Perceived Health Risks Among Firefighters; The New Jersey Firefighter Health Survey.

OBJECTIVE: There is a growing literature on the risk of chronic disease among firefighters, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. However there is little information on firefighter's perception thereof. METHODS: Firefighters attending a union convention in New Jersey completed a survey with four domains: firefighting experience; perceived additional risk for chronic diseases (six-point Likert scale); cancer screening history; demographics, and risk behaviors. RESULTS: Among 167 enrolled firefighters, all were men and 86.6% active career. Median perceived risk ranged from high risk (colon, hematologic, breast, prostate, and testicular cancers) to very high risk (CVD, pulmonary diseases, all cancers, lung and oral cancer). CONCLUSIONS: NJ Firefighters attributed considerable additional risk to acquiring chronic disease as a result of their firefighting activities. Understanding firefighter perceptions of their own morbidity and mortality will help develop future firefighter preparatory programs.

Assessing Acute Symptoms Related to Occupational Exposures Among Nail Salon Technicians.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional field study evaluated potential associations between acute symptoms among nail technicians and exposure of chemical hazards in New Jersey salons. METHODS: In 2016, an in-person safety and health survey was conducted. Data were gathered on symptoms, demographics, work history, tobacco use, area and/or task ventilation, use of personal protective equipment, and safety training. Workplace hazards were identified by observational survey during site visit walk-throughs. RESULTS: Of the 68 respondents from 40 participating salons whose owners agreed to participate (35% salon-level participation), most were Asian females with a self-reported history of work-associated eye, nose, throat, and skin symptoms. Few workers used personal protective equipment. Most workers had not received training in their primary language. CONCLUSIONS: Nail salon workers need comprehensive chemical use training. More research is needed to determine extent of exposure.

Are Workplace Psychosocial Factors Associated With Work-Related Injury in the US Workforce?: National Health Interview Survey, 2010.

INTRODUCTION: Psychosocial hazards in the workplace may adversely impact occupational and general health, including injury risk. METHODS: Among 16,417 adult workers in the 2010 National Health Interview Survey Occupational Health Supplement, weighted prevalence estimates were calculated for work-related injuries (WRI) and any injuries. The association between injury and psychosocial occupational hazards (job insecurity, work-family imbalance, hostile work environment) was assessed adjusting for sociodemographic and occupational factors. RESULTS: WRI prevalence was 0.65% (n = 99); any injury prevalence was 2.46% (n = 427). In multivariable models job insecurity, work-family imbalance, and hostile work environment were each positively associated with WRI prevalence (odds ratio [OR]: 1.60, 95% CI: 0.97-2.65; OR: 1.69, 95% CI 0.96-2.89; and 2.01, 95% CI 0.94-4.33, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Stressful working conditions may contribute to injuries. There is need for ongoing surveillance of occupational psychosocial risk factors and further study of their relationship with injury.