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Graham JR. The Importance of Comprehensive Evaluations for Worksite Health Promotion Programs. Workplace Health Saf 2024:21650799241238761. [PMID: 38491793 DOI: 10.1177/21650799241238761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
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Oral B, Solak Y, Durmuş H. Evaluation of absenteeism and presenteeism status of factory employees. Work 2024:WOR230642. [PMID: 38489212 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While absenteeism refers to not attending work, presenteeism is defined as not being present at work. These two conditions, which negatively affect employee health, can be indicators of work efficiency, work peace, work safety and work engagement. OBJECTIVE Several factors were evaluated in this study concerning absenteeism and presenteeism among factory workers. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among workers in a factory operating in a heavy industry in southern Turkey in 2021. A survey consisting of 57 questions was applied to 152 factory workers by face-to-face interview method. The participants' behaviour over the last month was evaluated regarding absenteeism and presenteeism. RESULTS It was reported that 24 (15.8%) of all employees were absent from work in the last month (absenteeism), excluding holidays and sick leave, and that 20 (13.2%) employees engaged in presenteeism, working when they should not have been at the workplace. There was a high absenteeism rate among employees who had an acute illness and were dissatisfied with their jobs. Several factors have been associated with presenteeism, including poor economic conditions, family health problems, previous unemployment, working overtime, job dissatisfaction, poor relationships with colleagues and difficulty finding a replacement, acute illness, sleep problems and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS To increase the productivity and commitment of employees, it may be useful to identify the reasons for absenteeism and present behaviours, to facilitate effective interpersonal communication skills by examining the organisational climate of employees, and to regulate workload based on a comprehensive assessment of the health status of employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belgin Oral
- Public Health Specialist, Occupational Diseases Specialist, Kayseri City Hospital, Occupational Diseases Clinic. Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Yavuzalp Solak
- Public Health Specialist, Şereflikoçhisar District Health Directorate, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Durmuş
- Erciyes University, Faculty of Medicine,Public Health Department, Kayseri, Turkey
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Jaegers LA, McAndrew R, Cornelius A, Scott SD, Pridgeon S, El Ghaziri M, Bello JK. COVID-19 Preparedness, Stressors, and Data-Driven Solutions for Healthcare Workers at a Regional Rural-Urban Hospital System: A Longitudinal Total Worker Health® Study. Workplace Health Saf 2024; 72:30-38. [PMID: 37873624 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231202792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, healthcare workers were devastated by the insufficient preparedness to respond to their patients' and personal health needs. A gap exists in resources to prevent or reduce acute and long-term healthcare worker mental illnesses resulting from COVID-19 frontline response. METHODS We performed an exploratory, mixed methods, longitudinal study of healthcare workers at a regional rural-urban hospital system in the Midwest United States during the COVID-19 response (4 timepoints, 2020). Using the Total Worker Health® (TWH) participatory needs assessment approach, self-identified frontline COVID-19 workers participated in a survey including Health-Related Quality of Life, Impact of Event Scale, and a modified version of the American Nursing Association COVID-19 survey; and a hospital timeline tracked system-level activities. FINDINGS Response rate at Timepoint (T)1 was 21.7% (N = 39) and of those, 14 (36%) completed all four surveys. From T1 to T4, the rate of COVID-19 patients steadily increased, staff exceeded the threshold for post-traumatic stress disorder at T1 and T4; staff reported not enough rest or sleep 50% of the month, T1-T4. Helpfulness of family support increased but community support decreased, T1-T4. Concerns with performing new tasks increased; the challenges related to lack of protective equipment and negative media decreased. Workers wanted to be involved in decision-making, desired timely communication, and needed adequate physical, environmental, and psychological supports. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Utilization of a TWH® strategy for describing health needs, hospital response, and multi-level staff suggestions to workplace health solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic identified evidence-based health promotion interventions in a hospital system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Jaegers
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University
| | - Rose McAndrew
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University
| | - Andrea Cornelius
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Department of Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences, Saint Louis University
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer K Bello
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University
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Ceryes C, Smith MN, Agnew J. Protecting Food Service Workers: Opportunities for Advocacy. Workplace Health Saf 2024; 72:39. [PMID: 38111293 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231214263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marissa N Smith
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Towson University
| | - Jacqueline Agnew
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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Da Silva B, Constant A, Brière M, Schnebelen C. Commuting and Acceptance of Worksite Physical Activity Opportunities: Insights From a French University Hospital. Workplace Health Saf 2023:21650799231217308. [PMID: 38142423 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231217308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research suggests a need for worksite programs that promote structured physical activity (PA) among hospital staff. The objectives of this study were to assess the hospital employees' acceptance of PA opportunities that could be implemented at the worksite, and the association between worksite PA and commuting and other sociocognitive factors. METHOD Acceptance of seven PA opportunities from the WHO guidelines was correlated with commuting and socio-cognitive factors through an online survey conducted among the workforce of the University Hospital of Angers, France (N = 6874) between April 25 and May 22, 2022. RESULTS Only three PA opportunities in the seven proposed reached high approval rates among at least 50% of the 1,427 participants, namely, provide cycle facilities onsite, create a fitness room onsite, and establish partnerships with private associations or sports clubs, albeit rates decreased significantly with commuting distance for the first and the last proposals. The number of approved PA opportunities was positively related to the perceived negative influence of commuting on well-being and self-rated concerns with current PA level. It was negatively related to older age, long commuting, and flexible rest days. CONCLUSION Based on these results, we recommend raising PA awareness and self-efficacy before implementing an easily accessible fitness center for employees. Providing cycle facilities and a more walkable environment in the hospital setting while encouraging active traveling between home and work for short commuters could additionally increase the level of physical activity on an equitable and sustainable basis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aymery Constant
- EHESP School of Public Health
- Institut NuMeCan, INRAE 1341, INSERM 1241, Université de Rennes 1
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Elliot D, Kuehl K, DeFrancesco C, McGinnis W, Ek S, Van Horne A, Kempany KG. Technology-Enabled Intervention to Enhance Mindfulness, Safety, and Health Promotion Among Corrections Professionals: Protocol for a Prospective Quasi-Experimental Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e45535. [PMID: 36602914 PMCID: PMC10559194 DOI: 10.2196/45535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Correction professionals are a highly stressed workforce with heightened risks for depression, suicide, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and injury. These professionals, largely hidden from view, have received little study concerning means to improve their safety, health, and well-being. In other settings, mindfulness has resulted in lowered stress, along with other benefits. We hypothesized that a program that promoted mindfulness combined with more typical health and safety components could uniquely benefit corrections professionals. OBJECTIVE This project will assess a novel scalable, self-administered program to enhance the mindfulness, safety, and health of a vulnerable worker group. METHODS In partnership with the Oregon Department of Corrections, we are conducting a prospective quasi-experimental trial of a safety, health, and mindfulness program among 100 corrections professionals from 2 institutions. Survey and physiologic data will be collected at enrollment, upon weekly program completion (3 months), and at 9 months after enrollment. Primary outcome behaviors promoted by the program are being mindful, healthier eating, more physical activity, and greater restorative sleep. Secondary downstream benefits are anticipated in stress level, mood, positive feelings about the organization, vascular health, and cellular aging, along with job performance, injuries, and economic costs. Participants will meet in-person or in a Zoom-type meeting as 3- to 5-member coworker groups during their usual work hours for 30-minute sessions once a week for 12 weeks. The program uses self-guided web-based learning modules that include brief mindfulness practice, and it is accessible by smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Daily mindfulness practice is encouraged between sessions, which is facilitated by the study website and group format. The modules' structure emphasizes prerequisite knowledge, peer support, skill practice, self-monitoring, and enhancing self-efficacy for change. The program continues through self-directed use of the Headspace app following the 12 weekly sessions. RESULTS Participants are being enrolled, and the intervention is ready to launch. CONCLUSIONS Although mindfulness training has gained traction for worker well-being, its usual format requires a skilled trainer, an initial retreat, and weekly 2-hour meetings for several weeks. The content is limited to mindfulness without safety or health promotion aspects. The need for skilled trainers and time commitment limits the scalability of the usual mindfulness interventions. The planned program is an innovative combination of technology, e-learning, and a group format to add mindfulness to a safety and health curriculum. If acceptable and effective, the format would facilitate its widespread use. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05608889; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05608889. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/45535.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Elliot
- Health Promotion & Sports Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Kerry Kuehl
- Health Promotion & Sports Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Carol DeFrancesco
- Health Promotion & Sports Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Wendy McGinnis
- Health Promotion & Sports Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Susanna Ek
- Health Promotion & Sports Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Allee Van Horne
- Health Promotion & Sports Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Ledda C, Bracci M, Spadafora A, Motta G, Smecca G, Catelan D, Rapisarda V. Unmasking the Hidden Danger: A Decade-Long Systematic Review of Case-Control Studies on Single Occupational Risks and Prostate Cancer. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1820. [PMID: 37763224 PMCID: PMC10532927 DOI: 10.3390/life13091820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The present systematic review addresses the influence of occupational exposures on prostate cancer risk. Eleven studies were analyzed for a range of occupational exposures, including but not limited to firefighting, physical activity, night shift work, chemical exposure, and solar ultraviolet radiation. The results of the review reveal that firefighters exposed to harmful substances, individuals engaged in physically strenuous work, and workers with chronic night shift routines showed an increased likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Moreover, the review identified an increased risk associated with exposure to certain chemicals, including alkylphenolic compounds and benzene-related substances. The evidence underscores the importance of considering the cumulative effect of multiple risk factors in a comprehensive risk assessment. However, the conclusions indicate the necessity for further research to deepen these relationships and develop more effective strategies for the prevention of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
| | - Massimo Bracci
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Alba Spadafora
- Occupational Health and Safety Unit, Provincial Health Agency of Siracusa, 96100 Siracusa, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Motta
- Occupational Medicine Unit, “Garibaldi” Hospital of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Smecca
- Prevention and Protection Unit, Provincial Health Agency of Ragusa, 97100 Ragusa, Italy;
| | - Dolores Catelan
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy;
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Hull OJ, Breckler OD, Jaegers LA. Integrated Safety and Health Promotion among Correctional Workers and People Incarcerated: A Scoping Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6104. [PMID: 37372691 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Improving safety and health for correctional workers and people who are incarcerated are widespread yet separate initiatives. Correctional workers and people who are incarcerated experience similar challenges involved with poor workplaces and living conditions, including mental health crises, violence, stress, and chronic health issues, and the available resources lack integration with respect to safety and health promotion. This scoping review sought to contribute to an integrated approach for correctional system safety and health resources and identify studies of correctional resources that address health promotion among correctional workers and people who are incarcerated. Guided by PRISMA, a search of gray literature, also termed peer-reviewed literature, published between 2013-2023 (n = 2545) was completed, and 16 articles were identified. Resources primarily targeted individual and interpersonal levels. At every level of intervention, resources improved the environment for both workers and those incarcerated, with trends of less conflict, more positive behaviors, and improved relations, access to care, and feelings of safety. The corrections environment is impacted by changes from both workers and people who are incarcerated and should be examined using a holistic approach. Future health and safety resources should target the larger correctional environment by utilizing practices, policies, and procedures to improve safety and health for incarcerated people and workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Hull
- Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Olivia D Breckler
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Findlay University, Findlay, OH 45840, USA
| | - Lisa A Jaegers
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
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Ledda C, Duclos M, Martínez-Jarreta B. Editorial: Women in science: Occupational health and safety 2021. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1064075. [PMID: 36388313 PMCID: PMC9650534 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1064075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy,*Correspondence: Caterina Ledda
| | - Martine Duclos
- Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Exploration, University Hospital CHU G. Montpied, INRAE, UNH, CRNH Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Begoña Martínez-Jarreta
- Consolidate Research Group “Toximol” and GSII-03-Occupational Medicine, Aragon Institute of Health Research (IIS-Aragon) and University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Haas EJ, Cauda E. Using Core Elements of Health and Safety Management Systems to Support Worker Well-Being during Technology Integration. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:13849. [PMID: 36360729 PMCID: PMC9654975 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Research studying the intersection of occupational safety and health (OSH) and direct reading and sensor technologies (DRST) is sparse, with a specific lack of research available that has empirically considered ways that DRST may impact worker well-being. In this paper, the authors examine how organizations could utilize core elements of their health and safety management system (HSMS) to coordinate and execute DRST in the workplace to support worker well-being. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers developed a 39-item questionnaire targeting OSH professionals to understand attitudes toward DRST and the current and intended uses of DRST at their place of employment. Eighty-eight OSH professionals completed the questionnaire between August and December 2021. Descriptive results of the study sample are provided but the focus of the study applies the open-ended responses to two questions, which was deductively analyzed. Descriptive results show that reliability and validity of data was a top concern while the open-ended qualitative feedback revealed three primary themes: (1) acceptability and trust in technology; (2) ease of use; and (3) support and guidelines. Results provide an opening to use core HSMS elements (i.e., management commitment and leadership, communication and coordination, and employee involvement) during DRST integration to demonstrate support for workers during times of ambiguity and change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Haas
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA
| | - Emanuele Cauda
- Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA
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Dugan AG, Namazi S, Cavallari JM, El Ghaziri M, Rinker RD, Preston JC, Cherniack MG. Participatory Assessment and Selection of Workforce Health Intervention Priorities for Correctional Supervisors. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:578-592. [PMID: 35195112 PMCID: PMC9301986 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A team of academics and unionized correctional supervisors collaborated to assess workforce health and determine intervention priorities using participatory methods and tools. METHODS Correctional supervisors took a web-based survey. Univariate and bivariate tests examined attitudes/behaviors, exposures, and outcomes most strongly associated with health; risk based on rank within chain-of-command; and health behaviors amenable to change. We used a voting process tool to prioritize intervention topics. RESULTS Some health behaviors and outcomes were poor (89% overweight/ obese, 41% poor-quality sleep). We also found favorable health behaviors (annual check-ups) and psychosocial conditions (meaningful work). Some health risks (excessive overtime) were not amenable to change or resisted acknowledgment (poor mental health). The team voted to develop interventions on sleep, mental health, and obesity. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive health assessment informed the prioritization process, enabling the team to quickly reach consensus on intervention priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia G. Dugan
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Sara Namazi
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Jennifer M. Cavallari
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Mazen El Ghaziri
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Robert D. Rinker
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Julius C. Preston
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Martin G. Cherniack
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
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Erbe AM. Compassion Fatigue and Mental Health in Health Care Professionals. Workplace Health Saf 2022; 70:303. [PMID: 35486498 DOI: 10.1177/21650799221081237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Roelofs C. Total Worker Health® Employer Preparedness: A Proposed Model and Survey of Human Resource Managers' Perceptions. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e91. [PMID: 35179110 PMCID: PMC9385882 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent disasters have demonstrated gaps in employers' preparedness to protect employees and promote their well-being in the face of disruptive events. Our objective was to develop a useful strategy for advancing comprehensive employer preparedness and to assess employer preparedness in a sample of employers. METHODS A Total Worker Health Employer Preparedness Model was developed to include seven domains: planning, human resources policies, hazard reduction, training, staffing, communications, and resources for resilience. A Survey and scoring Index based upon the Model were administered to human resources professionals in the northeast United States. RESULTS Seventy-six responded, representing diverse employment sectors. The mean Index score was 8.8 (out of 23), which is a moderate level of preparedness. Nine scored over 15, indicating greater preparedness. Thirteen scored 0. Employers were most prepared for severe weather events and least prepared for acts of violence. There were no significant differences by sector, size, or reach, although the health-care sector reported higher scores. CONCLUSIONS This unique attempt to assess TWH Employer Preparedness can serve as the basis of important further study that strengthens the empirical basis of the construct. Additionally, the Model, Survey, and Index can assist employers in advancing their preparedness for all hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora Roelofs
- Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Francis College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
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Abstract
Silicosis is emerging as a rapidly progressing occupational disease among young workers who fabricate and install artificial stone. Artificial stone is a composite material characterized by high levels of crystalline silica. Recent research has demonstrated high levels of crystalline silica exposures, particularly during dry cutting and finishing tasks, and an association between exposure intensity and duration and adverse respiratory outcomes. Occupational hygienists must move forward with development and implementation of control strategies, with consideration for the conditions of artificial stone work that may make control implementation challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Jones
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Dennerlein JT, Eyllon M, Garverich S, Weinstein D, Manjourides J, Vallas SP, Lincoln AK. Associations Between Work-Related Factors and Psychological Distress Among Construction Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:1052-1057. [PMID: 34238907 PMCID: PMC8642263 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identify work-related factors associated with the mental health and well-being of construction workers. METHODS We completed eight key informant interviews, six worker focus groups, and a survey, informed by the interviews and focus groups, of 259 construction workers on five construction sites. Negative binomial regressions examined associations between psychological distress and work-related factors including safety climate, work-to-family conflict, psychological demands, social support, harassment, and job security. RESULTS Three themes emerged from the interviews and focus groups, job demands and structure, social support and workplace relations, and job precarity. From the survey higher psychological demands, higher work-to-family conflict, lower supervisor support, higher discrimination, and higher likelihood of losing a job were associated with higher psychological distress. When combined into a single model job demands and work-to-family conflict remained significant. CONCLUSIONS Work-related factors were associated with high levels of distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Dennerlein
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Science, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Work, Health, and Well-being, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mara Eyllon
- Behavioral Health Department, Practice Research Network, Reliant Medical Group, Worcester, Massachusetts
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Suzanne Garverich
- Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel Weinstein
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Science, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justin Manjourides
- Center for Work, Health, and Well-being, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steven P Vallas
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alisa K Lincoln
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Siegel A, Hoge AC, Ehmann AT, Martus P, Rieger MA. Attitudes of Company Executives toward a Comprehensive Workplace Health Management-Results of an Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study in Germany. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph182111475. [PMID: 34769990 PMCID: PMC8583484 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Workplace health management (WHM) in Germany aims at maintaining and increasing the health and well-being of employees. Little is known about company executives’ attitudes toward WHM. To gain more insight, we conducted a large-scale survey in companies in the German county of Reutlingen in 2017. We sent a standardized questionnaire to 906 companies, containing inter alia 26 self-constructed declarative statements depicting company executives’ opinions on various WHM aspects; 222 questionnaires could be evaluated. By exploratory factor analysis we assigned the 26 items to six factors reflecting different attitudes toward WHM. Factor values were standardized to a scale from 0 to 10. The attitude ‘positive view of general health services in the company’, for example, achieved by far the lowest mean agreement (3.3 points). For the attitude ‘general skepticism toward WHM’, agreement and disagreement were balanced (5.0 points). Using multiple regression analyses, we searched for variables that could partially explain respondents’ agreement with attitudes. In conclusion, a general WHM skepticism was widespread, but not dominant. The idea that general health services should be offered in companies was predominantly rejected. Older respondents and respondents from smaller companies and craft enterprises were more skeptical than average about WHM and its possible extensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim Siegel
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; (A.C.H.); (A.T.E.); (M.A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-7071-29-86812
| | - Aileen C. Hoge
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; (A.C.H.); (A.T.E.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Anna T. Ehmann
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; (A.C.H.); (A.T.E.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Peter Martus
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, University Hospital Tübingen, Silcherstr. 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Monika A. Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; (A.C.H.); (A.T.E.); (M.A.R.)
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17
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Collins JE, Boden LI, Gundersen DA, Katz JN, Wagner GR, Sorensen G, Williams JAR. Workplace Integrated Safety and Health Program Uptake in Nursing Homes: Associations with Ownership. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:11313. [PMID: 34769830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Workers in nursing homes are at high risk of occupational injury. Understanding whether—and which—nursing homes implement integrated policies to protect and promote worker health is crucial. We surveyed Directors of Nursing (DON) at nursing homes in three US states with the Workplace Integrated Safety and Health (WISH) assessment, a recently developed and validated instrument that assesses workplace policies, programs, and practices that affect worker safety, health, and wellbeing. We hypothesized that corporate and for-profit nursing homes would be less likely to report policies consistent with Total Worker Health (TWH) approaches. For each of the five validated WISH domains, we assessed the association between being in the lowest quartile of WISH score and ownership status using multivariable logistic regression. Our sample included 543 nursing homes, 83% which were corporate owned and 77% which were for-profit. On average, DONs reported a high implementation of TWH policies, as measured by the WISH. We did not find an association between either corporate ownership or for-profit status and WISH score for any WISH domain. Results were consistent across numerous sensitivity analyses. For-profit status and corporate ownership status do not identify nursing homes that may benefit from additional TWH approaches.
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18
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Cunningham T, Jacklitsch B, Richards R. Intermediary Perspectives on Total Worker Health in Small Businesses. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:10398. [PMID: 34639698 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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19
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Rogers B, Schill AL. Ethics and Total Worker Health®: Constructs for Ethical Decision-Making and Competencies for Professional Practice. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:10030. [PMID: 34639332 PMCID: PMC8508089 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Work has become increasingly technologically driven and fast paced, with long work hours, new/emerging hazards, and rising health care costs. Threats to worker safety, health, and well-being including non-traditional work arrangements and practices, precarious work, uncertain hazardous exposures, and work organization issues, such as heavy workloads, design of work, uneven work hours, and difficult interpersonal relationships among workers and managers are apparent. Furthermore, the relationship between personal health risk factors and workplace risks and exposures has drawn increased attention and concern. As employer economic pressures continue to build, it is anticipated that ethical dilemmas for practitioners will become increasingly complex. A review of relevant Total Worker Health® (TWH) literature, related ethical constructs and competencies, an examination of codes of ethics for occupational safety and health and health promotion/education disciplines was conducted. A case study for TWH utilizing an ethical decision-making model for the analysis of key ethical issues and solutions was completed. TWH approaches to protecting safety, promoting health, and advancing well-being are increasingly being adopted. These approaches can reveal ethical dilemmas, and ethical constructs are needed to guide decision-making. A core set of proposed ethical competencies for TWH professionals are identified as a transdisciplinary framework to support workplace ethical culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Rogers
- National Institute for Occupational Saety and Health, Washington, DC 20201, USA;
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27544, USA
| | - Anita L. Schill
- National Institute for Occupational Saety and Health, Washington, DC 20201, USA;
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20
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Nagler EM, Stelson EA, Karapanos M, Burke L, Wallace LM, Peters SE, Nielsen K, Sorensen G. Using Total Worker Health® Implementation Guidelines to Design an Organizational Intervention for Low-Wage Food Service Workers: The Workplace Organizational Health Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:9383. [PMID: 34501975 PMCID: PMC8430617 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Total Worker Health® (TWH) interventions that utilize integrated approaches to advance worker safety, health, and well-being can be challenging to design and implement in practice. This may be especially true for the food service industry, characterized by high levels of injury and turnover. This paper illustrates how we used TWH Implementation Guidelines to develop and implement an organizational intervention to improve pain, injury, and well-being among low-wage food service workers. We used the Guidelines to develop the intervention in two main ways: first, we used the six key characteristics of an integrated approach (leadership commitment; participation; positive working conditions; collaborative strategies; adherence; data-driven change) to create the foundation of the intervention; second, we used the four stages to guide integrated intervention planning. For each stage (engaging collaborators; planning; implementing; evaluating for improvement), the Guidelines provided a flexible and iterative process to plan the intervention to improve safety and ergonomics, work intensity, and job enrichment. This paper provides a real-world example of how the Guidelines can be used to develop a complex TWH intervention for food service workers that is responsive to organizational context and addresses targeted working conditions. Application of the Guidelines is likely transferable to other industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve M. Nagler
- Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.A.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.); (L.M.W.); (S.E.P.); (G.S.)
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elisabeth A. Stelson
- Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.A.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.); (L.M.W.); (S.E.P.); (G.S.)
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Melissa Karapanos
- Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.A.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.); (L.M.W.); (S.E.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Lisa Burke
- Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.A.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.); (L.M.W.); (S.E.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Lorraine M. Wallace
- Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.A.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.); (L.M.W.); (S.E.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Susan E. Peters
- Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.A.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.); (L.M.W.); (S.E.P.); (G.S.)
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karina Nielsen
- Institute of Work Psychology, Sheffield University Management School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 1FL, UK;
| | - Glorian Sorensen
- Center for Community-Based Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (E.A.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.); (L.M.W.); (S.E.P.); (G.S.)
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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21
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Abstract
The United States is experiencing an evolving and worsening drug overdose epidemic. Although the rate of drug use among workers has remained relatively stable, the risk of overdose and death among drug users has not, as illicit drugs have increased in potency and lethality. The cumulative impacts of COVID-19 and the opioid crisis increase the likelihood of illness and death among workers with opioid use disorder. Workplaces represent a critical point of contact for people living in the United States who are struggling with or recovering from a substance use disorder, and employment is a vital source of recovery "capital." The benefits of addressing substance use in the workplace, supporting treatment, and employing workers in recovery are evident. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has published research to inform policy and practice toward prevention efforts and has developed accessible resources and toolkits to support workers, employers, and workplaces in combatting the opioid overdose crisis and creating safer, healthier communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie C Osborne
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
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22
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Namazi S, Kotejoshyer R, Farr D, Henning RA, Tubbs DC, Dugan AG, El Ghaziri M, Cherniack M. Development and Implementation of a Total Worker Health® Mentoring Program in a Correctional Workforce. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:8712. [PMID: 34444462 PMCID: PMC8393198 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Correctional officers (COs) are exposed to a number of occupational stressors, and their health declines early in their job tenure. Interventions designed to prevent early decline in CO health are limited. This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a one-year peer health mentoring program (HMP) guided by Total Worker Health® principles and using a participatory action research to collectively address worker safety, health, and well-being of newly hired COs. The HMP aimed to provide new COs with emotional and tangible forms of support during their first year of employment, including peer coaching to prevent early decline in physical fitness and health. The development and implementation of the HMP occurred across five main steps: (1) participatory design focus groups with key stakeholders; (2) adaptation of an existing mentoring handbook and training methods; (3) development of mentor-mentee recruitment criteria and assignment; (4) designing assessment tools; and (5) the initiation of a mentor oversight committee consisting of union leadership, corrections management, and research staff. Correctional employee engagement in the design and implementation process proved to be efficacious in the implementation and adaptation of the program by staff. Support for the HMP remained high as program evaluation efforts continued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Namazi
- Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA 01109, USA
| | - Rajashree Kotejoshyer
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (R.K.); (D.F.); (A.G.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Dana Farr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (R.K.); (D.F.); (A.G.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Robert A. Henning
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (R.A.H.); (D.C.T.)
| | - Diana C. Tubbs
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (R.A.H.); (D.C.T.)
| | - Alicia G. Dugan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (R.K.); (D.F.); (A.G.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Mazen El Ghaziri
- Susan and Alan Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
| | - Martin Cherniack
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (R.K.); (D.F.); (A.G.D.); (M.C.)
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Kotejoshyer R, Gilmer DO, Namazi S, Farr D, Henning RA, Cherniack M. Impact of a Total Worker Health® Mentoring Program in a Correctional Workforce. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:8436. [PMID: 34444186 PMCID: PMC8393833 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Correctional Officers show signs of adverse health early in their careers. We evaluated the impact of a one-year peer health mentoring program for new officers based on a Total Worker Health® approach; (2) Methods: Cadets (n = 269) were randomly assigned to a mentored or control group. Cadets in this mixed methods design completed physical assessments, and surveys at three time points to assess demographics, health, mentoring, and workplace variables. Physical testing included several health markers. Surveys and physical data were analyzed as repeated measures. Regression analyses were used to analyze the relationship between mentoring characteristics and outcomes. A semi-structured interview of mentors was analyzed qualitatively. (3) Results: Higher mentoring frequency was associated with lower burnout. Health behaviors and outcomes declined over time in all groups, but mentees displayed slower decline for body mass index (BMI) and hypertension compared to controls. (4) Conclusions: A continuous peer health mentoring program seemed protective to new officers in reducing burnout and also declines in BMI and hypertension. Short-term physical health markers in younger officers may not be an index of psycho-social effects. A participatory design approach is recommended for a long-term health mentoring program to be both effective and sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajashree Kotejoshyer
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Farmington, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (D.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Declan O. Gilmer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (D.O.G.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Sara Namazi
- Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA 01109, USA;
| | - Dana Farr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Farmington, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (D.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Robert A. Henning
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (D.O.G.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Martin Cherniack
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Farmington, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (D.F.); (M.C.)
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Abstract
Leidos, Inc. is a large government science and technology company. When a Leidos employee lost his son to an opioid overdose, he wrote an impassioned email to the CEO, asking him to take action related to the growing societal problem of opioid use disorders. The CEO understood and accepted this important call to action. Leidos’ subsequent efforts included supporting employees and families, as well as community outreach, eventually broadening to include mental health and well-being. This paper outlines the company’s efforts to combat opioid use disorders, understanding that they sit within a larger total worker health umbrella inclusive of mental health and well-being. The hope is that this ongoing journey and its exemplars are helpful for other organizations seeking to make an impact for their employees and society.
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Tenney L, Dexter L, Shapiro DC, Dally M, Brown CE, Schwatka NV, Huebschmann AG, McMillen J, Newman LS. Impact of Advising on Total Worker Health Implementation. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:657-664. [PMID: 33950039 PMCID: PMC8729231 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is understood about the mechanisms for improving the adoption and implementation of Total Worker Health® (TWH) in workplace settings. The primary objective of this study was to identify whether the delivery of TWH advising is associated with subsequent changes in TWH in small-to-medium sized businesses. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study of a TWH intervention in 200 organizations completing Health Links Healthy Workplace Assessments™ between October 2016 and December 2019. Organizations were offered consultation via telephonic and live web-based advising sessions. RESULTS Organizations exhibited non-significant albeit positive change in assessment scores from baseline to assessment 2. Businesses receiving advising showed significant score improvements from assessment 2 to 3, versus those without advising. CONCLUSIONS TWH consultation may enhance adoption of organizational behaviors that promote worker health, safety, and well-being over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Tenney
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Lynn Dexter
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - David C. Shapiro
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Miranda Dally
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Carol E. Brown
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Natalie V. Schwatka
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Amy G. Huebschmann
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Adult & Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science (ACCORDS) Dissemination and Implementation program, Division of General Internal Medicine and Center for Women’s Health Research, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 E. 17th Ave., Mailstop B180, Aurora, CO 80045
| | | | - Lee S. Newman
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., W-3111, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, and Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Place, Mailstop B119, Aurora, CO, 80045
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26
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Haas EJ, Furek A, Casey M, Yoon KN, Moore SM. Applying the Social Vulnerability Index as a Leading Indicator to Protect Fire-Based Emergency Medical Service Responders' Health. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:8049. [PMID: 34360357 PMCID: PMC8345582 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During emergencies, areas with higher social vulnerability experience an increased risk for negative health outcomes. However, research has not extrapolated this concept to understand how the workers who respond to these areas may be affected. Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) merged approximately 160,000 emergency response calls received from three fire departments during the COVID-19 pandemic with the CDC's publicly available Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to examine the utility of SVI as a leading indicator of occupational health and safety risks. Multiple regressions, binomial logit models, and relative weights analyses were used to answer the research questions. Researchers found that higher social vulnerability on household composition, minority/language, and housing/transportation increase the risk of first responders' exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Higher socioeconomic, household, and minority vulnerability were significantly associated with response calls that required emergency treatment and transport in comparison to fire-related or other calls that are also managed by fire departments. These results have implications for more strategic emergency response planning during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as improving Total Worker Health® and future of work initiatives at the worker and workplace levels within the fire service industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Haas
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (A.F.); (K.N.Y.); (S.M.M.)
| | - Alexa Furek
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (A.F.); (K.N.Y.); (S.M.M.)
| | - Megan Casey
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA;
| | - Katherine N. Yoon
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (A.F.); (K.N.Y.); (S.M.M.)
| | - Susan M. Moore
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (A.F.); (K.N.Y.); (S.M.M.)
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27
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Peters SE, Sorensen G, Katz JN, Gundersen DA, Wagner GR. Thriving from Work: Conceptualization and Measurement. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:7196. [PMID: 34281131 PMCID: PMC8296939 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Work is a major contributor to our health and well-being. Workers' thriving is directly influenced by their job design, work environment and organization. The purpose of this report is to describe the qualitative methods used to develop the candidate items for a novel measure of Thriving from Work through a multi-step iterative process including: a literature review, workshop, interviews with experts, and cognitive testing of the candidate items. Through this process, we defined Thriving from Work as the state of positive mental, physical, and social functioning in which workers' experiences of their work and working conditions enable them to thrive in their overall lives, contributing to their ability to achieve their full potential in their work, home, and community. Thriving from Work was conceptualized into 37 attributes across seven dimensions: psychological, emotional, social, work-life integration, basic needs, experience of work, and health. We ultimately identified, developed and/or modified 87 candidate questionnaire items mapped to these attributes that performed well in cognitive testing in demographically and occupationally diverse workers. The Thriving from Work Questionnaire will be subjected to psychometric testing and item reduction in future studies. Individual items demonstrated face validity and good cognitive response properties and may be used independently from the questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E. Peters
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Glorian Sorensen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jeffrey N. Katz
- Departments of Orthopedic Surgery and Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniel A. Gundersen
- Survey and Qualitative Methods Core, Division of Population Health, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Gregory R. Wagner
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
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Olszewski KA, Wolf DM, Wenskovitch J. Exploring Occupational Health Professionals Understanding and Needs in Regard to Total Worker Health (TWH). Workplace Health Saf 2021; 69:296-305. [PMID: 34034578 DOI: 10.1177/2165079921993110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational health professionals (OHPs) are in a unique position to impact the health and well-being of employees at work and outside of work. One way of achieving this holistic health goal is to integrate the concept of Total Worker Health® (TWH) into the organization's culture. It is critical for OHPs to develop the ability to incorporate TWH into their practices, yet there are gaps in our understanding of OHP's attitudes toward change and toward TWH, their level of TWH knowledge, and the number of OHPs who have adopted TWH. METHODS An electronic survey was administered to a national sample of 4,777. This cross-sectional study used Qualtrics to record survey responses measuring knowledge of TWH, attitude toward change, resistance to change, transformational leadership ability, perception of organizational readiness, and leadership commitment. FINDINGS The total sample size was 253 (5.3%). Most respondents were bachelors prepared nurses (75.1%) with greater than 10 years' experience (71.5%) and employed in manufacturing (42.6%). Approximately 74% (n = 125) of respondents knew about TWH, but did not have a program in place or were unsure of the existence of one. A high percentage (74.0%) were open to implementing TWH, had favorable attitudes toward change (M = 3.9 on a 5-point Likert-type scale), but needed education on how to move forward (56.0%). CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE Findings suggest that most OHPs know about TWH, but generally have not adopted the TWH concept at their worksites. However, they are open to implementing TWH programs and have favorable attitudes toward change.
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Pronk NP, McLellan DL, Dennerlein JT, Anderson P, Karapanos M, Nagler E, Schmidt D, Spoonheim J, Wallace LM, Sorensen G. Building Capacity for Integrated Occupational Safety, Health, and Well-Being Initiatives Using Guidelines for Total Worker Health® Approaches. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:411-421. [PMID: 33560069 PMCID: PMC10868657 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the process used to build capacity for wider dissemination of a Total Worker Health® (TWH) model using the infrastructure of a health and well-being vendor organization. METHODS A multiple-case study mixed-methods design was used to learn from a year-long investigation of the experiences by participating organizations. RESULTS Increased capacity for TWH solutions was observed as evidenced by the participation, plans of action, and experience ratings of the participating organizations. The planning process was feasible and acceptable, although the challenges of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic only afforded two of the three worksites to deliver a comprehensive written action plan. CONCLUSIONS A suite of services including guidelines, trainings, and technical assistance is feasible to support planning, acceptable to the companies that participated, and supports employers in applying the TWH knowledge base into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolaas P Pronk
- HealthPartners (Dr Pronk, Dr Anderson, Ms Schmidt, Mr Spoonheim); HealthPartners Institute (Dr Pronk); Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Dr Pronk, Dr McLellan, Dr Dennerlein, Dr Nagler, Dr Sorensen); Northeastern University (Dr Dennerlein); University of Massachusetts (Ms Karapanos), Amherst, MA; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dr McLellan, Ms Wallace, Dr Sorensen), Boston, Massachusetts; and University of Minnesota (Dr Pronk), Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The high stress culture and demands associated with long-haul truck driving place truckers at risk for mental health and sleep disorders, and thereby, increased risk for accidents, injuries, and fatality. Hours-of-service regulations have proven insufficient as a stand-alone intervention to protect the welfare of long-haul truckers, impacting those working in the industry and those sharing our nation's roads. Interventions to increase mindfulness have been used across occupational and personal domains to improve sleep quality, mental health, awareness of the environment, and reaction time. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between sleep, mental health, health care utilization, and mindfulness in long-haul truck drivers in the United States. METHODS Participants (N = 140) were recruited to complete a web-based survey. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and regression analysis were used to examine variables of interest. RESULTS Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomology and daytime sleepiness predicted mental health care utilization in the past year. Mindfulness was inversely correlated with PTSD symptomology, however in the full regression model, mindfulness failed to predict mental health care utilization. CONCLUSIONS Occupational health professionals should utilize mindfulness screenings as an adjunctive component to traditional mental health screenings and refer drivers for advanced care as appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni M Wise
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Karen Heaton
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Baldassarre A, Mucci N, Padovan M, Pellitteri A, Viscera S, Lecca LI, Galea RP, Arcangeli G. The Role of Electrocardiography in Occupational Medicine, from Einthoven's Invention to the Digital Era of Wearable Devices. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E4975. [PMID: 32664277 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17144975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Clinical-instrumental investigations, such as electrocardiography (ECG), represent a corollary of a procedures that, nowadays, is called upon as part of the principles of precision medicine. However when carrying out the professional routine examinations, most tend to ignore how a “simple” instrument can offer indispensable support in clinical practice, even in occupational medicine. The advent of the digital age, made of silicon and printed circuit boards, has allowed the miniaturization of the electronic components of these electro-medical devices. Finally, the adoption of patient wearables in medicine has been rapidly expanding worldwide for a number of years. This has been driven mainly by consumers’ demand to monitor their own health. With the ongoing research and development of new features capable of assessing and transmitting real-time biometric data, the impact of wearables on cardiovascular management has become inevitable. Despite the potential offered by this technology, as evident from the scientific literature, the application of these devices in the field of health and safety in the workplace is still limited. This may also be due to the lack of targeted scientific research. While offering great potential, it is very important to consider and evaluate ethical aspects related to the use of these smart devices, such as the management of the collected data relating to the physiological parameters and the location of the worker. This technology is to be considered as being aimed at monitoring the subject’s physiological parameters, and not at the diagnosis of any pathological condition, which should always be on charge of the medical specialist We conducted a review of the evolution of the role that electrophysiology plays as part of occupational health and safety management and on its possible future use, thanks to ongoing technological innovation.
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Shore E, Schwatka N, Dally M, Brown CE, Tenney L, Newman LS. Small Business Employees' Perceptions of Leadership Are Associated With Safety and Health Climates and Their Own Behaviors. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:156-162. [PMID: 31834140 PMCID: PMC7363040 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Leadership is an important factor in creating a safe and healthy work environment. Little is known about its influence in small organizations. This study assessed the relationship between leadership, climate, and employee behavior in organizations with less than 500 employees. METHODS We examined organizational factors and worker perceptions of leadership and safety/health behaviors in an analysis of 1271 employees in 53 Colorado small organizations. Cross-sectional relationships were assessed using multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS Perceived leadership commitment to safety was associated with safety climate (β = 0.67) and safety behaviors among employees (β = 0.45). Perceived leadership commitment to worksite wellness was associated with health climate (β = 0.66) and health behaviors (β = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS Leadership plays an important role in creating a positive work environment around safety and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Shore
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Natalie Schwatka
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Miranda Dally
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Carol E. Brown
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Liliana Tenney
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Lee S. Newman
- Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, and Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17 Pl., 3 Floor, Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045
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Scott JG, Shore E, Brown C, Harris C, Rosen MA. Highlights from occupational safety and health continuing education needs assessment. Am J Ind Med 2019; 62:901-907. [PMID: 31180591 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of trained Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals able to meet the current and future demand for such expertize in the United States. Many OSH professionals are required to perform duties, which are outside of their primary area of expertize; thus, expansion of continuing education (CE) may be necessary to properly train individuals for new OSH responsibilities. METHODS The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-funded Education and Research Centers collectively developed and distributed an internet-based survey to gauge the CE needs and interests of the OSH workforce. RESULTS A total of 2064 responses were received. The most common primary professions represented were safety (28%), occupational health nursing (18%), and industrial hygiene (12%). The majority of respondents (61%) reported that they perform work activities outside of those associated with their primary OSH profession. The CE offerings with the highest interest among respondents were related to safety. Other courses with high levels of interest included topics such as legal issues in OSH (88%), compliance (88%), risk management (85%), OSH management (83%), risk communication (83%), and communication in accident prevention (81%). Health and safety leadership (82%), health and safety culture (78%) and total worker health (74%) were also significant interests. CONCLUSIONS It is important to be responsive to the evolving needs of the OS&H community. Developing relevant courses will help ensure that OS&H professionals have access to the training they need to perform essential job functions and keep employees healthy and safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua G. Scott
- Center for Health, Work & Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health Aurora Colorado
- University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora Colorado
| | - Erin Shore
- Center for Health, Work & Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health Aurora Colorado
- University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora Colorado
| | - Carol Brown
- Center for Health, Work & Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health Aurora Colorado
- University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora Colorado
| | - Carisa Harris
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San Francisco California
- School of Public HealthUniversity of California Berkeley California
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Abstract
Background: The transition into shift work represents a critical and challenging time point in a nurse's career. The purpose of this study was to describe nursing students' sleep patterns and perceptions of safe practice during their first semester of clinical rotations. Method: Repeated measures pertaining to the sleep patterns of 19 full-time junior undergraduate nursing students were measured before, during, and after their first clinical rotations. Sleep was measured using wrist activity monitors and sleep diaries for seven consecutive days at each time period. Students' "self-efficacy" or belief in their ability to provide safe practice was measured for (a) patient care (preventing adverse events to patients) and (b) occupational health (preventing occupational injuries to themselves) using Bandura's self-efficacy scales. Associations between students' sleep, sleepiness, and their perceptions of safe practice were explored. Results: Nursing students' self-efficacy scores regarding patient care (preventing adverse events) improved across the three time periods (from 80% before clinical rotation, to 84% during clinical rotation, to 87% after clinical rotation). Although lower overall, students' self-efficacy scores regarding occupational health (preventing occupational injuries to themselves) also improved across the three time periods (from 71% before clinical rotation, to 76% during clinical rotation, to 77% after clinical rotation). Furthermore, increased sleepiness significantly predicted lower self-efficacy scores for both patient care and occupational health. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Sleepiness can impair nursing students' confidence in their ability to practice safely.
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Hoge A, Ehmann AT, Rieger MA, Siegel A. Caring for Workers' Health: Do German Employers Follow a Comprehensive Approach Similar to the Total Worker Health Concept? Results of a Survey in an Economically Powerful Region in Germany. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16050726. [PMID: 30823428 PMCID: PMC6427417 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16050726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Similar to ‘Total Worker Health’ in the United States (USA), ‘Workplace Health Management’ in Germany is a holistic strategy to protect, promote, and manage employees’ health at the workplace. It consists of four subcategories. While the subcategories ‘occupational health and safety’ and ‘reintegration management’ contain measures prescribed by law, ‘workplace health promotion’ and ‘personnel development’ can be designed more individually by the companies. The present study focused on the current implementation of voluntary and legally required measures of the four subcategories, as well as companies’ satisfaction with the implementation. A total of N = 222/906 companies (small, medium, and big enterprises of one German county) answered a standardized questionnaire addressing the implementation of health-related measures, satisfaction with the implementation, and several company characteristics. In the subcategory ‘occupational health and safety’, 23.9% of the companies fulfilled all of the legally required measures, whereas in the category ‘reintegration management’, that rate amounted to 50.9%. There was a positive correlation between company size and the implementation grade, and as well between company size and the fulfilling of measures required by law. Companies tended to be more satisfied with higher implementation grades. Nevertheless, a surprisingly high proportion of the companies with poor implementation indicated satisfaction with the measures’ implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Hoge
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Anna T Ehmann
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Monika A Rieger
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Achim Siegel
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany.
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Lauer EA, Armenti K, Henning M, Sirois L. Identifying Barriers and Supports to Breastfeeding in the Workplace Experienced by Mothers in the New Hampshire Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Utilizing the Total Worker Health Framework. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E529. [PMID: 30781764 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Variations in the barriers and contributors to breastfeeding across industries have not been well characterized for vulnerable populations such as mothers participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Our study used the Total Worker Health Framework to characterize workplace factors acting as barriers and/or contributors to breastfeeding among women participating in the New Hampshire WIC. Surveys were collected from WIC mothers (n = 682), which asked about employment, industry, and workplace accommodation and supports related to breastfeeding in the workplace. We found workplace policy factors supporting breastfeeding (i.e., having paid maternity leave, other maternity leave, and a breastfeeding policy) varied by industry. Women in specific service-oriented industries (i.e., accommodation and retail) reported the lowest rates of breastfeeding initiation and workplace supports for breastfeeding and pumping. Further, how a woman hoped to feed and having a private pumping space at work were significantly associated with industry, breastfeeding initiation, and breastfeeding duration. A substantial portion of women reported being not sure about their workplace environment, policies, and culture related to breastfeeding. Additional studies with larger sample sizes of women participating in WIC are needed to further characterize the barriers to breastfeeding associated with specific industries.
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Tamers SL, Goetzel R, Kelly KM, Luckhaupt S, Nigam J, Pronk NP, Rohlman DS, Baron S, Brosseau LM, Bushnell T, Campo S, Chang CC, Childress A, Chosewood LC, Cunningham T, Goldenhar LM, Huang TTK, Hudson H, Linnan L, Newman LS, Olson R, Ozminkowski RJ, Punnett L, Schill A, Scholl J, Sorensen G. Research Methodologies for Total Worker Health®: Proceedings From a Workshop. J Occup Environ Med 2018; 60:968-978. [PMID: 30407366 PMCID: PMC6221402 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is growing interest in the NIOSH Total Worker Health program, specifically in the process of designing and implementing safer, health-promoting work and workplaces. A Total Worker Health (TWH) Research Methodology Workshop was convened to discuss research methods and future needs. METHODS Twenty-six experts in occupational safety and health and related fields reviewed and discussed current methodological and measurement issues and those showing promise. RESULTS TWH intervention studies face the same challenges as other workplace intervention studies and some unique ones. Examples are provided of different approaches and their applications to TWH intervention studies, and desired developments in the TWH literature. CONCLUSIONS This report discusses and outlines principles important to building the TWH intervention research base. Rigorous, valid methodologic, and measurement approaches are needed for TWH intervention as well as for basic/etiologic, translational, and surveillance research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Tamers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, DC (Dr Tamers, Ms Chang, Dr Childress, Dr Schill); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA (Dr Chosewood); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (Dr Luckhaupt, Ms Hudson, Dr Cunningham, Dr Bushnell, Dr Scholl, Ms Nigam); Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Goetzel); IBM Watson Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Dr Goetzel, Dr Ozminkowski); University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (Dr Kelly, Dr Rohlman, Dr Campo); HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Dr Pronk); City University of New York, New York City, New York (Dr Baron, Dr Huang); University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (Dr Brosseau); Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, Maryland (Dr Goldenhar); University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Dr Linnan); Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Colorado (Dr Newman); Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon (Dr Olson); University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts (Dr Punnett); Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Dr Pronk, Dr Sorensen)
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Rohlman DS, Parish MA, Hanson GC, Williams LS. Building a Healthier Workforce: An Evaluation of an Online Nutrition Training for Apprentices. J Nutr Educ Behav 2018; 50:913-917.e1. [PMID: 29685614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Construction workers face barriers to healthy eating, including work organization and environmental factors, that can affect productivity and lead to chronic conditions. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online nutrition training to improve knowledge and behaviors and evaluate the feasibility of conducting this training among apprentices in the highway construction trades. METHODS A pretest-posttest control group design was used. The intervention was conducted using a Web-based electronic learning platform. RESULTS A total of 36 highway construction apprentices (78% male) completed the study. Intervention participants demonstrated improvements in knowledge immediately after the training, reported modest weight loss, decreased body mass index, and decreased fast food consumption compared with control participants. However, increases in knowledge were not seen at follow-up. The training content and format were well-received, indicating that electronic learning approaches were acceptable for this population. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This project established the acceptability of using an online nutrition training to promote health among apprentices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane S Rohlman
- Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA.
| | - Megan A Parish
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
| | | | - Larry S Williams
- Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, Apprenticeship and Training Division, Portland, OR
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Dennerlein JT. Chronic low back pain: a successful intervention for desk-bound workers. Occup Environ Med 2018; 75:319-320. [PMID: 29507051 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jack T Dennerlein
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Work, Health and Wellbeing, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Abstract
This study explored concurrent effects of six work psychosocial factors on current participation and the self-reported likelihood of future participation in workplace wellness programs using a cross-sectional survey, an ad hoc focus group, and structured interviews. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to analyze survey responses from 343 employees (194 nonparticipants, 95 participants, and 54 engaged participants). A thematic analysis of focus group (n = 7) and interview (n = 5) narratives was also undertaken. In combination with high work control, high superior support was associated with an engaged participant profile. Job demand was the third important variable with low and very high levels associated with participation. With regard to high likelihood of future participation, among respondents with age older than 50, high predictability of occupational activities and control were identified as a significant factor, and among others, high superior support and control. The analysis of narratives revealed peer relations and flexible working hours to be positively linked to participation and general job stress was identified as having a bidirectional relationship. Employees stated that stress led them to take advantage of these programs as a source of relief and that their availability/participation has contributed to lowering their stress. These findings inform practitioners about the importance of addressing poor psychosocial factors as a participation barrier and having a holistic approach to employee well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lora A Cavuoto
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Brooks E, Gendel MH, Early SR, Gundersen DC. When Doctors Struggle: Current Stressors and Evaluation Recommendations for Physicians Contemplating Suicide. Arch Suicide Res 2017; 22:519-528. [PMID: 28990863 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2017.1372827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to document current risk factors associated with physicians' suicide ideation among a group of doctors enrolled in a Physician Health Program. A retrospective cohort study was drawn from administrative data. The study compared intake information between doctors who reported recent thoughts of suicide (n = 70) and those who did not (n = 1,572) using adjusted regression analysis. Current stressors included personal, financial, health, and occupational problems; ideation was more likely with multiple stressors. Physicians endorsing suicidal ideation lacked personal supports and scored differently on Short Form-36 measures. Evaluators treating physicians should assess enduring risks and current stressors, particularly multiple stressors, to help detect suicidal patients. Current stressors should not be viewed as transitory and it is critical to bring in collateral information.
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Dugan AG, Farr DA, Namazi S, Henning RA, Wallace KN, El Ghaziri M, Punnett L, Dussetschleger JL, Cherniack MG. Process evaluation of two participatory approaches: Implementing total worker health® interventions in a correctional workforce. Am J Ind Med 2016; 59:897-918. [PMID: 27378470 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Correctional Officers (COs) have among the highest injury rates and poorest health of all the public safety occupations. The HITEC-2 (Health Improvement Through Employee Control-2) study uses Participatory Action Research (PAR) to design and implement interventions to improve health and safety of COs. METHOD HITEC-2 compared two different types of participatory program, a CO-only "Design Team" (DT) and "Kaizen Event Teams" (KET) of COs and supervisors, to determine differences in implementation process and outcomes. The Program Evaluation Rating Sheet (PERS) was developed to document and evaluate program implementation. RESULTS Both programs yielded successful and unsuccessful interventions, dependent upon team-, facility-, organizational, state-, facilitator-, and intervention-level factors. CONCLUSIONS PAR in corrections, and possibly other sectors, depends upon factors including participation, leadership, continuity and timing, resilience, and financial circumstances. The new PERS instrument may be useful in other sectors to assist in assessing intervention success. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:897-918, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia G. Dugan
- Department of Medicine; UConn Health; Farmington Connecticut
| | - Dana A. Farr
- Department of Medicine; UConn Health; Farmington Connecticut
| | - Sara Namazi
- Department of Medicine; UConn Health; Farmington Connecticut
| | - Robert A. Henning
- Department of Psychology; University of Connecticut; Storrs Connecticut
| | | | - Mazen El Ghaziri
- School of Nursing; University of Massachusetts Lowell; Lowell Massachusetts
| | - Laura Punnett
- Department of Work Environment; University of Massachusetts Lowell; Lowell Massachusetts
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Howard J, Chosewood LC, Hudson HL. The Perils of Integrating Wellness and Safety and Health and the Possibility of a Worker-Oriented Alternative. New Solut 2016; 26:345-348. [PMID: 27357586 DOI: 10.1177/1048291116656631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In response to the article by Michael B. Lax, MD entitled "The perils of integrating wellness and safety and health and the possibility of a worker-oriented alternative," the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides updated information on the current focus and priorities and addresses concerns raised regarding the Total Worker Health® initiative. Many of the concerns and criticisms in the report echo those NIOSH publicly shares on a regular basis. The theory and practice of Total Worker Health (TWH) continues to evolve in response to valuable stakeholder input like that provided by Dr. Lax. In 2015, NIOSH updated the TWH concept to emphasize the main focus of TWH is the primacy of traditional health protection which prioritizes employer responsibilities for the organization of work over individual worker health behaviors. NIOSH acknowledges the past lack of "fit" between theory and practice in some publications of TWH-funded grantees as Dr. Lax points out. NIOSH is hopeful that the solicitation of new research, which is now underway, will clarify the work-centered priorities for TWH-funded research. Based on input from Dr. Lax and other stakeholders, NIOSH looks forward to contributing more effectively to protecting and promoting worker safety and health in the new twenty-first century world of work.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Howard
- 1 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Office of the Director, Washington, DC, USA
| | - L Casey Chosewood
- 2 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Office for Total Worker Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Heidi L Hudson
- 3 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Office for Total Worker Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Abstract
Integration of workplace wellness with safety and health has gained momentum on the initiative of the state allied with a segment of large employers and some health and safety professionals. Integration has a dual potential: to fundamentally reshape occupational health in ways that profoundly benefit workers, or to serve neoliberal corporate goals. A focus on the workplace and the ways work and health interact broaden the definition of a work-related injury or illness and emphasize and challenge the employer decisions that create hazards and determine risk. However, the implementation of integration is taking place in a context of corporate dominance and the aggressive pursuit of a neoliberal agenda. Consequently, in practice, integration efforts have emphasized individual worker responsibility for health and fail to actually integrate wellness with safety and health in a meaningful way. Can an alternative be envisioned and pursued that realizes the promise of integration for workers?
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Lax
- Occupational Health Clinical Center, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Olson R, Elliot D, Hess J, Thompson S, Luther K, Wipfli B, Wright R, Buckmaster AM. The COMmunity of Practice And Safety Support (COMPASS) Total Worker Health™ study among home care workers: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2014; 15:411. [PMID: 25348013 PMCID: PMC4226848 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home care workers are a high-risk group for injury and illness. Their unique work structure presents challenges to delivering a program to enhance their health and safety. No randomized controlled trials have assessed the impact of a Total Worker Health™ program designed for their needs. METHODS/DESIGN The COMPASS (COMmunity of Practice And Safety Support) study is a cluster randomized trial being implemented among Oregon's unionized home care workers. Partnering with the Oregon Home Care Commission allowed recruiting 10 pairs of home care worker groups with 8 participants per group (n = 160) for balanced randomization of groups to intervention and control conditions. Physiologic and survey evaluation of all participants will be at enrollment, 6 months and 12 months. Primary outcomes are to increase health promoting (for example, healthy nutrition and regular physical activity) and health protecting (that is, safety) behaviors. In addition to assessing outcomes adjusted for the hierarchical design, mediation analyses will be used to deconstruct and confirm the program's theoretical underpinnings and intervention processes. Intervention groups will participate in a series of monthly 2-hour meetings designed as ritualized, scripted peer-led sessions to increase knowledge, practice skills and build support for healthy actions. Self-monitoring and individual and team level goals are included to augment change. Because generalizability, reach and achieving dissemination are priorities, following initial wave findings, a second wave of COMPASS groups will be recruited and enrolled with tailoring of the program to align with existing Home Care Commission educational offerings. Outcomes, process and mediation of those tailored groups will be compared with the original wave's findings. DISCUSSION The COMPASS trial will assess a novel program to enhance the safety and health of a vulnerable, rapidly expanding group of isolated caregivers, whose critical work allows independent living of frail seniors and the disabled. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02113371, first registered 11 March 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Olson
- />Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L606, Portland, OR 97239-3098 USA
- />Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, CB 669, Portland, OR 97239-3098 USA
- />Department of Psychology, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751 USA
| | - Diane Elliot
- />Division of Health Promotion & Sports Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L606, Portland, OR 97239-3098 USA
| | - Jennifer Hess
- />Labor Education & Research Center, University of Oregon, 1675 Agate Street, Eugene, OR 97403-1289 USA
| | - Sharon Thompson
- />Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L606, Portland, OR 97239-3098 USA
| | - Kristy Luther
- />Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L606, Portland, OR 97239-3098 USA
| | - Brad Wipfli
- />Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L606, Portland, OR 97239-3098 USA
| | - Robert Wright
- />Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University – Idaho, 525 South Center Street, Rexburg, ID 83460 USA
| | - Annie Mancini Buckmaster
- />Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L606, Portland, OR 97239-3098 USA
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Baron SL, Beard S, Davis LK, Delp L, Forst L, Kidd-Taylor A, Liebman AK, Linnan L, Punnett L, Welch LS. Promoting integrated approaches to reducing health inequities among low-income workers: applying a social ecological framework. Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:539-56. [PMID: 23532780 PMCID: PMC3843946 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly one of every three workers in the United States is low-income. Low-income populations have a lower life expectancy and greater rates of chronic diseases compared to those with higher incomes. Low- income workers face hazards in their workplaces as well as in their communities. Developing integrated public health programs that address these combined health hazards, especially the interaction of occupational and non-occupational risk factors, can promote greater health equity. METHODS We apply a social-ecological perspective in considering ways to improve the health of the low-income working population through integrated health protection and health promotion programs initiated in four different settings: the worksite, state and local health departments, community health centers, and community-based organizations. RESULTS Examples of successful approaches to developing integrated programs are presented in each of these settings. These examples illustrate several complementary venues for public health programs that consider the complex interplay between work-related and non work-related factors, that integrate health protection with health promotion and that are delivered at multiple levels to improve health for low-income workers. CONCLUSIONS Whether at the workplace or in the community, employers, workers, labor and community advocates, in partnership with public health practitioners, can deliver comprehensive and integrated health protection and health promotion programs. Recommendations for improved research, training, and coordination among health departments, health practitioners, worksites and community organizations are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry L Baron
- Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
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