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Authors:Amnuay Kleebayoon, Rujittika Mungmunpuntipantip, Viroj Wiwanitkit Pages: 100 - 100 Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Volume 71, Issue 3, Page 100-100, March 2023.
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Pages: 117 - 117 Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Volume 71, Issue 3, Page 117-117, March 2023.
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Authors:Marie-Anne S. Rosemberg, Lauren M. Menger-Ogle Pages: 152 - 152 Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Volume 71, Issue 3, Page 152-152, March 2023.
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Authors:Vitória de Barros Siqueira, Alaine de Souza Lima Rocha, Paulo Adriano Schwingel, Fernando Martins Carvalho Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Presenteeism, the act of showing up to work when one is ill, is a prevailing global phenomenon, at rates varying from 30% to 90%. Presenteeism results in consequences to the worker’s health, like pain, depression, and poor work ability, as well as consequences to the organization like productivity loss, negative feelings and engagement of coworkers, and risk of accidents. Agriculture is an important sector for the global economy, providing employment for 27% of the global workforce. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of presenteeism and its associated factors among agricultural workers.Methods:A systematic review was performed through searches at PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases. Observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort or case-control) that reported the prevalence of presenteeism in agricultural workers were eligible.Findings:A total of 139 studies were found but only two met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies reported prevalence rates of presenteeism of 5.0% and 58.2%. Poor work safety climate, female workers, workers dissatisfied with management, and sunscreen not available at the workplace were strongly associated with the prevalence of presenteeism.Conclusions/Applications to Practice:We concluded that the scientific literature about the prevalence of presenteeism among agricultural workers is scarce. Future studies about presenteeism among agricultural workers should measure the prevalence and/or incidence of presenteeism by using the epidemiological approach and, furthermore, should integrate these measures with the work productivity approach. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-03-23T12:59:32Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799231154281
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Authors:Layoung Kim, Gwang Suk Kim, Kyung Hee Lee, Jungha Kim Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Yearly influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza. Workplace vaccination program for airline cabin crews is an important countermeasure in the management of infectious diseases. Understanding the influenza vaccination behavior of cabin crews is essential to establishing strategies to promote vaccine uptake. This study aimed to examine factors associated with airline cabin crews’ influenza vaccination intention in a workplace-based setting. We applied the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explain the vaccination behavior of employees.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed in April 2021. Participants self-reported the structured questionnaires that consisted of TPB variables, and reasons for influenza vaccination/nonvaccination in 2020. A total of 253 crew members participated, and 242 were included in the analysis.Findings:The influenza vaccination rate was 70.7% in 2020, and vaccination intention was 5.92 of 7 points in 2021. Multiple linear regression showed that influenza vaccination intention was associated with subjective norms (β = .394, p < .001), positive attitude (β = .145, p = .007), perceived behavioral control (β = .170, p = .004), actual behavioral control (β = .145, p = .010), and the previous year’s vaccination (β = .163, p < .001). The model accounted for 57% of the variance in influenza vaccination intention (F = 40.959, p < .001).Conclusions/Application to Practice:Our findings indicate that TPB is useful in explaining employees’ influenza vaccination intention and influencing factors. Focusing on positive messages that emphasize the social effects of vaccination and providing free vaccination on specific dates are potential strategies to increase intention. It can be applied to help design on-site workplace vaccination programs for essential frontline workers. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-02-02T06:19:28Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221151153
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Authors:Carmen P. McLean, Deborah Betsworth, Christine Bihday, Megan C. Daman, C. Adrian Davis, Debra Kaysen, Craig S. Rosen, Dyani Saxby, Ann E. Smith, Sam Spinelli, Patricia Watson Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Early interventions are needed to support the behavioral health of healthcare staff in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress First Aid (SFA) is a self-care and peer support model for reducing burnout and stress that is designed for use in high-stress occupations.Methods:We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of an SFA program in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This brief, multi-session, didactic program was adapted for hospital workgroups. Program attendees completed a survey assessing implementation outcomes, burnout, stress, mood, and SFA skills at the beginning (N = 246) and end (n = 94) of the SFA program and a subgroup (n = 11) completed qualitative feedback interviews.Findings:Program acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were rated highly. From pre- to post-SFA, the impact of the pandemic on stress and anxiety, as well as proficiency in supporting peers increased. Qualitative findings suggest the program provided a shared language to discuss stress, normalized stress reactions, met a need for stress management tools, and helped staff feel valued, empowered, connected with each other. Staff reported being more aware of their stress, but SFA was insufficient to address many of the systemic sources of burnout and stress.Conclusions and Applications to Practice:While the SFA program was well received, the impact of brief programs is likely to be modest when implemented in the middle of an ongoing pandemic and when burnout arises from chiefly from systemic sources. Lessons learned during the program implementation that may guide future efforts are discussed. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-02-02T06:17:08Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221148650
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Authors:Amanda Gilbert, Amy Eyler, Gabriella Cesarone, Jenine Harris, Lisa Hayibor, Bradley Evanoff Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:The COVID-19 pandemic affected well-being and health behaviors, especially among healthcare workers and employees in other fields. This is of public health concern because health behaviors and well-being influence long-term negative health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore health behaviors and well-being among university and medical center staff during COVID-19.Methods:EMPOWER (Employee Well-being during Epidemic Response) was a three-wave observational study (wave 1: 1,994; wave 2: 1,426; wave 3: 1,363) measuring health behaviors and well-being of university and medical center staff. Surveys were disseminated online to all employees between April and September 2020. Descriptive statistics explored trends across waves for health behaviors (physical activity [PA], diet), and well-being (mental well-being [MWB], depression, anxiety, and stress). Logistic regressions explored associations between health behaviors and well-being factors adjusting for demographics and clinical role. Interactions explored moderation by clinical role.Results:Most participants reported same/healthier changes in PA (54–65%) and diet (57–73%) and decreased MWB across waves (62%–69%). Nonclinical workers were less likely than clinical workers to experience worse MWB and moderate/severe anxiety and stress (odds ratios [ORs] ranged from 0.38 to 0.58 across waves and well-being outcomes). Participants who maintained/increased PA and diet were less likely to experience worse well-being (ORs ranged from 0.44 to 0.69 across waves and well-being outcomes). Interactions by clinical role were not significant.Conclusion/Application to Practice:Maintaining/increasing health behaviors during COVID-19 may be protective of mental health/well-being in some healthcare workers. These findings support health promotion efforts focused on maintaining or improving diet and PA. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-01-28T06:35:01Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221147814
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Authors:Knar Sagherian, Debra Derickson, Jeanne Geiger-Brown, Cary M. Springer, Janice J. Mason, Pamela S. Hinds Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. BackgroundNurses who work at night have used naps to alleviate their sleepiness and fatigue. Research has shown night shifts, sleepiness, and fatigue predict nurses’ missed workdays. Thus, nighttime napping may have a beneficial consequence of reducing nurses’ sickness absences. The purpose of this brief report was to describe the difference in rates of short-term sickness absence before and after implementation of a 30-min nap opportunity in one U.S. hospital for 12-hr shift nurses.MethodsThe study was a retrospective pre–post evaluation design. Eight units provided nap opportunities for the nurses. Full-time nurses were classified into night and rotating shifts based on their 2 years of scheduling patterns. Absence data were extracted from the hospital’s timekeeping system and annual absence rates were computed. A single linear mixed model with rank transformed data was conducted for each group. Median estimates, minimum and maximum, and p-values were reported.FindingsThe median absence rates for night shift nurses were 4.3% and 4.0% for the pre-napping and post-napping implementation periods, respectively; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = .241). The median absence rates for rotating shift nurses were 2.0% and 3.9% for the pre-napping and post-napping implementation periods, respectively; and the difference increase was statistically significant (p < .001).Conclusion/Application to practiceA nap policy which provides nurses with the opportunity to take nighttime naps did not benefit their sickness absence rates. Future research needs to examine the actual napping process on sickness absences, as well as explore other sickness management avenues. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-01-28T06:32:21Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221147177
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Authors:Luis Alfredo Bautista Balbás, Rosa Sandino Gómez, Mario Gil Conesa, Olga Velasco Guijarro, Gil Rodríguez Caravaca, Fernando Jou Rivera, María Ángeles Navasquillo Lorda, Enrique Martín Carmena Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:At the time of our study, occupational health evidence specific for long-term care employees was mostly lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of positive cases in employees after the first COVID-19 wave in May 2020. We also determined the prevalence of asymptomatic cases.Method:The study population included all health care workers (HCW) employed at one mid-size long-term hospital in Spain (May 2020). A cross-sectional study design included an interviewer-administered self-reported questionnaire (including sociodemographic questions, risk factors for COVID-19 complications such as hypertension or diabetes, and previous polymerase chain reaction [PCR] results) and antibody determination (Biozek rapid test). Data were analyzed using Student’s t, Fisher, and chi-square tests. Two multivariate logistic models were created to evaluate exposure factors and symptoms separately on the outcome of having had COVID-19.Findings:Of the 97% of workers who participated (580/596), 300 (51.7%) suffered symptoms of COVID-19, 161 (27.8%) of the rapid antibody tests were positive for IgM and/or IgG, 160 (27.6%) workers had at least one risk factor, and 32 (19.0%) of the 168 SARS-CoV-2-positive cases were asymptomatic. The proportion of negative or unavailable PCRs, with positive antibody, was 11.7% (56/477). Casual contact without protection (odds ratio [OR]: 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–3.4), doctor occupation (OR 3.3, 95% CI: 1.1–10.2), and nursing assistant occupation (OR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2–5.8) were independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.Conclusion:Physicians and nursing assistants in a long-term care setting were at a higher risk of SARS-COV-2 infection over other occupations in the first wave of the pandemic, especially when in contact with patients without protection. Almost one-fifth of the workers with a positive PCR test for SARS-COV-2 were asymptomatic and seroprevalence (27.8%) was well below the approximated herd immunity cutoff (60–70%). Essential workers in long-term care must be monitored frequently by Employee Health Service and should be required to wear personal protective equipment including a fit-tested N-95 while in close contact with patients and coworkers. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-01-28T06:31:01Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221135587
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Authors:Dania Abu-Alhaija, Tamilyn Bakas, Elizabeth Shaughnessy, Elaine Miller Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Exposure to chemotherapy is an occupational hazard predisposing nurses to severe health effects. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify the recent literature describing the risk factors for occupational exposure to chemotherapy among nurses.Methods:The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology was employed to conduct the review. The databases searched were Scopus, PubMed, and CINAHL using the search terms “chemotherapy,” “drugs,” “exposure,” and “nurses.” Included articles were published between January 2010 and February 2022, published in peer-reviewed journals for research conducted in the United States, and written in English language. Excluded articles were studies that did not involve nurses in their samples. Review articles, books, theses, and dissertations were excluded as well. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model was used to assess the level of evidence from the reviewed studies.Findings:Fourteen studies were included in this review. Ten studies were rated on Evidence Level III, two on Evidence Level II, one on Evidence Level I, and one on Evidence Level V. The main risk factors for occupational exposure were nurses’ knowledge of chemotherapy handling guidelines, nurses’ adherence to using the personal protective equipment, nurses’ health beliefs regarding chemotherapy exposure, and workplace-related factors such as workload and managerial support.Conclusion:Addressing the identified risk factors would protect nurses from chemotherapy exposure. More research on nurses’ health beliefs regarding chemotherapy exposure and the cues to adhere to chemotherapy handling guidelines in the work environment is needed. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-01-27T05:29:20Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221140583
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Authors:Davy Vancampfort, Erik De Soir, Carlos Pelayo Ramos-Sanchez, Ruud van Winkel, Quinette Abegail Louw, Grace McKeon, Simon Rosenbaum, Soraya Seedat Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for chronic mental and physical health conditions in firefighters. It remains unclear why a substantial portion of firefighters do not meet the World Health Organization’s physical activity (PA) recommendations. In this cross-sectional study, we explored associations between motivational reasons for being physically active and time spent exercising, walking, and in incidental PA in firefighters. A secondary aim was to investigate differences in motivational reasons between physically active versus physically inactive firefighters.Methods:Eighty-seven participants (43.1 ± 10.3 years; 87.6% male) who were recruited via a nonprofit peer support network of fire rescue personnel in Flanders, Belgium, completed the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2 (BREQ-2), Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ), and the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) via an online survey.Findings:Firefighters who identified the benefits of exercising and/or those who found pleasure or a personal challenge in it exercised more. Those who did not meet the guideline of 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week had much less intrinsic motivation.Conclusions/Implications for Practice:This study demonstrates that autonomous motives for PA (i.e., because it is perceived to be consistent with intrinsic goals or outcomes and emanates from the self) are important for an active lifestyle in firefighters. Occupational health professionals can foster autonomous motivation in firefighters by focusing on the benefits of exercise, making sure there are a wide range of exercise options available, and supporting initiatives of firefighters within the fire station. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-01-25T09:44:48Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221147174
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Authors:Vianna Broderick, Blake Barrett, Samuel Phillips, Linda Cowan, Yvonne Friedman, Andrea McKinney, Margeaux Chavez, Jason Lind, Sarah Bradley, Howard Kaplan, Tatjana Bulat Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Assisted falls occur when staff try to minimize the impact of falls by slowing a patient’s descent. Assisting a patient fall may decrease patient injury risk, but biomechanical risk of injury to staff has not been evaluated. Assisted falls virtual reality (VR) simulations were conducted to examine staff low back injury risk during common assisted falls scenarios.Methods:VR simulations of a toilet to wheelchair transfer were developed with a male patient avatar for three assisted falls scenarios: standing up from toilet, sitting down on wheelchair, and ambulation. Patient avatar weight was modified to reflect normal, underweight, and overweight adult patients. The average spinal compression force at L5/S1 was calculated for each participant with five trials per three scenarios while utilizing physical ergonomic techniques and compared to the safe spinal compression limit of 3,400 Newtons (N).Findings:Six staff participants completed 90 VR simulations in total. The average calculated spinal compression force ranged from 7,132 N to 27,901 N. All participant trials exceeded the safe spinal compression limit of 3,400 N for every assisted falls scenario and avatar weight despite application of ergonomic techniques including wide stance, knees bent, and backs straight.Conclusions/Application to Practice:Staff are at risk for low back injury if they assist falls regardless of the adult patient weight and application of ergonomic techniques. Safer alternatives like the implementation of mobility screening tools and safe patient handling and mobility technology are needed to help prevent assisted falls to decrease injury risk to both patients and staff. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-01-25T09:38:28Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221148665
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Authors:Jeff Clyde G. Corpuz Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-01-25T09:33:29Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221147171
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Authors:Yuan Zhang, Alicia G. Dugan, Mazen El Ghaziri, Sundus Siddique, Laura Punnett Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Healthcare workers report a higher incidence of depression than the general population. Work–family conflict is a risk factor, but the mechanisms explaining its association with depression are not well understood. This study examines the potential mediating and moderating role of sleep and decision latitude in translating work–family conflict into depression.Methods:In 2018, a cross-sectional survey was collected from healthcare workers (n = 1,059) in five public sector facilities in the northeast United States. The survey included questions on participants’ work–family conflict, depression, sleep duration and disturbances, decision latitude, and other work environments and socio-demographic characteristics. Multivariable linear and Poisson regression modeling were used to examine associations among variables.Findings:There was a significant association between work–family conflict and depression (β = 2.70, p < .001). Sleep disturbances, although not short sleep duration, partially mediated this association. The association between work family–conflict and depression was stronger among workers with low decision latitude.Conclusions:Depression was prevalent among healthcare workers and was associated with work–family conflict. Sleep disturbances served as a significant mediator, while decision latitude modified the strength of the association.Application to Practice:Evidence-based interventions seeking to alleviate the effect of work–family conflict and improve healthcare workers’ mental health should consider promoting employee sleep quality and improving employees’ decision-making on the job. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-01-13T09:37:43Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221139998
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Authors:Rafael A. Bernardes, Sílvia Caldeira, Pedro Parreira, Liliana B. Sousa, João Apóstolo, Inês F. Almeida, Paulo Santos-Costa, Minna Stolt, Arménio Guardado Cruz First page: 101 Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Prolonged standing environments constitute an occupational risk factor for nurses, particularly for developing foot and ankle disorders. The definitions and potential relationship to hours spent walking or standing are poorly understood. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the main disorders found on nurses’ ankles and feet, their prevalence, the influence of hours spent walking or standing, and gender differences.Methods:This review followed a previously published protocol. Primary and secondary studies were retrieved from relevant databases from December 2020 to March 2021. Potential articles were collated to Mendeley, and two independent reviewers assessed the title and abstracts. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were included. Two researchers retrieved and reviewed the full text of these studies independently. A predetermined extraction tool was used to retrieve relevant data, summarized in a tabular and narrative format.Findings:The most common disorder was pain, followed by numbness, burning feet, bunions, structural deformities, and calluses. Prevalence differed among studies, depending on settings and specific local policies. Discussion: Various foot and ankle disorders and related variables have been found, with clear gaps that may be addressed in the future.Conclusion/Applications to Practice::Few studies have focused on nurses’ foot and ankle disorders. Mapping signs and symptoms may contribute to the future development of preventive interventions for nurses’ workplaces. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-01-13T12:28:43Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221137646
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Authors:Katherine A. McNamara, Wendie A. Robbins First page: 118 Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Rotating shift work is common in high-hazard industries, despite documented associations with sleep disturbance and impairment. In the oil industry, where rotating and extended shift schedules are used to staff safety-sensitive positions, work intensification and increasing overtime rates have been broadly documented over the last few decades. Research on the impacts of these work schedules on sleep and health has been limited for this workforce.Methods:We examined sleep duration and quality among rotating shift workers in the oil industry and explored associations between schedule characteristics, sleep, and health outcomes. We recruited hourly refinery workers from the West and Gulf Coast oil sector members of the United Steelworkers union.Findings:Impaired sleep quality and short sleep durations were common and associated with health and mental health outcomes common among shift workers. Shortest sleep durations followed shift rotations. Early rise and start times were associated with shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality. Drowsiness and fatigue-related incidents were common.Conclusion/Application to Practice:We observed lower sleep duration and quality and increased overtime in 12-hour rotating shift schedules. These long workdays with early start times may reduce available hours for quality sleep; here they were associated with reduced exercise and leisure activity which correlated with good sleep. This safety-sensitive population appears severely impacted by poor sleep quality, which has broader implications for process safety management. Later start times, slower rotation, and a reconsideration of two-shift schedules are interventions to consider for improving sleep quality among rotating shift workers. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-02-16T01:20:07Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221139990
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Authors:Keane L. Trautner, Laura J. Ridge, Nathan J. Stefanovsky, Philip Veliz, Marjorie C. McCullagh First page: 130 Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Agricultural producers are frequently exposed to noise that is hazardous to their hearing and cardiovascular health, and have among the highest rates of noise-induced hearing loss of all occupations. However, despite information-sharing approaches, few producers wear sufficient hearing protection. There is a need to develop effective methods of protecting producers from their noise exposure.Methods:We provided a series of 2 to 3 short (30-minute) telephone-based motivational interviewing (MI) sessions to noise-exposed agricultural producers. We assessed intervention effectiveness through changes in measuring hearing protector use pre- and post-intervention using a one-group pre/posttest design.Results:The sample (N = 29) predominantly consisted of crop producers from Michigan. The mean percentage of time hearing protection was used increased from 44.9% to 51.8% after the intervention, approximately a 7% increase (p =.105). Regression analysis suggested the relationship between intervention dose and use of hearing protection was not correlative.Discussion/Conclusion:There was a marginal increase in the use of hearing protection after the intervention, although setting-specific increases in use were uneven. Intervention dose did not correlate with a change in hearing protection use. Further research is warranted to determine the effectiveness of MI, how it compares to information sharing, and to identify intervention dose parameters that promote efficiency. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2023-01-13T09:33:03Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221139996
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Authors:Robert Harrity, Robert Semakula, Salem Dehom, Ellen D’Errico, Lisa Roberts Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Bedside nurses and nursing students are at increased risk of musculoskeletal injury due to the physicality and complexity of their work. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between grip strength and orthopedic injuries or pain among nurses and nursing students.Methods:A cross-sectional study of nursing staff and nursing students at a health sciences university was conducted. The survey consisted of work-related demographics, exercise habits, and validated scales. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect information on musculoskeletal problems. Anthropomorphic measures included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and grip strength. Logistic regression was performed.Findings:Participants with grip strength at or above the national average had significantly lower odds of self-reported orthopedic problems, B = 0.86, OR = 2.35, p =.01, indicating participants with grip strength at or above national average were 135% less likely to report orthopedic problems compared to participants with grip strength below the national average.Conclusion/Application to Practice:Healthcare workers in direct patient care who have lower grip strength may be at increased risk for injuries. Nursing staff and students with below average grip strength were more likely to experience orthopedic problems. Increased muscle mass and grip strength are known to effectively reduce the risk of upper extremity injuries. Nurse leaders may benefit from promoting grip strengthening activities among employees to prevent workplace injuries. Further research is needed to understand the biophysiological mechanisms, confirm the findings of this study and evaluate effective interventions. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2022-12-08T09:23:30Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221135591
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Authors:King Pascual, Amiad Fredman, Athanasios Naum, Chaitrali Patil, Neal Sikka Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Research on burnout in the medical community has extensively studied the impact of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), which can include meditation, outdoor retreats, in-person didactics, and/or online wellness modules. However, in addition to these MBIs lacking objective, physiological measures for wellness, there has been little to no research involving virtual reality (VR) as an MBI modality for healthcare professionals in the United States.Methods:A randomized controlled intervention trial was used to study the impact of VR-based guided-meditations in the form of brief paced-breathing exercises. Heart-rate variability (HRV), a biomarker for relaxation, was measured during each session. Thirty-two participants, consisting of primarily medical students, resident physicians, and registered nurses, were recruited to complete brief guided-meditations via a VR headset or a standalone mobile app in the emergency department (ED) on-call room of a large urban academic medical center.Results:A total of 213 guided-meditation sessions were completed over the course of 4 weeks. Self-reported ratings of anxiety improved in both VR and mobile groups post-study. However, the VR group demonstrated higher intrasession HRV progress, indicating increased state of relaxation that also correlated with the number of sessions completed. Analysis by gender revealed disparity in HRV metrics between male and female VR participants.Conclusion/Application to Practice:VR-based guided meditations prove to be a feasible and accessible MBI that does not require extensive time commitment for healthcare workers. VR may be a more effective meditation platform compared with standalone mobile meditation apps, especially when used on a routine basis. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2022-11-15T07:11:24Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221123258
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Authors:Nicholas Monfries, Naminder Sandhu, Kelly Millar Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:Burnout is a significant concern among health care professionals, particularly those working in the emergency department (ED). Given the negative personal and professional consequences that burnout can have on all health care professionals, multidisciplinary solutions are needed to address burnout. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of resilience training delivered through a smartphone application on burnout among health care professionals working at a tertiary-care pediatric ED.Methods:We conducted a single-center pilot randomized controlled study enrolling multidisciplinary health care professionals working in our ED. Participants assigned to the intervention group received self-driven access to a smartphone application that provided a structured resilience curriculum for a period of 3 months. The participants completed psychometric assessments both prior to and following the invention period. Changes in psychometric measures of the intervention group were then compared with a waitlist-control group.Results:Following the intervention period, a total of 20 participants were included in the final analysis. The change in participant scores on psychometric measures prior to and following the intervention period was calculated. A statistically significant mean decrease in burnout measure (emotional exhaustion subscale of Maslach-Burnout Inventory mean score −5.88, p < .001) and increase in mindfulness measure (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale mean score 0.51, p < .001) was observed among the intervention group participants.Conclusions/Application to Practice:Our study suggests that a resilience training program delivered using a smartphone application can be an effective intervention in reducing burnout and increasing mindfulness skills. Our study also demonstrated the potential feasibility of a randomized controlled study of burnout within a multidisciplinary group of health care professionals. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2022-11-14T10:38:13Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221123261
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Authors:Ivana T. Croghan, Ryan T. Hurt, Shawn C. Fokken, Karen M. Fischer, Stephanie A. Lindeen, Darrell R. Schroeder, Ravindra Ganesh, Karthik Ghosh, Nina Bausek, Brent A. Bauer Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased burnout and staff turnover for health care providers (HCPs). The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the safety and acceptability of a Stress Resilience Program (SRP) for reducing perceived stress and improving resilience among HCPs during a pandemic.Method:Of the 12 HCPs expressing interest in the study, 10 were enrolled in this study. Participants attended three in-person visits (consent/screen, baseline, and end-of-study). The SRP consisted of education related to resilience enhancement and a breathing device (BreatherFit®) for combined respiratory muscle training (cRMT). Participants completed 4 weeks of cRMT and applied situational breathing strategies as needed. Outcomes measured were changes in stress (PSS-10), resilience (BRS), depression (PRIME-MD), and sleep (PSQI and Ōura Ring®).Findings:The majority of participants were male (60%) and White (60%) with an average age of 39.7 years. Changes from baseline to end-of-treatment indicated a positive trend with significant stress reduction (−3.2 ± 3.9, p = .028) and nonsignificant depression reduction (−0.5 ± 0.7, p = .05). Resilience was high at baseline and continued to stay high during the study with a nonsignificant increase at end-of-study (+0.07 ± 0.7, p = .77). No changes in overall sleep scores were noted. All participants agreed the study was worthwhile, 80% indicated they would repeat the experience, while 90% indicated they would recommend the study to others.Conclusion/Application to Practice:Because of its size and portability, SRP is an easily applicable and promising option for reducing stress among HCPs during a high-stress period, such as a pandemic. Larger studies are needed. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2022-07-05T12:14:19Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221093775
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Authors:Anand Shah, Eileen Zhuang, Jennifer German, Sheldon Tai, Maria Schanz, Gabrielle Glendening, Mackenzie Mason, Olga Kolesnik, Stella E. Hines First page: 137 Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Background:With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, healthcare workers (HCW) have relied on reusable personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and face shields (FSs). The effectiveness of decontamination procedures outside experimental settings is unclear. We examined the prevalence of surface contamination on reusable PPE used by HCWs at a hospital incorporating daily centralized decontamination and post-use wiping by sampling for common pathogens.Method:Samples were collected from HCWs’ CleanSpace Halo respirator face masks (FMs) and FSs at the start of shift, immediately after use, and after cleaning with disinfecting wipes. Samples were analyzed for pathogens using the Applied Biosystems™ TaqPath™ COVID-19 Combo Kit and ThermoFisher TaqMan Array Card. Patient charts were reviewed for clinical correlation.Findings:Of the 89 samples, 51 from FMs and 38 from FSs, none tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, despite 58 being obtained from PPE used in the care of patients with COVID-19, many with recent aerosol-generating procedures. Four samples tested positive (4.5%) for Staphylococcus aureus, two each from FMs and FSs. FMs that tested positive were not worn concurrently with FSs that tested positive. The FM and FS samples testing positive were worn in the care of patients without diagnosed S. aureus infection. No FMs tested positive following wipe-based disinfection, but both positive FS samples were found after disinfection wiping.Conclusion/Application to Practice:Contamination of reusable PPE appears uncommon, especially with SARS-CoV-2, when regular decontamination programs are in place. The rare presence of S. aureus highlights the importance of doffing procedures and hand hygiene by HCW to prevent surface contamination. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2022-12-08T09:13:50Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221135583
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Authors:Marie-Anne S. Rosemberg, Mackenzie Adams, Carri Polick, Hannah Ratliff, Wei V. Li, Jin Jun First page: 144 Abstract: Workplace Health & Safety, Ahead of Print. Objectives:The Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a unique burden specifically for workers in service industries. However, limited research on service worker’s experience during the onset of COVID-19 exists. We aimed to describe the experiences and concerns of service industry workers during the pandemic’s onset.Methods:This is a mixed-method study. Participants were recruited through social media and completed either a survey or a phone interview during May and June 2020. The survey and transcribed interview data were analyzed using the SPSS software and content analysis, respectively.Results:Twenty-seven individuals completed audio-recorded phone interviews and 28 completed the survey. Participants were mostly women between 19 and 65 years old. Participants worked in food retail (n = 23), restaurant (n = 25), and hospitality (n = 7) industries. There was discordance in perceived threat level of COVID-19. Most participants reported that their workplace complied with their state’s mandates for protection measures, while others reported lacking basic supplies such as soap, hand sanitizer, and masks. Job insecurity, change of job tasks, and work hours were the most common ways that COVID-19 affected the workers. Worker’s assertiveness to self-protect while at work was influenced by their perceived severity of the pandemic.Conclusion/Application to Practice:This study highlights the vulnerability of service workers relating to job security and job tasks during the pandemic. Organizational processes are needed to promote safe work environments and facilitate access to resources for these workers. In addition, occupational health practitioners need to be aware of and address the emerging health risks and worker needs. Citation: Workplace Health & Safety PubDate: 2022-08-09T06:45:23Z DOI: 10.1177/21650799221101001
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