Promoting mental health through collaboration between workplaces and occupational health services - Preliminary findings from a survey and workshop in Finland.

Disability due to mental health problems places a significant burden on both society and the individual. Occupational health professionals play a key role in promoting mental health in collaboration with workplaces. Our study focused on the joint preventive mental health practices of workplaces and occupational health services (OHS). We used a multiple method approach. We gathered data in parallel from September to October 2021 through an online survey and a workshop of 102 participants. The survey was sent to 25 workplaces and their OHS (N = 25), and assessed employee perceptions of collaboration in mental health practices. We set no exclusion criteria and included all responses. We used Fisher's Exact Test in the statistical analysis. We studied 140 comments on the means of the mental health support obtained in the workshop, using content analysis. The survey response rate was 78 % (N = 39). The OHS providers (N = 15) claimed that mental health support was being provided through collaboration, and 74 % (N = 24) of the workplaces agreed. Content analysis streamlined collaboration methods into six upper categories: by (1) Planning measures together, (2) Strengthening employees' resources, (3) Discussing work ability, (4) Providing supervisors/managers with support, (5) Discussing and collaborating, and (6) Clarifying responsibilities and roles in the support of mental health. We found 55 different practices for streamlining collaboration between workplaces and OHS. We conclude that the practices to promote mental health through collaboration between workplaces and OHS require joint planning.

Level of and Changes in Perceived Work Ability Among Partial Disability Pensioners and the Risk of Full Disability Pension-A Register-Linked Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To examine how the level of perceived work ability and its changes over time are associated with the risk of full disability pension (DP) among those receiving partial DP. METHODS: We retrieved survey data on perceived work ability and covariates (sociodemographic factors and health behaviors) from a cohort study of Finnish public sector employees at two time points: 2008 and 2012 and linked them with register data on DP obtained from the Finnish Centre for Pensions up to the end of 2018. Participants had begun receiving partial DP in 2008 and responded to either the 2008 survey (n = 159) or both surveys (n = 80). We used Cox regression for the analyses. RESULTS: During the follow-up, 61 (38%) of those receiving partial DP transitioned to full DP. Those with perceived poor work ability were at a higher risk of full DP (HR 1.93; 95% CI 1.11-3.38) than those with at least moderate work ability, after adjustment for covariates. During four years of receiving partial DP, perceived work ability decreased among 36% of the participants, and remained unchanged or improved among 64%. Change in work ability was not associated with a risk of full DP. CONCLUSION: Among those receiving partial DP, perceived poor work ability was a risk factor for full DP. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring the level of perceived work ability of those receiving partial DP to enable identifying individuals at an increased risk of full DP.

An Overview of Strategies for Reducing Upper Extremity Physical Exposure Associated With Floor Mopping: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review synthesizes literature on upper extremity physical exposure associated with floor mopping, in order to (a) assess the impact of changes in mopping systems on physical exposure and (b) propose recommendations for strategies to reduce exposure. BACKGROUND: Floor-cleaning tools and equipment have undergone major improvements. Existing studies have focused on mop design modifications and cleaning efficiency. However, less is known about strain responses caused by modern tools and methods. METHOD: Studies from 1987 to February 2017 were identified by electronic and manual search. All selected studies underwent a quality assessment. The evidence was organized into categories representing different strategies for reducing exposure. The levels of evidence were determined using a best evidence synthesis approach. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included. Based on the review findings, currently there is moderate evidence suggesting that reduced physical exposure has been achieved through development of mopping systems. Levels of evidence for strategies associated with positive effects on physical exposure were: moderate evidence for mop design and handle type, insufficient evidence for mopping technique, and mixed evidence for mopping methods and environment modifications. Therefore, the present study suggests the use of adjustable mop handles as a strategy for reducing physical exposure. CONCLUSION: A more comprehensive approach to reducing physical exposure concerning floor mopping work is necessary. APPLICATION: Knowledge regarding physical exposure reduction can be applied as the basis for decision making in cleaning practice. Information can be incorporated into future research regarding development of floor-cleaning methods.

Effects of mop handle height on shoulder muscle activity and perceived exertion during floor mopping using a figure eight method.

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of mop handle height on electromyographic (EMG) activities of the shoulder muscles and perceived exertion for the shoulder area during floor mopping using a figure eight method. An experimental study with 13 cleaners was conducted using surface EMG and category ratio (CR-10) scale. EMG activity was recorded unilaterally from the upper trapezius, infraspinatus, anterior and middle deltoid muscles. Each subject performed four trials of mopping and each trial consisted of using a different mop handle height (mop adjustment at the level of shoulder, chin, nose and eye) in randomized order. EMG data were normalized to a percentage of maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC). The muscle activities were assessed by estimating the 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles of the amplitude probability distribution function (APDF) of the EMG signals and analysed by linear mixed model analysis. Results showed that shoulder muscle activity was significantly lower when the mop handle height was adjusted to shoulder level or chin level as compared to eye level. These findings were supported by subjective ratings of exertion. It seems that mop handle height adjustment between shoulder and chin level may be recommended as a basis for figure eight mopping.