Employee Health Research Articles

Mammalian Meat Allergy and IgE to Alpha-Gal in Central Virginia: Findings From a COVID-19 Vaccine and Patient Cohort

IgE to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) is linked to tick bites and an important cause of anaphylaxis and urticarial reactions to mammalian meat. The alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is recognized as being common in the southeastern United States. However, prevalence studies are lacking and open questions remain about risk factors and clinical presentation of alpha-gal sensitization. Here we characterized the prevalence as well as the presentation and risk factors of AGS and alpha-gal IgE sensitization in adults in central Virginia recruited without regard to the history of allergic disease. Adults in central Virginia, primarily University of Virginia Health employees, were recruited as part of a COVID-19 vaccine study. Subjects provided at least one blood sample and answered questionnaires about medical and dietary history. We used ImmunoCAP for IgE assays and assessed the ABO blood group by reverse typing using stored serum. We also investigated biobanked serum from COVID-19 patients. Median age of the 267 enrollees was 42 years, 76% were female, and 43 (16%) were sensitized to alpha-gal (cutoff of 0.1 IU/mL), of which mammalian meat allergy was reported by seven (2.6%). Sensitized subjects (1) were older, (2) had higher total IgE levels but a similar frequency of IgE to common respiratory allergens, and (3) were more likely to report tick bites than were nonsensitized subjects. Among those who were sensitized, alpha-gal IgE levels were higher among meat-allergic than nonallergic subjects (geometric mean, 9.0 vs 0.5 IU/mL; P< .001). Mammalian meat and dairy consumption was common in individuals with low-level sensitization. In central Virginia, AGS is a dominant cause ofadult food allergy with a prevalence approaching or exceeding2%.

Bibliometric Analysis of Technology Adoption for Enhancing Employee Well-being

This research employs bibliometric analysis to explore the intersection of technology adoption and employee well-being. By systematically retrieving and examining scholarly articles from prominent academic databases, the study highlights the evolution of technology in workplaces and its significant impact on employee wellness. Key insights are drawn from a range of bibliometric metrics, including citation analysis and co-occurrence maps, revealing trends, gaps, and emerging themes within the literature. The study demonstrates a critical shift in scholarly focus from traditional employee management practices to the integration of sophisticated technologies aimed at enhancing well-being. The results underscore the potential of technological innovations to improve workplace environments and suggest areas for further exploration, particularly in the realms of big data, e-government, and cross-disciplinary applications.

Assessing health risks from bioaccessible PM2.5-bound toxic metals in Nanchang metro: Implications for metro workers and emissions control

High concentrations of PM2.5 with enriched levels of metallic constituents could significantly affect the health and comfort of metro employees. To avoid overestimating the exposure risks, we investigated the bioaccessibility of toxic metals (TMs) bound in PM2.5 from the Nanchang metro using Gamble's solution method, and qualitatively analyzed the impact of valence state and various sources on the bioaccessibility of TMs bound to PM2.5. The results showed that the bioaccessibility of the studied TMs ranged from 2.1% to 88.1%, with As, Ba, Co and Pb being the most bioaccessible and V, Fe and Cr being the less bioaccessible. The bioaccessibility of TMs in our subway PM2.5 samples varied based on their valence and species, showing higher valence states associated with increased bioaccessibility. Vehicle traffic, secondary aerosols and wheel/rail sources were found to be significantly and positively associated with the bioaccessibility of several TMs, implying a severe potential risk from these three sources. Although both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with total TMs were found to be high, only As and Cr(VI) posed a considerable carcinogenic risk to metro workers based on the bioaccessible fractions and were therefore priority pollutants. In addition, potential carcinogenic risk was found to be more severe in platform than that in ticket counter. The results indicate that considerable efforts are required to control and manage PM2.5 and the associated TMs in the Nanchang subway, particularly from traffic, wheel/rail and secondary sources, to protect the health of metro staff and the public.

A comparison of periodic health examinations and workplace health screening for workers in Singapore and Japan.

This article aims to provide a historical overview of how workplace safety and health legislations in Singapore and Japan have evolved, and perform a comparative analysis of the occupational health systems where work-related medical examinations and health screening are concerned. The discourse is centered on three key themes - coverage, comprehensiveness, and continuity of care. The comparative analysis was performed based on secondary data obtained from open-source platforms. Singapore and Japan have robust workplace safety and health legislative frameworks and laws. However, their approaches diverge because of differing socioeconomic and political contexts. Japan's regulations are generally more comprehensive, require more frequent monitoring of workers' health status, and encompass both physical and mental health components. Singaporean companies focus primarily on the physical component of health, and statutory examinations are required only for exposure to specific occupational hazards. With increasing prominence of mental health issues and shift towards preventive care in Singapore, there will be greater emphasis on a holistic approach to each employee's overall health in future. For Japan, the challenge would be to strike a balance between long-term sustainability of current policies against the need for state and corporations to still retain an adequate stake in ensuring workers' overall health.

Occupational therapy's role in promoting the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." developmental monitoring program to public health employees.

Occupational therapists can play a key role in early identification of delay at the population health level by providing education to public health employees on how to implement developmental monitoring with caregivers of children birth to age 5. A pretest posttest design was utilized to assess the online education and training that was provided to Department of Public Health employees (N = 339), including Head Start, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, Home Visiting, and Early Intervention. Analysis of pretest-posttest survey data showed significant results for all 12 key learning outcomes. Six out of 12 outcomes were found to have a large effect size (d > 0.8), 4 outcomes indicated a medium effect size (d > 0.5), and 2 outcomes had a small effect size (d > 0.2). Participants gained knowledge of the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." (LTSAE) developmental monitoring program, the difference between developmental monitoring and screening, the state's referral system and age-appropriate parental engagement activities through knowledge of child development. Occupational therapists are child development specialists who can provide education on developmental monitoring and activities for parental engagement. The online course proved to be an effective platform to promote LTSAE within state agencies.

Comparison of stress, anxiety and depression levels of health, education and security sector employees: The effect of psychological resilience.

This study compared the stress, anxiety and depression levels in employees working in the health, education and security sectors. The study also investigated the effect of psychological resilience on stress, anxiety, and depression levels and whether the stress, anxiety, depression and psychological resilience levels of employees differ according to occupational and demographic variables. In this cross-sectional study, 1222 employees participated, comprising 50.8% from the health sector, 37.7% from education, and 11.5% from security. Data were collected using the Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Scale-21 and the Brief Resilience Scale. The study revealed varying rates of severe stress (49.1%), anxiety (74.0%), and depression (53.2%) among participants. Health employees experienced higher stress (52.1%), anxiety (77.0%), and depression (58%) rates compared to those in education (46.4%, 72.4%, and 48.4%) and security sectors (44.3%, 66.4%, and 48.5%). Health employees exhibited higher stress, anxiety, and depression levels, signifying a significant difference. Furthermore, the research identified psychological resilience as a crucial predictor of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, these mental health issues were more prevalent among younger individuals with less work experience, females, private sector employees, singles, and those without children. The findings of the study showed that the level of stress, anxiety and depression was high in employees working in all three sectors (health, education and security), but mental problems were more common in health employees. The fact that psychological resilience is a significant predictor of stress, anxiety and depression levels indicates that this factor should be taken into account.

Professional reliability of personnel and corporate wellness programs

To consider the key aspects of providing professional reliability of the personnel and their connection with the health preservation programs and transformation into corporate wellness programs. The importance of a healthy lifestyle is generally recognized. At the same time motivating employees to a healthy lifestyle is generally considered to be a complex task as well. The need to shift towards a comprehensive approach is noted, the development of corporate well-being programs aimed at supporting and improving the physical and psychological health of employees in particular, as well as enhancing their professional skills and qualities. This becomes a strategic move for the company, aimed at creating a healthy and supportive environment. Moreover, the development of such programs may not only be a business initiative but also align with the trends of the state policy of the Russian Federation. It can be confidently stated that the issue requires further discussion and exploration. A balanced approach to professional training, motivation, psychological support, and health programs is a key to creating a productive and steady labor potential for the enterprise.

Impacts of educational interventions of librarian instruction on health information seeking attitudes and behaviors in an employee wellness program.

Health literacy and its potential impacts on the wellbeing of patrons remain a highly regarded objective among health science and medical librarians when considering learning outcomes of patron communities. Librarians are positioned to champion literacy instruction activities. This study aimed to examine health information seeking attitudes and behaviors in an academic-based employee wellness program before and after health literacy workshops were developed and facilitated by an academic health sciences librarian. The intervention included instruction informed by Don Nutbeam's Health Literacy Framework and the Research Triangle Institute's Health Literacy Conceptual Framework. Sixty-five participants obtained through convenience sampling attended workshops and were invited to respond to pre- and post-session surveys. Using a quantitative quasi-experimental methodology, surveys collected health literacy indicators including preferred sources and handling practices of in-person and online health information. Findings indicated workshops influenced information seeking behaviors as participants documented a decrease in social media use for health and wellness information (-36%) and medical information (-13%). An increase in the usage of consumer health databases (like Medline Plus) was also indicated post-workshop for health and wellness information (18%) and medical information (31%). Favorable impacts are evident in this small-scale study; however, more research is needed to confirm the influence of these methods on larger and more diverse populations. Librarians should continue to develop and disseminate theory-informed tools and methods aimed at engaging various communities in constructive health information seeking practices.

QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL RISK BASED ON DETERMINING THE COSTS OF ENSURING LIFE AND HEALTH OF EMPLOYEES

Implementing a quantitative occupational risk assessment is legislated as an employer’s responsibility nowadays. Yet, there is no unified approach to risk assessment. Employers make decision on a certain methodological approach depending on current industrial processes and existing occupational health and management system on their own. The study aims to develop a unified methodological approach to quantitative occupational risk assessment. The research methodology is based on the provisions of regulatory documents in occupational health and safety, scientific publications on occupational risk assessment. The research method involves analyzing normative and methodological literature on occupational risk management and the statistical data on occupational safety expenditures of companies. The article presents a comparison of the main available approaches used in companies to implement a quantitative occupational risk assessment. The results show there is no possibility to justify the costs of risk response activities in a vast majority of methods. The authors propose a methodological approach to occupational risk assessment based on determining the costs of ensuring life and health of employees. This approach allows to develop and substantiate activities on occupational risk reduction and the improvement of industrial safety level in a company as well as to assess the effect expected of the implementation of corrective actions. The actual vector of scientific research on the subject is to create and implement information systems for occupational risk management and decision-making support based on the developed approach in companies.

Perceived organizational support moderates the effect of job demands on outcomes: Testing the JD-R model in Italian oncology nurses.

The research aimed to test the job demands-resources (JD-R) model on a sample of Italian oncology workers, and the role of perceived organizational support (POS) as a moderator of the effects of JD on outcomes (job satisfaction and burnout [BO]). Based on the JD-R model, a correlational study was designed to investigate the relationships between JD, POS as a job resource, self-esteem (as a personal resource), and job outcomes (BO and job satisfaction); the research involved a sample of oncology nurses (N = 235) from an Italian public hospital, who completed a questionnaire during working hours. Relationships between variables were investigated with multiple regressions and moderation analysis. Results confirmed that JD predict both BO and job satisfaction; POS is a weak predictor of job outcomes, but its mediator role in the JD-outcomes relationship was confirmed: the more the nurses perceive a supportive organization, the weaker the positive relationship between JD and BO. Findings are consistent with other contributions that highlighted that organizational job resources may attenuate the adverse effect of JD on positive and negative outcomes: POS may play a central role in employee well-being and health, acting as a possible moderator, and somehow defusing the positive association between JD and outcomes.

Working conditions and health status of employees of individual law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation

Introduction. The health of employees of the Russian law enforcement agencies is one of the factors of the success of their professional activities. The activities of law enforcement officers often take place in an extreme situation, due to the suddenness of emergency situations, lack of time to make decisions, a high degree of responsibility for the lives of other people, and the intensity of physical and psycho-emotional overloads. Therefore, at present, the problem of professional health of employees of law enforcement agencies is attracting attention. The study aims to assess the factors of professional activity and health status of employees of individual law enforcement agencies of the Kaliningrad region. Materials and methods. Using the random sampling method, the researchers formed three groups from among employees Using the random sampling method, the researchers formed three groups from among employees of the internal affairs bodies and the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops who are on medical care at the Federal Medical Institution "Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the Kaliningrad region." The experts analyzed the registration form No. 025/u (medical card of a patient receiving outpatient medical care) of these groups of employees of individual law enforcement agencies of the Kaliningrad region. Results. Chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and injuries are the dominant pathology of employees of the law enforcement agencies of the Kaliningrad region who are on medical care at the Federal Medical Institution "Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the Kaliningrad region." Along with acute respiratory diseases, which most often lead to temporary disability, the above pathology causes a prolonged absence of employees in the relevant units, which makes it difficult to fulfill the assigned service and combat tasks to ensure law and order. Conclusion. Extreme factors of service in the vast majority of cases have a negative impact on the health of persons performing service and combat missions. The dominant pathology of employees is chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue and injuries.

Challenges in Manpower Management: Discuss the Challenges Faced by the Automotive Industry in Managing Manpower Due to Rigid Labor Laws and Complex Legal Systems, Especially Concerning Temporary Increases in Workforce to Meet Demand Fluctuations

The automotive industry is at the forefront of technological innovation and economic growth. However, it faces significant challenges in manpower management, particularly due to rigid labor laws and complex legal systems. These challenges are exacerbated when addressing temporary workforce increases to meet demand fluctuations. This paper aims to discuss the multifaceted issues that arise in the context of labor flexibility, talent acquisition, and retention strategies within the automotive sector. Firstly, the industry contends with the difficulty of attracting and retaining talent in a competitive landscape where technology companies and startups often offer more appealing opportunities. The rapid pace of technological advancements demands a workforce that is adaptable and skilled in new and evolving competencies. However, traditional labor laws often do not accommodate the flexible arrangements required to attract such talent. Secondly, the high turnover rate within the automotive industry further complicates manpower management. The need to cultivate leaders from within is hindered by generational differences and a redundant skill set that is increasingly becoming automated. This situation is compounded by the industry’s struggle to maintain employee health and safety, which is paramount given the physical nature of manufacturing jobs. Lastly, the legal complexities associated with temporary staffing to manage demand peaks present a significant hurdle. The industry must navigate a labyrinth of employment regulations that vary by region and often restrict the ability to swiftly adjust workforce levels in response to market needs. The automotive industry must develop robust strategies to overcome these challenges. This includes fostering organizational resilience, reimagining talent management, and advocating for labor law reforms that reflect the dynamic nature of the industry and its workforce requirements. The ability to adapt to these challenges will be a determining factor in the industry’s capacity to sustain innovation and growth in the coming years.

Prioritising mental health: a focus on energy sector fabrication workforce

INPEX and McDermott have teamed up to implement an impactful mental health campaign, in Batam, Indonesia – at the project fabrication site for the INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG energy development. This campaign forms part of a larger program known as ‘Five Star HSSE Program’. Anchored as one of its five key pillars, the mental health element of the program is being championed by senior leadership from both organisations. While mental health awareness is already broadly addressed at the project’s headquarters in Australia, the program’s primary focus has been at the project fabrication site – McDermott’s Batam Fabrication Yard. The program aims to support the mental health and well-being of all yard employees, taking into consideration that statistically construction workers tend to be more susceptible to mental stress.

A Workplace Health Promotion Program for a Predominantly Military Population: Associations with General Health, Mental Well-Being and Sustainable Employability.

Due to the globally increasing life expectancies, many countries are raising their official retirement age to prevent labor shortages and sustain retirement systems. This trend emphasizes the need for sustainable employability. Unhealthy lifestyles pose a risk to sustainable employability as they contribute to chronic diseases and decreased productivity. Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) programs have gained attention as a strategy to enhance employee health and well-being. The Netherlands Armed Forces, a unique employer with demanding psychological and physical requirements, was used as a case study to investigate the associations of a WHP Program with workers health and sustainable employability. The program offered tailor-made guidance to participants (N = 341) through individual coaching trajectories. The program's impact was evaluated by measuring self-reported health, mental well-being, and sustainable employability over a 6-month period. Results indicated significant improvements across all these dimensions after participation in the program. This study provides valuable insights into the benefits of tailor-made WHP programs. While this was an observational study without a control group, this study supports the importance of incorporating individualized approaches in WHP initiatives to foster positive outcomes in health and sustainable employability.

Health Profile of Workers at Gas Station X Maulafa District Kupang City

Gas stations are areas that operate in the petroleum sector where repeated exposure to the products produced (butane, pentane, isopentane, benzene, alkylbenzene, toluene, and xylene) can have an impact in the form of health problems. The individuals with the greatest exposure to gas station products are the workers. According to data, during the period from 2016 to 2018 there were 120 cases of work accidents around gas stations. The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and training regarding the prevention for the worker and management of accidents and illnesses resulting from working at gas stations are important in ensuring worker safety. According to research that has been conducted, it was found that the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is still very low among Gas Station X workers, Maulafa District, Kupang City. Training and equipment that support Occupational Safety and Health programs are also not available to the majority of workers. This is the cause of health problems among Gas Station X workers, Maulafa District, Kupang City. Method: This research is a quantitative study with a cross sectional approach and involved 12 respondents. This study data collection techniques by interview dan physical examination directly to the samples at Gas Station X Maulafa District, Kupang City. Result: Based on the research results, it was found that the majority of Gas Station The health problems found were Peripheral Vertigo (16%), Tension Type Headache (TTH) (8%), Allergic Rhinitis (8%) and Irritant Contact Dermatitis (8%). Conclusion: An occupational risk factor that can affect the occupational safety and health of employees at GAS STATION X is exposure to fuel oil which contains volatile substances. It was found that 4 out of 12 workers at the gas station in Maulafa District, Kupang City experienced health problems, the health problems they experienced were Peripheral Vertigo, Tension Type Headache, Allergic Rhinitis and Irritant ...........

The Impact of E-Marketing on Consumer Satisfaction during Pandemic Time

During the pandemic, E-marketing was of great importance to enterprises in general. Digitized enterprises or enterprises that have been digitized during the pandemic have managed to develop their work processes without stalling in their development. At the time when everything stopped working, the companies that had already digitized processes within their companies were managing to cope with the situation that had gripped the whole world. The approach of enterprises in the time of the pandemic has greatly influenced the perception and importance of the digitalization of enterprises in the daily work processes. Communication, process management, and employee management have been a key factor in not stalling processes, ie in maintaining the health of employees of those enterprises. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the majority of business executives have ordered their organizations to digitize at least a portion of their operations to safeguard workers and cater to clients who are experiencing limited mobility. We have all watched what is undoubtedly going to go down in history as the widespread adoption of digital access to services and remote work, even though many doubters have not recognized this as a viable prospect. Online ordering and delivery have become the primary business of grocery businesses. In many nations, the emphasis in schools is entirely on online education. Plans for "online" supply chains and factories are being actively developed by manufacturers. Although in some regions the masses have started to reopen and businesses are opening, many businesses are still considering digitalization and further development of their internal processes as a priority. Customer satisfaction is one of the greatest assets of any business, including e-business in today's competitive environment. Several factors can help e-businesses to build a base for their customers. It undoubtedly includes service and customer satisfaction which can be the determinants of success.

Health care utilization and behavior changes after workplace genetic testing at a large US health care system

PurposeThis study explored employee health behavior changes and health care utilization after workplace genetic testing (wGT). Wellness-program-associated wGT seeks to improve employee health, but the related health implications are unknown. MethodsEmployees of a large US health care system offering wGT (cancer, heart disease, and pharmacogenomics [PGx]) were sent electronic surveys. Self-reported data from those who received test results were analyzed. Descriptive statistics characterized responses, whereas logistic regression analyses explored correlates of responses to wGT. Results53.9% (n = 418/776) of respondents (88.3% female, mean age = 44 years) reported receiving wGT results. 12.0% (n = 48/399) received results indicating increased risk (IR) of cancer, 9.5% (n = 38/398) had IR of heart disease, and 31.4% (n = 125/398) received informative PGx results. IR results for cancer and/or heart disease (n = 67) were associated with health behavior changes (adjusted odds ratio: 3.23; 95% CI 1.75, 6.13; P < .001) and health care utilization (adjusted odds ratio: 8.60; 95% CI 4.43, 17.5; P < .001). Informative PGx results (n = 125) were associated with medication changes (PGx-informative: 15.2%; PGx-uninformative: 4.8%; P = .002). ConclusionThis study explored employee responses to wGT, contributing to the understanding of the ethical and social implications of wGT. Receiving IR results from wGT may promote health behavior changes and health care utilization in employees.

Leveraging YOLO Models for Safety Equipment Detection on Construction Sites

Occupational safety encompasses a range of practices adopted to protect the health and safety of employees. In the construction and industrial sectors, employees may be exposed to various risks such as falls, impacts, temperature changes and the effects of chemical substances. For this reason, personal protective equipment (PPE) is an important element for protecting employees against risks. The effective use of equipment such as a hardhat, mask, and vest makes an important contribution to the prevention of occupational accidents and health problems by ensuring the safety of employees. This study conducted three separate experiments investigating the potential of deep learning methods on occupational safety. In the first experiment, the YOLOv5n and YOLOv8n models were trained on the same data set with ten classes, and their performance was compared. In the second experiment, the YOLOv8n model was trained on a 2-class dataset to examine how the number of classes affected the model's performance. As a result of the experiments, it was seen that it emphasized the potential of deep learning and object detection methods to quickly and effectively monitor and evaluate the use of personal protective equipment.

Sustainable waste management and organizational performance of food and beverage firms

Purpose: Evidence shows that Numerous sustainability measures have been put in place to mitigate the huge impact of uncontrollable solid waste disposal. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of waste management on the performance of food and beverage firms. Research Methodology: The study surveyed nine (9) food and beverage firms, and data were collected with the use of questionnaire from a sample population of one hundred and fifty-one (151) respondents, through a simple random technique. The multiple regression analysis contained in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM version 23 was used to analyze the data obtained from the field of study. Results: The findings from this study revealed a positive significant impact of recycling on resource conservation, while the second finding showed a negative impact of waste incineration on employee health and safety. Limitations: Waste includes solid, liquid, and gas components. However, prior studies have focused on other forms of waste and industrial goods manufacturing firms, specifically solid waste, as the interest area covered only food and beverage manufacturing firms. Contribution: This study addresses one of the major issues related to global warming that occurs as a result of waste dumping and excessive burning. This study has helped curb these challenges by recycling waste and conserving untapped resources for sustainable performance and the healthy coexistence of humans

Analisis Tingkat Kepentingan dan Kepuasan Konsumen Terhadap Penerapan Keamanan Pangan di Toko Brownies Cinta

&lt;em&gt;This study aimed to determine the level of interest and consumer satisfaction with implementing food safety in Brownies Cinta Mojosongo Urban Village, Surakarta. This quantitative descriptive study uses a sample of 100 Brownies Cinta customers who have visited Brownies Cinta twice. Data collection uses the survey method, and data analysis uses two analytical techniques: the CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) method and the IPA (Importance Performance Analysis) method. The results showed that the order of importance of food safety indicators from the most important were buildings and facilities, production equipment, storage, production location/environment, process control, employee health and hygiene, water supply, hygiene facilities (hand washing), employee training, facilities hygiene (COVID protocol). The analysis results on the CSI method obtained a value of 84.54%, which means that consumers are satisfied with the food safety implementation carried out by Brownies Cinta Mojosongo. The analysis using the IPA method shows that the food safety indicator that needs to be improved is the production location/environment.&lt;/em&gt;