Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

doi: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003360pmid: 40063764

Clinical Significance We are introducing a new product, which might help firefighters in controlling body temperature when fighting fires. The product is tested in a live burn facility and compared with a standard firefighter coat. Testing is so designed to help the engineers to learn from the data for improving the product.

Clinical significance Exposure to high frequency vibration (1250 Hz) resulted in reductions in blood flow and an increased sensitivity to pressure in a rat-tail model of vibration-induced dysfunction. Based on these data, high frequency vibration can contribute to the development of hand pain in workers using tools that emit high frequency vibration.

Abstract Objectives This study examined whether gestational weight gain (GWG) mediates the relationship between maternal shift work and postpartum weight retention (PPWR). Methods Mothers with singleton births in the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study were assessed for shift work, GWG, and PPWR. Propensity score matching balanced baseline characteristics. We applied multivariable generalized linear regression and causal mediation analysis for the associations, with GWG amount and excessive GWG as mediators. Results Shift work before pregnancy was associated with higher GWG (0.55 kg, 95% CI: 0.36-0.75) and increased odds of excessive GWG (adjusted OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08-1.29). Excessive GWG mediated the relationship between shift work and PPWR, with shift workers retaining 0.37 kg more at 6 months postpartum. Conclusions Maternal shift work before pregnancy increases GWG, contributing to PPWR. Managing GWG is crucial to reduce shift work-related PPWR.

Abstract Objectives Identify relevant gaps and suggest modifications to OEM Graduate Medical Education to increase knowledge about potential climate change impacts, teach practical skills, and promote relevant actions to protect workers. Methods ACOEM competencies were aligned to the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE) physician competencies. ACGME OEM milestones were re-examined using a milestone curricular guide based on the peer-reviewed GCCHE competencies. Results Climate-change related OEM knowledge and skills are proposed for each OEM core competency domain. Nine residency milestones mapped to the ten ACOEM core competencies are highlighted by incorporating a climate-related activity along with a call to action. Conclusion OEM training already provides more climate-relevant content than other specialties. Nonetheless, OEM residents need more climate change education to help employers, workers, and their communities to anticipate, mitigate, and adapt to climate change.

Abstract Objective: We investigated the impact of workplace heat and cold on work time loss. Methods: Field experiments in different industrial sectors were conducted in multiple countries across all seasons between 2016 and 2024. Hundreds of workers were video-recorded and their full shifts (n = 603) were analyzed on a second-by-second basis (n = 16,065,501 sec). Environmental data were recorded using portable weather stations. The Workplace Environmental Labor Loss (WELL) functions were developed to describe work time loss due to workplace temperature. Results: The WELL functions revealed a U-shaped relationship whereby the least work time loss is observed at 18 °C (64 °F), and increases for every degree above or below this optimal temperature. Conclusions: The WELL functions quantify the impact of workplace temperature on work time loss, extending to temperatures previously believed to be unaffected.