Considerations Concerning the Epidemiology of Occupational Dermatoses.
Safety and Health at Work.2014;5(1):40-41. doi:10.1016/j.shaw.2014.01.005
Safety and Health at Work
2010 to Present ISSN: 2093-7911
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Work-related Dermatoses in Greece.
Safety and Health at Work.2014;5(1):39-40.
Sex Differences in Relationship between Stress Responses and Lifestyle in Japanese Workers.
Safety and Health at Work.2014;5(1):32-38.
BACKGROUND: This study examined the relationships between stress responses and lifestyle, including sleeping and eating behaviors, in Japanese workers according to sex. METHODS: Questionnaires about stress responses and lifestyle were completed by 3,017 workers in a financial enterprise (41.5% men, 58.5% women). Data were collected in Japan in August 2011. Participants were classified into stress and nonstress groups. Relationships between stress responses and lifestyle were investigated using logistic regression analysis with stress response as a dependent variable. RESULTS: There were 254 (8.4%) participants in the stress group and 2,763 (91.6%) in the nonstress group. The results showed that sleeping for shorter periods [odds ratio (OR) = 2.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58-5.60] was associated with stress responses in women, whereas we found no relationship between stress responses and lifestyle among men. However, working overtime was associated with stress responses in men (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.43-5.15). Eating at night was associated with stress responses in the univariate analysis (men: OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.16-3.80; women: OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.09-2.39). CONCLUSION: This study showed that stress responses were related to lifestyle among women but not among men. Among women, stress responses were related to sleeping for shorter periods, whereas they were related to working long hours among men. In addition, stress responses were related to eating at night in the univariate analysis, although this relationship was not seen in the multivariate analysis, in either sex.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Eating ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Humans ; Japan ; Life Style* ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sex Characteristics*
Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Eating ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Humans ; Japan ; Life Style* ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sex Characteristics*
Meta-Analysis: Association Between Wrist Posture and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Workers.
Safety and Health at Work.2014;5(1):27-31.
BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common work-related peripheral neuropathy. In addition to grip force and repetitive hand exertions, wrist posture (hyperextension and hyperflexion) may be a risk factor for CTS among workers. However, findings of studies evaluating the relationship between wrist posture and CTS are inconsistent. The purpose of this paper was to conduct a meta-analysis of existing studies to evaluate the evidence of the relationship between wrist posture at work and risk of CTS. METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to identify relevant studies published between 1980 and 2012. The following search terms were used: "work related", "carpal tunnel syndrome", "wrist posture", and "epidemiology". The studies defined wrist posture as the deviation of the wrist in extension or flexion from a neutral wrist posture. Relative risk (RR) of individual studies for postural risk was pooled to evaluate the overall risk of wrist posture on CTS. RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. All were cross-sectional or case-control designs and relied on self-report or observer's estimates for wrist posture assessment. The pooled RR of work-related CTS increased with increasing hours of exposure to wrist deviation or extension/flexion [RR = 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.646-2.43; p < 0.01: Shore-adjusted 95% CI: 1.32-2.97]. CONCLUSION: We found evidence that prolonged exposure to non-neutral wrist postures is associated with a twofold increased risk for CTS compared with low hours of exposure to non-neutral wrist postures. Workplace interventions to prevent CTS should incorporate training and engineering interventions that reduce sustained non-neutral wrist postures.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome* ; Case-Control Studies ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Posture* ; Risk Factors ; Wrist*
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome* ; Case-Control Studies ; Hand ; Hand Strength ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Posture* ; Risk Factors ; Wrist*
Safety and Health at Work.2014;5(1):23-26.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the concentration of total airborne bacteria (TAB) in biosafety cabinets (BSCs) at universities and hospital microbial laboratories to assess the performance of BSCs. METHODS: TAB was determined by using the single-stage Anderson sampler (BioStage Viable Cascade Impactor). The samples were obtained three times (with the BSC turned off and the shield open; with the BSC turned off and the shield closed; and with the BSC tuned on and operating) from the areas in front of 11 BSCs. RESULTS: TAB concentrations of accredited and nonaccredited BSCs were determined. No significant differences were observed in the TAB concentrations of the accredited BSCs and the nonaccredited BSCs for the areas outside the BSCs in the laboratories (p > 0.05). TAB concentrations for the BSCs sampled with the shield open and the instrument turned off showed differences based on the sampling site outside the BSC in each laboratory. CONCLUSION: These results imply that TAB concentration is not altered by the performance of the BSCs or TAB itself and/or concentration of TAB outside the BSC is not a good index of BSC performance.
Bacteria*
Bacteria*
Safety and Health at Work.2014;5(1):17-22.
BACKGROUND: Health care professionals (HCPs) are at high risk of contracting blood-borne infections due to their occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs). The incidence of these infections among HCPs are higher in low income countries such as Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of occupational exposure to BBFs and its associated factors among HCPs in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was used from October 1, 2012 to October 30, 2012. Three hundred and seventeen HCPs were included in the study using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors related to exposure to BBFs. RESULTS: Two hundred and nine (65.9%) HCPs were exposed to BBFs in the past year, of which 29.0% were needlestick injuries. Work experience [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56-10.91], inconsistent use of gloves (AOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.04-3.43), and not complying with standard precautions (AOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.00-3.22) were the factors associated with occupational exposure to BBFs. CONCLUSION: A high proportion of HCPs was exposed to BBFs in this study. Occupational exposure to BBFs was determined by the use of gloves and not complying with standard precautions. Ensuring the availability of gloves, training about standard precautions, and motivation of HCPs to implement standard precautions should be emphasized to avoid such exposures.
Body Fluids* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Delivery of Health Care* ; Ethiopia* ; Incidence ; Motivation ; Multivariate Analysis ; Needlestick Injuries ; Occupational Exposure* ; Odds Ratio ; Surveys and Questionnaires
Body Fluids* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Delivery of Health Care* ; Ethiopia* ; Incidence ; Motivation ; Multivariate Analysis ; Needlestick Injuries ; Occupational Exposure* ; Odds Ratio ; Surveys and Questionnaires
Safety and Health at Work.2014;5(1):13-16.
BACKGROUND: This study assesses influences of baseline psychological risk factors on prevalence of low back pain (LBP) at baseline and follow-up among nurses. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study was performed at two phases, baseline and 1-year follow-up among 246 nurses of university hospitals in Shahroud, Iran. A standardized Cultural and Psychosocial Influences on Disability questionnaire was used for data collection. Logistic regression was performed for analysis. RESULTS: At the baseline of the study, 58.9% of nurses reported back pain in the previous 12 months. Age (p = 0.001), belief that work causes pain (p = 0.022), and somatization tendency (p = 0.002) significantly increased risk of LBP. At 1-year follow-up, prevalence of LBP was 45.7% and expectation of back pain at baseline (p = 0.016) significantly increased risk of LBP in this phase (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that risk factors for prevalence of back pain at baseline and 1-year follow-up are different. At baseline, the risk factors are age, belief that work causes pain, and somatization tendency, and at follow-up, expectation of pain is the major risk factor.
Back Pain ; Data Collection ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospitals, University ; Iran ; Logistic Models ; Longitudinal Studies ; Low Back Pain* ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies* ; Psychology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Risk Factors
Back Pain ; Data Collection ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospitals, University ; Iran ; Logistic Models ; Longitudinal Studies ; Low Back Pain* ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies* ; Psychology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Risk Factors
Work-related Stress, Caregiver Role, and Depressive Symptoms among Japanese Workers.
Safety and Health at Work.2014;5(1):7-12.
BACKGROUND: In Japan, more than 60% of employees are reported to suffer from anxiety and stress. Consequently, Japanese society has begun to address such important issues as psychogenic disability and job-related suicide. Furthermore, given the aging of society and the surge in the number of elderly people requiring care, it is necessary to adequately and proactively support employees who care for their elderly relatives. The purpose of the present study was to investigate caregiver burden in caring for elderly relatives and work-related stress factors associated with mental health among employees. METHODS: We studied 722 men and women aged 18-83 years in a cross-sectional study. The K10 questionnaire was used to examine mental health status. RESULTS: The proportion of participants with a high K10 score was 15% (n = 106). Having little conversation with their supervisor and/or coworkers significantly increased the risk of depression [odds ratio (OR) 1.8], as did high job overload (OR 2.7) and job dissatisfaction (OR 3.8), compared with employees who frequently conversed with their supervisor and/or coworkers. Caring for elderly relatives as a prominent characteristic of an employee was a significant risk factor for depression (OR 2.1). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that employees who were caring for elderly relatives were significantly associated with an increased risk of depression. To prevent depressive disorders, it may be important to focus on reducing the work-caregiving role conflict, as well as enhancing employees' job control and better rewarding their efforts in the workplace.
Aged ; Aging ; Anxiety ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Caregivers* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Depression* ; Depressive Disorder ; Female ; Humans ; Japan ; Male ; Mental Health ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Reward ; Risk Factors ; Suicide
Aged ; Aging ; Anxiety ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Caregivers* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Depression* ; Depressive Disorder ; Female ; Humans ; Japan ; Male ; Mental Health ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Reward ; Risk Factors ; Suicide
Workflow Interruptions and Failed Action Regulation in Surgery Personnel.
Safety and Health at Work.2014;5(1):1-6.
BACKGROUND: Workflow interruptions during surgery may cause a threat to patient's safety. Workflow interruptions were tested to predict failure in action regulation that in turn predicts near-accidents in surgery and related health care. METHODS: One-hundred-and-thirty-three theater nurses and physicians from eight Swiss hospitals participated in a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. The study participation rate was 43%. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling confirmed an indirect path from workflow interruptions through cognitive failure in action regulation on near-accidents (p < 0.05). The indirect path was stronger for workflow interruptions by malfunctions and task organizational blockages compared with workflow interruptions that were caused by persons. The indirect path remained meaningful when individual differences in conscientiousness and compliance with safety regulations were controlled. CONCLUSION: Task interruptions caused by malfunction and organizational constraints are likely to trigger errors in surgery. Work redesign is recommended to reduce workflow interruptions by malfunction and regulatory constraints.
Compliance ; Delivery of Health Care ; Humans ; Individuality ; Patient Safety ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Social Control, Formal
Compliance ; Delivery of Health Care ; Humans ; Individuality ; Patient Safety ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Social Control, Formal
Diabetes Management and Hyperglycemia in Safety Sensitive Jobs.
Safety and Health at Work.2011;2(4):380-384.
The chronic and acute effects of hyperglycemia affecting cognition and work are as important as those of hypoglycemia. Its impact, considering that majority of diabetic patients fail to reach therapeutic targets, would be potentially significant. Self monitoring of blood glucose, recognition of body cues and management interventions should be geared not only towards avoidance of disabling hypoglycemia, but also towards unwanted hyperglycemia. Over the long term, chronic hyperglycemia is a risk for cognitive decline. Acute episodes of hyperglycemia, above 15 mmol/L have also been shown to affect cognitive motor tasks. Maintaining blood sugar to avoid hyperglycemia in diabetic workers will help promote safety at work.
Blood Glucose ; Cognition ; Cues ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; Hypoglycemia
Blood Glucose ; Cognition ; Cues ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; Hypoglycemia
Country
Republic of Korea
Publisher
Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute
ElectronicLinks
http://www.e-shaw.org/Editor-in-chief
Jungsun Park
shaw@e-shaw.org
Abbreviation
Saf Health Work
Vernacular Journal Title
ISSN
2093-7911
EISSN
2093-7997
Year Approved
2012
Current Indexing Status
Currently Indexed
Start Year
2010
Description
Safety and Health at Work (SH@W) is an international, peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary journal published quarterly in English beginning in 2010. The journal is aimed at providing grounds for the exchange of ideas and data developed through research experience in the broad field of occupational health and safety. Articles may deal with scientific research to improve workers' health and safety by eliminating occupational accidents and diseases, pursuing a better working life, and creating a safe and comfortable working environment.
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