Last data update: Apr 29, 2024. (Total: 46658 publications since 2009)
Records 1-14 (of 14 Records) |
Query Trace: Menéndez CC[original query] |
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Mixed messages and COVID-19 prevention: Why information isn't always enough to protect meat processing workers
Sivén JM , Coburn J , Call TP , Mahoney D , Flores RR , Kaur H , Flynn MA , Menéndez CC . AJPM Focus 2023 100128 INTRODUCTION: The objective of this project was to investigate U.S. meat and poultry processing workers' knowledge of COVID-19, perceived ability to protect themselves from infection, and perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines to inform COVID-19 prevention efforts within this linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse workforce. METHODS: Qualitative semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with Mexican, Central American, Congolese refugee, and Black or African American meat/poultry processing workers from Mississippi, Minnesota, Virginia, and Kentucky (N=40). Data were collected from December 5, 2020, to January 28, 2021. Interview audio was transcribed, and rapid qualitative data analysis was used to analyze transcripts. RESULTS: Most participants expressed receiving mixed messages about COVID-19 protection measures: they were told how to protect themselves (n=38), but workplace policies (such as lack of paid sick leave) often undermined their efforts. Participants who were asked about COVID-19 vaccines (n=31) were aware there were one or more vaccines available to protect them from COVID-19; one-third were eager to get vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based efforts may consider supplementing large scale unified information campaigns in order to prevent mixed messages, address worker needs to accurately gauge the threat of illness to their families and communities and empower them to prevent infection. |
Research gaps and needs for preventing worker fatigue in the transportation and utilities industries
Sieber WK , Chen GX , Krueger GP , Lincoln JE , Menéndez CC , O'Connor MB . Am J Ind Med 2022 65 (11) 857-866 BACKGROUND: The transportation and utilities industries include establishments engaged in the movement of passengers and freight, or the provision of public power, water, and other services. Along with the warehousing industry, they make up the US National Occupational Research Agenda's Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (TWU) industry sector. In 2018 the sector composed 5% of the US workforce, with approximately 8 million workers. TWU workers experienced 19% of all fatalities among U.S. workers in 2018 and 7% of total occupational injuries and illnesses. METHODS: Around-the-clock operations, heavy workloads, long and irregular shifts, complicated schedules, and time pressures characterize work across the US TWU sector. However, there are considerable differences in worker priorities and concerns between TWU industries. Major areas of concern within the sector include disparities in work schedules; required training for employee fatigue awareness and prevention; physical and mental job demands; and safety culture. RESULTS: Strategies for fatigue mitigation are critical to reduce the prevalence of injuries, safety-critical events, and crashes in TWU workers. Further research on the incidence and characterization of fatigue among TWU workers will guide the development of effective mitigation strategies. The influence of work scheduling on missed sleep opportunities and disrupted circadian rhythms should be determined. Evaluation of fatigue mitigation strategies can lead to the adoption of the most effective ones for each TWU industry. CONCLUSION: Implementation of effective strategies is critical for the health, safety, wellbeing, and productivity of workers in the TWU sector. |
Impact of a crime prevention ordinance for small retail establishments
Davis J , Casteel C , Menéndez CC . Am J Ind Med 2021 64 (6) 488-495 BACKGROUND: Ordinances requiring the implementation of robbery prevention measures have been enacted at the city level in many jurisdictions. We evaluated the impact of an ordinance requiring crime prevention measures on subsequent crime rates. METHODS: Crime reports for robbery and aggravated assault from January 2006 through December 2015 were linked to randomly-selected convenience stores and small retail grocers in Houston (n = 293). Store characteristics and compliance with a list of safety measures were collected by surveyors in 2011. Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare rates of crime before and after the implementation of the ordinance. RESULTS: Robberies decreased significantly after the ordinance went into effect (rate ratio = 0.38; 95% confidence interval 0.29-0.51). No individual safety measure was associated with decreased robbery rates. No similar decrease was observed for aggravated assault. CONCLUSIONS: City ordinances mandating crime prevention measures can be effective. We could not parse out the effectiveness of individual elements, suggesting a comprehensive approach may be more effective. |
6th National Occupational Injury Research Symposium: Advancing occupational injury research through integration and partnership
Castillo DN , Schuler CR , Menendez CC . J Safety Res 2016 60 3-4 Introduction: The National Occupational Injury Research Symposium (NOIRS) is the only regularly held forum exclusively dedicated to occupational injury research and prevention. Method: The 2015 conference theme, advancing occupational injury research through integration and partnership, shaped the conference and is reflected in articles selected for this special issue. Results' Conclusion: The 6th NOIRS, held May 19-21, 2015, brought together more than 250 researchers, occupational safety practitioners and students to share and discuss occupational injury research. Articles in this special issue highlight some of the research presented at the conference, reflect multiple scientific disciplines and approaches, cover a breadth of occupational injury causes and worker populations, and provide examples of research advanced by partnerships. Practical Applications: The next NOIRS, tentatively scheduled for 2018, will build upon the theme of integration and partnership as well as feedback from conference attendees. |
A post-conference evaluation of the 2015 National Occupational Injury Research Symposium
Schuler CR , Castillo DN , Menendez CC , Sinelnikov S , Webb S , Chavez E . J Safety Res 2016 60 5-8 Introduction: The National Occupational Injury Research Symposium (NOIRS) is the only national forum focused on occupational injury research findings, data and methods, and prevention strategies; it has been convened every 3-5. years since 1997. Held in May 2015, the 6th symposium's theme was "Advancing Occupational Injury Research through Integration and Partnership." Organizers requested that attendees complete a post-meeting evaluation to assess meeting impact, and gather information useful in planning subsequent meetings and activities. Method: The questionnaire was publicized via a quick response code and link to the survey on symposium book cover, and mentioned at each scientific session. The online survey was designed to be completed in ≤. 15. min; no identifying information was collected. Survey link remained open for seven days post-symposium. Results: About 50% of registered attendees responded. Almost half were attending their first NOIRS. Most were researchers (69%); 45% were affiliated with government and 38% with university or research institute. Five of six reported that the symposium mostly or completely met expectations. Reasons for attending included gaining exposure to new areas of research (87%), sharing their research (80%), and to develop new ideas for conducting research (79%). The majority (90%) reported that the symposium provided adequate networking opportunities. The conference venue was reported as good or better by 69%, moreso among repeat attendees (77%) compared to first-timers (61%). Discussion: The evaluation demonstrated that NOIRS was valuable to attendees, and provided a forum for sharing research results, developing new research ideas, and networking. Respondents provided input on different aspects of NOIRS and suggestions useful in planning next NOIRS, tentatively scheduled for 2018. NOIRS 2015 objectives for integration across disciplines and partnership with industry and safety professionals were partially met. In planning NOIRS 2018, more attention should be paid to attracting and engaging a broader spectrum of attendees. |
Suicide in U.S workplaces, 2003-2010: a comparison with non-workplace suicides
Tiesman HM , Konda S , Hartley D , Menendez CC , Ridenour M , Hendricks S . Am J Prev Med 2015 48 (6) 674-82 INTRODUCTION: Suicide rates have risen considerably in recent years. National workplace suicide trends have not been well documented. The aim of this study is to describe suicides occurring in U.S. workplaces and compare them to suicides occurring outside of the workplace between 2003 and 2010. METHODS: Suicide data originated from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injury database and the Web-Based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System. Suicide rates were calculated using denominators from the 2013 Current Population Survey and 2000 U.S. population census. Suicide rates were compared among demographic groups with rate ratios and 95% CIs. Suicide rates were calculated and compared among occupations. Linear regression, adjusting for serial correlation, was used to analyze temporal trends. Analyses were conducted in 2013-2014. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2010, a total of 1,719 people died by suicide in the workplace. Workplace suicide rates generally decreased until 2007 and then sharply increased (p=0.035). This is in contrast with non-workplace suicides, which increased over the study period (p=0.025). Workplace suicide rates were highest for men (2.7 per 1,000,000); workers aged 65-74 years (2.4 per 1,000,000); those in protective service occupations (5.3 per 1,000,000); and those in farming, fishing, and forestry (5.1 per 1,000,000). CONCLUSIONS: The upward trend of suicides in the workplace underscores the need for additional research to understand occupation-specific risk factors and develop evidence-based programs that can be implemented in the workplace. |
Examining occupational health and safety disparities using national data: a cause for continuing concern
Steege AL , Baron SL , Marsh SM , Menendez CC , Myers JR . Am J Ind Med 2014 57 (5) 527-38 BACKGROUND: Occupational status, a core component of socioeconomic status, plays a critical role in the well-being of U.S. workers. Identifying work-related disparities can help target prevention efforts. METHODS: Bureau of Labor Statistics workplace data were used to characterize high-risk occupations and examine relationships between demographic and work-related variables and fatality. RESULTS: Employment in high-injury/illness occupations was independently associated with being male, Black, ≤high school degree, foreign-birth, and low-wages. Adjusted fatal occupational injury rate ratios for 2005-2009 were elevated for males, older workers, and several industries and occupations. Agriculture/forestry/fishing and mining industries and transportation and materials moving occupations had the highest rate ratios. Homicide rate ratios were elevated for Black, American Indian/Alaska Native/Asian/Pacific Islanders, and foreign-born workers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of understanding patterns of disparities of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Results can improve intervention efforts by developing programs that better meet the needs of the increasingly diverse U.S. workforce. |
Nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses - United States, 2010
Baron SL , Steege AL , Marsh SM , Menéndez CC , Myers JR . MMWR Suppl 2013 62 (3) 35-40 In 2012, the U.S. civilian labor force comprised an estimated 155 million workers. Although employment can contribute positively to a worker's physical and psychological health, each year, many U.S. workers experience a work-related injury or illness. In 2011, approximately 3 million workers in private industry and 821,000 workers in state and local government experienced a nonfatal occupational injury or illness. Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses are estimated to cost the U.S. economy approximately $200 billion annually. Identifying disparities in work-related injury and illness rates can help public health authorities focus prevention efforts. Because work-related health disparities also are associated with social disadvantage, a comprehensive program to improve health equity can include improving workplace safety and health. |
Fatal work-related injuries - United States, 2005-2009
Marsh SM , Menéndez CC , Baron SL , Steege AL , Myers JR . MMWR Suppl 2013 62 (3) 41-5 In 2012, the U.S. civilian labor force comprised an estimated 155 million workers. Although employment can contribute positively to a worker's physical and psychological health, each year, many U.S. workers are fatally injured at work. In 2011, a total of 4,700 U.S. workers died from occupational injuries. Workplace deaths are estimated to cost the U.S. economy approximately $6 billion annually. Identifying disparities in work-related fatality rates can help public health authorities focus prevention efforts. Because work-related health disparities also are associated with social disadvantage, a comprehensive program to improve health equity should include improving workplace safety and health. |
Disparities in work-related homicide rates in selected retail industries in the United States, 2003-2008
Menendez CC , Konda S , Hendricks S , Amandus H . J Safety Res 2012 44 25-9 PROBLEM: Segments within the retail industry have a substantially higher rate of work-related fatality due to workplace violence compared to the retail industry overall. Certain demographic subgroups may be at higher risk. METHOD: National traumatic injury surveillance data were analyzed to characterize the distribution of fatality rates due to workplace violence among selected retail workers in the United States from 2003 through 2008. RESULTS: Overall, the highest fatality rates due to work-related homicide occurred among men, workers aged ≥ 65 years, black, Asian, foreign-born and Southern workers. Among foreign-born workers, those aged 16-24 years, non-Hispanic whites and Asians experienced substantially higher fatality rates compared to their native-born counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of work-related homicide in the retail industry falls more heavily on several demographic groups, including racial minorities and the foreign-born. Further research should examine the causes of these trends. Interventions designed to prevent workplace violence should target these groups. |
A field intervention examining the impact of an office ergonomics training and a highly adjustable chair on visual symptoms in a public sector organization
Amick BC3rd , Menendez CC , Bazzani L , Robertson M , DeRango K , Rooney T , Moore A . Appl Ergon 2012 43 (3) 625-631 OBJECTIVE: Examine the effect of a multi-component office ergonomics intervention on visual symptom reductions. METHODS: Office workers were assigned to either a group receiving a highly adjustable chair with office ergonomics training (CWT), a training-only group (TO) or a control group (C). A work environment and health questionnaire was administered 2 and 1 month(s) pre-intervention and 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. Multi-level statistical models tested hypotheses. RESULTS: The CWT intervention lowered daily visual symptoms (p < 0.01) post-intervention. The TO group did not significantly differ from the control group. The CWT group differed significantly from the TO group (p = 0.01) post-intervention. CONCLUSION: Workers who received a highly adjustable chair and office ergonomics training had reduced visual symptoms and the effect was maintained through twelve months post-intervention. The lack of a training-only group effect supports implementing training in conjunction with the highly adjustable chair to reduce visual symptoms. |
A replicated field intervention study evaluating the impact of a highly adjustable chair and office ergonomics training on visual symptoms
Menendez CC , Amick BC 3rd , Robertson M , Bazzani L , Derango K , Rooney T , Moore A . Appl Ergon 2011 43 (4) 639-44 OBJECTIVE: Examine the effects of two office ergonomics interventions in reducing visual symptoms at a private sector worksite. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study design evaluated the effects of a highly adjustable chair with office ergonomics training intervention (CWT group) and the training only (TO group) compared with no intervention (CO group). Data collection occurred 2 and 1 month(s) pre-intervention and 2, 6 and 12 months post-intervention. During each data collection period, a work environment and health questionnaire (covariates) and daily health diary (outcomes) were completed. Multilevel statistical models tested hypotheses. RESULTS: Both the training only intervention (p<0.001) and the chair with training intervention (p=0.01) reduced visual symptoms after 12 months. CONCLUSION: The office ergonomics training alone and coupled with a highly adjustable chair reduced visual symptoms. In replicating results from a public sector worksite at a private sector worksite the external validity of the interventions is strengthened, thus broadening its generalizability. |
The epidemiology of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms on a college campus
Menendez CC , Amick Iii BC , Joe Chang CH , Dennerlein JT , Harrist RB , Jenkins M , Robertson M , Katz JN . Work 2009 34 (4) 401-8 OBJECTIVE: The study examines temporal variations in upper-extremity musculoskeletal symptoms throughout the day, over a week and throughout the semester. METHODS: 30 undergraduates were followed in a repeated measures study throughout a semester. Upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms data were collected on handheld computers randomly throughout the day for seven days over three data collection periods. Multilevel statistical models evaluated associations between time-related predictors and symptoms. RESULTS: In adjusted models, pain reported at baseline was associated with increased odds of experiencing both any symptoms (OR=15.64; 90% CI 7.22-33.88) and moderate or greater symptoms (OR=16.44; 90% CI 4.57-29.99). Any symptoms were less likely to be reported if responses occurred at 58-76 days (OR=0.66; 90% CI 0.49-0.86), 77-90 days (OR=0.29; 90% CI 0.20-0.42) and 91-117 days (OR=0.54; 90% CI 0.39-0.75) into the semester compared to 35-57 days. Similarly, responding after midnight was associated with greater odds of reporting moderate or greater symptoms (OR=21.33; 90% CI 6.49-65.97). There was no association observed for day of week and symptoms. CONCLUSION: This pilot work suggests upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms exhibit temporal variations related to time of day and days into semester. Understanding the natural history of musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders is needed when designing epidemiologic research and/or intervention studies using symptom outcome measures. |
Evaluation of two posture survey instruments for assessing computing postures among college students
Menendez CC , Amick Iii BC , Joe Chang CH , Harrist RB , Jenkins M , Robertson M , Janowitz I , Rempel DM , Katz JN , Dennerlein JT . Work 2009 34 (4) 421-30 OBJECTIVE: To determine agreement between two posture assessment survey instruments and which, if any, were correlated with experiencing upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms. METHODS: Thirty undergraduate participants had three postural assessment surveys completed, one each for three separate 7-day data collection periods during a semester. Two observation assessment tools were used, a modified Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (mRULA) for computer users for the right and left limbs and the University of California Computer Use Checklist. Concurrently, upper extremity musculoskeletal symptom experience paired to each postural assessment was measured. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient evaluated survey agreement and multi-level statistical models described associations between survey responses and symptoms. RESULTS: There was no agreement between the two postural assessment tool scores (p> 0.85). In adjusted models, the UC Computer Use Checklist was positively associated with symptoms occurrence (OR=1.4, 90% CI 1.2-1.6 for any symptoms; OR=1.3, 90% CI 1.0-1.6 for moderate or greater symptoms). Associations with mRULA scores were inconsistent in that they were sometimes protective and sometimes indicators of risk, depending on the covariates included in the models. CONCLUSION: The mRULA for computer users and the UC Computer Use Checklist were independent of each other; however, due to the inconsistent associations with symptoms we cannot conclude one instrument is superior to the other. Our data do suggest the UC Computer Use Checklist demonstrates a traditional relationship with symptoms, where increasing scores signifiy greater risk. We observed a nontraditional relationship with symptoms for the mRULA for computer users that needs to be further examined. This is a pilot study and, thus, findings should be interpreted as exploratory. Associations observed in the current study will be used to test hypotheses in the cohort study recently conducted. |
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