Occupational Health Strategy Research Articles

Mixed methods study on latent tuberculosis among agate stone workers and advocacy for testing silica dust exposed individuals in India

The 2021 tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment guidelines in India included silicosis as a screening group, yet latent TB infection (LTBI) testing for silica-dust-exposed individuals is underemphasized. Focusing on an estimated 52 million silica-dust-exposed workers, particularly agate-stone workers in Khambhat, Gujarat, our study aims to estimate LTBI prevalence, identify predictors, and gather insights from TB and silicosis experts. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach, a cross-sectional study involved 463 agate-stone workers aged ≥ 20 years in Khambhat, using IGRA kits for LTBI testing. In-depth interviews with experts complemented quantitative findings. Among agate-stone workers, 58% tested positive for LTBI, with predictors including longer exposure, type of work, and BCG vaccination. Our findings reveal a nearly double burden of LTBI compared to the general population, particularly in occupations with higher silica dust exposure. Experts advocate for including silica-dust-exposed individuals in high-risk groups for LTBI testing, exploring cost-effective alternatives like improved skin sensitivity tests, and shorter TB preventive treatment regimens to enhance compliance. Future research should explore upfront TB preventive treatment for silica-dust-exposed individuals with high LTBI prevalence and optimal exposure duration. This study underscores the urgent need for policy changes and innovative approaches to TB prevention among silica-dust-exposed populations, impacting global occupational health strategies.

Health and productivity management initiatives to promote worker health and improve the workplace environment at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (FDNPP) accident in 2011, measures have been taken to address occupational health risks, such as heat illness and infectious diseases, and ensure fitness for duty with the Tokyo Electric Power Company and its contractors. However, with the decommissioning operations set to span several decades and an aging workforce, there arose a need for proactive occupational health strategies that not only addressed these risks but also promoted employee health and created a comfortable work environment. With the Japanese government's promotion of health and productivity management (HPM) for corporations, an HPM-based initiative was launched at the FDNPP in 2019. We designed an HPM questionnaire tailored to the unique conditions at the FDNPP for contractors in 2019. Subsequently, we adjusted the questionnaire annually in light of evolving societal contexts and insights derived from contractors' feedback. This initiative also involved the annual recognition of outstanding contractors. These efforts have led to a steady increase in the number of contractors participating in the HPM survey, with respondents' scores continually improving. We also emphasized dissemination of HPM practices from contractors to their subcontractors due to the complex subcontracting structure at FDNPP, and our results showed that more contractors have been extending these efforts to their subcontractors. Our findings suggest that individual contractors are steadily enhancing their HPM efforts. We are committed to continually offering support to advance HPM throughout the FDNPP.

Effects of a Home-Based Exercise Programme on Shoulder Pain and Functional Status in Garment Workers

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly shoulder pain, are a prevalent concern among garment workers, who often engage in repetitive and manual tasks. Previous research has indicated a high incidence of shoulder pain in this population, with a need for effective interventions to mitigate these issues. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a home-based exercise program in reducing shoulder pain and improving functional status among garment workers. Methods: This experimental study involved 60 male and female tailors with work-related shoulder pain, randomly divided into an intervention and a control group (30 participants each). Participants were selected based on specific criteria, including experiencing pain in the glenohumeral joint area and showing at least two positive signs of shoulder impingement. Exclusion criteria included a history of rotator cuff surgery, shoulder dislocation, or pain only in the neck or shoulder blade. The intervention group underwent a four-week home-based exercise program, including stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the pectoralis minor muscle, upper trapezius, serratus anterior, and external shoulder rotation. The Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ) was used for pre- and post-intervention assessments. Results: Post-intervention, the intervention group showed a significant increase in the SRQ score from 62.6 (±1.99) to 77.0 (±2.54) (p = 0.016), a reduction in work-related pain from 4.9 (±0.51) to 2.4 (±0.31) (p = 0.041), and a decrease in work-related disability from 4.3 (±0.40) to 2.6 (±0.46) (p = 0.032). The satisfaction score also significantly improved from 4.1 (±0.43) to 6.5 (±0.22) (p = 0.003). In contrast, the control group did not exhibit any significant changes in these measures. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that a structured home-based exercise program can significantly reduce shoulder pain and improve functional status among garment workers. This suggests the potential for such interventions to be integrated into occupational health strategies, particularly in sectors prone to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMMES IN ADDRESSING OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES AND INJURIES AT MANUFACTURING FACILITIES IN IBADAN SOUTHWEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA

People now spend many years of their adult lives at jobs where they are exposed to various hazardous chemicals, unsafe acts, and other diseases because of population growth and rapid technological advancements. Occupational diseases and injuries may arise because of risk factors in the workplace. The study examined the effectiveness of health and safety programmes in addressing occupational diseases and injuries at manufacturing in Ibadan South-West Local government of Oyo state, Nigeria. The sample size was 250 respondents selected using simple and multi-stage sampling techniques to cover the forty-eight manufacturing companies in the area. A self-structured questionnaire was employed for data, which were analysed using frequencies, percentages, and chi-square at 0.05 alpha level. It was found that the prevalence rate of occupational diseases in the facility had (x2=81.94, p<0.05), the extent to which occupational health and safety programs was promoted had (x2=71.51, p<0.05), the effectiveness of occupational health and safety programs had (x2=64.94, p<0.05). Based on the findings, health education is a panacea to occupational diseases and injuries in Ibadan South-West Local government of Oyo state, Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that Government should provide regular health training programs to review, promote, and maintain occupational health strategies. Manufacturing companies/facilities should employ adequate qualified health educators to enlighten the workers on the risks associated with occupational diseases and injuries

Industrial Safety and Occupational Health Strategies: The Case of a Water Treatment Plant in Ecuador

This research aims to establish strategies in Industrial Safety and Occupational Health (SISO) using the case study of a water treatment plant in Ecuador; preventive activities in this area are poorly developed, being relegated to the background for not being considered important for production processes, this reality is worrying because despite the efforts made to implement a series of public policies; the figures of accidents and incidents indicate that it is still required to improve the SISO systems, to ensure the life, health and integrity of workers. The methodology used is descriptive and correlational, applying the inductive, deductive and analytical method, in addition to the integration of elements and sub-elements of an Occupational Safety and Health Management System proposed by the Andean Instruction Regulations, Resolution 957: 2008, and the ISO 45001:2018 standard; the population of interest was considered to be the 59 people working at the Water Treatment Plant in Santa Elena-Ecuador, of which 24 were selected to collect data through a survey. As a result, the proposed strategies are on par with the ISO 45001:2018 standard, which includes all the necessary requirements that an organization must have to ensure the safe provision of its services, minimizing risks or accidents, and providing a safe working environment for people.

Work fatigue during COVID-19 lockdown teleworking: the role of psychosocial, environmental, and social working conditions.

During national lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, previously office-based workers who transitioned to home-based teleworking faced additional demands (e.g., childcare, inadequate homeworking spaces) likely resulting in poor work privacy fit. Previous office research suggests poor work privacy fit is associated with lower wellbeing and higher work fatigue. Emerging evidence suggests a relationship between childcare duties during pandemic teleworking and work fatigue. In addition to psychosocial working conditions (job demand, job control, and job change management), which are acknowledged predictors of work fatigue, this poses a significant threat to occupational health during pandemic teleworking. However, the relative effects of aspects of the psychosocial environment (job demands and resources), the home office environment (including privacy fit), and the social environment (childcare) on work fatigue as well as their interactions are under-explored. This study examined the relationships between the psychosocial, environmental, and social working conditions of teleworking during the first COVID-19 lockdown and work fatigue. Specifically, the study examined teleworkers' physical work environment (e.g., if and how home office space is shared, crowding, and noise perceptions) as predictors of privacy fit and the relationship between privacy fit, childcare, psychosocial working conditions (job demand, job control, and job change management), and work fatigue. Work privacy fit was hypothesized to mediate the relationship between childcare and work fatigue. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with teleworkers (n = 300) during the first COVID-19 lockdown in April and May 2020; most participants were in Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Path analysis was used to examine the hypothesized relationships. Privacy fit was lower for those reporting greater levels of noise in home-working spaces and those feeling crowded at home. Work fatigue was lower amongst those with greater privacy fit and higher amongst those with high levels of job demand. An indirect relationship was observed between childcare and work fatigue with privacy fit mediating this relationship. The influence of privacy fit has so far been largely neglected in research on teleworking, especially during the pandemic. However, its contribution to workers' wellbeing should be acknowledged in occupational health strategies.

Occupational Risk Factors by Sectors: An Observational Study of 20,000 Workers.

We aimed to assess the prevalence of exposure by sector and the sectors of activity most exposed to each exposure, using routine occupational health data, and to quantify the risk of being exposed. Occupational risk factors were assessed by workers followed by the Occupational Health Service of Cher, using self-reported questionnaires. The sectors of activity were grouped into seven sectors, and the risks were grouped into six occupational exposure groups. Comparisons were made using the Chi-squared test and Cramer's V, and the odds ratios were calculated by using logistic regression. We included 19,891 workers. The construction sector had the highest prevalence (p < 0.05 vs. all other sectors) of exposure to physical (76%) and biomechanical factors (82%), as well as chemical risks (75%). Human health and social work was the sector with the highest prevalence of exposure to biological factors (69%), psychosocial factors (90%), and atypical working hours (61%). With workers from administrative and support sectors as the reference, construction workers had more chance of declaring exposure to physical factors (OR = 3.28, 95%CI = 2.89 to 3.72), biomechanical factors (1.82, 1.58 to 2.09), and chemical agents (3.83, 3.38 to 4.33). Workers from the human health and social sectors had more chance of being exposed to biological agents (13.4, 11.9 to 15.2), atypical working hours (1.93, 1.75 to 2.14), and psychosocial factors (2.74, 2.38 to 3.16). Psychosocial risk factors were commonly reported in all sectors. Workers in the construction, human health, and social sectors seem to report more exposures than those in other sectors. The analysis of occupational exposures is a necessary basis to build an efficient preventive strategy for occupational health.

Health Complaints, Mental Status and Quality of Life among the Aquaculture Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Region of Peninsular Malaysia.

Aquaculture is seen as an essential food-producing sector for improving global food security and nutrition indices. This cross-sectional study examined the health complaints and mental health status of aquaculture workers, as well as their relationship with quality of life, with respect to the brackish water and freshwater aquaculture cultivation system in Penang, Malaysia. The workers’ health complaints were collected, and mental health status was evaluated as means of depression, anxiety, stress and self-esteem. Self-perceived quality of life was assessed using a structured questionnaire. This study involved the participation of 88 brackish water (84.6%) and 16 freshwater (15.4%) aquaculture workers. A total of 72.7% of the brackish water aquaculture workers were aged beyond 50 years old and had worked within five years (77.3%) in the aquaculture industry. Both brackish water and freshwater cultivation workers were confronted with fatigue, pain and insomnia. Up to 48%, 40.4%, 26% and 24% of them were facing depression, anxiety, stress and low self-esteem, respectively. A total of 3.4% of the brackish water aquaculture workers were having bad quality of life. The complaints of neck/shoulder/arm pain (F = 13.963; p < 0.001), back pain (F = 10.974; p < 0.01), hand/wrist pain (F = 8.041; p < 0.01), knee/hip pain (F = 12.910; p < 0.01) and insomnia (F = 10.936; p < 0.01) were correlated with bad quality of life among the workers. For mental health status, self-esteem (F = 4.157; p < 0.05) was found to be negatively correlated with quality of life scores. The results outlined the concerning level of health complaints and psychological distress among the aquaculture workers. The study emphasized the importance of developing an appropriate occupational health strategy in the aquaculture industry. Longitudinal investigations aimed to explore the effects of psychological distress on employment productivity among the high-risk workers are warranted.

Strategy for Occupational Health and Safety Regulatory Compliance of Operators of Small Event Centers in Lagos, Nigeria

Strategy for Occupational Health and Safety Regulatory Compliance of Operators of Small Event Centers in Lagos, Nigeria

Students, Stress, and the Pandemic: An Occupational Health Perspective for Nursing Education.

Nursing students have high risk factors for stress, and the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic underscored weaknesses in mitigating nursing student stress and supporting well-being. Occupational health uses proven frameworks and perspectives for understanding and mitigating health risks, and promoting worker wellness. Nurse educators can draw from this knowledge to implement system-level changes in support of a safe and healthy learning environment. This article describes the use of an occupational health strategy to create healthier educational environments. Applying occupational health concepts to nursing education supports honest appraisal of mental health dangers to students, offers keys to managing student health risks, and provides effective approaches for communicating risks with mitigation tactics. An occupational health and safety perspective creates a lens through which nursing stress resulting from the pandemic can be viewed and managed creatively using a holistic approach to mitigate harm from stress in the nursing educational setting. [J Nurs Educ. 2021;60(12):674-679.].

Network on the Coordination and Harmonisation of European Occupational Cohorts (OMEGA-NET)

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Employment is an essential component of adult life, and occupation is a major determinant of health. However, there has been little coordinated occupational health research in Europe and globally. Europe has many valuable occupational, industrial, and population cohorts. There is a need for integration of these cohorts to facilitate their exploitation, essential to underpin evidence-based interventions and policy. METHODS: OMEGA-NET (omeganetcohorts.eu) is a COST Action network (2017–2021), funded by EU, currently involving researchers from 40 European, near neighbour and international partner countries. The overarching concept is to create a network to advance i) collaboration of existing cohorts, ii) coordination and harmonisation of occupational exposure assessment, and iii) facilitation of an integrated research strategy for occupational health in Europe. RESULTS:OMEGA-NET is currently building two online searchable inventories: Inventory of Occupational Cohorts (presented in this mini-symposium), and Inventory of Exposure Assessment Tools. Working Groups are doing harmonisation of occupational exposure and health outcome information, as well as developing standardised protocols for future occupational exposure and health outcome information, some in the form of position papers. Harmonisation of occupational health outcomes currently include Burnout, Musculoskeletal disorders, Allergies and Cancer. Topics of the protocols or position papers include Healthy ageing and work participation, Working hours, Employment patterns in the young including young employed mothers, Occupational skin diseases, Work-related psychosocial determinants on mental health, Precarious employment (presented in this mini-symposium) and Migrant workers. OMEGA-NET also includes opportunities for networking, leadership and training for early career researchers in occupational epidemiology and exposure assessment, and visits to other research institutions, as well as stakeholder engagement. CONCLUSIONS:Collaboration through OMEGA-NET will enhance the scientific occupational health research, recently demonstrated through EU funding of the EPHOR project (Exposome Project for Health and Occupational Research). OMEGA-NET is promoting much needed global collaboration on occupational health. KEYWORDS: International collaboration, Occupational epidemiology, Occupational exposures, Outcomes

Prevalência da Sintomatologia Músculo-Esquelética nos Estudantes de Licenciatura em Enfermagem: uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura

Background Musculoskeletal symptoms affect many individuals regardless of gender, age and socioeconomic context. Early in their clinical training, nursing students experience working conditions similar to nurses, and are also exposed to the same situations and risks that can trigger musculoskeletal symptomatology. Objective To identify the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal symptomatology in undergraduate nursing students. Materials and Methods A systematic literature review was performed in the following platforms: EBSCOHost®, CINAHL, MEDLINE and BVS, from January to March 2019. The descriptors used were: Students, Nursing AND Musculoskeletal diseases OR Musculoskeletal disorders AND Prevalence). Results and Discussion Nine articles that met the established criteria were selected. The most frequently self-reported symptomatology was in the cervical and neck region followed by the lumbar and dorsal region, wrist, shoulders and hands. All articles underlined the fact that students report musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one of the body regions. Factors that contributed more often to this were repetitive efforts, manual handling tasks, gender, older age, anxiety and academic stress accumulated since the 1st year. Most studies suggested that nursing students are exposed to the same risks identified by nursing professionals. Conclusions This study shows that the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal symptomatology identified in nursing students must be minimized and prevented from the 1st year of the course. We need to provide students with the knowledge and strategies to tackle this problem and the repercussion it may have on their professional life and well-being. We only be able to cope with this situation by having the contribution of several public health agents. Therefore, it is suggested to use occupational health strategies such as promoting physical exercise, health screening, managing anxiety and stress and improving classroom conditions, in order to contribute to both mental and physical well-being of nursing students and, in the future, professional nurses.

Sickness Absence and Hospitalization among Workers on Board Norwegian Fishing Vessels

ABSTRACTBackground: All over the world, commercial fishing is known to be a hazardous occupation. Although several causal analyses of occupational accidents have been published in recent years, knowledge of the prevalence of sick leave, diagnosis and hospitalization among workers on board Norwegian fishing vessels is still sparse.Objective: The objective of this study is to provide new knowledge about the prevalence of doctor-certified sick leave among Norwegian fishers compared to an age- and gender-matched control population. A comparison of diagnoses and hospitalizations between these groups is also presented.Methods: A sample of fishers (n = 25,971) was selected by Statistics Norway (SSB), based on occupation as fishers in 2008–2013. An age- and gender-matched control population (n = 77,913) was also selected. Outpatient consultation and hospitalization data were received from the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR).Results: Fishers have significantly lower rates of sick leave than the general working population as a whole, but a significantly higher rate sick leave than an age- and gender-matched control population. The most common cause of sick leave in both fishers and controls was musculoskeletal problems. Fishers had a higher number of hospital stays than the control group; the stays were more often unscheduled and lasted longer than those of the control group.Conclusion: The results emphasize the continued need for preventive occupational health strategies in the fishing industry.

PMS34 IMPACT OF OCCUPATIONAL PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK FACTORS ON FREQUENT, SEVERE LOW BACK PAIN IN THE US WORKING POPULATION

Low back pain can pose a significant functional limitation for the working population. Current study assessed the association between emerging occupational psychosocial risk factors and frequent, severe low back pain (LBP) among US workers aged 18 - 64 years using a national database. A cross-sectional study was conducted using 2015 National Health Interview Survey data and its Occupational Health Survey Supplement. Operationalization of LBP was based on the frequency and severity of LBP in past 3 months. Bivariate analyses were conducted using Rao-Scott Chi-Square tests to test between-group differences. A multivariable logistic regression was done to measure the association between work-related psychosocial risk factors and LBP. Additionally, the role of perceived supervisor support, work strain, type of sick leave (paid vs. unpaid) was also assessed. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Complex survey design of NHIS was accounted for in all analyses. The prevalence of LBP was found to be 7.97%. All psychosocial risk factors included in this study – hostile work environment (OR: 1.364, CI: 1.018 - 1.828), high job insecurity (OR: 1.322, CI: 1.024 - 1.706) and, work-family conflict (OR: 1.241, CI: 1.012 - 1.523) were found to have significant positive association with LBP. However, perceived positive supervisor support was found to lower the odds (OR: 0.767, CI: 0.592 - 0.993) of LBP. Functional limitation (OR: 7.085, CI: 5.745 – 8.738), work strain (OR: 1.321, CI: 1.039 – 1.680), and unpaid sick leave (OR: 1.234, CI: 1.004 – 1.517) were found to increase the odds of LBP significantly. Current study adds to literature supporting the relationship between occupational stressors and their impact on LBP. It is important to consider the role occupational psychosocial risk factors in the design and implementation of occupational health strategies, programs, and LBP management and prevention guidelines among US workers.

How to Define the Content of a Job-Specific Worker's Health Surveillance for Hospital Physicians?

BackgroundA job-specific Worker's Health Surveillance (WHS) for hospital physicians is a preventive occupational health strategy aiming at early detection of their diminished work-related health in order to improve or maintain physician's health and quality of care. This study addresses what steps should be taken to determine the content of a job-specific WHS for hospital physicians and outlines that content.MethodsBased on four questions, decision trees were developed for physical and psychological job demands and for biological, chemical, and physical exposures to decide whether or not to include work-related health effects related to occupational exposures or aspects of health reflecting insufficient job requirements. Information was gathered locally through self-reporting and systematic observations at the workplace and from evidence in international publications.ResultsInformation from the decision trees on the prevalence and impact of the health- or work-functioning effect led to inclusion of occupational exposures (e.g., biological agents, emotionally demanding situations), job requirements (e.g., sufficient vision, judging ability), or health effects (e.g., depressive symptoms, neck complaints). Additionally, following the Dutch guideline for occupational physicians and based on specific job demands, screening for cardiovascular diseases, work ability, drug use, and alcohol consumption was included. Targeted interventions were selected when a health or work functioning problem existed and were chosen based on evidence for effectiveness.ConclusionThe process of developing a job-specific WHS for hospital physicians was described and the content presented, which might serve as an example for other jobs. Before implementation, it must first be tested for feasibility and acceptability.

Feasibility and acceptability of a workers' health surveillance program for hospital physicians.

A Workers' Health Surveillance (WHS) program is an occupational health strategy used to detect and address the health of individual workers to improve their ability to work. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a new job-specific WHS for hospital physicians. All hospital physicians of the general surgery, radiotherapy and obstetrics and gynecology departments from 1 academic hospital were invited to participate in the WHS by the in-company occupational health service. An occupational physician and a medical assistant were trained to use the protocol. Feasibility was operationalized as the received and delivered dose, observed success factors and potential obstacles. Acceptability was assessed by asking whether the WHS was desirable and feasible for future use and by estimating the effects on health and work ability. Written questions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participating physicians, 5 department managers and the 2 occupational health professionals involved in the study. One-third of the hospital physicians (34%) participated in every part of the WHS. The delivered dose was 77/84 (92%). Almost all hospital physicians who received recommendations expected to adhere to this advice. The study participants appreciated the organization of the WHS. This WHS was positively graded (8 out of 10 max) in terms of acceptability. Positive effects of the WHS on health, work functioning and long-term work ability were perceived by 2/3 of the physicians. The new job-specific WHS for hospital physicians showed good feasibility and acceptability among participating hospital physicians, occupational health professionals and medical managers.

Evidence of Vaccine Protection Among Thai Medical Students and Implications for Occupational Health

In a cross-sectional study of Thai medical students, we compared the seroprevalence of antibody to measles virus, rubella virus, varicella zoster virus, hepatitis A virus, and hepatitis B virus with self-reports of prior infection or vaccination. Self-report predicted immunity to varicella zoster virus only. These data contribute to risk assessment and occupational health strategies in this resource-limited setting.

Marginalising the Body at Work? Employers' Occupational Health Strategies and Occupational Medicine in Scotland c. 1930-1974

This article engages with two main themes recently utilised by historians of health and welfare: the impact of periphery on health; and the strengths and weakness of public and private approaches to health care. The specific focus of the article is the nature of occupational health and safety in the industrial conurbation of west central Scotland between 1930 and 1974. Using a range of primary source material, the article compares and contrasts the relative paucity of health cover provided by the region's private employers with the more comprehensive health services enjoyed by workers in state-run industries and local authorities. The article also illustrates that, although the west of Scotland was the most extensive industrial region in Scotland and contained the biggest concentration of industrial hazards-including those derived from asbestos dust-and notwithstanding Glasgow's reputation for its pioneering public health initiatives, medical expertise regarding occupational health was poorly developed here. Indeed, as far as Scotland was concerned, a situation evolved from the 1960s in which occupational health expertise became located in Dundee and Edinburgh.

How common is repetitive strain injury?

Objective:Statistics from Labour Force Surveys are widely quoted as evidence for the scale of occupational illness in Europe. However, occupational attribution depends on whether participants believe their health problem is...

Working until 70, government policy, economic need and the role of ergonomics and occupational health

Within the UK, there are currently 2.7 million individuals between 50 and retirement age who are not working and almost half are dependent on incapacity benefit. The costs of this are estimated between £19 and £31 billion. There has been discussion within the UK to try and extend working life, however, the current parliament wishes to examine all factors before coming to any decisions. A number of barriers to work have been identified and several government initiatives are also in progress: some of them have been found to be successful in returning people to work; others have yet to be evaluated. The role of ergonomics and occupational health in keeping older people at work is being encouraged at a national level via the Securing Health Together strategy for Occupational Health. However, ergonomics and occupational health can link together health promotion, rehabilitation and workplace design. It is essential that a multidisciplinary approach be taken in managing this in terms of research and dissemination of results. Educationalists also have a role in ensuring that academic curricula are used to inform health professionals and employers.