt-in HIV testing, when embedded within a general health check, has high uptake and acceptability in the UK construction sector, and reaches individuals at risk for HIV who may not otherwise attend for testing. Cost-effectiveness of this approach is yet to be determined. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04292002 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Jones
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sarah Somerset
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Catrin Evans
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | - Holly Blake
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK.
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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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Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has suggested that several health risk behaviors were more prevalent among construction workers than among the general workforce. METHODS The prevalences of six health risk behaviors among construction workers were compared with workers in other industries using data from 32 states in the 2013 to 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). RESULTS Smoking, smokeless tobacco use, binge drinking, no leisure-time physical activity, and not always using a seatbelt were significantly more prevalent (P < 0.001), and short sleep significantly less prevalent (P < 0.05), for all construction workers combined compared with workers in other industries. Prevalences varied substantially for all six health risk behaviors by construction occupation. CONCLUSIONS Due to the high prevalence of some health risk behaviors, construction workers may benefit from interventions to reduce these behaviors, particularly since they are also potentially exposed to workplace hazards.
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Schwatka NV, Dally M, Shore E, Dexter L, Tenney L, Brown CE, Newman LS. Profiles of total worker health® in United States small businesses. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1010. [PMID: 34051787 PMCID: PMC8164062 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11045-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Total Worker Health® (TWH) approach is a best practice method to protect and promote worker safety, health, and well-being. Central to this approach is leadership support and health and safety climates that support day-to-day use of health and safety policies and programs. There is some research that supports these relationships, but there is limited research amongst small businesses. Furthermore, it remains to be shown what role TWH business strategies, as reflected by organizational policies and programs, play in this process. The purpose of this study is to characterize small businesses by their organizations' TWH approach and assess the relationship of these approaches to employee health and safety behaviors. METHODS We utilized cross-sectional data from 97 businesses participating in the Small+Safe+Well study. We collected data using a business assessment tool, Healthy Workplace Assessment™, and an employee assessment tool, Employee Health and Safety Culture Survey. We used latent profile analysis at the business level to identify subgroups of businesses based on a set of characteristics from these assessments. Linear regression analysis at the employee level was used to determine profile association with employee safety and health behaviors. RESULTS There were two profiles characterized by the lowest (33% of all businesses) and highest (9%) levels of the indicators. There were also two profiles with higher scores on two of the different foci on either TWH business strategies (27%) or leadership and climate (31%). Employees working for a business with a profile that focused on leadership and climate, in addition to having a business strategy, reported the best safety and health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that employee engagement in TWH will be highest when businesses have a strategy for how they implement a TWH approach and when they demonstrate leadership commitment to these strategies and foster positive safety and health climates. Our results offer suggestions on how to use TWH assessments to develop interventions for small businesses. More research is needed to understand whether small businesses can improve upon their profile overtime, whether these changes depend on contextual factors, and whether TWH interventions can help them improve their profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie V Schwatka
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Miranda Dally
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Erin Shore
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Lynn Dexter
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Liliana Tenney
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Carol E Brown
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Lee S Newman
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Workplace Health in Kentucky: A Statewide Comparison. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105473. [PMID: 34065363 PMCID: PMC8160796 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to assess the state of Kentucky’s workplace health promotion and occupational safety and health programs, to ensure the ability to comprehend any possible trends over the past six years in the state’s progress in offering workplace health promotion and health protection programs, to compare the results of this survey with the 2013 Kentucky state-wide assessment, and to identify gaps in Kentucky’s workplace health promotion and occupational safety and health based on Total Worker Health® (TWH) concepts. Using Qualtrics research software, the Workplace Health in America assessment was sent to companies located in Kentucky and having 10 or more employees. Participants were identified using Dun and Bradstreet’s Hoover’s database. The results showed that, as with the 2013 survey, larger workplaces significantly were more likely to offer workplace health promotion programs than smaller companies (X2 = 24.30; p < 0.001). However, more companies (78%) reported offering programs compared to the 2013 assessment (49%). Given the results of the current study as compared to the statewide assessment conducted in 2013, Kentucky’s WHP is moving in a positive direction; yet, there is still much to be done. There remains a strong need to provide cost-effective and accessible resources for all elements of TWH to small workplaces.
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Ensuring Organization-Intervention Fit for a Participatory Organizational Intervention to Improve Food Service Workers' Health and Wellbeing: Workplace Organizational Health Study. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 62:e33-e45. [PMID: 31815814 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Food-service workers' health and wellbeing is impacted by their jobs and work environments. Formative research methods were used to explore working conditions impacting workers' health to inform intervention planning and implementation and to enhance the intervention's "fit" to the organization. METHODS Four qualitative methods (worker focus groups; manager interviews; worksite observations; multi-stakeholder workshop) explored in-depth and then prioritized working conditions impacting workers' health as targets for an intervention. RESULTS Prioritized working conditions included: ergonomics; work intensity; career development; and job enrichment. Data revealed necessary intervention mechanisms to enhance intervention implementation: worker and management communication infrastructure; employee participation in intervention planning and implementation; tailored worksite strategies; and ensuring leadership commitment. CONCLUSIONS These targeted, comprehensive methods move away from a typical focus on generic working conditions, for example, job demands and physical work environment, to explore those conditions unique to an organization. Thereby, enhancing "intervention-fit" at multiple levels within the company context.
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Sorensen G, Dennerlein JT, Peters SE, Sabbath EL, Kelly EL, Wagner GR. The future of research on work, safety, health and wellbeing: A guiding conceptual framework. Soc Sci Med 2021; 269:113593. [PMID: 33341740 PMCID: PMC10868656 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Work plays a central role in health. A conceptual model can help frame research priorities and questions to explore determinants of workers' safety, health, and wellbeing. A previous conceptual model focused on the workplace setting to emphasize the role of conditions of work in shaping workers' safety, health and wellbeing. These conditions of work include physical, organizational, and psychosocial factors. This manuscript presents and discusses an updated and expanded conceptual model, placing the workplace and the conditions of work within the broader context of socio-political-economic environments and consequent trends in employment and labor force patterns. Social, political and economic trends, such as growing reliance on technology, climate change, and globalization, have significant implications for workers' day-to-day experiences. These structural forces in turn shape employment and labor patterns, with implications for the availability and quality of jobs; the nature of relationships between employers and workers; and the benefits and protections available to workers. Understanding these patterns will be critical for anticipating the consequences of future changes in the conditions of work, and ultimately help inform decision-making around policies and practices intended to protect and promote worker safety, health, and wellbeing. This model provides a structure for anticipating research needs in response to the changing nature of work, including the formation of research priorities, the need for expanded research methods and measures, and attention to diverse populations of enterprises and workers. This approach anticipates changes in the way work is structured, managed, and experienced by workers and can effectively inform policies and practices needed to protect and promote worker safety, health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glorian Sorensen
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jack T Dennerlein
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan E Peters
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika L Sabbath
- Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Erin L Kelly
- MIT Sloan School of Management, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Sundstrup E, Seeberg KGV, Bengtsen E, Andersen LL. A Systematic Review of Workplace Interventions to Rehabilitate Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Employees with Physical Demanding Work. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2020; 30:588-612. [PMID: 32219688 PMCID: PMC7716934 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-020-09879-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of workplace interventions to rehabilitate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among employees with physically demanding work. Methods A systematic search was conducted in bibliographic databases including PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection for English articles published from 1998 to 2018. The PICO strategy guided the assessment of study relevance and the bibliographical search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs in which (1) participants were adult workers with physically demanding work and MSD (including specific and non-specific MSD and musculoskeletal pain, symptoms, and discomfort), (2) interventions were initiated and/or carried out at the workplace, (3) a comparison group was included, and (4) a measure of MSD was reported (including musculoskeletal pain, symptoms, prevalence or discomfort). The quality assessment and evidence synthesis adhered to the guidelines developed by the Institute for Work & Health (Toronto, Canada) focusing on developing practical recommendations for stakeholders. Relevant stakeholders were engaged in the review process. Results Level of evidence from 54 high and medium quality studies showed moderate evidence of a positive effect of physical exercise. Within this domain, there was strong evidence of a positive effect of workplace strength training. There was limited evidence for ergonomics and strong evidence for no benefit of participatory ergonomics, multifaceted interventions, and stress management. No intervention domains were associated with "negative effects". Conclusions The evidence synthesis recommends that implementing strength training at the workplace can reduce MSD among workers with physically demanding work. In regard to workplace ergonomics, there was not enough evidence from the scientific literature to guide current practices. Based on the scientific literature, participatory ergonomics and multifaceted workplace interventions seem to have no beneficial effect on reducing MSD among this group of workers. As these interventional domains were very heterogeneous, it should also be recognized that general conclusions about their effectiveness should be done with care.Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42018116752 ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=116752 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Sundstrup
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment (NRCWE), Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | | | - Elizabeth Bengtsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment (NRCWE), Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Lars Louis Andersen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment (NRCWE), Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Sport Sciences, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
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Peters SE, Trieu HD, Manjourides J, Katz JN, Dennerlein JT. Designing a Participatory Total Worker Health ® Organizational Intervention for Commercial Construction Subcontractors to Improve Worker Safety, Health, and Well-Being: The "ARM for Subs" Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5093. [PMID: 32679687 PMCID: PMC7400451 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17145093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: Evidence supports organizational interventions as being effective for improving worker safety, health and well-being; however, there is a paucity of evidence-based interventions for subcontracting companies in commercial construction. Methods: A theory-driven approach supplemented by formative research through key stakeholder interviews and focus groups and an iterative vetting process with stakeholders, resulted in the development of an intervention for subcontractors in the commercial construction industry. We piloted the intervention in one subcontracting commercial construction company. We used these findings to adapt and finalize the intervention design to be tested in a future large-scale trial. Results: There were several key findings from the formative research, including challenges faced by companies and assets that should be considered in the intervention design. This resulted in a communication infrastructure company-based, continual improvement, participatory intervention design, consisting of a needs assessment and report, committee-led prioritization, action planning and implementation, and worker communication/feedback cycle. The pilot contributed to the final intervention design with modifications made with respect to timing, implementation support, capacity building, adaptability and sustainability. Conclusions: The use of a theory-driven participatory approach to developing an integrated organizational intervention for commercial construction subcontracting companies was important and necessary. It allowed us to consider the empirical evidence and relevant theories and tailor these to meet the needs of our target population. This study gives pragmatic insight into the early development of a complex intervention, with practical experience of how we adapted our intervention at each stage. This intervention will be tested in a future randomized trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E. Peters
- Harvard Center for Work, Health, and Well-Being, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hao D. Trieu
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (H.D.T.); (J.M.)
| | - Justin Manjourides
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (H.D.T.); (J.M.)
| | - Jeffrey N. Katz
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jack T. Dennerlein
- Harvard Center for Work, Health, and Well-Being, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (H.D.T.); (J.M.)
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Literature Review of Policy Implications From Findings of the Center for Work, Health, and Well-being. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 61:868-876. [PMID: 31453894 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the publications of a Total Worker Health Center of Excellence, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Center for Work, Health, and Well-being, in order to identify research findings relevant to either organizational or public policies. METHODS Two researchers independently reviewed 57 publications from 2011 to 2019 to identify cross-cutting themes that focus on working conditions or related health outcomes and their organizational and public policy implications. RESULTS Twelve cross-cutting themes were identified with their respective organizational and public policy implications. Several policy implications cut across work-related themes. CONCLUSIONS Policy implications of TWH research will aid in setting priorities to translate this from research into practice in future studies and help identify gaps that we and others can use to plan future TWH research.
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Sedani A, Stover D, Coyle B, Wani RJ. Assessing Workplace Health and Safety Strategies, Trends, and Barriers through a Statewide Worksite Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16142475. [PMID: 31336749 PMCID: PMC6678341 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16142475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic diseases have added to the economic burden of the U.S. healthcare system. Most Americans spend most of their waking time at work, thereby, presenting employers with an opportunity to protect and promote health. The purpose of this study was to assess the implementation of workplace health governance and safety strategies among worksites in the State of Nebraska, over time and by industry sector using a randomized survey. Weighted percentages were compared by year, industry sector, and worksite size. Over the three study periods, 4784 responses were collected from worksite representatives. Adoption of workplace health governance and planning strategies increased over time and significantly varied across industry sector groups. Organizational safety policies varied by industry sector and were more commonly reported than workplace health governance and planning strategies. Time constraints were the most common barrier among worksites of all sizes, and stress was reported as the leading employee health issue that negatively impacts business. Results suggest that opportunities exist to integrate workplace health and safety initiatives, especially in blue-collar industry sectors and small businesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Sedani
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Derry Stover
- Division of Public Health, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Lincoln, NE 68509, USA.
| | - Brian Coyle
- Division of Public Health, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Lincoln, NE 68509, USA
| | - Rajvi J Wani
- Division of Public Health, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Lincoln, NE 68509, USA
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Khan N, Kennedy A, Cotton J, Brumby S. A Pest to Mental Health? Exploring the Link between Exposure to Agrichemicals in Farmers and Mental Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1327. [PMID: 31013861 PMCID: PMC6517992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16081327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The current literature acknowledges that occupational exposures can adversely affect mental health. This review seeks to elucidate the current understanding of the effect of agrichemical exposure on mental health in the agricultural sector, including low-dose, chronic pesticide exposure. This scoping review adopted a snowballing and saturation approach. The review highlights inconsistencies in linking poor mental health and pesticide use. While some studies specifically showed that both high- and low-dose pesticide exposure were associated with poor mental health, consistent and rigorous research methods are lacking. The review also proposes terms to delineate exposure types described in the literature. The review outcomes direct efforts to protect the health, wellbeing and safety of farming communities across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nufail Khan
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
- National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service, Hamilton, VIC 3300, Australia.
| | - Alison Kennedy
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
- National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service, Hamilton, VIC 3300, Australia.
| | - Jacqueline Cotton
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
- National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service, Hamilton, VIC 3300, Australia.
| | - Susan Brumby
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
- National Centre for Farmer Health, Western District Health Service, Hamilton, VIC 3300, Australia.
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