Occupational Health Specialists Research Articles

Perceived mental health skills and competence among occupational health physicians.

Mental-health-based consultations in occupational health (OH) are increasing due to ongoing changes in working life. We studied the self-assessed mental health competence of trainees and trainers in OH specialist physician training. We conducted an online survey from June to August 2022. We analysed how trainees and trainers in OH assessed their own competence in mental health practice with N (%) and means (standard deviation [SD]). We analysed the underlying assumptions about competences specific to OH using an explanatory factor analysis. We applied the Kruskal-Wallis test to determine differences between trainees and trainers using the variables in the factor analysis. Respondents' perceptions of mental health competence were more positive among trainers (mean 3.97, SD 0.72) than trainees (mean 3.66, SD 1.08, P = 0.2123). Based on trainee physicians' own assessments, more experience increases competence, until after 7 years, when the perceived competence seems to decrease. The trainer physicians' self-assessed mental health competence decreased over time. With factor analyses, we identified five competence factors: general mental health, workplace risks and resources, rehabilitation, promotion and prevention, and special skills. In our results, individual-level mental health competences such as work ability evaluation and to manage return-to-work processes were evaluated better than community-based proactive processes. Physicians in OH specialist physician training self-assessed their mental health competence better at the employee level than at the workplace level. Based on our results, we need to develop the curriculum of OH specialist physician training to meet the needs of working life in support of mental health.

Beliefs about burnout

ABSTRACT Burnout has garnered considerable attention from occupational health specialists for nearly 50 years. In this paper, we discuss three beliefs about burnout that remain ill-supported despite their popularity among researchers and their importance for burnout research. The three beliefs are the following: (a) work-related factors are the prime predictors of burnout; (b) burnout is a condition of epidemic magnitude in contemporary society; (c) burnout is not a depressive condition. As we examine these widely held views, we outline possible paths to clarification to aid future research. We close our commentary by recommending that researchers be vigilant about the risk of drawing premature conclusions about burnout.

Identification and Overcome the Harmful Situations Related to Chemical with the Help of Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Using Failure Mode and Effective Analysis (FMEA) Method

Exposure of Chemical are a major occupational health and safety issue in chemical work place industry. Management of chemical hazards requires the combined efforts of occupational health and safety specialists, including generalist OHS professionals, occupational hygienists, and occupational health practitioners. This Research is about analysis of Hazards and their developed Control Measures in industrial chemicals, the manner in which their toxicity is assessed and the use of such assessments in regulatory decision-making. It begins with general points concerning toxicological data availability and hazard identification, then moves on to risk assessment and occupational exposure limits, and finally looks briefly at some standard specific toxicological issues, where the science is far from resolved after brief consideration of the historical context of chemical reactivity and toxicity issues, acute and chronic exposure, chemical hazard classification systems, and the identification, risk assessment, and control of chemical hazards

The world's psychiatrists update their position on Workforce mental health.

Aside from personal impacts, costs to employers and national economies of mental health can be measured in trillions of dollars. With volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity increasingly describing the new normal workplace, the need for evidence-based interventions for sustained mental health at work to be developed, evaluated and implemented by specialists in psychiatry and occupational health could not be greater, nor an updated position statement on work and mental health from the World Psychiatric Association.

Responsible Development of Emerging Technologies: Extensions and Lessons From Nanotechnology for Worker Protection.

This paper identifies approaches to the responsible development of emerging technologies to secure worker safety and health. A retrospective analysis was used to describe the history of the responsible development of worker protection from engineered nanomaterials. Lessons from that history were extended and applied to emerging technologies and illustrated in three examples: advanced manufacturing, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence. The same principles used to underpin responsible development of nanotechnology can be applied to emerging technologies. Five criterion actions were identified that embody these principles. Responsible development of emerging technologies requires anticipating hazards and risks and ethical issues attendant to them. Occupational and environment health specialists are often called upon to provide guidance on emerging technologies and the approach described here can serve as a basis for that guidance.

Combatting the occurrence of needle-stick injuries in a medical school: why is it still an issue?

BackgroundNeedle-stick injuries (NSIs) pose a safety risk for healthcare workers with great potential for serious infections. The aim was to determine numbers and causes of NSIs as well as the frequency with which medical students report NSIs in the final stages of study.MethodsAn online questionnaire was developed and made available in January and February 2023 to all undergraduate medical students (n = 423) in the last 1.5 years of their degree course at Würzburg University, Germany.ResultsThe response rate was 19.6% (n = 84). Among respondents, 27.4% (n = 23) reported at least one NSI. Occurrence was particularly frequent in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, and internal medicine. Assisting with procedures, suturing, and blood sampling were considered high-risk activities. Lack of concentration, distraction, and time pressure played a role in incidents. Respondents did not report 18.8% of NSIs with the main reasons being fear of the consequences, self-assessment of the injury as minor, or the opinion of supervisors that reporting was unnecessary. Students with previous practice on simulators or patients were significantly more likely to suffer NSIs. Instructions from occupational health specialists beforehand correlated with fewer NSIs.ConclusionWe assume that trained students are more experienced in handling invasive procedures, leading to a greater adoption of corresponding activities and thus an increased risk of injuries in absolute numbers. This does not counter the need for didactic interventions prior to workplace-based training to raise awareness of NSI risks. Simultaneously, concepts must be developed and implemented to support reporting and alleviate fears regarding consequences.

The Relevance of Acquiring of Legal Knowledge Concerning Labor Protection, Fire Safety, Sanitary and Epidemiological Regime for Health Care Professionals

The acquisition of legal knowledge pertaining to labor protection, fire safety, and sanitary and epidemiological regime is crucial for healthcare professionals, underscoring a multifaceted relevance in their field. Primarily, such knowledge ensures the safety and well-being of both healthcare workers and patients. Understanding labor protection laws helps healthcare professionals recognize their rights and responsibilities, leading to safer work environments. This knowledge is pivotal in preventing occupational hazards, which are prevalent in healthcare settings, including exposure to infectious diseases, chemical substances, and physical strain. Furthermore, legal knowledge in these areas enhances the professional competency of healthcare workers, promoting a comprehensive approach to patient care and facility management. It empowers healthcare professionals to advocate for better working conditions and patient safety, reflecting their commitment to ethical and legal standards in healthcare. The key aspects of the work program under the normative educational component "Occupational safety and occupational safety in the industry" in the training of specialists of the second (master's) level of higher education in the specialty 226 "Pharmacy, industrial pharmacy", specialization 226.01 "Pharmacy" of the field of knowledge 22 "Health care" were analyzed I". The training of future occupational health and safety specialists is aimed at the formation of professional skills and knowledge necessary for effective work in the modern pharmaceutical environment of occupational safety and health. The study determined the priority directions of the educational process: legislative regulation in the field of labor protection, fire safety, and the sanitary-epidemiological regime in pharmacy. The relevance of acquiring legal knowledge of labor protection, fire safety, sanitary and epidemiological regime by future healthcare sector specialists were substantiated. The presented conclusions and recommendations can serve as a basis for further improvement of the educational process and training of masters who will successfully implement their knowledge in practice, ensuring a high level of safety and efficiency in the pharmaceutical industry.

Development and validation of the University of Tokyo Occupational Mental Health leadership checklist among occupational health specialists

Recently, occupational health specialists (OHS) are expected to exert leadership to develop high-quality occupational health activities. This study aimed to develop and investigate the reliability and validity of a scale to measure leadership preparation among OHS (The University of Tokyo Occupational Mental Health [TOMH] Leadership Checklist; TLC). Based on literature reviews and interviews among OHS, we created potential items consisting of 54 items with six factors (10 items for self-awareness, 10 items for situational awareness, 9 items for vision, 12 items for mindset, 3 items for performance of one's duties, and 10 items for relationship-building). An online survey was conducted with 300 OHS in Japan to verify the scale's reliability and validity. Consequent to the exploratory factor analysis, using the principal factor method and promax rotation, 51 items across the following five factors were identified; "self-awareness", "situational awareness", "vision", "mindset", and "performance of one's duties". The confirmatory factor analysis showed good fit indices; CFI = 0.877, SRMR = 0.050, and RMSEA = 0.072. Cronbach's α ranged from 0.93-0.96. Additionally, the scores of the TLC were significantly positively correlated with work engagement, job satisfaction, and self-efficacy; contrastingly, they were significantly negatively correlated with psychological distress (p < .05). Furthermore, the participants who had experience leadership without authority indicated significantly higher scores of the TLC and its subscales than those who did not (p < .001). The newly developed TLC appeared to have acceptable levels of reliability and validity. It would be beneficial for OHS to show good leadership.

NEW CONTENT OF EDUCATION FOR FUTURE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY SPECIALISTS IN MODERN CONDITIONS

Purpose. To develop proposals and recommendations for the modern digital technology tools usage in the educational process in the training of bachelors and masters in the educational and professional program «Occupational Safety and Health», specialty 263 «Civil Security» to improve the quality of education, taking into account the requirements of the labor market. Methodology. General scientific (comparison, classification, generalization, systematization) and empirical (observation, search, description, analysis, SWOT analysis) research methods were used. Results. As a result of the literature review, new learning technologies were analyzed: virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies containing educational games and behavioral simulation, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, video instructions, which allow to eliminate the discrepancy between the required and existing competencies of future occupational safety and health specialists. A SWOT analysis was conducted to assess the main problems and risks of introducing modern digitalization tools into the educational process when teaching under the educational and professional program «Occupational Safety and Health». During the analysis of cases of digital technologies use, data that allowed us to identify the weaknesses and strengths of technologies have been obtained, the possibilities of their application and the threats that all participants in the educational process may face in modern conditions have been determined. With the proper use of the potential of technology, all participants will be able to achieve the desired results by increasing labor productivity, improving work processes, effectively building a labor management system, and deepening the professional competencies of their employees and future specialists. Scientific novelty. The article shows the use of modern digital technologies: virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), artificial intelligence, cloud technologies to solve problems in the training of future occupational safety and health specialists under martial law, taking into account modern labor market requirements. Practical significance. Increasing the level of modern digital technologies application by all participants in the educational process under the educational and professional program «Occupational Safety and Health» will help to improve the quality of education under martial law and increase the professional level of future specialists. Keywords: digitalization, digital learning technologies, educational process, occupational safety and health, SWOT analysis.

Be careful if water and electricity are together!

Üsküdar University, Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan and Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Asst. Prof. Nuri Bingöl evaluated the incidents of electric shock from pools and explained the necessary safety measures.

Psychosocial risks and new emerging technologies in dangerous environments

Work represents the interaction of different components such as work environment, human factor and equipment. Occupational risks assessment associated with each workplace has the role of preventing work accidents and diseases. Among occupational risks, the psychosocial ones mainly refer to stress, being greatly influenced by individual perceptions. Work related stress represents an ongoing challenge, that occupational health and safety specialists have to deal with. As any other occupational health and safety risk, stress and psychosocial risks can be effectively managed. Many experts in the filed have pointed out the need to make the issue of protecting emergency workers against occupational health and safety risks a priority. As new technologies emerge and develop, so do occupational health and safety risks resulted from new demands on personnel, including intervention and rescue personnel. The current paper will discuss work-related stress issues and how occupational stress should be managed in the context of emerging technologies in toxic / flammable / explosive environments.

Is every accident that happens in the workplace with high heels a 'work accident'?

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Asst. Prof. Nuri Bingöl evaluated the issue of whether situations such as falling and injury with high heels in the workplace should be counted as work accidents.

Forming the model of professional readiness of future specialists in vocational education (Transport, Occupational Safety and Health)

The study on forming the model of professional readiness of future specialists in transport and occupational safety and health is relevant due to the constant transport technologies development and growing requirements for workplace safety. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop training approaches that meet the current challenges and needs of the industry, providing future professionals with not only technical knowledge but also risk management competencies and the ability to work in conditions of constant change. The purpose of the study was to search an effective model of professional readiness that would facilitate the training of competent, highly skilled and innovation-oriented future specialists in vocational (professional) education. The use of theoretical methods (analysis, synthesis, systematization and generalization, modeling, and comparison) has helped the authors to solve several tasks. The results of the study include the block analysis of the model of professional readiness of future specialists in vocational education, and a brief description of the modeling tasks (optimizing the structure of the educational material, improving the educational process planning, managing cognitive activity, managing the educational and cognitive process; diagnostics, forecasting and design of training). The author's model of the formation of professional readiness of future specialists in vocational education (Transport. Occupational Safety and Health) has been developed, which has the property of integrity, since all its components are interconnected and should work for the final result - the achievement of a high level of professional readiness for the future type of activity by future specialists, the tasks of professional training of future specialists in vocational education (Transport. Occupational Safety and Health) have also been formed. The author focused on the main contradictions and “problematic” properties of the modelling method. The main components of the proposed model are highlighted, such as: social order, purpose, tasks, interactive technologies, methods, forms, means, criteria and levels of formation, and interconnection, which make the process of forming professional competencies more effective. The practical significance of the study is the development of pedagogical conditions and the model of forming the future vocational education specialists' readiness, its implementation in the practical training at the Hryhorii Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav

Assessing the Usefulness of Mobile Apps for Noise Management in Occupational Health and Safety: Quantitative Measurement and Expert Elicitation Study.

Overexposure to occupational noise can lead to hearing loss. Occupational noise mapping is conventionally performed with a calibrated sound level meter (SLM). With the rise of mobile apps, there is a growing number of SLM apps available on mobile phones. However, few studies have evaluated such apps for accuracy and usefulness to guide those with occupational noise detection needs in selecting a quality app. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of SLM mobile apps to guide workplace health and safety professionals in determining these apps' suitability for assessing occupational noise exposure. The following three iOS apps were assessed: the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Sound Level Meter, Decibel X, and SoundMeter X apps. The selected apps were evaluated for their accuracy in measuring sound levels in low-, moderate-, and high-noise settings within both simulated environments and real-world environments by comparing them to a conventional SLM. The usefulness of the apps was then assessed by occupational health specialists using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). The NIOSH Sound Level Meter app accurately measured noise across a range of sound levels in both simulated settings and real-world settings. However, considerable variation was observed between readings. In comparison, the Decibel X and SoundMeter X apps showed more consistent readings but consistently underestimated noise levels, suggesting that they may pose a risk for workers. Nevertheless, none of the differences in sound measurements between the three apps and the conventional SLM were statistically significant (NIOSH Sound Level Meter: P=.78; Decibel X: P=.38; SoundMeter X: P=.40). The MARS scores for the three apps were all above 3.0, indicating the usefulness of these apps. Under the conditions of this study, the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app had equivalent accuracy to the calibrated SLM and a degree of usefulness according to the MARS. This suggests that the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app may be suitable for mapping noise levels as part of a monitoring strategy in workplaces. However, it is important to understand its limitations. Mobile apps should complement but not replace conventional SLMs when trying to assess occupational noise exposure risk. Our outcomes also suggest that the MARS tool may have limited applicability to measurement-based apps and may be more suited to information-based apps that collect, record, and store information.

Assessing Mental Healthcare Worker Experiences of Workplace Fairness and Organizational Value: A National Survey of Peer-Support Specialists.

Peer-support specialists-individuals with diagnosed mental illnesses who provide support services to other adults with diagnosed mental health issues-often feel stigmatized and undervalued at work, leading to negative personal- and job-related outcomes. Given their important link to positive service user outcomes, this study assessed how peer-support specialists perceive fairness and feel valued in the workplace. Peer-support specialists (N = 274) were recruited online from peer-support specialist listservs, social media groups, and patient-run organizations to take a cross-sectional survey that included a 14-item scale on how workplace fairness relates to job satisfaction and four questions on how valued they felt by administrators, clinicians, the people they serve, and fellow peer-support specialists. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to assess total scores and differences by gender and race. Ranging in age from 20 to 77 years and identifying predominantly as White (81.0%) and female (62.9%), respondents noted that fair practices in the workplace would increase their job satisfaction, with no significant differences observed by gender or race. Most peer-support specialists felt valued by the people they serve (97.1%) and fellow peer-support specialists (92.7%). However, fewer reported feeling valued by administrators (64.6%) and clinicians (60.6%). Peer-support specialists value fairness at the workplace and feel undervalued by some staff. This study highlights peer-support specialists' important role in behavioral health services and suggests that healthcare professionals, including occupational health specialists, are important stakeholders in creating fairer workplaces and increasing peer-support specialists' sense of being valued, leading to improved personal and organizational outcomes.

Analysis of Occupational Health and Safety Risks in Beekeeping with FMEA Method

Contrary to popular belief, beekeeping, which dates back to prehistoric times and is one of the most important plant and animal production branches today, is not an innocent profession in terms of occupational health and safety. In this study, in order to determine the occupational health and safety risk factors in the beekeeping profession, Interviews with beekeepers were conducted in 10 apiaries operating in Bayburt, where especially wandering beekeeping is practiced. In light of the data obtained from the danger hunt applied by the occupational health and safety specialist, ergonomic, physical, biological, and chemical risks were revealed using the FMEA risk analysis method. The effect, probability, and detection values were found for each failure mode, and then Risk Priority Number values were calculated. As a result of the study, for the five basic stages of beekeeping, 15 processes, 39 failure modes, 72 potential effects, and 39 failure causes were determined. Failure modes with a Risk Priority Number value of 100 and above were evaluated as “situations where urgent action and axiom should be taken,” and preventive axioms were proposed for each relevant failure mode. The number of studies on the risk factors in the beekeeping profession is very limited in the literature. For this reason, it is predicted that this study will fill an important gap in the related field and make significant contributions to the literature.

AB1623 INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATISM AND WORK: WHAT DIFFICULTIES IN RELATION WITH THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JOB?

BackgroundDespite improvements in the management of inflammatory arthritis (IA), the disease still has a significant impact on work and the support for patients with professional difficulties remains insufficient. Occupational physicians and occupational health specialists are not all aware of the specific impact of IA on difficulties at work and sometimes think that all patients complaining of physical limitations are identical and require the same support.ObjectivesThe objective of the study is to better understand the difficulties at work, in particular difficulties related to the employment characteristics of patients with IA.Methods32 individual semi-directed interviews and 2 group interviews were conducted with patients with IA recruited in consultations or by patient associations. The participants were recruited according to a.purposive sampling with maximum variation. Inclusion criteria were: age 18 to 65 years, have IA, be professionally active, have difficulties or concerns at work due to the disease. The interviews.were conducted with an interview guide and were recorded and transcribed in full. The thematic analyses were conducted using an inductive approach.ResultsThe analysis of difficulties related to the characteristics of the employment of patients with IA are numerous: physical load of the workstation; speed required by the job; simultaneous tasks; multiple tasks and flexibility; workload; working hours and schedules; routine, scheduling, commuting, job awareness, responsibilities and moral demands; cognitive characteristics; conflict of values; skills and experience; interpersonal characteristics; lack of material resources, inappropriate premises; autonomy, environment and culture of the company; productivity demands and evaluations,job insecurity or security; perceived maladjustment; isolation; lack of recognition.The difficulties are not always specific to patients with IA but are clearly aggravated by the disease for a good number of them. The patients describe the specificities of their difficulties.ConclusionPatients discuss multiple characteristics of employment that can be a hardship or an advantage. They explain how the disease makes these characteristics difficult for them. These data will be useful to occupational health occupational health professionals and clinicians to help patients keep their jobs in good condition and develop appropriate services.These data will help to improve the training of occupational health occupational and to develop a questionnaire for the assessment of the work situation of patients with IA.REFERENCES:NIL.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsAnne-Christine Rat Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Lilly, Sanofi Genzyme, Abbvie, BMS, Galapagos, novartis, Isabelle Thaon: None declared, Deboreh Loyal: None declared.

Emissions of Volatile Compounds and Solids during Additive Manufacturing by the FFF Method

The rapid development of the additive manufacturing industry is a great opportunity both for the development of the industry in the context of rapid prototyping and for hobbyists using 3D printers at home. At the same time, such a rapid technological development poses a significant challenge for specialists dealing with sources of pollutant emissions to the environment as well as for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) specialists dealing with the assessment of chemical hazards in the workplace. In this article, the authors demonstrate the legitimacy of the concern regarding issues relating to emissions from the 3D printing process, in particular FFF (fused filament fabrication). We carried out tests on the emission of volatile organic compounds from the printer chamber and compared them with the results of analyses conducted for the same materials in laboratory conditions by heating in a vial. They showed that the spectrometric analysis differed in both cases, which proved a clear influence of the parameters of additive manufacturing on both the amount and type of the emitted substances. The article also presents the sizes and shapes of the solid particles emitted during the process and aggregated during pollutant analyses.

Evaluation of influencing parameters on the causes of occupational accidents in the construction industry using Fuzzy logic-AHP and Pareto theory (case study: Kurdistan province)

Introduction: Statistics show that occupational accidents in the construction industry are relatively high. Also, a significant percentage of these accidents in this industry leads to death. Therefore, in this study, the parameters affecting the causes of occupational accidents in the construction industry were evaluated using the combined method of Fuzzy logic-AHP and Pareto's theory in Kurdistan province, and management and engineering mitigation measures were determined.&#x0D; Methods and Materials: In this study, the effective parameters in the occurrence of accidents in the construction industry were identified and a questionnaire based on fuzzy hierarchical analysis was designed and distributed, which was completed by 83 occupational health and safety specialists in the Kurdistan province of Iran. The data analysis was done based on Fuzzy logic-AHP and Pareto theory.&#x0D; Results: In the evaluation of this study, out of the set of eight factors, unsafe conditions were found to be the most influential factor. Also, among the sub-factors of this index, the two parameters of lack of scaffolding and safety equipment for working at height and lack of protective fences in existing cliffs were the most important.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on these results, it is suggested that to reduce the occurrence of accidents in this industry, control measures to create safe working conditions at height should be prioritized. Also, paying attention to the parameters determined by the Pareto theory in each factor can easily reduce more than 80% of the causes of occupational accidents in this industry.

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency on Alcohol Use: A Focus on a Cohort of Sicilian Workers.

The period between the beginning and the end of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency generated a general state of stress, affecting both the mental state and physical well-being of the general population. Stress is the body's reaction to events or stimuli perceived as potentially harmful or distressing. Particularly when prolonged over time, it can promote the consumption of different psychotropic substances such as alcohol, and thus the genesis of various pathologies. Therefore, our research aimed to evaluate the differences in alcohol consumption in a cohort of 640 video workers who carried out activities in smart working, subjects particularly exposed to stressful situations due to the stringent rules of protection and prevention implemented during the pandemic. Furthermore, based on the results obtained from the administration of the AUDIT-C, we wanted to analyse the different modes of alcohol consumption (low, moderate, high, severe) to understand whether there is a difference in the amount of alcohol consumed that could predispose individuals to health problems. To this end, we administered the AUDIT-C questionnaire in two periods (T0 and T1), coinciding with annual occupational health specialist visits. The results of the present research showed an increase in the number of subjects consuming alcohol (p = 0.0005) and in their AUDIT-C scores (p < 0.0001) over the period considered. A significant decrease in subgroups who drink in a low-risk (p = 0.0049) mode and an increase in those with high (p = 0.00012) and severe risk (p = 0.0002) were also detected. In addition, comparing the male and female populations, it emerged that males have drinking patterns that lead to a higher (p = 0.0067) health risk of experiencing alcohol-related diseases than female drinking patterns. Although this study provides further evidence of the negative impact of the stress generated by the pandemic emergency on alcohol consumption, the influence of many other factors cannot be ruled out. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between the pandemic and alcohol consumption, including the underlying factors and mechanisms driving changes in drinking behaviour, as well as potential interventions and support strategies to address alcohol-related harm during and after the pandemic.