Background: Road traffic crashes pose a great threat to global health. In 2010, 1.3 million peopl... more Background: Road traffic crashes pose a great threat to global health. In 2010, 1.3 million people died in road crashes and up to 50 million were injured. The burden is heavily skewed with low- and middle-income countries being affected the most. Road safety is an occupational health problem for many international organizations and it is of paramount interest to prevent deaths and injuries due to road traffic crashes. The aim of this study was to investigate possible effects of a road safety policy implementation within the organization by analyzing event rates (crashes and near-crashes), risk behavior among the staff, and possible gender differences. Methods: The study was conducted at the Health Services Department of an international organization in Washington D.C. United States. An electronic road safety survey was delivered to staff in 2008 (S1) and consequently a road safety policy was developed and implemented globally. A second survey (S2) was distributed 9 years later (2017). Questions on events and health behavior included in these surveys were analyzed and compared in order to investigate possible effects of the road safety policy implementation. Results: The number of crashes per 1000 mission-days was reduced from 0.9 to 0.7 and the number of near-crashes per 1000 mission-days from 13 to 10.6. The travel adjusted event rates were highest in low-income countries followed by middle-income countries. High-income countries had a considerably lower risk. Seatbelt use among staff has greatly improved (from 70% to 86% stating they always use seatbelts when available and functional). While traffic deaths have increased in developing countries over the past 9 years, the risk for staff at this international organization has decreased significantly with no gender difference. Conclusion: The findings show significant improvement of road safety for the staff at the international organization compatible with policy impact.
The study aim was to further clarify the relationship between psychological factors and myocardia... more The study aim was to further clarify the relationship between psychological factors and myocardial infarction (MI) by simultaneously examining anger, depression, and anxiety as risk factors for incident MI in a healthy working sample. Baseline measurements of psychological variables were assessed through a self-reported questionnaire in a healthy cohort of 968 middle-aged men working at the Volvo Corporation. Single-item questions assessed depression and anxiety. Anger was assessed by the Trait Anger subscale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory. The endpoint was incident MI verified by national registers or medical records with follow up after 22 years. The main outcome was computed through logistic regression, reported as odds ratios. Additional correlation analyses were performed between psychological variables and coronary risk factors. None of the psychological variables was significantly associated with the outcome; thus, the results failed to show an asso...
Abstract: Musculoskeletal pain has been an important issue over the decades among office workers.... more Abstract: Musculoskeletal pain has been an important issue over the decades among office workers. Whether caused or just aggravated from poor posture, or inappropriately adjusted workstations, the issue continues to be a challenge to staff, employers and ergonomists. In this brief overview of some important aspects of these problems, the authors give hands-on suggestions on how to organize, monitor and address some of the aggravating factors. It is our sincere hope that this article will provide arguments based on scientific evidence for our many field ergonomists who struggle to convince managers to buy ergonomically-adequate equipment, and to make sure the equipment is well adjusted for each individual worker. The role of the ergonomist is continuously changing with our technological advances, but to be effective this has to include direct worker participation and awareness.
The iliopsoas compartment is an extraperitoneal space, which contains the iliopsoas and iliacus m... more The iliopsoas compartment is an extraperitoneal space, which contains the iliopsoas and iliacus muscles (Figure 1). The psoas muscle lies in close proximity to organs such as the sigmoid colon, appendix, jejunum, ureters, abdominal aorta, kidneys, pancreas, spine, and iliac lymph nodes. Consequently, infections in these organs can spread to the iliopsoas muscle. The abundant blood supply of the muscle predisposes it to haematogenous spread from occult sites of infection, [2].
Trapezius myalgia is a common condition affecting about 2-3% of the working population. Its assoc... more Trapezius myalgia is a common condition affecting about 2-3% of the working population. Its association with high strain work, mental stress, female sex, and smoking is well documented. This case pertains to a woman with trapezius myalgia with all the above risk factors who temporarily had to go on disability. Her condition was approved as a work-injury and she was afforded a lighter job. Despite treatment her pain aggravated and she was finally diagnosed with apical lung cancer, which had spread to her cervical spine and was the cause of her pain. We must always be open for alternative diagnoses and not be trapped by what seems to be an obvious conclusion. DOI: 10.29021/ARO-124.100024.
In 1993, 1000 randomly selected employed Swedish men aged 45–50 years were invited to a nurse-led... more In 1993, 1000 randomly selected employed Swedish men aged 45–50 years were invited to a nurse-led health examination with a survey on life style, fasting lab tests, and a 12-lead ECG. A repeat examination was offered in 1998. The ECGs were classified according to the Minnesota Code. Upon ethical approval, endpoints in terms of MI and death over 25 years were collected from Swedish national registers with the purpose of analyzing the independent association of ECG abnormalities as risk factors for myocardial infarction and death. Seventy-nine of 977 participants had at least one ECG abnormality 1993 or 1998. One hundred participants had a first MI over the 25 years. Odds ratio for having an MI in the group that had one or more ECG abnormality compared with the group with two normal ECGs was estimated to 3.16. 95%CI (1.74; 5.73), p value 0.0001. One hundred fifty-seven participants had died before 2019. For death, similarly no statistically significant difference was shown, OR 1.52, 9...
Aim In 1993, a study of 1000 automotive workers in Sweden and France looked into national differe... more Aim In 1993, a study of 1000 automotive workers in Sweden and France looked into national differences of cardiovascular disease. Here, we evaluate the proportion of the Swedish cohort that suffered a stroke or died over a 25-year period and associated risk factors. Subject and methods Data from 1993 included a life-style questionnaire, a health examination and laboratory data. Figures on stroke and survival status up until the end of 2018 were collected from national registers. Survival analysis was used for both univariable and multivariable analyses to study associations between potential risk factors and stroke and death, respectively. Results By the end of 2018, 65 individuals had suffered a stroke and 160 had died. In the univariable analysis, we found age, systolic blood pressure, Framingham risk index and diabetes at baseline to be significantly associated with stroke during follow-up. For death, most of the traditional risk factors were significantly associated with the outc...
Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is commonly seen among bedridden and postoperative patie... more Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is commonly seen among bedridden and postoperative patients. Its association with travel may also make DVT an occupational health risk to otherwise healthy business travelers. We estimated the incidence of and risk factors ...
Aim This study was performed within an international organization (IO), headquartered in Washingt... more Aim This study was performed within an international organization (IO), headquartered in Washington, D.C. The employees are facing great risks during their missions abroad, where developing countries are the most common travel destination. The IO conducted a staff road safety survey in 2008 and based a road safety policy on the results of this survey. In 2017, a follow-up survey investigated the impact of the policy implementation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of that policy. Subjects and methods This study is based on two cross-sectional road safety surveys conducted by the IO’s Staff Road Safety Task Force. The study population consisted of both regular employees and consultants based at country offices (CO) worldwide. The number of reported road traffic crashes and near-crashes (nearly had a crash), as well as road safety behavior, was compared between these two surveys. The analysis was performed from a gender perspective. High-risk countries were identifi...
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 00140138708969746, Jul 6, 2010
ABSTRACT Lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is often considered to be work related but ... more ABSTRACT Lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is often considered to be work related but the incidence and prevalence among industrial workers has not previously been studiedIn this study the prevalence of this condition and its relationship to some work factors was investigated in 540 workers in a modern engineering industryThe prevalence was 7-4% (40/540). Work was found to be the probable cause in 35%, tennis in 8% and other leisure activities in 27% of the patients. No cause was found in the remaining 30%. There was no correlation with sex, while a significant correlation was found with age, the incidence increasing with advancing ageOn the basis of job classification according to their elbow stress, it was found that these workers with work-related epicondylitis had higher elbow stress jobs compared to other sufferers and to the workforce as a whole.
Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine, Oct 1, 1991
In a cross-sectional questionnaire study of 2,933 employees of a Swedish aircraft company, the pr... more In a cross-sectional questionnaire study of 2,933 employees of a Swedish aircraft company, the prevalence of white finger (wf) was asked for and then correlated with information on personal and anthropometrical data and on job-related and leisure related activities. The questionnaire return rate was 96%. There were 210 (7%) who reported white finger symptoms. A positive association with age and with work with vibrating hand-tools (polishing and deburring instruments and marking pens) and a negative association with body weight was found. The higher proportion of wf among female workers did not retain statistical significance after consideration of their lesser weight in the multivariate testing. The highest proportion of wf was found among polishers/grinders (23%), sheet-metal workers (19%) and cleaners (15%). We conclude that work with vibrating hand-tools of the type used in this industry probably increases the prevalence of wf and that ways to better insulate tools need to be evaluated.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov 1, 2007
To the Editor: In order to evaluate the current status of a workstation set up and working postur... more To the Editor: In order to evaluate the current status of a workstation set up and working posture of staff members from two international institutions, we developed a self-reported on-line questionnaire adapted from two extensive checklists for office ergonomics provided by the Occupational ...
Lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is often considered to be work related but the incid... more Lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is often considered to be work related but the incidence and prevalence among industrial workers has not previously been studied In this study the prevalence of this condition and its relationship to some work factors was investigated in 540 workers in a modern engineering industry The prevalence was 7-4% (40/540). Work was found to be the probable cause in 35%, tennis in 8% and other leisure activities in 27% of the patients. No cause was found in the remaining 30%. There was no correlation with sex, while a significant correlation was found with age, the incidence increasing with advancing age On the basis of job classification according to their elbow stress, it was found that these workers with work-related epicondylitis had higher elbow stress jobs compared to other sufferers and to the workforce as a whole.
Background: Road traffic crashes pose a great threat to global health. In 2010, 1.3 million peopl... more Background: Road traffic crashes pose a great threat to global health. In 2010, 1.3 million people died in road crashes and up to 50 million were injured. The burden is heavily skewed with low- and middle-income countries being affected the most. Road safety is an occupational health problem for many international organizations and it is of paramount interest to prevent deaths and injuries due to road traffic crashes. The aim of this study was to investigate possible effects of a road safety policy implementation within the organization by analyzing event rates (crashes and near-crashes), risk behavior among the staff, and possible gender differences. Methods: The study was conducted at the Health Services Department of an international organization in Washington D.C. United States. An electronic road safety survey was delivered to staff in 2008 (S1) and consequently a road safety policy was developed and implemented globally. A second survey (S2) was distributed 9 years later (2017). Questions on events and health behavior included in these surveys were analyzed and compared in order to investigate possible effects of the road safety policy implementation. Results: The number of crashes per 1000 mission-days was reduced from 0.9 to 0.7 and the number of near-crashes per 1000 mission-days from 13 to 10.6. The travel adjusted event rates were highest in low-income countries followed by middle-income countries. High-income countries had a considerably lower risk. Seatbelt use among staff has greatly improved (from 70% to 86% stating they always use seatbelts when available and functional). While traffic deaths have increased in developing countries over the past 9 years, the risk for staff at this international organization has decreased significantly with no gender difference. Conclusion: The findings show significant improvement of road safety for the staff at the international organization compatible with policy impact.
The study aim was to further clarify the relationship between psychological factors and myocardia... more The study aim was to further clarify the relationship between psychological factors and myocardial infarction (MI) by simultaneously examining anger, depression, and anxiety as risk factors for incident MI in a healthy working sample. Baseline measurements of psychological variables were assessed through a self-reported questionnaire in a healthy cohort of 968 middle-aged men working at the Volvo Corporation. Single-item questions assessed depression and anxiety. Anger was assessed by the Trait Anger subscale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory. The endpoint was incident MI verified by national registers or medical records with follow up after 22 years. The main outcome was computed through logistic regression, reported as odds ratios. Additional correlation analyses were performed between psychological variables and coronary risk factors. None of the psychological variables was significantly associated with the outcome; thus, the results failed to show an asso...
Abstract: Musculoskeletal pain has been an important issue over the decades among office workers.... more Abstract: Musculoskeletal pain has been an important issue over the decades among office workers. Whether caused or just aggravated from poor posture, or inappropriately adjusted workstations, the issue continues to be a challenge to staff, employers and ergonomists. In this brief overview of some important aspects of these problems, the authors give hands-on suggestions on how to organize, monitor and address some of the aggravating factors. It is our sincere hope that this article will provide arguments based on scientific evidence for our many field ergonomists who struggle to convince managers to buy ergonomically-adequate equipment, and to make sure the equipment is well adjusted for each individual worker. The role of the ergonomist is continuously changing with our technological advances, but to be effective this has to include direct worker participation and awareness.
The iliopsoas compartment is an extraperitoneal space, which contains the iliopsoas and iliacus m... more The iliopsoas compartment is an extraperitoneal space, which contains the iliopsoas and iliacus muscles (Figure 1). The psoas muscle lies in close proximity to organs such as the sigmoid colon, appendix, jejunum, ureters, abdominal aorta, kidneys, pancreas, spine, and iliac lymph nodes. Consequently, infections in these organs can spread to the iliopsoas muscle. The abundant blood supply of the muscle predisposes it to haematogenous spread from occult sites of infection, [2].
Trapezius myalgia is a common condition affecting about 2-3% of the working population. Its assoc... more Trapezius myalgia is a common condition affecting about 2-3% of the working population. Its association with high strain work, mental stress, female sex, and smoking is well documented. This case pertains to a woman with trapezius myalgia with all the above risk factors who temporarily had to go on disability. Her condition was approved as a work-injury and she was afforded a lighter job. Despite treatment her pain aggravated and she was finally diagnosed with apical lung cancer, which had spread to her cervical spine and was the cause of her pain. We must always be open for alternative diagnoses and not be trapped by what seems to be an obvious conclusion. DOI: 10.29021/ARO-124.100024.
In 1993, 1000 randomly selected employed Swedish men aged 45–50 years were invited to a nurse-led... more In 1993, 1000 randomly selected employed Swedish men aged 45–50 years were invited to a nurse-led health examination with a survey on life style, fasting lab tests, and a 12-lead ECG. A repeat examination was offered in 1998. The ECGs were classified according to the Minnesota Code. Upon ethical approval, endpoints in terms of MI and death over 25 years were collected from Swedish national registers with the purpose of analyzing the independent association of ECG abnormalities as risk factors for myocardial infarction and death. Seventy-nine of 977 participants had at least one ECG abnormality 1993 or 1998. One hundred participants had a first MI over the 25 years. Odds ratio for having an MI in the group that had one or more ECG abnormality compared with the group with two normal ECGs was estimated to 3.16. 95%CI (1.74; 5.73), p value 0.0001. One hundred fifty-seven participants had died before 2019. For death, similarly no statistically significant difference was shown, OR 1.52, 9...
Aim In 1993, a study of 1000 automotive workers in Sweden and France looked into national differe... more Aim In 1993, a study of 1000 automotive workers in Sweden and France looked into national differences of cardiovascular disease. Here, we evaluate the proportion of the Swedish cohort that suffered a stroke or died over a 25-year period and associated risk factors. Subject and methods Data from 1993 included a life-style questionnaire, a health examination and laboratory data. Figures on stroke and survival status up until the end of 2018 were collected from national registers. Survival analysis was used for both univariable and multivariable analyses to study associations between potential risk factors and stroke and death, respectively. Results By the end of 2018, 65 individuals had suffered a stroke and 160 had died. In the univariable analysis, we found age, systolic blood pressure, Framingham risk index and diabetes at baseline to be significantly associated with stroke during follow-up. For death, most of the traditional risk factors were significantly associated with the outc...
Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is commonly seen among bedridden and postoperative patie... more Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is commonly seen among bedridden and postoperative patients. Its association with travel may also make DVT an occupational health risk to otherwise healthy business travelers. We estimated the incidence of and risk factors ...
Aim This study was performed within an international organization (IO), headquartered in Washingt... more Aim This study was performed within an international organization (IO), headquartered in Washington, D.C. The employees are facing great risks during their missions abroad, where developing countries are the most common travel destination. The IO conducted a staff road safety survey in 2008 and based a road safety policy on the results of this survey. In 2017, a follow-up survey investigated the impact of the policy implementation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of that policy. Subjects and methods This study is based on two cross-sectional road safety surveys conducted by the IO’s Staff Road Safety Task Force. The study population consisted of both regular employees and consultants based at country offices (CO) worldwide. The number of reported road traffic crashes and near-crashes (nearly had a crash), as well as road safety behavior, was compared between these two surveys. The analysis was performed from a gender perspective. High-risk countries were identifi...
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 00140138708969746, Jul 6, 2010
ABSTRACT Lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is often considered to be work related but ... more ABSTRACT Lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is often considered to be work related but the incidence and prevalence among industrial workers has not previously been studiedIn this study the prevalence of this condition and its relationship to some work factors was investigated in 540 workers in a modern engineering industryThe prevalence was 7-4% (40/540). Work was found to be the probable cause in 35%, tennis in 8% and other leisure activities in 27% of the patients. No cause was found in the remaining 30%. There was no correlation with sex, while a significant correlation was found with age, the incidence increasing with advancing ageOn the basis of job classification according to their elbow stress, it was found that these workers with work-related epicondylitis had higher elbow stress jobs compared to other sufferers and to the workforce as a whole.
Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine, Oct 1, 1991
In a cross-sectional questionnaire study of 2,933 employees of a Swedish aircraft company, the pr... more In a cross-sectional questionnaire study of 2,933 employees of a Swedish aircraft company, the prevalence of white finger (wf) was asked for and then correlated with information on personal and anthropometrical data and on job-related and leisure related activities. The questionnaire return rate was 96%. There were 210 (7%) who reported white finger symptoms. A positive association with age and with work with vibrating hand-tools (polishing and deburring instruments and marking pens) and a negative association with body weight was found. The higher proportion of wf among female workers did not retain statistical significance after consideration of their lesser weight in the multivariate testing. The highest proportion of wf was found among polishers/grinders (23%), sheet-metal workers (19%) and cleaners (15%). We conclude that work with vibrating hand-tools of the type used in this industry probably increases the prevalence of wf and that ways to better insulate tools need to be evaluated.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov 1, 2007
To the Editor: In order to evaluate the current status of a workstation set up and working postur... more To the Editor: In order to evaluate the current status of a workstation set up and working posture of staff members from two international institutions, we developed a self-reported on-line questionnaire adapted from two extensive checklists for office ergonomics provided by the Occupational ...
Lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is often considered to be work related but the incid... more Lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is often considered to be work related but the incidence and prevalence among industrial workers has not previously been studied In this study the prevalence of this condition and its relationship to some work factors was investigated in 540 workers in a modern engineering industry The prevalence was 7-4% (40/540). Work was found to be the probable cause in 35%, tennis in 8% and other leisure activities in 27% of the patients. No cause was found in the remaining 30%. There was no correlation with sex, while a significant correlation was found with age, the incidence increasing with advancing age On the basis of job classification according to their elbow stress, it was found that these workers with work-related epicondylitis had higher elbow stress jobs compared to other sufferers and to the workforce as a whole.
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