Journal of Occupational Health

ObjectivesThe pandemic of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created a challenging environment for workers. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for workplace bullying and mental health outcomes during the pandemic among workers. MethodsWe conducted a nationwide online cross-sectional survey from August to September 2020 in Japan (N = 16,384). Workplace bullying was measured by one item from the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire; severe psychological distress (SPD) by K6 ([≥]13); and suicidal ideation by one item. Prevalence ratios were calculated by Poisson regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders such as gender, age, occupational characteristics, and a prior history of depression. ResultsOverall, 15% of workers experienced workplace bullying, 9% had SPD, and 12% had suicidal ideation during the second and third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. The results of this study showed men, executives, managers, and permanent employees had a higher risk of bullying compared to women or part-time workers. Increased physical and psychological demands were common risk factors for bullying, SPD, and suicidal ideation. Newly starting working from home was a significant predictor for adverse mental health outcomes, however, it was found to be a preventive factor against workplace bullying. ConclusionsThe results of this study found different high-risk groups for bullying or mental health during the pandemic. When intervening to decrease workplace bullying or mental health problems, we should focus on not only previously reported vulnerable workers but also workers who experienced a change of their working styles or job demands. Key messagesO_ST_ABSWhat is already known about this subject?C_ST_ABSO_LIWorkplace bullying is one of the severe job stressors in the workplace that cause mental health problems. C_LIO_LIHealth care workers, less-educated workers, and non-regular female workers have been reported to have greater psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. C_LI What are the new findings?O_LIAbout 15% of workers experienced workplace bullying, 9% had SPD, and 12% had suicidal ideation during the pandemic in Japan. C_LIO_LIMen, executives, managers, and permanent workers had a higher risk of bullying compared to women or part-time workers. C_LIO_LIIncreased physical or psychological demands were common risk factors for bullying, SPD, and suicidal ideation. C_LIO_LIWhile newly starting working from home was a preventive factor against workplace bullying, it was found to be a significant risk factor for adverse mental health outcomes. C_LI How might this impact on policy or clinical practice in the foreseeable future?O_LIThe results of this study indicate a different pattern of high-risk groups for bullying or mental health during the pandemic. C_LIO_LIWhen intervening to decrease workplace bullying or mental health problems, we should focus on not only previously reported vulnerable workers but also workers who experienced a change of their working styles or job demands. C_LI

ObjectivesTo identify the association between heated tobacco product (HTP) smoking and occupational falls, particularly combined with other lifestyle variables, including sleeping duration and comorbidities. MethodsThis web-based nationwide cross-sectional study (September-November 2023) involved 18,440 current workers (mean age, 43 years; women, 43.9%) in Japan. The primary outcome was occupational fall incidence in the past year. The secondary outcome was fall-related fractures. Smoking status was categorized as never, former, or current smokers; current smokers further classified into exclusive cigarette, exclusive HTP, and dual smokers (both cigarettes and HTPs). Other behavioral factors and covariates included alcohol consumption, sleep duration, physical activity, comorbidities, body mass index, hypnotics/anxiolytics use, and sociodemographic variables. Incidence ratios (IRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for occupational falls were estimated using multilevel Poisson regression with robust variance. ResultsOccupational falls and fall-related fractures were reported by 7.3% and 2.8% participants, respectively, in the past year. Younger workers were more likely to experience occupational falls. Compared with never smokers, current smokers had higher occupational fall incidence (IR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.20-1.54), with exclusive HTP (IR = 1.78) and dual smokers (IR = 1.64) showing particularly elevated incidences. Similar patterns were observed for fall-related fractures. Elevated IRs were also observed for other lifestyle variables, including short sleep duration and diabetes, with the strongest associations found among younger workers. ConclusionsCurrent smoking, particularly HTP use, and lifestyle behaviors were significantly associated with occupational falls in Japan. These findings highlight the importance of lifestyle modifications to prevent occupational falls. KEY MESSAGESO_ST_ABSWhat is already known on this topicC_ST_ABSIndividual lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep quality, are associated with the risk of falls. However, the association between the risk of falls and smoking habits, including heated tobacco product (HTP) use, which has emerged as a public health concern in Japan, remains poorly understood. What this study addsCurrent smoking, particularly HTP use, is associated with occupational falls. How this study might affect research, practice or policySmoking cessation can be considered a modifiable behavior for occupational fall prevention. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between smoking and the incidence of falls.

ObjectivesThis prospective study aimed to examine the association of job demands, job control, and the lack of supervisor and coworker support with side effects after receiving COVID-19 vaccination in a sample of employees in Japan. MethodsThe data were retrieved from an online panel of full-time employees (E- COCO- J). The analysis included participants who were employed and were not vaccinated at baseline (June 2021) but received vaccination at a four-month follow-up (October 2021). An 11-item scale measured the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. Four types of psychosocial working conditions (i.e., job demands, job control, and supervisor and coworker support) were measured using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the psychosocial working conditions and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, adjusting for gender, age, educational attainment, marital status, occupation, chronic disease, dose of vaccination, anxiety from potential side effects of vaccines, fear and worry about COVID-19, and psychological distress at baseline. ResultsOverall, 747 employees were included in the analysis. The average number of side effects was 3.78 (SD=2.19): Arm pain (81.1%), fatigues (64.1%), muscle pains (63.3%), and fever (37.5 degrees Celsius +) (53.5%) were reported more frequently. Coworker support score was significantly and negatively associated with the numbers of side effects (standardized {beta}=-0.122, p=0.017). Women, young age, second time vaccination, and high psychological distress were significantly associated with several side effects. ConclusionsEmployees with low coworker support may be more likely to have side effects after COVID-19 vaccinations. The findings of this study could inform employees with low coworker support that increasing workplace support may reduce the side effects. Highlights The effect of poor psychosocial working conditions on side effects after COVID-19 vaccinations was unknown. Poor coworker support at baseline was significantly associated with increased side effects after COVID-19 vaccinations. Informing workers with low coworker support about the findings may help them prepare for the side effect and motivate them to improve coworker support to reduce side effects.

BackgroundLittle is known about the distribution of specific sites where occupational falls frequently occur within the workplace. This study aimed to examine the distribution of occupational falls by sites of occurrence in Japan. MethodsNational data of occupational falls resulting in absences of four or more days in 2023 were extracted from a website managed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan. Fall sites were classified as either outdoor or indoor. Indoor sites were further categorized as walkways, work platforms/walking planks, indoor stairs, or other sites. Walkways and work platforms/walking planks were defined as indoor level surfaces. The distribution of occupational fall by sites was described. ResultsAmong all occupational falls, 63.2% occurred at indoor sites (22,780/36,058). The most frequently reported site was indoor level surfaces, accounting for 49.0%, while indoor stairs accounted for 5.9%. When stratified by sex, 65.9% occurred at indoor sites among female workers while 59.0% occurred among male workers. The difference was largely attributable to a higher proportion of falls on indoor level surfaces among females (52.7% in females and 43.5% in males). ConclusionsIn Japan, a substantial proportion of occupational falls occurred at indoor sites, particularly on indoor level surfaces.

The COVID-19 pandemic infected many people worldwide with SARS-CoV2. Psychological distress is one of the sequelae reported to occur in many of those infected (Choutka et al., 2022). We investigated the association between personal experience of COVID-19 infection and psychological distress in Japan. A total of 18,560 persons participated in the original survey, conducted in December 2020. After excluding unreliable responses, data from 14,901 persons who participated in a follow-up survey in December 2022-were included in the analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated by univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis with history of COVID-19 infection as the independent variable and presence of psychological distress as the dependent variable. This results showed that the experience of COVID-19 infection is associated with psychological distress. Moreover, most cases of mental distress among those who experienced COVID-19 infection can be at least partly explained by a perception of unfair treatment.

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic impacted the physical and mental health of Brazilian workers, especially those who started acting in home-office. Changes in the workplace, increased physical inactivity and fear of contracting the disease, known as coronophobia, may be related to increased musculoskeletal pain. ObjectiveTo analyze the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and coronophobia in home-office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as evaluating the relationship between these variables. MethodA cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study with 736 participants was conducted through online questionnaire. Sociodemographic data, working conditions, pain, besides the evaluation of coronophobia using COVID-19 Phobia scale (C19P-S) and pain with the Nordic questionnaire of osteomuscular symptoms (NMQ) were collected. ResultsMost participants were female (78%), with an average age of 32.8 {+/-} 10.7 years. During the pandemic, 71% reported some osteomuscular symptoms, and of these, 64% began to have new paintings of pain in the pandemic, with higher incidence in the lower back and neck. Participants who began to perform their functions in home-office presented a higher incidence of pain and, among them, 53% reported that the furniture was not suitable for homework. Most had little fear of Covid-19, but moderate levels of coronophobia increased the chance of musculoskeletal pain (RP=1,74; IC 95%). There was a significant association between coronophobia and musculoskeletal pain. ConclusionsThe pandemic raised the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, especially in cervical and lumba regions, and the fear of Covid-19 influenced this relationship.

ObjectiveAt present, there are relatively few studies on the burnout of young doctors in China. This study can enrich the relationship between work pressure, cognitive evaluation(benign and stress)and burnout among young doctors, and help to understand the current situation of burnout among young doctors. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among 116 young doctors from different departments to collect data on career motivation, work stress, cognitive evaluation and burnout. Result(1)The work pressure of young doctors has a predictive effect on burnout.(2)The primary evaluation of young doctors has an independent effect on burnout.(3)The 116 young doctors surveyed in this article are all at a high level of burnout. Conclusion(1)The work pressure of young doctors has a predictive effect on job burnout. Effective intervention on pay-reward can further reduce the sense of burnout of young doctors and reduce occupational stress.(2)The primary evaluation of young doctors has an independent impact on burnout, and positive cognitive evaluation is beneficial to reduce the level of burnout.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the magnitude of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and ergonomic risk practices among medical laboratory professionals in North West Ethiopia. DesignFacility-based cross-sectional study MethodsCross-sectional study design was employed among medical laboratory professionals (MLPs). The Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was adopted and used. In addition to questionnaires about socio-demographic characteristics and ergonomic risk practice, one-to-one interviews, and a direct observational checklist were used. Data was entered into Epi Data 3.1 and then exported and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the 95% CI (AOR) at a cut-off value of p <0.05 for statistically significant tests. ResultsA total of 238 MLPs participated in the study. The magnitude of WMSDs was 116(48.7%). The most affected body parts were the lower back (20.6%) and wrists (16.4%). The magnitude of WMSDs among government-owned hospitals was the highest (56.4%). 67.6% MLPs never heard about ergonomics. The general mean score of workstations was 2.28. Ergonomic risk practices like repetitive movement and doing of high workload were significantly associated with WMSDs. ConclusionThe current findings revealed a high magnitude of WMSDs that strongly need applying preventive action before body symptoms developed. Improving and renovating workplace design and enhancing awareness of MLPs were the necessary measures to control ergonomic risk factors.

BackgroundSubstance use and mental disorders are highly prevalent in Thai homeless people living with no mental health recovery. The lack of psychosocial occupational therapists may be one huge problem for none of the measurement outcomes for clinical utility. We aimed to determine the known-group validity of the Assessment of Work Performance (AWP) with good content and internal consistency reliability. MethodsParticipants (N = 60) were recruited by screening with no cognitive impairment, no psychiatric symptoms, independent self-care, and on-the-job assignment at Nonthaburis destitute home. Mann-Whitney U tests firstly found a significant difference in process skills between males and females (p < .05). Data analysis of the ceiling effect was then conducted to design using cleaned samples (N = 22), and the Mann-Whitney U tests secondly found a significant difference in communication skills between males and females (p < .05). ResultsThere were no associations between the frequency of genders and substance abusers were computed using cross-tabulation (N = 60 versus N = 22). Besides a corrected sample, natural contexts of too easy job selection, no preparatory of supported employment, and non-purposeful living activities may be confounding factors of avolition, poor habit, and inactive life roles without wellness at the end of life. ConclusionThese preliminary results suggest a useful AWP with good known-group validity for measuring outcomes among vulnerable people and describing how to improve motor, process, and interactive communication skills based on the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) in occupational therapists and Mental Health Recovery (MHR) workers.

ObjectiveBurnout significantly affected the working efficiency of public servants. This study aimed to identify the characteristics and risk factors of burnout among public servants in North China. MethodsA cross-sectional online and anonymous survey was conducted between March 2024 and April 2024. The inclusion criteria included active public servants aged between 18 and 60 years with fluency in Chinese. Participants with mental disorders were excluded. The study utilized the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey with Chinese adaptation to measure burnout across three dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy. The survey consisted of 16 seven-point Likert scale questions, with response options ranging from "never" to "daily," and scored from 1 to 7. Participants with burnout had to meet at least one of the following criteria: 1) scoring in the upper third for exhaustion, 2) scoring in the upper third for cynicism, or 3) scoring in the lower third for professional efficacy. Severe burnout was defined as meeting all three criteria, moderate burnout was defined as meeting two criteria, and mild burnout was defined as meeting one criterion. ResultsThe study included 1064 participants from seventeen provinces in North China. The breakdown of burnout levels among the participants was as follows: 34.3% (365/1064) experienced no burnout, 29.5% (314/1064) had mild burnout, 35.6% (379/1064) had moderate burnout, and 0.6% (6/1064) experienced severe burnout. The study revealed no significant differences in burnout risk based on gender, age, academic degrees, occupation types, and length of service. However, significant variations were observed in burnout risk based on job position, salary, income satisfaction, job security, work stress, and interpersonal ability. ConclusionIn North China, two-thirds of public servants experienced occupational burnout. Job position, salary, income satisfaction, job security, work stress, and interpersonal ability were identified as the risk factors.

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of burnout and occupational stress (OS) among couriers and to identify the main risk factors. MethodWe followed PRISMA guidelines to search studies published in English and Chinese databases before February 2022. ResultsThe search yielded 15 (7 English and 8 Chinese) papers, 12 of which studied Chinese couriers, and three studied French, Israeli and Malaysian couriers. Twelve studies reported OS using various validated measurement tools, and six reported burnout using adapted versions of Maslach Burnout Inventory. Only four included studies suggested cut-off points to define the condition, hence we used the midpoint of the scales to estimate the prevalence (the proportion of the cases that were above the midpoint). The estimated prevalence of burnout (or a dimension of burnout) among couriers ranged from 20% to 73% (median=33%). The prevalence of OS (or a dimension of OS) ranged from 7% to 90% (median=40%). Twelve studies reported risk factors for burnout or OS; the main ones were physical demands, customer behaviour and a range of working and employment conditions, such as employment precarity and financial insecurity. Job resources (i.e. social support and decision latitude) and organizational support had mitigating effects. ConclusionsBurnout and OS are relatively high among couriers. Interventions to prevent or reduce burnout in this occupation are currently limited. The use of platform technology to shift risks, intensify work and tighten managerial controls could be a potential work-related stressor for app-based couriers but remains a knowledge gap.

BackgroundThe contemporary global issues, COVID-19 pandemic continued causing unprecedented impact on the public health, occupational health and the global economy. Keeping compliance with personal preventive measures is a vital tool for managing COVID-19 pandemic control and returning to work as no pharmaceutical treatments are currently available in Ethiopia. Although compliance with COVID -19 personal preventive measures (CPPMs) and predictors is well addressed in healthcare settings, data on the level of CPPMs and its determinants among government employees working in offices worldwide, including Ethiopia, is limited. This paper is aimed to fill this gaps. MethodsWe applied a cross-sectional study design from February to March, 2021. The participants were government workers working in offices who had resumed work. Stratified followed by simple random sampling technique was used to select 422 study participants from 30 government offices that had resumed work. Data were collected using a pre-tested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed by STATA 14 software. The significance of associations was established at p< 0.05 and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) in the multivariable model. ResultsResponse rate 95.44% (N=394). The study found 22.3% (88) of study participants (95% CI = 18.5, 26.6) had high compliance with COVID -19 personal preventive measures during past month. Female workers were 2.80 times more likely than males to comply with COVID-19 personal preventive measures (AOR: 2.80, 95%CI (1.10, 7.12), favorable attitude towards COVID-19 prevention measures (AOR: 13.73, 95% CI (4.85, 38.83), high-risk perception of COVID-19 infections (AOR: 2.34; 95% CI (1.24, 4.41), and high misconception about COVID-19 (AOR : 3.92, 95% CI (1.45, 10.62) were predicted better compliance with COVID-19 PPMs (P < 0.05). ConclusionsIn sum, little proportion of sampled study participants complied with COVID -19 personal preventive measures. Sex, attitudes, risk perception, and misconception have all been identified as significant risk factors. Actions are needed to strengthen COVID -19 personal preventive measures among government employees to maintain COVID -19 control following work resumption. In the future, its vital to work on government employees attitudes and perceptions in order to improve compliance.

BackgroundDisease reporting is often unreliable and faces many challenges, making it difficult to estimate the true burden of occupational diseases, defined as any disease that is caused by the work activity or environment. This study aimed to assess the global reporting and underreporting rate of occupational diseases, and to identify the factors affecting the underreporting of occupational diseases. MethodsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, this study searched Medline (PubMed), CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (IRIS) database, Dimensions, and Google Scholar. We used search terms related to reporting and underreporting of occupational diseases or illnesses. The selected records were screened, and data extracted using the Covidence software tool. Screening and quality assessment were conducted by two independent researchers and finalized by a third researcher. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. This study is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42023417814. ResultsA total of 121 studies from 29 countries were identified, all coming from high-income and upper-middle-income countries. The incidence rate of occupational disease varied widely, ranging between 1.71 to 1,387 per 100,000 employees yearly. The highest number of annual cases was reported in the agricultural sector (ranging from 33 to 6,431), followed by the health sector (146 to 5,508), and then the construction sector (264). Two studies evaluated rates of underreporting, which varied from 50% to 95%. The main factor contributing to underreporting was employee concerns about job security. ConclusionsThe results reveal a significant gap in the reporting of occupational diseases among high-income and low-middle-income countries. This review also identifies variations in reporting mechanisms across different countries. Our findings highlight the need to establish a national system for reporting occupational diseases that engages employers, employees, and healthcare providers.

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders are growing public health problems both in developed and developing countries including Ethiopia. However, its prevention and control has not yet received due attention. This study aimed to determine. the prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders musculoskeletal disorders among cleaners of health institutions in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia MethodAn institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted, from April to May 2016 in all health institutions of Gondar town. All the available cleaners of health institutions were taken as study participants. Data were collected by face-to-face interview technique after verbal informed consent. Additionally, weight and height of participants were measured following standard procedures. Data were collected by trained physiotherapists and then entered into a computer using Epi Info version 3.5.3 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics was performed to describe the data in percentage and mean. Multiple logistic regressions were fitted and Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to identify associated factors. ResultsA total of 242 participants were included in this study. The majority of the study participants were females (79.3%) and between 25-44 age group (65.3%). Two hundred 0ne (83.1%) of the respondents reported that they had pain in at least one of the body parts in the previous 12 months. Of the nine body parts examined, neck (76%), upper back (40.5%) and lower back (45%) were the most frequently body parts reported to exhibit pain. Job status (AOR = 2.71, 95%CI; 1.37-5.36), and static work habit (AOR = 2.71, 95%CI; 1.37-5.36), were factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among cleaners in the health institutions of Gondar Town. Job status and static work habit were the significant associated factors. Hence, we recommend the design and implementation of institution based screening programs for musculoskeletal disorders

BackgroundThe world of work is undergoing profound changes towards agile, flexible, democratic, and digital forms of work, so called New Work (NW). The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these changes and confronted the working world with new challenges. Effects on employee health are ambivalent and remain unclear. Moreover, there is a lack of evidence as to whether existing occupational health management (OHM) measures meet the needs of employees working in new forms of work. Methods/DesignThis prospective mixed-method project will include four substudies to identify different NW forms, resulting health risk, benefits and protective factors in subgroups, and derive target group-specific OHM services. In the four substudies, the following methods will be used: (1) a scoping review, semi-standardized interviews, and an online survey, (2) a systematic review, an online survey, an expert workshop and qualitative interviews, (3) workplace observations, and (4) expert workshops. Recommendations for action will be derived from the findings of all substudies and summarized in a checklist for OHM in NW settings. ConclusionFindings will expand the state of knowledge about NW settings and associated health effects. The development of an evidence-based checklist for target group-specific identification of NW settings and associated health risks, benefits and protective factors can be used as a basis for action regarding OHM in companies. The findings can provide guidance on how future OHM services should be designed to meet the needs of employees.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine factors associated with acceptance of a Digital Contact Tracing (DCT) app for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Japanese working-age population. MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed for 27,036 full-time workers registered with an internet survey company during December 2020 in Japan. ResultsThe rate of downloading the DCT app was 25.1%. The DCT app was more likely to be accepted by people with married status, university graduation or above, higher income, and occupations involving desk work. Fear of COVID-19 transmission, wearing a mask, using hand disinfection, willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and presence of an acquaintance infected with COVID-19 were also associated with a greater likelihood of adopting the app. ConclusionsThe present findings have important implications for widespread adoption of DCT apps in working-age populations in Japan and elsewhere.

IntroductionTechnology is an important social determinant of health that has so far been poorly understood. Nevertheless, technologies such as algorithms and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing how work is organised and managed globally. Courier work is one of the most affected occupations due to the common use of digital labour platforms. This study will explore how AM shapes Chinese couriers work experience and engenders health inequity. MethodWe conducted 15 in-depth interviews with couriers in May-June 2021 in China. Thematic analysis was completed using Nvivo 12. ResultsAM can introduce new work stressors and interact with existing factors to alleviate or intensify work stress. Couriers responses to AM and its effects varied as some felt motivated while others frustrated. Key themes emerged from the interviews included App the "boss", Unequal exposure to AM and the role of human support, New work stressors of AM - Dehumanisation and Datafication, Job stressors intensified by AM and Varying individual response to AM. App the boss described how the couriers felt when managed by algorithms. Employed, gig and agency couriers had different exposure to AM and human support of different quality. Dehumanisation characterizes how algorithmic systems fulfil managerial functions in ways that differ from managers qualitatively or quantitatively. Datafication refers to the conversion of real-world information and user behaviour into data and being input in the system to assist automated decision-making. Couriers also reported that the use of digital methods could intensify some work stressors, e.g. time pressure and customer behaviour. Nevertheless, some couriers reported that AM provided new job resources, e.g. flexible hours, job opportunities, pay transparency, and bypassing office politics. ConclusionThis paper identified key work stressors of AM and explored how AM interacts with existing work stressors to shape Chinese couriers work experience. Dehumanisation could reduce the quality of support and their sense of relatedness to the workplace. Datafication or extraction of data from workers and lack of transparency led to concerns about potential discrimination, workplace unfairness and power imbalance. Couriers responses to AM varied and future research should take such heterogeneity into account.

IntroductionManpower is a firm asset and it plays a role in determining the quality and quantity of items produced. Labour-intensive activities require a lot of energy. Work fatigue is one of the repercussions experienced by the workforce. This study aims to investigate the relationship between work shifts and sleep quality and subjective work fatigue at the phosphoric acid industry. Material and MethodThis study was conducted on all 44 workers using a cross-sectional technique. The PSQI questionnaire and the Subjective Feelings of Fatigue questionnaire was conducted to obtain the data. Spearman correlation and contingency coefficient test were used to analyse the data. ResultThere are 47.7% employees experienced moderate work fatigue. There was a strong relationship between work shift (p=0.637) and sleep quality (p=0.619) with work fatigue. ConclusionSpecial inspection at 2-4 am should be conducted to monitor the employees.

BackgroundThe nail salon industry in the US comprises mostly immigrant-owned, small mom-and-pop salons that employ primarily first-generation immigrant workers from Asia. Because of the cultural and language barriers, both owners and workers may not avail themselves of the occupational safety resources. We formed an academic-community partnership to co-design a feasibility study and multi-level occupational health intervention for Vietnamese-speaking salon owners, workers, and community-based organization. MethodsThe intervention for each salon included 1) two-hour in-person training covering chemical safety, infection control, musculoskeletal prevention, and workers rights for both the owners and their employees, 2) a tailored recommendation report for the owner, and 3) check-ins with the owners during the three-month follow-up. Community partner was trained to deliver the in-language training with technical assistance from the research team. Baseline and post-intervention individual data about health symptoms and behaviors, as well as personal chemical exposures were collected and analyzed. ResultsA total of 44 participants from 12 consented salons enrolled in the study. One salon dropped out follow-up due to change of ownership. Analysis of the differences between post-and pre-intervention showed a tendency toward reduction in self-reported symptoms in the respiratory system, skin, and eyes, neurotoxicity score, as well as some chemical exposures. We could not rule out seasonality as an explanation for these trends. Increase in self-efficacy in some areas was observed post-intervention. ConclusionsOur study demonstrated a successful academic-community partnership to engage community members in the intervention study. While the intervention effects from feasibility study should be interpreted with caution, our preliminary results indicated that our community-based intervention is a promising approach to reduce work-related exposures among nail salon worker workers from Asia.

ObjectivesCompared to long-term expatriates, the health issues of short-term international business travellers are less clear. Particularly, there are no reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explored the changes in health challenges faced by Japanese international business travellers owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignCross-sectional survey research using questionnaires SettingWe surveyed 3,845 listed public companies in Japan in September 2021. ParticipantsA total of 251 companies responded (response rate: 6.5%), of which 131 (52%) had foreign travel requirements for their business. Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe survey included questions regarding company size, business type, necessity for foreign travel, destination and number of trips, common health issues that arise, and the importance of business travel before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. ResultsAmong the companies, 44% replied that they could not predict the number of foreign business trips after the pandemic. However, 64% of companies responded that business travel would continue to be important in the future. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the most important health concerns faced by business travellers were illness during travel (42%), followed by the prevention of infectious diseases and lifestyle disease management. Post-pandemic, 48% of the responses were for infectious diseases, including COVID-19, followed by 40% for travel-related diseases, and 25% for lifestyle-related diseases. ConclusionsOwing to global economic and social activities, business travel will continue to be necessary in the post-COVID-19 era. Comprehensive health management including prevention of infectious diseases is desirable for business travel. Strengths and limitations of this studyO_LIThis study provides valuable insights into the health problems of short-term expatriates, an area which has been left relatively unexplored compared to its long-term counterparts. C_LIO_LIThe potentially transformative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of expatriates are also considered. C_LIO_LIThis study will form a foundational document for reviewing the impact of the pandemic and establishing a healthcare system designed for business travellers in preparation for future pandemics. C_LIO_LIThe survey was exclusively conducted among Japanese firms, which restricts its scope and generalisability. C_LIO_LIBecause the survey was conducted from managers perspective, it did not provide an accurate assessment of the actual health status of business travellers. C_LI