Activity-based workplaces have become increasingly prevalent in many organizations. However, research on their implementation regarding perceived productivity within the public sector remains limited. The study’s purpose was to examine differences in perceived productivity, and perceived physical and psychosocial work environment factors, among public sector office employees in activity-based workplaces, in association with the amount of perceived concentration-demanding work. The study was conducted by two surveys responded during the spring 2024 by 450 respectively 320 employees in one Swedish municipality. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance, correlation- and regression analysis. The results indicate that employees with a high amount of perceived concentration-demanding tasks reported lower perceived productivity and experienced poorer perceived physical and psychosocial working environment. Notably, regression analyses revealed that particularly lack of privacy and dissatisfaction with work premises were significantly associated with lower perceived productivity. These findings underscore the importance of considering work task requirements when implementing public sector activity-based workplaces to mitigate potential productivity losses. Further qualitative and quantitative research is needed, particularly those with a longitudinal design, to increase knowledge about how different concentration-demanding work tasks are affected by work in activity-based workplaces.

This study aimed to explore women’s health literacy components related to planned pregnancy and infertility treatment use. A nationwide internet survey was conducted in February 2018 among 2,596 Japanese female full-time workers aged 18–49. Of these, 1,262 women who had desired pregnancy were analyzed. Data included a health literacy scale, pregnancy timing, and infertility treatment access. Logistic regression analysis examined the associations. As the results, the high health literacy group was significantly associated with both achieving pregnancy at the desired time (odds ratio [OR]: 1.87) and accessing infertility treatment (OR: 1.78). Specifically, the subscale “knowledge about the female body” was significantly related to achieving pregnancy at the wanted time (OR: 1.91), and “sexual health discussion with partners” was associated with access to infertility treatment (OR: 2.79) (p<0.05). These findings suggest that improving female body knowledge and partner communication are key for reproductive health education and preconception care.

Mental disorders occur frequently in physicians owing to overwork and poor psychosocial work environment. This study aimed to investigate the circumstances, characteristics, and background factors affecting mental disorders in physicians. Basic data such as sex, age at onset, alive or dead, occupation, name of disease, industrial accident recognition factors, load factors other than working hours, and overtime hours (for 31 cases of mental disorders and suicides for 11 years from 2010-2020) were obtained from the Japan Research Center for Overwork-Related Disorders database. The results showed 13 cases of suicide (41.9%) and 21 cases of mood disorders (67.7%). As for the factors recognized as industrial accidents, “extreme long working hours” related to overwork accounted for 6 cases (20.7%), and "quantity and quality of work" accounted for 27 cases (93.1%). Furthermore, clinical residents comprised 14 cases (45.2%) of the 31 mental disorder cases and 7 cases (53.8%) of the 13 suicide cases. Therefore, measures to prevent overwork and suicide in clinical residents are urgently needed in the context of mental disorder in physicians.

This paper explores the current landscape of collective bargaining agreements in Greece, alongside the broader legislative framework governing occupational heat stress. The findings reveal that the existing framework regulating occupational heat exposure remains general and insufficient. The specific circulars on heat stress prevention do not carry the same legal weight as laws or presidential decrees. Therefore, the adoption of dedicated legislation addressing occupational heat stress is considered essential. Effective protection requires the implementation of preventive measures across all sectors, for all categories of workers, and throughout all periods—not only during officially declared heatwaves. Labour inspectorate workplace inspections should be intensified, as enforcement remains limited. Heat stress provisions are rarely included in collective bargaining agreements. The weakening of collective bargaining following the economic crisis has contributed to this gap. The role of trade unions and workers’ occupational safety and health (OSH) representatives is critical in strengthening collective bargaining and safeguarding workers from occupational risks. To improve heat stress management, the study highlights the need for expanded awareness-raising initiatives, sector-specific training, enhanced understanding and use of the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, systematic recording of worker morbidity and mortality, and strengthened research efforts on heat stress prevention.

This study examines the role of trade unions and social dialogue in shaping the Italian prevention system for occupational health and safety (OHS) risks associated with heatwaves. Drawing on the European project Adaptheat, it addresses a research gap on the short-term impacts of climate change on the workforce and the interventions of social actors to address them. The methodology combined literature review, documentary analysis, and qualitative interviews with different stakeholders, including workers, in Apulian agriculture and in logistics warehouses. Findings show that trade unions have been pivotal in translating scientific evidence- particularly from the Worklimate project- into institutional measures and into collective bargaining agreements. Despite regulatory progress, the system relies mainly on regional ordinances, resulting in fragmented and reactive prevention rather than integrated and proactive planning. Compared with international benchmarks, the Italian case underscores the need to strengthen the regulatory framework, linking heatwave related OHS protection with broader labour and social rights.

Climate change is already not only a global problem, but also poses a growing risk to the health and safety of workers. For this reason, this study analyses the measures taken as part of the ADAPTHEAT project in Hungary to mitigate heat-related risks in the workplace. The research focuses on legislation and employers' practices, which were analysed on the basis of risk assessments, collective agreements and case studies. The findings highlight that workplace heat stress is not only a concern in traditionally high-risk sectors such as agriculture but affects nearly all workplaces. Despite recent legislative changes in Hungary, the regulatory framework and employer obligations remain rather general. Therefore, raising awareness among employers and employees remains essential. The study also emphasizes the important role of trade unions and health and safety representatives in advocating for improved protection.

The study examines the role of collective bargaining in protecting workers from heat stress in Spain, a country that is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures. Through an analysis of 596 collective sectoral bargaining agreements (CBAs) registered between 2020 and 2025, 14 heat action plans (HAPs), and 13 interviews with key actors, the integration of preventive measures into labor regulations is evaluated. Only 51 CBAs (8.6%) include preventive clauses that go beyond clothing measures and only 8 (1.3%) contained an adequate set of norms to address it in a more or less comprehensive manner. Company heat action plans, although more detailed and flexible, are highly heterogeneous and have limited coverage. Recent regulatory reforms in 2023 (RD-Law 4/2023) and 2024 (RD-Law 8/2024) require heat-specific measures and protocols for adverse weather events respectively, opening a window for strengthening prevention through sectoral and company agreements in the form of CBAs and HAPs. It is concluded that, despite some advanced examples, protection remains insufficient and uneven. The combination of a more precise legal framework,proactive collective bargaining and workers’ participation regarding heat stress prevention is essential to avoid the exacerbation of health inequalities in an increasingly warmer climate, especially in sectors and companies with weak union presence.

Working in hospitals as healthcare workers is inherently stressful, which indirectly affects employees’ adherence to procedures for infection prevention and control (IPC). While ample research exists on IPC practices, the majority neglects the psychosocial aspects of work, particularly job characteristics and safety-related organizational climates. This study utilized a two-wave multilevel panel study design with a 4-month interval, involving 379 participants across 23 critical care units in Malaysian hospitals. Grounded in the Conservation of Resources theory, we examined how job demands (i.e., workload, emotional demands, and job complexity) influence IPC practices and how three types of safety climate constructs—safety climate, psychosocial safety climate, and psychological climate—moderate the effects of job demands on IPC. Contrary to our predictions, none of the job demands were directly associated with IPC practices. However, we found that only the safety climate moderated the relationships between workload and job complexity with IPC practices. These findings suggest that each type of safety climate uniquely buffers the effects of specific job demands on IPC practices. Hospital management should implement tailored interventions to serve distinct functions in mitigating the impact of job demands on IPC adherence.

This study evaluated the effects of evaporative cooling using a water-soaked inner t-shirt with a ventilation garment on physiological and perceptual responses during walking in Hot/Dry (40 °C, 30% relative humidity) and Warm/Humid (32 °C, 80% relative humidity) environments (wet-bulb globe temperature [WBGT] 31.5 °C). Eight men performed a 60-min moderate-intensity exercise protocol under control (CON, fan-off of a ventilation jacket while wearing a dry inner t-shirt) and evaporative cooling conditions (EVA, fan-on of a ventilation jacket while wearing an inner t-shirt soaked with 350 mL of tap water) in each environment. Rectal temperature was ~0.4 °C lower during exercise in EVA than CON in both Hot/Dry (37.7 ± 0.4 vs. 38.1 ± 0.3 °C, p=0.001) and Warm/Humid (37.8 ± 0.4 vs. 38.2 ± 0.4 °C, p=0.002), with no difference between environments. Whole-body sweat loss in EVA was halved compared to CON in both Hot/Dry (0.56 ± 0.12 vs. 1.08 ± 0.23 kg, p<0.001) and Warm/Humid (0.47 ± 0.10 vs. 1.12 ± 0.21 kg, p<0.001). Thermal sensation and discomfort were lower in EVA than in CON in both environments (both p<0.05). Thus, wearing a water-soaked inner t-shirt with a ventilation garment helps mitigate thermophysiological and perceptual responses in environments where ambient temperature exceeds skin temperature and in high humidity (≤WBGT 31.5 °C).

This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Japanese workers, focusing on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and different types of work (desk work, in-person work, physical labor, and unemployment), as well as various demographic factors. Using a web-based survey conducted in February 2021, we collected data from 19,941 workers aged 20–65 yr. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) was used to measure workers’ fear, with analysis focusing on the total score and two subfactors: emotional fear reactions (Factor 1) and symptomatic expressions of fear (Factor 2). The findings showed that fear of COVID-19 was significantly higher among unemployed individuals and those with serious mental illness, identifying these groups as particularly vulnerable. Our analysis also suggests that broad occupational categories, such as “physical labor”, can mask the distinct risks faced by specific subgroups, including frontline care workers. The results suggest that intervention strategies tailored to the specific needs of these vulnerable groups should be developed to provide adequate support in a future pandemic, along with enhanced mental health services. By elucidating variations in fear levels across worker populations, this study contributes to the formulation of effective public health strategies in response to global health crises.

Dutch OSH legislation is characterized by its reliance on very general legal stipulations. The idea is that these broad, goal-oriented provisions leave room for tailor-made regulations at the company or sectoral level, leading to more effective risk management. This also goes for OSH legislation pertaining to heat at work. The general legal provisions on heat at work are to be fleshed out, via social dialogue, in either collective labor agreements or ‘OSH catalogues’ at the sectoral level, or more specific arrangements at the company level. Analysis of all relevant labor agreements and ‘OSH catalogues’ reveals that these do seldom give proper guidance in managing heat at work. Most importantly, hardly any of these collective agreements contain a clear, science-based threshold for working in heat. Risk-assessment tools too are rather poor, and the proposed risk management measures in the ‘OSH catalogues’ do seldom follow the industrial hygiene strategy (prevention first, personal protection as a final resort). The Dutch approach of social dialogue at a sectoral level or company therefore is not very effective. Also, negotiating OSH standards at many different is not very efficient, and is at odds with common notions such as legal certainty, legal equality and transparency.

The prediction of physiological strain is essential for the safety of personnel in high-risk environments especially when wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). This study aimed to develop a usability-enhanced variant of the Heat Strain Decision Aid (HSDA), named HSDA-FL, by implementing automatic workload estimations, alternative environmental inputs, and a revised initialization delay logic. The second aim was to evaluate whether these modifications preserved the original model’s validity. The third aim was to evaluate the performance of HSDA, HSDA-FL, and the PHS-FL models while wearing CBRN PPE. Eleven acclimatized participants completed a 40-minute simulated chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance scenario involving walking and inspection tasks. The HSDA-FL was tested with both the original and the revised delay logic, demonstrated significantly lower residual errors than the original HSDA (p<0.001), with the revised delay logic variant achieving the highest accuracy (MAE=0.151°C, RMSE=0.191°C, bias=0.011°C). In contrast, the PHS-FL performed significantly worse than all HSDA-based models (p<0.001). These findings confirm that HSDA-FL maintains and slightly exceeds the predictive validity of the original HSDA while improving usability, whereas PHS-FL was not deemed sufficiently reliable for use with CBRN clothing.

This article presents a comparative analysis of how collective bargaining and social dialogue contribute to protecting European workers from the effects of high temperatures linked to climate change. The study focuses on five European countries—Spain, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, and Hungary—which together provide a comprehensive and nuanced overview of the current situation across Europe. The methodology is primarily qualitative, based on 11 case studies (covering both sectors and companies), 60 interviews with key informants, and an in-depth analysis of the existing legal framework for heatwave prevention in both public health and occupational safety and health (OSH) contexts. The study also includes a detailed review of collective agreements and other social dialogue tools—such as heat action plans and OSH catalogues—to assess the extent to which high temperatures are addressed in collective bargaining in the selected countries. The empirical evidence reveals that high temperatures are still only marginally addressed in European collective bargaining, and significant challenges remain. Nevertheless, the fieldwork also identified several initiatives which, despite their limitations, represent steps forward in worker protection and could serve as examples of good practice.

Sleep health is recognized as a fundamental component of health and safety in the workplace. Alertness assessed by the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) is a key dimension of sleep health. Impaired PVT performance is associated with depression and burnout, but its relation to self-rated health (SRH) remains unclear. In this cross-sectional study, 378 physicians (268 men, 110 women) at Juntendo University Hospital completed a questionnaire and a 3-min PVT after duty hours. Participants were dichotomized as “healthy” or “unhealthy” group based on SRH. PVT lapses (reaction time ≥355 ms) and mean reciprocal reaction time (rRT) were categorized into quartiles. Multivariable logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) for poor SRH with covariates including the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) and the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D ≥20). Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of lapses showed an adjusted OR for poor SRH of 4.50 (95% CI, 1.68–12.02), and the lowest quartile of mean rRT yielded an OR of 3.76 (1.36–10.37). These associations remained robust after further adjustment for night-shift duration, snoring, caffeine intake, and either KSS or CES-D. PVT-assessed alertness independently predicts physicians’ SRH, suggesting its utility for health monitoring among hospital physicians.

Pharmacists are at high risk of infection due to their direct contact with potentially infected patients and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine whether increased health issues among pharmacists during the pandemic were associated with pandemic-related changes in their work environment. A total of 438 pharmacists from 28 prefectures completed a self-administered survey between September 2021 and January 2022. Health issues with significant increases among pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic included depression, anxiety or emotional disorders, insomnia, eye problems and skin disorders. The following work-related factors were significantly associated with these health issues: For depression, anxiety, or emotional disorders, key factors were fear of infection during medication explanations to customers or patients and fear of infection related to work in general. Insomnia was significantly associated with shift adjustments and fear of infection when fatigued. Eye problems were linked to remote medication counseling via telephone or online platforms, disinfection and cleaning tasks, and shift adjustments. No significant work-related factors were associated with skin disorders. This study identified specific work-related tasks associated with increased health issues, offering valuable insights into the occupational risks faced by pharmacists and informing preparedness for future pandemics.

Organizational justice is an important organizational-level resource that may facilitate employees’ motivation and personal development. The aim of the current study is to test the indirect effect of organizational justice on job performance and happiness through two key psychological states: work engagement and burnout. Based on Job Demands-Resources theory, it was hypothesized that the organizational justice would be positively associated with job performance and happiness via increased work engagement and decreased burnout. In the study participated 216 employees, nested in 62 organizations. Multilevel analyses with MLwiN software revealed that organizational justice related positively and indirectly to both job performance and happiness through higher levels of work engagement. Furthermore, justice also exerted positive indirect effects on performance and happiness through its negative association with burnout. These findings suggest that organizational justice may initiate a motivational process that can enhance both work-related outcomes and personal well-being, supporting performance at work and flourishing beyond workplace.

Working from home (WFH) is considered beneficial for sleep and fatigue recovery; however, it may vary according to chronotype. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between work style, sleep, and health, focusing on different chronotypes. A total of 1,114 workers completed an anonymous online survey, and 587 adult workers were included in the study. Changes in sleep and health indicators were compared by chronotype between the periods when participants worked at the workplace (WAW) every day and WFH two days or more a week. During the WFH period, sleep duration was longer and insomnia level was lower for all chronotypes than that during the WAW period. Evening chronotypes had higher risks of insomnia, poor mental health, and poor fatigue recovery during WAW than did morning chronotypes. However, regarding mental health impairment, the relationship by chronotype disappeared during the WFH period. WFH two days or more a week may provide benefits with respect to sleep and fatigue recovery, regardless of chronotype, particularly for mental health of evening chronotype; however, evening chronotypes had lower level of sleep and health than did other chronotypes, regardless of work style.

Victims of natural disasters require extensive medical, health, and welfare services. Disaster responders play a vital role in caring for victims but frequently face their own health problems. Responders may work despite physical or psychological distress (presenteeism), leading to many problems. We examined the association of activities and environmental factors with presenteeism in responders during the acute and subacute phases of recovery from the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake (January 6 to March 31, 2024) using records from the Disaster Responder’s Health Management version of J-SPEED. Presenteeism prevalence was 2.8% (acute phase: 3.5%; subacute phase: 2.1%). Unclear task and command (aOR=8.44, 95%CI: 5.49–13.00) and inability to take meals and breaks (aOR=8.92, 95%CI: 5.86–13.60) were associated with higher presenteeism odds. Support activities in the Health Emergency Operation Center (acute phase) and an unsafe work environment (subacute phase) were also significantly associated with presenteeism. The environmental determinants of presenteeism differed in the acute and subacute phases. However, potential confounding, including responder characteristics, could not be adjusted due to data limitations, so results should be interpreted cautiously. Nevertheless, improving the working conditions and implementing a comprehensive health management system for disaster responders, including pre-disaster training programs, may help mitigate their presenteeism.

This study examines the association of unmet healthcare needs (UHNs) with health-related productivity loss (HRPL), work ability, and work engagement among Korean workers. We analyzed 6,633 workers from two waves (August 2023 and September 2024) of the Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study, a nationwide panel survey. UHNs were assessed based on self-reported experiences of forgoing necessary medical care. HRPL, work ability, and work engagement were measured using validated instruments. The generalized estimating equation models to repeated measurements applied to examine associations between UHNs and labor-related outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Workers with UHNs had a 9.517 percentage point higher HRPL, 3.348-fold higher odds of poor work ability, and 1.506-fold higher odds of low work engagement compared with those without UHNs. Among causes of UHNs, financial constraints were associated with the largest increases in HRPL, poor work ability and low work engagement. These findings suggest that inadequate access to healthcare not only affects individual health but also has substantial implications for labor outcomes. Policy interventions to reduce UHNs, particularly for financially vulnerable workers, may improve both health and labor outcomes.

The global work environment is changing quickly, often becoming unfavourable to employees. This scoping review aimed to synthesise the existing literature on self-undermining behaviours in the workplace, with a particular focus on their development as a concept and their application in occupational contexts. The method followed was the guidelines of the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A search was conducted using electronic databases (e.g., ScienceDirect, Scopus, EBSCOhost) and online platforms (e.g., ResearchGate). The list of references from the included studies was also assessed for any additional papers that could be relevant. The review’s inclusion criteria were as follows: studies published in peer-reviewed journals only in English that explored self-undermining. Of the 60 papers identified, eight studies with 4046 participants were included; the majority followed a quantitative method and a cross-sectional design. Self-undermining was positively associated with burnout and job demands. Self-undermining mediated the relationship between several work-related factors and outcomes. The studies in this review had limitations, e.g., self-reported data. Strategies to monitor and reduce self-undermining may be a crucial intervention to prevent burnout. Organisations shall develop and implement different programs to reduce these behaviours among employees.

This paper proposes a novel conceptual framework that integrates Disaster Risk Management (DRM) into Occupational Health Services (OHS) to improve resilience against technological hazards in high-risk industrial sectors. Even though OHS is meant to safeguard the workplace, it lacks systematic management for disaster risks such as chemical spills, industrial fires and toxic releases. To address this gap, the proposed framework synthesizes two internationally recognized models: the WHO’s Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM) strategy and the Basic Occupational Health Services (BOHS) model. The integration is structured across three interconnected pillars: (1) Risk Governance and Policy Alignment, (2) Proactive Risk Assessment and Preparedness, and (3) Emergency Response and Resilience-Building. This approach extends the scope of OHS from traditional hazard control and compliance to proactive disaster resilience, offering a new theoretical and practical model tailored for vulnerable and complex industrial environments. In doing so, the framework supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing worker protection, business continuity and community-level sustainability. It also lays the foundation for future empirical research and offers actionable guidance for industry leaders and policymakers.

Jockeys endure considerable physical and psychological demands, rendering them vulnerable to occupational injuries such as fractures, concussions, and soft tissue damage. This descriptive case series presents the medical and occupational histories of three professional jockeys with long-term disabilities following work-related accidents. Each individual commenced their jockey career in early adolescence. All sustained head trauma from horse falls and had histories of hospitalization due to injuries incurred while riding. Documented injuries included rib, vertebral, clavicular, and upper extremity fractures, adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, and ligament rupture in the lower extremity. Two of the cases underwent extended periods of physical therapy but reported minimal functional recovery. These findings highlight the insufficient preventive strategies and limited long-term support available to injured jockeys. Enhanced occupational safety measures, regular medical evaluations, and access to physical and mental rehabilitation are essential to address the occupational hazards in this profession. Further studies are warranted to develop targeted interventions for injury prevention and long-term care.

The relationship between the employment status and mental health is well established, yet the behavioural mechanisms underlying this association across age groups remain unclear. This study investigates whether artistic leisure moderates the association between employment status and mental health, measured with the 12-item Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ-12), using nationally representative survey data from Taiwanese adults aged 18 and above. Participants were categorised into three groups. Descriptive statistics summarised mental health prevalence, and χ² tests assessed associations across age groups. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for sociodemographic factors, religious affiliation, financial sufficiency, and physical health, was employed to examine the relationship. The prevalence of good mental health was highest among older adults (84.83%), followed by young (79.25%) and middle-aged adults (78.76%). Artistic leisure significantly moderated the association between employment and mental health in young adults, with those in employment who engaged in artistic activities reporting better outcomes (AOR=4.22, 95% CI: 1.98–8.96). No significant moderating association was found in the older age groups. These findings suggest that employment plays a critical role in the mental well-being of young adults, highlighting the importance of understanding the contexts and motivations behind their engagement in artistic leisure.

The aim of this work is to identify occupational situations that are at risk and/or encourage alcohol use, whatever the type of consumption. This is a review of the literature in search of articles published between 1989 and August 2019, dealing with the effects of work situations on alcohol consumption. A qualitative analysis was conducted on the articles meeting the selection criteria, and the data were summarised based on the main risk factors identified. There is some evidence supporting work organisation as being at risk of alcohol consumption. This concerns mainly shift work and long-working hours, although the relation with drinking behaviours seems to be conflicting. Social relations and interactions within the workplace may induce (or be at risk of) alcohol consumption, particularly in the case of tolerant standards. The results regarding work stress are contradictory. Data regarding physical workload are scarce. Most studies addressed alcohol consumption as a public health issue, in the labour force, and not as an occupational health issue focused on work situations and conditions. Yet this knowledge may help the occupational physician to question the work environment, in order to prevent this risk on a collective technical level and on an individual case-by-case basis.

This study examined the associations between workplace telework guidance, self-management behaviors, and health outcomes—specifically ocular and musculoskeletal symptoms and subjective health perception—among Japanese teleworkers in the post-COVID-19 era. A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between October and November 2023, targeting full-time employees in Japan who began teleworking after January 2020. Participants were recruited in collaboration with the Tokyo Federation of the Japan Trade Union Confederation (RENGO Tokyo), a major labor organization representing a wide range of industries. Health status was assessed based on the presence of ocular and musculoskeletal symptoms and subjective health perception, measured using an item from the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Among 1,666 valid responses, 48.1% of participants reported receiving telework-related guidance from their workplaces. Those who received guidance were more likely to engage in self-management behaviors, such as taking adequate breaks and obtaining sufficient sleep, which were significantly associated with better health outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of workplace guidance in promoting self-management practices and reducing health risks in telework environments, highlighting the necessity of implementing evidence-based occupational health strategies.

The Working Time Traffic Light (WTTL) recommendations are detailed guidelines aimed at mitigating the health and safety effects of shift work. This paper reviews the development, implementation, and effects of the WTTL recommendations in social and healthcare. Based on the payroll-based Working Hours in the Finnish Public Sector (WHFPS) cohort of over 300,000 employees, we analysed many dose-response associations of different working hour characteristics with health and safety and developed cut-off levels and evaluation tools for the traffic light-based WTTL recommendations. The recommendations were implemented in the social and healthcare sector by embedding the recommendations into shift scheduling software in co-operation with commercial software producers, and by giving feedback on the working hour characteristics to the healthcare organizations and policymakers. Based on a 5-year follow-up, the WTTL recommendations were well-known, and used regularly by 20% of the shift planners. Compared to the non-users, the regular use of the evaluation tool was associated with improved working hour patterns, a lower number of occupational accidents, and a decrease in psychological distress. Based on the established use of the recommendations and their effects on health and safety, the development and implementation of the WTTL recommendations can be regarded as successful.

We investigated the occurrence of fractures caused by same-level falls resulting from occupational accidents in the transportation sector, utilizing data on occupational deaths and injuries (2012–2016) collected by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. We analyzed injury cases requiring four or more days of work absence, focusing on same-level falls. Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess differences in fracture occurrence across occupations. Fractures occurred in 27.8% of workers in the hired taxi business, 23.0% in general cargo transportation, 21.9% in other road freight forwarding businesses, 18.3% in the railroad and orbital sector, 16.5% in the bus line industry, and 7.5% in the airline industry. After adjusting for covariates, hired taxi businesses showed a 1.76-fold higher fracture occurrence (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–2.95) compared to the railroad and orbital sector, and 1.4-fold higher occurrence (CI: 1.08–1.85) compared to general cargo transportation. Over 60% of falls in taxi and bus lines involved temporary structures. Taxi drivers experience a high occurrence of fractures, following same-level falls, indicating a significant occupational hazard. This study emphasizes targeted interventions, including measures to prevent falls and lifestyle modifications to mitigate fracture susceptibility, to improve worker safety.

Research on worker exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during asphalt paving operations remains significantly limited, and regulatory frameworks governing such exposures are also insufficient. Previous studies have primarily focused on a limited number of major VOCs. However, this study employs high-resolution, high-performance Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) to comprehensively evaluate exposure levels to 25 different VOCs. Additionally, Monte Carlo simulations were utilized to assess both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, thereby providing foundational data for future risk mitigation strategies. During asphalt paving operations, the concentrations of most VOCs increased by a factor of 2 to 10 compared to background levels. Nevertheless, none of these compounds exceeded the Occupational Exposure Limits. However, the concentration of acrolein exceeded the Ceiling Threshold Limit Value established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists by approximately tenfold, highlighting the critical need for peak exposure management. The non-carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that the maximum Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for acetaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene, and acrolein exceeded 1, indicating potential adverse health effects. Furthermore, the Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) values for benzene and 1,3-butadiene surpassed established safety thresholds, confirming a significant increase in carcinogenic risk. Furthermore, this study proposes measures to reduce exposure to hazardous substances.

The rapid expansion of delivery labor platforms in China has driven many people to move from rural to urban areas. Previous studies indicated that platform-based delivery work can be demanding, subject to algorithmic control, and lacking employment protections. While migrant workers are more likely to be exposed to adverse psychosocial working conditions and more vulnerable due to limited social services, few studies have examined the role of migrant status in mental health and its associations with psychosocial working conditions among platform delivery workers. This study employed a cross-sectional online survey to compare the mental health status of platform delivery workers in China and the associations with psychosocial working conditions by migrant status. Of the 923 delivery workers surveyed, 492 (53.3%) were rural-to-urban migrants. The findings indicated that rural-to-urban migrant delivery workers experienced high levels of mental disorders and burnout. Regression analyses revealed that workplace violence and high job demands were significantly associated with mental disorders and high burnout, and these associations were more pronounced among rural-to-urban migrant workers. Greater attention should be paid to this growing urban workforce, and context-specific interventions are essential to protect their mental health and wellbeing.

This study aimed to provide information on exposure to welding fume in workplaces in Australia, and the use of control measures in these workplaces. Personal and static samples of welding fume particulates and gases were collected at 20 workplaces whilst welding was being undertaken. Study personnel also recorded observations of the workplace. Total welding fume particulate concentration in the breathing zone was above 1 mg/m³ (the newly established workplace exposure standard). Peak concentrations of ozone were above the peak limitation standard of 0.1 ppm for most workers when they had their head over the welding area. Very few workplaces had active ventilation in place and functioning at the time of the worksite visits, most workplaces relying on natural ventilation coming from the large workspaces, high ceilings and open doors. The use of respiratory protective equipment was sub-optimal; about a quarter of participants used no respiratory protection while welding. This study provides the first comprehensive information on concentration of welding fume particulate and gases in Australian workplaces and the use of relevant control measures. The findings suggest there is considerable scope for improvement in the control of exposure to welding fume.

This study evaluates the sense of belonging and its determinants among standardized training nurses in China. A survey of 133 nurses was conducted using convenience sampling, incorporating the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience, Turnover Intention Scale, and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Data were analyzed with T-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. The average belongingness score was 3.47 ± 0.43, indicating moderate levels. Alarmingly, 94.0% reported high turnover intentions, and 42.9% experienced anxiety. Significant variations in belongingness were linked to health status, work stress, colleague relationships, preceptor satisfaction, and training benefits (p<0.05). Negative correlations were found between belongingness and turnover intention (rs=–0.195, p<0.05) and anxiety (rs=–0.412, p<0.01). Moderate belonging levels were observed, with recommendations for enhanced preceptorship and psychological support.

There has been a growing emphasis on the post-retirement work of the elderly, which can either be beneficial or pose risks to their mental health. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of depression and anxiety, as well as the level of life satisfaction, among working vs. non-working retirees. In a cross-sectional study, 270 retirees aged 60 yr or older were enrolled; of them, 122 were working and 148 were not. An interview-based questionnaire was utilized, incorporating sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical data, along with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Compared to non-working retirees, working retirees exhibited lower rates of moderate to severe depression (39.3% vs. 67.0%) and anxiety (30.3% vs. 59.5%), as well as a higher rate of life satisfaction (59.8% vs. 41.2%). In the multivariate regression analysis, non-working retirees were more likely to experience moderate to severe depression and anxiety, with AORs of 3.4 and 3.9, respectively, while continuing to work after retirement was an independent predictor of satisfaction with life, with an AOR of 1.8. Therefore, recruiting and retaining older workers, while considering their physical and mental capabilities, is recommended, along with mental health screening.

We conducted a hospital-based survey among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the peak of the 2018–2019 Ebola outbreak. This study aimed to assess HCWs’ knowledge, preparedness, and practices regarding the management of suspected Ebola cases, considering the challenges faced by hospitals in Kinshasa. A total of 290 HCWs from 72 healthcare facilities participated in the study (response rate: 83.0%). While all HCWs were aware of Ebola, significant knowledge gaps were identified, particularly regarding transmission routes and clinical symptoms. Only 16% of the participants had received formal Ebola training, and those who received training reported greater confidence in managing suspected cases. Notably, only 28% of HCWs were aware that Ebola could be transmitted through traditional funeral ceremonies and 34% were aware of transmission through contact with contaminated clothing. Adherence to standard precautions, such as hand hygiene (72%) and glove use (63%), was suboptimal, and 47% of the healthcare facilities lacked designated triage areas. These findings emphasize the need for targeted training, better adherence to precautions, and reinforced healthcare infrastructure. Addressing knowledge gaps, especially regarding transmission through funeral practices and contaminated clothing, and enhancing frontline HCWs’ preparedness are crucial for improving responses to future Ebola outbreaks and other emerging infectious diseases.

Heat reduces labor productivity, leading employers to adjust work schedules. However, no international climate service exists for managing heat-related productivity losses. This study estimated summer workability loss (WL) across Italy for various 8-hr work shifts and integrated the data into a WebGIS tool providing municipal-level insights. Global ERA5 climatological data (2009–2017) was downscaled to a 2.5 km grid over Italy and the workability equation calculated WL for different shifts (5am–1pm, 6am–2pm, 7am–3pm, 8am–4pm, 9am–5pm). The data was integrated into the Google Earth Engine (GEE) App for improved visualization. Compared to WL for workers performing high metabolic rate tasks in the sun, WL decreased significantly (p<0.01) for moderate metabolic rate tasks in the sun (60%) and for high metabolic rate tasks in the shade (over 90%). Starting shifts earlier than 9am reduced WL: by 4% starting 1 hour earlier and nearly halving WL starting 4 hr earlier (5am). The GEE “Worklimate 2.0 App” (https://ee-worklimate.projects.earthengine.app/view/workabilityloss) visualizes these findings. This study shows that rescheduling work hours and providing shade can significantly reduce WL in Italy, though additional heat adaptation strategies are needed to fully mitigate WL. The GEE App is the first international climate service for analyzing heat-related WL across working shifts.

Low back pain (LBP) is a commonly encountered medical disorder in Malaysia’s primary care setting, though establishing a direct connection between LBP and the workplace environment in adults is challenging. This case presents a clinic nurse who developed LBP due to a prolapsed intervertebral disc and her clinical management from an Occupational Health Doctor perspective. Her occupational management involved a walk-through survey at an urban hospital, which identified bone marrow aspiration as her most physically demanding task. Detailed assessment revealed that during this procedure, the nurse maintained awkward postures and performed repetitive movements while standing for extended periods. A Rapid Entire Body Assessment score of 4 suggested a medium risk, meriting further investigation. To accommodate her condition, the nurse was placed on light duty, with job modifications recommended to limit standing to no more than four hours and to avoid lifting objects exceeding five kilograms. Although the criteria for an occupational disease are not met, it is classified as a work-aggravated condition, given that her LBP was likely worsened by her daily work activities. In conclusion, effective management of occupational LBP requires thorough risk assessments. Modifying tasks and supervisor intervention are essential when job duties could exacerbate pre-existing LBP.