Ergonomic demands and fetal loss in women in welding and electrical trades: A Canadian cohort study

Cherry, Nicola; Beach, Jeremy; Galarneau, Jean‐Michel

doi:10.1002/ajim.23336

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Welding and Electrical Trades: This Canadian cohort study investigates the association between ergonomic demands in welding and electrical trades and the risk of fetal loss. Exposure to physical stressors, such as lifting heavy objects or working in awkward postures, was found to be linked to an increased risk of abortion [10].…”

Section: • 2 Ergonomic Demands and Fetal Loss In Women Inmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors Influencing Biomechanics during Pregnancy and Ergonomic Modifications to Alleviate Discomfort: A Descriptive Review

2023

EOIJ

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This in-depth analysis covers the biomechanical changes that take place during pregnancy and the effectiveness of ergonomic therapies for reducing pain and enhancing maternal wellbeing. Significant physiological changes brought on by pregnancy affect many aspects of the body, including biomechanics. During pregnancy, the lower back and lumbopelvic region are particularly prone to pain and musculoskeletal problems. A variety of factors, including weight growth, hormone changes, ligament elasticity, and postural changes, affect how the body moves and put more strain on the musculoskeletal system. Pregnant workers' biomechanical stress at work is made worse by occupational factors like physical demands and poor ergonomics. Various ergonomic solutions have been recommended during pregnancy to reduce discomfort and improve biomechanics. These include auxiliary devices (such as pregnancy belts, support bands), activity adaptations, psychosocial support, workplace modifications (such as adjustable workstations, supportive seats), and education and communication to empower women with knowledge of ideal body mechanics. The use of these therapies throughout pregnancy can increase comfort, preserve musculoskeletal health, and promote general wellbeing. This study emphasises the numerous effects on pregnancy biomechanics and stresses the value of integrating and synthesising already available information. Healthcare professionals, companies, and individuals can significantly reduce discomfort and promote a healthier and more comfortable pregnant experience by implementing evidence-based ergonomic changes.

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Section: • 2 Ergonomic Demands and Fetal Loss In Women Inmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors Influencing Biomechanics during Pregnancy and Ergonomic Modifications to Alleviate Discomfort: A Descriptive Review

2023

EOIJ

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“…The WHAT-ME cohort [Cherry et al, 2018] comprised women and men recruited from welding and electrical trades. Although much of the study focus was on particulate and metal exposures [Galarneau et al, 2022], reproductive and other health outcomes [Cherry et al,2021] [Cherry et al, 2022], a final questionnaire included questions on workplace harassment. This paper describes the differing reports of harassment between women and men in these trades and also considers the relation between reported harassment and mental ill-health, acknowledging that interpretation of such data as causal is fraught with uncertainties.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reported harassment and mental-ill health in a Canadian prospective cohort of women and men in welding and electrical trades

Galarneau,

Durand-Moreau,

Cherry

2023

Preprint

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IntroductionExperience of psychosocial environments by workers entering trade apprenticeships may differ by gender. We aimed to document perceived harassment and to investigate whether this related to mental ill-health.MethodsCohorts of workers in welding and electrical trades were established, women recruited across Canada and men from Alberta. Participants were re-contacted every six months for up to 3 years (men) or 5 years (women). At each contact they were asked about symptoms of anxiety and depression made worse by work. After their last regular contact participants received a ‘wrap-up’ questionnaire that included questions on workplace harassment. In Alberta respondents who consented were linked to the administrative health database which recorded diagnostic codes for each physician contact.Results1885 workers were recruited, 1001 in welding trades (447 women) and 884 in electrical trades (438 women). 1419 (75.3%) completed a ‘wrap up’ questionnaire, with 1413 answering questions on harassment. 60% of women and 32% of men reported that they had been harassed. Those who reported harassment had more frequently recorded episodes of anxiety and depression made worse by work in prospective data. In Alberta 1242 were successfully matched to administrative health records. Those who reported harassment were more likely to have a physician record of depression since starting in their trade.ConclusionsTradeswomen were much more likely than tradesmen to recall incidents of harassment. The results from record linkage, and from prospectively-collected reports of anxiety and depression made worse by work, support a conclusion that harassment resulted in poorer mental health.What is important about this paper?In this study we show that the majority of women entering the male-dominated trades of welding and electrical work report harassment, particularly during their apprenticeship, that is largely from co-workers and has a sexual component. Through its longitudinal design and linkage to an administrative health database, the study has reduced the impact of reporting bias and produced credible evidence that reported harassment is associated with anxiety and depression made worse by work and with physician reported depression. There is increasing recognition that workplace harassment of any worker is unacceptable, with obligations on the employer to take action to eliminate it. Evidence of ongoing mental health impacts reinforces this obligation.

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Ergonomic demands and fetal loss in women in welding and electrical trades: A Canadian cohort study

Cherry

Beach

Galarneau

2022

American J Industrial Med

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Objectives To determine the relationship between ergonomic demands of the job at conception and fetal loss (miscarriage or stillbirth). Methods Women with a welding or electrical trade apprenticeship were identified across Canada for the Women's Health in Apprenticeship Trades–Metal and Electrical study. They completed a reproductive and employment history at recruitment and every 6 months for up to 5 years to provide details on pregnancies and work demands. Job at conception was identified and fetal loss examined in relation to ergonomic exposures/demands, allowing for potential confounders. Results A total of 885 women were recruited; 447 in welding and 438 in electrical trades. Of these, 574 reported at least one pregnancy. Analysis of 756 pregnancies since the woman started in her trade suggested no increased risk of fetal loss in those choosing welding rather than electrical work. Among 506 pregnancies conceived during a period working in a trade, 148 (29.2%) ended in fetal loss: 31.2% (73/234) in welding, and 27.6% (75/272) in electrical work. Detailed exposure information was available for 59% (299/506) of these pregnancies. In welders, the risk of fetal loss was increased with whole‐body vibration (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39–3.31) and hand‐arm vibration for > 1 hour/day (PR = 2.15; 95% CI 1.33–3.49). In electrical workers risk increased with more than 8 days working without a rest day (PR = 2.29; 95% CI 1.25–4.17). Local exhaust ventilation reduced risk in welders. Conclusions There was no significant increase in fetal loss in welding trades compared to electrical work. Vibration, largely from grinding, and extended work rotations appear to be potentially modifiable factors of some importance.

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Ergonomic demands and fetal loss in women in welding and electrical trades: A Canadian cohort study

Cited by 4 publications

References 14 publications

Factors Influencing Biomechanics during Pregnancy and Ergonomic Modifications to Alleviate Discomfort: A Descriptive Review

Factors Influencing Biomechanics during Pregnancy and Ergonomic Modifications to Alleviate Discomfort: A Descriptive Review

Reported harassment and mental-ill health in a Canadian prospective cohort of women and men in welding and electrical trades

Ergonomic demands and fetal loss in women in welding and electrical trades: A Canadian cohort study

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