Occupational Health Professionals Research Articles

How Will the Future of Work Shape the OSH Professional of the Future? A Workshop Summary.

Rapid and profound changes anticipated in the future of work will have significant implications for the education and training of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals and the workforce. As the nature of the workplace, work, and the workforce change, the OSH field must expand its focus to include existing and new hazards (some yet unknown), consider how to protect the health and well-being of a diverse workforce, and understand and mitigate the safety implications of new work arrangements. Preparing for these changes is critical to developing proactive systems that can protect workers, prevent injury and illness, and promote worker well-being. An in-person workshop held on February 3–4, 2020 at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) School of Public Health in Houston, Texas, USA, examined some of the challenges and opportunities OSH education will face in both academic and industry settings. The onslaught of the COVID-19 global pandemic reached the United States one month after this workshop and greatly accelerated the pace of change. This article summarizes presentations from national experts and thought leaders across the spectrum of OSH and professionals in the fields of strategic foresight, systems thinking, and industry, and provides recommendations for the field.

Additively Manufactured Parametric Universal Clip-System: An Open Source Approach for Aiding Personal Exposure Measurement in the Breathing Zone

Design for additive manufacturing is adopted to help solve problems inherent to attaching active personal sampler systems to workers for monitoring their breathing zone. A novel and parametric 3D printable clip system was designed with an open source Computer-aided design (CAD) system and was additively manufactured. The concept was first tested with a simple clip design, and when it was found to be functional, the ability of the innovative and open source design to be extended to other applications was demonstrated by designing another tooling system. The clip system was tested for mechanical stress test to establish a minimum lifetime of 5000 openings, a cleaning test, and a supply chain test. The designs were also tested three times in field conditions. The design cost and functionalities of the clip system were compared to commercial systems. This study presents an innovative custom-designed clip system that can aid in attaching different tools for personal exposure measurement to a worker’s harness without hindering the operation of the worker. The customizable clip system opens new possibilities for occupational health professionals since the basic design can be altered to hold different kinds of samplers and tools. The solution is shared using an open source methodology.

The Effect of Wave Motion Intensities on Performance in a Simulated Search and Rescue Task and the Concurrent Demands of Maintaining Balance

The purpose of this study was to examine how intensity of wave motions affects the performance of a simulated maritime search and rescue (SAR) task. Maritime SAR is a critical maritime occupation; however, the effect of wave motion intensity on worker performance is unknown. Twenty-four participants (12 male, 12 female) performed a simulated search and rescue task on a six-degree-of-freedom motion platform in two conditions that differed in motion intensity (low and high). Task performance, electromyography (EMG), and number of compensatory steps taken by the individual were examined. As magnitude of simulated motion increased, performance in the SAR task decreased, and was accompanied by increases in lower limb muscle activation and number of steps taken. Performance of an SAR task and balance control may be impeded by high-magnitude vessel motions. This research has the potential to be used by maritime engineers, occupational health and safety professionals, and ergonomists to improve worker safety and performance for SAR operators.

What does climate change mean for occupational health professionals?

What does climate change mean for occupational health professionals?

Setting occupational exposure limits for antimicrobial agents: A case study based on a quaternary ammonium compound-based disinfectant

Antimicrobial agents have become an essential tool in controlling the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and guidelines on their use have been issued by various public health agencies. Through its Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance for Antimicrobial Pesticides, the US Environmental Protection Agency has approved numerous surface disinfectant products for use against SARS-CoV-2. Despite their widespread use and range of associated health hazards, the majority of active ingredients in antimicrobial products, such as surface disinfectants, lack established occupational exposure limits (OELs) to assist occupational health professionals in characterizing risks from exposures to these chemicals. Based on established approaches from various organizations, a framework for deriving OELs specific to antimicrobial agents was developed that relies on a weight-of-evidence evaluation of the available data. This framework involves (1) a screening-level toxicological assessment based on a review of the existing literature and recommendations, (2) identification of the critical adverse effect(s) and dose–response relationship(s), (3) identification of alternative health-based exposure limits (HBELs), (4) derivation of potential OELs based on identified points of departure and uncertainty factors and/or modification of existing alternative HBELs, and (5) selection of an appropriate OEL. To demonstrate the use of this framework, a case study is described for selection of an OEL for a disinfectant product containing quaternary ammonium compounds (quats). Three potential OELs were derived for this product based on irritation toxicity data, developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) data, and modification of an existing HBEL. The final selected OEL for the quats-containing product was 0.1 mg/m3, derived from modification of an existing HBEL. This value represented the lowest resulting value of the three approaches, and thus, was considered protective of irritation and potential DART.

A Cumulative Risk Perspective for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Professionals.

Cumulative risk assessment (CRA) addresses the combined risk associated with chemical and non-chemical exposures. Although CRA approaches are utilized in environmental and ecological contexts, they are rarely applied in workplaces. In this perspectives article, we strive to raise awareness among occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals and foster the greater adoption of a CRA perspective in practice. Specifically, we provide an overview of CRA literature as well as preliminary guidance on when to consider a CRA approach in occupational settings and how to establish reasonable boundaries. Examples of possible workplace co-exposures and voluntary risk management actions are discussed. We also highlight important implications for workplace CRA research and practice. In particular, future needs include simple tools for identifying combinations of chemical and non-chemical exposures, uniform risk management guidelines, and risk communication materials. Further development of practical CRA methods and tools are essential to meet the needs of complex and changing work environments.

Prevention at work needed to curb the worldwide strong increase in knee replacement surgery for working-age osteoarthritis patients

Prevention at work needed to curb the worldwide strong increase in knee replacement surgery for working-age osteoarthritis patients

Expert panel survey among occupational health and safety professionals in Denmark for prevention and handling of musculoskeletal disorders at workplaces

Occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals have a key role in supporting the health and work ability of employees, including preventing and handling musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at workplaces. MSDs are the leading cause of work disability, productivity loss and sickness absence in Europe. This may be due to limited consensus on use of effective OHS practices as facilitation of evidence-based practices increases quality of provided services. This study explored consensus of OHS professionals’ practices and examined OHS professionals’ request for development of evidence-based guidelines for prevention and handling of MSDs at workplaces. This was done by 1) field observations and interviews with OHS professionals working with ergonomics or MSDs at workplaces, 2) development and pilot testing of a panel survey, 3) a three-round expert panel survey and 4) workshop with OHS stakeholders within the OHS organisations in Denmark. The findings indicate limited consensus of OHS practices and a request for development of practice- and evidence-based guidelines for prevention and handling of work-related MSDs in Denmark. The study also presents an end user involving process for increased uptake and implementation of guidelines.

Accommodation process for disabled workers: Role of occupational health professionals in Japan

Accommodation process for disabled workers: Role of occupational health professionals in Japan

A grávida e a lactante no local de trabalho

espanolIntroduccion: Las mujeres embarazadas que trabajan se consideran un grupo vulnerable, por lo que se deben desarrollar intervenciones apropiadas para promover y proteger la salud materna e infantil, que puedan satisfacer a los trabajadores y empleadores y que faciliten el regreso al trabajo. Objetivos: Analizar las condiciones del lugar de trabajo en terminos de salud ocupacional brindada a mujeres embarazadas y lactantes. Metodos: Se realizo una busqueda clasica de la literatura cientifica, utilizando el motor de busqueda Google Scholar, las bases de datos electronicas de los repositorios portugueses y la pagina de la Orden de Enfermeras portuguesa. Resultados: Se han establecido leyes para delinear los derechos de las mujeres embarazadas y lactantes en diferentes paises, pero persisten los signos de discriminacion e incumplimiento. Es importante abordar el embarazo en el trabajo de manera proactiva, avanzando hacia el cambio organizacional que ocurre con el apoyo de los empleadores. Se recomienda la investigacion previa al embarazo de las condiciones y riesgos laborales que pueden tener efectos nocivos para las mujeres embarazadas. Conclusiones: Es esencial que los profesionales de la salud laboral actuen, promoviendo actitudes positivas hacia las mujeres embarazadas, al tiempo que apoyan a los empleadores en la adaptacion del entorno laboral a las mujeres embarazadas. portuguesIntroducao: As mulheres trabalhadoras gravidas sao consideradas um grupo vulneravel, pelo que devem ser desenvolvidas intervencoes adequadas a promocao e protecao da saude materno-infantil, que possam satisfazer as trabalhadoras e os empregadores e que facilitem o regresso ao trabalho. Objetivos: Analisar as condicoes do local de trabalho em termos de saude ocupacional proporcionadas as mulheres em situacao de gravidez e lactantes. Metodos: Efetuou-se uma pesquisa classica da literatura cientifica, usando o motor de busca o Google Academico, as bases de dados eletronicas dos repositorios portugueses e a pagina da Ordem dos Enfermeiros de Portugal. Resultados: Diversas leis tem sido estabelecidas para delinear os direitos da mulher gravida e lactante nos varios paises, mas mantem-se sinais discriminatorios e de incumprimento. Importa abordar a gravidez no trabalho de forma proativa, caminhando para uma mudanca organizacional que ocorra com o apoio dos empregadores. Recomenda-se a investigacao pre-gravidez das condicoes e riscos do trabalho que possam trazer efeitos nefastos as mulheres gravidas. Conclusoes: E fundamental que os profissionais da saude ocupacional atuem, promovendo atitudes positivas em relacao as mulheres gravidas, apoiando concomitantemente os empregadores na adaptacao do ambiente de trabalho a gravida.

Improving the health of workers with a low socioeconomic position: Intervention Mapping as a useful method for adaptation of the Participatory Approach

BackgroundWorkers with a low socioeconomic position (SEP) have a higher risk for health problems and premature dropout from the workforce. Unfavorable working conditions and unhealthy behaviors are more prevalent among this group of workers. The Participatory Approach (PA), is an evidence-based method to identify and solve problems at the workplace related to health issues of the worker. Health problems among workers with a low SEP are usually caused by an interplay of problems in and outside the workplace. To solve health problems on multiple life domains for workers with a low SEP we aim to adapt this approach to a broader perspective.MethodsAn Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol was used to adapt the PA. First, a needs assessment was conducted combining literature with data from interviews and focus groups with workers with a low SEP, employers and occupational health professionals (OHPs). Based on the needs assessment a program goal and performance and change objectives were defined, which resulted in methods and practical strategies to solve problems on multiple life domains. Based on the results of these steps, the PA was adapted and an implementation and evaluation plan were developed.ResultsThe needs assessment confirmed that an interplay of problems on multiple life domains affect work functioning and health of workers with a low SEP. Moreover, they perceived difficulties with solving problems or used passive or avoidant coping styles towards these problems. The program goal is to identify and solve problems on multiple life domains that affect healthy functioning at work. To achieve this workers need support from OHPs to solve problems. The PA protocol and materials were adapted using theoretical concepts of the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which resulted in the Grip on Health intervention. For OHPs a training was developed on how to implement this intervention in practice. The intervention will be evaluated in a pilot implementation study among workers with a low SEP and other relevant stakeholders.ConclusionsIM was a valuable tool for the adaptation of the PA to better support workers with a low SEP to improve their work functioning and health from a broader perspective.

Identifying Frequency of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Firefighters.

Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a nationwide problem; yet, no firefighter mTBI data are available. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed retrospective head injuries using WHO guidelines. We captured mTBI frequency and examined firefighters' symptoms (e.g., using Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification method, Brief Traumatic Brain Injury Screen, Warrior Administered Retrospective Causality Assessment Tool). Findings: Of 1,112 firefighters contacted, 60 responses were included. Most participants were White (80%), male (90%), former athletes (75%). 62% met mTBI symptom criteria. 75% reported at least one lifetime head injury. Number of head injuries and depression symptoms were associated (r = .36, p < .05). Conclusion/application to practice: Overall, it appears most firefighters have sustained at least one lifetime mTBI. Those with multiple head injuries may be at increased risk of depression. Occupational health professionals should be aware of firefighters' mTBI risk. Further research is warranted given findings.

Use of a Decision Support Tool on Prognosis of Work Ability in Work Disability Assessments: An Experimental Study Among Insurance Physicians

Purpose Assessment of prognosis of work disability is a challenging task for occupational health professionals. An evidence-based decision support tool, based on a prediction model, could aid professionals in the decision-making process. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of such a tool on Dutch insurance physicians’ (IPs) prognosis of work ability and their prognostic confidence, and assess IPs’ attitudes towards use of the tool. Methods We conducted an experimental study including six case vignettes among 29 IPs. For each vignette, IPs first specified their own prognosis of future work ability and prognostic confidence. Next, IPs were informed about the outcome of the prediction model and asked whether this changed their initial prognosis and prognostic confidence. Finally, respondents reported their attitude towards use of the tool in real practice. Results The concordance between IPs’ prognosis and the outcome of the prediction model was low: IPs’ prognosis was more positive in 72 (41%) and more negative in 20 (11%) cases. Using the decision support tool, IPs changed their prognosis in only 13% of the cases. IPs prognostic confidence decreased when prognosis was discordant, and remained unchanged when it was concordant. Concerning attitudes towards use, the wish to know more about the tool was considered as the main barrier. Conclusion The efficacy of the tool on IPs’ prognosis of work ability and their prognostic confidence was low. Although the perceived barriers were overall limited, only a minority of the IPs indicated that they would be willing to use the tool in practice.

Evaluation of a public program at the 28th Annual Conference of Occupational Health Professionals: Multiple disciplines considering the importance of occupational health nurses

Evaluation of a public program at the 28th Annual Conference of Occupational Health Professionals: Multiple disciplines considering the importance of occupational health nurses

Retorno al trabajo y la COVID-19

Las guías técnicas de actuación para garantizar la protección de los trabajadores frente al SARS –CoV-2 (COVID-19) ofrecen a las empresas un amplio número de directrices de actuación para el retorno a las actividades laborales en Ecuador. Desde una perspectiva sanitaria, las medidas para controlar la COVID-19 sólo tendrán éxito en la aplicación de guías y si toda la población trabajadora está protegida. Los profesionales en seguridad y salud ocupacional de las empresas serán los referentes y parte esencial para el fortalecimiento de los sistemas de vigilancia epidemiológica en salud pública nacional.

Decent work: tackling the challenges of improving occupational health of informal workers in achieving sustainable development goal

There are presented the analyses: why multi-disciplinary linkages are needed between occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals and other practitioners and how such networks can be built, with reference to some examples from Scientific Committee on Occupational Health in Small-Scale Enterprises and the Informal Sector activities. It will also explore how new communication media & technologies offer promising opportunities that can be harnessed by OHS professionals in collaboration with other partners.

Chemical permeation of similar disposable nitrile gloves exposed to volatile organic compounds with different polarities: Part 1: Product variation

Many glove manufacturers of chemical protective clothing produce chemical resistance guides to aid in selection of an appropriate product. Some manufacturers provide permeation data, but others provide a general rating system without reporting testing their own products. A critical issue is that considerable variation in chemical resistance, both with breakthrough times and steady-state permeation rates, have been observed with disposable nitrile gloves. The main purpose of this study was to determine whether significant variation in chemical resistance was present between products from a single brand that provided a generalized chemical resistant guide. The objective was to determine if the ratings noted on the chemical resistance guide were sufficient for protection against chemical permeation. The chemical permeation of ten disposable nitrile gloves against three organic solvents of varying polarity (cyclohexane, tert-butanol, and cyclohexanol) was performed in triplicate. Despite the similar chemical resistant ratings for the products, significant variation in both breakthrough times and steady-state permeation rates were observed among the ten nitrile gloves. The largest variation in breakthrough time was about 8-fold. The largest variation in steady-state permeation rate was about 177-fold. A proposed chemical resistance rating system was used to further evaluate the variation in performance, as it would relate to similar rating systems used by glove manufacturers or brands. Polarity played a role in the observed performance, with the nitrile gloves providing increased protection with an increase in solvent polarity, more notably with the dielectric constant. Using a proposed rating system, the percentages of products rating as excellent to good were 20% (cyclohexane), 60% (tert-butanol), and 90% (cyclohexanol). Ultimately, the ratings noted on the general chemical resistance guide were not sufficient for worker protection against chemical permeation. It is not valid to assume that little variation should exist among the different glove products under a same brand or based on the use of generic chemical resistant data. When critical, occupational health and safety professionals should base glove selection on product-specific chemical permeation data.

Associations of ergonomic and psychosocial work hazards with musculoskeletal disorders of specific body parts: A study of general employees in Taiwan

Background and aimsMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are major occupational health concerns. This study examined the associations of ergonomic and psychosocial work hazards with the risks of MSDs of specific body parts and their distribution across a wide range of occupational groups. MethodsStudy participants comprised 8,937 male and 7,052 female employees aged 20–65 years from a nationwide survey in 2016. A self-report questionnaire was administered to obtain information regarding demographic characteristics, work conditions, ergonomic and psychosocial work hazards, and MSDs of different body parts in 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios of MSDs in relation to ergonomic and psychosocial work hazards. ResultsIn professionals and skilled workers, MSDs of the neck and shoulders were more prevalent, whereas in manual workers, MSDs of the hands, wrists, and lower back were more prevalent. Psychosocial work hazards, including high psychological demand and low workplace justice, were major work-related risk factors for shoulder and neck disorders, whereas ergonomic hazards were major work-related risk factors for lower back and wrist or hand disorders. ConclusionDifferent workplace hazards contribute to the risks of different MSDs. To prevent the development of MSDs, occupational health professionals should evaluate both ergonomic and psychosocial work hazards and develop health prevention programs tailored to the risk profiles of working populations.

Determinants of heat-related injuries in Australian workplaces: Perceptions of health and safety professionals

IntroductionHot workplace environments can lead to adverse health effects and contribute to a range of injuries. However, there is limited contextual understanding of heat-related injury occurrence. Gaining the perspectives of occupational health and safety professionals (HSPs) may elucidate the issue and inform targeted interventions. MethodsA cross-sectional national online survey was conducted in Australia to characterise HSP perceptions of heat-related injuries; current preventive measures; training, policies and guidelines; and perspectives on barriers for prevention. Results were analysed descriptively and a log-Poisson regression model was used to identify risk factors associated with HSP reported injury occurrence, assessed through prevalence ratio (PR). ResultsOf the 307 HSP survey participants, 74% acknowledged the potential for increased risk of occupational injuries in hot weather. A variety of injury types and mechanisms were reported, including manual handling injuries, hand injuries, wounds or lacerations, and loss of control of power tools.Correlates of reported heat-related injuries included working in the sun without shade [PR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.07–1.48] and too few rest breaks [PR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.04–1.44]. Other factors of significance were inadequate hydration; issues with personal protective equipment (PPE) and poor supervision of workers. Only 42% reported that adequate heat training was available and 54% reported the provision for outdoor work to cease in extreme temperatures. It was acknowledged that the frequency of injuries could be reduced with wider adoption of self-pacing, and work/rest regimes.Perceived barriers for prevention included: lack of awareness of physical injury risks, and management concerns about productivity loss and/or deadlines. ConclusionThe findings indicate a range of potentially modifiable work and organisational risk factors such as more suitable PPE and better supervision. More attention to these factors, in conjunction with traditional interventions to reduce heat effects, could enhance injury prevention and labour productivity in people working in hot environments.

Keeping People with Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment in Employment: A Literature Review on Its Determinants.

Background: Approximately 10–20% of people with early onset dementias (EOD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are aged under 65 and, due to extended working life and increasing prevalence of dementias, they more and more frequently will be present in the active workforce. This review aimed to synthesize the available information about the ability of people with EOD or MCI to retain their participation in the labor workforce. Methods: We searched SCOPUS and EMBASE for peer-reviewed papers that reported studies assessing work ability in employees with EOD or MCI that were published in the period of January 2010 to August 2019. Results: We selected four publications, in which 1012 participants with EOD or MCI were enrolled (41.2% males). Cognitive difficulties rather than motor dysfunction were found to reduce patients’ ability to work. Two main themes emerged: management of dementia in the workplace and the impact of symptoms on working status. Conclusions: EOD and MCI impact on workforce participation by determining problems in executive functions. Although this review was based on a small sample of studies, it can be shown that support in the workplace may act as a facilitator to enhance workforce participation, and occupational health professionals can help patients with EOD or MCI continue working as much as possible.