ABSTRACT
Climate change is an urgent challenge amplified by socioeconomic factors that demands thoughtful public health responses from OEM professionals. This guidance statement from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine focuses on the different strategies that these health professionals can implement to protect workers from health impacts associated with climate change hazards, foster workplace resilience in the face of rapidly changing environments, and take the necessary steps to mitigate the effects of global climate change.
Subject(s)
Environmental Medicine , Occupational Medicine , Acclimatization , Adaptation, Physiological , Climate Change , Humans , United StatesSubject(s)
Accidents, Traffic/statistics & numerical data , Bicycling/statistics & numerical data , Transportation/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Age Distribution , District of Columbia , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Safety , Sex Distribution , Transportation/methods , United NationsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Does proactive ergonomics program enhance office worker health and productivity? METHOD: The investigation was conducted in connection with the move of 1500 office staff to a building with improved ergonomics. It was focused on associations between workstation features, working postures, musculoskeletal pain symptoms, and eye strain before and 18 months after implementation of a proactive ergonomic program. The outcomes were compared between the intervention and a similar reference group. RESULTS: Associations between improvement of postures and less musculoskeletal pain and eye strain were confirmed. A cross association between several features and postures and improved symptoms was noted, along with improved productivity. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that a proactive program adhering to the OSHA recommendations needs to include an individual workstation assessment to be effective in reducing symptoms and increasing productivity.
