Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles) ISSN (Print) 0962-7480 - ISSN (Online) 1471-8405 Published by Oxford University Press[424 journals]
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Pages: 57 - 58 Abstract: Neurodiversity (ND) should be considered as a variant of ‘normal’. Depending on the symptoms impacting negatively on work, adjustments as required for productivity should be instituted and subsequently reviewed for effectiveness. ND individuals have strengths, e.g. attention to detail, creative thinking, that are needed in current workplaces. Change in perspectives on ND is needed, as work is important for these individuals. They are valuable contributors to communities. PubDate: Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac142 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2023)
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Pages: 59 - 60 Abstract: Plaque: Warrior and Attendants, Edo artist, 16th–17th century, Nigeria, Igun-Eronmwen guild, Court of Benin, Brass, H. 18 3/4 × W. 15 × D. 4 1/4 in. (47.6 × 38.1 × 10.8 cm), metal-sculpture. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1990 (1990.332). Image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. PubDate: Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac144 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2023)
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Pages: 66 - 72 Abstract: AbstractBackgroundStudies indicate that workers’ compensation claim processes may affect patients’ health negatively. However, few studies focus on patients with mental health claims, and the claim process varies between countries.AimsThe aims of this study were to examine whether being notified to the Danish Labour Market Insurance with an occupational mental health condition was associated with changes in visits to the general practitioner (GP), use of medicine and annual income.MethodsStudy participants were 965 patients with a mental disorder examined at a department of occupational medicine. Of these, 669 patients were notified with an occupational mental disorder, 296 were not. Health-related outcomes, including GP visits and prescriptions of psychotropic drugs, were estimated at baseline during the year of medical examination, while annual income was estimated a year before the examination. The follow-up was the year after the year of examination for all outcomes. Outcomes were collected from the Danish National Bureau of Statistics. Analyses were conducted using Poisson regression and conditional logistic regression.ResultsAll measured outcomes decreased from baseline to follow-up in both groups. These changes were not significantly different depending on notification status at baseline.ConclusionsThis study suggests that being notified with an occupational mental disorder does not significantly affect health-related outcomes. A significant decrease in annual income over time was seen in both groups, the notified and the unnotified group, highlighting the importance of providing support to all employees with a mental disorder. PubDate: Sat, 04 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad007 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2023)
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Pages: 73 - 79 Abstract: AbstractBackgroundThe Health and Safety Executive’s Management Standards Indicator Tool (MSIT) is a 35-item self-report questionnaire that assesses seven psychosocial risk factors associated with work-related stress. Although the instrument has been validated in the UK, Italy, Iran and Malta, no validation studies have been carried out in Latin America.AimsTo examine the factor structure, validity and reliability of the MSIT among Argentine employees.MethodsA sample of employees of different organizations from Rafaela and Rosario, Argentina, completed an anonymous questionnaire that included the Argentine MSIT and specific scales to measure job satisfaction, workplace resilience and perceived mental and physical health (12-item Short Form Health Survey). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine the factor structure of the Argentine MSIT.ResultsA total of 532 employees participated in the study (74% response rate). After testing three measurement models, the final respecified model was composed of 24 items distributed in six factors (demands, control, manager support, peer support, relationships and role clarity), showing satisfactory fit indices. The original MSIT change factor was discarded. Composite reliability ranged from 0.70 to 0.82. Although all dimensions showed adequate discriminant validity, convergent validity for control, role clarity and relationships is a matter of concern (average variance extracted values ≤ 0.50). Criterion-related validity was demonstrated by significant correlations between the MSIT subscales and job satisfaction, workplace resilience and mental and physical health.ConclusionsThe Argentine version of the MSIT presents good psychometric properties for use among employees of the region. Further research is needed to provide more evidence on the convergent validity of the questionnaire. PubDate: Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad010 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2023)
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Pages: 80 - 84 Abstract: AbstractBackgroundAttrition from combat service carries significant organizational and personal ramifications, but predicting factors associated with attrition remains challenging.AimsTo evaluate medical and psychosocial factors associated with attrition from basic combat training (BCT) in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In addition, we identify subsets of the recruit population which exhibit certain trends in terms of medical corresponding with a high risk of attrition.MethodsA cross-sectional study of IDF combat trainees undergoing infantry BCT between 2012 and 2017. Data were collected from the soldiers’ electronic medical and administrative records. We used multivariable logistic regression and the SAS® decision-tree tool to analyse key predictive factors for attrition.ResultsA total of 46 472 soldiers enlisted to BCT during the research period. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 21.8 (SD 3.54). The overall attrition rate was 10%. The following factors were associated with attrition from BCT: ethnicity (P < 0.01), BMI (P < 0.01), pre-enlisting motivation score (P < 0.01) and the number of mental health officer visits (P < 0.01). Using a decision-tree model, we found a high attrition rate among soldiers who had >5.2 to primary care physician visits (11% attrition rate versus 3%) or more than 11 sick leave days (59% versus 19%).ConclusionsThis study sheds light on unique measures relating to attrition. Attrition is associated with several demographic and psychosocial factors. Early prediction of motivation and monitoring of healthcare utilization may enable early identification and focused interventions targeting soldiers at high risk for attrition. These findings need to be further translated into actionable directives and further investigations. PubDate: Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad008 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2023)
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Pages: 85 - 90 Abstract: AbstractBackgroundWorkers in the construction industry are highly exposed to vibration from handheld equipment, which can have negative effects on the nerves and blood vessels in the hands. Employers in this industry often fail to comply with legislation regarding vibration exposure.AimsTo assess carpenters’ perceptions of proactive health and safety (H&S) management regarding hand–arm vibration exposure at construction sites in Sweden.MethodsThe carpenters answered a questionnaire on their perception of the implementation of H&S management, on symptoms indicating injury and on the use of vibrating equipment.ResultsOne hundred and ninety-four carpenters from 4 construction companies and 18 construction sites completed the questionnaire. Attitudes to H&S management were generally positive. However, 36% of the carpenters reported that the H&S regulations and routines did not function in practice, and 40% claimed they did not receive necessary information on the exposure and effects of vibration. Most respondents (74%) perceived a high risk of injury in general in their work. Younger carpenters, carpenters employed at smaller companies and carpenters with symptoms indicating injury or with higher vibration exposure reported more negative perceptions.ConclusionsIn general, the carpenters were positive about management’s commitment to H&S management. However, the results indicate deficiencies in the way in which this commitment is applied in practice at the workplace. This highlights the importance of raising awareness concerning vibration exposure and possible injuries, and strengthening proactive H&S programmes, especially in smaller companies. PubDate: Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad013 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2023)
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Pages: 91 - 96 Abstract: AbstractBackgroundBeing a general practitioner (GP) is a stressful occupation, and the strain GPs are under can have negative effects on their psychological well-being, as well as on the patients’ experience of healthcare. Resilience can help buffer against this and is a dynamic process by which one can cope with adversity and stress.AimsThis study aimed to identify modifiable cognitive mechanisms related to resilience in GPs, specifically interpretation bias and cognitive reappraisal.MethodsOne hundred and fourteen GPs completed an online cross-sectional correlational study. This comprised questionnaires assessing resilience, emotional distress, work environment and cognitive mechanisms (emotion regulation), as well as a task assessing interpretation bias.ResultsResilience of GPs was negatively correlated with measures of emotional distress. Furthermore, resilience was positively correlated with positive interpretation bias (r = 0.60, ρ = 0.60, P < 0.01) and cognitive reappraisal (r = 0.39, ρ = 0.40, P < 0.01). In a hierarchical regression, positive interpretation bias (B = 0.25, SE B = 0.06, β = 0.39, P < 0.01) was a significant independent predictor of resilience when controlling for depression, anxiety and stress.ConclusionsThis is the first study to establish an association between resilience and positive interpretation bias and cognitive reappraisal in GPs. Future research should use longitudinal designs to determine if they have a causal role in promoting resilience, and importantly whether interventions focusing on these processes may foster resilience in less resilient GPs. PubDate: Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad016 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2023)
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Pages: 97 - 102 Abstract: AbstractBackgroundCurrent evidence is lacking to justify more stringent screening for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in the rail industry. Population-based studies indicate a complex association between body mass index, age, apnoea–hypopnoea index and vehicle crash risk.AimsTo study the association between OSA severity and the occurrence of safety incidents in safety-critical rail workers with a confirmed diagnosis of OSA, and to identify if OSA treatment is associated with the occurrence of fewer safety incidents.MethodsA retrospective medical file audit was conducted on railway workers attending health assessments between 2016 and 2018, who met the criteria to be referred for sleep studies. The association between OSA severity, treatment and the number of incidents in the 3 years before their health assessment appointment was explored using a Poisson log-linear regression.ResultsA substantial proportion (44%, 274/630) of railway workers with confirmed OSA had at least one incident in the 3 years prior to appointment. The odds of an incident were significantly reduced in those with moderate OSA compared with severe OSA (odds ratio [OR] 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–0.98), but not those with mild OSA (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.76–1.24). There was a statistically significant relationship between combined OSA severity and treatment status, where the likelihood of an incident increased in those with severe untreated OSA compared with those receiving treatment (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.16–2.64).ConclusionsOur results suggest that more stringent screening to identify severe OSA early, and close surveillance of treatment of those with severe OSA, should be considered. PubDate: Thu, 23 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad015 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2023)
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Pages: 112 - 112 Abstract: Pocket Consultant Occupational Health By GardinerKerry, ReesDavid, AdiseshAnil, ZalkDavid and HarringtonJ. Malcolm. Published by Wiley Blackwell, 2022. ISBN: 9781119718611. Price: £53.99. pp. PubDate: Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac099 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2023)
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Pages: 114 - 114 Abstract: As occupational health practitioners, our focus undoubtedly veers towards work: what it involves, its benefits and impacts. But how often have we paused to consider, what actually is work' PubDate: Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac143 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2023)
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Pages: 61 - 65 Abstract: AbstractBackgroundThe world of work is facing severe challenges due to rapid technological change, globalization, climate change and, more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic. Occupational health professionals must deal with these challenges, but it is unclear how well they have been prepared for this task by their academic training programmes.AimsTo explore content and learning objectives related to these challenges in the curricula of Occupational Medicine (OM) and Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene and Ergonomics (OSH), we conducted an online survey among academic leaders of these programmes in universities of several European countries. In addition, related programmes in Human Resource Management (HRM) training were included.MethodsSelected study programmes were explored in terms of the main topics and learning objectives related to the challenges for promoting good and sustainable work in universities in Europe. The study programmes were identified through contacts with professional associations and a website search. Given the exploratory, non-representative study design, data analysis was limited to description.ResultsOM and OSH programmes addressed the above challenges to a very limited extent, except for their disciplinary approach to work-related diseases and injuries. In contrast, HRM programmes were dealing more extensively with globalization, climate change and digitisation.ConclusionsSignificant limitations of knowledge and competences in dealing with the key challenges of the modern world of work were identified. More relational, ethical and interdisciplinary learning is needed in these programmes, addressing core issues of today’s world of work. PubDate: Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac018 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2022)
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Pages: 103 - 108 Abstract: AbstractBackgroundCritical incident debriefs are a commonly used occupational health tool for supporting staff after traumatic work incidents. However, there is a dearth of literature evaluating training programmes for debrief facilitators.AimsTo evaluate a 5-day training programme to equip healthcare, social care and voluntary, community and social enterprise sector staff to act as post-incident peer supporters and debrief facilitators.MethodsA mixed-methods, single-arm, before-and-after study. Data were collected at baseline and post-training. The quantitative outcome measure was ‘Confidence’; the sum of two items measuring confidence in (i) supporting peers after critical incidents and (ii) facilitating post-incident structured team discussions. At post-training, quantitative and qualitative feedback regarding experiences and perceptions of the training was also gathered.ResultsWe recruited 45 participants between October 2021 and January 2022. Confidence in supporting peers following incidents and facilitating post-incident structured team discussions increased significantly following the training, t(35) = −6.77, P < 0.001. A majority of participants reported they would do things differently because of the training and that they found the training relevant, useful and engaging. Summative content analysis of qualitative feedback indicated that participants (i) believed the role plays were an important learning tool and (ii) thought it was important that the trainer was engaging. Some participants would have preferred in-person delivery.ConclusionsParticipants valued training in post-incident peer support and debriefing skills. Organizations implementing post-incident support pathways could usefully include this training and ensure optimal uptake and engagement by (i) providing in-person and online delivery options and (ii) including role play as a learning technique. PubDate: Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac125 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2022)
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Pages: 109 - 111 Abstract: SummaryThe antioxidant, tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a common additive in food and cosmetics can cause allergic contact dermatitis. A 49-year-old non-atopic male factory worker developed asthma in connection with cleaning mixing drums containing TBHQ. Due to the suspicion that TBHQ might be the cause of asthma, a specific inhalation challenge was carried out. Lactose was used as a control agent. The following day he developed asthma symptoms with a 41% drop in FEV1 after 30-min exposure to small amounts of TBHQ and water. Methacholine reactivity increased 5-fold after TBHQ exposure compared to pre-exposure reactivity. This suggests that TBHQ may be the cause of asthma in this case. Due to this case respirators were introduced in the factory to reduce TBHQ exposure. TBHQ has not previously been shown to cause asthma. PubDate: Tue, 13 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac093 Issue No:Vol. 73, No. 2 (2022)
Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
[424 journals]
