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PubMedDate not supplied

Genetic testing: ethical implications in the workplace.

The human genome project has led to impressive scientific advances in understanding the genetic basis of disease. To date, genetic risks associated with occupational illnesses are not well understood. Recent research, however, has uncovered an allele that appears directly related to the risk of contracting chronic beryllium disease; other chromosomal abnormalities have been identified in association with cancer. Progress from the human genome project has potential implications for predicting, screening, and diagnosing occupational diseases. Ethical issues associated with the use of genetic testing in the workplace will present employers, insurers, and physicians with challenging decisions related to promoting health in the workplace while avoiding potential misuse of sensitive genetic information.

Confidentiality↗
PubMed2002

Workplace AED resuscitation of a patient with a rare congenital anomalous coronary circulation.

We describe the case of a 44-year-old male with anomalous pulmonary artery origin of the left main coronary artery who was successfully resuscitated after sudden cardiac death with use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in the workplace. The diagnosis was made on emergency cardiac catheterization and treated with surgical intervention. This case illustrates: 1) that congenital anomalies, although rare, must continue to be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden cardiac death, and 2) that AEDs in the workplace can be a crucial, lifesaving intervention in the time-dependent condition of sudden cardiac death.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The effectiveness of back pain and injury prevention programs in the workplace.

Musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace cause thousands of injuries and cost industry billions of dollars yearly. Work injury prevention programs have been developed and implemented as a means for cost containment. A variety of preventive strategies have been investigated in primary research. The purpose of this review article is to examine the effectiveness of back injury and pain prevention programs in the workplace. Nine studies published between 1995 and 2000 were reviewed and analyzed. Studies used primarily one of three types of preventive strategies: 1) back belts, 2) education and task modification, and 3) education and task modification with workstation redesign. The effectiveness of back belts to prevent back pain and injury remains inconclusive. Positive outcomes were associated with studies reporting high compliance that used job-specific and individualized/small group education and training approaches. Themes that arose following a critical review of primary research studies are discussed.

Back Injuries↗
PubMed2003

[Poisonings at the workplace].

The number of workers who run the risk of showing a poisoning originating from their work is high: more than a quarter of the workers in Spain find themselves exposed to chemical products at their work place, and around 17% handle such products directly. There are numerous chemical agents that can cause poisonings in the workplace; the majority of these clinical pictures receive health care in the public health service and often their origin in the workplace is not recognized. According to the official registers of occupational diseases, 3 out of every 100,000 workers develop diseases produced by chemical agents each year; these registers do not allow to know the real magnitude of the problem due to the underreporting of cases and to poisonings reported as occupational accidents. It is a priority to improve the quality of the registers and to establish systems of complementary declaration for the occupational poisonings that are treated in emergency consultations, primary and specialized care. Clinical cases of some workers who showed poisonings related to their working activity could help to increase awareness of this health problem in daily practice

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2003

Screening for and treating intimate partner violence in the workplace.

The WHO has declared that violence is a leading worldwide public health problem with intimate partner violence one of the most common forms of violence against women (2002). Health care providers are frequently among the first to see victims of intimate partner violence and must strive to provide appropriate and effective care to abused women. Violence by intimate partners can be prevented. Occupational health nurses have a unique opportunity to intervene with abused women. Routine screening for intimate partner violence increases the likelihood of violence identification, leading to early intervention that may prevent trauma and injury. Occupational health nurses can foster a caring and confidential workplace where abused women feel safe to disclose the violence in their lives and trust that the nurse will provide treatment. A safe and healthy workplace, where abused women feel comfortable disclosing intimate partner violence and seeking treatment may also protect coworkers from the stress and violence that may potentially affect them. Occupational health nurses need to add screening for and treatment of intimate partner violence to their current health promotion and prevention activities to benefit all employees.

Community Networks↗
PubMed1992

Supporting the elderly: workplace programs for employed caregivers.

An aging population and extended longevity are increasing the number of older people needing informal and family support. At the same time, women, the traditional caregivers, have entered the work force in record numbers. Consequently, concerns about how to care for dependent family members have become workplace issues. In response to the needs of employees who care for family members, employers have produced an array of policies, benefits, and programs, including flexible work schedules and information and referral services. Although these programs are a valuable complement to community services and government initiatives, relatively few employers have recognized the potential effects of caregiving on absenteeism, productivity, and turnover; even fewer have responded with workplace programs directed to the needs of their caregiving employees. To fill the gap, the government is considering mandating employee benefits, such as leave time for family illness. Community services are increasingly being directed to the needs of older people and their caregivers.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1992

Physicians' attitudes toward mandatory workplace urine drug testing.

BACKGROUND: Workplace drug testing programs are being increasingly implemented in both the public and private sectors, and health care workers are unlikely to be excluded from such testing. METHODS: A survey of attending physicians' attitudes toward mandatory hospital-based urine drug testing was undertaken in a medium-sized, midwestern county. RESULTS: Seventy-four percent (272/368) of the sample responded. Seventy-two percent of the subjects believed physician drug use to be a minor or nonexistent problem, 38% lacked confidence in the testing procedure, and 60% believed that testing infringed on the physician's right to privacy; yet 87% would submit to testing if required by a hospital. Forty-five percent of respondents agreed with the policy of mandatory testing for physicians with hospital privileges, 34% disagreed, and 21% were uncertain. Respondents were more supportive of mandatory testing of other health care and non-health care occupations than for themselves. Support for testing was greatest for illicit drugs. If implemented, physicians preferred mandatory testing to be performed by hospital medical staff independent of hospital administration. CONCLUSIONS: Further education and discussion within the physician community appears to be necessary before widespread mandatory workplace urine drug testing of physicians is implemented.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2003

The social psychological costs of racial segmentation in the workplace: a study of African Americans' well-being.

Although several studies have documented how social-structural constraints impair psychological functioning, few have considered how race-related structural constraints impair African Americans' psychological functioning. This study focuses on an under-studied form of race-related structural constraints: racial segmentation in the workplace. Specifically, I examine the association between perceived workplace racial segmentation, conceived and assessed from a social psychological perspective, and African Americans' psychological well-being. The magnitude and consistency of the relationship is evaluated across both a national sample and a local probability sample of African Americans. Findings across the two samples indicate a modest but consistent negative relationship between perceived racial segmentation and psychological well-being. In addition, this association remains significant after controlling for perceived discrimination as well as sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. Consistent with prior research on relative deprivation, the adverse influence of perceived racial segmentation on well-being was stronger among higher socioeconomic status African Americans than lower socioeconomic African Americans.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2004

Workplace violence in long haul trucking: occupational health nursing update.

Almost 2 million workdays and millions of dollars are lost annually because of non-fatal assaults suffered at the workplace (NIOSH, 1996). Twenty workers, on average, are murdered each week in the United States and an estimated 18,000 workers per week are victims of non-fatal assault (NIOSH, 2001). Violence and stress are two interrelated issues that affect the work force. In-depth studies of these issues have not been conducted with long haul truckers in general, or with women in non-traditional, male dominated fields such as the long haul trucking industry. Epidemiological data related to violence and stress experienced by these under-studied populations are needed to plan effective interventions to reduce occupational risks. Studies employing both qualitative and quantitative methods are needed to articulate risk and protective factors related to violence against workers (Runyan, 2001). Occupational health nurses are qualified to participate in the development and implementation of research and intervention studies to improve worker safety related to violence at the workplace for men and women in both traditional and non-traditional occupational roles.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Semiautomatic defibrillators at the workplace health service].

Implementation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in workplace can help to revive victims of sudden cardiac arrest. The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the American Heart Association have all issued guidelines for medical management of AED programs. The School of Occupational Health-University of Bari--is currently involved in a programme to be developed with the regional 118 emergency team and the Health Department of Region Apulia aiming at establishing a well controlled use of AED in the workplace.

Electric Countershock↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dealing with anger and preventing workplace violence.

Human resources managers have reported increased violence (1) stating it can happen anywhere (2). One million workers are assaulted each year (3), and in some years more than 1,000 workers have been killed (4). Almost 25% of workplace violence incidences occur in the health-care industry (5). Women commit nearly one fourth of all threats or attacks (6). Have you ever gotten angry at work? Have you ever had to deal with an angry patient or coworker? Has there been any violence where you work? The key to preventing workplace violence is to deal with anger and recognize and handle suspicious behavior before it turns violent.

Administrative Personnel↗
PubMed2003

Assessment of exposure to noise at various workplaces in a chemical plant.

The study was carried out on some workplaces in the departments of various degree of unfavourable working conditions in the chemical plant. The exposure to noise was evaluated and the incidence of occupational diseases and suspected occupational diseases was analyzed. In the studied period of time high values of intensity of noise were found at workplaces, very often exceeding the permissible hygienic standards. In the years 1997--1999 there were 4 cases of occupational damage to hearing, and within two last years no occupational damage to hearing was found.

Chemical Industry↗
PubMed2004

A community and workplace outbreak of tuberculosis in Hawke's Bay in 2002.

AIMS: To describe a community and workplace outbreak of tuberculosis in Hawke's Bay in 2002. METHODS: Contact tracing and case definitions used in this study followed New Zealand guidelines for tuberculosis control. DNA fingerprinting of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTS: 19 new cases of active tuberculosis disease (TBD) and 42 cases of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) were diagnosed. 55 family and close associates of the index case were investigated, of whom 9 (16.4%) had TBD disease and 11 (20.0%) had LTBI. 139 co-workers on the same work shift were investigated of whom 8 (5.8%) had TBD and 27 (19.4%) had LTBI. DNA typing of Mycobacterium isolates (from 4 TBD cases) confirmed that this was an outbreak of 'Rangipo'-strain TB. CONCLUSIONS: High infection rates were observed among family, close associates, and workplace contacts. Several factors may have contributed to this high infection rate--ie, delays in presentation and contact tracing, the use of positive pressure ventilation and re-circulated unfiltered air, and virulence of this strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Inadequate adherence to TBD treatment precipitated this outbreak and reinforces the recommendation that TBD cases (in whom risk factors for non-adherence are present) should receive directly observed therapy (DOT) or at least by close supervision. Further research into strain characteristics is required in order to determine if the Rangipo-strain of TB is truly more virulent and if contact tracing or treatment regimes need to be modified accordingly.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Informed decision making on assistive technology workplace accommodations for people with visual impairments.

Underemployment of people with visual impairments is an important problem in the world of work. Barriers to successful employment include the lack of informed decision making concerning AT as a workplace accommodation. Choosing effective Assistive Technology (AT) as an accommodation solution is imperative to successful employment of individuals with vision impairments. While not all jobs require AT as a part of an accommodation, when AT is needed, an informed choice is the best approach. This article describes the five step process for selecting appropriate AT for individuals with vision impairments in workplace accommodations developed by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). Cases from the JAN database that involve people with vision impairments were examined. Resources to enable readers to further evaluate and implement effective AT solutions are provided.

Decision Making↗
PubMed2004

Health complaints from workplace exposure to bioaerosols: a questionnaire study in sewage workers.

A questionnaire study was performed in 99 workers at a large sewage treatment plant to investigate self-reported health complaints from workplace exposure to bioaerosols. The study population was divided into subgroups according to different work stations: mechanical treatment (MT), biological treatment (BT), sewage sludge treatment (SST) and operation control (OC). The questionnaire included personal data, workpost and job characteristics, exposure to chemicals, history of employment and exposure, workplace hygiene and protective measures, smoking and drinking habits. There was also a series of 25 questions on subjective health complaints grouped into the following clusters: 'flu-like symptoms', 'respiratory symptoms', 'nose, eye, throat and skin irritation', 'neurological symptoms' and 'gastrointestinal symptoms'. Each subject was asked whether the complaints had occurred 'frequently', 'rarely', or 'never' within the previous 12 months. Air concentrations of endotoxins and (1 --> 3)- beta-D-glucans in the worker's breathing zone were also determined. The measurements of concentrations were made in the summertime during a morning shift. To determine endotoxins concentration, the Chromogenic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) Test was applied. The questionnaire data and determination results were subject to a statistical analysis. No statistically significant relationship was found between the reported health complaints and such variables as job title, exposure to endotoxins and glucans, tobacco smoking, age and period of employment as sewage worker. The findings revealed that among the complaints, muscle and joint ache was reported most frequently, while among the symptom clusters, the flu-like symptoms prevailed. These symptom clusters occurred most frequently in OC workers, and were least often found in SST workers. In the worker's breathing zone, the geometric mean concentration of endotoxins amounted to 20.3 ng/m3 and of glucans to 7.76 ng/m3, and was not related to job title or job characteristics. A high correlation was found between endotoxins and (1 --> 3)- beta -D-glucans concentrations (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.86, p < 0.0005).

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[HIV in workplace: knowledges and attitudes of workers in three Senegaleses manufactures].

This study was conducted from may to august 2000 in three senegalese work sites randomly selected among seven which benefited from HIV preventive program. The aims were to evaluate knowledge, attitude and behavior related to HIV infection. A sample of 200 workers randomly chosen were asked about the ways of transmission and methods of protection as well as their risky attitudes and behaviors. Mean age was 41 years, 82.5% were male and 75.5% benefited from high school education; 75.75% had a good level of knowledge on HIV infection, 58% CI [51-65] stated having changed their sexual behavior into abstinence, fidelity to their partner (52.5%) and use of condom (46.5%). This good level of Knowledge and the positive changes in attitude are related to the high rate of alphabetization in our sample, information message diffused by media and preventive programs undertaken in workplace. Information campaigns via media should be maintained and strengthened and preventive programs diffused in all workplaces which will reduce diffusion of HIV in population.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Ethical problems faced by in managing HIV in workplace].

This study which was conducted between September 1999 and June 2000 among occupational physicians aimed to appreciate ethical problems faced by physicians in managing HIV infection in workplace. A questionnaire was administrated by telephone to physicians included in the list of Occupational Physicians Association. Thirty eight physicians responded among the fourty four contacted. Thirty two ie 84.21% did face HIV infection in their workplace. The frequency of meeting cases was in between 1 to 5 for 68.75%. Thirty two did order the test either to depist or to conduct eatiologic diagnosis. Informed consent were asked by twenty one physicians. Six physicians ie 18.75% did inform the employer of serologic status, among them four said having obtain employee's consent to reveal status. For them, such revalation was the basis for financial involvment of employer in the treatment, and facilitates his tolerance of absenteeism. Four physicians signaled facing dilemma when a patient did not want to inform his or her partner of his (her) serologic status. They suggested a legal authorization to reveal patients status in such circumtances.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed2005

Emotional intelligence in the workplace: exploring its effects on occupational stress and health outcomes in human service workers.

OBJECTIVES: Emotional intelligence, an essential factor responsible for determining success in life and psychological well-being, seems to play an important role in shaping the interaction between individuals and their work environment. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between emotional intelligence and perceived stress in the workplace and health-related consequences in human service workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 330 participants (42.4% of men and 57.6% of women), representing various human service professions (physicians, nurses, teachers, probation officers and managers) was eligible for the study. The mean age of the participants was 38.4 years (SD = 8.45), and the employment period was 8.3 years (SD = 6.13). Three methods were used in the study: The Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire--INTE with Polish modification, the Subjective Work Evaluation Questionnaire developed in Poland, and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) with Polish modification. RESULTS: The results confirmed an essential, but not very strong, role of emotional intelligence in perceiving occupational stress and preventing employees of human services from negative health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to effectively deal with emotions and emotional information in the workplace assists employees in coping with occupational stress therefore, it should be developed in stress managing trainings.

Administrative Personnel↗