Why we need to bridge the gap between research in occupational health and safety and human resources management?

Introduction: Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a complex field where all disciplines intersect. Currently, it is not only a question of taking into account the physical health of the worker, but also of including the psychological health and social aspects of the worker. Over the past decades, OSH has seen a lot of advancement, especially in recent years. In addition, this analysis is important in view of the economic costs that work-related accidents cause to the global economy. Method: Through a meta-analysis, a focus on existing research in OHS was made, with the objective of identifying gaps and mapping future research for academics in human resources management (HRM). Results: The review of the literature showed, identified and classified the articles into five distinct themes: antecedents and work-related factors influencing OHS;industrial policy and regulations surrounding OHS;OHS management practices;OHS management approaches and models and OHS management results. OHS research is poorly integrated into HRM research. The importance of the latter was accentuated during the Covid-19 pandemic, by revealing the gaps to be filled in OHS. Thus, the benefits of OHS management in organizations have a huge impact on increasing productivity, performance and decreasing absenteeism rate. Conclusion: There are many opportunities for HRM researchers to add value to the field, but also for organizations. To respond to the problem, the transfer of knowledge remains an essential element for the advancement of OHS practices.

Study of sickness absenteeism among nursing staff at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital of CASABLANCA(CHUIR) during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Sickness absenteeism among caregivers is of particular importance during this COVID-19 pandemic period, as health care workers are front-line personnel;however, this implies that they are highly exposed to SARS-CoV-2 as well as to psychosocial risks Materials and Methods: Our study is a retrospective descriptive survey of all absences due to illness declared to the occupational health service by the nursing staff of the CHUIR, over a period from 31 August to 1 November 2020. Our objective is to determine the reasons for absence as well as the characteristics of these cases of work stoppage Results: Our study included 120 cases of absences. The Female sex represented 76.6% of the cases. The average age was 33.61 years;the age range was 23 to 60 years. Average professional tenure was 8.07 years;the seniority range was 3 months to 40 years. Absent staff were nurses in 62.5% of cases. The average length of absence was 16.92 days. The most affected services were medical services in 44.16%, followed by hematology-oncology services in 20% and intensive care departments in 15%. Psychiatric and psycho-social affections represented 30% of cases, including 18% for depression, 10% for burnout and 2% for chronic psychosis;COVID-19 accounted for 20% of cases and pathological pregnancies 16.66% Conclusion: The identification of the reasons for sickness absenteeism among caregivers is essential during this COVID-19 pandemic, in order to orientate preventive measures towards this front-line personnel and allow a more efficient impact of the occupational physician in his action of prevention of professional risks

Study of the vulnerability and risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 of interns and residents in the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center (IR-UHC) in Casablanca

Introduction: Healthcare workers are very exposed to SARS-CoV-2, that’s causing a vulnerability issue for some of them. The presence of certain risk factors in these workers requires an assessment of the risk of exposure. Patients and methods: Our study is a cross-sectional descriptive survey by self-questionnaire posted on Google Forms from June 1st to July 31, 2021, intended for residents and interns at IR-UHC. Our objective is to assess the vulnerability and degree of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 through an appropriate risk level matrix. Results: 280 physicians responded, 36% were vulnerable, mainly asthma (39%), or on corticosteroid therapy (37%). 95% were at high risk of exposure. The level of risk was classified as critical among two-thirds of physicians, of which 67.7% were working shifts in Covid-19 units, 19% were working in a radiology department, 10% in an intensive care unit and 2% in a biology department;less than a third of the doctors presented an unacceptable level of risk of which 72.2% were on Covid-19 shifts, 7% were working in a radiology department and 2% in a biology department.The lack of availability of PPE was found in 64% of doctors. 65.4% of the doctors questioned were infected with Covid 19, of which 70.2% had moderate infection and 6.1% severe one. Conclusion: The high-risk level of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among physicians requires the strengthening of preventive measures, and especially the involvement of occupational physicians in the decision of medical aptitude for the post of vulnerable staff.

Study of the circumstances of contamination by SARS-CoV-2 of resident physicians at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center (IR-UHC) in Casablanca

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a major global health crisis and has brought healthcare professionals at high risk of occupational exposure to the forefront. Evaluating the circumstances of contamination can lead to improving prevention measures. Materials and methods: Our study focuses on resident physicians in training at the IR-UHC, through a self-administered survey posted on Google-Forms from August 1st to August 21, 2021. Our objective is to assess the circumstances of occupational and extra-occupational contamination by SARS-CoV-2, the contamination is retained on the basis of biological or CT criteria;contact tracing involves the two weeks preceding the onset of symptoms. Results: 165 residents responded. The diagnosis was made mainly by RT-PCR in 90.9%. Extra-professional contamination through contact with those around them concerns 27.3%. Among the circumstances of occupational contamination, we find history and physical examination performed in a distance less than 1 meter (81.8%), endo-buccal examination (27.3%) and nasopharyngeal swab (20%). 80% participate in professional physical meetings with several persons in a room. 69.1% say they have their meals in a break room where the barrier protection measures aren't respected, namely the disrespect of distance (81.8%) with sometimes or never wearing a mask during breaks. Conclusion: This survey underlines the importance of respecting barrier protection measures in the workplace but also outside of work. Strengthening these measures in the healthcare environment is necessary to protect healthcare professionals.