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Boden LI, Pan Y, Gregas M, McTernan M, Peters SE, Bhagia D, Wagner GR, Sabbath EL. Who do you ask? predicting injury rates from survey responses. Work 2024:WOR240029. [PMID: 38995756 DOI: 10.3233/wor-240029] [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: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have addressed whether using manager or worker perceptions of safety policies and practices alone predict reported injury rates less accurately than using both. OBJECTIVE This study provides an example and describes a method that can be used to address this issue with survey instruments designed to measure safety climate, policies, or practices. METHODS Using multilevel logistic regression, we estimated the relationship between worker and manager perceptions of a given exposure and the odds of worker injury during the post-survey year for three safety scales. We tested whether surveying both workers and managers provides additional predictive value compared with surveying just one group. RESULTS Injury in the year following the survey was significantly associated with worker scores on two of the three scales. Manager responses were not significantly associated with injury and did not significantly improve injury rate prediction when added to a model with only worker survey responses. CONCLUSIONS The capacity of manager-only or worker-only perceptions of safety policies and practices to predict worker injuries should be established before choosing to survey just one or the other. The approach and findings in this paper can be applied to other survey instruments and in other settings to help make this choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie I Boden
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yixin Pan
- Academic Research Services, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Matt Gregas
- Academic Research Services, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Melissa McTernan
- Academic Research Services, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Susan E Peters
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Div Bhagia
- Department of Economics, California State University, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Gregory R Wagner
- Harvard Center for Work, Health, and Wellbeing, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erika L Sabbath
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Center for Work, Health, and Wellbeing, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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Sabbath EL, Pan Y, McTernan ML, Peters SE, Lovett SM, Stelson EA, Wagner GR, Hopcia K, Boden LI. Adding injury to insult: Unfair treatment at work and occupational injury among hospital patient-care workers. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:667-676. [PMID: 38738969 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital patient-care workers have high occupational injury rates. While physical hazards within hospital work environments are established determinants of injury, social exposures may also contribute. This study examined how reports of unfair treatment at work, a dimension of work-related experiences of discrimination, were associated with injury among hospital-based patient-care workers. METHODS We used data from the Boston Hospital Workers Health Study, a longitudinal cohort of nurses and nursing assistants at two Boston-area hospitals. In 2018, we conducted a worker survey asking about three types of unfair treatment at work and occupational injuries during the past year. We used mixed-effects logistic regression models to evaluate associations between specific types, total load, and high-frequency exposure of unfair treatment with injury, adjusting for age, gender, race and ethnicity, job title, and unit type. RESULTS Among 1001 respondents, 21% reported being humiliated in front of others at work, 28% reported being watched more closely than other workers, and 47% reported having to work twice as hard as others for the same treatment. For each type of unfair treatment, we observed a monotonic relationship with occupational injury wherein increasing frequency of exposure was associated with increased odds of injury. We also observed monotonic relationships between total load and high-frequency exposure to unfair treatment and odds of injury. CONCLUSIONS Work-related unfair treatment is associated with injury among hospital workers. Programs and policies that focus on preventing unfair treatment may lessen injury burden in hospital workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika L Sabbath
- Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yixin Pan
- Academic Research Services, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melissa L McTernan
- Academic Research Services, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Susan E Peters
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sharonda M Lovett
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Stelson
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory R Wagner
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen Hopcia
- Occupational Health Services, Mass General Brigham, Somerville, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leslie I Boden
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Radka K, Wyeth EH, Craik B, Ergler CR, Derrett S. "On the books" yet "off the record"-occupational injury and migrant women: scoping review findings from OECD countries, with implications for New Zealand. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1346834. [PMID: 38784943 PMCID: PMC11111975 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1346834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Little appears to be known regarding the work-related injury (WRI) experiences of migrants (those born in a country other than their identified host country) and specifically, women migrants. Methods As part of a wider PhD project investigating the WRI experiences of New Zealand (NZ) migrants, a review of NZ mainstream media coverage of migrants WRIs was undertaken, which identified no representations of migrant women's WRI experiences. In turn, a scoping review was undertaken to identify peer-reviewed publications reporting empirical findings about WRI experiences and outcomes for migrants in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries, including NZ. This paper aims to identify and describe findings for migrant women specifically. From 2,243 potential publications, 383 proceeded to full text review; ultimately 67 were retained. These 67 publications were reviewed to identify findings specifically for occupationally injured migrant women; 22 such publications (from 21 studies) were found. This paper reports: the characteristics of identified studies; characteristics of migrant women within; frameworks and theories used, and knowledge (and gaps) related to occupationally injured migrant women. Results Publications came from only four OECD countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Spain. A range of study designs, and topic areas (working conditions, legal rights, identities, the role of gatekeepers, and precarity), were identified; however, only three studies reported findings for longer-term experiences and outcomes of WRIs. Nine publications considered theoretical models underpinning research, including theories about precarious work, stigmatization, and citizenship. However, there was a paucity of analyses of the WRI experience throughout the life-course, highlighting a gap in understanding of how these experiences are "lived" over the long term by occupationally injured migrant women. Discussion Scoping review findings were synthesized using a provisional "matryoshka framing narrative" model, to be refined through forthcoming qualitative interviews with occupationally injured NZ migrant women. This model highlights the multitude of influences in WRI experiences, potentially specific to migrant women, suggesting the consequences of WRIs may be uneven, with migrant women experiencing different, and potentially, greater disparities in outcomes. These findings provide an impetus to investigate knowledge gaps and urgently address potential disparities in WRI outcomes for migrant women specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Radka
- Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- School of Geography, Division of Humanities, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Emma H. Wyeth
- Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Brooke Craik
- Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Christina R. Ergler
- School of Geography, Division of Humanities, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Derrett
- Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Amberson T, Graves JM, Sears JM. Overview of Occupational Injuries Among Registered Nurses in Washington State, 2007 to 2019. Workplace Health Saf 2024; 72:187-195. [PMID: 38158830 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231214235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Registered nurses (RNs) represent the largest segment of the health care workforce and have unique job demands and occupational health considerations. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence, cost, and causes of occupational injuries among RNs in Washington State and to quantify the cumulative cost and burden of each type of injury, relative to all injuries among RNs. METHODS Annual injury claims data covered under Washington State workers' compensation (WC) fund were analyzed over a 13-year period (2007-2019). Annual mean incidence and cost of injuries were calculated and stratified by nature, source, and event/exposure. Negative binomial regression models were used to examine trends in injury incidence over time, for injury incidence overall, and by the most common injury classifications. RESULTS Between 2007 and 2019, 10,839 WC claims were filed and accepted for Washington State RNs (annual M = 834), totaling more than US$65 million. No significant trend in overall injury incidence was observed (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.94, 1.05]). The most common injury exposures were bodily reaction and exertion, contact with objects and equipment, falls, and assaults and violent acts. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this is the first broad study of the incidence and costs of occupational injuries among RNs across all workplace settings. We identified high-cost, high-frequency incidence rates of musculoskeletal, sharp, and violence-related occupational injury claims, highlighting intervention targets. Implications for Occupational Health Practice: Policy makers, health systems, and occupational health nurse leaders can use this information to identify priority areas where evidence-based occupational health and prevention programs are most needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn Amberson
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington
| | - Janessa M Graves
- College of Nursing, Washington State University
- Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center
| | - Jeanne M Sears
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington
- Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington
- Institute for Work & Health
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Kwon S, Lee SJ. Underreporting of work-related low back pain among registered nurses: A mixed method study. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:952-964. [PMID: 37635360 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying and addressing work-related health problems early is crucial, but workers often perceive barriers in reporting these to management. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with nurses' reporting of work-related low back pain to their managers and explored the reasons why nurses with patient handling injuries did not report them. METHODS This study is a concurrent mixed-method analysis of data from two statewide cross-sectional surveys of California registered nurses conducted in 2013 and 2016. The reporting of work-related low back pain to management (n = 288) was examined for associations with individual, occupational, and organizational factors. For qualitative analysis, the reasons for not reporting patient handling injuries were explored using open-ended responses (n = 42). RESULTS Reporting was associated with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.59) compared to non-Hispanic White women; being a non-US educated nurse (AOR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.80-1.01); experiencing greater low back pain (AOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12); missing work (AOR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.21-2.62); perceiving high physical workload (AOR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81-0.98); perceiving high people-oriented culture (AOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.25); and perceiving high ergonomic practices (AOR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81-0.98). Identified themes on the reasons for not reporting injuries included organizational-culture attitudes toward work-related injuries and injury characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate a need for management to remove structural barriers and improve organizational practices, and for a culture that promotes trust and open communication between workers and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyoung Kwon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Soo Jeong Lee
- School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Pratt S, Hagan-Haynes K. Applying a Health Equity Lens to Work-Related Motor Vehicle Safety in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6909. [PMID: 37887647 PMCID: PMC10606728 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206909] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of fatal work-related injuries in the United States. Research assessing sociodemographic risk disparities for work-related MVCs is limited, yet structural and systemic inequities at work and during commutes likely contribute to disproportionate MVC risk. This paper summarizes the literature on risk disparities for work-related MVCs by sociodemographic and employment characteristics and identifies worker populations that have been largely excluded from previous research. The social-ecological model is used as a framework to identify potential causes of disparities at five levels-individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy. Expanded data collection and analyses of work-related MVCs are needed to understand and reduce disparities for pedestrian workers, workers from historically marginalized communities, workers with overlapping vulnerabilities, and workers not adequately covered by employer policies and safety regulations. In addition, there is a need for more data on commuting-related MVCs in the United States. Inadequate access to transportation, which disproportionately affects marginalized populations, may make travel to and from work less safe and limit individuals' access to employment. Identifying and remedying inequities in work-related MVCs, whether during the day or while commuting, will require the efforts of industry and multiple public sectors, including public health, transportation, and labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Pratt
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Safety Research, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA;
- Strategic Innovative Solutions, LLC, Clearwater, FL 33760, USA
| | - Kyla Hagan-Haynes
- Injury and Violence Prevention Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Western States Division, Denver, CO 80225, USA
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Jetha A, Navaratnerajah L, Shahidi FV, Carnide N, Biswas A, Yanar B, Siddiqi A. Racial and Ethnic Inequities in the Return-to-Work of Workers Experiencing Injury or Illness: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:432-449. [PMID: 37294368 PMCID: PMC10495511 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10119-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-White workers face more frequent, severe, and disabling occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses when compared to White workers. It is unclear whether the return-to-work (RTW) process following injury or illness differs according to race or ethnicity. OBJECTIVE To determine racial and ethnic differences in the RTW process of workers with an occupational or non-occupational injury or illness. METHODS A systematic review was conducted. Eight academic databases - Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, ASSIA, ABI Inform, and Econ lit - were searched. Titles/abstracts and full texts of articles were reviewed for eligibility; relevant articles were appraised for methodological quality. A best evidence synthesis was applied to determine key findings and generate recommendations based on an assessment of the quality, quantity, and consistency of evidence. RESULTS 15,289 articles were identified from which 19 studies met eligibility criteria and were appraised as medium-to-high methodological quality. Fifteen studies focused on workers with a non-occupational injury or illness and only four focused on workers with an occupational injury or illness. There was strong evidence indicating that non-White and racial/ethnic minority workers were less likely to RTW following a non-occupational injury or illness when compared to White or racial/ethnic majority workers. CONCLUSIONS Policy and programmatic attention should be directed towards addressing racism and discrimination faced by non-White and racial/ethnic minority workers in the RTW process. Our research also underscores the importance of enhancing the measurement and examination of race and ethnicity in the field of work disability management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Jetha
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Lahmea Navaratnerajah
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Faraz Vahid Shahidi
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nancy Carnide
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aviroop Biswas
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Basak Yanar
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arjumand Siddiqi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Hawkins D, Alenó Hernández KM. Racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of work organization and occupational psychosocial exposures. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:567-575. [PMID: 35578156 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS This study sought to assess if there were differences in exposure to job insecurity, shift work, work-life imbalance, workplace harassment, and nonstandard work arrangements according to race and ethnicity in the United States. METHODS Using data from the nationally representative National Health Interview Survey conducted in 2015, we calculated the prevalence of job insecurity, shift work, work-life imbalance, workplace harassment, and nonstandard work arrangements according to race and ethnicity. Using this data, we then modeled the prevalence of these exposures while adjusting for covariates including occupation. RESULTS Compared to non-Hispanic White workers, Hispanic (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30, 1.66) and non-Hispanic Asian (PR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.28, 1.92) workers reported more job insecurity. Non-Hispanic Black workers were more likely to report working in shifts (PR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.22, 1.46) and Hispanic workers reported being employed in alternative work arrangements (PR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.23, 1.58) more often than non-Hispanic White workers. Non-Hispanic White workers were slightly more likely to report work-life imbalance and workplace harassment than other races/ethnicities. Occupational segregation accounted for some of the racial/ethnic differences in shift work and alternative work arrangements. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with some previous research on differences in the prevalence of these work organization and psychosocial exposures by race/ethnicity, especially with respect to shift work and alternative work arrangements. However, other studies have found contradictory findings, especially with respect to workplace harassment. There is a need for future research that tackles the association between these exposures and racial/ethnic health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devan Hawkins
- Public Health Program, School of Arts and Sciences, MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karlen M Alenó Hernández
- Public Health Program, School of Arts and Sciences, MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Montoya‐Barthelemy AG, Leniek K, Bannister E, Rushing M, Abrar FA, Baumann TE, Manly M, Wilhelm J, Niece A, Riester S, Kim H, Sellman J, Desai J, Anderson PJ, Bovard RS, Pronk NP, McKinney ZJ. Using advanced racial and ethnic identity demographics to improve surveillance of work-related conditions in an occupational clinic setting. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:357-370. [PMID: 35235683 PMCID: PMC9314926 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Although racial and ethnic identities are associated with a multitude of disparate medical outcomes, surveillance of these subpopulations in the occupational clinic setting could benefit enormously from a more detailed and nuanced recognition of racial and ethnic identity. Methods The research group designed a brief questionnaire to capture several dimensions of this identity and collected data from patients seen for work‐related conditions in four occupational medicine clinics from May 2019 through March 2020. Responses were used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of extant racial/ethnic identity data within our electronic health records system, and were compared to participants' self‐reported industry and occupation, coded according to North American Industry Classification System and Standard Occupational Classification System listings. Results Our questionnaire permitted collection of data that defined our patients' specific racial/ethnic identity with far greater detail, identified patients with multiple ethnic identities, and elicited their preferred language. Response rate was excellent (94.2%, n = 773). Non‐White participants frequently selected a racial/ethnic subcategory (78.1%–92.2%). Using our race/ethnicity data as a referent, the electronic health record (EHR) had a high specificity (>87.1%), widely variable sensitivity (11.8%–82.2%), and poorer response rates (75.1% for race, 82.5% for ethnicity, as compared to 93.8% with our questionnaire). Additional analyses revealed some industries and occupations disproportionately populated by patients of particular racial/ethnic identities. Conclusions Our project demonstrates the usefulness of a questionnaire which more effectively identifies racial/ethnic subpopulations in an occupational medicine clinic, permitting far more detailed characterization of their occupations, industries, and diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karyn Leniek
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Emily Bannister
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Marcus Rushing
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Fozia A. Abrar
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Tobias E. Baumann
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Madeleine Manly
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Jonathan Wilhelm
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Ashley Niece
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Scott Riester
- Department of Occupational Medicine Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - Hyun Kim
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - Jonathan Sellman
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Jay Desai
- Minnesota Department of Health Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Paul J. Anderson
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Ralph S. Bovard
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | | | - Zeke J. McKinney
- HealthPartners Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine St. Paul Minnesota USA
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
- HealthPartners Institute Bloomington Minnesota USA
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Occupational Health and Safety Statistics as an Indicator of Worker Physical Health in South African Industry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031690. [PMID: 35162712 PMCID: PMC8835012 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Operations in general industry, including manufacturing, expose employees to a myriad of occupational health hazards. To prevent exposure, occupational health and safety regulations were enacted, with both employers and workers instituting various risk reduction measures. The analysis of available occupational disease and injury statistics (indicators of worker physical health) can be used to infer the effectiveness of risk reduction measures and regulations in preventing exposure. Thus, using the READ approach, analyses of occupational disease and injury statistics from South African industry, derived from annual reports of the Compensation Fund, were conducted. The publicly available database of occupational disease and injury statistics from the South African general industry is unstructured, and the data are inconsistently reported. This data scarcity, symptomatic of an absence of a functional occupational disease surveillance system, complicates judgement making regarding the effectiveness of implemented risk reduction measures, enacted occupational health and safety regulations and the status of worker physical health from exposure to workplace hazards. The statistics, where available, indicate that workers continue to be exposed to occupational health impacts within general industry, notwithstanding risk reduction measures and enacted regulations. In particular, worker physical health continues to be impacted by occupational injuries and noise-induced hearing loss. This is suggestive of shortcomings and inefficiencies in industry-implemented preventive measures and the regulatory state. A robust national occupational disease surveillance system is a regulatory tool that should detect and direct policy responses to identified occupational health hazards.
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López Gómez MA, Williams JAR, Boden L, Sorensen G, Hopcia K, Hashimoto D, Sabbath E. The relationship of occupational injury and use of mental health care. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2020; 74:227-232. [PMID: 32951787 PMCID: PMC10868658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Symptoms of depression and anxiety are a common consequence of occupational injury regardless of its cause and type. Nevertheless, mental health care is rarely covered by workers' compensation systems. The aim of this study was to assess the use of mental health care post-injury. METHODS We used a subsample of patient-care workers from the Boston Hospital Workers Health Study (BHWHS). We matched one injured worker with three uninjured workers during the period of 2012-2014 based on age and job title (nurse or patient-care associate) and looked at their mental health care use pre- and post-injury using medical claims data from the employer sponsored health plan. We used logistic regression analysis to assess the likelihood of mental health care use three and six months post-injury controlling for any pre-injury visits. Analyses were repeated separately by job title. RESULTS There were 556 injured workers between 2012 and 2014 that were matched with three uninjured workers at the time of injury (n = 1,649). Injured workers had a higher likelihood of seeking mental health care services than their uninjured counterparts during the six months after injury (OR = 1.646, 95% CI: 1.23-2.20), but not three months post-injury (OR = 0.825, 95% CI: 0.57-1.19). Patient-care associates had a higher likelihood to seek mental health care post-injury, than nurses (OR: 2.133 vs OR: 1.556) during the six months period. CONCLUSIONS Injured workers have a higher likelihood to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety based on their use of mental health care post-injury and use is more predominant among patient-care associates; however, our sample has a small number of patient-care associates. Practical Applications: Treating depression and anxiety as part of the workers' compensation system has the potential of preventing further physical ailment and improving the return to work process regardless of nature of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica A R Williams
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, United States; University of Kansas School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Health Policy and Management, United States; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Center for Community-Based Research, United States.
| | - Leslie Boden
- Boston University School of Public Health, United States.
| | - Glorian Sorensen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, United States; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Center for Community-Based Research, United States.
| | - Karen Hopcia
- Workplace Health and Wellbeing, Partners HealthCare System, United States.
| | - Dean Hashimoto
- Partners HealthCare, Inc., Boston, MA, United States; Boston College Law School, United States.
| | - Erika Sabbath
- Boston College, School of Social Work, United States.
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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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Sabbath EL, Hashimoto D, Boden LI, Dennerlein JT, Williams JAR, Hopcia K, Orechia T, Tripodis Y, Stoddard A, Sorensen G. Cohort profile: The Boston Hospital Workers Health Study (BHWHS). Int J Epidemiol 2019; 47:1739-1740g. [PMID: 30107500 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyy164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Erika L Sabbath
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Dean Hashimoto
- Partners HealthCare, Boston, MA, USA.,School of Law, Boston College, Newton, MA, USA
| | - Leslie I Boden
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jack T Dennerlein
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Anne Stoddard
- Centre for Community-based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Glorian Sorensen
- Centre for Community-based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Miller J, Hopcia K, Wagner GR, Boden LI, Hashimoto D, Sorensen G, Sabbath EL. Job satisfaction and the psychosocial work environment: Does the relationship vary by hospital patient care workers’ age? JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15555240.2018.1526090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Miller
- MIT AgeLab, School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen Hopcia
- Occupational Health Services, Partners HealthCare, Somerville, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory R. Wagner
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leslie I. Boden
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dean Hashimoto
- Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Glorian Sorensen
- Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erika L. Sabbath
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
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