Promotion of work ability, the quality of work and retirement

In this study, the validity of a model designed to promote the work ability of aging workers was examined. The target areas of work ability promotion were searched for the characteristics that explain work ability the best. In addition, the way work ability relates to the quality of work and retirement was examined. The subjects (n = 1101) participated in the follow-up study on aging Finnish workers in 1992 and 1997. The results consistently supported the model for promoting work ability. All four areas of focus-(i) work demands and the environment; (ii) work organization and the work community; (iii) the promotion of workers' health and functional capacity; and (iv) the promotion of professional competence-proved to be strongly associated with work ability. Good work ability was associated with a high quality of work and the enjoyment of staying in one's job. It also predicted active and meaningful retirement.     

Rationalization as a key stressor for public sector employees: An organizational case study

Public sector organizations throughout Europe have been subjectto cuts in Government spending, allied to demands for enhancedefficiency and effectiveness. Consequently, many have embarkedupon radical programmes of change which potentially have anadverse effect upon the psychological well-being of employees.This study aimed to assess linkages between organization changeand the psychological well-being of employees within the Swedishsocial insurance organization Försäkringskassan. Acase study approach was adopted for the investigation whichwas carried out within the Halland region between February andJune 1995. A questionnaire which included the Cultural Auditand the General Well Being Questionnaire was distributed tothe organization's 456 employees in Halland. Questionnaireswere returned by 246 employees (54.6%), reflecting the employmentstructure of the organization. The findings revealed that manyissues associated with the process of rationalization and changewere of concern to employees. Statistical analyses revealedthat these were linked to their relatively high levels of ‘anxiety’and their symptoms of being ‘worn out’. This studyindicates that the process of organization change is stressfulfor employees within Försäkringskassan. As publicsector organizations throughout Europe are subject to similarpressures and are being forced to embark upon change programmes,it is suggested that they take cognizance of the findings ofthis investigation when making decisions regarding the planningand implementation of organization change.     

The self-reported well-being of employees facing organizational change: effects of an intervention

The objective of this study was to investigate the self-reported well-being of employees facing organizational change, and the effect of an intervention. It was a controlled intervention study. Subjects were allocated to study and control groups, and brief individual counselling was offered to the subjects in the study groups. Questionnaire measures were administered before and after counselling (a 3-month interval), and non-counselled subjects also completed questionnaires at the same times. The setting was 15 estate offices in an urban local authority Housing Department. Subjects comprised the total workforce of the Housing Management division: 193 employees, male and female, aged 22-62 years, facing compulsory competitive tendering between 1994-97. Main outcome measures were baseline and comparative measures of psychological morbidity, including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI). Questionnaire response rates were 72% and 47% on first and second occasions respectively. The uptake of counselling was 37%. In comparison with (1) the UK norms for the OSI and (2) the norms for a similar occupational group, this group of workers were under more work-related pressure and their self-reported health was markedly poorer. They were not however at a disadvantage in terms of coping strategies. Those accepting the offer of counselling were subject to greater levels of work stress, had poorer self-reported health and markedly lower levels of job satisfaction than those who did not. Questionnaire scores were not significantly different before and after counselling, giving no evidence of treatment effects on symptomatology. However, almost all subjects rated counselling as having been extremely helpful. This study suggests that adverse effects on staff facing organizational change may be ameliorated by improved management practice.     

Work, psychological well-being and performance

Evidence is reviewed on work performance as a consequence of both psychological well-being and work stressors. There is evidence that some forms of psychological well-being are related to subsequent in-role performance, although the evidence for a causal influence of work stressors on job performance is much weaker. There is also evidence for relationships between some job stressors or well-being and organizational citizenship behaviours. In general, research conducted at the individual level, indicates only weak or provisional relationships. A small number of recent studies indicate stronger associations between average levels of well-being in an organization and organizational performance. It is concluded that more detailed and specific models of well-being and work performance need to be developed. These models need to be tested using methods that can more easily detect subtle variations in well-being and work performance.     

Physical activity, fitness and body composition of Finnish police officers: a 15-year follow-up study

This study evaluated Changes in the physical activity, fitnessand body composition of 103 police officers during a 15-yearfollow-up. The absolute aerobic capacity was similar in 1981and 1996, muscular performance had declined, and body weighthad increased approximately 0.5 kg/year. More than half thesubjects (53%) had increased their leisure-time physical activityin 1996. The correlation was significant between physical activityin 1981 and physical fitness in 1996, but weak between physicalactivity in 1996 and fitness in 1996. It was also significantbetween waist circumference and waist/hip ratio in 1996 andphysical activity during the previous 5 and 15 years. No significantcorrelations were found between physical activity and work abilityor perceived physical or mental job stress. The physical fitnessof middle-aged police officers seems to be predicted stronglyby physical activity in early adulthood. Therefore health andfitness promotion measures should start at that time. This,together with regular systematic training, should help to sustainwork ability of middle-aged police officers.     

Seafood processing in South Africa: a study of working practices, occupational health services and allergic health problems in the industry

The work practices, occupational health services and allergic health problems among workplaces which process seafood in Western Cape province of South Africa were examined. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 68 workplaces that were sent a self-administered postal survey questionnaire. Workplaces reporting a high prevalence of work-related symptoms associated with seafood exposure were also inspected. Forty-one (60%) workplaces responded to the questionnaire. The workforce consisted mainly of women (62%) and 31% were seasonal workers. Common seafoods processed were bony fish (76%) and rock lobster (34%). Major work processes involved freezing (71%), cutting (63%) and degutting (58%). Only 45% of workplaces provided an on-site occupational health service and 58% of workplaces conducted medical surveillance. Positive trends were observed between workplace size and activities such as occupational health service provision (P = 0.002), medical surveillance programmes (P = 0.055) and reporting work-related symptoms (P = 0.016). None of the workplaces had industrial hygiene surveillance programmes to evaluate the effects of exposure to seafood. Common work-related symptoms included skin rashes (78%), asthma (7%) and other non-specific allergies (15%). The annual prevalence of work-related skin symptoms reported per workplace was substantially higher for skin (0-100%) than for asthmatic (0-5%) symptoms. The relatively low prevalence of employer-reported asthmatic symptoms, when compared to epidemiological studies using direct investigator assessment of individual health status, suggests likely under-detection. This can be attributed to under-provision and under-development of occupational health surveillance programmes in workplaces with less than 200 workers. This is compounded further by the lack of specific statutory guidelines for the evaluation and control of bio-aerosols in South African workplaces.     

Factors associated with premature departure from working life among ageing food industry employees

AIM: To find out how health status, work ability and job-related factors were associated with premature departure from working life in an 11 year follow-up period. METHODS: The study population was composed of 126 ageing food industry employees. Baseline data were derived from medical examinations and self-completed questionnaires in 1989. The follow-up data were collected in 2000. Data analyses were performed by independent samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney and chi(2) tests. RESULTS: Several chronic diseases, higher degree of work impairment due to diseases, long-term sickness absence, stress symptoms, low scores in work ability index, poor subjective work ability and physical work ability, and heavy physical workload seemed to be factors associated with early departure from working life among ageing food industry employees. CONCLUSION: Identification of these factors, prevention of sickness and promotion of work ability seem to be the most important tools to reduce premature exit from working life.     

Activity, functional capacity and well-being in ageing Finnish workers

BACKGROUND: The ageing of the labour force and falling employment rates have forced policy makers in industrialized countries to find means of increasing the well-being of older workers and of lengthening their work careers. AIMS: To longitudinally study the relationship between activity and functional capacity and the well-being of ageing workers. METHODS: Follow-up study to that carried out by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in 1981-97 (n = 3817). Activity level was measured using various free-time activities, and functional capacity was measured through daily-life activities. The measure of well-being included items with both positive and negative affects. The associations between activity, functional capacity and well-being were analysed by general linear models with repeated measures. RESULTS: Activity level and functional capacity had a strong positive effect (the effects of one unit increase were 0.32 and 0.30, respectively) on well-being. They were also interdependent. The impact of activity level in maintaining well-being became 31% greater during the follow-up, whereas the effect of functional capacity diminished by 17%. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that both involvement in activities and functional capacity have an important, partly compensatory role in maintaining the well-being of ageing workers.     

Latex glove allergy among hospital employees: a study in the north-west of England

The frequency of use and duration of wearing latex gloves among hospital employees has increased due to concerns about AIDS and hepatitis. In many countries there is increased consciousness about latex sensitization. In the UK, the Medical Device Agency has been monitoring latex allergy for a number of years but has not found any conclusive evidence of any significant problem. We report following a detailed questionnaire study in two hospitals in the north-west of England. A total of 1,827 members of staff were questioned about latex allergy at work. One hundred and twenty-four (7%) of these hospital employees had experienced symptoms strongly suggestive of latex allergy. Of this group, 56 had a-RAST test (IgE specific to latex), which was positive in seven (12.5%). There was a history of atopy in 31%, and a family history of atopy in 17% of the individuals. As a result of the study it was found that 17% (21 of the affected individuals) had already changed their working practice by using latex-free gloves. We were able to increase awareness of latex allergy within the hospitals. Both individuals and health care organizations need to be aware of the problem and hospital organizations should encourage staff to seek guidance to address the problem and, if necessary, to take appropriate measures to improve working practices. Practical guidelines are given with regard to identifying the problem and glove use for hospital staff.     

The impact of shift work on the risk and severity of injuries for hospital employees: an analysis using Oregon workers' compensation data

BACKGROUND: While past research on health care workers has found that shift work can lead to negative physiological and psychological consequences, few studies have assessed the extent to which it increases the risk of specific work-related injuries, nor quantified and compared associated types, severity and costs. AIMS: This study aimed to derive and compare the rates, typologies, costs and disability time of injuries for various hospital worker occupations by day, evening and night shift. METHODS: This study used Oregon workers' compensation claim data from 1990 to 1997 to examine the differences in hospital employee claims (n = 7717) by shift and occupation. Oregon hospital employee claim data, hospital employment data from Oregon's Labor Market Information System and shift proportion estimates derived from the Current Population Survey (CPS) were used to calculate injury rate estimates. RESULTS: The injury rate for day shift per 10,000 employees was estimated to be 176 (95% CI 172-180), as compared with injury rate estimates of 324 (95% CI 311-337) for evening shift and 279 (95% CI 257-302), night shift workers. The average number of days taken off for injury disability was longer for injured night shift workers (46) than for day (38) or evening (39) shift workers. CONCLUSION: Evening and night shift hospital employees were found to be at greater risk of sustaining an occupational injury than day shift workers, with those on the night shift reporting injuries of the greatest severity as measured by disability leave. Staffing levels and task differences between shifts may also affect injury risk.     

Enzyme exposure, smoking and lung function in employees in the detergent industry over 20 years

This study was undertaken to examine the long term relationshipbetween lung function, smoking and exposure to enzymes in thedetergent industry. A total of 731 male workers from five locationsin the United Kingdom were subject to respiratory health surveillanceincluding lung function testing over a period of 4–20years. Exposure groups were defined by job history. Significantlydifferent rates of fall in FEV1 and FVC with time were fourtdby geographical location and by smoking habit, but there wereno consistent trends with enzyme exposure.     

Occupational stress and strain in the Naval Service: 1999 and 2004

BACKGROUND: Surveys of occupational stress were undertaken in 1999 and 2004. OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of psychological strain and exposure to work-related stressors in personnel. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey using a validated, reliable questionnaire was undertaken in 1999 and was replicated in 2004. The data were combined and models of stress-strain were developed for male and female personnel in the Royal Navy (RN) and males in the Royal Marines (RM). RESULTS: The response rates were 78% in 1999 and 67% in 2004. Strain prevalence was 32% in 1999 and 33.5% in 2004. Strain rates were higher in females than in males and in personnel serving at sea. Reduced organizational commitment was associated with strain in males and females. Dissatisfaction with the physical work environment was associated with strain in RN females and RM. Role conflict was associated with strain in all groups. Work-family conflict was associated with strain in males, but not in females. The models accounted for 20-30% of the variance in strain. CONCLUSION: The strain rate in the Naval Service appeared to be similar to that in the other service occupations such as the UK Police, as did the sex difference in strain. The strain rate and stressor exposure ratings were remarkably stable over the period. Role conflict was found to be a generic stressor associated with strain.     

Computerized cognitive behavioural therapy at work: a randomized controlled trial in employees with recent stress-related absenteeism

BACKGROUND: Emotional distress has major implications for employees and employers. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a recommended treatment, but demand outstrips supply. CBT is well suited to computerization. Most employee assistance programmes have not been systematically evaluated and computerized CBT has not previously been studied in the workplace. AIMS: To evaluate the effect of an 8 week computerized cognitive behavioural therapy programme, 'Beating The Blues', on emotional distress in employees with recent stress-related absenteeism, and to explore the reasons for non-participation. METHODS: An open, randomized trial in a London NHS occupational health department. Forty-eight public sector employees, with 10 or more cumulative days stress-related absenteeism in the last 6 months, randomized equally to 'Beating The Blues' plus conventional care, or conventional care alone. Main outcome measures were Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Attributional Style Questionnaire scores at end of treatment and 1, 3 and 6 months later; and reasons for non-participation. RESULTS: At end of treatment and 1 month later, adjusted mean depression scores and adjusted mean negative attributional style scores were significantly lower in the intervention group. One month post-treatment, adjusted mean anxiety scores were also significantly lower in the intervention group. The differences were not statistically significant at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Non-participation was common and related to access problems, preference for other treatments, time commitment, scepticism about the intervention and the employer connection. CONCLUSIONS: 'Beating The Blues' may accelerate psychological recovery in employees with recent stress-related absenteeism. Greater flexibility and accessibility might improve uptake.     

Overweight and obesity among Kuwait Oil Company employees: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are considered major risk factors for many diseases, and their prevalence is known to be high in Kuwait from previous studies. AIM: To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and related risk factors among Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) employees. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of full-time KOC employees was carried out using a structured questionnaire that was completed during periodic medical examinations. The questionnaire included demographic details, frequency and duration of physical activity, history of chronic diseases and medication. All participants were counselled and examined. Blood pressure, body mass index and fasting glucose were recorded. RESULTS: Some 3282 out of 3900 employees completed the study; 85% of participants were male, 62%were field workers and 38%were office workers. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among KOC employees was 75%. Males showed a higher level of overweight and obesity (79%) than females (56%). Field workers had a higher level of overweight and obesity (78%) and higher inactivity (65%) than office workers (72% and 56%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity, together with inactivity, are highly prevalent among KOC employees, and more so among field workers than office workers. Encouraging an active lifestyle, healthy eating habits and weight control programmes are all possible interventions to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity.     

The interaction between general practitioners and occupational health professionals in relation to rehabilitation for work: a Delphi study

BACKGROUND: Anecdotally, communication between general practitioners (GPs) and occupational health professionals is poor and acts as a barrier to successful rehabilitation for work. It is not known how widely this view is held by the many stakeholders in rehabilitation for work, or how important the observation is in its effect. METHODS: A Delphi study was conducted by initial semi-structured telephone interview, followed by a three-round collation and feedback of opinion by e-mail. The 25 participants were identified by suggestion within the study process for their position as key informants within a wide range of stakeholders. RESULTS: The process generated a consensus statement which identifies the extremely important nature of rehabilitation for work, the crucial role by GPs, the central role of occupational health professionals in case management and the barrier represented by the often very poor communication between them. CONCLUSION: The way forward is to improve communication by mutual education and understanding and a team approach to rehabilitation strategy. This may be facilitated by the GPs who work in occupational health and disability assessment and the involvement of other health professionals to great benefit for all stakeholders.     

A chiropractic service arrangement for musculoskeletal complaints in industry: a pilot study

Chiropractic services are commonly used by workers with musculoskeletal problems, especially low back and neck complaints. Research into the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this approach is, however, difficult to design without prior pilot studies. This study followed 32 workers with these complaints attending one such service and used five measures of outcome over a 6-month period. These measured pain (VAS), disability (FLP), quality of life (SF-36), perceived benefit and satisfaction with care. Additionally, sickness costs to the companies were recorded over two years encompassing the study period. Treatment utilization was also monitored. Over half the population were chronic sufferers. The effect sizes were large for pain and for seven out of eight dimensions of the SF-36 questionnaire at 6-month follow-up, although not for disability (FLP). High levels of satisfaction and perceived improvement were reported and sickness costs to the companies fell. However, the sample size in this pilot study was small and did not include controls. We would, therefore, recommend a full cost-effectiveness study incorporating a randomized trial in this area.     

Determinants of work ability and its predictive value for disability

Background Maintaining the ability of workers to cope with physicaland psychosocial demands at work becomes increasingly importantin prolonging working life. Aims To analyse the effects of work-related factors and individualcharacteristics on work ability and to determine the predictivevalue of work ability on receiving a work-related disabilitypension. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted among 850 constructionworkers aged 40 years and older, with average follow-up periodof 23 months. Disability was defined as receiving a disabilitypension, granted to workers unable to continue working in theirregular job. Work ability was assessed using the work abilityindex (WAI). Associations between work-related factors and individualcharacteristics with work ability at baseline were evaluatedusing linear regression analysis, and Cox regression analysiswas used to evaluate the predictive value of work ability fordisability. Results Work-related factors were associated with a lower workability at baseline, but had little prognostic value for disabilityduring follow-up. The hazard ratios for disability among workerswith a moderate and poor work ability at baseline were 8 and32, respectively. All separate scales in the WAI had predictivepower for future disability with the highest influence of currentwork ability in relation to job demands and lowest influenceof diseases diagnosed by a physician. Conclusion A moderate or poor work ability was highly predictivefor receiving a disability pension. Preventive measures shouldfacilitate a good balance between work performance and healthin order to prevent quitting labour participation.     

Minor injuries, cognitive failures and accidents at work: incidence and associated features

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of information examining minor injuries and cognitive failures in the workplace. AIMS: This study aims to describe the incidence of, and characteristics associated with, minor injuries, cognitive failures and accidents in the workplace. METHODS: The study was a community based postal questionnaire survey of people selected at random from the Electoral Registers of Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil; 7980 questionnaires were returned. RESULTS: Frequent/very frequent minor injuries were reported by 9.8% of the workers and frequent/very frequent cognitive failures (e.g. problems of memory, attention or action) by 10.5%. Work accidents requiring treatment were reported by 5.6% of the workers. Minor injuries, cognitive failures and accidents were associated with a number of demographic and health factors. In addition, minor injuries, cognitive failures and accidents were found to be related to each other. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of workers experience accidents and minor injuries at work. Minor injuries are not recorded by official sources but could have implications in productivity and worker health. Factors identified in this study, as associated with injuries or accidents, could be addressed by specific workplace policies or by raising individual awareness of the risks.     

Shift work, health, the working time regulations and health assessments.

Shift work and night work in particular have been associated with sleep difficulties, general malaise, fatigue, peptic ulceration, ischaemic heart disease, cigarette smoking and adverse pregnancy outcome. The medical conditions previously regarded as making individuals unsuitable for shift work show wide ranging patho-physiological activity and there is no published evidence for any such condition to be regarded an absolute reason to exclude an individual from shift work. The fulfilment of the legal obligations of the Working Time Regulations 1998 is neither prescribed nor constrained in any way. It is advisable therefore to build on existing health procedures where they are in effect. Periodic health questionnaires can offer health professionals an opportunity to detect any disorder likely to be aggravated by shift work or by a combination of shift work, job demands and workplace conditions. A further purpose of the questionnaire is the assessment of ability to undertake shift work duties. However, health questionnaires are neither sensitive nor specific enough to be used to select applicants or employees for shift work, since they do not consistently predict tolerance of shift work or subsequent health problems. Whether employers should offer anything more than a simple questionnaire will depend on the culture of the company and accessibility of health services. Screening programmes affect many people relative to the few who benefit and with existing knowledge, periodic general health examinations performed in asymptomatic subjects have limited predictive or preventive value.