Search results

1

Association between the high risk occupations and bladder cancer in Iran: A case-control study

100%

Khoubi J., Pourabdian S., Mohebbi I., Tajvidi M., Zaroorian O., Giahi O.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2013

|

vol. 26

|

issue 2

205-213

EN

Objectives: The objective of this work was to identify the high-risk occupations in Iran and to re-inspect occupations that were related to bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: In the study, 300 patients suffering from bladder cancer and 500 control individuals were interviewed. Demographic information, occupational history, and history of exposure to chemical compounds such as aromatic amines for each participant were collected. ORs and 95% CIs were calculated using unconditional logistic regression for each occupation. Results: There was a significantly increased risk of bladder cancer among truck and bus drivers (OR = 11.3), skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers (OR = 6.0), metal industry workers (OR = 6.0), domestic housekeepers (OR = 5.9), and construction workers (OR = 3.8). Conclusions: The study showed a strong correlation between truck and bus drivers, skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers, metal industry workers, domestic housekeepers, as well as construction workers and the increased risk of bladder cancer in these occupations.

2

Job satisfaction of occupational medicine nurses in Poland

100%

Sakowski P.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2012

|

vol. 25

|

issue 1

51-58

EN

Objectives: The study aimed at assessment of the Polish occupational medicine service system after over ten years of functioning in the current shape, made by occupational nurses. The article focuses on the job satisfaction level among Polish occupational medicine nurses. Materials and Methods: The survey was performed among 600 randomly selected occupational medicine nurses, registered in the regional occupational medicine centers. A questionnaire, designed by the research team, containing several questions concerning different aspects of OMS system assessment, including a part dedicated to job satisfaction assessment, was sent to the selected occupational nurses. The response rate was 33.3% (200 questionnaires). Results: The survey shows a relatively high satisfaction level in case of five out of eleven investigated job aspects, and a very low satisfaction level in case of two of them (“Possibility of professional promotion”, “Salary”). 26% of the OMS nurses had considered going abroad to work as a nurse in the general health care system, and 17% in the OHS system. Almost 25% of them would not choose a profession of an occupational nurse once again, including 10% who would not choose a nurse job at all. There is a statistically significant correlation between the general job satisfaction and satisfaction with other aspects of nursing work. A strong correlation was observed in case of “Scope of performed tasks” and “Cooperation with employers (clients of the occupational medicine service units)”. There is a statistically significant correlation of average strength between the decision concerning choosing an occupational nurse job in case of taking a decision on professional carrier once again and “General job satisfaction”. Conclusion: Polish occupational nurses are satisfied with their job, however only 26% are fully satisfied. In their work there is place for improvement. The areas which definitely need attention and improvement are “Possibility of professional promotion” and “Salary”. Improvements in cooperation between occupational nurses and physicians can make it close to the best practice.

3

Utilizing the metabolic syndrome component count in workers’ health surveillance: An example of day-time vs. day-night rotating shift workers

100%

Lin Y. C., Hsieh I.-C., Chen P.-C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2015

|

vol. 28

|

issue 4

675-688

EN

Objectives To establish a practical method for assessing the general metabolic health conditions among different employee groups, this study utilized the total count of metabolic syndrome (MetS) elements as a parameter, and performed a retrospective analysis comparing changes of MetS component count (MSC) of 5 years among day-time work (DW) and day-andnight rotating shift work (RSW) employees. Material and Methods The data of personal histories, physical examinations, blood tests, abdominal sonographic examinations and occupational records were collected from a cohort of workers in an electronics manufacturing company. We first defined the arithmetic mean value of MSC as MSC density (MSCD) for the employee group; then we compared the changes of MSCD over 5 years between DW and RSW workers. Occupational, personal and health records were analyzed for the 1077 workers with an initial mean age of 32.4 years (standard deviation (SD): 6.2 years), including 565 RSW workers (52%). Results The initial MSCDs were 1.26 and 1.12 (p = 0.06) for DW and RSW workers, respectively; after 5 years, the increments of MSCD for DW and RSW workers were 0.10 and 0.39, respectively (p < 0.01). By performing multivariate logistic regression analyses, and comparing with DW co-workers, final results indicated that the workers exposed to RSW have 1.7-fold increased risk of elevated MSCD (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28–2.25, p < 0.01); and are 38% less likely (adjusted rate ratio (aRR) 0.62, 95% CI: 0.45–0.86, p < 0.01) to attain decreased MSCD. Conclusions These observations demonstrate that changes of MSCD are significantly different between DW and RSW workers, and are increasingly associated with RSW exposure. In conclusion, MSCD can represent the general metabolic health conditions of a given employee group; MSC, MSCD and their transitional changes can be applied as simple and standardized tools for monitoring metabolic health risk profiles when managing employee health, at both the individual and company levels.

4

Evaluation of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) for diabetes screening in occupational health care

100%

Vandersmissen G. J., Godderis L.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2015

|

vol. 28

|

issue 3

587-591

EN

Objectives The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence of undiagnosed dysglycaemia and the risk for type 2 diabetes using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) in the working population of Belgium. Moreover, it was to evaluate performance and applicability of FINDRISC as a screening tool during occupational health surveillance. Material and Methods A cross-sectional analysis was carried out over the years 2010–2011 among 275 healthy employees who underwent a health check including fasting plasma glucose and the FINDRISC questionnaire. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of different FINDRISC cut-off values to detect dysglycaemia was revised in the literature and then calculated. Results The prevalence of unknown dysglycaemia was 1.8%. Twelve percent of the employees had a FINDRISC score of 12 to 14 corresponding to a moderate risk of 17% to develop diabetes within the next 10 years, and 5.5% had a score of 15 or more corresponding to a high – very high risk of 33% to 50%. All dysglycaemic individuals had a FINDRISC score of 12 or higher. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting dysglycaemia was respectively 100% and 84.1% for a FINDRISC cut-off value ≥ 12; and 80% and 95.9% for a cut-off value ≥ 15. Conclusions A considerable number of workers had dysglycaemia or was at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The questionnaire is a reliable, valuable and easy to use screening tool in occupational health surveillance.

5

Global review of studies on traffic police with special focus on environmental health effects

100%

Patil R. R., Chetlapally S., Bagavandas M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2014

|

vol. 27

|

issue 4

523-535

EN

Since occupation is a major determinant of health, traffic police personnel face multiple occupational hazards. They are continuously exposed to vehicular emissions and work in a noisy and polluted environment. The objective of the present review is to explore the impact of occupational health hazards on the health of traffic police personnel. Published research papers on traffic police reporting occupational health issues were accessed and reviewed. Attempts were made to access papers that reported negative associations in order to present a balanced review. The majority of the studies have reported a decrease in the lung function and increased respiratory morbidity. The research on the cytogenetic abnormalities or genotoxic effect of vehicular emissions arising due to long-term exposure to benzene and other polyaromatic hydrocarbons has provided conflicting results, since more or less equal numbers of studies have given evidence for and against the causal association. There is a vast accumulation of epidemiological evidence on the casual association between vehicular pollution and its carcinogenic effect. Multiple studies have concluded that traffic police are highly stressed. A number of occupational factors have been attributed to stress among traffic police. Occupational health studies help us to understand the effects of vehicular pollution and its adverse influence on workers. They also provide opportunity for defined exposures measurements and precise risk assessment. The findings from these studies are easily generalizable and can help us understand the impact of air pollution on the general population.

6

The importance of occupational safety and health in management systems in the construction industry: case study of construction in Hermosillo

100%

Zepeda Quintana D. S., Munguia Vega N. E., Velazquez Contreras L. E.

Central and Eastern European Journal of Management and Economics (CEEJME)

|

2015

|

issue 1

51-69

EN

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) are concepts not fully integrated into management systems in the construction industry. This article shows the results of a research study conducted in two construction sites in the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The objective of this research is to identify and evaluate occupational risks in their activities. As a result, it is intended to demonstrate the importance of including occupational health practice into the management systems and potentially prevent, reduce and / or eliminate occupational risks and hazards in construction activities of buildings. Case study was used as a methodological design. Integrating OSH practices in management systems will facilitate construction industry move toward sustainability patterns and consequently increase the quality of life of its workers.

7

Źródła stresu zawodowego wśród pracowników sektora wydobywczego

100%

Molek-Winiarska D.

Nauki o Zarządzaniu

|

2015

|

issue 2(23)

74-92

EN

The main aim of this article is to present the results of a study of the sources and effects of occupational stress among the workers of a company in the extractive sector. The study has been part of a larger project, where a work-related stress organizational intervention is implemented and actions to reduce psychosocial risk are taken. Material and methods: 164 employees took part in this study. They filled in four questionnaires – OSI, JCQ, GHQ-28 and a questionnaire created for this study measuring the sources of stress in this specific kind of work environment. Results: the results showed that the main source of stress are hard conditions of work environment and continual sense of endangerment of health and life during work underground. Other sources of stress were time pressure, non-rhythmicity of work and work role ambiguity. The results of JCQ showed the low level of demands and latitude and the high level of job control and quite low social support. GHQ-28 did not show dysfunctions in general health. Discussion: methods and tools used in this study give a clear image of stressors, their intensity and psychological consequences in the research sample. The results allow to prepare a specific interpersonal training and mindfulness-based stress reduction training for the employees. Conclusions: the study lets the organization establish the strategy of implementation of work-related stress program.

8

Znaczenie postaw pracowników w procesie wdrażania programów redukcji stresu zawodowego

88%

Molek-Winiarska D.

Nauki o Zarządzaniu

|

2013

|

issue 3(16)

154-165

XX

This article presents the issue of employees’ attitude towards stress management interventions and occupational health interventions. According to different studies, workers’ attitudes before the implementation of the intervention influence effectiveness and time-efficiency of the process of implementation of stress intervention as well as they affect the permanence of changes at organizational and individual level of stress management after the implementation of the intervention. In the article, some advice and guidelines which can be used in the process of implementation of different kinds of work-life balance programs and other HRM activities are presented.

9

Identification of hazards in the workplaces of Artisanal mining in Katanga

88%

Elenge M. M., De Brouwer C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2011

|

vol. 24

|

issue 1

57-66

EN

Objective: While artisanal mining takes place in casual framework and with total ignorance of good practices, few studies have focused on the origin of hazards specific to each workplace constitutive of this exploitation facility. Nevertheless, this study is a condition of an efficient occupational health and safety control in this sector. Materials and Method: We took the effort to identify different workplaces, as well as hazards specific to each of them, through the observation and analysis of the tasks, tools and the processes related to their use applied in the Ruashi artisanal mine. Results: The investigated exploitation facility consists of five workplaces: diggers (60% – in charge of mineralized gangue recovery); crushers; washers; hand-made furnace workers (in charge of various treatment processes); and loaders (in charge of packing the obtained material). Beside the risks common to these various workplaces and ensuing notably from the lack of hygiene and working in bad positions, operating in underground galleries, in particular, exposes diggers to the risks connected with collapsing parts of the mine, suffocation, dehydration or fine particles in the breathed air. Crushers are especially exposed to traumatism risks, notably ocular, and loaders are exposed to risks related to handling heavy loads. These risks are connected with the mining processes because, in spite of the similarity of tools, they appear less often in other forms of artisanal exploitation described in literature. It is notable in the case of crushing in sawed gas bottles where ocular trauma risk is decreased. It was also shown that humidification of work surface reduces dust particles emission into the air. Conclusions: Hazards identification, through a tools and processes description, has the advantage of providing information on reducing the occurrence of these risks. It shows that this reduction is not necessarily a consequence of the activity mechanization degree.

10

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hairdressers

88%

Aweto H. A., Tella B. A., Johnson O. Y.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2015

|

vol. 28

|

issue 3

545-555

EN

Objectives This study has investigated the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), the most commonly affected body parts, the risk factors of WMSDs and the coping strategies adopted by hairdressers. Material and Methods The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. Two hundred and ninety-nine hairdressers (242 females and 57 males) from salons in Surulere and Mushin Local Government Areas of Lagos State completed a 27-item questionnaire. They were selected using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. The inferential analysis was conducted using the Chi² test. The level of significance stood at p < 0.05. Results The 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders stood at 75.6%. Two hundred and twenty-one (91.3%) participants reported gradual onset of musculoskeletal disorders. One hundred and sixteen (47.9%) participants had the onset of the WMSDs at the age range of 26–35 years. The most commonly affected body parts included the low back (76.3%), shoulder (62.5%) and neck (46.3%). Some of the major job risk factors of the WMSDs that were identified included: working in the same position for long periods and attending to a large number of customers in 1 day. Taking sufficient rest breaks by participants was one of the coping strategies adopted by the participants. The mean number of years of working experience was 7.85±0.4 years. One hundred and twenty-four (41.5%) participants had worked for 1–5 years. The Chi² analysis showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders were significantly associated with the age of a participant (Chi² = 78.78, p = 0.001), years of working experience (Chi² = 78.03, p = 0.001) and hours spent working in a standing position (Chi² = 8.77, p = 0.01), respectively. Conclusions The age of hairdressers, their years of working and the long hours they spent working in a standing position may be significant factors that contribute to the high prevalence of the WMSDs among them. The most commonly affected body parts included the low back, shoulders and neck.

11

Study of lone working magnetic resonance technologists in Western Australia

88%

Dewland T. A., Hancock L. N., Sargeant S., Bailey R. K., Sarginson R. A., Cheung Ng C. K.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2013

|

vol. 26

|

issue 6

837-845

EN

Objectives: It is recommended that magnetic resonance (MR) technologists should not work alone due to potential occupational health risks although lone working is legally acceptable. The objective of this study was to investigate the current situation of lone working MR technologists in Western Australia (WA) and any issue against the regulations. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire regarding the issues of occupational health of lone working MR technologists was developed based on relevant literature and distributed to WA MR technologists. Descriptive (percentage of frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Fisher's exact, Chi² and t tests, and analysis of variance) were used to analyze the responses of the yes/no, multiple choice and 5 pt scale questions from the returned questionnaires. Results: The questionnaire response rate was 65.6% (59/90). It was found that about half of the MR technologists (45.8%, 27/59) experienced lone working. The private magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) centers were more likely to arrange technologists to work alone (p < 0.05). The respondents expressed positive views on issues of adequacy of training and arrangement, confidence and comfort towards lone working except immediate assistance for emergency (mean: 3). Factors of existence of MRI safety officer (p < 0.05) and nature of lone working (p < 0.001-0.05) affected MR technologists' concerns. Conclusions: Lone working of MR technologists is common in WA especially in private centers. The training and arrangement provided seem to be adequate for meeting the legal requirements. However, several areas should be improved by the workplaces including enhancement on immediate emergency assistance and concern relief.

12

Chronic diseases are strongly associated with sickness absences in a sample of Italian public employees

88%

Casimirri E., Vaccari A., Schito M., Bonci M., Stendardo M., Stefanati A., Nardini M., Boschetto P.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2014

|

vol. 27

|

issue 3

343-354

EN

Objectives: Data on the prevalence of chronic diseases and their relationship with sickness absence in the Italian public employees are rather scarce. Therefore, in the first place, we assessed the distribution of chronic diseases in the employees of the University of Ferrara. As a next step, we investigated the possible associations between each chronic disease and cumulative days of all-cause sickness absence, and finally we investigated the odds ratio of each single chronic disease on sickness absence. Material and Methods: A total of 514 employees, 269 sick-listed and 245 not sick-listed in 2012, were studied. Demographical/clinical characteristics and chronic diseases were obtained from all study participants during medical surveillance procedures. Sickness absence days and job seniority data were obtained from the administrative office. Results: Gastrointestinal and psychiatric diseases were the most reported in the sick-listed sample (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively, compared to the not sick-listed). In the interquantile regression analysis, the sickness absence days were as - sociated with psychiatric diseases (β = 65.1, 95% CI: 13.2-117.1, p = 0.01) and with the presence of 2 or more chronic diseases (β = 23.3, 95% CI: 4.5-42, p = 0.02). Furthermore, the logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of sickness absence were increased 2 fold by psychiatric diseases (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.01-4.93, p = 0.04), and gastrointestinal diseases (OR = 1.9, 95% CI:1.07-3.42, p = 0.02) and, to a lesser extent, by high body mass index (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1-1.11, p = 0.03). Conversely, female gender reduced by half the odds of sickness absence (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8, p = 0.04). Conclusions: This study highlights the relevant association between chronic diseases and sickness absence in Italian public employees. Our findings indicate the importance of considering the health status when designing preventive interventions aimed at decreasing sickness absences in this population.

13

Axiological Analysis of the Conceptual Categorial Apparatus of Professional Burnout in the System of Education

88%

RIDEI N., KATSERO O., KHITRENKO T., DAINEKO O.

Edukacja-Technika-Informatyka

|

2019

|

vol. 10

|

issue 1

84-90

EN

The importance of professional health is actualized. The structural-logical scheme of the genesis of the conceptual-categorical apparatus of the study was constructed and its axiological and structural-functional analysis of “professional burnout” was carried out. Specifies the author’s interpretation of the definition of “professional burnout”; the structural and logical scheme of the process of professional burnout is developed.

14

Effect of a specific exercise program on the strength and resistance levels of lumbar muscles in warehouse workers

88%

Mesquita C. C., Ribeiro J. C., Moreira P.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2012

|

vol. 25

|

issue 1

80-88

EN

Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the influence of a specific exercise program on the strength and resistance levels of lumbar flexors and extensors in warehouse workers. Materials and Methods: The population used in this randomized controlled trial included 557 warehouse male workers from a food distribution company in Oporto/Portugal. Upon the application of the selection criteria, 98 workers deemed eligible were randomized in two groups: 57 were assigned to the intervention group and 41 to the control group. The intervention included 9 easily-executed exercises to promote stretching and strengthening of the lumbar region, to be executed daily, at the beginning of the working time, at the company facilities and lasting 8’. Trunk muscles’ voluntary strength and resistance were measured using an isometric electronic dynamometer (Globus Ergometer, Globus, Codigné, Italy) at baseline and eleven months after implementing the exercise program. The data was analyzed using SPSS®, version 17.0. Results: After implementation of the exercise program, in the intervention group, all variables increased, significant differences were observed as for the muscle strength and resistance values (p = 0.014 and p = 0.006, respectively), as well as in the ratio extensors/flexors (p = 0.037). In the control group, all variables decreased, with a statistically significant decrease of the trunk flexors strength level (p = 0.009). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that a specific exercise intervention program can increase trunk extensors strength and resistance.

15

Nurses’ sense of coherence and their work related patterns of behaviour

88%

Basińska M. A., Andruszkiewicz A., Grabowska M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2011

|

vol. 24

|

issue 3

256-266

EN

Objectives: This paper is a report on the relationship between a sense of coherence (and its components) and work related patterns of behaviour in the group of nurses. Materials and Method: Data were collected by two questionnaires (Antonovsky’s Orientation Questionnaire and Work Related Patterns of Behaviour and Experience Questionnaire) in the sample of 331 volunteer nurses employed in three Polish general care hospitals. Results: The analysis of r-Pearson’s correlation and the linear multiple regression analysis revealed a strong relationship between the sense of coherence and healthy type of behaviour, and a strong negative relationship with a burnout type of behaviour. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study provide grounds for the conclusion that the sense of coherence correlates with healthy functioning at work in the group of nurses.

16

Heat stress and occupational health and safety – spatial and temporal differentiation

75%

Błażejczyk K., Baranowski J., Błażejczyk A.

Miscellanea Geographica. Regional Studies on Development

|

2014

|

vol. 18

|

issue 1

61-67

EN

Evidence of climatic health hazards on the general population has been discussed in many studies but limited focus is placed on developing a relationship between climate and its effects on occupational health. Long working hours with high physical activity can cause health problems for workers ranging from mild heat cramps to severe heat stroke leading to death. The paper presents the possible risk of heat hazard to outdoor workers, using the example of Warsaw. The heat stress hazard, defined by WBGT values above 26 and 28°C and UTCI above 32 and 38°C, is assessed from two perspectives: its spatial distribution on a local scale and its temporal changes during the 21st century due to climate change. City centre and industrial districts were identified as the places with the greatest heat stress hazard. The number of heat stress days in a year (as predicted for the 21st century) is increasing, meaning that heat-related illnesses are more likely to have a direct impact on workers’ health.

17

A need for holistic approach to the occupational health developing (in Serbia)

75%

Arandjelovic M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2011

|

vol. 24

|

issue 3

229-240

EN

Countries in transition, such as Serbia, have been going through obligatory system reforms, including the reform of the healthcare system. As a rule, occupational health becomes marginalized by the authorities who decide on medical care. In spite of the fact that this branch of medicine cares for working population that mostly carries the burden of transition, when material situation equals the existential minimum, its potentials are not recognized. On the other hand, the World Health Organization makes a remark that such population’s health is undermined now more than ever, and adopts a binding global plan for member countries and their experts in occupational health to take urgent measures for overall working people’s health according to their needs. It seems that former work method of biomedicine specialists could not realize such ambition. This paper discusses the possibilities of occupational health future orientation toward holistic medicine, for the sake of workers’ well-being and better quality of their lives, then creation of more humane society and vocational affirmation. Health promotion at workplace and salutogenic concept may have crucial roles. This concept is a huge challenge for academic public and vocational practitioners in poor countries in transition that are already burdened with the current economic and financial crisis. Each in their own way, helped by self-education and education, without big material investments, together they may take their countries to the road of health, the road still rarely taken, yet more secure.

18

Teacher stress among public primary and secondary schoolteachers in Datong, a city of Shanxi Province, China: association between teacher stress and standardized workload

75%

Zhang X., Guo J., Ma L., Xu R., Wang J., Yang Y., Shen H.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2023

|

vol. 36

|

issue 1

161-176

EN

Objectives The policy of the standardized workload has been implemented among primary and secondary schoolteachers in Shanxi Province. The aim of this cross-sectional cohort study is to assess teacher stress among primary and secondary schoolteachers in Datong, a city of Shanxi Province and the association between teacher stress and the quantified workload. Material and Methods Three hundred and fifty schoolteachers in 10 public primary schools, 187 schoolteachers in 6 secondary schools and 268 non-teachers in 21 education institutes were recruited. A single-item rating assessment of work-related stress was completed by using the Exposure to Job Stress measure with modification. The quantified workload included class size, teaching hours, and subjects. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were carried out. Results In 805 participants, the pro- portion of primary and secondary schoolteachers with moderate stress was significantly greater. The results of Spearman’s correlation and logistic regression analyses showed that the occupations of the primary and secondary schoolteachers had higher stress risk. Further, the stratified results showed that among the primary schoolteachers, the independent stress risk factor was larger class size; while among the secondary schoolteachers, the stress associated factor was more weekly teaching hours. Conclusions After standardization of the workload, there remain higher levels of work stress among primary and secondary schoolteachers. Notwithstanding, the stress state in teachers is manageable and they may be faced with controllable stressors.

19

COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 as an occupational disease in Poland

75%

Świątkowska B., Rybacki M., Hanke W.

Medycyna Pracy

|

2023

|

vol. 74

|

issue 6

479-486

EN

Background The unexpected outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led huge impact on health and safety of employees. Although now the epidemiological situation has improved, but it remains a challenge, especially in light of the emergence of new threats. The aim of the work is to present an epidemiological analysis of data on COVID-19 as an occupational disease in Poland. Material and Methods The analysis covered all cases of occupational diseases sent by state sanitary inspectors to the Central Register of Occupational Diseases. The years 2020–2022 and such available data as: age, gender, activities and territorial differentiation were analyzed. The data were presented as absolute numbers and incidence rates per 100 000 employed persons and for healthcare workers also per 100 000 persons authorized to practice. Results In the period 2020–2022 in Poland 7030 diseases recognized as occupational diseases were recorded, of which almost half were infectious diseases (47%). Among infectious diseases, dominated COVID-19 in number of 2059 cases. In this period 98.6% of all cases of COVID-19 were concentrated in the health care and social activities. According to workplaces, most diseases were caused by working in hospitals – 1825 cases (88.6% of all COVID-19 cases in the healthcare workers). Most cases concerned nurses – 1355 cases (65,8%) and doctors – 212 cases (10,3%). The incidence of COVID-19 in the group of physicians per 10 000 persons entitled to practice ranged from 2.6 in 2020 to 68.3 in 2022, while among nurses and midwives the rates were 7.9 and 194.9, respectively. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic changed the picture of occupational diseases in Poland. Therefore, it is very important to understand the key contributions of people working in environments where workers are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 due to the nature of their work, and to promote the recognition of COVID-19 as an occupational disease.

20

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among information technology professionals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

75%

Alghadir A. H., Khalid S., Iqbal Z. A.

Medycyna Pracy

|

2022

|

vol. 73

|

issue 5

397-406

EN

Background This study was done to see the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among information technology (IT) professionals in Saudi Arabia, the risk factors associated with them, their consequences, and to propose some preventive measures. Material and Methods A self-administered online questionnaire that included questions on the demographic data, job nature, medical history, work-related pain after joining information technology profession and distribution and severity of pain was sent to 250 information technology professionals working in Saudi Arabia. Results Out of 250, 202 (81%) IT professionals participated in the study. At least 62 (32%) reported that they have developed some type of musculoskeletal pain after joining their profession and 38 (61%) respondents further reported that it was so severe that they had to seek some sort of treatment for their pain. On the Visual Analog Scale ranging 0–10, 14 (23%) respondents reported that their worst ever pain was >7. Despite lower representation 67% of the females reported to develop work-related pain. Conclusions Development of work-related musculoskeletal pain among information technology professionals has been shown to affect their activities of daily living. It may even force them to change their work setting or reduce working hours. Information technology sector has rapidly grown in Saudi Arabia in the recent times and there is no data on the incidence or prevalence of such disorders among them. Role of ergonomics and counseling should be emphasized during their training that help them work effectively and efficiently. A similar large-scale study should be conducted to see the effect of lifestyle related to COVID-19 on the lives of working population especially IT professionals.

Refine search results

Association between the high risk occupations and bladder cancer in Iran: A case-control study

Job satisfaction of occupational medicine nurses in Poland

Utilizing the metabolic syndrome component count in workers’ health surveillance: An example of day-time vs. day-night rotating shift workers

Evaluation of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) for diabetes screening in occupational health care

Global review of studies on traffic police with special focus on environmental health effects

The importance of occupational safety and health in management systems in the construction industry: case study of construction in Hermosillo

Źródła stresu zawodowego wśród pracowników sektora wydobywczego

Znaczenie postaw pracowników w procesie wdrażania programów redukcji stresu zawodowego

Identification of hazards in the workplaces of Artisanal mining in Katanga

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hairdressers

Study of lone working magnetic resonance technologists in Western Australia

Chronic diseases are strongly associated with sickness absences in a sample of Italian public employees

Axiological Analysis of the Conceptual Categorial Apparatus of Professional Burnout in the System of Education

Effect of a specific exercise program on the strength and resistance levels of lumbar muscles in warehouse workers

Nurses’ sense of coherence and their work related patterns of behaviour

Heat stress and occupational health and safety – spatial and temporal differentiation

A need for holistic approach to the occupational health developing (in Serbia)

Teacher stress among public primary and secondary schoolteachers in Datong, a city of Shanxi Province, China: association between teacher stress and standardized workload

COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 as an occupational disease in Poland

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among information technology professionals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia