Characteristics Associated With Consistent Handwashing and Satisfaction in the Workplace: A Pilot Survey of U.S. Workers.

BACKGROUND: This study seeks to determine what handwashing facilities are available to workers, predominantly in the manufacturing and service industries, to find out if their workplace has the appropriate resources to conduct proper handwashing and how that affects handwashing satisfaction. METHODS: This cross-sectional study surveyed U.S. adult workers (N = 241) on their workplace handwashing equipment and facilities. The associations between demographic characteristics, consistent handwashing, and handwashing satisfaction were evaluated using Fisher's exact test. FINDINGS: Eighty-eight percent of respondents reported consistent handwashing. Pulling a handle to exit the restroom was negatively associated with handwashing satisfaction (p = .004) and having difficulty with an automatic faucet or dispenser was negatively marginally significant in its association with handwashing consistency (p = .10). CONCLUSION/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: Greater understanding of the available equipment in workplace restroom facilities and how to improve selection and use of that equipment may improve workers' handwashing experiences.

Isocyanates and human health: multistakeholder information needs and research priorities.

OBJECTIVES: To outline the knowledge gaps and research priorities identified by a broad base of stakeholders involved in the planning and participation of an international conference and research agenda workshop on isocyanates and human health held in Potomac, Maryland, in April 2013. METHODS: A multimodal iterative approach was used for data collection including preconference surveys, review of a 2001 consensus conference on isocyanates, oral and poster presentations, focused break-out sessions, panel discussions, and postconference research agenda workshop. RESULTS: Participants included representatives of consumer and worker health, health professionals, regulatory agencies, academic and industry scientists, labor, and trade associations. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations were summarized regarding knowledge gaps and research priorities in the following areas: worker and consumer exposures; toxicology, animal models, and biomarkers; human cancer risk; environmental exposure and monitoring; and respiratory epidemiology and disease, and occupational health surveillance.