Work-related Ill-health Research Articles

Investigating work-related ill health effects in optimizing the performance of manufacturing systems

Working environment affects human health condition and performance. Human Factors (HF) scholars aim to elaborate this effect. However, HF studies mostly focus on employee occupational health and safety elements and their consequences on employee health conditions. They do not take into account Work-related Ill Health (WIH) risk factor effects at the system level. In contrast, operations research studies usually assume that operators involved in a system have identical performances and rarely consider WIH risk factor effects in optimizing system performance. This paper proposes a 2-state Markov chain model to quantify WIH risk factor effects and thereby estimate their economic impacts in optimizing a serial assembly line’s performance. Results of this research demonstrate between 0.52 percent and 8 percent increase for the total cost of the system as WIH risk levels change. This paper opens a new window to understand economic consequences of WIH effects, and to enhance systems performance by investigating working conditions.

Work-related ill-health: Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain 2005-2012.

Data on work-related ill-health (WRIH) in the Republic of Ireland is inconsistent. To compare the incidence of WRIH in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB) reported by clinical specialists in skin and respiratory medicine and by specialist occupational physicians (OPs). Analysis of data reported to three surveillance schemes in The Health and Occupation Research (THOR) network in ROI and corresponding UK schemes. Contact dermatitis was the most frequently reported skin disease in the three areas. Asthma was the most frequently-reported respiratory disease in the ROI, while asbestos-related cases predominate in GB and NI. Mental health disorders, followed by musculoskeletal disorders were reported most frequently by OPs. Annual average incidence rates for skin disease were 2 per 100000 employed (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-2.8) in the ROI and 7 per 100000 for GB (95% CI 4.8-9.4). Unadjusted incidence rates for respiratory disease were 1 (95% CI 0.3-1) and 8 (95% CI 6.1-10.7) per 100000 in the ROI and GB, respectively; adjusted for reporter non-response, these figures increased to 15 (95% CI 11.3-19.6) and 32 (95% CI 28.4-35.6) per 100000 respectively. This is the first paper to include THOR data on WRIH from the ROI, NI and GB. Consistent and dedicated data collection in the ROI via the THOR schemes is viable and important in the light of a deficit of occupational ill-health data. Sustained efforts to improve participation are underway.

333 Adapting an interrupted time series design to voluntarily reported surveillance data: Advantages of statistical interactions in reducing bias

ObjectivesTo describe the method we use to identify temporal associations between events such as changes in legislation and changes in the incidence of work-related ill-health (WRI) using surveillance data and...

Time trends in the incidence of work-related mental ill-health and musculoskeletal disorders in the UK

ObjectivesTo determine UK trends (from 1996 to 2009) in incidence of work-related mental ill-health and musculoskeletal disorders, for all industry as well as for health and social care employees. Second,...

Comparison of work-related ill-health data from different GB sources

A number of data sources help inform policy decisions regarding the risk of work-related ill-health. To compare self-reported and medically reported data from multiple sources and discuss their benefits and limitations in providing estimates of work-related ill-health incidence in Great Britain. Sources included The Health & Occupation Reporting network (THOR & THOR-GP (THOR in General Practice)) and the survey of Self-reported Work-related Illness (SWI). Results from SWI and THOR from GPs, rheumatologists, psychiatrists, dermatologists and respiratory physicians (2006-2009) were compared. THOR-GP data also included patient referrals information. Overall incidence rates were highest when calculated from self-reported data, and lowest from clinical specialists. SWI rates were higher than GP rates for mental ill-health (SWI 790, GP 500 per 100 000 persons employed) and 'other' diagnoses (SWI 368, GP 41), whereas incidence rates for musculoskeletal (SWI 670, GP 684) and skin diagnoses (SWI 38, GP 152) were higher from GPs. Very few cases of musculoskeletal and mental ill-health were referred to clinical specialists (<1%). Skin (15%) and respiratory (26%) cases were referred more frequently. Case mix varied by data source. SWI is more inclusive than THOR-GP; however, reports are unsubstantiated by medical opinion. Clinical specialist reports are subject to biases such as severity and referral patterns. GP data benefit from their inclusion of less severe cases than reports from secondary care and may give a better reflection of the incidence of diseases with a work-related aetiology unrecognized by self-reporting individuals.

Work-related sickness absence as reported by UK general practitioners

Issues surrounding sickness absence are of interest due to growing awareness of the costs to employers and the UK economy, a greater understanding of the interaction between health and work, and increasing evidence that work is beneficial to physical and mental well-being. The Health & Occupation Reporting network in General Practice (THOR-GP) is a national source of information on work-related sickness absence. To assess the factors influencing work-related sickness absence in the UK. General practitioners (GPs) report cases of work-related ill-health via an online web form. Sickness absence information reported with each case was compared by demographic information, diagnosis/symptom and employment factors. Between 2006 and 2009, THOR-GP received 5683 case reports of work-related ill-health; 53% were musculoskeletal diagnoses and 31% were mental ill-health diagnoses. Over half (56%) of cases reported had associated sickness absence. Diagnosis had a highly significant influence on the occurrence of any associated sickness absence. Eighty-one per cent of mental ill-health cases were reported to result in sickness absence compared to 50% of musculoskeletal cases. Public sector employees incurred sickness absence more frequently than those from the private sector. Industries with the highest mental ill-health incidence rates had sickness absence episodes most frequently. Within employment groups, levels of sickness absence were inversely proportional to the level of self-employment. These data reported by GPs with vocational training in occupational medicine may help to inform policy decisions targeting work-related exposures and the management of sickness absence, thereby reducing the UK burden of work-related sickness absence.

Work-related injury and ill-health among mountain instructors in the UK

In most industrialised countries, work-related injury and ill-health presents a major burden to society. Musculoskeletal disorders and stress are the most common reported illness types with those working in some industries more at risk than others. This study aimed to understand the occupational health issues of those working as mountain instructors in the outdoor sector within the UK and to identify the cultural norms and behaviours among this unique occupational group which influence health. Semi-structured, telephone interviews were conducted with 20 qualified mountaineers to gain information on work-related injury and ill-health. The majority of interviewees reported a current work-related musculoskeletal problem. Key factors were identified which prevented effective rehabilitation, including; a ‘macho’ attitude among young instructors, self-imposed extended working hours/days and mismanagement of injuries. Self-employed instructors reported that sick leave after a minor injury or illness was not financially viable. Work-related issues leading to stress were also reported.

Calculating incidence rates of work-related ill-health from general practice – establishing the denominator

ObjectivesPopulation-based incidence rate data is essential when assessing employment sectors at risk. This study aimed to investigate the best methods of estimating the size and characteristics of a population derived...

Using multiple data sources to triangulate work-related ill-health incidence estimates

ObjectivesA number of data sources help inform policy decisions regarding the risk of work-related ill-health and sickness absence. This study aimed to compare self-reported and medically reported data from a...

Using standardised incidence rate ratios to compare the incidence of medically-reported work-related asthma across occupations and industries

ObjectivesTo develop methodology to compare the incidence of work-related ill-health (WRI) within occupations and industries and to identify those with significantly raised incidence of WRI.MethodsThe Health and Occupation Reporting network...

Occupation and work-related ill-health in UK construction workers

Construction workers are at increased risk of work-related ill-health (WRI) worldwide. To compare the incidence of medically reported WRI in occupations within the UK construction industry according to job title. We calculated standardized incidence rate ratios (SRRs) using WRI cases for individual job titles returned to The Health and Occupation Reporting network by clinical specialists and UK population denominators. We counted frequencies of reported causal exposures or tasks reported by clinical specialists, occupational physicians and general practitioners. We found significantly increased incidence of WRI compared with other workers in the same major Standard Occupational Classification, i.e. workers with similar levels of qualifications, training, skills and experience, for skin neoplasia in roofers (SRR 6.3; 95% CI: 3.1-13.1), painters and decorators (2.1; 95% CI: 1.2-3.6) and labourers in building and woodworking trades (labourers, 6.6; 95% CI: 3.2-13.2); contact dermatitis in metal workers (1.4; 95% CI: 1.1-1.7) and labourers (1.6; 95% CI: 1.1-2.3); asthma in welders (3.8; 95% CI: 2.8-5.0); musculoskeletal disorders in welders (1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.8), road construction operatives (6.1; 95% CI: 3.8-9.6) and labourers (2.5; 95% CI: 1.7-3.7); long latency respiratory disease (mesothelioma, pneumoconiosis, lung cancer, non-malignant pleural disease) in pipe fitters (4.5; 95% CI: 3.2-6.2), electrical workers (2.7; 95% CI: 2.4-3.2), plumbing and heating engineers (2.3; 95% CI: 1.9-2.7), carpenters and joiners (2.7; 95% CI: 2.3-3.1), scaffolders (12; 95% CI: 8-18) and labourers (3.3; 95% CI: 2.6-4.1). UK construction industry workers have significantly increased risk of WRI. These data in individual construction occupations can be used to inform appropriate targeting of occupational health resources.

Surveillance for work-related audiological disease in the UK: 1998-2006

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) from prolonged occupational exposure to noise continues to rank among the top worldwide work-related ill-health problems. To provide an overview of incident cases based on work-related audiological ill-health data collected over a 9-year period from occupational physicians (OPs), audiological physicians (APs), general practitioners and otorhinolaryngologists. Analysis of numerator data reported by physicians to surveillance schemes within The Health and Occupation Reporting network (THOR). The actual cases were multiplied by the sampling ratio to provide estimated numerator numbers, followed by calculation of incidence rates using denominator data derived from the Labour Force Survey and from surveys of participating OPs. Two thousand five hundred and eighty-two estimated cases (2584 estimated diagnoses) were received from OPs (Occupational Physicians Reporting Activity [OPRA]), and 2192 estimated cases (3208 estimated diagnoses) of work-related audiological ill-health were received from consultant APs [Occupational Surveillance Scheme for Audiological physicians (OSSA)] from 1998 to 2006. Cases where the causal agent was noise exposure (NIHL and tinnitus) made up of 95 and 97% of all cases reported to OPRA and OSSA, respectively. The annual average incidence rate for noise-induced audiological disorders was 7.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.6-11.1] per 100 000 persons employed (OPRA) and 0.8 (95% CI 0.7-1.0) per 100 000 persons employed (OSSA). Workers with the highest incidence were older males employed in public administration and defence and the manufacture of metals. THOR data show that diagnoses related to work-related noise exposure (NIHL/tinnitus), as reported to THOR, remain important health problems, despite preventive measures being in place.

Capacidade laboral dos segurados do INSS portadores de LER/DORT que retornaram ao trabalho

Introdução: As lesões musculoesqueléticas são uma das principais causas de problemas de saúde relacionados ao trabalho. Objetivo: Avaliar a capacidade laboral de segurados do INSS com DORT que retornaram ao trabalho. Métodos: Selecionaram-se 22 trabalhadores do setor produtivo de uma unidade fabril da cidade de Campina Grande (PB) que foram afastados de suas atividades trabalhistas com diagnóstico de DORT que voltaram a trabalhar. Para medir a capacidade laboral, utilizou-se o Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT). Resultados: Verificou-se, por meio do ICT, que dos 22 trabalhadores pesquisados, 4 (18,18%) obtiveram uma pontuação correspondente à capacidade laboral “baixa”; 15 (68,18%), “moderada”, e 3 (13,64%), “boa”. Conclusão: A maioria dos trabalhadores, portanto, retornou ao trabalho com uma moderada capacidade laboral, de acordo com o ICT, o que sugere que devem ser tomadas medidas para melhorar a qualidade da reabilitação profissional promovida pelo INSS aos acometidos de doenças laborais.

S158 Occupational asthma; referral patterns from primary care in the UK

Introduction and ObjectivesOccupational asthma is the commonest reported occupational lung disease in the UK1.The British Occupational Health Research Foundation (BOHRF)2 guidelines 2010 recommend that ‘all family practices be able to...

P6 Work-related respiratory symptoms in the UK; Do primary care physicians miss diagnostic opportunities in occupational asthma?

Introduction and objectivesOccupational lung disease is prevalent and costly. Population-based studies show that up to 20 cases of occupational lung disease per 100 000 workers per year should be identified.1...

Improving estimates of specialist-diagnosed, work-related respiratory and skin disease

Work-related skin and respiratory disease still constitute an important part of the work-related ill-health (WRIH) burden of Great Britain (GB). It is therefore important to be able to accurately quantify the true incidence of these two groups of disease. To improve the accuracy of the methodology to estimate clinical specialist incidence rates, with a focus on skin and respiratory disease. Specifically, we sought to estimate the number of additional cases not captured by voluntary surveillance through The Health and Occupation Reporting (THOR) network and provide a better estimation of the true incidence of work-related skin and respiratory disease in GB. Cases not captured by THOR in 2005-2007 due to non-participation of eligible clinical specialists and due to <100% response rates by THOR participants were estimated, and the numerator adjusted accordingly. Adjusted incidence rates were calculated using Labour Force Survey data as the denominator. During 2005-2007, 62% of skin cases and 60% of GB respiratory cases were likely to have been captured by THOR. After adjustment, dermatologist-derived incidence rates for skin disease were raised from 9 to 14 per 100,000 employed, while those for respiratory disease were raised from 10 to 17 per 100,000 employed. We have provided a significant improvement in the surveillance-based methodology used to estimate the number of cases of WRIH captured by THOR and hence enabled more accurate estimations of GB incidence rates for clinical specialist-reported WRIH.

Work-related injury and ill-health among mountaineers in the UK: identifying key factors

BackgroundChronic illnesses are recognised as one of the most expensive health problems in industrialised countries. In 2008/2009, an estimated 1.2 million Britons were suffering from an illness they believed was...

Older men, work and health

To consider the complex interrelationships between work and health among older men, drawing out the importance of considering gender difference in approaches to occupational medicine. The method used in the literature search was to review national and international research published in English since 1990 on the health and work of older men. Journal articles were the primary source. Databases used included Web of Science, CSA Illumina Social Sciences, CINAHL, Medline and ANGINFO. The review of the evidence was structured in terms of key themes emerging from the literature into which issues of gender, ethnicity, age and socio-economic inequalities were cross cut. The current paper now focuses on two of those themes that have particular relevance to occupational medicine: work-caused and work-related ill-health, and secondly promoting workplace health. It begins by setting the scene with a profile of older men in the labour market. Two key themes emerge from the review, which are of particular significance. One is the central role that work plays in the lives and identity of men and therefore the impact this has on their health, both in and out of work. Secondly, the occupational histories of men expose them to work-related and work-caused ill-health, which has consequences for life expectancy and chronic disease in old age. These findings have implications for future research, policy formulation and implementation, and for public health practice.

Medically reported work-related ill-health in the UK agricultural sector

Self-reported work-related ill-health (WRI) statistics suggest that agricultural workers in the UK are at an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), skin and respiratory disease. However, there is little comprehensive medically reported information on WRI in the UK agricultural sector. Cases of WRI within the UK from 2002 to 2008, as reported to The Health and Occupation Reporting (THOR) network by occupational physicians, clinical specialists and general practitioners, were analysed. Directly standardized incidence rate ratios (SRRs) for the agricultural sector versus all other sectors were calculated for dermatological, musculoskeletal, respiratory and psychological illness, using as the standard population the UK working population as estimated from the Labour Force Survey. During 2002-08, 471 cases within the agricultural sector were reported to THOR (2% of all cases). Based on reports by clinical specialists, male agricultural workers aged <65 years had significantly raised SRRs for MSD (2.3, 95% CI 1.6-3.3), allergic alveolitis (32, 95% CI 19-51), asthma (1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.0) and skin neoplasia (7.9, 95% CI 5.8-10.9) and a significantly reduced SRR for asbestos-related respiratory disease (0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.7). Reports of mental ill-health in agricultural workers were low. These medically reported incidence data provide information on WRI in the UK agricultural sector. Consistent with other sources, there are increased risks for asthma, allergic alveolitis and MSD and a reduced risk for mental ill-health. The raised incidence of skin cancer requires confirmation and further comparison with reliable estimates of the incidence in the UK workforce.

Work-Related Negative Experience

This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between poor employee well-being (PEWB) and work-related mental ill-health and substance consumption (MIH). It is proposed as a unification model that links both work-related negative consequences on the basis of the experiences of threat, loss, and frustration at work. PEWB contains the following elements: emotional discomfort, bodily uneasiness, organizational distance, task impairment, and dragging workday; and MIH includes work-related anxiety, depression, irritability, cigarette smoking, alcohol and drug consumption, and physical illness. Six hundred ninety-seven participants, working in a wide range of jobs and occupations, completed the survey. Results indicated that PEWB and MIH are significantly associated, after controlling for demographic and personal factors. Sense sharing between PEWB-MIH and PEWB element combination explained the relationships between both constructs. These findings could be helpful for organizations interested in preserving and improving worker mental health.