COVID-19 prevention and control measures in workplace settings: a rapid review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Workplaces are high-risk environments for SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and subsequent community transmission. Identifying, understanding, and implementing effective workplace SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures is critical to protect workers, their families, and communities. A rapid review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesize evidence assessing the effectiveness of COVID-19 IPC measures implemented in global workplace settings through April 2021. Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies that quantitatively assessed the effectiveness of workplace COVID-19 IPC measures. Included studies comprised varying empirical designs and occupational settings. Measures of interest included surveillance measures, outbreak investigations, personal protective equipment (PPE), changes in work arrangements, and worker education. Sixty-three studies from international healthcare, nursing home, meatpacking, manufacturing, and office settings were included, accounting for ~280,000 employees. Meta-analyses showed that combined measures (0.2% positivity; 95%CI 0-0.4%) were associated with lower post-intervention employee COVID-19 positivity estimates than single measures like asymptomatic PCR testing (1.7%; 95%CI 0.9-2.9%) and universal masking (24%; 95%CI 3.4-55.5%). Modelling studies showed that combinations of (i) timely and widespread contact tracing and case isolation, (ii) facilitating smaller worker cohorts, and (iii) effective use of PPE can reduce workplace transmission. Comprehensive COVID-19 IPC measures incorporating swift contact tracing and case isolation, PPE, and facility zoning, can effectively prevent workplace outbreaks. Masking alone should not be considered as sufficient protection from SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in workplace environments at high risk of virus transmission.

Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms among University of Belgrade Students during the July–September 2021 Pandemic Wave: Implications for Vaccination

“…It is likely that longer exposure and high viral concentration during working hours could be underlying factors in the development of more severe COVID-19 symptoms. In fact, it has been reported that preventive measures against COVID-19 were less strict during 2021 compared to those in 2020 [19] as well as that wearing only face masks at the workplace might not be sufficient to be fully protected [20], which could be applicable in places where the students were employed in the past summer. Toward the end of the summer break, fewer students reported holiday travel.…”

Development and Validation of a Multi-lingual Online Questionnaire for Surveying the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Measures used in Global Workplaces

“…Survey items on universal testing, contact tracing, vaccinations, and signage did not t into the 9-domain model. However -because research shows the ability of universal testing and timely contact tracing to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks (5); that the rollout of vaccines plays a crucial part in protecting workers (32); and that COVID-19 training should be reinforced by the use of signage placed in strategic locations (33) -each of these items were considered important for content validity and left in the survey.…”

“…From February to April 2019, the researchers conducted an extensive review of relevant research literature and meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of measures to prevent and control COVID-19 outbreaks in global workplace settings. Results of this review identi ed that combinations of (1) basic preventive measures (i.e., masking, hand hygiene, and social distancing), (2) surveillance measures, (3) outbreak investigations and response, (4) environmental adjustments, and (5) education initiatives can effectively prevent workplace outbreaks (5). These categories became the framework for the development of a survey allowing researchers to measure the level of occupational COVID-19 protection available to workers from diverse geographic and occupational settings.…”

“…Comprehensive occupational COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures can prevent these events, ensuring the protection of workers, their families, and surrounding communities. Effective measures include swift and thorough contact tracing and case isolation, effective personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, worker bubbles, and improved ventilation and air quality (4,5). Masking alone is not enough to prevent COVID-19 clusters in high-risk workplace environments (5).…”

“…Effective measures include swift and thorough contact tracing and case isolation, effective personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, worker bubbles, and improved ventilation and air quality (4,5). Masking alone is not enough to prevent COVID-19 clusters in high-risk workplace environments (5).…”