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PubMed2003

Development of the approaches to work and workplace climate questionnaires for physicians.

Two questionnaires were developed to investigate the workplace learning of physicians. The Approaches to Work Questionnaire for Physicians and the Workplace Climate Questionnaire for Physicians were adapted from general measures developed by Kirby, Knapper, Evans, Carty, and Gadula. These questionnaires were administered to a random sample of Ontario physicians. Consistent with the results of Kirby et al., three dimensions of approaches to work were observed: Deep. Surface-Rational, and Surface-Disorganized. Three dimensions of workplace climate were also found, Supportive-Receptive, Choice-Independence, and Workload. Results indicate that physicians adopt primarily a Deep approach to work, but that there is a smaller tendency toward Surface-Disorganized learning, one that is strongly correlated with perceptions of heavy workload. The Deep approach was associated with work environments perceived to be Supportive-Receptive and offer Choice-Independence. The use of these questionnaires in research and practice is discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Participation in workplace health promotion programs: the contribution of health and organizational factors.

Interest in workplace health promotion programs has raised important questions regarding these programs' ability to attract participants. Typically, participation has been examined as a function of personal characteristics of employees. But participation in a workplace health promotion program may be influenced as much by organizational characteristics as by health-related characteristics of employees. This preliminary study, conducted at AT&T Communications, used path analysis, a statistical technique for controlling for the effects of causally prior variables, to develop a model of participation. The influence of three sets of factors was detected: (1) Sex of employee was significant, with women more likely than men to participate in the program, (2) Increased perceived risk of illness led to decreased health satisfaction which in turn led to increased intention to change health habits culminating in increased participation, and (3) The organizational climate factor of perceived supportiveness of the supervisor contributed to participation. While several potential limitations require that these findings be replicated and extended, the study suggests that developers of workplace health promotion programs should attend to organizational work climate as well as personal health characteristics of employees in an effort to increase program impact.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Planning and implementing health promotion in the workplace: a case study of the Du Pont Company experience.

This case study describes the needs assessment, design, implementation, and preliminary evaluation of a comprehensive workplace health promotion program. The company had 110,000 U.S. employees at more than 100 locations engaged in a variety of manufacturing, research, sales, and support occupations in 1980. The PRECEDE framework was used to focus program planning and evaluation on key areas of health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. The needs assessment included use of company morbidity and mortality data, a survey of medical and human resources staff, and a survey of employees, spouses, and pensioners. An in-house network of lay committees, site medical personnel, and corporate health education, nutrition and fitness specialists was used to staff critical program functions. Interventions included: public health approaches to program kick-off and health risk assessment; group and self-directed lifestyle change activities; recognition and awards; and workplace climate changes such as smoking policies that favor nonsmokers. One pilot location experienced a 47.5% decline in hourly employee absenteeism over six years versus a 12.5% decline in the total Du Pont hourly workforce. A number of lessons are discussed on how to improve the planning, implementation, institutionalization, and evaluation of health promotion programs in large industrial companies. Four areas where future research and practice should be focused include: reaching spouses, sales personnel, shiftworkers, and employees at small sites; balancing what is popular with what reduces risks over the long-term; documenting program impacts when research resources are scarce; and integrating health promotion programs with workplace medical, safety, employee assistance and benefits programs.

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice↗

PubMed2006

Policy challenges from the "White" Senate inquiry into workplace-related health impacts of toxic dusts and nanoparticles.

On 22 June 2005 the Senate of the Commonwealth of Australia voted to establish an inquiry into workplace harm related to toxic dust and emerging technologies (including nanoparticles). The inquiry became known as the "White" Inquiry after Mr Richard White, a financially uncompensated sufferer of industrial sandblasting-induced lung disease who was instrumental in its establishment. The "White" Inquiry delivered its final report and recommendations on 31 May 2006. This paper examines whether these recommendations and their implementation may provide a unique opportunity not only to modernize relevant monitoring standards and processes, but related compensation systems for disease associated with workplace-related exposure to toxic dusts. It critically analyzes the likely role of the new Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) in this area. It also considers whether recommendations related to potential workplace related harm from exposure to nanoparticles could commence a major shift in Australian healthcare regulation.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Antineoplastic agent workplace contamination study: the Alberta Cancer Board Pharmacy perspective.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of routine monitoring for workplace antineoplastic agent contamination in the Alberta Cancer Board (ACB) pharmacy practice environment. SETTING: The ACB in the Canadian province of Alberta, which includes two public tertiary centres and 17 associated community satellite sites based around the province in existing hospitals. METHODS: Obtained organizational support and input prior to launching the feasibility study (Phase I). Samples were analysed for a common cytotoxic agent - cyclophosphamide. Surfaces chosen were within the biological safety cabinets, workplace counter tops and on external surfaces of vials provided by manufacturers. Blank samples and known contaminated controls were included in Phase I to reconfirm the methodology in a previously published study. Feasibility aspects of logistics and financial expenses were examined. A second phase (Phase II) was completed to test other areas of the pharmacy and vials, with blank samples included to reconfirm previously mentioned methodology. RESULTS: The results determined that the samples tested were below acceptable detection limits with the exception of the known contaminated sample (Phase I) and exterior surfaces of vials (Phase II). CONCLUSION: This project has increased staff awareness of the sources for antineoplastic agent workplace contamination. Some practice changes were instituted during the project itself. Logistics and expenses were realistic for routine monitoring to be adopted.

Alberta↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effectiveness of workplace rehabilitation interventions in the treatment of work-related upper extremity disorders: a systematic review.

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence on workplace rehabilitation interventions for work-related upper extremity disorders (WRUEDs). The literature search identified a total of 811 abstracts from Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and EMBASE databases. The abstracts were independently assessed by four reviewers and 53 full-text articles were identified. Twenty-one studies were then randomly allocated to two pairs of reviewers. Using a 24-item critical appraisal form, the reviewers evaluated the articles for quality and level of evidence. During this process, an additional 13 articles were discarded, resulting in eight studies. The effectiveness of these studies was limited by small sample sizes, lack of standardized outcome measures, and inadequate reporting of interventions and results. The findings of this review indicate that the evidence for workplace interventions for WRUEDs has not been established. This systematic review provides a rigorous analysis of workplace interventions for WRUEDs and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.

Humans↗

PubMed1999

Environmental tobacco smoke: exposure assessment in the workplace

The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public convened a multidisciplinary workshop 12-13 September 1997 to assess current understanding of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in the workplace. Invited participants represented areas of expertise in building systems, measurement of ETS, biomarkers of ETS exposure, time-activity patterns, and exposure models. Workshop participants were asked to conduct reviews in their specific areas of expertise relevant to the following general charge: to address key issues related to ETS exposure in the workplace to prepare the groundwork for risk assessment of the hazard that ETS poses to workers. Discussions focused on the extent of the data available on exposures of workers to ETS and approaches used to estimate exposures to ETS in the workplace. The monograph based on this workshop includes individual contributions that provide in-depth coverage of the specific areas and a summary of the discussion that describes an approach to estimating exposures of the nation's workers to ETS as well as research recommendations.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1997

Improving marketability of exercise programs: implications for health promotion in the workplace.

Musculoskeletal stress due to sedentary work has been a problem in workplaces. Exercise programs are available to help alleviate such stress; however, they have been adopted by few companies. The acceptability of these problems, that is their "marketability" will be enhanced if employee preferences regarding exercise in the workplace are taken into account during their design. A questionnaire was administered to employees engaged in sedentary work to determine employees' preferences about exercise programs in the workplace. Respondents preferred exercises that are targeted for specific body parts, have easy-to-follow instructions, are somewhat difficult but more beneficial, and can be completed in a private room. Marketability of exercise programs may be improved by focusing on these characteristics.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed1985

Exposure concentration versus environmental concentration: a field survey in organic solvent workplaces.

The relationship was investigated between the environmental concentrations in workplaces and the concentrations in the breath zones of the workers therein. The former was measured in 47 organic solvent workplaces of various types taking both the grid-sampling strategy (Measurement A) and a spot-air sampling to detect possible maximum exposure (Measurement B), while the latter was determined by the application of personal samplers to 328 workers. Although a low yet significant correlation was observed between the results of Measurement A (i.e., the combination of the geometric mean and the geometric standard deviation of the environmental concentration) and the exposure concentration, excess exposure (i.e., over occupational exposure limit exposure) would occur in some workplaces when the occupational exposure limit itself be used as the limit value for the setting of criterion for environmental concentration. The analyses of the experiences suggest no excess exposure would be expected if half the occupational exposure limit be employed as the limit value.

Acetates↗

PubMed1992

Workplace compliance with a no-smoking law: a randomized community intervention trial.

BACKGROUND: Compliance with state and local laws restricting smoking in public places and workplaces has not been systematically evaluated. METHODS: We assessed workplace compliance with a comprehensive no-smoking law adopted in Brookline, Mass, and tested whether mailing information to businesses increased awareness of and compliance with the law. We conducted a random sample telephone survey of 299 businesses (87% response rate). Self-reported compliance was validated by direct observations. RESULTS: One year after its adoption, the law was popular with businesses. The prevalence of smoking restrictions, smoking policies, and no-smoking signs was 80%, 59%, and 40%, respectively. One third of businesses banned smoking. Full compliance with the law was low, however, because few businesses posted a copy of their smoking policy as required. The mailing increased employers' awareness of the law. Employers sent the mailing also reported better compliance, but this was not confirmed by direct observations. CONCLUSIONS: The law was popular and contributed to a high prevalence of workplace smoking restrictions. Different interpretations of the law by policymakers and businesses seemed to explain why formal compliance was low. The mailing increased awareness of, but not compliance with, the law.

Administrative Personnel↗

PubMed1995

Company characteristics and workplace medical testing.

OBJECTIVES: This study measures the relative impact of company economic characteristics and workplace hazards on the prevalence of several types of medical testing. It uses the results to assess likely public health impacts of testing. METHODS: We used data on potential exposure to workplace hazards, medical testing, unionization, firm size, and turnover from the National Occupational Hazards Survey and the National Occupational Exposure Survey. Other sources provided industry-specific data on wages and turnover. Logistic regression analysis estimated the relationship of economic variables and workplace health risks to the prevalence of medical testing. RESULTS: Economic variables were related to the prevalence of testing. However, consistent positive relationships were not found between health hazards and testing. CONCLUSIONS: Employers' testing decisions may not be beneficial to the health of workers and may shift the costs of illness to workers or other employers. Safer firms may provide too much medical testing, and firms that are less safe may provide too little.

Data Collection↗

PubMed1998

AIDS control and the workplace: the role of occupational health services in South Africa.

AIDS interventions typically fail to address the disjuncture between private behaviors and the social determinants of HIV infection. Data from a telephone survey of manufacturing companies and a postal survey of occupational health nurses in the Western Cape, South Africa, were used to explore the possible role of occupational health services in prevention and control of AIDS. The author found limited evidence of worker involvement in AIDS programs, particularly in companies with occupational health professionals. The management of sexually transmitted diseases was incomplete. Mandatory pre-employment testing of workers for HIV was not widespread. Respondents' opinions on priorities for AIDS prevention and control reflected a preoccupation with knowledge transfer. To ensure their effectiveness, workplace AIDS programs must improve worker participation and integrate AIDS prevention in general workplace health and safety programs. In addition, education programs must develop objectives within a critical theoretical understanding of the behavioral issues relevant to AIDS prevention, and must emphasize the empowerment of women in the workplace. In the context of the present restructuring of health services in South Africa, occupational health services, using the strategies outlined, can make a major contribution to national AIDS prevention and control.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1982

Worker participation and autonomy: a multilevel approach to democracy at the workplace.

The article describes a process toward democracy at the workplace in a Swedish middle-sized manufacturing company producing for the export market. The change process was initiated and engineered by the trade union local in close cooperation with management. Within an overall strategy for increased worker control, the democratized work organization combines co-determination for the local trade union board in strategic management decisions with a system of autonomous production groups, where supervisors have been replaced by "contact people" elected by and responsible to the groups. Through the autonomous groups, all workers participate in decisions about production. The groups decide on all matters related to work performance and take collective responsibility for production results. As an introduction to the case, the paper puts this trade union model for democracy at the workplace in the perspective of a 50-year development of productivity and worker participation in Scandinavia. The case report deals both with the change process (why and how it came about) and with the outcome of the new work organization for the workers, the union, and the company. It is shown that the new work organization has meant a richer job content, increased dignity for workers, increased solidarity among workers, increased trade union activity and strength, as well as a more effective use of productive resources in the company. Despite local peculiarities, it is concluded that the experiences gained from this case can be transferred to other workplaces where workers are interested in having more say, more security, and a more meaningful work situation.

Democracy↗

PubMed2005

Frequency, severity, and morbidity of hypoglycemia occurring in the workplace in people with insulin-treated diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Hypoglycemia was examined in regularly employed people with insulin-treated diabetes to ascertain the frequency and consequences of this problem in the workplace. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective 12-month survey of 243 employed people (age range 20-69 years) with insulin-treated diabetes was performed to record the frequency, severity, and morbidity of hypoglycemia occurring at work. Details of hypoglycemic episodes included time of day, place, activity, causation, blood glucose, treatment, and morbidity. Serial HbA(1c) measurements were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1,955 mild (self-treated) episodes of hypoglycemia (8 per person per annum) and 238 severe (requiring external help) episodes (0.98 per person per annum) were recorded. Of the severe hypoglycemic episodes, 148 (62%) occurred at home, 35 (15%) occurred at work in 27 (11%) people (0.14 episodes per person per annum), and 54 (23%) occurred elsewhere; 52% of severe episodes occurred during sleep. Of the severe hypoglycemic episodes reported, adverse events were described in 54 (23%), with 29 losing consciousness (14%), 21 having a seizure (9%), 4 (2%) sustaining a head injury, 5 (2%) suffering another injury, 3 (1%) injuring someone else, and 2 (1%) damaging property. Severe hypoglycemia in the workplace was associated with six episodes of minor soft-tissue injuries. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, severe hypoglycemia in the workplace was uncommon and seldom caused disruption or serious morbidity. On the basis of the frequency and severity of hypoglycemia observed in the present study, restriction of employment opportunities for most people with insulin-treated diabetes may be difficult to justify.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Assessing drug use prevalence in the workplace: a comparison of self-report methods and urinalysis.

A random sample of 800 employees of a steel manufacturing company were randomly assigned to one of four self-report methods of assessing illicit drug use: 1) Individual interview in the workplace, 2) group-administered questionnaire in the workplace, 3) telephone interview, and 4) individual interview off the worksite. All 621 subjects participating in the research were also tested by urinalysis. Rates of drug use self-report were highest in the workplace interview condition and lowest in the overall group questionnaire condition. Although the overall prevalence rates produced by self-reports and urinalysis were similar, there was little concordance between urinalysis positives and self-report positives. The results indicated that self-reports and urinalysis are complementary methods of drug use assessment, and are best used in combination.

Employment↗

PubMed2003

A model for managing cold-related health and safety risks at workplaces.

Cold conditions increase health and safety risks at work in several ways. The effects of cold have not been sufficiently taken into consideration in occupational safety and health practices. A systematic model and methods were developed for managing cold-related health and safety risks at workplaces. The development work was performed, in a context-bound manner, in pilot industries and workplaces. The model can be integrated into the company's occupational health and safety management system, such as OHSAS 18001. The cold risks are identified and assessed by using a checklist. The preventive measures are systematically planned in a written form specifically produced for cold workplaces. It includes the organisational and technical preventive measures, protective clothing and personal protective equipment, as well as training and information of the personnel. According to the model, all the workers, foremen, occupational safety personnel and occupational health care personnel are trained to recognise the cold risks and to conduct preventive actions. The developed model was evaluated in the context of cold outdoor (construction) and indoor work (fish processing), and by occupational health and safety professionals. According to the feedback, the model and methods were easy to use after a one-day introduction session. The continuum between the cold risk assessment and management worked well, although there was some overlap in the documentation. The cold risk management model and its methods form an essential part of ISO CD 15743 Strategy for risk assessment, management and work practice in cold environments.

Cold Climate↗

PubMed1992

Japanese workplace productivity: what can health care managers learn from this phenomenon?

In this paper, factors which have contributed to the high levels of workplace productivity in Japan are examined. On any number of productivity indicators, Japan outperforms Australia. A summary of the debate about whether Australia can learn from Japanese workplace productivity practices is presented. An analysis of what health care managers can learn from Japanese workplace productivity is conducted. Six Japanese-influenced measures are identified as having utility, or potential utility, for Australian health care. It is concluded that the adoption of some or all of these measures should be given careful consideration by health care managers.

Australia↗

PubMed1992

Smoking in the workplace: a management perspective.

Caution is warranted when undertaking smoking measures that go beyond those required by state or local laws and do not accommodate the interests of all employees. Twenty states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws regulating smoking in the private workplace. In contrast, twenty-two states recently have enacted laws that protect persons who smoke outside the workplace from being subjected to adverse employment actions. Although these laws vary widely in their language and specifics, most pose practical and compliance problems for employers. The following article updates the author's more comprehensive examination in 1988 of judicial, legislative, and employer responses to the workplace smoking issue published in 14 Employee Relations Law Journal 359 (1988).

Civil Rights↗