Occupational medicine
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Occupational medicine · Mar 2006
Multicenter StudyOccupational health provision and health surveillance in the semiconductor industry.
To identify the nature of occupational health provision in UK semiconductor-manufacturing plants. To identify the level of industry compliance with legal health surveillance requirements. ⋯ The spectrum of occupational health provision was very wide. Where health surveillance was provided, it was poorly targeted with limited interpretation and feedback to management.
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Occupational medicine · Mar 2006
Job strain and neck-shoulder symptoms: a prevalence study of women and men white-collar workers.
Neck-shoulder symptoms are frequent among workers. Psychosocial factors at work have been associated with neck-shoulder symptoms, but few studies have examined job strain, the combined effect of high psychological demands (PD) and low decision latitude (DL). ⋯ These results suggest that primary prevention of neck-shoulder symptoms among white-collar workers should consider the exposure to job strain, especially when workers are exposed to low social support at work.
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Impaired physician health can have a direct impact on patient health care and safety. In the past, problems of alcoholism and substance abuse among physicians have received more attention than other conditions-usually in the form of discipline. While patient safety is paramount, the medical profession may be more successful in achieving the required standards by fostering a culture committed to health and wellness as well as supporting impaired physicians. ⋯ Physicians whose health or wellness is compromised should seek appropriate help and engage in honest self-assessment of their ability to practice. The medical profession should provide an environment that helps to maintain and restore health and wellness. Physicians need to ensure that impaired colleagues promptly modify or cease practice until they can resume professional patient care. In addition, physicians may be required to report impaired colleagues who continue to practice despite reasonable offers of assistance.