1617b Psychosocial and health implications of around the clock operations for corrections officers

Abstract

Introduction The world's population is ageing. This creates a need to work for longer, both for income and to provide an adequate labour force. For those employed in predominantly physically demanding jobs this means they are prolonging their exposure to risk factors known to increase the likelihood of a musculoskeletal injury when their work capacity may be declining. The work ability of older workers has been most frequently assessed using the Work Ability Index (WAI). Several studies have reported significant associations between low WAI scores and sickness absence and early retirement. Relatively fewer studies have examined associations between WAI scores and specific workplace risk factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between a range of workplace risk factors and the WAI scores in a cohort of workers employed in physically demanding jobs. Methods A cross-sectional survey of workers employed in physically demanding roles within a local government council was undertaken. The survey instruments included questions on demographic and employment characteristics, physical and psychosocial risk factors, pain and discomfort, and the Work Ability Index. Result The survey was completed by 155/245 of eligible workers -a 63% response rate. Respondents had a mean age of 44 years. They were predominantly male (86%) with an average length of employment of 12 years. Bivariate regression analyses were undertaken to examine the relationship between WAI scores and age, pain/discomfort, levels of stress, irritation, job satisfaction, work-life balance, and 49 other work environment risk factors. Significant associations with WAI scores were seen for age, pain/discomfort and physical and psychosocial risk factors. The WAI score was reduced by more than 2.5 points for those who reported higher levels of exposure to a range of physical and psychosocial risk factors compared with those who reported lower levels of exposure. Discussion It was found that the WAI provided a useful means to identify a range of workplace risk factors which, if addressed, could inform the development of interventions to maintain a healthy, older workforce. It is proposed that tailoring interventions using this approach should enhance their effectiveness. 1617AGEING AND SHIFTWORK Aim of this special session Ageing and shiftwork is a rather new and 'hot topic' because of the intentions to prolong working lives in many countries. Because shiftwork could be very demanding for older employees it need more attention than earlier. Introduction Night shift work is associated with adverse health effects. Yet, some persons prefer working permanent night shifts and it is speculated that they tolerate night work better than others. The aim of is to study associations between permanent night work, age and sickness absence. Due to selfselection out of night work over time by those who experience negative effects of night work, we hypothesised that older workers with permanent night work are 'healthy workers' with less sickness absence...

Organizational Factors and Their Impact on Mental Health in Public Safety Organizations

“…Furthermore, interpersonal conflict with a colleague [ 5 , 25 , 28 , 47 , 65 , 76 , 77 , 80 , 82 , 83 , 86 , 91 , 108 ] and stigma/barriers to seeking help [ 5 , 32 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 43 , 48 , 49 , 51 , 67 , 77 , 89 ] cited in 13 studies each. Finally, leadership issues [ 5 , 30 , 31 , 37 , 43 , 57 , 73 , 77 , 81 , 82 , 86 ] overtime hours [ 5 , 8 , 20 , 29 , 37 , 43 , 51 , 57 , 67 , 69 , 82 , 84 , 110 ], and understaffing [ 5 , …”

“…Negative public perception of career [ 5 , 20 , 30 , 37 , 44 , 69 , 70 , 82 ] and risk of injury [ 3 , 5 , 20 , 35 , 43 , 50 , 69 , 70 , 82 ] were the primary operational factors negatively impacting police officer mental health outcomes. Loughran [ 113 ] explained that a string of recent high-profile cases of police violence may have eroded public perception of police legitimacy.…”

Mental health of public safety personnel: Developing a model of operational, organizational, and personal factors in public safety organizations

“…Personal factors are unique to each individual PSP and exist outside of the work context but may interact with it. (25,46,47) and job satisfaction (18,48,49) most positively impacted PSP mental health. For example, family relationships have been found to have a protective role in preventing correctional officers from attempting suicide (50).…”