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Martelino JZ, Soh ED, Tsai JHC. Engaging Interdisciplinary Professionals for Worker Health Equity. Workplace Health Saf 2024; 72:79. [PMID: 38164896 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231217305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Janelle Z Martelino
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington
| | - Eunice D Soh
- Seattle Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center
| | - Jenny Hsin-Chun Tsai
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington
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Fisher E, Flynn MA, Pratap P, Vietas JA. Occupational Safety and Health Equity Impacts of Artificial Intelligence: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6221. [PMID: 37444068 PMCID: PMC10340692 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136221] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to either reduce or exacerbate occupational safety and health (OSH) inequities in the workplace, and its impact will be mediated by numerous factors. This paper anticipates challenges to ensuring that the OSH benefits of technological advances are equitably distributed among social groups, industries, job arrangements, and geographical regions. A scoping review was completed to summarize the recent literature on AI's role in promoting OSH equity. The scoping review was designed around three concepts: artificial intelligence, OSH, and health equity. Scoping results revealed 113 articles relevant for inclusion. The ways in which AI presents barriers and facilitators to OSH equity are outlined along with priority focus areas and best practices in reducing OSH disparities and knowledge gaps. The scoping review uncovered priority focus areas. In conclusion, AI's role in OSH equity is vastly understudied. An urgent need exists for multidisciplinary research that addresses where and how AI is being adopted and evaluated and how its use is affecting OSH across industries, wage categories, and sociodemographic groups. OSH professionals can play a significant role in identifying strategies that ensure the benefits of AI in promoting workforce health and wellbeing are equitably distributed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Fisher
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (E.F.); (P.P.)
| | - Michael A. Flynn
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA;
| | - Preethi Pratap
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (E.F.); (P.P.)
| | - Jay A. Vietas
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA;
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Hittle BM, Hils J, Fendinger SL, Wong IS. A scoping review of sleep education and training for nurses. Int J Nurs Stud 2023; 142:104468. [PMID: 37080122 PMCID: PMC10180237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shift work and resulting sleep impairment among nurses can increase their risk for poor health outcomes, occupational injuries, and errors due to sleep deficiencies. While sleep education and training for nurses has been recommended as part of a larger fatigue risk management system, little is known about training programs designed specifically for nurses. OBJECTIVE Investigate the literature for current sleep education or training programs specifically for shift working nurses, with intent to assess training content, delivery characteristics, and outcome measures. DESIGN A scoping review conducted October 2020 through September 2021. METHODS The bibliographic databases Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Scopus, PubMed, and NIOSHTIC-2 were searched using words such as "nurse," "sleep hygiene," "shift work," and "education". Studies were included if they: 1) were original research; 2) discussed sleep education, training, or sleep hygiene interventions; 3) included a study population of nurses engaging in shift work; 4) focused on sleep as a primary study measure; 5) were written in English language; and 6) were published in 2000 or later. RESULTS Search results included 17,237 articles. After duplicates were removed, 14,620 articles were screened. Nine articles were found to meet established criteria. All studies included sleep hygiene content in the training programs, with five studies adding psychological and/or behavior change motivation training to support change in nurse sleep habits. Three studies added specific training for nurses and for managers. Delivery modes included in-person training of various lengths and frequency, mobile phone application with daily engagement, an online self-guided presentation, and daily reading material coupled with audio training. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were the outcome measures most frequently used. Although studies demonstrated improved sleep measures, most were pilot studies testing feasibility. CONCLUSION Although there is a paucity of studies focused on sleep education and training for shift working nurses, we found the inclusion of sleep hygiene content was the only common characteristic of all nine studies. The variability in training content, delivery methods, and outcome measures suggests further research is needed on what constitutes effective sleep education and training for nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly M Hittle
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers, for Disease Control and Prevention, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA; University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing, 3110 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
| | - Janie Hils
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers, for Disease Control and Prevention, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, P.O. Box 117, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA; Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental, Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mailstop S106-5, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
| | - Sherry L Fendinger
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers, for Disease Control and Prevention, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
| | - Imelda S Wong
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers, for Disease Control and Prevention, 1090 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
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AIUM Practice Principles for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2023; 42:1139-1157. [PMID: 36691912 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) among ultrasound professionals has been significant. National and international efforts to create industry standards have focused primarily on injuries in sonographers. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) have published documents related to this occupational exposure. There has also been significant attention on equipment utilization and design to help reduce the prevalence of WRMSDs. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) developed the AIUM Practice Principles for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder in collaboration with other organizations whose members use ultrasound [see Collaborating Societies and Representatives]. This document supports the "Industry Standards for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography" and aims to expand on these Standards to include safety practices for all health care professionals who utilize ultrasound. These professionals include members of the scientific community, a wide variety of medical professionals, and dental professionals. These ultrasound users and operators will collectively be referred to in this document as "operator(s)" except in those instances where data addressed those holding a specific job title, such as sonographer. In addition, this document will support guidance for quality improvement specific to preventing and reducing injury rates.
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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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Schulte PA, Iavicoli I, Fontana L, Leka S, Dollard MF, Salmen-Navarro A, Salles FJ, Olympio KPK, Lucchini R, Fingerhut M, Violante FS, Seneviratne M, Oakman J, Lo O, Alfredo CH, Bandini M, Silva-Junior JS, Martinez MC, Cotrim T, Omokhodion F, Fischer FM. Occupational Safety and Health Staging Framework for Decent Work. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191710842. [PMID: 36078562 PMCID: PMC9518038 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The 2030 United Nations Goal 8 for sustainable development focuses on decent work. There is utility in identifying the occupational safety and health aspects of Goal 8, as they pertain to the four pillars of decent work: job creation, social protection, rights of workers, and social dialogue. A workgroup of the International Commission on Occupational Health and collaborators addressed the issue of decent work and occupational safety and health (OSH) with the objective of elaborating a framework for guidance for practitioners, researchers, employers, workers, and authorities. This article presents that framework, which is based on an examination of the literature and the perspectives of the workgroup. The framework encompasses the intersection of the pillars of decent (employment creation, social protection, rights of workers, and social dialogue) work with new and emerging hazards and risks related to various selected determinants: new technologies and new forms of work; demographics (aging and gender); globalization; informal work; migration; pandemics; and OSH policies and climate change. The OSH field will need an expanded focus to address the future of decent work. This focus should incorporate the needs of workers and workforces in terms of their well-being. The framework identifies a starting point for the OSH community to begin to promote decent work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Schulte
- Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-7462430
| | - Luca Fontana
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stavroula Leka
- Business School, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
| | - Maureen F. Dollard
- PSC Global Observatory, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Acran Salmen-Navarro
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Fernanda J. Salles
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Kelly P. K. Olympio
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Roberto Lucchini
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marilyn Fingerhut
- Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Francesco S. Violante
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Jodi Oakman
- Center for Ergonomics and Human Factors, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Olivier Lo
- Medical Services Division, International SOS, Singapore 486018, Singapore
| | - Camila H. Alfredo
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Marcia Bandini
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | | | | | - Teresa Cotrim
- Ergonomics Laboratory, CIAUD, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, University of Lisbon, 1499-002 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Folashade Omokhodion
- Division of Occupational Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200132, Nigeria
| | - Frida M. Fischer
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil
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Scribani MB, Tinc PJ, Scott EE, Sorensen JA, Tallman NH, Gadomski AM. Evaluating the Evolution of Social Networks: A Ten-Year Longitudinal Analysis of an Agricultural, Fishing and Forestry Occupational Health Research Center. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12889. [PMID: 34948500 PMCID: PMC8701071 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412889] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As part of our evaluation of the NIOSH-funded Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (NEC), we present methodology, findings and the potential implications of a sequential social network analysis (SNA) conducted over ten years. Assessing the effectiveness of the center's scientific projects was our overarching evaluation goal. The evaluation design employed SNA to (a) look at changes to the center's network over time by visualizing relationships between center collaborators annually, (b) document collaborative ties and (c) identify particularly strong or weak areas of the network. Transdisciplinary social network criteria were applied to the SNA to examine the collaboration between center personnel, their partners and the industry groups they serve. SNA participants' perspectives on the utility of the SNA were also summarized to assess their interest in ongoing SNA measures. Annual installments of the SNA (2011-2020) showed an expansion of the network with a 30% increase in membership from baseline, as well as an increase in total relational ties (any type of contact). SNA measures also indicated significant increases in co-publication, cross-sector and transdisciplinary ties. Overall, SNA is an effective tool in visualizing and sustaining an occupational safety and health research and outreach network. Its utility is limited by how ties are characterized, grant cycle timeframes and how SNA metrics relate to productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B. Scribani
- Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA; (P.J.T.); (E.E.S.); (J.A.S.); (N.H.T.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Pamela J. Tinc
- Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA; (P.J.T.); (E.E.S.); (J.A.S.); (N.H.T.); (A.M.G.)
- Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
| | - Erika E. Scott
- Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA; (P.J.T.); (E.E.S.); (J.A.S.); (N.H.T.); (A.M.G.)
- Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
| | - Julie A. Sorensen
- Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA; (P.J.T.); (E.E.S.); (J.A.S.); (N.H.T.); (A.M.G.)
- Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
| | - Nancy H. Tallman
- Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA; (P.J.T.); (E.E.S.); (J.A.S.); (N.H.T.); (A.M.G.)
| | - Anne M. Gadomski
- Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA; (P.J.T.); (E.E.S.); (J.A.S.); (N.H.T.); (A.M.G.)
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Intermediary Perspectives on Total Worker Health in Small Businesses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910398. [PMID: 34639698 PMCID: PMC8507664 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The future of work will include not only more small business employment, but also a need for greater consideration of more holistic approaches to addressing worker well-being. Previous research has suggested smaller firms need external assistance to add new or improve existing workplace health and safety activities. A Total Worker Health® (TWH) approach is potentially appealing to small employers as it is intended to identify and support comprehensive practices and policies that take into account the work environment (both physical and organizational) while also addressing the personal health risks of individuals, thus being more effective in preventing disease and promoting health and safety than each approach taken separately. NIOSH researchers applied the NIOSH Small Business Intervention Diffusion Model to conduct parallel community-based TWH activities in two geographically distinct communities in a large metropolitan area. Data were collected from intermediary organizations that work with or serve small businesses about their perceptions of the TWH approach as a potential service for them to offer small firms. Intermediary organizations engaged in implementation of TWH approaches with small businesses in the respective geographic areas for approximately one year. Results indicated intermediary organizations find value in providing TWH assistance to small employers, but several challenges for intermediaries implementing TWH among small employers remain.
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Leveraging Strategic Foresight to Advance Worker Safety, Health, and Well-Being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168477. [PMID: 34444224 PMCID: PMC8392230 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Attending to the ever-expanding list of factors impacting work, the workplace, and the workforce will require innovative methods and approaches for occupational safety and health (OSH) research and practice. This paper explores strategic foresight as a tool that can enhance OSH capacity to anticipate, and even shape, the future as it pertains to work. Equal parts science and art, strategic foresight includes the development and analysis of plausible alternative futures as inputs to strategic plans and actions. Here, we review several published foresight approaches and examples of work-related futures scenarios. We also present a working foresight framework tailored for OSH and offer recommendations for next steps to incorporate strategic foresight into research and practice in order to advance worker safety, health, and well-being.
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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: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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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Fukumura YE, Gray JM, Lucas GM, Becerik-Gerber B, Roll SC. Worker Perspectives on Incorporating Artificial Intelligence into Office Workspaces: Implications for the Future of Office Work. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041690. [PMID: 33578736 PMCID: PMC7916505 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Workplace environments have a significant impact on worker performance, health, and well-being. With machine learning capabilities, artificial intelligence (AI) can be developed to automate individualized adjustments to work environments (e.g., lighting, temperature) and to facilitate healthier worker behaviors (e.g., posture). Worker perspectives on incorporating AI into office workspaces are largely unexplored. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore office workers' views on including AI in their office workspace. Six focus group interviews with a total of 45 participants were conducted. Interview questions were designed to generate discussion on benefits, challenges, and pragmatic considerations for incorporating AI into office settings. Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an iterative approach. Two primary constructs emerged. First, participants shared perspectives related to preferences and concerns regarding communication and interactions with the technology. Second, numerous conversations highlighted the dualistic nature of a system that collects large amounts of data; that is, the potential benefits for behavior change to improve health and the pitfalls of trust and privacy. Across both constructs, there was an overarching discussion related to the intersections of AI with the complexity of work performance. Numerous thoughts were shared relative to future AI solutions that could enhance the office workplace. This study's findings indicate that the acceptability of AI in the workplace is complex and dependent upon the benefits outweighing the potential detriments. Office worker needs are complex and diverse, and AI systems should aim to accommodate individual needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko E. Fukumura
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Y.E.F.); (J.M.G.)
| | - Julie McLaughlin Gray
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Y.E.F.); (J.M.G.)
| | - Gale M. Lucas
- Institute for Creative Technologies, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Burcin Becerik-Gerber
- Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Correspondence: (B.B.-G.); (S.C.R.); Tel.: +1-213-740-4383 (B.B.-G.); +1-323-442-1850 (S.C.R.)
| | - Shawn C. Roll
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (Y.E.F.); (J.M.G.)
- Correspondence: (B.B.-G.); (S.C.R.); Tel.: +1-213-740-4383 (B.B.-G.); +1-323-442-1850 (S.C.R.)
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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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