1
|
Schulte PA, Pot FD, Iavicoli I, Leso V, Fontana L, Almeida IM, Auntunes ED, Araujo TM, Caraballo-Arias Y, Balogun MO, Buralli R, Choi WJ, Cotrim T, Fischer FM, Fisher DL, Martinez MC, de Anchieta Messias I, Oakman J, Olympio KPK, Omokhodion F, Popkin SM, Ribeiro H, Pratap P, Salmen-Navarro A, Violante FS. Furthering decent work by expanding the role of occupational safety and health. Work 2024:WOR240230. [PMID: 39269879 DOI: 10.3233/wor-240230] [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: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations (UN) have promoted the concept of decent work as a Sustainable Development Goal for 2030 to address critical global problems. Occupational safety and health (OSH) are components of decent work, primarily through the ILO social protection objective of the goal, and are linked to various other objectives. OBJECTIVE This Commentary applies a previously published staging framework to stimulate thinking about how the OSH field can contribute further to the achievement of decent work. METHODS To advance the contribution of the framework, the different functions of OSH (research, practice, advocacy, governance, and professional education) were used to identify impediments to achieving decent work and develop recommendations for each determinant in the framework. RESULTS Promoting and achieving decent work are complex issues that require a multifactorial approach. Numerous recommendations supporting systems thinking and transdisciplinary approaches are provided. CONCLUSIONS The OSH field can expand to further address decent work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Schulte
- Advanced Technologies and Laboratories International, Inc., Gathersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Ivo Iavicoli
- University of Naples, Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luca Fontana
- University of Naples, Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Preethi Pratap
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Descatha A, Landsbergis P, Li J, Sembajwe G, Fadel M. Long working hours and cardiovascular diseases, time for preventive action. Occup Med (Lond) 2024:kqae078. [PMID: 39213325 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqae078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The effects of long working hours, night and shift work on cardiovascular diseases, have been found in different populations around the world. The aim is to emphasize the importance of appropriate action in relation to the association of long working hours with cardiovascular disease. It is time to improve working conditions and health promotion and wellness programmes. Occupational researchers/practitioners have a major role to play in promoting these next steps and potential interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Descatha
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Angers, France
- CHU Angers, Poisoning Control Center-Clinical Data Center-Prevention Federation, Angers, France
- Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra University/Northwell Health, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Paul Landsbergis
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Jian Li
- Departments of Environmental Health Sciences and Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Grace Sembajwe
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University School of Public Health at Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA
| | - Marc Fadel
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Angers, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Howe AS, Tan J, Yuen B, Saini H, Saade-Cleves N, Obeidat D, Shahzad M, Chattu VK, Fatemi AB, Nowrouzi-Kia B. Physical and Psychosocial Correlates of Occupational Physical Injury in the Global Construction Industry: A Scoping Review. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2024; 18:11786302241270371. [PMID: 39188508 PMCID: PMC11345736 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241270371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Purpose The construction industry is a diverse sector with exposure to multiple psychosocial and environmental workplace hazards that increase the risk of injury. This scoping review aims to consolidate the existing literature on the physical and psychosocial determinants influencing the risk of occupational physical injuries among construction workers globally. Methods A scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA extension checklist guided. Literature searches were performed between June and October 2023 in electronic academic databases. Results A total of 77 studies were identified, encompassing various geographical regions, including North America (n = 29), Africa (n = 18), Europe (n = 12), Asia (n = 9), the Middle East (n = 5), and Oceania (n = 4). The review identified physical and psychosocial factors in 3 domains influencing occupational physical injuries: workplace physical environment (eg, exposure to physical hazards, availability and utilization of personal protective equipment, company size, and job type), workplace culture (eg, psychosocial stressors, gender-related barriers, migrant and ethnic disparities, educational background), and physical wellbeing, health and aging (eg, age, obesity, sleep quality, marital stats, and physical health status). Notably, workers from social minority groups (eg, women, ethnic and migrant workers) of young (<25 years old) or older ages (45-55 years old) employed in smaller construction companies are vulnerable to increased injury risk and exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Conclusion The review emphasizes a global paucity of research examining the implications of physical and psychosocial factors on injury risk within the construction industry. Future research should prioritize investigating the impact of psychosocial hazards on younger and older workers to detect age-related differences in injury rate, treatment access, and work-related health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron S Howe
- Restore Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy Tan
- Restore Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beatrice Yuen
- Restore Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harseerat Saini
- Restore Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalia Saade-Cleves
- Restore Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donia Obeidat
- Restore Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Maryam Shahzad
- Restore Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vijay Kumar Chattu
- Restore Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, India
| | - Ali-Bani Fatemi
- Restore Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
- Restore Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cherrie JW, van Tongeren M, Kromhout H. Estimating occupational disease burden: a way forward. Ann Work Expo Health 2024; 68:673-677. [PMID: 38768378 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Estimates of occupational disease burden provide important information on which effective policy and regulations can be developed. However, there is no direct way that these data can be obtained, and most burden estimates are derived by merging different data from diverse sources to synthesize estimates of the number of people made ill or who have died from workplace exposures. In recent years, several research groups have published estimates of occupational health burden at national or global scales; these are not always consistent. The World Health Organisation and the International Labour Organisation have taken on the task of producing occupational disease burden estimates for several workplace agents, which we assume are to be seen as the definitive global, regional, and national data. In this commentary, we critique the WHO/ILO approach for their estimates of the non-melanoma skin cancer burden from solar ultraviolet radiation and some of their results for hazardous particulates. We provide recommendations for researchers undertaking occupational burden estimates that they should report along with their data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John W Cherrie
- Research Department, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh and Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, United Kingdom
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sehsah R, El-Gilany AH, El-Hadidy SS. Physicians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Occupational Diseases Diagnosis and Occupational History Taking. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:e365-e370. [PMID: 39102368 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This cross-sectional study assessed physicians' knowledge and attitudes toward occupational diseases, their practice of occupational history taking, and the associated factors and barriers. METHODS From January 1 to June 30, 2023, Egyptian physicians from different specialties (n = 278) completed a questionnaire including sociodemographic and occupational data, questions measuring knowledge, attitudes, practice, and barriers. RESULTS The significant predictor of low knowledge was the nonuse of a standard history form. The lack of undergraduate education/postgraduate training in occupational diseases was the predictor of unfavorable attitudes and poor practice. Unfavorable attitudes also predicted poor practice. The main barriers were insufficient knowledge and busy schedules. CONCLUSIONS Different specialties physicians are essential in recognizing occupational diseases. They need to be knowledgeable about occupational diseases within their specialties. Specialized undergraduate and postgraduate training in this topic can help achieve such needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Sehsah
- From the Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health, Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt (R.S., S.S.E.); and Public Health, Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt (A.E.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Godderis L, De Ryck E, Baeyens W, Geerts L, Jacobs G, Maesen P, Mertens B, Schroyen G, Van Belleghem F, Vanoirbeek J, Van Larebeke N. Towards a more effective REACH legislation in protecting human health. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:194-202. [PMID: 38419586 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence indicating the substantial contribution of man-made products to an increase in the risk of diseases of civilization. In this article, the Belgian Scientific Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Committee gives a critical view on the working of REACH. The current regulatory framework needs to further evolve taking into account data generated using modern science and technology. There is a need for improved assessment process not only before but also after entering the market. Objectivity, transparency, and the follow-up after market access can be optimized. Additionally, no guidance documents exist for regulation of mixture effects. Further, the lengthiness before regulatory action is a big concern. Decision-making often takes several years leading to uncertainties for both producers and end users. A first proposed improvement is the implementation of independent toxicity testing, to assure objectivity, transparency, and check and improve compliance. A "no data, no market" principle could prevent access of hazardous chemicals to the market. Additionally, the introduction of novel testing could improve information on endpoints such as endocrine disrupting abilities, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. An adapted regulatory framework that integrates data from different sources and comparing the outputs with estimates of exposure is required. Fast toxicology battery testing and toxicokinetic testing could improve speed of decision-making. Hereby, several improvements have been proposed that could improve the current REACH legislation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lode Godderis
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, Catholic University Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, IDEWE, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Evi De Ryck
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, Catholic University Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, VUB, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lieve Geerts
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Griet Jacobs
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Phillippe Maesen
- Faculté de Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Uliège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Birgit Mertens
- Department of Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guy Schroyen
- Institut Scientifique de Service Public, ISSeP, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Frank Van Belleghem
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Open Universiteit, 6419 Heerlen, The Netherlands
- Zoology: Biodiversity and Toxicology, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Vanoirbeek
- Department Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, Catholic University Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shah IA, Mishra S. Artificial intelligence in advancing occupational health and safety: an encapsulation of developments. J Occup Health 2024; 66:uiad017. [PMID: 38334203 PMCID: PMC10878366 DOI: 10.1093/joccuh/uiad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In an era characterized by dynamic technological advancements, the well-being of the workforce remains a cornerstone of progress and sustainability. The evolving industrial landscape in the modern world has had a considerable influence on occupational health and safety (OHS). Ensuring the well-being of workers and creating safe working environments are not only ethical imperatives but also integral to maintaining operational efficiency and productivity. We aim to review the advancements that have taken place with a potential to reshape workplace safety with integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven new technologies to prevent occupational diseases and promote safety solutions. METHODS The published literature was identified using scientific databases of Embase, PubMed, and Google scholar including a lower time bound of 1974 to capture chronological advances in occupational disease detection and technological solutions employed in industrial set-ups. RESULTS AI-driven technologies are revolutionizing how organizations approach health and safety, offering predictive insights, real-time monitoring, and risk mitigation strategies that not only minimize accidents and hazards but also pave the way for a more proactive and responsive approach to safeguarding the workforce. CONCLUSION As industries embrace the transformative potential of AI, a new frontier of possibilities emerges for enhancing workplace safety. This synergy between OHS and AI marks a pivotal moment in the quest for safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Immad A Shah
- Division of Health Sciences, ICMR-National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - SukhDev Mishra
- Department of Biostatistics, Division of Health Sciences, ICMR-National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|