Browsing: Journal articles - occupational medicine research | Page 12

Researchers from a major safety institute say they have disproven the theory that reflective striping on hi-vis clothing increases the risk of first-degree burns in workers exposed to heat or sunlight. They say the design and fit of the PPE could be the cause of documented burns.

The popularity of virtual reality training for workers is on the rise, with a US study finding many industry leaders are open to using the relatively cheap technology that both increases employee engagement and allows workers to experience high-risk scenarios in a safe environment.

Miners who struggle with heavy workloads experience unsafe "states" that significantly increase the risk of work incidents, but high levels of job satisfaction can mitigate the risk and regular workload assessments are crucial, a study has found.

UK researchers have emphasised the need for protective wellbeing strategies for remote workers, after finding working from home increases the likelihood of engaging in unhealthy alcohol and tobacco consumption, and physical health and mental wellbeing deteriorating, particularity in younger people.

Australian researchers have found a combination of exercise and ergonomic interventions decrease the risk of neck pain in office workers and is more effective than another strategy. They urge employers to implement simple exercise routines to help prevent the common and costly musculoskeletal disorder.

In a study providing importing lessons for all workplaces with a drinking culture or emotionally demanding duties, researchers have found that nearly 50 per cent of firefighters are binge or heavy drinkers, highlighting an urgent need to educate them on the link between drinking and other health and safety issues.

A first-of-its-kind study has investigated the association between day-to-day job demands, strain and "work-life interference", and identified factors that can counter-balance the impact of work stressors on work-life balance.

Workers exposed to dust particles at levels deemed safe by national guidelines are at risk of respiratory and lung problems, with smokers being significantly more susceptible to adverse health effects, a study has found.

The physiological changes caused by "toxic" workplace stressors can be counteracted by utilising specific techniques to activate the body's relaxation response, a study has found.

A major UK study of COVID-19 vaccination rates has uncovered a concerning phenomenon: many occupations involving direct contact with members of the public or vulnerable people have low vaccination rates, while the rate is high among employees who can work from home.