Occupational and environmental medicine
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An 'information gap' has been identified regarding the effects of chronic disease on occupational injury risk. We investigated the association of ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, depression and asthma with acute occupational injury in a cohort of manufacturing workers from 1 January 1997 through 31 December 2007. ⋯ Our results suggest that chronic heart disease, diabetes and depression confer an increased risk for acute occupational injury.
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Occupational exposures are important and possibly modifiable contributors to the global burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exposure to vapours, gases, dusts and fumes (VGDF) has been associated with a two- to threefold higher COPD risk. Less is known about effects of occupational exposure to pesticides and solvents. In the current study, we assessed if VGDF, pesticides and solvents are associated with the level of lung function and the prevalence of airway obstruction in the general population. ⋯ Occupational exposure to both VGDF and pesticides is associated with airway obstruction in the general population.
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There is an ongoing debate regarding environmental health risks of exposures to dust and microbial agents from livestock farming in the Netherlands. The aims of the study were (1) to investigate associations between indicators of air pollution from livestock farms and asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among neighbouring residents; and (2) to assess associations between farm exposures and endotoxin levels in participants' homes. ⋯ In conclusion, indicators of air pollution from livestock farms were inversely associated with respiratory morbidity among neighbouring residents.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of an exercise programme on preventing neck pain among office workers: a 12-month cluster-randomised controlled trial.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an exercise programme focusing on muscle stretching and endurance training on the 12-month incidence of neck pain in office workers. ⋯ The exercise programme reduced incident neck pain and increased neck flexion movement for office workers with lower-than-normal neck flexion movement.