Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rebecca J. Tsai, John W. Lu, Scott A. Henn, Stephanie H. Hasanali, Laurel Harduar-Morano, Anil Nair
Summary: This study aims to accurately examine the trends in prevalence rates for occupational cases of elevated blood lead levels (eBLLs) in Pennsylvania by using industry-specific denominators. The results show that 92% of the eBLLs cases were due to occupational lead exposure, with 83% coming from workers in the battery manufacturing industry. The prevalence rate for battery manufacturing steeply declined 71% from 2007 to 2018.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Samuel Frimpong, Riza Yosia Sunindijo, Cynthia Changxin Wang, Elijah Frimpong Boadu
Summary: Construction work significantly contributes to poor mental health among young workers worldwide. This systematic review identifies 30 psychosocial risk factors affecting young construction workers' mental health, categorized into personal, socio-economic, and organizational/industrial domains.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Javier Cancino, Karly Soto, Joaquin Tapia, Maria Teresa Munoz-Quezada, Boris Lucero, Caterina Contreras, Jaime Moreno
Summary: This review examined the impact of occupational exposure to pesticides on the development of depression symptoms in agricultural workers over the past decade. The findings indicate a clear association between pesticide exposure and the incidence of depressive symptoms. However, more high-quality longitudinal studies are needed to control for sociocultural variables and utilize pesticide-specific biomarkers and biomarkers of depression.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hemali Harish Oza, Madison Gabriella Lee, Sophie Boisson, Frank Pega, Kate Medlicott, Thomas Clasen
Summary: Sanitation workers are at increased risk of gastroenteritis, respiratory conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental/social health conditions. However, the current evidence has limitations and more research is needed to quantify the disease burden among sanitation workers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Samuel Frimpong, Riza Yosia Sunindijo, Cynthia Changxin Wang, Elijah Frimpong Boadu, Ayirebi Dansoh, Rasaki Kolawole Fagbenro
Summary: In order to address the challenges faced by young construction workers in coping with psychosocial risks, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify their coping mechanisms and the factors influencing their choice of coping practices. The review identified 28 coping practices categorized into eight mechanisms and three domains, along with 11 determinants of coping choices. The findings highlight the need for further research on influencing factors and provide an evidence base for developing interventions to promote beneficial coping practices among young construction workers.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jessica Strudwick, Aimee Gayed, Mark Deady, Sam Haffar, Sophia Mobbs, Aiysha Malik, Aemal Akhtar, Taylor Braund, Richard A. Bryant, Samuel B. Harvey
Summary: Workplace mental health screening programmes have limited efficacy in improving employee mental health symptoms. Screening followed by facilitated access to treatment interventions showed a small improvement. Certainty of findings ranged from low to very low. Further research is needed to understand the independent effect of screening and other interventions on preventing mental ill health at work.
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Juan Jesus Garcia-Iglesias, Juan Gomez-Salgado, Joao Apostolo, Rogerio Rodrigues, Emilia Isabel Costa, Carlos Ruiz-Frutos, Santiago Martinez-Isasi, Daniel Fernandez-Garcia, Angel Vilches-Arenas
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review of 25 studies to assess the factors influencing presenteeism and mental health of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results identified various factors related to mental health, individual characteristics, COVID-19 situations, and working conditions that affect presenteeism and mental health. This study is important for creating a safe working environment and protecting vulnerable workers.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ahmed Syahmi Syafiq Md Zamri, Muhammad Zulhilmie Saruddin, Amin Harun, Siti Fatimah Abd Aziz, Abi Khairul Aizad Za'bah, Rahmat Dapari, Mohd Rohaizat Hassan, Nazri Che Dom, Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul Rahim
Summary: This systematic review aimed to determine the factors associated with occupational asthma among food industry workers. The study found that both work environment-related factors and individual factors were associated with occupational asthma among food industry workers.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Carlos Gomez-Salgado, Juan Carlos Camacho-Vega, Juan Gomez-Salgado, Juan Jesus Garcia-Iglesias, Javier Fagundo-Rivera, Regina Allande-Cusso, Jorge Martin-Pereira, Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
Summary: This review aimed to assess the risk factors arising from working conditions that could impact the stress, fear, and anxiety of construction workers. The results of the systematic review of 35 studies showed that factors such as age, inadequate safety equipment, safety culture, high workload and long working hours, and lack of social support can contribute to stress, anxiety, and fear among construction workers. These risk factors may increase the number of occupational accidents and associated fatality rates.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Acoustics
Mostafa Mir, Farnad Nasirzadeh, SangHyun Lee, Densil Cabrera, Anthony Mills
Summary: Construction noise is a significant and widespread occupational hazard in the construction industry. By implementing an effective noise management process, the negative effects of construction noise can be mitigated. However, there is a fragmented research landscape in the field of construction noise management, and a comprehensive review is needed to identify research themes, gaps, and recommendations for future research. This study introduces a new construction noise management framework and categorizes previous studies, providing researchers and practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of the process and its implications for workplace health and safety.
Review
Engineering, Industrial
Udara Ranasinghe, Liyaning Maggie Tang, Celia Harris, Weicong Li, Jed Montayre, Abilio de Almeida Neto, Mark Antoniou
Summary: With the ageing workforce becoming a concern in the construction industry, it is important to understand the physical and psychological issues faced by older workers and make recommendations to improve their health and safety. This paper reviews existing knowledge on health and safety in the ageing construction workforce and presents strategies to support older workers and improve their workability and productivity.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rita Stella Maria Cahuana Pinto, Alana Castro Panzenhagen, Luis Felipe Silva Oliveira, Jose Claudio Fonseca Moreira, Carlos Eduardo Schnorr
Summary: This study aims to assess the risk of lung cancer in construction workers exposed to physical and chemical agents. The evidence gathered from systematic review and meta-analysis will help governmental entities and researchers make evidence-based decisions to improve the understanding of construction workers' health effects due to occupational exposure.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Imene Rebai, Jose O. Fernandes, Mohamed Azzouz, Karima Benmohammed, Ghania Bader, Karima Benmbarek, Sara C. Cunha
Summary: BPA and its analogs were found in stable levels in the urine of workers in the plastic industry, with BPA being the main component; the study found significant associations between BPA urinary levels and age, occupational exposure levels, and years of work experience.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Beixi Li, Gengze Liao, Priscilla Ming Yi Lee, Anke Huss, Yuen Ting Julie Ma, Joey Wing-Yan Chan, Yun Kwok Wing, Lap Ah Tse
Summary: This study aimed to examine the associations between matched chronotype and the risk of poor mental health among shift workers. The findings indicated that shift workers with an evening chronotype have poorer mental health compared to shift workers with other chronotypes. This study highlights the importance of optimizing shift work schedules and considering individual chronotype preferences to prevent/mitigate work-related physical and mental stresses.
JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
J. Valerie Gross, Judith Mohren, Thomas C. Erren
Summary: The study examines the impact of COVID-19 on the health and well-being of healthcare workers, finding that SARS-CoV-2 has significant effects on their health and happiness. It also identifies some indirect risks, such as skin injuries and headaches resulting from the use of personal protective equipment.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Carel T. J. Hulshof, Frank Pega, Subas Neupane, Henk F. van der Molen, Claudio Colosio, Joost G. Daams, Alexis Descatha, Kc Prakash, Paul P. F. M. Kuijer, Stefan Mandic-Rajcevic, Federica Masci, Rebecca L. Morgan, Clas-Hakan Nygard, Jodi Oakman, Karin I. Proper, Svetlana Solovieva, Monique H. W. Frings-Dresen
Summary: The systematic review and meta-analysis found that occupational exposure to ergonomic risk factors is highly prevalent. However, the current body of evidence is limited, especially by risk of bias and indirectness.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anne J. Keurentjes, Sanja Kezic, Thomas Rustemeyer, Carel T. J. Hulshof, Henk F. van der Molen
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of an intervention to increase sunscreen use in construction workers. The study is a non-randomized controlled intervention study with two intervention and two control groups recruited at construction sites in the Netherlands. The study will provide insights into UV-protective behavior, external and internal UV-exposure, and the prevalence of NMSC, including AK, in construction workers.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pieter Coenen, Henk F. van der Molen
Summary: This systematic review with meta-analysis identified various work-related exposures associated with PTSD, mainly involving individuals in the military and first responder occupations. The study quantified the contribution of these exposures to PTSD and highlighted the importance of developing preventive interventions and occupational health guidelines.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yara Shoman, Emna El May, Sandy Carla Marca, Pascal Wild, Renzo Bianchi, Merete Drevvatne Bugge, Cigdem Caglayan, Dimitru Cheptea, Marco Gnesi, Lode Godderis, Sibel Kiran, Damien M. McElvenny, Zakia Mediouni, Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum, Dragan Mijakoski, Jordan Minov, Henk F. van der Molen, Evangelia Nena, Marina Otelea, Irina Guseva Canu
Summary: This study reviewed occupational burnout predictors and found that job demands and negative job attitudes have harmful effects, while adaptive coping and leisure have protective effects. Interventions targeting these predictors could benefit in preventing occupational burnout.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Allergy
Martin S. Havmose, Sanja Kezic, Wolfgang Uter, Cara Symanzik, Sarah Hallmann, Julia Strahwald, Patricia Weinert, Marija Macan, Rajka Turk, Henk F. van der Molen, Zeljka Babic, Jelena Macan, Swen M. John, Jeanne D. Johansen
Summary: Hairdressers are commonly affected by hand eczema due to hazardous exposure in the work environment. The prevalence of hand eczema is high among hairdressers, and occupational exposures play a major role. The incidence of atopic dermatitis is comparable to the general population. Preventive measures are needed to address hand eczema in hairdressers.
CONTACT DERMATITIS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Cara Symanzik, Patricia Weinert, Zeljka Babic, Sarah Hallmann, Martin Stibius Havmose, Jeanne Duus Johansen, Sanja Kezic, Marija Macan, Jelena Macan, Julia Strahwald, Rajka Turk, Henk F. van der Molen, Swen Malte John, Wolfgang Uter
Summary: This review examines the occupational risks associated with hairdressers' usage of hair cosmetics and finds that hairdressers have a higher risk of developing contact allergies and sensitization to certain ingredients. Furthermore, the irritant and allergenic potential of certain substances may be underestimated. The current risk assessment practices for hairdressers need to be improved.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Allergy
Wolfgang Uter, Julia Strahwald, Sarah Hallmann, Jeanne D. Johansen, Martin S. Havmose, Sanja Kezic, Henk F. van Der Molen, Jelena Macan, Zeljka Babic, Zrinka Franic, Marija Macan, Rajka Turk, Cara Symanzik, Patricia Weinert, Swen M. John
Summary: The burden of contact allergy to hair cosmetic ingredients is high among hairdressers, and there is an increased risk of sensitization compared to non-hairdressers. This highlights the importance of improving working conditions and product safety.
CONTACT DERMATITIS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sophie van der Feltz, Henk F. van der Molen, Lisa Lelie, Carel T. J. Hulshof, Allard J. van der Beek, Karin Proper
Summary: Blue-collar workers generally have poorer health than white-collar workers, and existing health promotion programs are often not successful among them. This study evaluates the effect of a Citizen Science-based program on the lifestyle behaviors of construction workers, but no significant changes were found between the pre-program and post-program periods. Developing a more intensified program may be necessary to improve the lack of significant change.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Dermatology
Sanja Kezic, Henk F. van der Molen
BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Awa Hassan, Annechien Beumer, P. Paul F. M. Kuijer, Henk F. van der Molen
Summary: This systematic review found that high Strain Index, exposures exceeding the Activity Level of ACGIH, and high force intensity and repetition were significantly associated with an increased rate of CTS. Workers performing tasks requiring both high force and high repetition were more likely to develop CTS.
HEALTH SCIENCE REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marilia Silva Paulo, Cara F. Symanzik, Balazs E. adam, Fabriziomaria Gobba, Sanja Kezic, Henk van der Molen, Cheryl Peters, Marc Rocholl, Thomas Tenkate, Swen Malte John, Tom Loney, Alberto Modenese, Marc Wittlich
Summary: Solar ultraviolet radiation is a significant occupational carcinogenic exposure for outdoor workers, causing skin cancers. This systematic review aims to assess the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma associated with occupational solar UVR exposure.
Review
Allergy
F. L. de Boer, H. F. van Der Molen, S. Kezic
Summary: Dysfunction of the skin barrier is crucial in inflammatory skin diseases, and epidermal biomarkers can aid in evaluating its functionality. This review provides an overview of recent studies on epidermal biomarkers associated with the skin barrier's function and integrity and their application in research on atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Potential biomarkers include lipids, natural moisturizing factors, structural proteins, corneocyte surface topography, and elasticity. While these biomarkers show promise, their validation for specific diseases is still needed.
CONTACT DERMATITIS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Wolfgang Uter, Jeanne D. Johansen, Martin S. Havmose, Sanja Kezic, Henk F. van der Molen, Jelena Macan, Zeljka Babic, Rajka Turk, Cara Symanzik, Swen M. John
Summary: Hairdressers, as a major subgroup in the service sector, are at risk of skin and occupational diseases due to exposure to hazardous substances. This systematic review aims to compile and evaluate evidence on the toxicity of specific product ingredients and the morbidity of hand eczema among hairdressers.
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Henk F. van der Molen, Sanja Kezic, Steven Visser, Gerda de Groene, Jaap Maas, Astrid de Wind, Sietske Tamminga
OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Psychiatry
Y. Shoman, S. C. Marca, R. Bianchi, L. Godderis, H. F. van der Molen, I. Guseva Canu
Summary: This study aimed to review and grade the psychometric validity of five PROMs for measuring occupational burnout, finding that OLBI and CBI had better validity, while MBI, BM, and PBI had lower validity.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRIC SCIENCES
(2021)
