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PubMed2003

Managing HIV at the workplace: An empirical study of HIV and HR managers in Singapore.

Drawing from previous research on individual differences, AIDS, and concerns for face, the author developed and tested a model examining the predictors (knowledge of AIDS transmission, level of homophobia, and concern for face) of AIDS fear and its organizational outcomes (perceived organizational consequences of hiring people living with HIV and attitudes toward disclosure of HIV-related information at the workplace). Data were collected using mail survey. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships among these variables for 160 human resource managers. All of the hypothesized relationships were empirically supported. Implications of the research findings for human resource practices are discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2003

Raising voice, risking retaliation: Events following interpersonal mistreatment in the workplace.

This study advances the literature on workplace deviance, addressing retaliation victimization in the context of interpersonal mistreatment. Using survey data from 1,167 public-sector employees, the authors investigated experiences of work retaliation victimization and social retaliation victimization among employees who have vocally resisted interpersonal mistreatment. Regression analyses suggest that different victim voice mechanisms trigger different forms of retaliation, depending on the social positions of the mistreatment victim and instigator. Discriminant function analyses demonstrate lower professional, psychological, and physical well-being among mistreated employees who have been further victimized with retaliation. These analyses also reveal health-related costs associated with victim silence--that is, enduring mistreatment without voicing resistance. Results are interpreted in light of theory on power, emotions, and justice in organizations.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Validity of self-reported height and weight in a Japanese workplace population.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of self-reported height and weight in a Japanese workplace population, and to examine factors associated with the validity of self-reported weight. DESIGN: Comparison of self-reported height and weight with independent measurement. SUBJECTS: In total, 4253 men and 1148 women aged 35-64 y (mean measured body mass index (BMI): 23.3 kg/m(2) in men, 21.9 kg/m(2) in women) were included in the study. MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported height and weight were obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. Measured height and weight were based on annual health checkups. Sex, age, measured BMI, and the presence of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were examined as potential factors associated with the accuracy of self-reported weight. RESULTS: Self-reported height and weight were highly correlated with measured height and weight for men and women (Pearson's r for men and women: 0.979 and 0.988 in height, 0.961 and 0.959 in weight, 0.943 and 0.950 in BMI, respectively). For men, mean differences+/-2 s.d. of height and weight were 0.078+/-2.324 cm and -0.034+/-5.012 kg, respectively, and for women 0.029+/-1.652 cm and 0.024+/-4.192 kg, respectively. The prevalence of obesity with BMI > or =25 kg/m(2) based on self-reported data (23.6 and 11.5% for men and women, respectively) was slightly smaller than that based on measured data (24.9 and 12.4%, respectively). Specificity and sensitivity, however, were quite high for both men and women (sensitivity was 85.8 and 85.2%, and specificity was 97.0 and 98.9%, respectively). The subjects with higher measured BMI significantly underestimated their weight compared with those with smaller BMI after adjustments for age in men and women. Furthermore, the presence of diabetes in men and age in women affected self-reported weight. Neither the presence of hypertension nor hyperlipidemia was associated with reporting bias. CONCLUSION: The self-reported height and weight were generally reliable in the middle-aged employed Japanese men and women. However, it should be remembered that self-reported weight was biased by actual BMI and affected by age and the presence of diabetes.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Development of an international standard for the determination of metals and metalloids in workplace air using ICP-AES: evaluation of sample dissolution procedures through an interlaboratory trial.

Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) is rapidly overtaking atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) as the method of choice for the determination of toxic metals in workplace air. However, the few ICP-AES methods that have been published are not well characterised in terms of the effectiveness of the sample dissolution procedures described and their validation status. The International Standards Organization (ISO) is currently engaged in developing ISO 15202, which will describe a generic method for the determination of metals and metalloids in airborne particulate matter by ICP-AES. One part of the proposed standard deals with dissolution procedures. The ISO work has been supported by a project carried out in the authors' laboratory to identify, develop and validate sample dissolution procedures for inclusion in the proposed standard. This paper describes an interlaboratory comparison carried out to assess the performance of selected procedures using samples of airborne particulate matter collected on filters with a multiport sampler. Five dissolution procedures were tested. These included an ultrasonic agitation procedure, two hot-plate procedures (based upon NIOSH 7300 and OSHA ID 125G) and two microwave-assisted procedures (based upon EPA 3052). It was shown that the dissolution procedures selected for use in the trial and used internally at HSL generally gave equivalent performance. As expected, a wider spread of results was obtained by participants in the trial. More specifically, there exists some reservation regarding the ability of the ultrasonic and hot-plate procedures to attack fully on a consistent basis some resistant materials, e.g., chromium containing particulate matter. Above all, the trial demonstrated the usefulness of microwave-assisted dissolution procedures in a modern laboratory.

Calibration↗
PubMed2000

Determination of hydrogen peroxide in workplace air: interferences and method validation.

A dynamic system for the generation of stable hydrogen peroxide test atmospheres was applied to the evaluation of samplers used for the determination of hydrogen peroxide in workplace air. The system is able to generate gas mixtures of between 0.1 and 10 ppm at different combinations of relative humidity (20-80%) and temperature (10-30 degrees C). Gaseous hydrogen peroxide is sampled on glass filters impregnated with Ti(IV) chloride and sulfuric acid and analyzed by UV spectroscopy. An interference was observed due to the acid catalyzed decomposition of peroxyacetic acid to hydrogen peroxide. This was significantly reduced by applying high sample flow rates and by lowering the concentration of sulfuric acid. The performance of the sampler and sources of uncertainties were tested according to the European Standard EN 1076.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2000

Direct on-filter assay of subtilisin-type proteolytic enzymes for rapid analysis of analyte captured from the workplace atmosphere.

A simple assay for some proteolytic enzymes has been developed which can be performed directly on the surface of a cellulose nitrate filter used to capture the analyte during workplace monitoring for health and safety purposes. Following air sampling the analysis is performed on the filter which is retained within the air sampler. This involves two steps: first, a 15 min incubation in which the captured enzyme is dissolved and then digests an alkaline-phosphatase-labelled antibody immobilised as a small dot on the surface of the filter; and second, is a 10 min incubation with substrate solution, which follows an in situ wash under a vacuum. During the incubation colour develops on the spot at the location of the immobilised enzyme antibody conjugate. The intensity of the spot can be assessed visually within the sampler to ascertain the presence or absence of captured enzyme, or alternatively quantitative results can be obtained using an optical scanner. The limit of detection is 5 ng per filter for subtilisin (20 ng for visual discrimination between this standard and the zero). The assay is stable to the effects of ambient air sampling at 31 min(-1) for 18 h.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2002

Field measurement of lead in workplace air and paint chip samples by ultrasonic extraction and portable anodic stripping voltammetry.

On-site measurement of lead in workplace air filter samples and paint chip samples by ultrasonic extraction and anodic stripping voltammetry (UE-ASV) was evaluated in the field during renovation and remodeling activities in residences having leaded paint. Aerosol and paint samples were collected using standard techniques, and the samples were analyzed on-site for lead content by portable UE-ASV. Lead in sample extracts was subsequently determined by atomic absorption (AA) spectrometry in a fixed-site laboratory. The remaining sample extracts plus undissolved material (air filters or paint particles) were then subjected to hot plate digestion in concentrated nitric acid-30% hydrogen peroxide prior to AA analysis for lead. Field UE-ASV lead data were thereby compared to UE-AA and hot plate digestion-AA results from fixed-site laboratory lead measurement. Determination of lead in air filter samples by UE-ASV (over the range of 5 microg to approximately 800 microg Pb per sample) was extremely well correlated with lead measurement by UE-AA and hot plate digestion-AA procedures. However, a significant negative bias associated with ASV measurement was observed, and this was attributed to a matrix effect. Lead measurement in paint chip samples by UE-ASV (over the range of approximately 10 to approximately 550 microg Pb g(-1)) was well correlated with lead measurement by UE-AA and hot plate digestion-AA procedures. However, correlation and precision were lower for lead measurement in paint samples as compared to aerosol samples, and a negative bias was also observed. Lead measurements by UE-AA were compared to lead determinations by hot plate digestion-AA; these data were highly correlated and demonstrated no significant bias. Thus it was concluded that the ultrasonic extraction procedure performed equivalently to hot plate digestion. It was reasoned that matrix effects due to the preparation and analysis of paint chip particles resulted in greater imprecision as well as negative bias by ASV measurement. Despite significant negative bias in this sample set, UE-ASV offers promise for on-site measurement of lead in samples of interest in occupational and environmental health.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2004

Development and validation of methods for environmental monitoring of cyclophosphamide in workplaces.

Methods to monitor contamination of workplaces with antineoplastic drugs have been developed and validated. Cyclophosphamide (CP) was used as a model compound as it is one of the most commonly used antineoplastic drugs. A wipe sampling method to detect contamination with CP at surfaces was developed. A personal air sampling method to sample gas and vapour on solid sorbent tubes and particles with filters was also developed. Wipe and filter samples were extracted and sorbent samples were eluted, all with ethyl acetate. The samples were analysed with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. (2)H(6)-labelled cyclophosphamide was used as an internal standard. The between-day precision was 2-5% for wipe samples, 4-6% for sorbent samples and 3-8% for filter samples. The limit of detection was 0.02 ng CP per sample for the wipe and filter methods and 0.03 ng CP per sample for the solid sorbent method. Wipe sampling on surfaces made of different materials resulted in mean recoveries between 78-106%. The desorption recovery was between 97-102% for the wipe samples, 97% for the sorbent samples and 101% for the filter samples. Samples were stable for up to 2 months at 5 degrees C and -20 degrees C and for about 2 d at room temperature. The developed methods were applied to the measurement of contamination with CP in a hospital pharmacy. Trace amounts of CP, 1.3 and 1.4 ng, were detected on surfaces in the pharmacy.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed2005

Performance of methods for measurement of exposure to inorganic acids in workplace air.

BGIA has organised round robins for the analysis of samples of inorganic acids in workplace air for a number of years. Test samples of the volatile acids HCl and HNO(3) are collected from a standard atmosphere and samples of the non-volatile acids H(3)PO(4) and H(2)SO(4) are prepared by spiking filters with acid solution. The last two round robins have also covered the sampling of volatile acids, with up to 15 "active" participants able to visit the test facility in Dresden and take samples themselves. For other "passive" participants, BGIA takes samples from the same atmosphere. The acid concentrations generated lie between 0,1 and 1 times the German limit values for HCl and HNO(3). The results for the last round robin showed no significant difference between the performance of the "active" and "passive" participants. The participant means were in good agreement with the theoretical concentrations and the quality control measurements. For "active" participants RSDs were between 7% and 14% and for all participants between 8% and 16%. The round robin for the non-volatile acids showed similar results. The participant means were again in excellent agreement with the quality control measurements and RSDs were between 12% and 15%. The BGIA round robins have demonstrated the proficiency of laboratories measuring exposure to inorganic acids in air. However, concerns remain about the performance of published methods. It has shown that the sampling efficiency of sorbent tubes falls off with increasing particle size and hence silica gel tube methods may give low results for acid mists. Another issue with silica gel tubes is that a substantial proportion of the sample can be collected on the glass wool plugs that retain the sorbent. This can be up to 50% for HCl and 100% for HNO(3). Hence, low results may be obtained if the glass wool plugs are discarded. Similarly, methods for volatile inorganic acids that use a pre-filter to remove particulates usually overlook the fact that the acids can react with co-particulate matter on the pre-filter. Low recoveries in the range 30%-50% have been found when sampling HCl through filters loaded with potential interferents. Finally, particulate salts interfere with filter sampling methods for non-volatile inorganic acids. A two-part International Standard is in preparation for inorganic acids by ion chromatography and the issues discussed above are being taken into consideration during its development.

Acids, Noncarboxylic↗
PubMed2005

Wipe sampling as a tool for monitoring aerosol deposition in workplaces.

As a complement to traditional exposure assessment, monitoring deposition of aerosols can be a simple and quick screening method for identifying deposited aerosols. In this presentation examples of screening studies, based on wipe sampling in combination with adequate analytical techniques, are described. These screening methods are rapid, simple and easy to carry out. The examples given in this presentation show a broad applicability and the methods are proven useful for assessing aerosol distribution in the workplace as well as to identify target spots for more extensive assessment of a worker's exposure situation.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2006

A rapid lateral flow immunoassay for the detection of fungal alpha-amylase at the workplace.

Fungal alpha-amylase is a flour supplement which is added to improve the quality of bakery products. Various studies have shown that exposure to this enzyme is an important risk factor for the development of bakers' allergy and this allergy is reported to be one of the most frequent causes of occupational asthma. A rapid assay was developed to monitor exposure to occupational allergens directly at the workplace. The sensitivity of the developed assay is 0.32 ng amylase mL(-1) in a buffer system with the commercially available alpha-amylase preparation Fungamyl 1600S as the standard. Initial validation tests (n = 33) were performed with airborne and settled dust from an industrial bakery. The new lateral flow immunoassay detected amylase in 22 of the 26 samples regarded as positive in an enzyme immunoassay, and was negative for all seven enzyme immunoassay-negative samples, while the four lateral flow immunoassay-negative/enzyme immunoassay-positive samples all had levels below 2 ng mL(-1). The sensitivity of 2 ng mL(-1) of the amylase lateral flow immunoassay is sufficient for first screening purposes and, therefore, this simple and rapid assay may allow direct on-site demonstration of work-related hazards of bio-allergen exposure. This would be particularly useful in occupational hygiene practice, especially in traditional or small-scale bakeries which lack the technological skills for testing the exposure to respiratory allergens.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed1999

Clinical nursing supervision in the workplace--effects on moral stress and job satisfaction.

AIM: To investigate nurses' satisfaction with their work environment and moral stress levels as effects of systematic clinical nursing supervision. BACKGROUND: Nurses have identified high workload, low influence over work assignment, limited avenues for skills development and diminishing support from supervisors as sources of considerable tension resulting in deterioration of work conditions and decreased job satisfaction. METHODS: This study is a descriptive-correlational study. Data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The major result indicates moral stress in the workplace. It was found that a significant relationship existed between moral sensitivity and systematic nursing clinical supervision. CONCLUSION: The results point to the need to support nurses in developing personal qualities, integrated knowledge and self-awareness, which is in line with the effects of clinical nursing supervision reported in other studies.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Health promotion in the workplace: the perspective of unskilled workers in a hospital setting.

It is important to explore the potential for health promotion from the perspective of participants in a particular situation. This study focuses on experiences of well-being and the potential for health promotion among unskilled workers in the kitchen and laundry room in an acute care hospital in Iceland. These experiences are analysed in light of the material and structural factors that shape working conditions. The research method used was grounded theory. The data were formal and informal interviews, and participant observation. The findings revealed considerable differences between the two work groups. At both sites strain on the body, caused by excessive noise, heavy lifting and uncomfortable working arrangements, were identified. Similarly, the work was often experienced as monotonous and demanding. Human relations were identified as a key factor in ameliorating the conditions that led to experiences of strain by the workers at both work sites. This was however where the two work places differed. In the laundry room, the workers felt respected and acknowledged by their coworkers and managers. Belonging to the work group was important and they felt listened to by the supervisor. Very little cohesiveness was observed among the workers in the kitchen. The managers seemed to be absent from the floor, workers were divided into work groups that sometimes showed antagonism towards each other and few channels were available for complaints and suggestions for improvement. The workers in the laundry room, on the other hand, related positive experiences of work. They felt that steps were taken by managers to improve working conditions to the extent possible and participated in those attempts by bringing up suggestions, implementing change and developing their own ways of coping with the work. This study gives important directions for health promotion in the workplace, emphasizing human relations at work, rather than individual health behaviour away from the work setting.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

[Rehabilitation of construction industry workers considering special workplace demands--results of the "RehaBau" pilot study].

In a descriptive study, 122 construction industry workers were treated in an especially workplace-oriented inpatient rehabilitation measure. Effects were assessed by written questionnaires using the SF-36 questionnaire, the questionnaire for employees self-assessment (FBS) and further standardized instruments for job strain and demand at time intervals of 0, 4 and 13 months from rehabilitation participation. Along with high rehabilitation satisfaction, improvement of quality of life and decreasing disability complaints are reported, which keep stable and significant for at least one year and thus are indicators of sustainable rehabilitation success.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Workplace change and the internal labour market: evidence from the NSW hospital industry.

After a decade of labour market reform and workplace change, increasing attention has focussed on public sector industries. In this paper, domestic and maintenance occupations in the hospital industry are examined, as previous work has focussed on nursing, with other occupations being largely ignored. Grimshaw and Rubery's (1998) model of internal labour markets is adopted as the preferred theoretical approach. This model, in acknowledging external factors, the role of workers, and custom and norms within the firm, provides a basis from which to examine labour use practices within the hospital industry.

Career Mobility↗
PubMed2006

Promoting physical activity in the workplace: using pedometers to increase daily activity levels.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: This paper describes the implementation and outcomes of a pedometer-based workplace physical activity (PA) promotion program conducted with volunteer staff from the former Department of Human Services in South Australia. METHODS: Staff were supported to increase activity through wearing a pedometer and encouraged to aim for 10,000 steps per day to achieve the National Physical Activity Guidelines of 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most (preferably all) days. A train-the-trainer model was used to deliver the program consistently to large numbers of staff in CBD, metropolitan and rural settings. RESULTS: More than 30% (1195) of the staff, including senior management, participated with approximately 70% increasing their level of walking over a four-week period. Greatest increases were observed in those people who started at the lowest daily step counts. Follow-up evaluation showed that those people who had increased their walking through the program were more likely to maintain that level of walking over the following months. The majority of participants included other family members in their walking. CONCLUSION: Simple programs to promote PA that incorporate usual daily activity can be popular and effective at improving understanding of the importance of PA and increasing activity. The benefits to the participants, and its impact on a wider sphere of influence, made this relatively simple program worthwhile.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

An approach to area sampling and analysis for total isocyanates in workplace air.

An approach to sampling and analysis for total isocyanates (monomer plus any associated oligomers of a given isocyanate) in workplace air has been developed and evaluated. Based on a method developed by the Occupational Health Laboratory, Ontario Ministry of Labour, Ontario, Canada, isocyanates present in air are derivatized with a fluorescent reagent, tryptamine, in an impinger and subsequently analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. Excitation and emission wavelengths are set at 275 and 320 nm, respectively. A modification to the Ontario method was made in the replacement of the recommended impinger solvents (acetonitrile and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane) with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). DMSO has the advantages of being compatible with reversedphase HPLC and not evaporating during sampling, as do the more volatile solvents used in the Ontario method. DMSO also may dissolve aerosol particles more efficiently during sampling than relatively nonpolar solvents. Several formulations containing diisocyanate prepolymers have been tested with this method in the laboratory. This method has been issued as National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 5522 in the first supplement to the fourth edition of the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. This method is recommended for area sampling only due to possible hazards from contact with DMSO solutions containing isocyanate derivatives. The limits of detection are 0.1 microgram/sample for 2,4-toluene diisocyanate, 0.2 microgram/sample for 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, 0.3 microgram/sample for methylene bisphenyl diisocyanate, and 0.2 microgram/sample for 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic effects of workplace noise on blood pressure and heart rate.

Environmental noise levels in the United States are increasing, yet there are few studies in which the nonauditory effects of workplace noise are assessed. In the current study, the authors examined chronic effects of noise on blood pressure and heart rate in 374 workers at an automobile plant. Data were collected from subjects prior to the start of their workshift. Participants completed questionnaires about diet, alcohol use, lifestyle, noise annoyance, use of hearing protection, noise exposure outside of the work environment, personal and family health histories, and demographic information. Resting blood pressure, heart rate, and body mass index were obtained. Noise exposure levels were extracted retrospectively from company records for each participant for the past 5 yr. Summary statistics were generated for each variable, and the authors performed bivariate correlations to identify any unadjusted associations. The authors then completed statistical modeling to investigate the effects of noise on blood pressure and heart rate, after they controlled for other variables (e.g., gender, race, age). The authors controlled for confounding variables, after which use of hearing protection in high-noise areas was a significant predictor of a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The results suggested that the reduction of noise exposure by means of engineering controls or by consistent use of hearing protection by workers may positively affect health outcomes.

Adult↗