Article
Nursing
Tore Bonsaksen, Per Nerdrum, Amy Ostertun Geirdal
Summary: This study found that work-home interaction problems, job demands, support, and coping in the job were associated with psychological distress, with varying degrees of association between different professional groups. Therefore, work environment factors should be given continued attention to promote mental health.
NURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Rehabilitation
Andrea Gragnano, Patrizia Villotti, Christian Lariviere, Alessia Negrini, Marc Corbiere
Summary: Individual psychosocial factors play a crucial role in the return to work process for workers with musculoskeletal disorders and common mental disorders. Through a systematic search, researchers identified predictors of successful return to work, including work expectations, self-efficacy, work ability, work involvement, health-job connection, optimism, and pessimism. While some tools used to measure these factors show potential for improvement, there are also several excellent options available.
JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lisa Holmlund, Ute Bultmann, Gunnar Bergstrom, Anna Warnqvist, Elisabeth Bjork Bramberg
Summary: This study aimed to examine the time to first full return-to-work (RTW) and investigate the associations between psychosocial work factors, work-home interference, and time to first full RTW after sick leave due to common mental disorders (CMDs). The results showed that high psychological and emotional job demands, high work-home interference, and low social job support were independently associated with a longer time to first full RTW. This study highlights the importance of considering high job demands and work-home interference in the RTW process after sick leave and paying attention to the potential negative impact of high job demands on employees' personal lives.
INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Siri Romsbotn, Ingrid Eftedal, Jonas Rennemo Vaag
Summary: This study explores the unique characteristics of job demands and resources among saturation divers, finding that their work environment is characterized by shifting demands and big contrasts. Unpredictable future and conflict between family and work/leisure are important demands for divers.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Magnus Helgesson, Klas Gustafsson, Constanze Leineweber
Summary: This study analyzed the relationship between psychosocial and organizational workplace factors and long-term sickness absence among individuals with common mental disorders. The results showed that lack of control over work, job strain, no flexible working hours, and no possibility to work from home were significantly associated with an increased risk of long-term sickness absence. Individuals diagnosed with depression and experiencing job strain had the highest risk of sickness absence.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Chenjunyan Sun, Carol K. H. Hon, Kirsten A. Way, Nerina L. Jimmieson, Bo Xia
Summary: The study conducted a meta-analysis to explore the relationship between psychosocial hazards and mental health in the construction industry. It found significant correlations between various psychosocial hazards and mental health problems, highlighting the need for further research in this area to improve the well-being of the construction workforce.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marko Elovainio, Christian Hakulinen, Kaisla Komulainen, Mika Kivimaki, Marianna Virtanen, Jenni Ervasti, Tuula Oksanen
Summary: The study using network analysis found that job demands, interactional and procedural justice were most broadly associated with subsequent perceptions of work-related psychosocial factors. These results suggest that these factors might be potentially efficient targets of workplace interventions, and modifying almost any of the studied psychosocial factors might be relevant to subsequent perceptions of effort-reward imbalance and interactional justice at the workplace.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lijun Yang, Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz, Ridwanul Amin, Magnus Helgesson
Summary: Among young refugees in Sweden, unaccompanied minors had a lower risk of diagnosed common mental disorders compared to accompanied minors. Female refugees, individuals with a low or medium educational level, refugees from Iran, and those with pre-existing mental or physical disorders had a higher risk of being diagnosed with CMDs.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Shang Zhang, Riza Yosia Sunindijo, Samuel Frimpong, Zhenwen Su
Summary: Recent research has shown that the mental health of construction employees is poor. However, there is a lack of research on mental health in the construction industry of mainland China, which is vital to the global construction industry. This study aims to understand the mental health stressors, coping strategies, and outcomes of Chinese construction employees. The results reveal significant stressors and the need for interventions to improve their mental health outcomes.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emma Sala, Nicola Francesco Lopomo, Cesare Tomasi, Francesco Romagnoli, Alberto Morotti, Pietro Apostoli, Giuseppe De Palma
Summary: Overall, the subjective perception of exertion by workers exposed to high risk of manual handling of loads was moderate, with no correlation found between the ratings on the Borg scale and the investigated variables. All workers denied having stress symptoms, and the workload was generally perceived as positive in terms of psychosocial factors.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
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.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Martin I. Standal, Vegard S. Foldal, Roger Hagen, Lene Aasdahl, Roar Johnsen, Egil A. Fors, Marit Solbjor
Summary: In the early stage of long-term sick leave, sick-listed workers face complex challenges in multiple domains, including health, work, and family. Continuing sick leave is considered necessary but may challenge personal identity and social life. Those who do not find solutions may benefit from additional early follow-up that examines work-related, social, and personal factors affecting return to work.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Management
Guillaume Lucas, Sebastien Colson, Laurent Boyer, Stephanie Gentile, Guillaume Fond
Summary: This study aimed to explore the work environment and mental health of nurse assistants, nurses, and health executives. The results showed high levels of psychological demand, low social support, burnout, exposure to potentially morally injurious events, and depression in all professional categories. Preventing burnout and depression in healthcare workers should be a priority.
JOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Nihar Gonsalves, Abiola Akanmu, Xinghua Gao, Philip Agee, Alireza Shojaei
Summary: This study conducted a user assessment of a commercially available passive back-support exoskeleton for pipework. The results indicate that the exoskeleton is easy to use and does not affect workers' productivity. Participants reported willingness to use the exoskeleton but raised concerns about its compatibility with the safety harness. Design modifications were identified for improvement.
JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Carol K. H. Hon, Chenjunyan Sun, Kirsten A. Way, Nerina L. Jimmieson, Bo Xia, Herbert C. Biggs
Summary: This study used a phenomenological approach to examine psychosocial hazards and their effects on mental health in the construction industry. Through interviews with site-based construction practitioners in Australia, 18 psychosocial hazards were identified, including 6 new contributions unique to the construction context. The significance of this research lies in enriching the understanding of mental health in construction and providing control measures to address mental health issues.
ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECTURAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
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)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Irina Guseva Canu, Sandy Carla Marca, Francesca Dell'Oro, Adam Balazs, Enrico Bergamaschi, Christine Besse, Renzo Bianchi, Jovanka Bislimovska, Adrijana Koscec Bjelajac, Merete Bugge, Carmen Iliana Busneag, Cigdem Caglayan, Mariana Cernitanu, Cristiana Costa Pereira, Natasa Dernovscek Hafner, Nadia Droz, Maija Eglite, Lode Godderis, Harald Gundel, Jari J. Hakanen, Raluca Maria Iordache, Imane Khireddine-Medouni, Sibel Kiran, Francesca Larese-Filon, Catherine Lazor-Blanchet, Patrick Legeron, Tom Loney, Nicole Majery, Eda Merisalu, Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum, Laurent Michaud, Dragan Mijakoski, Jordan Minov, Alberto Modenese, Marija Molan, Henk van der Molen, Evangelia Nena, Dusan Nolimal, Marina Otelea, Elisabeta Pletea, Nurka Pranjic, David Rebergen, Jelena Reste, Eva Schernhammer, Anny Wahlen
Summary: This study aimed to harmonize the definition of occupational burnout through systematic review and semantic analysis, resulting in a consistent definition approved by a panel of experts. The Delphi consensus showed 82% agreement among experts on the proposed definition, indicating a successful harmonization process.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF WORK ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Orthopedics
Henk F. van der Molen, Steven Visser, Jose Hernan Alfonso, Stefania Curti, Stefano Mattioli, David Rempel, Yves Roquelaure, P. Paul F. M. Kuijer, Sietske J. Tamminga
Summary: This study aimed to identify case definitions of diagnostic criteria for specific musculoskeletal disorders for use in occupational healthcare, surveillance or research. The research found general agreement on symptoms and signs for non-specific low back pain among studies, but considerable heterogeneity for other musculoskeletal disorders. To prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders, case definitions for MSDs should ideally include work-related exposure criteria.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Felicia S. Los, Henk F. van der Molen, Carel T. J. Hulshof, Angela G. E. M. de Boer
Summary: This study developed an intervention to support occupational physicians in implementing workers' health surveillance using the behavior change wheel framework. The intervention aims to help OPs initiate WHS and conduct preventive consultations with workers, using various behavior change techniques and delivery methods such as training and e-learning.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(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)
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)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Itay Coifman, Rodger Kram, Raziel Riemer
Summary: This study aimed to quantify the metabolic cost of running with additional leg mass. The results showed that for every 1000 g of added mass per leg, gross metabolic power increased by approximately 16% (foot) and 11% (shank) for females, which was slightly greater than the 11% and 8% increases for males, respectively. For thigh loading, metabolic power only increased by 4% per 1000 g in both sexes.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Itay Coifman, Rodger Kram, Raziel Riemer
Summary: The study analyzed the biomechanical response to running with added leg mass, finding that joint moments and powers were dramatically affected, particularly during the swing phase. However, kinematic changes were only moderate. These findings have implications for shoe designs, individuals using added leg mass for running or strength training, and the design of wearable devices.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Wenxiu Yang, Tingshu Chen, Renke He, Richard Goossens, Toon Huysmans
Summary: This study collected autonomic response data (heart rate and skin conductance) from 30 landmarks in the head, neck, and face of 31 participants experiencing pressure discomfort and pain. The results showed that pressure stimulation can change heart rate and skin conductance, with skin conductance being more useful in assessing pressure discomfort and possessing a faster arousal rate. There were gender differences in subjective pressure thresholds and autonomic responses, but no linear correlation between them. This study has significant implications for resolving ergonomic issues associated with head-related products.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Kai Huang, Guozhu Jia, Qun Wang, Yingjie Cai, Zhenyu Zhong, Zeyu Jiao
Summary: In the era of Industry 5.0, human-centered smart manufacturing (HSM) has emphasized the role of humans in collaboration with machines. This study proposes a method that combines deep learning-based 3D pose reconstruction with rapid entire body assessment (REBA) to assess the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in HSM. The proposed method improves the accuracy of risk assessment by introducing weights between different risk levels, leading to a precision rate of 99.31% in experiments conducted on an automobile production line.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Jan Healey, Sue Hignett, Diane Gyi
Summary: This study explores the delivery of home care in England and examines the barriers that impact worker performance and whether these barriers affect the quality and safety of care. The findings highlight the importance of an Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) systems perspective in understanding and improving home care.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Jule Bessler-Etten, Leendert Schaake, Jaap H. Buurke, Gerdienke B. Prange-Lasonder
Summary: This article investigates the development of discomfort caused by repetitive and prolonged forces exerted through a rigid cuff. The study found that repetitive force application triggers discomfort but generally does not result in pain and there are no significant differences between different repetitive loading patterns. The design and use of exoskeletons should consider comfort thresholds specific to prolonged repetitive loading.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
S. Thuillard, L. Audergon, T. Kotalova, A. Sonderegger, J. Sauer
Summary: This study compared the effects of human-induced and machine-induced social stress on task performance and subjective state. The results showed that social stress did not directly affect performance, affect, or self-esteem, but human-induced social stress impaired perceived justice.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Stephen Dooley, Sunwook Kim, Maury A. Nussbaum, Michael L. Madigan
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of arm- and back-support exoskeletons on reactive balance after slip-like and trip-like perturbations on a treadmill. The study found that the exoskeletons did not significantly increase the probability of failed recovery after the perturbations, but did make balance recovery more challenging. Reactive balance differed when wearing different types and activation states of exoskeletons.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Eirini Balta, Andreas Psarrakis, Argiro Vatakis
Summary: Research has shown that mental workload modulates time perception, making timing behavior a reliable index of cognitive demand. This study tested the timing behavior of air traffic controllers in a real aviation environment under different levels of cognitive load. Results showed significant overestimation of time intervals during the high-load landing phase and greater overestimation when landing two helicopters compared to one.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Kremer Lisanne, Gehrmann Jonathan, Rohrig Rainer, Breil Bernhard
Summary: This study aims to investigate whether eye movement measures are suitable for measuring mental workload in healthcare settings. The results indicate significant differences in both objective and subjective workload measures across different task levels. Additionally, there are indications of overload and fatigue in pupil data.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
John Kang, Stephanie C. Payne, Farzan Sasangohar, Ranjana K. Mehta
Summary: This exploratory longitudinal field study aimed to examine the changes in subjective, performance-based, and physiological fatigue measures over time across different shift types in offshore environments. The findings revealed that workers' performances on the psychomotor vigilance test deteriorated over time across all shift types. The study also found correlations between different multimodal fatigue measures.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Hayoung Jung, Wonsup Lee, Sujin Moon, Heecheon You
Summary: This study measured 12 palmar dimensions to analyze the impact of wrist posture on hand size changes during power grip. The findings showed that hand dimensions decreased significantly during grip, with wrist posture and finger position also exerting significant effects on hand size.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Ido Morag, Avi Parush
Summary: This study indicates that there is a relationship between gender and wayfinding performance, and verbal instructions can influence this relationship. Male participants perform better in terms of accuracy and speed in wayfinding, while females rely more on specific routes. Additionally, applying survey knowledge to females may improve their indoor wayfinding ability.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Junfeng Ma, Yu Wang, Sayali Joshi, Haifeng Wang, Carlton Young, Adam Pervez, Yingge Qu, Shey Washburn
Summary: The U.S. is facing a national nurse shortage, and the application of immersive Virtual Reality technology in nursing education is not fully understood. This study explored the effectiveness and efficacy of immersive Virtual Reality nursing education through a comparative pilot study, and the results showed that the method performed well in terms of effectiveness and efficacy.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
N. Zhang, M. Fard, J. Xu, J. L. Davy, S. R. Robinson
Summary: Driver drowsiness is a significant factor in serious motor vehicle accidents. This study found that specific frequencies of whole-body vibration can induce driver drowsiness and impair attention and driving performance. These findings provide evidence for establishing transportation safety standards.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2024)