Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM)

The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Work Absence A Cross-sectional Analysis of Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Workers Etli, Dominic DNP; Wiewior, Antonina BA; Malone, Alex MD; Locke, Ken DO; Bullock, Nicholas MS; Howard, Raina MS Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 67(3):p e139-e151, March 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003289 This study provides real-world evidence guiding occupational health professionals to implement data-driven COVID-19 mitigation policies, including extended protections for breakthrough cases, and expanded flexible work arrangements, to protect workforce health during respiratory disease outbreaks. LEARNING OUTCOMES Compare SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and associated work absences between vaccinated and unvaccinated employee cohorts. Assess the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status and infection rates among employees in a workplace setting.” Analyze the episodic volatility in SARS-CoV-2 case surges and quantify the subsequent impact on workforce absence patterns over time. https://lnkd.in/esZNNq9Z #JOEM

?? Exciting trends in continuing medical education! ?? Earn 3 FREE CME credits by reviewing articles for JOEM. This opportunity empowers healthcare professionals to engage with cutting-edge research while expanding their expertise. ??? IFA: https://lnkd.in/gAMe6r45 #JOEM #CME

Psychosocial Stress at Work and Risks for Burnout Among Hotel Workers Rosemberg, Marie-Anne S. PhD, MN, RN, FAAOHN, FAAN; Ghosh, Bidisha MS; Jun, Jin PhD, RN; Armijo, Julianne MSN, FNP-C, RN; Marriott, Deanna J. PhD Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 67(3):p 223-227, March 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003280 Interventions targeting effort-reward imbalance and burnout among hotel workers require targeted interventions to address inherent vulnerabilities in specific job categories. Decreasing burnout is associated with improved health outcomes, like mental wellness, improved sleep, and quality of life. High effort-reward imbalance in hotel workers predicts burnout Age is a protective factor against burnout in hotel workers Burnout is high across job categories, particularly among food workers and guest room attendants https://lnkd.in/ejNrUxje #JOEM

The Organic Farmer Safety, Health & Life Questionnaire (OFSHLQ) A Tool for an Expanded Paradigm on Occupational Safety and Health Soto Mas, Francisco MD; Hsiao, Yu-Yu PhD; Ji, Ming PhD; Zhao, Shixi PhD Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 67(3):p 214-222, March 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003299 This study contributes to occupational medicine and health care. The OFSHLQ measures injury and risk, access to care, health-related lifestyle, and health status—particularly chronic disease. It constitutes a resource for primary care. The conceptual model that informed the development of the questionnaire is consistent with the whole-person integrated care model. LEARNING OUTCOMES After going through the article, the reader should be able to: Describe the basis for an expanded occupational safety and health (OSH) paradigm Explain the principles of an expanded occupational safety and health (OSH) paradigm Criticize the Organic Farmer Safety, Health & Life Questionnaire (OFSHLQ) https://lnkd.in/eByK3kVh #JOEM

Mental Health Support for First Responders Provided Outside of California’s Workers’ Compensation System Quigley, Denise D. PhD; Qureshi, Nabeel MPH; Dworsky, Michael PhD; Meredith, Lisa S. PhD Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 67(3):p 203-213, March 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003293 Alternative mental health care treatment pathways to workers’ compensation allowed for more comprehensive services for injured workers including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, prolonged exposure, and cognitive processing therapy, along with ease of accessing care, expediting the healing process. LEARNING OUTCOMES We describe the experiences and perspectives of why police and fire departments chose to use an alternative mechanism to workers’ compensation to provide mental health care to first responders. Based on the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders within these police and fire departments, we document the rationale, design, and benefits of these alternatives. Our findings indicate that contracting culturally competent mental health providers outside of the workers’ compensation system for first responders has potential and needs to be formally evaluated in California. https://lnkd.in/e-334fmS #JOEM

Occupational Exposure to Inhalable Agents Is Associated With Reduced Work Ability A Prospective Cohort Study in Norway Klepaker, Geir MD, PhD; Torén, Kjell MD, PhD; Henneberger, Paul Keefer ScD; Kongerud, Johny MD Dr. Med; Fell, Anne Kristin M?ller MD, PhD Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 67(3):p 197-202, March 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003292 Our study showed that different types of inhalable occupational exposures affected work ability. Reduced work ability is associated with absence from work, disability, and a reduced health-related quality of life. We recommend reducing occupational exposures to prevent loss of work ability and implementing measures to improve work ability. LEARNING OUTCOMES After reading this article, readers will be able to: Acknowledge that exposure to vapors, gas, dust, and fumes; irritants; mixed agricultural agents; and wood and paper dust was associated with reduced Work Ability Score. Give advice to patients with asthma regarding possible higher risk for reduced Work Ability Score as compared with those without asthma. Inform patients and corporations about the importance of reduction of inhalable exposures to prevent the loss of work ability and future disability. https://lnkd.in/eu2AEv3d #JOEM

??? This International Women's Day, JOEM shines a spotlight on the vital role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in occupational health. Recent trends show that workplaces prioritizing DEI not only boost employee well-being but also enhance overall productivity. ?? Let's champion diverse voices in shaping healthy work environments! Share your thoughts on how we can further advance DEI in our industries! ?? #InternationalWomensDay #DEI #OccupationalHealth #WorkplaceWellness #WomenInLeadership

Staff and Work Environment Factors Associated With Workplace Violence in Hospitals Comparison of Units With High Versus Low Rates of Violence Derscheid, Della J. MS, PhD, RN; Arnetz, Judith E. PhD, MPH, PT Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 67(3):p 191-196, March 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003290 Healthcare staff perceptions of safety climate are more favorable among staff without personal workplace violence experience. Units with higher violence rates identified a higher number of contributing physical environment factors. Accurate assessment of safety climate and physical environment contributors assists workplace violence mitigation efforts on inpatient hospital units. LEARNING OUTCOMES After completing this educational activity, learners will: Identify two physical environment and two safety climate factors associated with workplace violence in the inpatient medical setting. Describe the impact of healthcare worker experiences with workplace violence on their perception of workplace safety climate. Consider the different types of workplace efforts needed in a single environment to enhance safety climate and enhance safety in the physical environment. https://lnkd.in/e6kjhKs3 #JOEM

CDC issues Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory to notify clinicians, public health officials, and potential travelers about a measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico and offer guidance for prevention and monitoring. As of March 7, 2025, Texas and New Mexico have reported 208 confirmed cases associated with this outbreak (198 in Texas and 10 in New Mexico). With spring and summer travel season approaching in the U.S., CDC emphasizes the important role that clinicians and public health officials play in preventing the spread of measles. They should be vigilant for cases of febrile rash illness that meet the measles case definition and share effective measles prevention strategies, including vaccination guidance for international travelers. Read full alert: https://bit.ly/3DjKR9z

OccPod is back with a new episode! Listen to the 20-minute interview, "Public Health Challenges from the LA Wildfires," during your commute, lunchtime or coffee break. Ismail Nabeel MD, MPH, MS, FACOEM talks with Manijeh ('Mani') Berenji, MD, MPH about the public health effects of the LA #wildfires in January. https://buff.ly/evUtP35