Search

Background: The association of working from home (WFH) with physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) has been explored; however, this association during periods without stringent measures to combat coronavirus disease 2019 is undercharacterized. Particularly, few studies have evaluated the potential effect modification on its associations. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the associations of WFH frequency with accelerometer-measured PA and SB, along with its effect modifiers, among Japanese white-collar workers during the later pandemic period. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 1133 white-collar workers residing in the Tokyo metropolitan area was conducted between April 2022 and March 2023. WFH frequency was evaluated through a self-report questionnaire, while SB and PA during weekdays were measured using a triaxial accelerometer. Linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders were used to examine the association of WFH frequency with PA and SB. Results: Regardless of activity intensity, individuals who worked at home, even for 1 to 2 days per week, demonstrated lower levels of PA and higher levels of SB as compared with those who did not (P <.05). For example, difference between never and ≥5 days per week WFH was approximately 70 minutes/day for total PA and about 4000 steps/day for step counts. Associations between WFH and decreased PA were more pronounced in workers who were older, female, less educated, in sales and service work, nonregular staff, and precontemplating changes in exercise and eating habits. Conclusions: We report that WFH was associated with decreased PA and increased SB in Japanese white-collar workers with pronounced associated in several subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To prospectively examine the association between physical fitness and risk of disability retirement in a large population-based cohort. Methods: This study utilized data from Health 2011 survey Physical Activity subsample (n = 4898), combined with information on disability retirement derived from 2 national registers. In total, 2455 individuals aged 18–74 years underwent the physical fitness test protocol concerning measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and balance. The outcome variable was disability retirement, during the follow-up period of 9 years. After excluding those not at risk of disability retirement (ie, age ≥63 y) or who had already been granted disability pension, and those who had not completed the fitness protocol, the analytical sample included 1381 participants. Data were analyzed using Cox regression model with SPSS (version 29). Results: During the 9-year follow-up period, 61 individuals (4.4%) transitioned to a disability retirement. Cox regression analysis showed an association between the various physical fitness subdomains and the risk of disability retirement. In model 1, all fitness tests were associated with the risk of disability retirement, except the one-leg stand test with hazard ratios ranging from 1.69 (95% CI, 0.86–3.34) to 5.75 (95% CI, 1.84–17.90). Further adjustment for sociodemographic, health behavior, and health-related covariates attenuated the associations and statistical significance was lost, except for the vertical jump test (hazard ratio = 4.33; 95% CI, 1.32–14.10) and 6-minute walk test (hazard ratio = 3.81; 95% CI, 1.35–10.70). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of physical fitness for preventing work disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A growing literature suggests associations between occupational pesticide exposure and respiratory health. In this study, we aimed to examine the association of exposure to insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, individually and as a mixture, with respiratory health outcomes and rhinitis in avocado farmworkers from Michoacán, Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 105 avocado farmworkers between May and August 2021. We quantified 12 insecticide, fungicide, and herbicide metabolites in urine samples collected during two study visits (8-10 weeks apart). We collected survey data on self-reported pesticide use during the 12 months prior to the baseline survey and estimated annual exposure-intensity scores (EIS) using a semi-quantitative exposure algorithm. We also assessed respiratory symptoms, including wheezing, chest tightness, wheezing after exercise, and night cough. We used generalized linear regression models to examine associations of individual urinary metabolite concentrations and annual EIS with respiratory health outcomes and rhinitis. Mixture effects were assessed using Bayesian Weighted Quantile Sum (BWQS) regression. RESULTS: After adjusting for multiple comparisons, we observed mostly null associations of individual pesticide metabolite concentrations and annual EIS with the outcomes of interest. However, in BWQS analyses, we found evidence of a mixture association of urinary pesticide metabolites with increased odds of night cough (OR: 5.34, 95 % CrI: 1.67, 20.62). Pyrethroid metabolites 3-phenoxybenzoic acid and cis- and trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid were the main contributors to this association (43 %). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that exposure to a mixture of pesticides, particularly pyrethroid insecticides, may be associated with night cough in avocado farmworkers.

Employees at wild great ape sites are at high risk of transmitting infectious diseases to endangered great apes. Because of the significant amount of time employees spend near great apes, they are a priority population for the prevention and treatment of zoonotic and zooanthroponotic spillover and need adequate preventive and curative healthcare. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 46 staff (rangers and porters) at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda (BINP) and key informants from five other wild great ape sites around the world were performed. The objectives of the study were to 1) evaluate health-seeking behavior and health resources used by staff in contact with great apes at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; 2) evaluate existing occupational health programs for employees working with great apes in other parts of the world; and 3) make recommendations for improvement of occupational health at BINP. Results show that BINP employees do not frequently access preventive healthcare measures, nor do they have easy access to diagnostic testing for infectious diseases of spillover concern. Recommendations include assigning a dedicated healthcare provider for great ape site staff, providing free annual physical exams, and stocking rapid malaria tests and deworming medication in first aid kits at each site.

Background: Workplace Age Discrimination Experienced (WADE) can be disorientating and detrimental to well-being. Hence, older employees would like to avoid it, but those who experience it may discriminate against their older peers. WADE may be associated with Age Discrimination of Peers (ADP), and this relationship can be moderated by Occupational Health Literacy (OHL). Aim: This study aimed to assess the association of WADE with ADP and to ascertain whether this relationship is moderated by OHL. Methods: A cross-sectional design based on a research-reporting checklist was adopted. Measures against confounding and common methods bias were utlised to avoid or minimise bias. The participants were 1025 middle-aged and older employees (average age = 58 years) who were permanent residents of Accra, Ghana. Hierarchical Linear Regression (HLR) analysis was utilised to analyse the data. Curve estimation was among the methods used to assess assumptions governing HLR analysis. Results: WADE and OHL were positively associated with ADP, but OHL was negatively associated with WADE in the ultimate models incorporating the covariates. WADE was more positively associated with ADP at moderate and higher OHL, which signified positive moderation of the WADE-ADP relationship by OHL. Conclusion: Older employees who experience higher age discrimination at work are more likely to discriminate against peers. OHL can be associated with lower WADE but higher ADP. Qualitative studies are needed to understand why OHL may be related to higher ADP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Work-related sense of coherence (Work-SoC) is defined as the perceived comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness of an individual's work situation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factor structure, invariance, reliability, and validity of the Polish version of the Work-SoC Scale. Method: The research was carried out between September and November 2023 in a diverse sample of employees. Factor structure, internal consistency, and measurement equivalence analysis were performed on sample N1 = 622. Criterion validity was checked on sample N2 = 255. Temporal stability was checked on sample N3 = 60 using the test-retest method. Results: A three-factor solution was the best fit for the data, and invariant across sex, age, occupational group, and education. The Work-SoC was strongest in white-collar workers. Strength of Work-SoC was positively related to seniority (r = 0.23, p < 0.001). The reliability of the Work-SoC Scale was high (α = 0.84, ω = 0.84). Work-SoC was positively correlated with general SoC (r = 0.36, p < 0.001) and job satisfaction (r = 0.50, p < 0.001), and negatively correlated with job burnout (r = -0.32, p < 0.001). The temporal stability of the measurement for the overall scale was high (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The Polish adaptation of the Work-SoC Scale has an identical structure and is as reliable as the original version. The high criterion validity, measurement stability, and the invariant structure of the scale by sex, age, occupational group, and education suggest that the Work-SoC Scale is a valuable tool for future research on employee health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Telework performed under appropriate support can promote better health conditions among employees. As telework may be associated with an increased ergonomic risk related to the workstation, companies must be able to assess working conditions at home and offer similar structure to those of face-to-face work. Objective: This study aimed to compare ergonomic and psychosocial risks and the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and common mental disorders during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic according to work modality. Methods: A longitudinal study was carried out with 659 employees between 2021 and 2022. The data were collected via web with self-administered questionnaires. The Wilcoxon and repeated-measure analysis of variance tests were used. Results: The participants who started teleworking during the pandemic showed significant improvements in their workstations and worsening of the risks associated with rest breaks after returning to face-to-face work. Employees in telework presented a significant reduction in the intensity of musculoskeletal complaints in the last 7 days compared to those who returned to face-to-face work. Conclusions: Although there was a reduction in the ergonomic risk after returning to face-to-face work, telework was related to better working and health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Requests for telework for medical reasons are rare, accounting 0.3% of employees. The main cause is musculoskeletal issues (30%), predominantly affecting women. Of these, 58% were denied, 33% were temporarily approved, and 8% were approved indefinitely. We believe that telework for office employees can reduce the incidence of sick leave. Objectives: The aim of the study is to describe the most common medical grounds for requesting or extending teleworking and to examine which requests are typically approved. This study also investigates whether there is a correlation with gender, age, or job location. Methods: A prevalence study of 33,190 Spanish employees found that, last year, 106 teleworking requests were addressed exclusively for medical reasons. Results: The most frequent cause was musculoskeletal issues (30%). Of all the requests, 58% were denied; 33% were temporarily approved, primarily for musculoskeletal reasons (P < 0.05); and 8% were indefinitely approved. Requests were predominantly made by women (P < 0.05). Indefinite approvals were more prevalent among male employees (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Musculoskeletal reasons were the primary cause for teleworking applications and for the temporary granting of teleworking. Teleworking appears to be associated with gender and job location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides insights for health professionals and fire departments seeking to improve well-being, performance, and health of firefighters. The results suggest prioritizing improvements in autonomous motivation and nutritional knowledge, reducing access to unhealthy foods at the fire station and creating a social climate that encourages healthy food behaviors among teammates. Objective: Using a cross-sectional correlational study, the purpose was to quantitatively investigate factors associated to firefighters' food behaviors while on duty at the fire station. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-two (252) firefighters (males, 96%; age, 39 ± 11 years) completed an online questionnaire assessing diet and exploring factors that could be associated to firefighters' food behaviors at the fire station. Results: First regression analysis showed that level of education, years of experience, self-perceived nutrition knowledge, autonomous motivation, and accessibility to unhealthy foods were the best predictors of healthy food score. Second regression analysis revealed that body mass index, autonomous motivation, and meals interrupted by emergency calls were the best predictors of fast-food score. Conclusions: This study highlights the various factors associated with firefighters' food behaviors at the fire station. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precarious work is increasingly prevalent in the United States and is associated with adverse health outcomes; however, precarious work and associated working conditions are generally not considered in residency training. Healthcare providers should understand the context and risk factors associated with precarious work to holistically serve worker-patients in clinical settings. Objectives: This cross-sectional survey aimed to examine employment characteristics and their associations with employment precarity in two high socioeconomic hardship Chicago neighborhoods. Methods: We used a community-based participatory approach to develop and administer a survey to residents who perceived their work situations to be precarious. Results: A total of 489 residents were surveyed. Responses were skewed toward the most precarious work situations, with the majority of respondents employed outside of a traditional arrangement. Those in the highest precarity category were most likely to identify as Latinx and born outside of the United States. Unstable, low-quality employment conditions were nearly all significantly associated with highest precarity work situations. Conclusions: Precarious employment is an important predictor of other employment conditions, and characterizing these at a hyperlocal level allows for a nuanced understanding of work as a determinant of health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A negative association between cardiorespiratory fitness and measures of arterial stiffness is demonstrated in this study of 86 industrial workers. Because former results have shown increased pulse wave velocity in shift workers exceeding that of day workers, the present results present implications for shift workers' future macrovascular and microvascular health. Objective: Previously, we have found increased carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) among shift workers compared to day workers in industry, and a decline in maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) in all 86 workers. Methods: Utilizing all available measurements in 2018, 2021, and 2022, this study investigated associations between V̇O2max and measures of arterial stiffness. Using a mixed model approach, we analyzed the cross-sectional association between all V̇O2max (outcome) and measures of arterial stiffness (covariates). Results: We observed a significant association between V̇O2max and cfPWV of −1.59 (95% confidence interval [CI], −3.03 to −0.16), and between augmentation pressure (AP) and augmentation index (Aix) of −0.32 (95% CI, −0.58 to −0.06) and −0.12 (95% CI, –0.23 to −0.005), respectively. Conclusions: We found a significant negative association between cardiorespiratory fitness and measures of arterial stiffness. The former and present results pose challenges for shift workers' future macrovascular and microvascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupationally acquired COVID-19 is a hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs). In four hospitals of the Metro North Hospitals and Health Service in Queensland, Australia, we invited HCWs to report the nature of any anaesthesia interactions with COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-suspect patients. This was to assist workforce planning in future pandemics. Data collection consisted of three phases; 1) participating HCWs recorded details of episodes of care (EOCs) with COVID-19-positive or COVID-19-suspect patients; 2) these HCWs were invited to complete a follow-up survey about their own health status regarding COVID-19 infections; 3) electronic health records were used to assess patient demographics, infectious status and outcomes. Between 21 March 2020 and 17 May 2022, 63 anaesthesia HCWs reported 90 EOCs with 67 unique patients. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of the HCWs was 40.5 years (34–46); 55% (34/62) were male, 62% (39/63) were consultants and 21% (13/63) were registrars. The median (IQR) age of patients was 39 (28–63) years. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was deemed to be appropriate by the HCWs in (86/88) 98% of the EOCs. Twenty-four HCWs (38%) responded to a follow-up survey. Of 12 HCWs who subsequently tested positive to COVID-19, only four had cared for a COVID-19-positive patient in the two weeks prior to their diagnosis. Most responding HCWs perceived they contracted COVID-19 in the community, experiencing mild illness. We found relatively low COVID-19 case numbers, high PPE use and low transmission of COVID-19 within the hospital setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A considerable literature places the emergence of occupational health discourses and institutions in the second half of the nineteenth century. This article uses the records of the Chatham Chest, a pension fund for maritime workers that existed from 1590 to 1803, as well as the records of the Sick and Hurt Boards and the Seamen's Registry for the Greenwich Hospital, to argue for the existence of an early modern system of occupational health. Over two centuries, these institutions collected contributions and paid out pensions and healthcare costs to and from tens of thousands of workers on hundreds of ships and in dozens of hospitals, prisons and shipyards. They used customary estimates of the costs of avoiding poverty to price the loss of body parts and other injuries, and created systems of inspection and registration that grew increasingly stringent through episodes of post-war austerity. Managing occupational injury and death focused on poverty alleviation and subsistence, through a discursive field based on concepts of custom, deservedness and service rather than prices, income replacement and risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Military training centers and seagoing vessels are often environments at high risk for the spread of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases, because military trainees and personnel arrive after traveling from many parts of the country and live in congregate settings. We examined whether levels of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in wastewater correlated with SARS-CoV-2 infections among military personnel living in communal barracks and vessels at US Coast Guard training centers in the United States. Methods: The Coast Guard developed and established 3 laboratories with wastewater testing capability at Coast Guard training centers from March 2021 through August 2022. We analyzed wastewater from barracks housing trainees and from 4 Coast Guard vessels for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genes N and E and quantified the results relative to levels of a fecal indicator virus, pepper mild mottle virus. We compared quantified data with the timing of medically diagnosed COVID-19 infection among (1) military personnel who had presented with symptoms or had been discovered through contact tracing and had medical tests and (2) military personnel who had been discovered through routine surveillance by positive SARS-CoV-2 antigen or polymerase chain reaction test results. Results: Levels of viral genes in wastewater at Coast Guard locations were best correlated with diagnosed COVID-19 cases when wastewater testing was performed twice weekly with passive samplers deployed for the entire week; such testing detected ≥1 COVID-19 case 69.8% of the time and ≥3 cases 88.3% of the time. Wastewater assessment in vessels did not continue because of logistical constraints. Conclusion: Wastewater testing is an effective tool for measuring the presence and patterns of SARS-CoV-2 infections among military populations. Success with wastewater testing for SARS-CoV-2 infections suggests that other diseases may be assessed with similar approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The risk for mpox virus (MPXV) transmission in most workplaces has not been thoroughly assessed in the context of the 2022 global mpox outbreak. Our objectives were to describe mpox case patients who worked while infectious and the subsequent workplace contact tracing efforts, risk assessments, and outcomes. Methods: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requested information from health departments in the United States in September 2022 to identify people with confirmed or probable mpox who worked outside the home while infectious, either before or after diagnosis, from June 1 through August 31, 2022. We collected and summarized data on demographic, clinical, and workplace characteristics of case patients and workplace contact investigations. We stratified data by industry and occupation categories. Results: In total, 102 case patients were reported by 6 jurisdictions. The most common industries were accommodation and food services (19.8%) and professional business, management, and technical services (17.0%). Contact investigations identified 178 total contacts; 54 cases (52.9%) had no contacts identified. Of 178 contacts, 54 (30.3%) were recommended to receive postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and 18 (10.1%) received PEP. None of the contacts developed a rash or were tested for orthopox or mpox, and none were reported to have confirmed or probable mpox. Conclusion: Data from 6 jurisdictions suggest that the risk of MPXV transmission from workers to others in workplace settings in many industries is low. These findings might support future updates to exposure risk classifications and work activity recommendations for patients. These findings also demonstrate the importance of collecting and analyzing occupation and industry data in case reports to better understand risks in workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many prehospital emergency patients receive suboptimal treatment for their moderate to severe pain. Various factors may contribute. We aim to systematically review literature pertaining to prehospital emergency adult patients with acute pain and the pain‐reducing effects, adverse events (AEs), and safety issues associated with inhaled analgetic agents compared with other prehospital analgesic agents. Methods: As part of an initiative from the Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, we conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42018114399), applying the PRISMA guidelines, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), and Cochrane methods, searching the Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, PubMed, and EMBASE databases (updated March 2024). Inclusion criteria were the use of inhaled analgesic agents in adult patients with acute pain in the prehospital emergency care setting. All steps were performed by minimum of two individual researchers. The primary outcome was pain reduction; secondary outcomes were speed of onset, duration of effect, and relevant AEs. Results: We included seven studies (56,535 patients in total) that compared inhaled agents (methoxyflurane [MF] and nitrous oxide [N2O]) to other drugs or placebo. Study designs were randomized controlled trial (1; n = 60), randomized non‐blinded study (1; n = 343), and randomized open‐label study (1; n = 270). The remaining were prospective or retrospective observational studies. The evidence according to GRADE was of low or very low quality. No combined meta‐analysis was possible. N2O may reduce pain compared to placebo, but not compared to intravenous (IV) paracetamol, and may be less effective compared to morphine and MF. MF may reduce pain compared to paracetamol, ketoprofen, tramadol, and fentanyl. Both agents may be associated with marked but primarily mild AEs. Conclusion: We found low‐quality evidence suggesting that both MF and N2O are safe and may have a role in the management of pain in the prehospital setting. There is low‐quality evidence to support MF as a short‐acting single analgesic or as a bridge to IV access and the administration of other analgesics. There may be occupational health issues regarding the prehospital use of N2O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishing communities globally continue to face poor health and safety outcomes, driving the expansion of fisheries occupational health and safety (OHS) interventions. However, narrowly focused OHS interventions that neglect the social and structural determinants of health may have unintended consequences. We illustrate this problem through a case study from the UK where a recent OHS intervention, the introduction of compulsory medical certificates to all commercial fishers, led to unforeseen negative impacts. Through analysis of data from interviews, focus groups and a participatory workshop in Cornwall, UK, we highlight three key findings. First, while seeking to improve safety at sea, the regulatory change actually had negative consequences for fishers' health, their access to healthcare and potentially even their safety. Second, a mismatch between the requirements of the regulation and fishers' lived experience undermined the efforts of health promotion and outreach activities. Third, a failure to account for the implications for different sectors of the fleet has contributed to mistrust that may have ramifications for future fisheries governance activity. Our research brings to the fore important implications for the design of OHS regimes in fisheries. These include the broadening of OHS approaches to consider fishers' wider health and well‐being; engagement of fishers in the development and implementation of OHS interventions to account for their lived experiences of health and safety at sea and better integrate their knowledge; support for bottom‐up fisher‐led initiatives aimed at managing health and safety at sea; and improved coordination between agencies responsible for different areas of fisheries governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Quantify disparities and identify correlates and predictors of 'wellness' supplement use among nurses during the first year of the pandemic. Design: Longitudinal secondary analysis of Nurses' Health Studies 2 and 3 and Growing Up Today Study data. Methods: Sample included 36,518 total participants, 12,044 of which were nurses, who completed surveys during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic (April 2020 to April 2021). Analyses were conducted in March 2023. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate disparities in 'wellness' supplement use between nurses and non‐healthcare workers and, among nurses only, to quantify associations with workplace‐related predictors (occupational discrimination, PPE access, workplace setting) and psychosocial predictors (depression/anxiety, county‐level COVID‐19 mortality). Models included race/ethnicity, gender identity, age and cohort as covariates. Results: Nurses were significantly more likely to use all types of supplements than non‐healthcare workers. Lacking personal protective equipment and experiencing occupational discrimination were significantly associated with new immune supplement use. Depression increased the risk of using weight loss, energy and immune supplements. Conclusion: Nurses' disproportionate use of 'wellness' supplements during the COVID‐19 pandemic may be related to workplace and psychosocial stressors. Given well‐documented risks of harm from the use of 'wellness' supplements, the use of these products by nurses is of concern. Impact: 'Wellness' supplements promoting weight loss, increased energy, boosted immunity and cleansing of organs are omnipresent in today's health‐focused culture, though their use has been associated with harm. This is of added concern among nurses given their risk of COVID‐19 infection at work. Our study highlighted the risk factors associated with use of these products (lacking PPE and experiencing occupational discrimination). Findings support prior research suggesting a need for greater public health policy and education around the use of 'wellness' supplements. Reporting Method: STROBE guidelines were followed throughout manuscript. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution was involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among agricultural workers, increasing the risk of work-related diseases due to manual labor, repetitive tasks, and prolonged postures. This study evaluates the association between physical behaviors during work and non-work, measured objectively, and musculoskeletal pain in the neck, upper back, and lower back in viticulture workers. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 75 viticulturists of both sexes aged 18 years or older. An accelerometer measured physical behaviors (lying down, sitting, standing, moving, walking, and sleeping) during work and non-work periods. Pain intensity was quantified using a 0–10 scale and categorized as "Low" and "High" pain intensity. Binary logistic regression tested the association between pain and time spent on physical behaviors. Results indicated a high prevalence of pain: 46.7% cervical, 52% upper back, and 60% lower back. Standing was the most common behavior during work, while lying and sitting were predominant during non-work. An increased sleeping time was associated with a decreased probability of experiencing high-intensity neck pain. Increased time spent lying down during non-work hours was associated with an increased probability of experiencing high-intensity upper back pain. No physical behavior was associated with high-intensity lower back pain. In conclusion, sedentary behaviors worsen upper back pain, and sleep reduces neck pain in viticulture workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Interpersonal stressors are a major source of stress for East Asian workers. It is still a major management issue in hospital management. This study focuses on clarifying the stress response processes of interpersonal stressors. The moderating effects of gratitude and employee assistance programs were considered. Design/methodology/approach: Questionnaires were distributed to hospital workers in a regional hospital in the city; a total of 288 valid and matched surveys were collected. Findings: The results showed interpersonal stressors negatively affected job satisfaction, and interpersonal resources positively affected intention to stay and job satisfaction. In addition, gratitude had a moderating effect on the relationship between interpersonal stressors and emotional burnout, and awareness of employee assistant programs had a moderating effect on the relationship between interpersonal resources and work engagement. Originality/value: This study seeks to elucidate the working conditions of nurses and may serve as a reference for hospitals in implementing or drafting labor conditions and policies for stress management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The workplace is an important setting for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) exposure and transmission. Using data from a large case–control study in Colorado during 2021 and 2022, we aimed to evaluate working outside the home and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, the racial and ethnic distribution of workers in occupations associated with infection, and workplace face mask use. Methods: Cases were Colorado adults with a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) reported to Colorado's COVID‐19 surveillance system selected from surveillance data ≤12 days after their specimen collection date. Control participants were randomly selected adult Coloradans with a RT‐PCR‐confirmed negative SARS‐CoV‐2 test result reported to the same surveillance system. Results: Working outside the home was associated with infection (odds ratio [OR] = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–1.54). Among participants working outside the home, "Food Preparation and Serving Related" (aOR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.80–3.06), "Transportation and Material Moving" (aOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.62–2.69), "Construction and Extraction" (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.36–2.59), "Protective Service" (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.15–2.24), and "Sales and Related" (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.22–1.69) were occupational categories most strongly associated with infection. American Indian/Alaskan Native, Black, and Hispanic/Latino participants were more likely than others to work in occupational categories with the highest odds of infection (p < 0.05). Cases were less likely than controls to report always wearing a mask (31.9% vs. 41.5%) and wearing a KN95/N95/KF94 mask (16.8% vs. 27.2%) at work. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of occupation and workplace mask use in the COVID‐19 pandemic and its disproportionate racial/ethnic impact on workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fugitive emissions from petrochemical facilities have become a major concern due to their impact on plant productivity, the environment, and health. In regard to health, petrochemical workers are at higher occupational health (OH) risk due to their continuous exposure to these harmful emissions. Inherent OH and safety indexes are the most common methods used for assessing OH risk due to fugitive emissions. These methods usually focus on the sources of health hazards, such as chemical substances, process conditions, and process equipment. Therefore, these methods are considered good for measuring the severity of the OH risk. However, based on the source, pathway, receptor (SPR) model, the OH risk due to fugitive emissions is also dependent on the pathway and receptor, where leak and exposure hazards may take place, respectively. For a holistic OH risk assessment, these hazards need to be considered. This was achieved by developing an OH risk assessment methodology that provides an effective assessment that takes into consideration hazards at the source, pathway, and receptor. This paper focuses on the source part of the SPR model, while the pathway and receptor parts will be covered in future publications. This paper presents an index‐based method named the inherent health hazard level index (IHHLI) developed for evaluating the severity of the fugitive emission‐induced OH risk. The IHHLI is developed by an expert‐based selection of the most common and relevant health hazard indicators published in the literature. Based on industry testing, the IHHLI can provide a reliable OH hazard evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Occupational therapy presently has a limited presence within the workplace wellness industry and the profession's contribution within this area of practice is not fully understood. Occupational therapy's holistic, occupation-based, and client-centered approach has the potential to provide a valuable contribution to the field of workplace wellness. OBJECTIVE: To explore the experience of organizational employees participating in a workplace wellness program centered in the occupational therapy domain and process. METHODS: Six occupational therapy workplace wellness program participants completed in-depth semi-structured interviews one month after program completion followed by deductive thematic analysis of transcripts. RESULTS: Three themes emerged (sustainable change across context, process matters, and therapeutic relationship supporting wellness), along with subthemes, describing the participant experience. CONCLUSIONS: The structured and individualized process of occupational therapy delivered within a workplace wellness program was appreciated by participants as a means of addressing workplace wellness and providing sustainable wellness results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Compared to workers of larger companies it is less clear what health promoting interventions might be beneficial for employees of small businesses and self-employed individuals. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to critically appraise trials investigating health promotion programs among small business workers and self-employed individuals, by means of a systematic review. METHODS: We conducted a search of primary studies using MEDLINE, Web of Science, LIVIVO and the Cochrane library. Our assessment followed the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and PRISMA. RESULTS: We identified six trials including 5,854 participants from Asia, North America and Australia. Most were of moderate methodological quality, only one was of low quality. Some of the supervised psycho-educational lifestyle programs focusing on individual behavior changes showed benefits in terms of stress reduction and increased physical activity levels among small enterprise employees. CONCLUSIONS: There is a huge knowledge gap on evidence-based health promotion interventions for self-employed and for small business workers, especially in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Examining gender (socio-cultural) in addition to sex (biological) is required to untangle socio-cultural characteristics contributing to inequities within or between sexes. This study aimed to develop a gender measure including four gender dimensions and examine the association between this gender measure and CVD incidence, across sexes. Methods: A cohort of 9188 white-collar workers (49.9% females) in the Quebec region was recruited in 1991–1993 and follow-up was carried out 28 years later for CVD incidence. Data collection involved a self-administered questionnaire and extraction of medical-administrative CVD incident cases. Cox proportional models allowed calculations of hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), stratified by sex. Results: Sex and gender were partly independent, as discordances were observed in the distribution of the gender score across sexes. Among males, being in the third tertile of the gender score (indicating a higher level of characteristics traditionally ascribed to women) was associated with a 50% CVD risk increase compared to those in the first tertile (HR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.24 to 1.82). This association persisted after adjustment for several CVD risk factors (HR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.73). Conversely, no statistically significant association between the third tertile of the gender score and CVD incidence was observed in females (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.60–1.05). Conclusions: The findings suggested that males within the third tertile of the gender score were more likely to develop CVD, while females with those characteristics did not exhibit an increased risk. These findings underline the necessity for clinical and population health research to integrate both sex and gender measures, to further evaluate disparities in cardiovascular health and enhance the inclusivity of prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to compare and describe different professionals' experiences of workplace psychological and social factors in occupational health (OH) organizations in Sweden. Methods: This cross-sectional study with a descriptive and comparative design included 472 respondents with common professions in the occupational health service (OHS) in Sweden. Data were collected with "The General Nordic Questionnaire for Psychological and Social Factors at Work" (QPSNordic). The professions have been compared pairwise using the Independent Samples Kruskal-Wallis test, adjusted by Bonferroni correction for multiple tests on subscales and single items and these are presented descriptively. Results: The experience of the psychological and social work environment on job task measurement level differed between the professionals. Experiences on social and organizational as well as on individual measurement levels are similar between the professionals who perceive them as satisfactory. Out of the 472 respondents, 7% reported that they had seen someone being subjected to harassment and bullying at the workplace during the last six months. Conclusions: The experience among the professionals differs most in the Job task measurement level. The results indicate that although different OH professionals experience psychological and social factors at work in different ways, their experiences are generally satisfactory even though harassment and bullying do exist. The research about occupational health professionals and their work environment is sparse. Further applied research is needed for the planning and development of occupational health services in Sweden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burnout among resident physicians during training has been prevalent, prompting training centers to introduce interventions at the individual or organizational level. However, empirical evidence is crucial before implementing such programs in practice. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of individual and organizational interventions in reducing burnout among resident physicians. Searching was done across five databases—PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Cochrane Library from 1 December 2023 to 26 August 2024. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used for our reporting of study selection process. Eligibility criteria were randomized or non-randomized designs, with prospective intervention, with a comparator group focused on individual or organizational interventions reducing burnout, in any language and publication date. The Maslach Burnout Inventory scores for emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA) were the three outcome measures. Two investigators independently extracted the data. The risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2) and non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I). Cohen's d and heterogeneity was estimated using a random-effects DerSimonian-Laird model and visualized by forest plots. Sensitivity analyses were carried out by leave-one-out meta-analysis. Results: We identified 33 eligible studies (n = 2536), comprising 25 (75.8%) individual intervention studies and 8 (24.2%) organizational intervention studies. Cohen's d for individual intervention versus control were as follows: EE -0.25 (95% CI -0.40 to -0.11, p < 0.01, I2 = 49.3%), and DP -0.17 (95% CI -0.32 to -0.03, p = 0.02, I2 = 50.0%). The organizational intervention showed no significant association with any domain. Sensitivity analyses were robust in all outcomes, with differences in intervention description and design identified as potential contributors to heterogeneity. Conclusions: Various interventions, including individual coaching, meditation, and organization interventions, have been implemented to improve resident burnout. The effectiveness of intervention demonstrated none to small practical significance in improving burnout. Data inconsistency and high risk of bias across studies limited the validity of the pooled results. Further studies should focus on a combined approach. Registration: The study was registered on PROSPERO, under PROSPERO registration number CRD42022349698. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India bears the highest global burden of oral cancer, despite having an operational tobacco cessation framework. Occupational groups like solid waste management personnel face significant health challenges due to prevalent tobacco use, leading to oral potentially malignant lesions and oral cancer. Enhanced tobacco control strategies are essential for these groups. Methods: A pre-post interventional, community-based study enrolled 1200 municipal workers in Varanasi, India, from July 2022 to August 2023. 858 tobacco users underwent screening and were randomly assigned to one of three interventions: Very Brief Advice, Individual Behavioral Counseling, or Group Behavioral Therapy. Follow-up was conducted one year after the baseline interventions Effectiveness was measured by nicotine dependence reduction using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) scores and cessation rates defined as at least 6-month abstinence. Appropriate statistical tests assessed the burden of tobacco use, oral potentially malignant lesions, and pre-post differences in FTND scores within and between groups. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Municipal workers exhibited a high prevalence (71.5%) of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use. One-third (32.9%) of the participants screened positive for oral potentially malignant lesions and oral cancer. Leukoplakia was the most common lesion. Screened positivity correlated with significant nicotine dependence. Among 494 follow-up participants, 47.1% reported a significant reduction in nicotine dependence across all intervention groups. Quade's ANCOVA indicated significant differences in post-test FTND scores, with individual behavioral counselling showing the greatest reduction. However, no cessation was achieved in any group despite the significant decline in dependence. Conclusion: Solid waste management personnel in Varanasi show heightened SLT use and associated oral potentially malignant lesions. The persistent tobacco use in these high-risk occupational populations undermines government tobacco control efforts and highlights the need for robust policy and implementation strategies. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in nicotine dependence following interventions, though tobacco cessation was not achieved. More frequent interventions and addressing quitting barriers—such as cultural norms, lack of awareness, easy accessibility, and adverse working conditions—are crucial. Developing a tailored workplace model to tackle tobacco use in occupational settings may facilitate cessation. Clinical trial registration number: Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry India CTRI/2020/07/026479. Date of registration 10/07/2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influencing factors of abnormal pulmonary ventilation function in occupational exposed populations and to establish a risk prediction model. The findings will provide a basis for formulating corresponding strategies for the prevention and treatment of occupational diseases. The study focused on workers who underwent occupational health examinations in the year 2020. Statistical analysis was conducted using methods such as t-tests, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression analysis. Additionally, machine learning methods were employed to establish multiple models to address classification problems. Among the 7472 workers who participated in the occupational health examination, 1681 cases of abnormal pulmonary ventilation function were detected, resulting in a detection rate of 22.6%. Based on the analysis of occupational hazard data, a risk prediction model was established. Age, work tenure, type of the employing enterprise, and type of dust exposure are all identified as driving factors for abnormal pulmonary function. These factors were used as predictive variables for establishing the risk prediction model. Among the various models evaluated, the logistic regression model was found to be the optimal model for predicting abnormal pulmonary ventilation function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor working postures in morning care operations contribute significantly to work-related muscle fatigue and low back pain among ICU (Intensive Care Unit, ICU) nurses. However,there are few field studies on the relationship between Poor working postures and work-related muscle fatigue, low back pain among ICU nurses. Objective: This study aims to assess the frequency and degree of posture hazards associated with poor working postures during morning care operations of ICU nurses. Methods: Two ICUs in a Grade-A tertiary hospital in Hunan Province were randomly selected for the field study in May–June 2021 research. The image data of the participating nurses’ morning care work postures were collected by observation method and image recording method, and the postural hazard level was assessed by the two-person interpretation method of the work posture analysis system. The mean and standard deviation, frequency and percentage were used for the basic statistical description, and the general linear model multivariate Hotelling’s T2 test was used to calculate the Hotelling’s T2 and F statistics to explore the pattern of change in the postural hazard score curves. Results: A total of 45 nurses were observed during morning care operations, resulting in 47.8 h of video data and 34,428 effective static operation posture pictures. Among these pictures, 21,166 (61.5%) depicted poor working postures. Nurses spent up to 7 min and 30 s maintaining a challenging posture during oral care, with the highest postural hazard score (M = 2.2, SD = 0.3) observed during defecation care. Each patient requires a total of 25–30 min of oral care per day.The Hotelling’s T2 test indicated that the change curve of the postural hazard score in each step revealed the largest second-order F value, F = 52.931, P < 0.001. Discussion: ICU nurses frequently adopt poor working postures during morning care operations. Further research should focus on optimizing safe working postures to prevent or minimise detrimental occupational hazards resulting from poor working postures.Research on occupational low back pain among ICU nurses can help them work more efficiently, and thereby improving their nursing level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Second Victim Phenomenon (SVP) significantly impacts the well-being of healthcare professionals and patient safety. While the SVP has been explored in various healthcare settings, there are limited data on its prevalence and associated factors among nurses in Austria. This study investigates the prevalence, symptomatology, and preferred support measures for SVP among Austrian nurses. Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was conducted September to December 2023 using the SeViD questionnaire (Second Victims in German-speaking Countries), which includes the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10). Statistical analyses included binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression using the bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrapping method based on 5000 bootstrap samples. Results: A total of 928 participants responded to the questionnaire with a response rate of 15.47%. The participants were on average 42.42 years old and were mainly women (79.63%). Among the respondents, 81.58% (744/912) identified as Second Victims (SVs). The primary cause of becoming an SV was aggressive behavior from patients or relatives. Females reported a higher symptom load than males, and higher agreeableness was linked to increased symptom severity. Notably, 92.47% of SVs who sought help preferred support from colleagues, and the most pronounced desire among participants was to process the event for better understanding. Conclusions: The prevalence of SVP among Austrian nurses is alarmingly high, with aggressive behavior identified as a significant trigger. The findings emphasize the necessity for tailored support strategies, including peer support and systematic organizational interventions to mitigate the impact of SVP on nurses and to improve overall patient care. Further research should focus on developing and implementing effective prevention and intervention programs for healthcare professionals in similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the effect of occupational safety and health on job satisfaction, analyze the effect of job satisfaction on work productivity, and analyze the effect of occupational safety and health on work productivity through job satisfaction of production employees at PT Semanggimas Sejahtera Tulungagung. The sample size used was 50 employees using the saturation sampling technique. Data collection technique used a questionnaire through Google Forms, while data analysis technique used structural equation modeling analysis. The results of the analysis indicate that job safety and health influence job satisfaction. Job Safety and health influence work productivity. Job satisfaction influences work productivity. Job satisfaction acts as a mediator in influencing job safety and health factors on work productivity. The company always implements a good occupational safety and occupational health program by conducting regular occupational safety inspections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractHealing gardens are green spaces that support the interaction of humans and elements of nature to improve well-being and quality of life. However, little is known about healing garden use and outcomes in African countries. This study aimed to design a healing garden intervention and measure its impact on psychosocial factors and quality of life of residents and care staff within two residential aged care facilities in Lagos, Nigeria. Each facility’s staff completed the psychosocial measurement tools by proxy for participants between ages 60 and 99, with or without dementia, at baseline and three months following interaction with the garden and completed the garden use observational survey to determine the effect on and use of the garden by care staff and residents. Results revealed an improvement in the quality of life and experiences of agitation but no beneficial change in depression among residents with and without dementia. Further, care staff reported a positive benefit of the garden on their work-life experience and the residents’ well-being. This study provides the base for future research on assessing the impact of healing gardens on persons living with dementia in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Design Data Sources Results Conclusion Practice Implications Patient Contributions To identify and assess the state of knowledge regarding compassion‐based interventions and outcomes, targeted to the organisational level, that aim to improve health professionals' well‐being.Systematic review.Using the PICO model, the clinical question and search strategy were structured. The searches were performed on 20 September 2022 and 26 December 2023 in the Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global databases. Content analysis was applied to analyse data, and the PRISMA and SWiM guidelines were followed for reporting.Thirty‐eight studies, mostly from the United Kingdom and the United States, met the inclusion criteria and were quality assessed and analysed. Compassion‐based interventions that target the organisational level are quite new, thus representing a burgeoning initiative. In this review, many included quantitative studies revealed significant methodological challenges in effectively measuring organisational compassion (interpersonal relationships, organisational culture and retention/turnover). However, the review findings overall indicate that interpersonal connections between colleagues that foster a sense of community, through shared experiences, mindfulness and (self‐)compassion practices and social activities, may be a protective factor for well‐being. Further, the review emphasises the crucial role of management support in catalysing organisational changes to improve health professionals' well‐being.Evidence strongly suggests that fostering human interconnectedness among health professionals is associated with enhanced well‐being. Further rigorous studies are needed to validate these findings, clarify the organisational cultural aspects of compassion and develop an effective outcome measurement tool for organisational compassion.Organisational compassion‐based interventions may help foster a culture of compassion within organisations, enhance health professionals' capacity for compassion and benefit both their well‐being and the quality of care provided to patients and relatives.This review is part of a larger project about compassion and includes two patient representatives (mothers of children with cancer) in the research team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Teachers' health behaviors and mental well‐being are important for their chronic disease risk and reducing burnout. This study investigates the health‐related behaviors and psychological distress of Australian teachers compared with other occupations. METHODS: Data from the nationally representative Australian National Health Survey (NHS) were analyzed. Employed adults (20‐64 years) from 2014/2015 (n = 8455), 2017/2018 (n = 9130), and 2020/2021 (n = 5753) survey waves were included. Logistic regression, adjusted for demographics, compared health‐related behaviors (eg, physical activity, diet), and psychological distress among teachers, nonteacher professionals (NTPs; eg, accountants, doctors), and other general occupations (eg, laborers, beauticians). RESULTS: After adjusting for demographics and survey wave, teachers had similar odds as NTPs for meeting physical activity (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.90‐1.41), vegetable intake (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52‐1.00), and alcohol consumption (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.83‐1.22) guidelines. However, teachers exhibited higher psychological distress (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.75). Elevated psychological distress levels were observed in all groups in 2020/2021, compared with pre‐COVID‐19. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with NTPs, teachers showed similar or better health‐related behaviors, although teachers had higher levels of psychological distress. School executives and policymakers need to implement sustainable measures to prioritise teachers' mental wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildfires can negatively impact the health and well-being of wildland firefighters through a variety of exposure pathways. Many studies have measured acute health effects from occupational exposure to pollutants in wildfire smoke; however, research specifically examining cancer risks from exposure to carcinogens is limited. This review aimed to better understand cancer risk in this occupation by assessing the existing evidence of exposures and summarizing measured concentrations of carcinogens among wildland firefighters. A systematic search was conducted to identify scientific papers using the following databases: Medline(OVID), Embase(OVID), PsycINFO(OVID), Cochrane Library, CINAHL(EBSCOHost), EconLit(EBSCOHost), Scopus, Agricultural and Environmental Science Collect(ProQuest), and NIOSHTIC-2. Forty-nine papers were identified that met eligibility criteria. Across the papers, 31 carcinogens were identified and quantified using a variety of assessment methods. Papers measured particulate matter (N = 26), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (N = 12), volatile organic compounds (N = 14), crystalline silica (N = 5), black carbon (N = 4), asbestos (N = 3), radionuclides (N = 7), and metals (N = 2). Most papers measured inhalation exposures through traditional air sampling methods, but a subset of exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (N = 8), as well as heavy metals (N = 1), were measured through urinary biomarkers and naphthalene was measured using dermal wipe samples (N = 2). Although the heterogeneity of exposure assessment methods made direct comparison of concentrations difficult, the papers provide consistent evidence that wildland firefighters are regularly exposed to carcinogens. All wildland fire personnel should continue to implement recommended mitigation strategies and support new mitigations to reduce exposure to carcinogens on the job. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soldiers were not the only victims of chemical warfare in the twentieth century; the workers who produced these weapons also risked injury and death. Focusing on British chemical weapons factories during both world wars this article advances our understanding of the human costs not only of war but also of the preparation for war. Technologies such as physical barriers ventilation systems protective equipment and detection systems mitigated some hazards to workers but financial constraints wartime pressures and limited knowledge of the damage caused by prolonged exposure to low levels of chemical weapons resulted in serious damage to workers' bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: To our knowledge, there is currently no research on telerehabilitation concerning artists. This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of utilizing video‐based telerehabilitation in physiotherapy among artists during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: Fifty‐one artists who accessed virtual physiotherapy between November 2020 and February 2022 at a healthcare center that provides specialized healthcare services to artists of all disciplines who reside or work in Ontario, Canada were asked to complete a 26‐item online questionnaire about their experience with virtual physiotherapy. Results: The 51 respondents were from a range of artistic disciplines, with the largest portion being musicians (n = 22; 43%). Of the respondents, 86% (n = 44) felt the virtual physiotherapy met their expectations in therapeutic benefits, 78% (n = 40) were confident in performing all the exercises that the physiotherapist demonstrated on the virtual platform, 80% (n = 41) did not run into many technological challenges when booking or attending virtual sessions, and 54% (n = 20) reported similar treatment outcomes between virtual and in‐person sessions. Although artists liked the convenience of accessing physiotherapy from home, 53% (n = 17) of respondents rated the lack of physical contact as a major limitation in telerehabilitation. Conclusion: Telerehabilitation for artists during the COVID‐19 pandemic has shown potential to be an effective and viable alternative to in‐person physiotherapy, as demonstrated by high satisfaction levels and comparable treatment outcomes, especially when public health restrictions were in place. Future research can explore hybrid models (mix of in‐person and virtual sessions) in physiotherapy to meet the needs for physical contact during sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on disability insurance grants and related costs for workerswith cancer. Methods: This ecological time series study uses the inflection point regression model and the federal government's open-access dataset. We analyze the annual grant and cost rates of cancer-related disability insurance in Brazil (2010-2021). Results: In 2020, the number of disability insurance grants due to malignant neoplasms decreased by 62.26%, and the total annual cost decreased by 62.94% compared to those in 2019. All illnesses and injuries were reduced by 2.56% and 20.02%, respectively. Between 2010 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed the increasing trend in annual disability insurance granted due to cancer and its associated expenses to a stable trend. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has harmed the provision of disability insurance for workers with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The incidence of work-related falls on the same level is increasing, particularly among middle-aged and older female workers. Vision is an important risk factor of falls. We investigated whether objectively measured visual acuity was associated with the incidence of falls. Methods: This cohort study included 7317 female employees aged 20-69 in Japanese supermarket stores. Monocular acuity measured during health checkups was classified into three levels (=0.7, 0.3-0.7, <0.3). Incidence rate ratios of work-related falls within 1 year were estimated. Results: Incidence rate ratios were 1.26 (95%CI: 0.92-1.72) in the 0.3-0.7 group and 2.27 (95%CI: 1.15-4.48) in the <0.3 group. Conclusions: Risk of work-related fall was higher in those with low visual acuity. Vision correction may contribute to fall prevention in workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The cross-sectional study evaluates if the prepandemic work environments in nursing homes predict coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases among residents and staff, accounting for other factors. Method: Leveraging data from a survey of California and Ohio nursing homes (n = 340), we examined if Workplace Integrated Safety andHealth domains--Leadership, Participation, and Comprehensive and Collaborative Strategies predicted cumulative COVID-19 cases among nursing home residents and staff. Results: In Ohio, a 1-unit increase in Leadership score was associated with 2 fewer staff cases and 4 fewer resident cases. A 1-unit increase in Comprehensive and Collaborative Strategies score in California showed an average marginal effect of approximately 1 less staff case and 2 fewer resident cases. Conclusions: These findings suggest that leadership commitment and interdepartment collaboration to prioritize worker safety may have protected against COVID-19 cases in nursing homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We hypothesized that telecommuting's impact on sleep varied based on preference-frequency mismatch. Here, we evaluated this relationship in a large cohort of Japanese workers. Methods: We collected data from 33,302 Japanese workers through an online survey and analyzed participant preferences and frequency of telecommuting in 9425 individuals who responded to a follow-up survey. We evaluated sleep using the Athens Insomnia Scale and estimated odds ratios of insomnia using multilevel logistic regression. Results: Workers preferring telecommuting had a higher risk of insomnia as telecommuting frequency decreased. OR for insomnia was 1.87 (P < 0.001) in those who telecommuted less than once per week. Conclusion: Telecommuting's impact on workers' sleep depends on preference mismatch, with a higher risk of insomnia among those who prefer telecommuting but are unable to utilize it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study is to characterize the incidence of SARSCoV-2 exposure and COVID-19 infection among California workers' compensation claims in 2020 and examine risk factors for exposure. Methods: Using a case-control approach, we combined machine learning techniques and job exposure matrices to assess associations between exposures and illness claims and clusters of claims within specific worksites over a 3-week period. Results: Of the 117,125 COVID-19 claims, most were primarily among younger groups, of shorter tenure, and from health care occupations. Illness claims were among older groups with longer tenure. Jobs with very close physical proximity and high physical activity, along with transportation and warehousing industries, were associated with being part of a cluster of claims. Conclusions: The findings merit further study but indicate respiratory viral transmission and support efforts to systematically incorporate work-related variables into other California data sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]