Nurses working night shifts often face some health issues and cognitive decline. This study aimed to determine whether night shifts affected sleepiness, fatigue, and automatic auditory cognition during holidays and following night shifts. Subjective sleepiness was measured using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, objective sleepiness and fatigue were measured using the Psychomotor Vigilance Test, and automatic auditory cognition was measured using duration mismatch negativity. All measurements were conducted twice: during holidays and following night shifts. Statistical analyses were performed using the Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. In all participants, the mean Stanford Sleepiness Scale score and Psychomotor Vigilance Test reaction time following the night shift were significantly higher than those during holidays. However, the peak latency and amplitude of duration mismatch negativity did not significantly differ between during holidays and following night shifts. Similar results were obtained for most age groups (except for the 20s group). In summary, sleepiness and fatigue significantly increased following night shifts compared with during holidays, but these changes did not affect automatic auditory cognition. Age had no significant impact on sleepiness, fatigue, or automatic auditory cognition.

The Dhokra manufacturing process involves long hours of constrain sitting posture with highly precession-based tasks. Comparative assessment was done to find the effectiveness of the new workstation. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among Dhokra handicraft artisans by analysing the existing workspace and redesigning a new workstation with ergonomic consideration to improve working postures. This study consists of three phases. In the first phase, ergonomics study of existing hand crafting process of Dhokra handicraft was evaluated. Based on the findings a new proposed workstation was considered consisting of sitting anthropometric body dimensions and reachability aspects. In the second phase, a new workstation prototype was developed considering anthropometric dimension and tested against grid board to optimize the dimensions for the final working prototype for the artisans. Finally, in the third phase, a comparative study of the workstations was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the new workstation. Artisans reported a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain symptoms with age in upper body part, lumber, and buttocks. Results of ergonomic assessment showed the current work setup is poorly designed. A new optimised sit workstation considering ergonomic principle works effectively reducing MSD during prolonged working activity. Lack of ergonomic principles in the existing work setup is responsible for the artisan’s discomfort and the prevalence of MSD.

Biomathematical models of fatigue (BMMFs) are commonly used to predict cognitive alertness in commercial aviation. Accounting for workload in association with routine job tasks may help BMMFs to more accurately predict fatigue in real world operations. This study compared the accuracy of BMMF workload predictions (SF Workload) against pilot self-report of workload during normal flight operations. N=99 pilots from a major Asia-based airline completed the NASA Task Load Index (TLX) at top of descent (TOD) during a multiple-flight three-day roster that consisted of daytime flying. SF Workload predictions and TLX scores were normalized to a 100-point scale and compared using equivalence testing. SF Workload predictions were statistically non-different from pilot TLX scores at the same TOD (64 ± 7 vs. 65 ± 15; both t=1.56, p=0.06) using the two one-sided t-test (TOST) approach, indicating high workload and that BMMF predictions are non-inferior to pilot self-report as a means of estimating workload. Establishing the accuracy of workload predictions against real-world reports in a commercial pilot population is an important step towards risk management in situations where high workload may create a safety risk.

The occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) of industry is a key issue in reducing risks and accidents in the workplace. A study to evaluate the OHSMS factors in the perception of workers in Nakhon Ratchasima province using a questionnaire of 937 people from 13 types of industries. The results showed confirmed of questionnaire met the recommended criteria and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) between observable with variables of safety management found safety management’s Goodness of fit indicators. The perception to safety management in industrial found that most safety officers were aware of occupational health and safety policy focuses on loss prevention and control and compliance with the law (99.51%) that had the highest influence on safety management (β=0.432) while most employees were aware of communication back to management to jointly promote safe working practices and appointment of safety committee and safety officer (91.13%) that had the highest influence on influence on safety management (β=0.327). The study on OHSMS in industrial sectors found that safety officers focus on policy compliance and risk prevention, while employees emphasize communication and safety committees. Discrepancies in safety perceptions highlight the need for better alignment between officers and employees. The study suggests combining compliance-focused programs with proactive employee engagement to strengthen safety culture. Future research should explore the impact of these approaches on accident rates and employee satisfaction across sectors.

Occupational stress and burnout are increasingly recognized as major contributors to reduced productivity in modern workplaces. In this study, we explored the association between occupational stress and health-related productivity loss through the mediating effect of burnout syndrome in Korean workers. This study was conducted using a sample of 5,050 participants from 5,553 randomly selected individuals, after excluding those with missing data. The key variables were measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS^® 19), the Korean version of the Burnout Syndrome Scale (KBOSS), and the Korean version of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health (WPAI-GH) V1.0 questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using generalized linear models, and mediation analysis. The results revealed a significant association among occupational stress, burnout, and health-related productivity losses. Burnout was found to mediate the relationship between occupational stress and health-related productivity loss, with approximately 51% of the effect being mediated by burnout. Among the burnout sub-dimensions, the mediating effect of exhaustion was the highest. These results suggest that managing occupational stress and burnout can play a crucial role in reducing health-related productivity losses.

Premenstrual disorders (PMDs) in working women are reported to be associated with absenteeism and presenteeism, but few studies have considered their severity from a broad range of manifestations and investigated its impact on absenteeism and presenteeism simultaneously within the same population consisting of various occupations. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 2,987 premenopausal women working across Japan using a self-administered survey that included items on absenteeism and presenteeism due to premenstrual symptoms and symptom severity. Multivariate analyses were used to examine the association between PMD severity, absenteeism (being away from work) and presenteeism (decreased work performance). Results demonstrated that PMD severity was strongly associated with both absenteeism and presenteeism irrespective of age, socioeconomic background, and work-related factors. Those with moderate to severe forms of PMDs had a two-fold risk of absenteeism and 18–30% worse presenteeism compared to a milder group. Furthermore, two-thirds of women with severe PMDs reported ≧30% performance reduction without absenteeism, indicating that the impact of PMDs was more significant for presenteeism than absenteeism. Our study results suggest the importance of widely promoting education and treatment of PMDs regardless of sociodemographic factors and working conditions for securing the workforce through the advancement of working women.

This study compares the disclosure practices of occupational safety and health (OSH) in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports between listed companies in Japan and Taiwan. Using publicly available CSR reports from 2020, we analyzed OSH disclosures from 441 Japanese companies and 150 Taiwanese companies. In Taiwan, where CSR disclosure is mandatory, the reports were more comprehensive and closely aligned with Global Reporting Initiative standards. In contrast, Japan’s voluntary approach led to greater variability in reporting, with a lower overall OSH disclosure rate but a relatively higher emphasis on mental health measures. After adjusting for the industry and company size, the odds of Taiwanese companies disclosing OSH information were 3.45 times higher than Japanese companies. This cross-country comparison highlights the importance of regulatory frameworks on the quality and consistency of OSH disclosures, as seen in Taiwanese companies. Japanese companies could improve transparency in materiality disclosures, while Taiwanese companies might benefit from adopting Japan’s focus on mental health and occupational health awards. This comparison offers valuable insights into the role of regulations in shaping CSR practices and provides guidance for future policy development in both countries and others aiming to enhance corporate transparency in OSH.

Nurses are at increased risk of making professional errors due to a combination of interrelated factors. We investigated the effects of sleepiness, fatigue, psychological hardiness, and demographic factors on the frequency of medical errors among active nurses. A cross-sectional study was conducted including 346 (47.7% males) nurses from two hospitals in Tehran, Iran. All participants had at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A machine-learning model showed good performance in predicting the frequency of occupational errors with an average (SD) root mean squared error of 2.82 (0.55), mean absolute error of 1.57 (0.38), and R-squared of 0.53 (0.19). Nurses with higher hardiness showed fewer errors, while those with greater sleepiness and fatigue reported more. Experience and age were negatively correlated with error frequency. This study provided insights into nurse well-being and patient safety and highlighted the complex relationships between psychological and physiological factors in occupational errors.

This study explores the safety culture among chemical laboratory workers in Sri Lanka’s academic, industrial, and government sectors, examining how attitudes, practices, and perceptions influence safety practices, mitigate risks, and promote worker well-being. A cross-sectional survey of 267 laboratory workers was conducted between March 14 and July 14, 2024, using the Laboratory Safety Culture Survey. Data analysis involved t-tests, ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc tests, and chi-square tests to evaluate differences in safety culture components and participant characteristics. The findings revealed significant variations in safety attitudes and practices across the three sectors. Industrial laboratories exhibited stronger safety practices, including higher compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols, while academic and government sectors faced challenges due to limited resources and inconsistent safety practices. The study highlighted the need for sector-specific safety training, effective risk communication, and enhanced adherence to safety protocols, particularly in academic and government settings. Additionally, the importance of leadership in fostering a strong safety culture was emphasized, with active involvement from principal investigators and supervisors contributing to better safety outcomes. The results suggest that tailored interventions, adequate resource allocation, and increased leadership engagement are crucial for improving safety practices and sustaining a culture of safety across laboratories.

In 2002, Daikin Industries’ Yodogawa Plant (DIYP) in Settsu City in Japan had contaminated drinking water in Hanshin area with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), leading to the complete cessation of PFOA production in 2012. In 2023, local residents conducted a voluntary Blood Monitoring Campaign with 1,182 general residents. Blood monitoring was also conducted for former or current workers from DIYP and farming residents in Settsu City. Serum PFOA concentrations determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry [number: ng/mL: median (25th–75th percentile)] were as follows: former and current workers [N=7: 192.6 (23.3–596.6)] > farming residents [N=5: 70.2 (50.4–98.8] > general residents [N=1,182: 5.0 (3.3–7.0) ] with significant differences (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.001). In a study, 4 out of 5 farming residents showed a serum PFOA decline (half-life: 2.2 yr, 95% CI: 1.4–4.6) after stopping local agricultural product consumption. However, 3 former workers exhibited no decrease over 0.8–0.9 yr. An investigation found that 5 of the 7 subjects were likely exposed to dust from the polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene or handling its particulate matters, with 3 showing Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) signs. This suggests PFOA-laden dust may delay excretion and contribute to ILD, though the mechanistic link remains unclear, requiring further research.

This study investigated the association between work stress and sleep disturbance among Korean workers, focusing on the mediating effects of somatic and cognitive pre-sleep arousal symptoms. Data were derived from the “Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study (KWSHS),” involving 4,393 participants. Work stress was assessed using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale, and sleep disturbances were measured using the Insomnia Severity Index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale was utilized for assessing pre-sleep arousal status. For statistical analyses, the χ² test, logistic regression analysis, and mediation analysis were used. Mediation analysis revealed that somatic pre-sleep arousal predominantly mediated the relationship between hazardous physical environments and insomnia symptoms (52.5%), while cognitive pre-sleep arousal was the primary mediator for high job demands (48.0%), organizational injustice (48.6%), and job insecurity (46.6%). These findings suggest that somatic and cognitive pre-sleep arousal serve distinct mediating roles in the relationship between specific types of work stress and sleep disturbances.

Few studies have addressed the relationship between sleep and employment in Japan. We use four waves of the Japan Study of Aging and Retirement (JSTAR) to address the relationship between weekday sleep duration, self-reported sleep quality and four self-reported indicators of sleep quality and employment status (model 1, full sample), working hours and job satisfaction (model 2, working sample) among individuals aged 50 and over (N=7,082). We apply mixed effects models for the linear outcome of sleep duration and cumulative link mixed models for the sleep quality variables, controlling for socio-demographic and health characteristics. In model 1, our findings show that, compared to full-time employees, all categories of workers and non-workers report longer sleep hours. Some sub-groups, such as contract workers, report higher odds of waking up at night or in the early morning, and taking longer time to fall asleep. In model 2, we find a positive association between working time and sleep hours but including job satisfaction in the model absorbs such a relationship, indicating the job satisfaction somehow reflects working time. Poor job satisfaction is linked to higher odds of experiencing difficulties in four of the five sleep quality measures.

Support is needed for the well-being of nurses and first responders in external crises. We aimed to synthesize the evidence between workload management strategies and well-being of nurses, paramedics, and firefighters during external crises in an umbrella review. The data sources OVID Medline, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched between 1.1.2013−20.6.2023. Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of the publications and conducted the data extraction and narrative synthesis. The search identified 1,073 references on nurses and 182 on paramedics and firefighters. Of the 62 full texts, 16 systematic reviews on nurses were included, and of the 13 full texts on paramedics and firefighters, two systematic reviews were included, making a total of 18 systematic reviews. The quality of the publications was predominantly good (83%). Both employee and work-directed strategies were beneficial in supporting employee well-being during external crises. Proactive practical skills training and psychological interventions were found as the most promising employee-directed strategies. The corresponding work-directed strategies were effective communication, providing useful information and adequate working conditions, supportive leadership, and peer support. To support well-being of nurses and first responders during external crises, workload management strategies need to be proactively planned in workplaces.

This study aimed to investigate the circumstances, characteristics, and background factors of mental disorders within the education and learning-support services, which is known for the frequent occurrence of mental disorders from overwork and poor psychosocial work environment. The study analyzed 119 cases of mental disorders and suicides in the education and learning-support services from fiscal years 2010 to 2019 on the database constructed by the Japan Research Center for Overwork-Related Disorders. The results exhibit that of 119 cases, 56 cases (47.1%) involved male employees while 63 cases (52.9%) involved female employees. From fiscal years 2010 to 2019, there were 43 cases of psychological stress related to work among males and 55 among females. The issue of ‘‘interpersonal relationship’’ was significantly higher in the education and learning-support services than in other industrial workers. Within the category of ‘‘interpersonal relationship’’ the specific issue of being ‘‘(severely) harassed, bullied, or assaulted’’ was especially prevalent (10 cases for males and 15 cases for females). Moreover, male employees reported many instances of suicide attempts, and their first attempt tended to lead to a completed suicide. Therefore, it is important to promote measures against harassment, bullying, and suicide in education and learning-support services.

Over 10,000 Japanese people are estimated die annually from overwork. Yet, the reasons why some employees in certain cultures persist in exploitative work environments remain unclear. This study investigates psychosocial factors that prevent exploited employees from leaving their organisations, with a specific emphasis on the role of collectivism. We hypothesise that perceptions of an overwork climate and elevated levels of workaholism contribute to employees’ feelings of exploitation, subsequently increasing turnover intentions. Additionally, we predict that collectivism exacerbates the effect of overwork climate on workaholism and weakens employees’ intentions to leave their exploitative work environment. Data from 147 Japanese employees were collected via online surveys using snowball sampling. Factor score path analysis and mediation tests (5,000 bootstrap samples) were employed to test our hypotheses. Results suggested that feelings of exploitation are positively linked to turnover intentions, which are driven by the perception of an overwork climate and employees’ compulsive orientation towards work. Importantly, collectivism weakened the link between perceived exploitation and turnover intentions. This study provides an account of the complex interplay between organisational climate, culture, and the impact of feeling exploited on employees’ intentions to quit, highlighting the potential adverse effects of collectivism on employees.

This study investigates how household income levels and satisfaction with income impact the relationship between long working hours and self-rated health (SRH) among Korean workers. We analysed data from the Korean Labour & Income Panel Study spanning 2018 to 2022, including 8,954 to 10,079 wage workers annually. Weekly working hours and SRH were the primary variables, with equivalized household income levels classified into quartiles. A generalised estimating equation was used to assess the relationship between long working hours and poor SRH, adjusted for demographic and health-related factors. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on household income level and satisfaction. Long working hours were generally associated with poor SRH (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.10–1.54) in unadjusted model, particularly among higher-income groups (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.05–2.01 for Q4) after adjustment for covariates. However, no significant association was found for lower-income groups. When stratified by income satisfaction, longer working hours were significantly associated with poor SRH only in income-satisfied individuals among higher-income group. The health effects of long working hours may differ according to household income levels and satisfaction. Policy interventions should consider both work hour reductions and income adequacy to improve worker health.

Fatigue is a longstanding issue in air traffic control (ATC), closely associated with shift work and time-related factors. However, the dynamics of fatigue across morning, evening, and night shifts in an area control center (ACC) remain largely underexplored. This study examined sleep duration and fatigue progression across different shift types. Both objective (three-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Task, PVT-B) and subjective (Stanford Sleepiness Scale, SSS) measures were conducted at the beginning, middle, and end of each shift. Results indicated that pre-shift sleep duration was shortest before night shifts, likely increasing sleep pressure and reducing alertness during the window of circadian low (WOCL). Subjective fatigue remained stable throughout morning shifts but increased towards the end of evening shifts, reflecting circadian influences. Night shifts exhibited peak fatigue during the WOCL, driven primarily by circadian rhythms rather than task load. Objective measures revealed a mid-shift decline in performance, with only partial recovery in the latter half of night shifts. Compared to day shifts, night shifts resulted in significantly higher fatigue levels, underscoring the critical role of circadian rhythms in fatigue dynamics. These findings highlight the need for targeted fatigue mitigation strategies that address circadian vulnerabilities and irregular sleep patterns in ATC shift systems.

Low back pain (LBP) is a commonly encountered medical disorder in Malaysia’s primary care setting, though establishing a direct connection between LBP and the workplace environment in adults is challenging. This case presents a clinic nurse who developed LBP due to a prolapsed intervertebral disc and her clinical management from an Occupational Health Doctor perspective. Her occupational management involved a walk-through survey at an urban hospital, which identified bone marrow aspiration as her most physically demanding task. Detailed assessment revealed that during this procedure, the nurse maintained awkward postures and performed repetitive movements while standing for extended periods. A Rapid Entire Body Assessment score of 4 suggested a medium risk, meriting further investigation. To accommodate her condition, the nurse was placed on light duty, with job modifications recommended to limit standing to no more than four hours and to avoid lifting objects exceeding five kilograms. Although the criteria for an occupational disease are not met, it is classified as a work-aggravated condition, given that her LBP was likely worsened by her daily work activities. In conclusion, effective management of occupational LBP requires thorough risk assessments. Modifying tasks and supervisor intervention are essential when job duties could exacerbate pre-existing LBP.