Joanne O. Crawford

The interaction between lid diameter, height and shape on wrist torque exertion in younger and older adults

The following study investigated wrist torque strength measurements of a group of younger and older adults. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of shape, diameter and height of lid on wrist torque opening strength. Forty participants took part in the study in four groups, younger males and females and older males and females. Data were collected for 12 test pieces. Anthropometric data were also obtained for stature, weight, hand breadth, hand length, chuck grip force, grip force, lateral grip force and pinch grip force. The analysis of the wrist torque strength measurements found that participants could exert greater force with square test pieces compared to circular test pieces of the same diameter. Examination of the circular test pieces found that as diameter and height increased, so did torque exertion data for the test pieces between 20 mm and 50 mm diameter. The surface area of the test pieces was found to be highly correlated with the level of torque exertion, thus a linear model was developed to describe this relationship. The model could be used to predict maximal torque closure levels for use in the packaging industry. The anthropometric data revealed that as height, weight, hand length and hand breadth increased, there was a correlation with the levels of torque exerted. Future research needs to further examine the relationship between surface area and torque exerted and the design of spherical lids to increase the contact area between the hand and the lid.

A review of the impact of shift work on occupational cancer: Part 2 – mechanistic and health and safety evidence

Abstract The aim of this study is to carry out a review of the putative mechanism and health and safety evidence between 2005 and 2015 to inform practice using a systematic review methodology. The International Agency for Research on Cancer highlighted two potentially important mechanisms that may be involved in causing breast cancer following (night) shift work; light at night suppressing melatonin production and epigenetic changes in genes controlling circadian rhythms. Other mechanisms that have been investigated include the effect of chronotype, vitamin D status, psychological stress, fatigue, physiological dysfunction and poor health behaviours including smoking, drinking alcohol, poor diet, the timing of eating food and obesity. Interventions that have been investigated include shift design, pharmacological, chronotype selection, strategic napping and adherence to national cancer screening programmes. Suppression of night time production of melatonin and/or obesity remains the most plausible biological mechanisms for an association between shift work and cancer. Employers should facilitate the overall reduction in cancer risk for shift workers by enabling better health behaviours and facilitate access to national cancer screening programmes.

A review of the impact of shift-work on occupational cancer: part 1 – epidemiological research

Abstract There are a growing number of studies suggesting a link between night shift work and increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. In 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer described shift work involving circadian disruption as probably carcinogenic to humans. A systematic review of the epidemiology on shift work and cancer from 2005 to 2015 was carried out. We used standard systematic review methodology to identify, critically appraise and summarize the relevant epidemiological literature. We looked at reviews and meta-analyses from 2005 to 2015 and recent studies published from 2013 to 2015. For breast cancer, the relative risks of working night shifts have been reducing from 1.5 to around 1.2 over the past decade. A recent meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies has suggested that the overall relative risk of breast cancer may not be raised at all. The evidence for a raised risk of cancers other than breast cancer remains somewhat limited. The epidemiological evidence suggests that if a cancer risk exists from occupational exposure to night shift work, then the relative risk will be no more than around 1.1 or 1.2 and indeed may not exist at all.

A review of the impact of shift-work on cancer: summary of the evidence for practitioners

Abstract Shift work that involves disruption to the body’s circadian rhythm is classified as probably carcinogenic to humans based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in experimental animals. This article draws together the available information from the epidemiological, mechanistic and health and safety practice research to provide advice for practitioners. There is evidence that the increase in breast cancer risk amongst women who have worked night shifts is relatively modest and we cannot exclude the possibility that there is no cancer risk. If a causal association exists, the most likely mechanism is night time suppression of the production of the hormone melatonin. However, the observed increased risk of breast cancer amongst night shift workers may be due to higher prevalence of obesity and other lifestyle risks in this group of women. Current health and safety policies for shift work generally do not address cancer risks. Employers should develop a workplace policy for night work that informs workers about the potential cancer risks and possible strategies to minimize risks. Employers should also help reduce the cancer risk for shift workers through health promotion initiatives and encouraging access to cancer screening programmes. We summarize the evidence and recommendations in an infographic.

Healthy Workplaces in Europe and Malaysia

It is estimated that we spend at least a third of our working lives in the workplace and the duration of this, due to the extension of working lives through legislative changes and increased pension ages, is set to increase. Ageing of the workforce is a growing concern but health and safety issues cannot be used as an excuse for not employing older workers. A healthy workplace is one where the risks are managed and where workers and their managers work together to improve the work environment and protect the health of the workers. Furthermore, linking this to personal health resources and the local community can improve the health of all involved. Within the workplace this includes both the psychosocial and physical work environment. To create a healthy workplace there is a need to ensure risk management measures are in place and our older workers participation in risk assessment and risk reduction programmes. In addition to this, targeted occupational health promotion programmes may be beneficial. There are few integrated policies with regard to age and work but research does identify good practice, including participation of employees in change measures, senior management commitment and taking a life-course approach. While there are challenges in relation to age-related change, the work ability concept can improve understanding. The use of a comprehensive approach such as Age Management can help employers who have a critical role in making the workplace age-ready.