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Introduction The workplace is among the main activities for a large proportion of the population, and consequently a source of potential Sars-Cov2 infection. In this study we investigated longitudinally the incidence of COVID-19 by sector Methods The 14-day incidence of confirmed COVID-19 cases per NACE-BEL code is calculated cross-sectionally in periods immediately preceding the Belgian soft lock-down of October 19, 2020, and is evaluated longitudinally by a Gaussian-Gaussian modelling two-stage approach. Additionally, we are analysing contact tracing data for companies affiliated with occupational health service IDEWE. Results The peak of COVID-19 14-day incidence was reached in the period October 20-November 2, 2020 and was considerably higher than average in human health activities, residential care activities, fitness facilities, human resource provision, hairdressing and other beauty treatment and some public service activities. During the course of the study, we observed large outbreaks in processing, production and preserving of meat, poultry. Similarly, higher incidences was shown in some manufacturing sectors that are not able to telework (manufacturing of metals and textile). Employees in wholesale and retail daily confronted with multiple close contacts, resulting in higher incidences of COVID-19. Finally, the incidence of COVID-19 in the non-medical contact professions remained in general above the working population incidence. Finally, it is encouraging that 3 to 4 weeks after vaccination that the 14-day incidences in health care workers, in- and out-hospital, and residential care in elderly employees are the lowest of all sectors, Conclusion This analysis can help us to better understand causes of increased infection rates and it can offer us ways to reduce infections without jeopardizing the continuity of these sectors/companies for the benefit of all. These data can also support the epidemiological evidence for the recognition of COVID-19 as occupational disease.

Introduction Only few data on the (problematic) use of alcohol in workers and possible job related effects are available. Methods In 2016 an anonymized questionnaire was filled out by Belgian employees while waiting for a periodical occupational health screening. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test- Consumption (AUDIT-C) was used to measure prevalence of alcohol consumption. Also, the effects on absenteeism, lost productivity, workplace accidents, conflicts with co-workers and sanctions by employers were investigated. Result 5367 workers completed the questionnaires. 37.1% of last year drinkers (n=4197) drank more than once a week; 36.4% with an average daily consumption of 3 to 4 units, 11.4% with ≥5 to 6 units. Respectively 22.7% and 7.8% exhibited binge drinking at least once a month/week. Based on AUDIT-C 39.1% of last year drinkers had an indication of problematic drinking. This was significantly higher among higher educated and male employees Discussion Overall results show that problem drinking among workers is a typically male issue. Given the negative impact of work, a tailored and multicomponent alcohol policy in different sectors need to be implemented.

Introduction Working life will increase due to a raise of the legal retirement age. Yet, its success will depend on the willingness and ability of workers to remain at work. Work-ability, the backbone of sustainable employability, should therefore continuously be monitored and promoted. Work-ability is determined by health and functional capacities; competences; values, attitudes and motivation; work, work community and leadership. Evidence shows that health, functional capacities and work (community) affect work-ability the most. Work-ability and both latter factors were therefore assessed in a large sample of employees and compared between younger and older workers. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in 100 Belgian companies. The online questionnaire ‘Wellfie’ was used, which is based on the ‘house of work-ability’. The tool consists of validated scales assessing work-ability using four questions of the work-ability index (Range: 1: very bad to 5: very good), lifestyle (diseases) and physical burden. Descriptive statistics were performed using frequencies and equality of proportions was analysed using Chi-square. Result 3887 participants completed Wellfie (i.e. 67% female, 33% male; 60% age Discussion Ageing goes along with a higher risk for chronic diseases and comorbidities affecting employee’s work-ability. Employers should therefore invest more in a health promotion policy for all workers.

Few data on the use of alcohol and other drugs in workers and possible effects on job performance are available. In 2016 an anonymized questionnaire was distributed among Belgian employees while waiting for a periodical medical examination. AUDIT-C and One Single Questions were used to measure prevalence of substance use. Effects on absenteeism, lost productivity, workplace accidents, conflicts with co-workers and sanctions by employers respectively experienced by the workers and observed among colleagues were investigated. 5367 workers completed the questionnaires. 83% drank at least one standard unit in the 12 months preceding the survey; 7.5% had used cannabis or other illegal drugs, 9.3% hypnotics, 5.5% tranquillizers and 7.9% antidepressants; 11.3% took prescribed drugs for nonmedical reasons. 11.4% of current drinkers had an average consumption of 5 to 6 units a day, which was significantly higher among employees 39.1% of last year drinkers had an indication of problem drinking and 12.2% experienced consequences on the job. 27.8% observed negative effects among their colleagues, especially being late at work (18.3%), irregular job performances (18%) and absenteeism (15.7%) Due to illicit drug use, 1.2% of the respondents experienced some negative effects on the job, 7.2% observed negative effects among their colleagues. Regarding the use of psychoactive medication, significantly more used by women, this was respectively 3% and 10.7%. As the negative impact of work related substance use, especially of alcohol, is obvious, a tailored and multicomponent alcohol and drug policy is appropriate.