Lost Work Days Research Articles

What is the relationship between resilience and perceived levels of workplace stress among middle leaders in education?

ABSTRACT According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there has been a 36.5% rise in reported cases of work-related stress between 2018/19 and 2019/20, to over 822,000 individual cases. Europe stress-related absence was second only to musculoskeletal disorders, with estimated work-related stress costing European companies 20 billion euros per year and accounted for nearly 60% of lost working days. This paper focuses on the under-researched area of stress among middle leaders in education. While it is widely reported that teachers face high levels of stress, as a result of organisational pressures, there is a paucity of research on middle leaders. This paper considers whether there will be a significant negative relationship between self-reported levels of resilience and self-reported levels of stress amongst 61 middle leaders. The two sets of data were subjected to cross-correlational quantitative analysis to establish the strength of the relationships between each of the six dimensions of resilience on perceived stress. Among the findings, a key result was that the question in the title was answered, namely that high resilience results in low stress in middle leaders in education. However, it was more nuanced than this and there were factors such as levels of peer support and an individual’s perception of their future which did contribute to a reduction in perceived levels of stress. The findings suggest that senior leaders in education have a greater impact on middle leaders’ levels of resilience and perceived levels of stress than they may think.

The macroeconomic impact of a dengue outbreak: Case studies from Thailand and Brazil.

Dengue is spreading in (sub)tropical areas, and half of the global population is at risk. The macroeconomic impact of dengue extends beyond healthcare costs. This study evaluated the impact of dengue on gross domestic product (GDP) based on approaches tailored to two dengue-endemic countries, Thailand and Brazil, from the tourism and workforce perspectives, respectively. Because the tourism industry is a critical economic sector for Thailand, lost tourism revenues were estimated to analyze the impact of a dengue outbreak. An input-output model estimated that the direct effects (on international tourism) and indirect effects (on suppliers) of dengue on tourism reduced overall GDP by 1.43 billion US dollars (USD) (0.26%) in the outbreak year 2019. The induced effect (reduced employee income/spending) reduced Thailand's GDP by 375 million USD (0.07%). Overall, lost tourism revenues reduced Thailand's GDP by an estimated 1.81 billion USD (0.33%) in 2019 (3% of annual tourism revenue). An inoperability input-output model was used to analyze the effect of workforce absenteeism on GDP due to a dengue outbreak in Brazil. This model calculates the number of lost workdays associated with ambulatory and hospitalized dengue. Input was collected from state-level epidemiological and economic data for 2019. An estimated 22.4 million workdays were lost in the employed population; 39% associated with the informal sector. Lost workdays due to dengue reduced Brazil's GDP by 876 million USD (0.05%). The economic costs of dengue outbreaks far surpass the direct medical costs. Dengue reduces overall GDP and inflicts national economic losses. With a high proportion of the population lacking formal employment in both countries and low income being a barrier to seeking care, dengue also poses an equity challenge. A combination of public health measures, like vector control and vaccination, against dengue is recommended to mitigate the broader economic impact of dengue.

Factors predicting the adhesion and prolonged lost days of work in patients with extensor tendon adhesion of the hand.

Extensor tendon adhesion receive less attention recently. This study aims to analyze influencing factors of adhesion and prolonged lost days of work in patients with extensor tendon adhesion of the hand. We performed a retrospective study in patients with extensor tendon injuries who underwent primary surgical repair and early rehabilitation. We observed the differences between non-tendon adhesion and adhesion patients after surgical repair, and used the receiver operating characteristic curve to distinguish them. Then we explored the influencing factors of adhesion. In addition, we studied the lost days of work and the influencing factors. A total of 305 patients were included. 24.6% patients appeared tendon adhesion and the mean lost days of work was 12 weeks. MHISS scores, VAS scores, occupation and blood triglyceride level were the influencing factors of adhesion. The adhesion patients have increased MHISS scores (p < 0.001), VAS scores (p < 0.001), blood triglyceride levels (p < 0.001) and lost days of work (p < 0.001) than non-tendon adhesion. The optimal cut-off value of blood triglyceride level to distinguish non-tendon adhesion from adhesion was 1.625 mml/L, and MHISS scores was 20.5. Smoking, MHISS scores, blood triglyceride levels were the influencing factors of lost days of work in adhesion patients. There was positive correlation between lost days of work and triglyceride level (r = 0.307, p = 0.007), and MHISS scores (r = 0.276, p = 0.016). To minimize the occurrence of adhesion, doctors should pay attention to patients with higher MHISS and VAS scores, blood triglyceride levels, especial for the blue-collar and unemployed one. High triglyceride level may be a new influencing factor.

Accident Analysis Using Case Studies of Finger Injuries at PT X Mining Company in 2020-2022

Mining activities are known as high-risk working environments and operational activities, they are categorized as one of the most dangerous activities in modern industry today. The mining industry ranks among the highest producers of injuries and lost working days. There are many types of injuries that contribute to this lost working days, finger injury is one of them. Fingers are reported to be one of the most injured body parts. This research carried out on a mining company in Indonesia, PT X, within a period of three years (2020-2022). Statistical analysis was performed to look for patterns of finger injury based on year of occurrence, classification, type, and source of injury, number of lost working days, type of employee, and business unit involved. There is an alarming upward trend in the number of finger injuries and lost working days resulting from them, although overall the number of injuries has decreased. This calls for immediate preventive measures to focus on finger injuries and focuses on changing worker behavior towards safe work behavior, applied to both permanent employees and contractor employees.

Increasing Prevalence of Voice Disorders in the USA: Updates in the COVID Era.

To estimate the current prevalence of voice disorders among adults in the United States; to determine the association of individual factors with voice disorders. The 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was analyzed to identify adults reporting voice problems in the past 12 months. Demographics were assessed, as well as the duration, severity, and resolution of the voice problem. The relationship between voice problems, gender, lost workdays, and long COVID was investigated. A comparison to the 2012 NHIS was made to determine changes in voice disorder prevalence. 29.9 million Americans (95%CI[28.3-31.5]) annually report a voice problem, representing 12.2% of the population (95%CI[11.7-12.8%]). Overall, 26.8% and 13.2% reported the severity of their voice problem as moderate or severe, respectively. Only 5.1% (95%CI[4.3-6.0%]) of respondents sought treatment. Most voice problems were resolved within 1 week (53.0%,95%CI[50.9-55.1%]). Females were more likely than males to report a voice problem (14.4% vs. 10.0%,95%CI[13.7-15.1] and [9.3-10.7], respectively). The 17.6 million Americans with long COVID symptoms were more likely to have voice complaints than those without (21.1% vs. 11.6%,95%CI[18.9-23.5%] and [11.1-12.1%], respectively). Lost workdays were not significantly higher for those with voice disorders compared to those without (17.1 vs. 12.9 days,95%CI[12.0-22.1] and [11.0-14.8], respectively). Voice problems affect approximately 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. annually, demonstrating an alarming increased prevalence since 2012 using the same survey methodology. Relatively few individuals seek care for their voice problem, despite significant self-reported impact. Further study is required regarding the impact of COVID and changes in voice use patterns on voice disorders. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3713-3718, 2024.

A distributed permutation flow-shop considering sustainability criteria and real-time scheduling

Recent advancements in production scheduling have arisen in response to the need for adaptation in dynamic environments. This paper addresses the challenge of real-time scheduling within the context of sustainable production. We redefine the sustainable distributed permutation flow-shop scheduling problem using an online mixed-integer programming model. The proposed model prioritizes minimizing makespan while simultaneously constraining energy consumption, reducing the number of lost working days and increasing job opportunities within permissible limits. Our approach considers machines operating in different modes, ranging from manual to automatic, and employs two real-time scheduling strategies: predictive-reactive and proactive-reactive scheduling. We evaluate two rescheduling policies: continuous and event-driven. To demonstrate the model's applicability, we present a case study in auto workpiece production. We manage model complexity through various reformulations and heuristics, such as Lagrangian relaxation and Benders decomposition for initial optimization as well as four problem-specific heuristics for real-time considerations. For solving large-scale instances, we employ simulated annealing and tabu search metaheuristic algorithms. Our findings underscore the benefits of the predictive-reactive scheduling strategy and the efficiency of the event-driven rescheduling policy. By addressing dynamic scheduling challenges and integrating sustainability criteria, this study contributes valuable insights into real-time scheduling and sustainable production.

Cross-sectional study of the burden and determinants of non-medical and opportunity costs of accessing chronic disease care in rural Tanzania

ObjectivesCountries in sub-Saharan Africa are seeking to improve access to healthcare through health insurance. However, patients still bear non-medical costs and opportunity costs in terms of lost work days. The...

Prospective health care costs and lost work days associated with diabetes-related distress and depression symptoms among 1488 individuals with diabetes

The aim of this study was to investigating the impact of major depression symptoms and diabetes-related distress on future health care costs and lost workdays in individuals with diabetes. We linked survey data from a random sample of a German statutory health insurance (SHI) with diabetes (n = 1488, 63.0% male, mean age 66.9 years) with their SHI data one year after the survey. Within the survey data we identified major depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and diabetes-related distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale). We retrieved health care costs and lost workdays from SHI data. To assess the impact of major depression symptoms and diabetes-related distress on health care costs and lost workdays, we adjusted regression models for age, sex, education, employment status, and diabetes duration, type, and severity. Major depression symptoms were associated with significantly higher costs (by a factor of 1.49; 95% CI: 1.18–1.88). Lost workdays were also more likely for respondents with depression symptoms (RR1.34; 0.97–1.86). Health care costs (by a factor of 0.81; 0.66–1.01) and the risk of lost workdays (RR 0.86; 0.62–1.18) may be lower among respondents with high diabetes-related distress. While major depression and diabetes-related distress have overlapping indicators, our results indicate different impacts on health care costs.

An Optimization Model for Smart and Sustainable Distributed Permutation Flow Shop Scheduling

Smart production scheduling has gained significant attention due to advancements in industrial informatics and technologies that enable the monitoring, control, and adaptation of task scheduling in response to disruptive events. These events can include machine breakdowns, variations in task processing times, and the arrival of new or unexpected tasks. Concurrently, sustainable production scheduling aims to optimize task scheduling by considering economic, environmental, and social factors. This paper introduces a novel optimization model for the development of smart and sustainable production scheduling in a distributed permutation flow shop. The proposed model aims to minimize the makespan while simultaneously limiting the number of lost working days and energy consumption. It also strives to increase job opportunities within acceptable limits. To evaluate the proposed model, we conduct numerical simulations using various examples and a real-case study focusing on auto workpiece production. The results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed model. Sensitivity analyses are performed to assess the model's ability to deal with disruptions and uncertainties while satisfying economic, environmental, and social considerations.

Electronic performance monitoring framework to quantify unhealthy and unsafe on-site behaviours

Health and Safety (H&S) should be a significant concern in construction projects. The quantification of the work injury accidents started with work A. W. Heinrich (1931), passing per Frank E. Bird Jr. (1969) to a study by ConocoPhillips Marine (2003). These theories, also known as the Accident triangle, Heinrich's triangle, or Bird's triangle, are a base for industrial accident prevention applied in practice by the Dupont STOPTM methodology. Over this methodology, the number of unhealthy and unsafe behaviours is classified and accounted for to diagnose the potential workers' recordable injuries, lost workdays, and fatalities. The At-risk behaviours and the Near Misses are the most challenging safety measurement approach as they depend on the human-observation notes usually conducted in a safety audit. Electronic Performance Monitoring (EPM) concerns the use of innovative hardware and software to assess on-site safety and productivity. The electronic monitoring of construction workers can contribute to evaluating unsafe behaviours. At-risk behaviours could be measured based on location, trajectory, and motions. Also, with the monitoring of the equipment and vehicles, it is possible to measure Near Misses. The Information Technologies integration allows for collecting information about Recordable Injuries, Lost workdays, and Fatalities. This work discusses and presents a framework connecting EPM deployment to data acquisition of unhealthy and unsafe on-site behaviours. The contributions in the theoretical and practical fields concern the opportunities of using new technological assumptions to increase data acquisition and improve the accuracy and effectiveness of quantitative safety analysis.

Assessment of Work Ability of Patients with COPD in Relation to the Workplace.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic lung diseases and is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in the world. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a heterogeneous and multisystemic disease. Aims of the study was to assess workability of patients with COPD in relation to the workplace. Prospective study. The study was conducted on 150 patients with COPD. Each patient was examined by an occupational medicine specialist and a standardized COPD Questionnaire was completed. A physical examination was performed with special emphasis on auscultatory findings on the lungs. Spirometric testing was performed. Using the statistical methods, the results of the parameters of temporary (number of lost working days) and permanent incapacity (exercised right to some kind of disability) of the examined group were analyzed. Descriptive statistics. SPSS 10.0. Results of the study showed that out of 150 patients, 48.67% had preserved working capacity for jobs. There are mostly jobs without special working conditions. Out of 150 patients, 51.33% had reduced working capacity for jobs. These are mostly workplaces with special working conditions, where respondents are exposed to the harmfulness of the workplace. Reduced working capacity was found in 51.33% of examined simple.

Heterogeneity in Unmet Treatment Need and Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services Among U.S. Military Service Members with Serious Psychological Distress.

The goal of the current study is to examine heterogeneity in mental health treatment utilization, perceived unmet treatment need, and barriers to accessing care among U.S. military members with probable need for treatment. Using data from the 2018 Department of Defense Health Related Behavior Survey, we examined a subsample of 2,336 respondents with serious psychological distress (SPD; past-year K6 score ≥ 13) and defined four mutually exclusive groups based on past-year mental health treatment (treated, untreated) and self-perceived unmet treatment need (recognized, unrecognized). We used chi-square tests and adjusted regression models to compare groups on sociodemographic factors, impairment (K6 score; lost work days), and endorsement of treatment barriers. Approximately 43% of respondents with SPD reported past-year treatment and no unmet need (Needs Met). The remainder (57%) met criteria for unmet need: 18% endorsed treatment and recognized unmet need (Treated/Additional Need); 7% reported no treatment and recognized unmet need (Untreated/Recognized Need); and 32% reported no treatment and no unmet need (Untreated/Unrecognized Need). Compared to other groups, those with Untreated/Unrecognized Need tended to be younger (ages 18-24; p = 0.0002) and never married (p = 0.003). The Treated/Additional Need and Untreated/Recognized Need groups showed similar patterns of treatment barrier endorsement, whereas the Untreated/Unrecognized Need group endorsed nearly all barriers at lower rates. Different strategies may be needed to increase appropriate mental health service use among different subgroups of service members with unmet treatment need, particularly those who may not self-perceive need for treatment.

Construction accident data mining: A retrospective study using structural equation modeling based on 10-year data.

The data mining of construction accidents based on a robust modeling process can be used as a practical technique for reducing the frequency of construction accidents. This study was designed to data-mine construction accidents. This study was conducted in 2020 on construction accidents in Iran for ten years (2009-2018). The instruments to collect the required data were the checklists and descriptive reports of the accidents. The dependent variables of the study included reactive safety indicators related to construction accidents (lost working days (LWD) and total accident costs (TAC)). The independent variables consisted of four latent factors: personal variables, organizational variables, unsafe working conditions, and unsafe acts. The data were collected based on the conceptual model designed for data mining. The data mining process was carried out based on the structural equation modeling by IBM AMOS V. 23.0. A total of 5742 construction accidents occurring in 10 years were analyzed. The means of TAC and LWD indicators were estimated to be 248.20±52.60 days and 1893.10±152.22 $. These two indicators directly correlated with the two latent factors of unsafe conditions and unsafe acts and their related variables and were indirectly influenced by latent personal and organizational factors. The relationship between unsafe conditions and unsafe acts was significantly positive. The relationship between latent personal and organizational factors and the two construction accident indicators was significantly negative (p <0.05). The model results showed that personal and organizational variables could, directly and indirectly, affect reactive safety indicators in construction projects. Thus, these findings can be used to design and improve safety strategies to prevent and decrease construction accidents and incidents.

New concentration-response functions for seven morbidity endpoints associated with short-term PM2.5 exposure and their implications for health impact assessment

BackgroundMorbidity burdens from ambient air pollution are associated with market and non-market costs and are therefore important for policymaking. The estimation of morbidity burdens is based on concentration–response functions (CRFs). Most existing CRFs for short-term exposures to PM2.5 assume a fixed risk estimate as a log-linear function over an extrapolated exposure range, based on evidence primarily from Europe and North America. ObjectivesWe revisit these CRFs by performing a systematic review for seven morbidity endpoints previously assessed by the World Health Organization, including data from all available regions. These endpoints include all cardiovascular hospital admission, all respiratory hospital admission, asthma hospital admission and emergency room visit, along with the outcomes that stem from morbidity, such as lost work days, respiratory restricted activity days, and child bronchitis symptom days. MethodsWe estimate CRFs for each endpoint, using both a log-linear model and a nonlinear model that includes additional parameters to better fit evidence from high-exposure regions. We quantify uncertainties associated with these CRFs through randomization and Monte Carlo simulations. ResultsThe CRFs in this study show reduced model uncertainty compared with previous CRFs in all endpoints. The nonlinear CRFs produce more than doubled global estimates on average, depending on the endpoint. Overall, we assess that our CRFs can be used to provide policy analysis of air pollution impacts at the global scale. It is however important to note that improvement of CRFs requires observations over a wide range of conditions, and current available literature is still limited. DiscussionThe higher estimates produced by the nonlinear CRFs indicates the possibility of a large underestimation in current assessments of the morbidity impacts attributable to air pollution. Further studies should be pursued to better constrain the CRFs studied here, and to better characterize the causal relationship between exposures to PM2.5 and morbidity outcomes.

The Implementation Experience of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing in a Large-Scale Construction Project in Victoria, Australia

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused major disruptions to industries and workplaces. Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for COVID-19, which allow individuals to self-administer tests and receive timely results without laboratory testing, provide the opportunity for surveillance testing of asymptomatic individuals in non-medical settings. However, the literature offers few lessons regarding how to create enabling conditions for effective and sustainable implementation in a workplace setting. Guided by the RE-AIM framework, we assessed factors associated with the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of mandatory RAT in a large-scale construction project in Victoria, Australia. We used a mixed methods approach involving site observation, worker surveys (n = 30), and interviews with 51 site workers and managers to understand the implementation experience. Factors which facilitated adoption included easy, non-invasive testing procedure; sense of workplace safety; and strong backing by management and acceptance by workers that RATs helped limit COVID-19-related lost days of work. Gaps in knowledge and adherence to testing protocols, logistical challenges (test kit supply, observation of test results), and low appetite for long-term, mandatory testing emerged as challenges for effective implementation and sustainability. As RAT becomes normalized in a range of workplace settings, strategies will be required to support the sustainability of implementation, including longer-term acceptability of surveillance testing and adherence to testing protocols.

Development and implementation of Yu.V. Moikin's ideas about professional stress (analytical review)

According to the International Labor Organization, 50–60% of all lost working days are associated with work-related stress. Back in the late 80s, early 90s of the last century, Yu.V. Moikin emphasized that labor physiologists face the need to identify psychophysiological and neurophysiological mechanisms of transition from the norm to the occurrence of nervous overstrain under the influence of chronic emotional stress. Currently, it is possible to recognize the fact that the prolonged influence of hormones of the pituitary-adrenal, sympathoadrenal, thyroid systems involved in the development of stress reactions and causing changes in lipid, carbohydrate, electrolyte metabolism and other metabolic processes in the body leads to the development of diseases. Stress-limiting systems, including GABAergic, opioid, dopaminergic, serotonergic, protect the body from the excessive influence of stress factors. The interface between the stress-implementing and stress-limiting systems is genetically determined. The modern concept of occupational stress suggests the need to analyze both external factors and individual characteristics that play an important role in the development of stress reactions and their fixation in the form of stable negative manifestations. The analysis of the genetic correspondence of an individual to the position and the nature of the work performed will contribute to the optimal realization of professional skills and abilities of a person.

Influence of anti-interleukin (IL)-5/anti-IL-5 receptor-α treatment on work productivity in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma.

This retrospective study shows that treatment with anti-eosinophilic antibodies in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma is associated with an increase in work productivity and a decrease in missed days at work https://bit.ly/3IIPppR.

A multicomponent quasi-experimental ergonomic interventional study: long-term parallel four-groups interventions

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are known as one of the main problems affecting the health of industrial workers and can lead to lost working days, functional disability of workers and wasting the financial resources of an organization. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluating the effect of ergonomic interventions on reducing MSDs and improving working posture in the in a foundry industry workers.MethodsA field multicomponent cross-interventional study was conducted on workers working in a foundry industry. In this study, 117 male workers were divided into 4 groups, including a control group, a group with specialized ergonomics training, a group with workstation intervention, and a group simultaneously undergoing training and workstation intervention. All 4 groups were evaluated during a period of baseline, 6 and 12-months follow- up. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and direct observations of working postures by using the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method were used.ResultsThe results showed that the implemented interventions in the shoulder/arm, back and stress level were effective and the difference in the final score was significant among different groups (P-value > 0.05). In addition, the interventions led to a significant decrease in the QEC scores and musculoskeletal symptom scores in the neck, shoulder, lower back, knee, and lower leg regions among different groups (P-value > 0.05).ConclusionThe results showed that workstation modification and training and workstation intervention simultaneously had a greater effect on MSDs and improving working posture compared to training alone.

Deciphering optimal management options for headache

Headache is one of the most common, painful, and disabling conditions that affects people of all ages worldwide and can have a substantial impact on quality of life of those affected. Stress is one of their main aggravating factor for headache across geographies, more so in millennials and females. Headache disorders are most troublesome in the productive years of life with lost working days and reduced productivity. Majority of those with headache have primary headache disorder especially migraine, tension-type headache and medication-overuse headache. Without proper treatment, headaches can be severe and interfere with day-to-day activities and can also become chronic or recurring affecting the well-being of an individual and predispose them to other illnesses. Self-care with simple analgesics in managing primary headache disorders can help reduce frequency of attack and severity with positive effect on physical symptoms and functional capacity. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a safe analgesic with good gastrointestinal tolerance and is recommended as 1 line treatment option to reduce pain in various conditions including primary headache disorders. Caffeine, a common additive to analgesic drugs is known to increase the analgesic potency. The anti-nociception enhancing effect of caffeine when given with acetaminophen significantly improves efficacy over use of only paracetamol.

Occupational safety knowledge management in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia

This article elaborates the characteristics of knowledge management in the context of occupational safety and presents the results of research based on the assumption that there is a link between knowledge management and occupational safety performance, and that knowledge management can help in improving occupational safety performance. The research involved 645 occupational safety experts from three Balkan countries (Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia). The results showed that the knowledge management in the organization is related to all of the observed aspects of occupational safety performance: number of work-related injuries within the organization; number of lost working days due to injuries; costs caused by work-related injuries and occupational diseases; financial investments in occupational safety; assessment of the state of occupational safety. The practical implications of the article can be seen in the context of meeting the educational needs for continuous learning and improvement of knowledge/lifelong learning in the field of occupational safety.