Occupational health; Work Medicine; Ergonomics; Organizational psychology; Industrial hygiene
Evolution and advances in methodologies for chemical risk assessment at work: A scoping review
Introduction: The assessment and evaluation of chemical risk have become increasingly important in occupational health and safety due to the adverse effects of chemical substances on workers' health and workplace conditions. Objective: To analyze the different methodologies for the evaluation and assessment of chemical risk between 1993 and 2024, evaluating their applicability in different work contexts in Colombia. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was conducted using documentary analysis and the hermeneutic interpretative method. Results: A total of 100 documents were reviewed, including scientific articles, regulations, guidelines, and previous studies. Internationally, semi-quantitative and quantitative methodologies such as INSHT, MoVaRisQ, and AIHA have improved the identification and prioritization of risks. In Colombia, the adoption of both international and national methodologies, such as GTC 45, has driven progress in chemical risk management. However, challenges remain in standardization and implementation. Conclusions: Although significant progress has been made, it is necessary to strengthen the systematization and uniformity in the application of these methodologies, improve personnel training, and promote an integrated and adaptive approach that ensures the protection of occupational and environmental health, aligned with international standards.
coffee, musculoskeletal system, socioeconomic factors, working conditions, occupational health.
Hazard identification, Work accident, Occupational disease, danger, occupational risk, control measures, risk assessment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Revista Colombiana de Salud Ocupacional https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Analysis of Physical Condition and Workload in Administrative Employees: A comparative approach
Introduction: The physical load at work directly impacts the physical condition and performance of workers, causing musculoskeletal injuries and pain, as well as physical fatigue and psychological stress. These consequences reduce productivity and increase absenteeism from work. Objective: To identify the profile of condition and physical workload in administrative officials of a higher education institution. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with the participation of 94 administrative officials of the Universidad Santo Tomás. Physical and postural load was evaluated using the OWAS (Ovako Working Analysis System) model, as well as aspects related to physical condition. For the analysis and comparison between sites, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used, followed by post-hoc comparisons with Bonferroni correction. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the parameters evaluated between the different sites. The p values obtained showed statistical significance, with p < 0.001 in most of the categories analyzed. Conclusion: The variations observed in the postural assessment of the arms, trunk and general posture, with values p < 0.001, underscore the importance of the differences in working conditions and spatial configurations between the sites, which highlights the need to implement appropriate intervention strategies to improve the health and well-being of workers.
Scientific or technological research article
Copyright (c) 2025 Revista Colombiana de Salud Ocupacional http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Use of mixed reality in ergonomics: an exploratory review
Introduction: The scope of using mixed reality (MR) as a predictive tool for ergonomics is broad and promising, with the potential to revolutionize how we predict and improve ergonomic conditions in various workplaces. Objective: To examine the current state of MR as a predictive tool for ergonomics in workplace environments. Methods: An exploratory review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines consulting databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, Medline, and others. Studies addressing the interaction of workers with their work environment through MR were included. Results: Sixteen relevant studies were selected from 2,575 initial searches. MR is predominantly used in training, assembly operations, and remote assistance, with less than 10% of the studies focusing on ergonomics. Conclusions: MR has the potential to significantly improve workplace ergonomics by enhancing worker safety, productivity, and well-being. However, technical and implementation challenges still need to be addressed.
Myoelectric behaviour of the erector spinae during three types of lifting and carrying of loads
Introduction: To maintain proper trunk straightness during changes of position, correct electrical activity of the dorsal muscles is indispensable, since asymmetries could produce alterations in the anatomical structures of the region. The evaluation of human anatomy in vivo and in situ in functional work activities has represented a challenge in biomedical evaluation, due to the multiple variations in environments, the use and movement of equipment and the morphological and functional autonomy of each individual. Objective: To establish the differences in the myoelectric behaviour of the erector spinae during three types of lifting and carrying of loads. Methods: Three construction workers were evaluated in their usual work environment. Four superficial electrodes were placed on the left and right iliocostal and longissimus muscles. Once the electrodes were placed, they were asked to lift, carry and unload a 50 kg bag of cement. While performing the action, electromyographic recordings were taken. Results: It was observed that each worker lifted and carried the bundle differently (on the head, on the right shoulder and on the chest). There were changes in bilateral muscle behaviour according to the lifting and according to the laterality of the lifting. Conclusions: The different types of lifting and carrying generate activity in the erector spinae, with changes being observed depending on the way it is carried out, with the greatest electromyographic recording of lifting and carrying in the head.
Workers' Experiences Reporting Workplace Accidents: An Analysis from the General System of Occupational Risks in Colombia
Aim: To understand the experiences of workers who have reported at least one workplace accident within the General System of Occupational Risks in Colombia, focusing on injuries, sequelae, consequences, and the healthcare and economic benefits received. Methods: A qualitative, hermeneutic-comprehensive approach was used. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, coded, and thematically analyzed. The findings were compared with similar studies to enhance the discussion. Results: Workers experienced injuries such as lacerations, fractures, low back pain, concussions, sprains, and muscle strains. Reported sequelae included physical, emotional, and psychological effects. Additionally, economic, occupational, and family consequences were identified. Some workers received healthcare and financial compensation from Occupational Risk Administrators, yet these benefits were perceived as insufficient. Conclusions: Workers face multidimensional impacts beyond physical impairments. The current strategies focus on medical rehabilitation and financial compensation but do not ensure comprehensive recovery, including job stability, emotional well-being, and social reintegration. A rehabilitation model integrating mental health services, social support, and vocational reintegration is needed to address system gaps and improve workers’ quality of life.
Copyright (c) 2024 Revista Colombiana de Salud Ocupacional http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Early detection of chronic work stress in doctors a scope review
Introduction: Chronic Work Stress (CLS), defined as “an individual's reaction to work demands and pressures that do not fit their knowledge and abilities, testing their ability to cope with the situation,” is a problem real among health workers due to exacerbation of psychoemotional symptoms that affect medical care and user satisfaction. Objective: Identify ELC diagnostic strategies and timely and comprehensive intervention tools in medical personnel, reduce exposure to stressors, and mitigate risk factors contributing to public health. Methods: A scoping review was carried out following a search strategy designed with each database consulted: Scielo, Pubmed, Medline (Ovid), Embase, and LILACS. The quality of the selected articles was evaluated using the tool suggested by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI); The methodology proposed by the JBI for this was followed. Results: A total of 22,847 studies were found, of which 31 were selected to carry out the review, where it was identified that there is an indifferent use of the terms burnout, ELC, and exhaustion, unaware that they are different stages of the same disease. Conclusions: There are validated measurement scales for the diagnosis and measurement of ELC in other professions, but there were no studies describing tools for the diagnosis of ELC specifically in medical personnel, which makes it necessary to consider the need to focus future research on this topic to treat this condition at an early stage and avoid complications.
Neurological symptoms associated with mercury exposure in a population from the Chocó Department, Colombia
Objective: The study aimed to demonstrate the association between mercury levels and possible neurological symptoms in 11 gold-mining municipalities of Chocó, Colombia, during the year 2016. Methods: This research was approached through a cross-sectional analytical study. A Chi-square test was conducted to indicate the association between the neurological symptoms reported by the population and records of mercury exposure levels exceeding the permissible limits, both environmental and occupational. Finally, a relationship was established to help explain how high mercury levels in hair, blood, and urine biomarkers are related to nervous system symptoms in the population of Chocó. Results: A significant relationship was found between high mercury levels and symptoms such as headache, numbness, concentration and memory problems, vertigo, nervousness, sadness, irritability, blurred vision, muscle weakness, and general weakness. Conclusion: It was found that symptoms associated with high levels of environmental and occupational mercury exposure were headache, numbness, concentration problems, memory problems, vertigo, nervousness, sadness, irritability, blurred vision, decreased muscle strength, and weakness.
Identification of the Effects of noise exposure on the health of forest operators
Background: Noise in the work environment is one of the leading occupational health problems. In forestry companies, workers are constantly exposed to dangerous noise levels. Objective: To identify the effects of noise exposure on the health of forestry workers in a company in Restrepo, Valle del Cauca. Methods: We conducted a quantitative and descriptive study of eight forestry workers. Sociodemographic variables, working conditions, and health were analyzed. Surveys and in situ measurements were applied, and the results were compared with national standards. Results: 100% of the operators were men, with a 1 to 5 years seniority. The positions most exposed to noise (more than 85 dB) included crane operators, loggers, and loggers. Sleep disturbances (37.5%), hearing disturbances (50%), and headaches (87.5%) were identified. Noise is considered excessive by 62.5%, and no previous noise measurements have been performed at the company. Conclusions: The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is insufficient to mitigate the effects of noise. Implementing regular noise measurements and improving communication mechanisms between operators is crucial to reduce risks and improve their health.
Working Conditions, Intervention Measures, Mining
Musculoskeletal Models of the Lumbar Spine in OpenSim for Load Lifting Analysis: An Exploratory Systematic Review
Introduction:The prevalence of low back pain among workers constitutes a global challenge with considerable economic and social impact. Although OpenSim offers potential for analyzing load lifting in the lumbar spine, current reviews are insufficient. Objective: To identify the existing literature on musculoskeletal models of the lumbar spine in OpenSim and their application in load lifting analysis. Method: An exploratory systematic review was conducted following the methodological framework proposed by Arskey and O'Malley and Levac et al., in addition to PRISMA guidelines. The search covered 7 databases, applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles were selected and verified by two reviewers. Results: Out of 697 articles reviewed, 18 were deemed eligible, presenting 5 models for load lifting analysis, involving 11 healthy individuals. Notably, the model by Akhavanfar et al., validated for dynamic lifting/lowering tasks, promises a more accurate estimation of spinal loads. This improvement could have significant implications in occupational ergonomics, preventing injuries. Conclusions: The use of musculoskeletal models in OpenSim represents a key advancement in research, offering tools to enhance the understanding and management of workers' health, with the potential to drive more effective ergonomic interventions.
Mental and behavioral disorders stemming from the care or infection of COVID-19 in healthcare professionals: a case study in a public institution
Introduction: This study investigates the psychological and psychiatric impact of COVID-19 on healthcare professionals. It focuses on how the pandemic, through work-related stress and direct exposure to the virus, has increased cases of anxiety, depression, and PTSD among these workers, particularly in Mexico. Comparative global data are analyzed to contextualize the magnitude of the problem at an international level. Objective: To analyse the consequences of mental and behavioural disorders caused by COVID-19 in health professionals in a public institution in a Mexican state Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study during the period 2020-2023. A total of 58 cases of work-related mental disorders in COVID-19 conditions were selected, with special attention to 19 cases directly associated with the disease. Results: 57.9% of healthcare professionals affected by COVID-19 were women, mainly aged 40-50 years. 94.7% worked in social security, with doctors and nurses being the most common occupations. The mental disorders studied were strongly influenced by biological factors, with difficulty in concentration and anxiety emerging as the predominant symptoms. The analysis highlighted the severity of COVID-19 and the severity of disorders such as major depression. Occupational disabilities reflected an alarming trend toward extended periods of absence. These findings underscore the economic and human burden of COVID-19 in the health sector. Conclusions: The urgency of psychological support strategies for healthcare personnel and the importance of integrating mental health into occupational health training and policies are emphasized. The research highlights the need for continuous mental health surveillance and the conduction of future longitudinal studies.
Risks and working conditions of garbage collector. A participative diagnosis
Objective: To identify risks and working conditions that limit the safety and health of garbage collectors through a participatory diagnosis in a municipality of the Valleys Region of the state of Jalisco. Methods: The methodological design was placed under the perspective of participatory action research. Therefore, this task consisted in favoring the collective in question to reflect on the work process, the risks and working conditions they face, through organized activities and the use of the knowledge and experiences of each of the participants. The Participatory Action Research (PAR) process involved four dimensions: the pre-research, the diagnostic, the transformative and the evaluation stage. The participatory diagnosis is the nodal axis of the PAR. Its development was carried out in three stages; 1. Determine the problem 2. Reflection, prioritization of problems, define the causes and their effects 3. Identify alternative solutions to priority problems and execution. Identify alternative solutions to priority problems. Results: The most frequent and serious problems were long working hours, low salaries, lack of equipment and training, and poor health service. The most important risks were physical, mechanical, ergonomic and biological risks. In proposed solutions, the group suggested a training course to raise awareness on occupational health and safety. Conclusions: Garbage collection is a sacrificed and poorly paid job; it is the feeling of the 31 workers. It is urgent to improve working conditions and the prevention of risks since workers are in a vulnerable situation.
Absenteeism in teachers from the perception of the rectors of educational institutions of the official regime of the Department of Sucre
Introduction: Absenteeism in teachers is understood as all those cases in which the teacher does not show up at his or her job and therefore does not perform the functions assigned to his or her position during the working day; Such absence may be with or without the authorization of his immediate superior, who in the case of educational institutions is the rector. Objective: To describe the problem of absenteeism in teachers from the perspective of the rectors of educational institutions of the official regime of the Department of Sucre. Methods: This is a quantitative, non-experimental study with a cross-sectional design, with a descriptive scope. The study sample consisted of 45 rectors of public educational institutions representative of the municipalities of the Department of Sucre, excluding the city of Sincelejo; An Ad Hoc survey was applied to them about the problem of absenteeism in teachers. Results: It was found that the most predominant type of absenteeism according to the perception of the rectors is disability due to general illnesses, with the health factor being the greatest predisposing factor for the presence of cases of absenteeism in teachers; where, the tendency is for women to be the ones with the highest cases of absenteeism. Conclusion: Female teaching staff, teachers over or equal to 50 years of age, Mondays and Fridays, the month of September, general illness and ultimately the health factor were configured in this study as key aspects of the absenteeism profile in teachers of educational institutions of the official regime in the Department of Sucre.
The violet economy in a group of independent small industry workers in the city of Quito
Background: The violet economy recognizes the value of culture and creativity in sustainable development, integrating cultural activities into economic systems to drive innovation, social cohesion and job creation. Objective: Determine the perception of the violet economy in a group of female workers based on 11 categories. Methods: Population made up of women heads of household. A structured survey was applied on eleven aspects of the violet economy using the survey technique. Twelve visits were made to the commercial premises of the popular and solidarity economy system of the Municipality of Quito. Results: It is observed that 36% of women have been running their businesses for more than a year, with the areas of food, services and fashion being the most prevalent. Microenterprises were the most frequent with 26% of the cases. For 21% of families, this is the only source of sustenance. 18% of the participants receive support from the state and 23% have benefited from private companies. Conclusions: The majority of those surveyed are not aware of the credit stimuli available to boost their businesses and even the notion of the violet economy is not consolidated from its conceptual definition, thus limiting the development of their ventures not only due to the non-adoption of the principles of gender equality in the workplace, but also due to the lack of knowledge of affirmative actions that are currently available to working women.
Colombian physicians' experiences in the diagnosis of Burnout syndrome. A qualitative analysis
Introduction: Burnout syndrome has gained relevance in both the workplace and healthcare fields, although challenges persist in its definition and diagnosis. Objectives: To investigate the experiences of Colombian physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of burnout syndrome. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven physicians, using content analysis to identify categories related to medical training and burnout as a nosological entity. Results: Participants acknowledged the syndrome and its dimensions but needed more formal training and clear criteria for diagnosis. Burnout is associated with intra and extralaboral factors, impacting the diagnostic process. Treatment approaches varied depending on the professional role, focusing on modifying work-related factors or addressing symptoms with pharmacological or psychosocial interventions. Diagnosis is complex due to a lack of specific criteria and tools, leading to suspicions rather than a definitive diagnosis. Furthermore, diagnosis can be influenced by economic, organizational, administrative, and legal considerations in the participants' work contexts. Conclusions: The importance of addressing burnout from a public health perspective is emphasized, considering the impact of the work environment on health. While mental health experts focus on individual diagnoses and treatment, occupational physicians concentrate on correcting working conditions. Comprehensive research is needed to consider burnout syndrome's social and legal implications
Prevalence of injuries, musculoskeletal symptomatology, and biomechanical risk factors in professional dancers
Introduction: The physiological overload and high training loads involved in professional dance practice make dancers vulnerable to injury. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of injuries, musculoskeletal symptoms, and the presence of biomechanical risk factors related to static loading in professional dancers. Methods: A quantitative, observational, descriptive study with analytical and transversal intention was conducted. A survey was designed, and a photographic record of the risk postures was made after informed consent was obtained from a sample of 180 dancers of 5 different dance genres. Data analysis was performed using the JAMOVI statistical package in its version 2.3.21. Results: Of the total sample, 87.2% (n= 157) of cases developed musculoskeletal symptoms in the last year, with overuse being the most common cause. Given the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, more than 50% (n= 90) of the dancers presented at least one injury in the last year. Regarding risk factors, 96.1% (n= 173) of the professional dancers found high or very high risk for static loading. Conclusion: This study shows that musculoskeletal injuries are common among professional dancers, especially ligaments and tendons, and many develop musculoskeletal symptoms from overuse. In addition, strained posture and stress on joints can increase the risk of injury from static loads. Even so, dancers continue to practice because of the financial dependence on their careers.
Situational diagnosis of job precariousness among nurses in two public institutions in Mexico City: a view from occupational health
Introduction.- Research on precariousness in the world of work is a long-standing topic that describes major transformations introduced by the pattern of wealth accumulation known as Toyota-flexibility of intensified production. In Mexico, employer management of the workforce in the health sector tends to reinforce flexible hiring schemes, unfolding the precarious dimensions of nurses' work. The premise of the study maintains that the increase in precariousness has modified the environment of labor relations of the two public institutions studied. Objective.- Prepare a situational diagnosis of the job insecurity of nurses in two public institutions in Mexico City, from the perspective of occupational health. Methods.- Type of study: mixed, sequential. Design: transversal, interpretive. Population: nurses from two public institutions in Mexico City. Selection criteria: quantitative phase, for convenience through 132 participants who answered the same number of questionnaires; qualitative phase, through key informants. Results.- From the SIARHE platform: the workforce of the study population is 10,369 nurses assigned to two public institutions. From the CTESLAC questionnaire: 132 participants, 80% women, 25% aged 41 to 50 years, 38% do not have social security, 53% without a basic appointment, 20% have an auxiliary code and 44% are nursing technicians, 40% rate their health status as fair to very poor. From the informants interviewed: the significant segments refer to employment conditions, work environment, salaries, rights, social security and mental health. Conclusions.- The study coincides with empirical findings carried out by other research on job insecurity and identifies employment policies in the sector that fragment the group of nurses. The diagnosis highlights that there is a growing deterioration in working conditions with harmful effects on job stability, mental health and work, as well as the need to deepen this line of research.
Risk factors, consequences and methods of coping with serious occupational stress in health professionals
Introduction: In literature, various concepts related to stress derived from work performance are identified that coincide with the origin of occupational factors in health professionals and the particular characteristics in each individual in which different stress levels are consequently established, among which is worryingly severe stress. Objective: Describe the risk factors, consequences, and coping methods for severe occupational stress in health professionals. Methods: A narrative review was carried out, structured from the PIO question with a search strategy for original studies in four electronic databases, with a selection of keywords and a combination of concepts with two Boolean operators. The Rayyan tool was used to manage the data. Subsequently, the information was extracted in a previously designed Excel matrix, which made it possible to describe the studies and organization of the thematic content obtained. Results: 74 studies were included, and the distribution by country was mapped. The studies were characterized by three outcomes corresponding to severe occupational stress risk factors, consequences, and coping methods. Conclusions: It is evident that health professionals are at high risk of severe occupational stress associated with work hours without rest, rotations and night shifts, and exposure to various situations that generate different consequences on their health and are occupational risks. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize stressors early.
Personal fulfillment and resilience, protective factors against Burnout in Mexican health care workers during the pandemic
Introduction: This study sought to recognize the behavior between resilience, Burnout Syndrome (BS), and its dimensions in health workers, who were mainly affected by psychosocial risk factors in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted with 69 workers from a general hospital in the State of Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic from November 2022 to May 2023. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Wagnild ER-14 Resilience Scale were applied. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis with Spearman's correlation (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The prevalence of BS was 8.7% (6/69), the level of emotional exhaustion (EA) was low in 47.8% (33/69), the level of depersonalization (DP) was low in 37.7% (26/69), and the level of personal fulfillment (PF) was high in 62.3% (43/69). Resilience was high and very high in 86.95% (60/69). Significant correlations were found between EA and DP ((r=.588, p=0.000); RP and resilience (r =0.317, r =0.317, p=0.008); and DP and RP (r=-0.361, p =0.020). Belonging to the medical staff represented a risk factor for developing BS (p=0.012), and higher education, a risk for a higher DP (p = 0.029). Conclusion: The studied population showed a low prevalence of BS and a very high degree of resilience. The positive correlation between resilience and PF highlights its protective effect on SB and, in general, against chronic stress. It is important to identify both protective and triggering factors, in order to improve preventive measures.
Sensation of reduced personal accomplishment
Ergonomic risk in indigenous women of three communities of Vaupés in the scraping of cassava for the traditional manufacture of fariña
Background: Fariña is a typical food of Vaupés traditionally manufactured by indigenous women through a process that links 6 phases: planting, harvesting, transport, grating, drying, and roasting. This food is a basic input in the diet of the indigenous peoples, so its production is designed for self-consumption; however, nowadays, this product is easily marketed, which generates an increase in its production in the territory. Objective: To determine the level of ergonomic risk to which Indigenous women's health is exposed during the cassava grating phase for the traditional manufacture of fariña. Methods: The research design associates a quantitative approach methodology in which the JSI method was used with data from three Indigenous women, 38, 42, and 47 years of age, inhabitants of the communities of Cubay, Cerrito Verde, and Ceima Cachivera in Vaupés, who produce fariña for family consumption. The instruments used were field observation and unstructured interviews. Result: It was possible to determine a high risk to women's health during the shredding of cassava that could eventually lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders, making it possible to infer that it is inappropriate to increase the traditional production of fariña for commercial purposes.
The association of psychological violence and workplace harassment in workers of a private educational center in the city of Quito, Ecuador
Introduction: After three decades of research into the phenomenon of workplace violence and harassment, their presence in work environments and the threat they represent to the health and well-being of workers are widely recognized. This study addresses this labor problem in a private educational center in the city of Quito, with teaching, administrative and general services staff with full-time contracts. Objective: Determinate the association of psychological violence and workplace harassment with sociodemographic work factors, in workers of a Private Educational Center in the city of Quito, Ecuador. Methods: Comparative cross-sectional study, a sample of 76 teaching, administrative and general service workers. A validated instrument called the Violence and Psychological Harassment Inventory IVAPT PANDO (2006) and a sociodemographic and labor data questionnaire were applied. Results: The study reported 88% presence of violence with an intensity of violence of 20% and a presence of psychological harassment of 22%. None of the sociodemographic data met the statistical parameters established to be indicated as influential factors in the presence of violence, intensity and presence of workplace harassment, and the type of job, being a teacher, is indicated as a variable that suggests affecting the presence of violence. and psychological workplace harassment. Conclusion: There is no association between sociodemographic factors and the presence of psychological violence and workplace harassment in the study group; however, they are indicators that require attention and intervention. Being a teacher suggests being one of the most exposed professions.
Stress and body composition associated with allostatic load in a university work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic
Introduction: The burden of chronic diseases constitutes a major challenge for all global health systems since they generate four out of every five deaths that occur in low- and middle-income countries. On the other hand, it is estimated that a work-active individual spends a third of the time at his or her workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant changes in the workplace, causing an increase in workplace stress in universities and educational institutions. The abrupt transition to online teaching, its technical and logistical challenges, and the need to adapt to new digital tools increased the workload and work hours. Objective: To evaluate stress, allostatic load, and their association with body composition in a university work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with participants from different job ranks in a university institution. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics were collected for each individual, the level of stress was measured using the Inventory of Anxiety Situations and Responses, and the allostatic load was determined. Based on the results of each area, a univariate analysis will be carried out for sociodemographic variables, and a bivariate analysis will be carried out to establish the associations of qualitative variables. Results: Statistically significant correlations were found between allostatic load and stress. In addition, there is a significant association between allostatic load and anthropometric variables, specifically neck circumference. Conclusions: Promoting healthy work environments and stress management strategies in the workplace is necessary to prevent negative effects on employee health related to allostatic load and anthropometric changes.
International Observatory of Pneumoconiosis in the Americas
Pneumoconioses still remain a common issue in occupational safety and health due to the lack of official information on the number of workers exposed to pneumocongenic agents and former workers who were exposed to these agents. This lack of data can hinder the assessment of the magnitude of the problem, the implementation of preventive measures, the provision of adequate medical care, and compensation for affected individuals.
Occupational challenges in people who work and study simultaneously
Background: Currently, the socio-economic dynamics of the work market and the specialization of knowledge promote workers to pursue continuing and postgraduate education to update their knowledge, improve their income, increase possibilities of participation in the field of work and generate greater labor competitiveness; which generates assuming a double role: worker and student. Objective: Identify advances in research on occupational adaptation in people who work and study simultaneously from the perspective of Occupational Therapy. Methods: a search and retrieval of articles was carried out in the databases: ERIC, Scopus, PubMed and Elsevier, taking occupational therapy, occupational adaptation, work and study as keywords. Results: The generated search equation did not return results in any database. The search was adjusted considering the categories in the study: occupational therapy in education; adult education, occupational adaptation; Postgraduate education. Including 30 articules for analysis. Conclusions: Working and studying simultaneously and from the perspective of Occupational Therapy is identified as a process of occupational adaptation that is generally accompanied by occupational challenges in which the balance between personal life, work and study is framed
Workplace psychological violence and affectivity in prison workers of Mexico
Introduction: It is considered that the work environment of penitentiary centers has a high risk of psychological violence, which can impact the mental health of the worker. Objective: To analyze the relationship of occupational psychological violence with the affectivity and socio-labor characteristics of workers in Mexican penitentiary centers, in the period 2021-2022. Methods: Cross-sectional and analytical study of 8 penitentiary centers in Mexico, from a convenience sample, using three instruments: 1. Inventory of Violence and Psychological Harassment at Work (IVAPT-PANDO), validated in Mexico and other countries. 2. Positive and Negative Affect Scale, initially validated by Watson, Clark and Tellegen en1988, using the 18-item version, proposed by Hernández-Pozo et al., (in process of publication) and 3. Questionnaire of sociodemographic and labor data elaborated expressly with 11 questions; the data obtained were processed with the SPSS 26 26 program and chi-square values were obtained as a measures of association. Results: 209 workers participated, 49.3% of the workers refered to the presence of psychological violence at a high level, significant associations were found with negative affectivity (57.777, p=0.000), anger-disgust (53.139, p=0.000) and fear-shame (42.834, p=0.000). Conclusions: Workplace psychological violence in the penitentiary centers studied is more prevalent compared to other populations. A strong relationship with negative affectivity was found, even when the frequency of this violence is minimal.
Copyright (c) 2023 Revista Colombiana de Salud Ocupacional http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Psychosocial risk factors associated with burnout syndrome in health care workersT SYNDROME IN HEALTH WORKERS
Introduction: Burnout Syndrome (BS) develops in people who experience an excessive workload, resulting in a significant deterioration in mental health and physical condition. Objective: To know the psychosocial risk factors associated with burnout syndrome in health workers. Methods: Through a systematic review with a qualitative approach, 19 published articles were collected from four databases: Scielo, Google Scholar, Dialnet and PubMed. Results: the risk factors associated with SB are female sex, comorbidities, work overload, monotonous activities, lack of active breaks, inadequate nutrition, shortage of supplies, type of contract and work area. Protective factors include daily exercise, healthy eating, restful sleep, assertive personality, and hygiene at work. Conclusion: It is imperative to promote self-confidence and job satisfaction, as well as provide a safe and healthy work environment. Workers should be encouraged to ask for help when necessary to ensure quality care for patients and an optimal work environment for staff.
Occupational risk factors associated with the bioremediation process in power plants
Introduction: This study addresses occupational risks associated with phytoremediation in power plants, where microorganisms transform pollutants. It highlights its relevance in the electrical industry, noting environmental benefits and risks for workers, encompassing chemical, biological, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial aspects. The impact on respiratory and overall health of workers due to exposure to chemicals and microorganisms is discussed, along with the risk of infectious diseases from handling contaminated materials. Methods: The study is based on a systematic review of scientific literature published between 2017 and 2023, sourced from databases such as Dialnet, Pubmed, Scielo, Clinical Key, and Bvs. Search criteria focused on descriptors like chemical risk, biological risk, physical risk, soil phytoremediation, occupational disease, and psychosocial risk. Results: The theoretical review comprising 21 articles reveals Spain leading in intellectual production (24%), followed by the United States and Colombia (19% each), with 2019 (24%) and 2023 (19%) standing out. Articles emphasize the importance of phytoremediation in mitigating risks and pollution but also underscore occupational hazards. Constant exposure to microorganisms and chemicals affects worker health, necessitating monitoring and preventive measures against potential illnesses. Interdisciplinary collaboration among occupational health, environmental, and biotechnology experts is crucial for effectively addressing occupational risks. Conclusions: Phytoremediation offers environmental benefits, but stringent standards and preventive measures must be implemented to ensure the safety and health of employees in this growing industrial context.
The experience of loneliness in men who telework: an analysis from phenomenology
Introduction: in modern societies people live more alone every day and work modalities such as teleworking cause social isolation and feelings of loneliness. Occupational risks in face-to-face tasks have been widely characterized, but the risks of remote work modalities are still under investigation. This qualitative research aimed to study how teleworkers experience loneliness and the aspects that determine this experience. Methods: Seven teleworkers were recruited to participate in face-to-face semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) methodology. The participants described in detail their way of working and work relationships, information that was grouped into themes and categories from which the results were generated. Results: Full-time teleworking, such as the one that occurred during the pandemic, caused feelings of intense loneliness in workers, which worsened with the distance generated by inadequate virtual communication and the absence of interpersonal ties. Conclusion: The experience of the participants showed that teleworking causes loneliness in workers, but hybrid work and relationships between coworkers that occur in non-work settings decrease the perception of loneliness, so it is necessary for organizations with this modality of work have face-to-face workspaces and improve their communication strategies.
Regulatory view: health effects caused by exposure to asbestos fiber
Introduction: The damage caused by asbestos exposure in humans has been extensively documented, resulting in diseases such as asbestosis, pleural plaques, lung cancer, mesothelioma, pleural thickening, pleural effusions, among others. Objective: To describe the health effects of asbestos fiber exposure, current legislation regarding handling, the prohibition of Asbestos-Asbestos use in Chile, and how to approach medical-legal qualification for asbestos fiber exposure. Methods: An exhaustive search was conducted in recognized medical databases, including PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and the database of the National Congress Library of Chile/BCN, during the years 2022 and 2023. Results: In Chile, pathologies related to asbestos fibers, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, have been a cause for concern due to the health risks associated with exposure to this material. Asbestosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. The pathophysiology leading to pleural alterations by asbestos fibers is due to pleural infiltration and activation of inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, which release inflammatory mediators and growth factors. The occurrence of pleural mesothelioma varies according to asbestos exposure levels in the population. Conclusions: Avoiding asbestos exposure is the most effective way to prevent the occurrence and/or prevalence of diseases derived from this agent.
Occupational health conditions under resolution 3050 in Colombia
Background: Starting with resolution 3050, which adopts the Manual of Comprehensive Rehabilitation Procedures for labor and occupational reincorporation in the General System of Occupational Risks, some of its innovations address the need to regulate situations of abuse of rights by the employee (art. 11)ii and the modification for the Occupational Risk Administrators (ARL) in the issuance times of the Rehabilitation Concept (120 days according to the provisions in force in the aforementioned resolution). Objective: Analyze the impact of Resolution 3050 of 2022 on occupational health, focusing on absenteeism, abuse of rights, occupational risk managers, prolonged disabilities, and return to work. Reflection: It has been analyzed that an early return to work can have benefits for the various participants in the process: Workers, Employers, Health Professionals, Health Promotion Entities (EPS), Service Provider Institutions (IPS), Occupational Risk Administrators (ARL), Regulatory Authorities, families, and Community. On the one hand, insurers can optimize the resources allocated to healthcare and economic benefits. On the other hand, the employer can initiate an early process of adaptation and work production, which can lead to improvements in the company's absenteeism and economic productivity indicators. Conclusion: Among the factors that affect the abuse of the right and the prolongation of disabilities are the difficulties in the process of articulation and effective communication between the comprehensive health team involved in the medical and therapeutic treatment of the worker.
Preventive guidelines for the current working life and active work aging of a group of workers in Colombia.
The importance of the worker within a company goes beyond the productive part and the business development indicators; a real and important value must be given to the workers as a person, where the personal and cultural factors that influence individual development are taken into account; This is why the challenge of the companies and mainly of those responsible for safety and health at work are framed in the influence that has to favor the welfare and health of all workers, thus achieving that in the timeline is reflected in the worker that importance given based on the individual, group, cultural and diversity perspective. Consequently, it is important to mention that within this commitment, emphasis should be placed on the intervention of the groups at greatest risk, taking into account their epidemiological characteristics, regardless of the work activity of the company. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)