Workplace Health & Safety最新文献

Background: Diabetes, a significant global health concern, affects one in 10 adults, with many unaware. Despite its prevalence, evidence on its impact on pulmonary function is limited. Given the occupational exposure to silica dust, mine workers may face heightened pulmonary risks with diabetes. Our objective was to estimate differences in pulmonary functions between diabetic and non-diabetic mine workers and determine predictors of pulmonary dysfunction.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 215 mine workers from Gujarat's lignite mines in December 2021. Data on demographics, occupation, comorbidities, anthropometry, blood pressure, and random blood glucose (RBG) were collected. Diabetes was defined as self-reported history or RBG ≥200 mg/dL with symptoms. Spirometry measured forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests, and linear regression identified predictors of pulmonary function.

Findings: Diabetic workers (18%) exhibited lower FEV₁ (2.80 ± 0.65 vs. 3.11 ± 0.77 L, p = .022) and FVC (3.21 ± 0.69 vs. 3.55 ± 0.84 L, p = .017). On linear regression, male gender and longer work experience significantly predicted FEV₁ and FVC, while adjustments for confounding variables diminished diabetes's impact.

Conclusion: Lower FEV₁ and FVC among diabetic mine workers suggest a potential role of diabetes in pulmonary impairment. The diminished effect after adjustment underscores the need for mining cohorts to confirm these findings.

Application to practice: Mine workers should undergo annual diabetes screening and respiratory evaluations beyond routine periodic medical examinations. Workplace programs targeting non-communicable diseases should be implemented to support long-term worker health.

This article addresses the significant impact of chronic pain on the workplace, highlighting the substantial economic and human costs. According to a National Health Interview Survey, nearly a quarter of U.S. adults live with chronic pain, with a considerable percentage experiencing limitations in daily life and work. The article discusses how chronic pain negatively affects both employees and employers and argues that occupational and environmental health nurses play a crucial role in the development of a multi-faceted workplace support plan. Key strategies include fostering a safe and open environment, evaluating and implementing effective workplace accommodations, and creating tailored employee wellness programs. The article emphasizes the importance of education and awareness to reduce stigma and encourage open communication among colleagues. It concludes by highlighting valuable resources, such as the American Chronic Pain Association and the U.S. Pain Foundation, and the use of chronic pain mobile apps to provide individuals with the tools and support needed to manage their condition. The overarching goal is to create a supportive and understanding workplace that benefits both employees and employers.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) account for 30% of workplace injuries, creating significant occupational health and economic burdens. The purpose of this review was to synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness of combined ergonomic and physical activity interventions compared to single-approach methods in preventing WMSDs among workers engaged in manual handling and repetitive motion.

Methods: A systematic search across Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, Embase, and PubMed was conducted for English-language studies (2019-2024) following PRISMA guidelines. Studies examining ergonomic interventions, manual handling training, or workplace physical activity programs for adult workers were included. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model guided quality assessment. Seven studies from six countries met the inclusion criteria: one Level I randomized controlled trial (A quality), four Level II quasi-experimental studies (B quality), and two Level III observational studies (B quality).

Results: Combined interventions of ergonomic and physical activity showed potential benefits of pain reductions (neck: 38%, hand/wrist: 37%) and flexibility improvements, though effect sizes varied considerably. Single interventions showed fewer benefits: ergonomic education reduced high-risk MSDs from 35.1% to 0%, while whole-body stretching achieved greater pain intensity reduction (mean difference 3.6) compared to education alone (mean difference 2.5). Intervention durations ranged from 6 weeks to 22 months across healthcare, manufacturing, and industrial workers.

Conclusions/application to practice: Combined ergonomic and physical activity interventions appeared more effective than single approaches for WMSD prevention, demonstrating clinically meaningful improvements with high completion rates. However, study design variability necessitates cautious interpretation. Future research requires standardized trials with long-term and cost-effectiveness analyses.

Background: Heat stress injury (HSI) is an occupational hazard for industrial workers. For active-duty Sailors, shipyard conditions of high ambient temperatures, confined spaces, and increased fire-fighting training exacerbate those risks. This evidence-based practice project aimed to decrease Sailor HSI cases on a U.S. Navy ship undergoing multi-year shipyard maintenance after high numbers of HSI events over 5 months.

Methods: Three mitigation efforts augmented existing guidelines to decrease HSI rates among Sailors: (1) distribution of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and hydration protocol; (2) scaled personal protective equipment (PPE) wear during firefighting training based on wet-bulb globe temperature; (3) targeted education about HSI risk factors, identification, first aid, and prevention. HSI-related medical response team activations data were collected from ship's logs at baseline and for 2 years following implementation.

Findings: 1,700 Sailors received education, 185 drills occurred with scaled PPE, and 35,500 servings of ORS were distributed. Sailor HSI events at baseline were higher (n = 10) than civilians (n = 6; p = .046). After implementation, Sailor HSI events decreased in years 1 (n = 5) and 2 (n = 2) and were not significantly different from civilian HSI rate in years 1 (n = 3, p = .112) and 2 (n = 5, p = .101) who were excluded from interventions. Estimated HSI odds for 2023 Sailors were 70% lower (OR = 0.3, 95% CI [0.02, 4.06]).

Application to practice: Shipyard-specific, multi-pronged interventions effectively reduced HSI events over multiple years, which may be adapted to other occupational environments.

Background: Paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) frequently encounter traumatic events. Their high-stress profession can contribute to mental health challenges, potentially leading to an increased risk of binge drinking. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of binge drinking among paramedics and EMTs and its association with exposure to traumatic events and job satisfaction.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire collecting data on demographics, substance use patterns, exposure to traumatic events, and job satisfaction. Binge drinking was defined as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks (four for women) on a single occasion. The study included 317 participants. 27 (8.5%) were classified as binge drinkers.

Findings: The analysis revealed a significant association between exposure to traumatic events and binge drinking.

Conclusions: Trauma exposure may increase the risk of binge drinking. Job satisfaction was a protective factor against binge drinking.Applications to Practice:Preventive interventions and support systems should address paramedics' and EMTs' mental health needs to reduce the potential for harmful binge drinking.