Work - Volume 46, issue 1

Authors: Yasmin, R. | Ahmad, R. | Sultana, N. | Sayed, S. | Ahmad, S.A. | Zaman, F. | Moniruzzaman,

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to find out the eye problems of the workers exposed to high temperature in re-rolling mill. PARTICIPANTS: A cross sectional study was conducted among 200 workers of selected re-rolling mills in Chittagong of Bangladesh during April to June 2008. METHODS: Data was collected through face to face interview of the respondents by using a pre tested questionnaire and check list and physical examinations which were completed by Braun Thermo …Scan Ear Thermometer and by Coaxial-plus Ophthalmoscope. Work place temperature and humidity were measured by industrial digital thermometer and hygrometer. RESULTS: Physical examination revealed that 25.5% of participants had inflammation of conjunctiva, 26% had itching of the eyes, 1.5% had corneal inflammation, 13.5% had partial opacity of the cornea, and 20.5% had hazy corneas. Of the total respondents, a majority had redness of the eyes, itching and blurring of vision. Most of the complaints were found to be associated with longer job duration (⩾ 5 years), production workers and high temperature (⩾ 40°C). CONCLUSION: The current study findings recommended that, the workers should be protected by using safety glasses with side shields and by wearing an apron of impervious cloth. There should be a surveillance system on work environments by appropriate authority for monitoring safety and maintenance of industrial hygiene. Show more

Keywords: Inflammation of cornea and conjunctiva, watering of eye, redness of eye, visual problem, furnaces, high temperature

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1473

Citation: Work, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 93-97, 2013

Authors: Ferreira, Lisiane Seguti | Palhares, Dario | Gava, Marília | Seguti and, Vladimir Ferreira | Marasciulo, Antônio Carlos Estima

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Epilepsy affects adults at productive age and interferes with their ability to work. However, the granting of social security benefits to these patients has not received sufficient attention. This article aims to provide a profile of individuals with a previous diagnosis of epilepsy that file claims for social security benefits and a profile of the medical advisory decisions that support the concession of these benefits. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of thirty individuals with illness-related …problems due to epilepsy was selected from the claimants that receive Social Security Incapacity/Sickness benefits. METHODS: An exploratory data analysis of the 188 Social Security medical files of the thirty claimants was performed using the clinical and epidemiological information and the medical advisory criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of the claimants was 39 years and most of them were males in jobs that do not require a lot of schooling. The first claim was filed within an average of four years of employment. On average, each worker files a claim every three months, which entitles him/her to receive incapacity/sickness benefits for seventeen months. The frequency of seizures and the medications used by the claimants were registered in 60% of the medical files. In addition, the description of the physical and neurological exam was incomplete in 50% of the files. Furthermore, 60% of the files did not include the argument or the clinical evidence that was used to justify the concession of a benefit. CONCLUSION: The medical advisory decisions on epileptic workers tend to be inconsistent, overly lenient and generally lacking in clinical evidence. The disparities among the granted benefits indicate the need for the National Social Security System to review and draft specific guidelines for epilepsy. Show more

Keywords: Incapacity, sickness benefits, medical advisory

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131620

Citation: Work, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 99-105, 2013

Authors: Plat, Marie-Christine J. | Westerveld, Gre J. | Hutter, Renée C. | Olff, Miranda | Frings-Dresen, Monique H.W. | Sluiter, Judith K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study i) describes the number of police personnel with PTSD who are working and those who are on sick leave before and after an out-patient-clinic treatment program and ii) examines which factors are related to return to work. PARTICIPANTS: Police personnel treated for PTSD (n=121). METHODS: In this retrospective study all police officers had an intake interview before and an outtake interview following a 16-week treatment for PTSD. Information about several personal characteristics, PTSD …complaints, and work related factors were gathered. A t-test and chi-square test were used to evaluate differences between working police personnel and police personnel on sick leave at intake and outtake. Binary logistic regression was used to test whether the intake data were related to returning to work at outtake. RESULTS: At the start of the treatment half of the police personnel were on sick leave (n=59) and at outtake 48 participants who were not working at intake had returned to work. None of the variables at intake contributed significantly to return to work at outtake. CONCLUSION: The majority of police officers returned to work after the treatment program. We recommend that attention be paid to successful return to work as part of the treatment program, therefore the occupational health professional and employer should be involved. Show more

Keywords: Sick leave, RTW, posttraumatic stress, police officers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121578

Citation: Work, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 107-111, 2013

Authors: Apostolopoulos, Yorghos | Sönmez, Sevil | Shattell, Mona M. | Gonzales, Clifford | Fehrenbacher, Caitlin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: While trucking in industrialized nations is linked with driver health afflictions, the role of trucking in U.S. truckers' health remains largely unknown. This paper sheds light on links between the trucking work environment and drivers' physical health. …METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, 316 truckers were enrolled in the Healthy Trucker Survey. Questions included work history, physical and mental health, and healthcare access. PASW 18 was used to examine patterns among factors. PARTICIPANTS: 316 truckers participated. RESULTS: Respondents were mainly full-time, long-haul drivers with over 5 years of experience, and who spent over 17 days on the road per month. While almost 75% described their health as good, 83.4% were overweight/obese, 57.9% had sleeping disturbances, 56.3% fatigue, 42.3% musculoskeletal disorders, and about 40% cardiovascular disease concerns. About 33% had no health insurance, 70% had no regular healthcare visits, 24.4% could not afford insurance, and 42.1% took over-the-counter drugs when sick, while 20.1% waited to reach home for medical care. Exercise facilities were unavailable in over 70% of trucking worksites and 70% of drivers did not exercise regularly. CONCLUSIONS: The trucking occupation places drivers at high risk for poor health outcomes. Prospective studies are needed to delve into how continued exposure to trucking influences the progression of disease burden. Show more

Keywords: Long-haul truckers, trucking work environment, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121553

Citation: Work, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 113-123, 2013

Authors: Koch, Lynn C. | Rumrill, Phillip D. | Conyers, Liza | Wohlford, Sarah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Job retention is a major concern for individuals with chronic illnesses, who represent a rapidly growing vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumer population. The purpose of this article is to examine selected job retention considerations for consumers with chronic illnesses. The authors (a) describe distinguishing characteristics of chronic illnesses in terms of populations affected and psychosocial implications, (b) discuss the vocational implications of chronic illnesses, (c) provide general considerations for the provision of job …retention services, and (d) examine job retention strategies aimed at improving employment outcomes for individuals with chronic illnesses. Show more

Keywords: Chronic illness, job retention, employment, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131668

Citation: Work, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 125-134, 2013

Article Type: Correction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131751

Citation: Work, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 135-135, 2013