Occupational Medicine Journal

Following shoulder surgery (total shoulder arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty), 91% of patients successfully returned to work within a median of two months. However, this figure dropped to 79% for those in medium- to high-demand occupations. Key factors influencing a full return to work included: ★ Strong expectations to fully return to work ★ No preoperative sick leave ★ Absence of preoperative work adjustments These findings highlight the importance of addressing workplace and patient expectations preoperatively to optimise outcomes. Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/eNz8gspg #ShoulderSurgery #ReturnToWork #OccupationalHealth #WorkplaceWellbeing

A vibration dental turbine is a high-speed tool used by dentists for cutting, drilling, or polishing during procedures. This study revealed that dental students exposed to turbine vibrations for just 8 months experienced early-stage neural impairment in their fingers. The lateral pinch modulation test detected sensory changes in the early stage, between the initial exposure to vibration and onset of symptoms. Therefore, it reduced the risks from vibration exposure. https://lnkd.in/ec5JB3b5

Presenteeism (working while unwell) leads to reduced productivity and poses a significant health challenge for workers. This study found that when individuals adopted more positive lifestyle habits compared to the previous year, presenteeism decreased. Notably, the findings highlight that combining multiple healthy habits is more effective in reducing presenteeism than focusing on a single habit. Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/e-4R4uP4 #Presenteeism #WorkplaceHealth #LifestyleHabits #OccupationalHealth

The number of workers using virtual reality (VR) is growing, but it also brings a range of physical and psychological challenges. Common issues include: 🔎Motion sickness: Caused by the mismatch between virtual movement and real-world stillness. 🔎Eye strain: Prolonged use, low resolution, reduced field of view, and less blinking can contribute to discomfort. 🔎Musculoskeletal pain: Neck and back pain result from constrained postures. 🔎Injuries: Slips, trips, and falls are common when navigating both real and virtual environments. 🔎Psychological effects: Users may feel disconnected from the real world, leading to isolation, anxiety, or disorientation. https://lnkd.in/edF-udAj

The first study investigating cancer risk among information technology (IT) workers has revealed an interesting finding. Despite known occupational risks such as sedentary behavior, poor diet and physical inactivity, IT workers did not show an increased cancer incidence compared to other employed participants and the nine major Standard Occupational Classification groups. This challenges common assumptions about the occupational health risks in IT roles and highlights the need for further research to better understand the long-term health impacts of modern work environments. Read the study here: https://lnkd.in/esMxtquj

A painter, who claimed that his multiple sclerosis was caused by significant exposure to organic solvents, successfully secured compensation through an out-of-court settlement. This outcome occurred despite epidemiological evidence indicating that the overall risk of developing the disease from solvent exposure is less than doubled. This case highlights an important point: even when the general risk remains low, individuals with documented high-level exposures may still be eligible to receive compensation through civil court proceedings. https://lnkd.in/eXzNjyGW

In this Art and Occupational article Paul J Nicholson discusses Johannes Vermeer, The Milkmaid, c.1660. The depiction of the maid working with milk offers a historical lens on the occupational exposure to zoonotic pathogens transmitted from cattle to humans. These zoonoses, which include bacteria, parasites, viruses, fungi, and prions, have been a longstanding risk for individuals involved in animal husbandry, food preparation and other related occupations. The transmission pathways, such as handling unpasteurised milk (bovine tuberculosis) or consuming improperly prepared meats, reflect an intricate web of public health risks tied to agricultural practices. https://lnkd.in/dUGmmYYN

The UK Government's Ofsted inspections have been linked to stress and mental health crises among educators, such incidents have highlighted the broader issue of work-related stress and common mental disorders among teachers, exacerbated by heavy workloads, role ambiguity, and insufficient support. Read more about the impact of Ofsted inspections on educators' mental health, associated stressors and proposed holistic interventions to support teachers and headteachers: https://lnkd.in/efyQwr9q

Nerys Williams has reviewed Talking Health A new way to communicate about public health and rated it ★★★☆ "We can all learn to communicate better and this book is a good first step to thinking differently about how we talk about OH issues to key opinion formers" https://lnkd.in/eSGjPugy

A Personal Development Plan (PDP) helps you set SMART goals, assess your strengths, and find growth opportunities in your career. Regularly updating your PDP ensures continuous progress. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e73GSuUN