Occupational Health Practice Research Articles

Professional Growth from Painful Experiences: Developing the Posttraumatic Growth Scale for Workers

Mental health problems among workers are important issues. While preventing such problems is crucial, it is also imperative to understand the potential positive transformation that can arise from work-related stressful events, especially considering that many workers have already experienced severe stress and that eliminating stress in the workplace is essentially impossible. This study focused on posttraumatic growth (PTG), the leading concept in capturing such positive transformation, and developed a PTG scale for workers (PTGS-W). Given that the original PTG scale was not developed with a focus on workplace or organizational settings, a scale adequately assessing workers’ PTG is necessary to provide important insights for occupational health practice and future research. Two studies were conducted. In Study 1, items were developed via an inductive method, and exploratory factor analysis extracted four factors. Each factor had sufficient internal consistency and demonstrated significant associations with the PTG-related scales. In Study 2, item response theory was applied to evaluate the psychometric properties of the items and to select items, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), to test the hypothesis factor structure developed in Study 1. The CFA results indicated that the four-factor model fit well and provided support for the hypothesis. A 4-factor, 18-item scale was ultimately established. The results indicated that the PTGS-W exhibited satisfactory reliability and convergent validity. Additionally, significant associations were found between work engagement and job crafting, although some scales for the negative state yielded no association or a limited association. The strengths and limitations of the PTGS-W are discussed.

Understanding occupational therapy perinatal mental health practice in mothers from ethnic minorities: A qualitative study of practitioner perceived barriers and enablers

Introduction: In the United Kingdom, ethnic minority mothers experience increased risk of mental illness compared to white women of British heritage. However, there is insufficient research to guide perinatal mental health occupational therapists to develop services that are accessible and meet the diverse needs of service users. This study explored perinatal mental health occupational therapists’ perceptions of the barriers and enablers to an inclusive service provision for ethnic minority mothers. Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken. Recruitment via social media used non-probability sampling. Semi-structured interviews collected data which were then analysed thematically. Results: Eight occupational therapist participated in the study. Three main themes were identified: observation of caseloads; experience of providing occupational therapy; influence of the therapist’s culture. Participants perceived stigma, fear, language and cultural perceptions created barriers for ethnic minority mothers. Discussion: Limited workforce diversity, ineffective mandatory training and insufficient referral to occupational therapy by other healthcare professionals were believed to negatively impact service delivery. Cultural experience and reflective practice were felt to enable inclusive practice. Recommendations to inform perinatal mental health occupational therapy practice in the United Kingdom and internationally include collaborations to gain a more diverse workforce, improved mandatory training and strategies to increase cultural sensitivity and competence.

THE THEORY OF ORGANIZATIONAL ACTION IN THE INTEGRATED WORKER HEALTH CARE SUBSYSTEM (SIASS): ELUCIDATING BEHAVIORS AND INTEGRATING OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ACTIONS

This article investigates how the Theory of Organizational Action can improve work processes and management in the Integrated Subsystem for Employee Health Care (SIASS), focusing on employee behavior, organizational culture, and interactions between individual and collective actions. The research demonstrates that the principles of this theory can be applied to strengthen occupational health management in SIASS, highlighting the role of individual and organizational action, as well as social interactions in creating a more collaborative and efficient work environment. The results indicate that the Theory of Organizational Action offers a deeper understanding of internal dynamics, highlighting the need to align individual behaviors with institutional and collective objectives, aiming at optimizing management processes. In addition, the approach allows identifying critical points and opportunities for improvement in occupational health practices, contributing to a healthier and more productive work environment. The study recommends that future research carry out comparative analyses between different SIASS units, to expand the practical evaluation of theoretical concepts and provide support for the development of more effective management strategies, adapted to the specificities of each unit that makes up the SIASS network.

Psychometric Evaluation of a Measure of Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational Health.

Occupational Health Services (OHS) are obliged to follow the principles of evidence-based medicine. However, there needs to be tools to measure this. Therefore, we developed and validated a questionnaire for evaluating OHS practitioners' attitudes, competence, and organisational support to perform evidence-based practice (EBP-OHS) following the JBI Model of Evidence-Based Healthcare. The questionnaire's content validity was assessed by 12 experts in the field. Then, an opportunity sample of 549 OHS practitioners completed the questionnaire. We examined the questionnaire's psychometric properties using exploratory factor analysis and subjected it to construct validity and reliability testing. The content validity index of the chosen items was 0.78 or higher. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that the measure's construct validity was adequate (KMO 0.9). Principal component factor analysis supported a three-factor structure (all eigenvalues 1.3 or more), which explained 60.3 % of the total variance. Aligned with these three factors, the EBP-OHS consists of three domains: Organisational support (seven items), OHS practitioners' competence (six items) and OHS practitioners' attitudes (two items). The scale's reliability is good (Cronbach alpha 0.88). The EBP-OHS is a valid tool for measuring occupational health services' evidence-based practice and enabling the implementation of research into practice. It embodies the phases of evidence transfer and implementation described in the JBI Model of Evidence-Based Healthcare and translates them into concrete measurable activities in the OHS context.

Redefining health, risk, and safety for occupational settings: A mixed-methods study

Clear and specific definitions are essential in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practice and research, guiding the development of methods, tools, and metrics for effective management. However, there remains a lack of consensus within the field when defining health, risk, and safety. This study addresses this gap by proposing comprehensive definitions of these constructs based on the combination of empirical data from workshops conducted at a major construction company in Australia with literature from various disciplines. The qualitative analysis of participant responses and thematic coding of definitions from various disciplines revealed diverse perspectives on health, risk, and safety, highlighting the need for context-specific definitions tailored to different organisational levels. Hence, this study recommends simplified, summarised, and comprehensive definitions of these constructs to enhance clarity and consistency in OHS communication and practice. These definitions aim to foster a shared understanding and improve the effectiveness of OHS initiatives across different contexts. The paper also discusses several theoretical, practical, and ethical implications these definitions may have for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers regarding the scope of health, risk, and safety, their relationships, and the validity of related constructs such as risk assessment and safety performance. Finally, our study advocates a shift from mainly approaching OHS as a business objective towards viewing it more as a positive duty and public health area.

Occupational safety and hidden risks in a furniture factory: A comprehensive assessment of hazards related to noise, lighting, thermal comfort, and dust exposure

This study assessed the occupational health and safety conditions in a furniture manufacturing facility, focusing on key environmental factors such as noise, lighting, thermal comfort, and dust exposure. Noise measurements recorded levels as high as 95.3 dB(A) during CNC machine operations, exceeding legal exposure limits of 87 dB(A), posing significant risks to workers’ hearing health. Lighting assessments showed levels ranging from 134 to 247 lux in production lines, which falls below the recommended threshold of 300 lux for adequate visibility. Thermal comfort was evaluated with temperature readings at 14.2 °C and relative humidity at 43%, revealing marginal comfort conditions that could reduce worker efficiency and satisfaction. Dust exposure measurements indicated respirable dust concentrations reaching 3.69 mg/m³ in the cutting department, which is close to the permissible exposure limit of 5 mg/m³, raising concerns about long-term respiratory health. These findings suggest several measures to improve workplace safety, including enhanced engineering controls, mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), improved lighting systems, optimised thermal conditions, and advanced ventilation to reduce dust exposure. This comprehensive evaluation provides critical insights for improving furniture factories’ occupational health and safety practices.

Assessment of Employees' Ergonomic Issues in The Workplace in Terms of Occupational Health and Safety Practices: A Meta-Analysis Study

Purpose: This study is a meta-analysis aimed at evaluating ergonomic issues in workplaces in terms of occupational health and safety practices. Materials and Methods: This study is of a meta-analytic nature. Data used in the meta-analysis were obtained through searches on databases such as Google Scholar, YÖK Thesis, EBSCO, and Web Of Science without any time restrictions between January and March 2024. A total of 15 research studies were included in the search results. The data obtained were synthesized using narrative synthesis and meta-analysis methods. The total sample size of the studies used in this study is 65,160. Results: In this meta-analysis study, it was found that the practices implemented for addressing ergonomic issues faced by employees in the workplace were effective (SMD: 0.367, 95% CI: 0.055-0.679; Z = 2.305, p = 0.021, I2 = 97.761%, Q = 625.169). The variance among studies is statistically significant according to the analysis results (p < 0.05). It is believed that challenges related to the structure of work in workplaces lead to various discomforts in employees, and therefore, ergonomic practices can minimize physical strains on employees, contribute to work efficiency, and enhance employee health and safety.

ANALISIS PENERAPAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESEHATAN KERJA (K3) DALAM MEMINIMALISIR RESIKO KERJA PADA PT. POS INDONESIA (PERSERO) KANTOR CABANG GUNUNGSITOLI

In carrying out their duties, employees and office staff of PT. Pos Indonesia (Persero) Gunungsitoli Branch is faced with several occupational safety and health (K3) challenges. Observation data shows that as many as 75% of accidents occur in the field during package delivery, 15% occur during sorting activities, and the remaining 10% occur in administrative activities. Of the total accidents, 75% are caused by human error, such as carelessness or lack of knowledge about safety practices. Meanwhile, 25% was caused by unsafe and intensive environmental conditions, including storage facilities that were not neatly arranged and lack of warning signs. The aim of this research is to determine the Implementation of Occupational Safety and Health (K3) at PT. Pos Indonesia (Persero) Gunungsitoli Branch Office. This research method uses qualitative research with a descriptive approach. The research results show that PT. Pos Indonesia (Persero) Gunungsitoli Branch Office has so far implemented occupational safety and health implementation but it has not been optimal so there is still a lot that needs to be improved, including increasing K3 awareness and improving facilities and infrastructure. The conclusion of this research is that work accidents that occur are generally due to a lack of awareness and compliance with applicable K3 regulations, as well as a lack of work safety equipment. So it is recommended to make efforts to identify occupational safety and health practices, including analyzing compliance with regulations, as well as providing and improving facilities and infrastructure.

Occupational Health Management in Federal Institutions: an Analysis of SIASS at UTFPR in 2023

Objective: The present study aims to map the performance of the Integrated Subsystem of Health Care for Federal Public Servants (SIASS) in a large Federal Higher Education Institution, identifying the occupational health practices implemented in 2023 and the main challenges faced in managing these policies. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework adopted is historical, addressing the evolution of SIASS since its creation in 2009. SIASS was established to integrate occupational health actions in the federal public service, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive assistance to employees. It highlighted its role in health management within federal institutions. Method: A documentary and quantitative approach was used, analyzing data extracted from the 2023 UTFPR Management Report. The analysis focused on the frequencies of benefit approvals and denials, allowing the identification of patterns and challenges in occupational health management. Results and Discussion: In 2023, SIASS at UTFPR conducted 1,539 medical evaluations, covering 42.45% of employees, with an approval rate of 91.62%. Most evaluations (57.96%) were related to health treatment leaves, followed by leaves for family health reasons (11.76%) and health treatment leaves by an official board (11.70%). The predominance of a reactive approach rather than preventive measures was identified as a critical factor. Research Implications: The research suggests strengthening prevention strategies and adjusting policies to ensure effective employee health management and aligning resources and expectations. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing a detailed analysis of SIASS’s performance in a large federal institution, highlighting challenges, and proposing recommendations to improve occupational health management in similar contexts.

Ergonomic challenges of mortuary attendants in Ghana: an exploratory study

Objective. Mortuary attendants in Ghana face various occupational health and safety hazards, including ergonomic and psychosocial factors, which can impact both their well-being and the quality of service provided. However, there is limited knowledge about the specific ergonomic hazards they encounter. This study aims to investigate and understand these ergonomic hazards at selected hospital mortuaries in Ghana. Methods. The study used a qualitative approach to investigate the experiences of 19 mortuary attendants, selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded digitally, and focused on participants’ demographics, work experiences, challenges and coping strategies. The collected data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results. The study found that mortuary attendants face ergonomic hazards, leading to physical discomfort, sleep problems and the need for sick leave and self-medication. Poor working conditions were a major risk factor. Conclusion. The study recommends the immediate inclusion of fundamental occupational health and safety practices into the informal apprenticeship training for mortuary attendants. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of providing necessary equipment to mortuary attendants to reduce or eliminate ergonomic hazards in their work environments.

OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES

Occupational diseases continue to be one of the major health problems of the able-bodied population worldwide. The reasons for this are numerous, but the main one is of course the nature of these diseases which by definition are chronic, progressive and degenerative, and the period of latency in which the disease does not have to manifest clinically can last for decades. The factors that can contribute to the development of an occupational disease, ie disease, are numerous and range from chemical, physical and biological to psychosocial risks, so there is a need to find new ways to control long-known risks, to observations of the most common workplace pathologies in the last twenty years, such as recurrent traumatic illnesses, immunodeficiency transmitted as a result of biological injuries and violence, and psychological trauma in the workplace. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of noise as a function of its levels and the duration of workplace exposure on workers' health. This study was conducted with 10 workers from the metal factory "Zhelezara", Skopj which have been exposed to the noise the longest period. According to the results of the research, it can be noted that workers working in a noisy environment experience certain side effects from the noise, although they use different protective equipment for the entire duration of the working time. New knowledge in occupational health and safety practice is needed to respond to new challenges in this field.

Managing workplace AI risks and the future of work.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-the field of computer science that designs machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence-has seen rapid advances in the development of foundation systems such as large language models. In the workplace, the adoption of AI technologies can result in a broad range of hazards and risks to workers, as illustrated by the recent growth in industrial robotics and algorithmic management. Sources of risk from deployment of AI technologies across society and in the workplace have led to numerous government and private sector guidelines that propose principles governing the design and use of trustworthy and ethical AI. As AI capabilities become integrated in devices, machines, and systems across industry sectors, employers, workers, and occupational safety and health practitioners will be challenged to manage AI risks to worker health, safety, and well-being. Five risk management options are presented as ways to assure that only trustworthy and ethical AI enables workplace devices, machinery, and processes. AI technologies will play a significant role in the future of work. The occupational safety and health practice and research communities need to ensure that the promise of these new AI technologies results in benefit, not harm, to workers.

Does organisational myopia mediate the effect of occupational health and safety practices on the risk of occupational accidents in Turkish healthcare institutions?

Occupational health and safety (OHS) policies in healthcare institutions must be well managed, because healthcare practice involves many physical, biological, ergonomic, chemical, and psychosocial hazards that can affect the health of healthcare workers. In addition, their work performance may be affected by the so-called organisational myopia. In this context, the aim of our study was to determine how organisational myopia affects OHS practices in healthcare institutions and whether it increases the risk of occupational accidents. The study population consisted of a convenience sample of 420 healthcare professionals working throughout Turkey who completed a questionnaire addressing these three domains: organisational myopia, OHS practices, and risk of occupational accidents. Their responses were analysed with exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and Spearman's correlation to assess the adequacy of measurement tools and identify relationships between variables, followed by mediation analysis. We found that OHS practices mitigate organisational myopia and the risk of occupational accidents. We also found no significant effect of organisational myopia on the risk of occupational accidents. Our findings underscore the importance of OHS practices in healthcare institutions and that organisational myopia should be evaluated in special contexts such as working time, experience, or routinisation.

A detailed methodology for estimating health-related hazards of workplace exposure to indoor formaldehyde vapours

A comprehensive risk assessment method was applied to examine the risks associated with airborne formaldehyde occupational exposure among hospital laboratory staff. The method assessed exposure levels and health impacts by integrating area and personal air sampling, biological monitoring, and self-reported health data. Samples were collected from 74 workplaces across various departments using NIOSH method 3500 and were analyzed via UV-vis spectrophotometry. The data showed significant differences in exposure levels between departments (p≤0.05) and confirmed the efficacy of the method in identifying risk differences. Despite average personal exposure levels being measured lower than occupational limits, individual assessments indicated that some participants surpassed these limits, emphasizing the necessity of personal monitoring for workers with higher risks. The high prevalence of respiratory symptoms, such as cough and wheezing among staff, indicated the need for further investigation and targeted interventions. Although estimated cancer and non-cancer risks were within safe thresholds, the study emphasized the importance of continuous exposure monitoring and the implementation of effective control measures in hospital laboratory departments with formaldehyde emission. This integrated method improved the reliability and generalizability of formaldehyde exposure risk assessments and aided in the development of safe occupational health practices.•The method integrated personal and area sampling with advanced calibration for precise occupational exposure evaluation in laboratories.•The method used of biomarkers to assess formaldehyde absorption in the body estimating both cancerous and non-cancerous health risks associated with occupational exposure.•Addressed traditional method limitations and integrated risk components to improve data reliability for workplace safety and health risk management.

Assessing occupational health and safety practices among kitchen staff of selected senior high schools in the Ho Municipality, Ghana

Assessing occupational health and safety practices among kitchen staff of selected senior high schools in the Ho Municipality, Ghana

Enhancing Productivity and Innovation Through Strengthening Occupational Health and Safety Management

This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of occupational safety and health management in enhancing employee productivity and innovation at PT XYZ (Persero) Central Java Transmission Implementation Unit (UPT), specifically in the West Java area including UPT A, UPT B, UPT C, and UPT D. The study finds that current occupational safety and health management and achievement motivation variables have not fully contributed to employee productivity and innovation, indicating high epsilon coefficients. The research employs both quantitative and qualitative methods, using surveys and in-depth interviews. The analysis of structure 1 and structure 2 shows that the epsilon coefficient is high, suggesting that occupational health and safety management effectiveness and achievement motivation have not fully contributed to employee productivity. Additionally, these variables have not fully contributed to employee innovation, with many other factors influencing these outcomes. The findings highlight that effective occupational safety and health management positively influences employee productivity and innovation. However, other variables, such as the work environment and leadership style, also significantly impact these outcomes. The study suggests that strengthening occupational health and safety management—including management commitment, communication, monitoring, training, and implementation—can lead to better employee performance and innovation. The implications of this research are significant for improving safety and productivity in similar organizational settings. Enhanced occupational health and safety management practices can foster a more productive and innovative workforce, but attention must also be paid to other influential factors.

Occupational Risks in the Technological Development of Construction Materials at Brazilian Public Universities

Objective: This study investigates occupational safety in a construction materials development laboratory at a public university, identifying risks and irregularities. To date, no similar research has been conducted for research and development laboratories, highlighting the novelty of this work. Method: The methodology adopted was an in situ case study analysis to identify the nonconformities of the work environment. Finally, the GUT method was used to prioritize interventions and occupational adjustments. Results and Discussion: Risks associated with chemical and physical agents were detected, a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) was noted, and the irregular disposal of materials and equipment was found, compromising the health and safety of workers. The absence of risk signage was also observed. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of occupational safety in the development of technological innovations. These implications may encompass public sectors, such as research centers and higher education institutions, as well as private sectors, such as research and development areas in industries. Originality/Value: A search in the Scopus and Web of Science databases did not identify studies addressing occupational health and safety practices applied to laboratories for the development of technological innovations. This result illustrates the novelty of the present research, which transcends the Brazilian reality and can be applied to laboratories and research centers in other countries.

Occupational Health and Safety Practices Among Coal Mine Workers in Pakistan

Occupational Health and Safety Practices Among Coal Mine Workers in Pakistan

Evaluation of School Occupational Health and Safety Practices Performance Indicators by School Administrators

Evaluation of School Occupational Health and Safety Practices Performance Indicators by School Administrators

Physical Inactivity Increases Impairment of Daily Activities Due to Pain in Workers: An Ordinal Regression Logistic and Correspondence Analysis.

Background: The evidence for the health benefits of physical activity is growing; however, the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles continues to contribute to the increase in chronic non-communicable diseases. We know that occupational-time physical activity does not provide the same benefits as leisure-time physical activity, which has been shown to reduce mortality and pain. We also know that multiple factors influence pain; however, there are no studies that specifically analyze the impact of type of working time and occupational-time physical activity on the impairment of daily activities due to pain. We aimed to study the influence of both personal and occupational factors on the impairment of daily activities due to pain, assessing whether leisure-time physical activity acts as a protective factor. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based design was used based on the 2017 National Health Survey in Spain (ENSE). Sociodemographic, leisure-time physical activity, and work-related variables were collected. The outcome variable was the impairment of daily activities due to pain. Ordinal logistic regression was applied, and the analysis was complemented with simple correspondence analysis. Results: A total of 1,441 workers between 18 and 65 years of age were studied. Significant differences were found between sexes for all variables except age and leisure-time physical activity. Logistic regression revealed significant associations between sex, primary and secondary education levels, no leisure-time physical activity, and overweight with impairment of daily activities due to pain. Simple correspondence analysis showed that the categories doing leisure-time physical activity several times a week as well as several times a month are closer to the categories of little or no pain. Conclusion: Female gender, low educational level, overweight, and lack of leisure-time physical activity were associated with increases in impairment of daily activities due to pain. Occupational-time physical activity and work shift were not related to impairment of daily activities due to pain. Implications for Occupational Health Practice: Occupational Health Nursing interventions through education and counseling on the importance of leisure-time physical activity promotion programs potentially can reduce the impairment of daily activities due to pain in working populations.