Working Conditions Research Articles

Assessing the performance of a robust multiparametric wearable patch integrating silicon-based sensors for real-time continuous monitoring of sweat biomarkers

The development of wearable devices for sweat analysis has experienced significant growth in the last two decades, being the main focus the monitoring of athletes health during workouts. One of the main challenges of these approaches has been to attain the continuous monitoring of sweat for time periods over 1 h. This is the main challenge addressed in this work by designing an analytical platform that combines the high performance of potentiometric sensors and a fluidic structure made of a plastic fabric into a multiplexed wearable device. The platform comprises Ion-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistors (ISFETs) manufactured on silicon, a tailor-made solid-state reference electrode, and a temperature sensor integrated into a patch-like polymeric substrate, together with the component that easily collects and drives samples under continuous capillary flow to the sensor areas. ISFET sensors for measuring pH, sodium, and potassium ions were fully characterized in artificial sweat solutions, providing reproducible and stable responses. Then, the real-time and continuous monitoring of the biomarkers in sweat with the wearable platform was assessed by comparing the ISFETs responses recorded during an 85-min continuous exercise session with the concentration values measured using commercial Ion-Selective Electrodes (ISEs) in samples collected at certain times during the session. The developed sensing platform enables the continuous monitoring of biomarkers and facilitates the study of the effects of various real working conditions, such as cycling power and skin temperature, on the target biomarker concentration levels.

Parameter sharing fault data generation method based on diffusion model under imbalance data

Abstract Rotating machinery will inevitably fail under long-term heavy load working conditions. Obtaining enough data to train the deep learning model can enable managers to detect and deal with related failures in time, which greatly improves the safety of equipment operation. Mechanical fault samples are often much smaller than healthy samples. Traditional data enhancement methods mostly change the original data, but cannot improve the diversity of its features, so that the number of fault samples becomes larger, but the features remain unchanged. Aiming at the above problems, a diffusion model based on parameter sharing and inverted bottleneck residual structure (DDPM) is proposed. Firstly, the diffusion process gradually covers the original data with Gaussian noise, to learn the corresponding fault characteristics of the original data. In the diffusion process, the parameter sharing attention mechanism is embedded in the learning process of the diffusion process. Then, the feature extraction module is constructed by using the inverted bottleneck residual structure to enhance the learning ability of the network. After obtaining the fault characteristics of the original data, the reverse process of the results restores the Gaussian noise to data with different fault characteristics through the same steps as the diffusion process. By comparing the results of various generation models and analysing the characteristics of the generated data, the feasibility and universality of the proposed method in data augmentation tasks are verified.

Sun-related knowledge and practices in Irish construction and agricultural workers.

Agricultural and construction workers spend much of their work time outdoors and have higher risks of developing skin cancer when compared to indoor workers. However, there is limited research on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure knowledge, sun safety practices and constraints within these occupational groups in Ireland. This study aimed to examine self-reported time spent outdoors in a sample of Irish agricultural and construction workers; to describe and compare UVR exposure knowledge, safety practices and perceived constraints in both occupational groups, and to assess the association of demographic, personal and occupational factors with sun-related knowledge, practices and perceived constraints. Agricultural workers (n = 154) and construction workers (n = 467) completed a questionnaire, which measured solar UVR exposure knowledge, safety practices, and perceived constraints to sun personal protective equipment and sunscreen use in addition to demographic, personal, and workplace characteristics. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine differences in knowledge, practices and perceived constraints by these characteristics. Both groups spend a significant proportion of their working week outdoors (25 hours per week on average). Although participation in sun safety training was high for both groups, UVR exposure knowledge and sunscreen use were low, and annual rates of reported sunburn were high. Knowledge, practices and perceived constraints also differed significantly according to demographic, personal, occupational and workplace characteristics. In addition to training by employers and advisory groups, interventions are required to address perceived barriers that impede the uptake and usage of control measures that can lower risk.

Increasing Productivity Through Strengthening Achievement Motivation and Effectiveness of Occupational Safety and Health Management

This research aims to analyze the impact of occupational safety and health management and achievement motivation on employee productivity at PT. XYZ (Persero). This study employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative analysis. Data was collected from PT. XYZ (Persero) Transmission Implementation Units (UPT) in Bogor and Karawang over the period from 2017 to 2021. The results indicate that effective occupational safety and health management and achievement motivation have a significant positive impact on employee productivity. Both directly enhance productivity, although achievement motivation as a mediator is less effective than the direct influence of occupational safety and health management. The conclusion of this study is that improving the effectiveness of occupational safety and health management and achievement motivation can significantly boost employee productivity at PT. XYZ (Persero). Recommendations for the company include enhancing occupational safety and health training, monitoring the work environment, and developing reward programs for high-performing employees.

Employee readiness for change: examining the combined effects of individual and organizational demands in public school reform

PurposeThe paper aims to clarify how work-specific characteristics at both the individual and organizational level influence professional civil servants’ readiness for change during the implementation of reforms in public administration. We examine the influence of work characteristics at the individual and organizational levels, such as reform-related strains, organizational climate, and organizational professionalism, on the employees’ response to change. In addition, we also consider the interaction between these specific work characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThis article employs a quantitative multi-level analysis to examine the influence of individual and collective predictors of employees' readiness for change. For our analysis, we used data from the evaluation of a school reform in Switzerland aimed at aligning teachers' working conditions with those of other administrative employees. The survey conducted for the evaluation includes responses from 2,162 teachers.FindingsOur study expands the understanding in public management research of work characteristics that either promote or reduce employees’ readiness for change in the public sector. Our findings suggest that the organizational level, in our case the school level, influences the individual’s response to change. Furthermore, the role of organizational professionalism in terms of a reform-related transformation of the identities, structures, and practices of the actors concerned is highlighted as a potential stressor and catalyst that reinforces the negative correlation between reform-related stress and willingness to change.Practical implicationsThis paper offers insights into how public managers can effectively overcome challenges in the implementation process of public school reforms. This also includes the awareness among change agents that positively associated changes at the organizational level may have negative consequences at the individual level, due to the fact that they affect professional understanding, for example, which may cause the affected actors to respond with resistance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the small number of multi-level research studies on the responses to change in public administration and answers the call for research to investigate the hurdles that may arise when implementing change. Further, the paper contributes to the literature on the impact of new public management (NPM) on the identity of professional civil servants.

Employee readiness for change: examining the combined effects of individual and organizational demands in public school reform

PurposeThe paper aims to clarify how work-specific characteristics at both the individual and organizational level influence professional civil servants’ readiness for change during the implementation of reforms in public administration. We examine the influence of work characteristics at the individual and organizational levels, such as reform-related strains, organizational climate, and organizational professionalism, on the employees’ response to change. In addition, we also consider the interaction between these specific work characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThis article employs a quantitative multi-level analysis to examine the influence of individual and collective predictors of employees' readiness for change. For our analysis, we used data from the evaluation of a school reform in Switzerland aimed at aligning teachers' working conditions with those of other administrative employees. The survey conducted for the evaluation includes responses from 2,162 teachers.FindingsOur study expands the understanding in public management research of work characteristics that either promote or reduce employees’ readiness for change in the public sector. Our findings suggest that the organizational level, in our case the school level, influences the individual’s response to change. Furthermore, the role of organizational professionalism in terms of a reform-related transformation of the identities, structures, and practices of the actors concerned is highlighted as a potential stressor and catalyst that reinforces the negative correlation between reform-related stress and willingness to change.Practical implicationsThis paper offers insights into how public managers can effectively overcome challenges in the implementation process of public school reforms. This also includes the awareness among change agents that positively associated changes at the organizational level may have negative consequences at the individual level, due to the fact that they affect professional understanding, for example, which may cause the affected actors to respond with resistance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the small number of multi-level research studies on the responses to change in public administration and answers the call for research to investigate the hurdles that may arise when implementing change. Further, the paper contributes to the literature on the impact of new public management (NPM) on the identity of professional civil servants.

A Fuzzy Decision Support System for Risk Prioritization in Fine Kinney-based Occupational Risk Analysis

Analyzing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risks requires prioritizing risk, a vital step in hazard and effect analysis (HEA). Currently, there is no existing approach to determine the priority of risk in HEA-based occupational risk analysis that incorporates interactive risk factors and spherical fuzzy risk information. This paper presents a novel approach to address the constraints by introducing a fresh framework for evaluating job-related hazards using HEA by combining the spherical fuzzy set (SFS), the multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) technique, and the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) operator, a more sophisticated approach is achieved within this framework. The SFS is utilized in this framework to depict the more ambiguous and unsure data given by specialists, offering a more efficient approach to handling the fuzzy risk information, encompassing the non-membership degree and hesitation. In addition, an advanced MABAC method is used to prioritize occupational risk. Afterward, we provide a practical instance of utilizing the MABAC technical-oriented risk prioritization approach for evaluating potential occupational dangers in risk analysis.

The moderating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between occupational stress and mental health issues among nurses

Occupational stress is a complex concept resulting from interaction among personnel, work environment, and cultural contexts. It can cause mental health issues, including clinical mental disorders, as well as emotional challenges like depression, anxiety, cognitive difficulties, and feeling sad. As a vulnerable group, healthcare professionals, especially nurses, experience a high rate of occupational stress. Therefore, we aimed to study the relationship between occupational stress, mental health problems, and self-efficacy among the nursing population. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 nurses selected through a two-stage sampling process from tertiary hospitals in Qazvin, Iran, between July and September 2022. Study variables included occupational stress measured by the persian version of the health and safety executive management standards revised indicator tool (MS-RIT), the general health questionnaire containing 28 questions measuring psychological distress in four primary areas of somatic and anxiety symptoms, sleep disorders, social dysfunction, and depression [GHQ–28], and general self-efficacy [GSE–10]. The mentioned variables and some of the nurses’ demographic characteristics, including age, gender, education, and work experience, were analyzed using moderated multiple regression, descriptive statistics, and the Pearson correlation coefficient.The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant association between self-efficacy and occupational stress (r = 0.62, P = 0.000) and self-efficacy and mental health (r = 0.67, P = 0.01). Regression analysis demonstrated that occupational stress accounted for 42% of the variation in mental health (R2 = 0.42, P < 0.01). The results also showed that self-efficacy moderates the relationship between occupational stress and mental health, with a significant effect (P < 0.01). The elevated prevalence of occupational stress and the concerning state of mental health among nurses highlight the need for the implementation of intervention programs, including stress prevention strategies at the workplace through organizing better working shifts, as well as increasing nurses’ self-efficacy and their effective participation in work-related tasks aiming to enhance working conditions for nurses.

Scientific rationale for the indicators of biological urine monitoring in adolescents in Kazan City

BACKGROUND: Biomonitoring is crucial for assessing the level of pollution in a population, identifying risks and studying the impact of changes in technology. Knowledge of the reference values of trace elements in biological material is critical in comparing exposed with non-exposed groups and accurate. The control values of trace elements are crucial for ensuring public health and occupational safety. AIM: To study and analyze concentrations of priority chemical pollutants in the urine of adolescents aged 14–17 years in three zones in Kazan City and determine reference values for this age group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The concentration of elements in urine of 276 adolescents aged 14–17 years was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The upper 95 percentiles and their confidence intervals (RV95) were determined, which established the upper limit of the current background exposure to adolescents for 12 biomarkers, interpreted as “conditional” reference values for this age group. The following reference values for adolescents in Kazan City were obtained: Al, 12.80 µg/L; Cr, 1.02 µg/L; Mn, 3.53 µg/L; Hg, 0.65 µg/L; Cu, 110.91 µg/L, and Ni, 8.72 µg/L. In adolescents, the highest level of exceedance over background values was observed in zones 1 and 2 (Kirovsky and Privolzhsky Districts): Al exceeded by 1.4 times, Cr by 1.3 times in zone 1 (Kirovsky District), Mn by 1.5 times, Hg by 1.3 times, and Cu by 1.14 times in zone 2 (Privolzhsky district).The results are of interest for further analysis and identification of interrelations in the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, where exposure levels may vary between regions or separate subgroups living in the same territory. CONCLUSION: Research in the field of biomonitoring in Kazan established the levels of exposure to toxic elements among the studied population and provided means for comparing exposure for further research by population groups by age, sex, and ethnicity. Moreover, biomonitoring results can be used to determine research priorities, measure exposure trends over time, and verify effectiveness of individual measures to combat pollution and other measures in the field of the environment and public health. The study presents modern technologies for assessing exposure to chemical pollutants using human biomonitoring methods and demonstrates its advantages.

Clinical Profile of Ocular Trauma at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Ocular trauma is preventable and one of the leading causes of ocular morbidity and blindness. Approximately 6 million people are blind from eye injuries, 2.3 million with bilateral visual impairment and 19 million with unilateral visual loss worldwide. In developing countries like ours the incidence of eye injuries is very high. This study has been conducted in the view of public health importance to provide information on magnitude, clinical and epidemiological profile of ocular injuries. Methods: A hospital based, cross sectional observational study, conducted during September 2014 - March 2016 in tertiary care center in Jharkhand, all cases of ocular trauma were included in the study. Demographic profile (age, sex, locality, occupation), nature and cause of injury was recorded. Detailed ophthalmological examination including visual acuity, slit lamp examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, B-scan, intraocular pressure measurement, gonioscopy, computed tomography brain with orbit, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, X-Ray were done in relevant cases. Results: Total of 948 patients of ocular trauma were included. Most patients belong to the age group 21-40 years (60.87%), with mean age of 29.79 + 16.47 years. Males were affected more (73.52%) than females (26.47%). Closed globe injuries were more (75%) than open globe injuries (25%). Anterior segment was involved in (94.30%) and posterior segment in (8.86%). Work-related ocular injuries formed the commonest mode of injury (41.8%) followed by road traffic accident (30.37%). Conclusion: Ocular trauma is one of the most common causes of unilateral blindness. Targeting groups most at risk with health education, providing effective eye protection and strict implementation of traffic rules may decrease the occurrence of ocular injuries.

Increasing Productivity Through Strengthening Achievement Motivation and Effectiveness of Occupational Safety and Health Management

Increasing Productivity Through Strengthening Achievement Motivation and Effectiveness of Occupational Safety and Health Management

METAMORPHISM AND DEFORMATION OF GOLD-BEARING NEOPROTEROZOIC WONAKA SCHIST BELT, NORTHWEST-NIGERIA.

The role of metamorphism and deformation is indispensable in the occurrences of gold mineralization worldwide. In this work, deformation and metamorphic conditions for gold-bearing Neoproterozoic Wonaka Schist Belt; located around Kutcheri town of Tsafe Local Government of Zamfara State, was investigated. This is achieved using metamorphic litho-minerals obtained from ternary plots via X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) geochemical data, and directly using minerals phases from X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) technique. Index minerals identified from petrographic analysis previously suggest low to medium-grade metamorphism (M1). XRD analysis indicates quartz, albite, oligoclase, microcline, chlorite, and biotite, suggesting greenschist to lower amphibolite facies (M2). Sillimanite, andalusite, kyanite, staurolite, chlorite, biotite, and garnet were identified from the ternary plots using XRF major oxides, indicating upper amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism (M3). This is typical of prograde metamorphism, granulite facie metamorphic grade is indicated. Na2O/Al2O3 versus K2O/Al2O3 for petrogenetic character suggests shale provenance, while the trace elements spider diagram indicates Wonaka litho-units as co-genetic compositionally, as high concentrations of V and Cr linked the petrogenetic affinity to mafic sources. Three circles of deformations are indicated; ductile deformation (D1) of the paleosome Schist producing foliations and lineation, brittle type (D2) in mid Pan-African and was accompanied by several fractures and felsic intrusions. Late Pan-African (D3) involves the folding of banded orthogneisses, the development of boudinage as well as intense shearing (ductile fault). Geospatial analysis of the fractures suggests that they represent regional Pan-African sutures cross-cutting Nigeria into the Atlantic and up to South American plate. The research therefore concludes that Au-fluid emanating through this regional event, utilizes D2 as channel ways and loci. D3 with M3 engulfed the entire structures repositioning the geometry to its present disposition.

Justice Work: Sisters (Having to) Do It for Themselves

Abstract This article outlines findings from our research which sought to explore the lived experiences of victim/survivors of stalking and/or coercive control as they navigated their way through the Scottish Criminal Justice System (SCJS), commissioned by the Scottish Government. Building on the work of Acker (1990), Hochschild (1983), Fishman (1978), Kelly (2016) and Vera-Gray (2018; 2020) our findings show that women’s involvement as victim-survivors with the criminal justice system insists they perform elements of both hidden (behind the scenes) and visible (but unacknowledged) work. These types of work replicate already identified elements of emotional, safety and violence work. In addition, however, we uncovered a new form of work that women must undertake when seeking justice which we have conceptualized as ‘Justice Work’.

Factors Related to the Recurrence of Sickness Absence Due to Common Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Employees who experience sickness absence (SA) due to common mental disorders (CMD) are at increased risk of recurrent sickness absence (RSA). This systematic literature review examines the factors at different levels in the work and non-work context that increase or decrease the likelihood of RSA due to CMD. The resulting knowledge enables more accurate identification of employees at risk of RSA. We conducted a search in June 2023 using the following databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (Cinahl), Embase and Business Source Ultimate (BSU). Inclusion criteria were as follows: (self-)employees, CMD, related factors, RSA. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The Individual, Group, Leader, Organisation and Overarching/social context (IGLOO) model were used to cluster the found factors and these factors were graded by evidence grading. Nineteen quantitative and one qualitative studies of mainly high and some moderate quality were included in this review. A total of 78 factors were found. These factors were grouped according to the IGLOO levels and merged in 17 key factors. After evidence grading, we found that mainly low socioeconomic status (SES) and the type of previous SA (short-term SA and SA due to CMD) are predictors of an increased risk of RSA. Having a low SES and previous experience of SA (short term, or due to CMD) are factors that predict the chance of RSA, implying the need for prolonged support from occupational health professionals after the employee has returned to work.

Adaptations of the work environment facilitating the professional activity of seniors

Analysis of demographic trends indicates that there is an increasing proportion of people who can be described as elderly. In Poland, the population aged >60 years is expected to increase to 10.8 million in 2030 and to 13.7 million in 2050, i.e., around 40% of total population. In line with the general trend, the issue of the aging of the professionally active population is becoming more relevant. The average age of the world's working population is steadily increasing. In the European Union, workers aged 55-64 years accounted for 50% of the total workforce in 2013, and already 59% in 2018. In Poland, in 2018, people aged 55-64 years accounted for 49% of the employed population. The low percentage of people working at this age is due, among other things, to employers' attitudes towards employing older people, perceiving them as employees who are more difficult to manage and have health problems. Moreover, working conditions of seniors are not adapted to their age capabilities. It is necessary to reduce the burden of physical work, especially in awkward positions, carrying loads, monotonous work and piecework. It is important to create work organization in which it is possible to refer to the experience of older people, who should have freedom of action, without time pressure and the need to perform many tasks at the same time. The ever-increasing social dependence on information technology tools creates new problems for seniors. Taking into account age-related difficulties in acquiring new knowledge, it is important to provide them with simplified tools that are easier to use. The scope of necessary actions to enable the aging population to work is very wide, ranging from legislative, technological and organizational changes, ending with education addressed both to people responsible for employee safety (including occupational health services) and to current and potential employees. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3).

Occupational health staff's involvement contributes to supervisor's perceived organizational support in Japanese workforce: a prospective cohort study.

Enhancing employees' perceived organizational support (POS) is crucial for organization, and one effective approach is enhancing supervisors' POS. However, there is limited research focusing specifically on enhancing supervisors' POS. We aimed to investigate the influence of occupational health staff's involvement for supervisors on their POS. A prospective cohort study was conducted using an online survey targeting supervisors in various industries across Japan. We assessed supervisors' POS using an effective 8-items of the Japanese version of the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support. Data on the involvement of occupational health staff in providing occupational health staff's involvement in providing supervisors with training on workplace health management and guidance on addressing specific subordinates with health concerns were collected. The association between these involvement and POS was assessed through multiple regression analyses. The study involved 541 supervisors with occupational health staff at their workplace in the final analysis. Training from occupational health staff was significantly associated with an increase in POS at follow-up after adjustment for potential confounders, including demographic variables and POS at baseline. Similarly, guidance from occupational health staff was also significantly associated with an increase POS. This effect was particularly notable in small workplaces. Our study indicates that occupational health staff's involvement in supporting supervisors can contribute to enhancing supervisors' POS, especially in small workplaces. These findings suggest that by developing structured systems and establishing specific roles for occupational health staff, organizations may effectively enhance supervisors' POS.

Factors Related to the Recurrence of Sickness Absence Due to Common Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Employees who experience sickness absence (SA) due to common mental disorders (CMD) are at increased risk of recurrent sickness absence (RSA). This systematic literature review examines the factors at different levels in the work and non-work context that increase or decrease the likelihood of RSA due to CMD. The resulting knowledge enables more accurate identification of employees at risk of RSA. We conducted a search in June 2023 using the following databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (Cinahl), Embase and Business Source Ultimate (BSU). Inclusion criteria were as follows: (self-)employees, CMD, related factors, RSA. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The Individual, Group, Leader, Organisation and Overarching/social context (IGLOO) model were used to cluster the found factors and these factors were graded by evidence grading. Nineteen quantitative and one qualitative studies of mainly high and some moderate quality were included in this review. A total of 78 factors were found. These factors were grouped according to the IGLOO levels and merged in 17 key factors. After evidence grading, we found that mainly low socioeconomic status (SES) and the type of previous SA (short-term SA and SA due to CMD) are predictors of an increased risk of RSA. Having a low SES and previous experience of SA (short term, or due to CMD) are factors that predict the chance of RSA, implying the need for prolonged support from occupational health professionals after the employee has returned to work.

Occupational health staff's involvement contributes to supervisor's perceived organizational support in Japanese workforce: a prospective cohort study.

Enhancing employees' perceived organizational support (POS) is crucial for organization, and one effective approach is enhancing supervisors' POS. However, there is limited research focusing specifically on enhancing supervisors' POS. We aimed to investigate the influence of occupational health staff's involvement for supervisors on their POS. A prospective cohort study was conducted using an online survey targeting supervisors in various industries across Japan. We assessed supervisors' POS using an effective 8-items of the Japanese version of the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support. Data on the involvement of occupational health staff in providing occupational health staff's involvement in providing supervisors with training on workplace health management and guidance on addressing specific subordinates with health concerns were collected. The association between these involvement and POS was assessed through multiple regression analyses. The study involved 541 supervisors with occupational health staff at their workplace in the final analysis. Training from occupational health staff was significantly associated with an increase in POS at follow-up after adjustment for potential confounders, including demographic variables and POS at baseline. Similarly, guidance from occupational health staff was also significantly associated with an increase POS. This effect was particularly notable in small workplaces. Our study indicates that occupational health staff's involvement in supporting supervisors can contribute to enhancing supervisors' POS, especially in small workplaces. These findings suggest that by developing structured systems and establishing specific roles for occupational health staff, organizations may effectively enhance supervisors' POS.

Adaptations of the work environment facilitating the professional activity of seniors

Analysis of demographic trends indicates that there is an increasing proportion of people who can be described as elderly. In Poland, the population aged >60 years is expected to increase to 10.8 million in 2030 and to 13.7 million in 2050, i.e., around 40% of total population. In line with the general trend, the issue of the aging of the professionally active population is becoming more relevant. The average age of the world's working population is steadily increasing. In the European Union, workers aged 55-64 years accounted for 50% of the total workforce in 2013, and already 59% in 2018. In Poland, in 2018, people aged 55-64 years accounted for 49% of the employed population. The low percentage of people working at this age is due, among other things, to employers' attitudes towards employing older people, perceiving them as employees who are more difficult to manage and have health problems. Moreover, working conditions of seniors are not adapted to their age capabilities. It is necessary to reduce the burden of physical work, especially in awkward positions, carrying loads, monotonous work and piecework. It is important to create work organization in which it is possible to refer to the experience of older people, who should have freedom of action, without time pressure and the need to perform many tasks at the same time. The ever-increasing social dependence on information technology tools creates new problems for seniors. Taking into account age-related difficulties in acquiring new knowledge, it is important to provide them with simplified tools that are easier to use. The scope of necessary actions to enable the aging population to work is very wide, ranging from legislative, technological and organizational changes, ending with education addressed both to people responsible for employee safety (including occupational health services) and to current and potential employees. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3).

Socioeconomic differences in limited lung function: a cross-sectional study of middle-aged and older adults in Germany

BackgroundLimited lung function represents a serious health impairment. However, studies investigating social inequalities in limited lung function are rare. Thus, the current study investigates which socioeconomic groups are the most affected by overall limited lung function and severely limited lung function.MethodsData from the population-based German Aging Survey were used (N = 4472), with participants being 40 + years old. Lung function was assessed by the peak flow test. Education, income, and occupational prestige were used as socioeconomic indicators.ResultsWe found that overall limited lung function was highly prevalent across the whole sample, with about 33% (Women: 35%; Men: 30%) having overall limited lung function and 8% (Women: 7%; Men: 8%) having severely limited lung function. Socioeconomic differences in limited lung function emerged for all three indicators, education, income, and occupational prestige, in both men and women in single effect analyses. These differences persisted for occupational prestige and income when controlling for all indicators simultaneously.ConclusionsThus, overall and severely limited lung function are highly prevalent health conditions. Men and women with a low occupational position and those with low income are the most affected. Socioeconomic indicators cannot be used interchangeably when studying health inequalities in lung functioning. Occupational hazards and physical working conditions are likely to constitute major risks of health inequalities in limited lung functioning and should be investigated as such by future studies.