The feasibility of workload monitoring among law enforcement officers: A multi-methodological approach.

This study examined the feasibility of workload monitoring to assess internal workload in law enforcement officers (LEO) using a multi-methodological approach. Fifty front-line LEO completed workload surveys on workdays for eight weeks. Retention and adherence were assessed across the survey period. LEO completed usability and likelihood to continue questionnaires, while departmental administrators (n = 8) received workload reports and completed utility and sustainability questionnaires. A subsample of LEO and administrators participated in semi-structured interviews, following consensual qualitative research design. LEO retention (96%), survey adherence (94%), and usability scores (88.3/100) were high, with a moderate likelihood to continue to use the survey. Administration reported high utility and sustainability. The high adherence rates and usability scores, coupled with strong administrative support, suggest that workload monitoring may be a feasible strategy among LEO to monitor occupational workloads. The LEO and administration feedback highlight areas of improvement (e.g., data transparency, departmental collaboration) to inform future implementation.

Feasibility of Implementing a Total Worker Health® Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Small and Medium Businesses : Results From the Carolina PROSPER Study.

OBJECTIVE: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic's disruptive effect on employers and workers, an interdisciplinary team launched the Carolina Promoting Safe Practices for Employees' Return study to assess the feasibility of providing tailored technical assistance to small and medium North Carolina businesses using a Total Worker Health (TWH) ® approach. METHODS: Feasibility of the approach was assessed via surveys and interviews of business representatives from four participating businesses ranging in size from 3 to 110 employees. RESULTS: The TWH approach is feasible, that is, in demand, practical, and acceptable to protect and promote worker safety, health, and well-being. Potential challenges include implementation cost, difficulty engaging all employees, and difficulty accessing tailored health and safety materials in a timely manner. CONCLUSIONS: Additional refinement and testing of the TWH approach postpandemic with more worksites is warranted.

Firefighter fitness, coronary heart disease, and sudden cardiac death risk.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the roles physical fitness, coronary heart disease, and sudden cardiac death risk play in firefighter culture, via an emic (insider's) perspective within the culture of the fire service. METHODS: Key informant interviews and focus group discussions with full-time, acculturated firefighters, framed within a social ecological framework. RESULTS: Physical fitness is a complex, cultural construct, based on functional capacity and management normative expectations. Coronary heart disease is not a culturally relevant reason for workplace fitness program adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Fitness interventions must culturally adapt to the unique nature of the fire service, emphasizing functional capacity, crew dependability, and fitness/well-being strategies.

Workplace experiences of young workers in Ontario.

OBJECTIVE: We examine the workplace experiences of Ontario youth in the service sector, with a particular interest in hazard exposures, safety training and supervision. METHOD: A cross-sectional telephone survey in 2008 of working youth aged 14-18. Items queried respondents about the tasks performed, worker training and supervision. The study parallels one already published in the US. This is the first Canadian study of its kind. RESULTS: Although teens reported working more hours during vacation, a substantial number of youth are working at least 20 hours per week when school is in session, and many reported having worked after 11 pm on a night before school. Young workers engaged in a variety of hazardous tasks, including heavy lifting, using sharp objects, working with hot equipment, or working around falling objects. A small subset (7.5%) of teens had suffered an injury at work that was severe enough to cause them to miss a day of school or work or require medical attention. The majority of workers had received training on how to use equipment safely and how to avoid an injury. More females than males received training. Although regular check-ins were common, many youth (38%) said they had worked at least part of the day without supervision. Young females were most likely to work without supervision or to work alone. CONCLUSION: This study questions whether the regulations in Ontario are sufficient to protect young workers from exposures to work-related hazards.