Affect Worker Health Research Articles

The Joint Association of Daily Rest Periods and Sleep Duration with Worker Health and Productivity: A Cross-Sectional Web Survey of Japanese Daytime Workers.

A daily rest period (DRP) is a daily inter-work interval that contains sleep opportunity. This study investigates the joint association of DRP and sleep duration with worker health and productivity. A total of 13,306 Japanese daytime workers participated in this web-based cross-sectional survey. Participants reported on their DRPs and sleep duration; moreover, sleep difficulties, mental health, and presenteeism were assessed by the standardized questionnaires. The participants were divided into 10 groups based on their DRPs and sleep duration. Logistic regression analyses showed that the combination of quick return (QR: DRP of <11 h) and short sleep duration (<6 h) was found to be significantly associated with sleep difficulties (odds ratio [OR] = 4.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.83–7.01), poor mental health (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = 1.79–5.15), and presenteeism (OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.47–3.77) compared with the reference group (the combination of adequate DRP [15 h] and a normal sleep duration [≥6 h]). The combination of QR and normal sleep duration or adequate DRP and short sleep duration was significantly associated with high ORs for the outcomes. QR, short sleep duration, or both negatively affect worker health and productivity.

Dust Emission Investigation of Agricultural Powdered Materials.

The dust emission in the workplace may affect workers health or create safety problem. This paper describes the development of an experimental apparatus to investigate dust emission as a function of particle size in various fall distances and different conveying velocity. For this purpose, four types of agricultural dusts (castor sugar, oat, semolina and tea powder) were used. It is found that the particle properties and fall distance have strong influence on the amount of dust emission generated. The result reveal that tea powder produced highest amount of dust emission (< 211 μm) in all fall distance during flow fall process. Finding from this work is useful to understand the mechanism and risk of dust emission in agricultural activities.

Telework and Worker Health and Well-Being: A Review and Recommendations for Research and Practice.

Telework (also referred to as telecommuting or remote work), is defined as working outside of the conventional office setting, such as within one’s home or in a remote office location, often using a form of information communication technology to communicate with others (supervisors, coworkers, subordinates, customers, etc.) and to perform work tasks. Remote work increased over the last decade and tremendously in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this article is to review and critically evaluate the existing research about telework and worker health and well-being. In addition, we review and evaluate how engaging in this flexible form of work impacts worker health and well-being. Specifically, we performed a literature search on the empirical literature related to teleworking and worker health and well-being, and reviewed articles published after the year 2000 based on the extent to which they had been discussed in prior reviews. Next, we developed a conceptual framework based on our review of the empirical literature. Our model explains the process by which telework may affect worker health and well-being in reference to individual, work/life/family, organizational, and macro level factors. These components are explained in depth, followed by methodological and fundamental recommendations intended to guide future research, policies, and practices to maximize the benefits and minimize the harms associated with telework, and offer recommendations for future research.

DOKUMA İŞLETMESİNDE JAKAR VE ARMÜR'DEN MEYDANA GELEN GÜRÜLTÜNÜN İŞ SAĞLIĞI VE GÜVENLİĞİ AÇISINDAN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Noise is an important problem affecting workers' health and quality of life in countries where industrialization is experienced effectively. Workers are in noisy areas in different environments of working life. The people who are harmed by the noise are the workers working in the workplace where there is a high rate of noise. Of noise; It is known to negatively affect worker health physiologically and psychologically. Noise causes loss of productivity as a result of the fact that workers complain about their activities and negatively affects the productivity of the workers. It was aimed to examine the noise exposure status of workers in changing noisy working environments in factories. The noise level of the jacquard and dobby weaving sections of the weaving mill was determined by measuring. The noise sound pressure level values emitted by weaving machines to the environment were measured. During the measurement; It was observed that the nominal day conditions determined in the job analysis were not exceeded. The tasks were carried out within the specified periods and all noise sources were studied within the determined periods.

Does Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Affect Workers' Health?

During recent decades, the elevation of workers' health has become the utmost point of concern since it is considered among the primary indicators of economies. The economies, especially the emerging ones, are primarily focusing on every indicator to uplift their businesses. Along with the other aspects, it is also required to assess the impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) on workers' health conditions in small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). With this aim, we are presenting a detailed analysis to reveal useful insights regarding the COPD-workers' health nexus. The sample set of 1,008 workers is working in various SMEs in Beijing and Tianjin from September, 2020. The findings infer that a rise in COPD concerning wages will uplift the worker health problems due to COPD affecting worker health. Whereas, the working condition and tools, smoking years, and health safety training have a statistically adverse effect on workers' health concerning wages. The outcomes in terms of insights would be useful for planning future perspectives.

The simultaneous effect of ambient temperature and light intensity on performance: A cross-sectional study

Aims: Environmental conditions affect workers health and performance. The present study aimed to investigate the simultaneous effect of ambient temperature and light intensity on human error. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 students from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Each participant performed 9 tests in 5 min at 3 different temperatures (20°C, 25°C, and 30°C) and 3 lighting conditions (50, 500, and 1000 lux). The participants were asked to select a text randomly. Participants asked to read the text in just 6 min and identify the mistakes. In each step, the number of remaining lines, number of spelling mistakes found, and task completion time were estimated. Results: There was no significant relationship between the temperature and the number of remaining lines, the number of spelling mistakes, and the task completion time (P > 0.05). However, the relationship between different light intensity and the number of remaining lines and number of spelling mistakes was statically significant (P

Do minimum wage increases benefit worker health? Evidence from China

This paper investigates whether minimum wage increases affect worker health in China. Using data on low-skilled workers from the 2014 and 2016 China Labor-force Dynamic Survey (CLDS), I find minimum wage increases significantly improve several measures of health, including self-reported health status and the presence of health conditions. When examining the potential channels underlying the relationship between minimum wages and health, I find the health behaviors (smoking, drinking, and regular exercise) of low-skilled workers do not change significantly after minimum wage increases. Minimum wage increases significantly improve the living standards and job satisfaction of low-skilled workers. Finally, I find minimum wage increases play a larger role in improving the health of rural hukou workers and workers aged 35 and above.

The hidden cost of trade liberalization: Input tariff shocks and worker health in China

This study examines the health effect of input tariff reductions on Chinese manufacturing workers and its heterogeneity across skill levels. We first provide a simple model to demonstrate the mechanisms. We then put the predictions of the model into a test using the China Health and Nutrition Survey data. Exploiting prefecture variations in input tariff shocks, we find that input tariff reductions following China's WTO accession adversely affect worker health through increased working hours. Moreover, input tariff reductions widen both the income and the health gaps between skilled and unskilled workers. Further welfare analysis indicates that ignoring health outcomes would substantially underestimate the welfare disparity between skilled and unskilled workers.

Screening of flour mill workers for respiratory morbidities: a cross-sectional study in rural Bangalore

Background: Flour mill workers are highly exposed to organic wheat flour dust with a large diversity of antigenic/allergic component leading to respiratory morbidity and skin allergies. This work environment may affect workers health and safety if the effects are unchecked periodically.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 194 workers of 4 flour mills in Bangalore Rural district. Prior permission (factory) and informed consent *(workers) were obtained. Pre-structured interview-schedule was administered. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) readings were measured by using wrights flow meter and best of 3 readings recorded. Respiratory morbidity was assessed on PEFR classification - based on American lung association (ALA) colour coding - red, yellow and green zones. Respiratory morbidity was compared with years of experience, type of work, smoking habits and usage of appropriate PPEs. Data was analyzed using Epi-info 08.Results: Among 194 workers studied, 188 were males, 6 were females. They were in the age group of 15-50 years. 143 (73.7%) were engaged in work with direct dust exposure. 84 (43%) were working for more than 3 years, 50 (25%) between 1-3 years and 60 (30%) for less than a year. 7.2% regularly smoked. According to ALA classification, PEFRs of 71 (36%) of the workers were classified into RED, 91 (46%) to yellow and 32 (16%) to green zones respectively. Usage of PPEs was only among 126 (64%).Conclusions: Respiratory morbidity among flour mill workers was high. Adequate use of PPEs was low. Half of the workers fell into yellow zone that had a potential to fall into red zone if external factors were not considered.

ORGANIZATION OF SAFE MANAGEMENT OF FIRE OPERATIONS ON GAS PIPELINES

The article discusses the issues of safe operations on the main gas pipelines of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which, as a result of deterioration of pipelines main part and their active susceptibility to stress corrosioncracking, require repair work. Considered new approaches of repair work organization by open fire using. It has beenanalyzed that the application of these measures in practice will ensure proper organizational planning and technicaltraining of personnel, and effective provision of necessary level safety for hot work. It was concluded that it isnecessary to introduce safety increasing measures during fire work on gas pipelines, it will prevent possible disasters,fires, destruction and human losses due to explosions during repair work on gas pipelines, as well as reduce damaging factors affecting workers health. It is shown that introduction of the named above measures helps to preventdisasters, fires, destruction and loss of life as a result of explosions during gas pipelines repair, as well as damagingfactors reduction that affect workers health during these types of work.

Task and sex differences in muscle oxygenation during handgrip fatigue development

The purpose of this study was to examine task and sex differences in forearm muscle oxygenation, measured using near infrared spectroscopy, during sustained submaximal handgrip exercises. Forty-eight adults (50% males) performed fatiguing handgrip exercises at 20, 40, 60 and 80% of their maximum handgrip strength. While males and females exhibited similar levels of relative fatigability, forearm oxygenation was found to be task (i.e. contraction intensity and phase of fatigue development) and sex dependent. Higher contraction intensities were associated with greater desaturation over time. Compared to females, males exhibited greater desaturation as fatigue progressed and this was augmented at higher contraction intensities. These may be likely affected by sex differences in muscle mass, morphology and strength differences during exercises at relative intensities. Future work that explores sex differences in muscle oxygenation during absolute force intensities are needed, which may have implications for muscle fatigue development and potential fatigue mitigation strategies.Practitioner Summary: Muscle oxygenation impacts fatigue development that can in turn affect worker health and productivity. Males exhibit greater forearm desaturation than females at higher relative work intensities, despite similar fatigue levels. Females may be predisposed to greater muscle delivery and oxygenation challenges that can increase their fatigability during work at absolute load levels.

The impact of heat and impaired kidney function on productivity of Guatemalan sugarcane workers.

BackgroundClimate change has implications for human health and productivity. Models suggest that heat extremes affect worker health, reduce labor capacity, and commodity supply. Chronic health conditions are on the rise internationally. However there is a paucity of direct empirical evidence relating increasing temperatures to both agricultural worker health and productivity.Methods and findingsWe evaluated the relationship between temperature exposure, kidney function, and two measures of productivity—tons of commodity produced and job attrition, of 4,095 Guatemalan sugarcane cutters over a 6-month harvest. We used distributed lag non-linear models to evaluate associations between wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and productivity of workers with normal or impaired kidney function. The cumulative effect of exposure to a max WBGT of 34°C was 1.16 tons (95% CI: -2.87, 0.54) less sugarcane cut over the next five days by workers with impaired kidney function, compared to exposure to 29°C. Impaired kidney function was associated with premature workforce attrition. Workers starting the harvest season with impaired kidney function were more than twice as likely to leave employment (HR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.88, 4.32).ConclusionsHeat extremes may be associated with loss of agricultural worker productivity and employment, especially among those with impaired kidney function. Agricultural workers who develop health conditions, such as kidney disease, are particularly vulnerable in the face of climate change and increasing heat extremes. The resultant loss of employment and productivity has significant implications for global commodity supplies.

Ergonomic and psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal complaints in public sector administration – A joint monitoring approach with analysis of association

Administration entails a high level of computerization with multiple risk factors (including psychosocial and of ergonomic nature), affecting worker health and well-being. An ergonomics researcher supported by a senior ergonomist and guided by a domain specific checklist assessed physical ergonomics of an organization, including 96 administrative workers in the assessment. Unstructured observations and interviews to the workers were also done. Socio-demographic, musculoskeletal health and psychosocial job data was collected from a composite questionnaire including the versions validated for the Portuguese population of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). This paper demonstrates an approach to jointly monitor multiple factors to support controlling work system efficiency, safeguarding health. Even though postural issues, especially static posture, have previously been identified as risk factors contributing to the onset of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), the results of correlation analysis did not unveil a salient association between musculoskeletal complaints and ergonomic mismatches. The analysis did unveil statistically significant associations between exposure to psychosocial job factors and ergonomic risk factors. The pairs of variables actually associated were different according to gender confirming the need for future studies aiming the gendered study of MSD causality. Relevance to industryComputerized offices expose workers to multiple risk factors (including of psychosocial and ergonomic nature), and possibly influence their health and well-being. The paper demonstrates an approach to jointly monitor multiple factors to support controlling work system efficiency and negative outcomes.

Characterizing the Interrelationships of Prescription Opioid and Benzodiazepine Drugs With Worker Health and Workplace Hazards.

Prescription opioid and benzodiazepine drug use, which has risen significantly, can affect worker health. Exploration of the scientific literature assessed (1) interrelationships of such drug use, occupational risk factors, and illness and injury, and (2) occupational and personal risk factor combinations that can affect their use. The scientific literature from 2000 to 2015 was searched to determine any interrelationships. Evidence for eight conceptual models emerged based on the search yield of 133 articles. These models summarize interrelationships among prescription opioid and benzodiazepine use with occupational injury and illness. Factors associated with the use of these drugs included fatigue, impaired cognition, falls, motor vehicle crashes, and the use of multiple providers. Prescription opioid and benzodiazepine drugs may be both a personal risk factor for work-related injury and a consequence of workplace exposures.

Concentration of PM2,5 and Characteristic Analysis of Workers with Health Complaints Smoked Fish Workers in Tambak Wedi Village Surabaya

Abstract: Smoked fish in Tambak Wedi village Surabaya using coconut shell as the main fuel. Combustion of coconut shell in the process of smoked fish produced pollutants PM2,5 that can cause health problems for workers. The purpose of this study was to measure the consentration of PM2,5 and identify worker characteristics that affect worker health complaints in the smoked fish Tambak Wedi Village Surabaya.This study was observational descriptive study used cross sectional design. This study was conducted on June, 2014 by using questionnaire, interview, and observation with the sample was 26 respondents. The independent variables were PM2,5, age, year of works, lenght of employment, medical history, use of PPE and work position. PM2,5 measurement using a Haz-Dust EPAM 5000 for an hour and data collection characteristics of workers using a questionnaire and interview method. The results of the study, it found that concentration of PM2,5 at 8 location of Tambak Wedi village smoked fish exceed environmental requirements. Health complaints experienced by workers in the form of eye complaints, highest perceived by workers were an eye sore (100%), while the highest respiratory complaints perceived by workers were shortness of breath (80.8%). Worker at smoked fish have chance to get respiratory problems and eye irritation. The suggestion for workers must use PPE, use chimney and check their health periodically to health clinics in Tambak Wedi Surabaya.Keywords: Smoked fish, PM2,5, health complaints

Working Conditions, Occupational Injuries, and Health Among Filipino Fish Processing Workers in Dutch Harbor, Alaska.

This study explored how unique environmental conditions in Alaska influenced occupational health and safety for Filipino fish processing workers, many of whom migrated from warm locations (e.g., the Philippines, California, and Nevada). In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 Filipino workers in one commercial fish processing company in Dutch Harbor. Results indicated that cold weather interferes with workers' job performance, increasing their risk for injury and illness, whereas the community's isolation and rural nature causes loneliness and boredom, resulting in more high-risk behaviors. Other non-environmental factors affecting worker health include roommate and supervisor concerns and culture-specific practices. Findings suggest the importance of job rotation to avoid long exposures to cold temperatures, the value of a designated individual to inform workers about company and community resources that promote healthy lifestyles, and the possible utility of a joint worker-management safety committee.

Assessing the Value of High-Quality Care for Work-Associated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in a Large Integrated Health Care System: Study Design.

Little is known about quality of care for occupational health disorders, although it may affect worker health and workers' compensation costs. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common work-associated condition that causes substantial disability. To describe the design of a study that is assessing quality of care for work-associated CTS and associations with clinical outcomes and costs. Prospective observational study of 477 individuals with new workers' compensation claims for CTS without acute trauma who were treated at 30 occupational health clinics from 2011 to 2013 and followed for 18 months. Timing of key clinical events, adherence to 45 quality measures, changes in scores on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and 12-item Short Form Health Survey Version 2 (SF-12v2), and costs associated with medical care and disability. Two hundred sixty-seven subjects (56%) received a diagnosis of CTS and had claims filed around the first visit to occupational health, 104 (22%) received a diagnosis before that visit and claim, and 98 (21%) received a diagnosis or had claims filed after that visit. One hundred seventy-eight (37%) subjects had time off work, which started around the time of surgery in 147 (83%) cases and lasted a median of 41 days (interquartile range = 42 days). The timing of diagnosis varied, but time off work was generally short and related to surgery. If associations of quality of care with key medical, economic, and quality-of-life outcomes are identified for work-associated CTS, systematic efforts to evaluate and improve quality of medical care for this condition are warranted.

A multi-pronged approach to the search for an alternative to formaldehyde as an egg disinfectant without affecting worker health, hatching, or broiler production parameters

Research was carried out to determine the effectiveness of 4 hatching eggs disinfection processes (i.e., disinfecting products and administration method) using a multi-pronged approach assessing the reduction of microbial eggshell contamination, the effects on worker exposure, hatching results and broiler performance, and, finally, suitability for use in commercial hatcheries. The 4 disinfection processes were: sodium dichlorocyanurate (DC) by thermonebulization, hydrogen peroxide 6% by nebulization (HP6), electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) by fogging, and hydrogen peroxide 30% vapor (HP30). In order to meet commercial hatchery conditions, the tested products were applied in an experimental hatchery by aerial disinfection in a dedicated room, not sprayed directly onto the eggs. Compared to the untreated control group, eggshell microbial load was significantly decreased by over 1 log10 cfu per egg in groups DC and HP30. These results were confirmed during a second experiment. In addition, these 2 products comply with legal requirements on worker exposure. Fertility and hatching results were significantly higher in group HP30 than in group DC, with no impact on chick quality and subsequent broiler performance. Under these study conditions, the disinfection process (i.e., administration of the product, contact with the eggs and aeration) lasted 65 min in group DC vs. 135 min in group HP30. When considering commercial hatchery conditions, this difference in application time confers a clear advantage on the DC process. Moreover, the investment required for HP30 is much higher than for DC. Overall, HP30 presented a clear advantage for hatching results whereas DC is a relatively more practical and less expensive disinfection process. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of hydrogen peroxide vapor as an egg disinfection process. Further research is needed to confirm the results of this study under commercial hatchery conditions.

Employer Downsizing and Older Workers' Health

We estimate the effects of employer downsizing on older workers' health outcomes using different approaches to control for endogeneity and sample selection. With the exception of the instrumental variables approach, which provides large imprecise estimates, our results suggest that employer downsizing increases the probability that older workers rate their health as fair or poor; increases the risk of showing symptoms of clinical depression; and increases the risk of being diagnosed with stroke, arthritis, and psychiatric or emotional problems. We find weaker evidence that downsizing increases the risk of showing high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a measure of general inflammation. We find that downsizing affects health by increasing job insecurity and stress, but that its effects remain statistically significant after controlling for these pathways, suggesting that other mechanisms such as diminished morale and general demotivation also affect worker health. Our findings suggest that employers ought to consider actions to offset the detrimental health effects of reducing personnel on their remaining (older) workers.

Not All Alike: The Distinctive Impact of Voluntary and Involuntary Effort on Stress and Fatigue

Nowadays, little evidence exists on how variations in effort affect worker health, such as stress and fatigue, two important and undesirable outcomes for workers. Then, this paper analyses the impact of different dimensions of effort on stress and fatigue. To do so we use past literature to links the different effort dimensions on employee health. Concretely, the frameworks used in the paper are the one developed by Karasek and Theorell (1990), according to which the different combinations of work demands, competences in decision making and social support determine the stress employees suffer; and the effort-reward imbalance model (ERI Model) of Siegrist (Psychology 1:27–41, 1996). This provides a more sensitive model of stress, as it uses a combination of extrinsic effort and intrinsic effort as predictors of stress. Building on these theoretical models of job stress we argue that one main source of employee stress and fatigue is employee effort. Using a representative Spanish data set, our study reveals that different dimensions of effort have different consequences for workers. Whereas involuntary effort increases both stress and fatigue, voluntary effort entails a decrease in both.