Can Occupational Safety and Health Preventive Measures Taken by the Employer Influence Sleep Disturbances in Teleworkers? Results from the Quantitative Study on Working Life with COVID-19 in Latvia.

This research on sleep disturbances emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study investigated the association between self-reported sleep disturbances among teleworkers and the preventive measures employers took to improve their working environment. Answers obtained via a web survey gathered from 1086 teleworkers (517 in the spring of 2021 and 569 in the spring of 2022) were analysed.

COVID-19 pandemic influence on perceived exposure to chemical substances in Latvia: data from a focus group discussion and the HBM4EU citizen survey.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has globally influenced the exposure of populations to chemical substances through various channels. This study aims to evaluate the tendencies of the use of chemical products in Latvia amidst the pandemic. Answers from 597 respondents (26.

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Freshwater Sapropel Extracts: In Vitro Analysis and Antioxidant Profiling for Skincare Applications.

Sapropel, a biologically active sedimentary deposit, is high in organic matter and minerals and has been shown to offer health benefits. Its constituents, humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA), have been found to have some therapeutic applications. The aim of this study was to determine the potential therapeutically significant properties of freshwater sapropel extracts: their polyacid content, antioxidative (AO) status, and biological activity in cell culture.

Sickness Presenteeism among Employees Having Workplace Conflicts-Results from Pooled Analyses in Latvia.

The study's objective was to investigate the associations between workplace conflicts and self-reported sickness presenteeism defined as going to work while being ill. Cross-sectional survey data pooled from four national surveys in years 2006, 2010, 2013 and 2018 with a study sample of 6368 employees (mean age 42.9 years and 52.

Pain Among Latvian Workers: General Prevalence vs. Registered Occupational Diseases.

The problem of painful and disabling work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is increasing in many employment sectors of Latvia. Official statistics may underestimate the proportion of affected employees, causing delays in preventive interventions, ineffective rehabilitation, and a reduction of the workforce. This study investigated the prevalence of painful health conditions among Latvian workers by analyzing survey data and comparing these to official statistics on registered occupational diseases (ODs).

Is It Essential for Occupational Health and Safety Experts to Know the English Language? Results From Several Studies in Latvia.

Background: Poor knowledge of the language has been identified as a barrier to up-to-date occupational safety and health information, however, this question has not been addressed in the context of occupational safety and health expert competence in providing advice for employers in a small, non-English speaking country.

Objectives: To analyze the available data on the use of languages for searching professional information by occupational safety and health (OSH) experts, and the sources of information on COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in Latvia, and to assess if the knowledge of the English language among these experts is sufficient to react rapidly and effectively in case of emergency.

Methods: Data were compiled from several different sources: three web-based surveys of occupational safety and health experts (data from 2006, 2010, and 2018) and ten focus group discussions with employers and occupational safety and health experts (data from 2020).

Transition to the forced telework - a challenge for trade unions identified by the study on working life with COVID-19 in Latvia.

Background: In general, companies with trade unions perform better in occupational health and safety, therefore, we assume that these companies should have performed better in transition to healthy and safe telework if compared with other companies.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the role of company trade unions on the implementation of telework arrangements in Latvia during the 1st emergency state in spring 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A web-based survey based on snowball sampling method and social media advertisements was used to gather information from teleworkers.

Indoor Air Radon Concentration in Premises of Public Companies and Workplaces in Latvia.

Considering the multitudes of people who spend their time working indoors in public premises and workplaces, it is worth knowing what their level of exposure is to natural radioactive radon gas, the second most widespread and dangerous carcinogen for lung cancer development after cigarette smoking. This state-level study covered most of the territory of Latvia and conducted 941 radon measurements with Radtrack2, placed for 4-6 months in the premises of public companies, educational institutions, medical care institutions, etc. The study found that 94.

Challenges for Workplace Risk Assessment in Home Offices-Results from a Qualitative Descriptive Study on Working Life during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Latvia.

Epidemiological restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have raised legal and practical questions related to the provision of workplace risk assessment in home offices of teleworkers. The objective of this qualitative study was to analyze practical experience of employers and occupational safety and health experts performing workplace risk assessment in Latvia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings suggest that employers have not sufficiently implemented their legal obligations related to workplace risk assessment which can result in an increased number of physical and mental health problems of teleworkers in the short term and in the future.

In vitro impact preliminary assessment of airborne particulate from metalworking and woodworking industries.

Inhalation is the main route of exposure to airborne pollutants. To evaluate the safety and assess the risks of occupational hazards different testing approaches are used. 3D airway epithelial tissues allow to mimic exposure conditions in vitro, generates human-relevant toxicology data, allows to elucidate the mode of action of pollutants.

Reasons for Low Protection of Vulnerable Workers from COVID-19-Results from the Quantitative and Qualitative Study on Working Life in Latvia.

Several individual factors like older age and chronic diseases have been linked with more severe symptoms often leading to hospitalization and higher mortality from COVID-19. Part of adults with such factors is still active in the workforce. The objective of the study was to identify measures taken by the employer to protect them and to investigate reasons for low protection of vulnerable workers during the 1st wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of Workplace Conflicts on Self-Reported Medically Certified Sickness Absence in Latvia.

Sickness absence is one of the most important working population health indicators. It is a complex phenomenon that is investigated by health care and occupational health specialists, economists, and work psychologists. Sickness absence is used as a predictor for morbidity and mortality, but besides the health status of an individual, sickness absence is influenced by demographic, socio-economic factors, and work environment factors.

Assessment of sapropel use for pharmaceutical products according to legislation, pollution parameters, and concentration of biologically active substances.

Development trends need the necessity for wider use of the local resources and available natural materials are one of the priorities around the world. Freshwater sapropel is a common material in the water basement of the lakes, but still not sufficiently explored. The main goal of the project to start detailed and systematic research on the medical properties of sapropel to be obtained in Latvia, promote its scientifically based use in balneology, develop new medical procedures and services, and promote development of new exportable products.

Improving Education and Training to Reduce the Burden of Occupational Cancer. The Riga-European Association of Schools of Occupational Medicine (EASOM) Statement on Work-Related Cancer.

Reducing the burden of occupational cancers (OCs) is currently one of the most challenging Occupational Health (OH) issues. The European Union (EU) has made efforts to improve the existing legal framework and developed specific legislation aimed at reducing the burden of OC. However, available data suggest that OC are underreported.

Workplace health promotion in health care settings in Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Background And Objective: Health care workers (HCWs) have a great background to promote their health - not only their professional knowledge on health but often also special equipment in their work environment. However, it is unclear if HCWs can use such infrastructure to promote their own health as well as what is their motivation to change their own lifestyles. Thus, the aim of the article was to describe workplace health promotion (WHP) situation in health care settings in Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania.

The effect of different workplace nanoparticles on the immune systems of employees.

Currently, nanoparticles are widely present in the environment and are being used in various industrial technologies. Nanoparticles affect immune functions, causing different immune responses. The aim of the current study was to evaluate several cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), interferon-γ, adhesive molecule sICAM-1, macrophage inhibitory protein 1a (MIP1a) and secretory immunoglobulin A, in nasal lavage fluid and in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects exposed to workplace nanoparticles.

Wrist Hypothermia Related to Continuous Work with a Computer Mouse: A Digital Infrared Imaging Pilot Study.

Computer work is characterized by sedentary static workload with low-intensity energy metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate the dynamics of skin surface temperature in the hand during prolonged computer mouse work under different ergonomic setups. Digital infrared imaging of the right forearm and wrist was performed during three hours of continuous computer work (measured at the start and every 15 minutes thereafter) in a laboratory with controlled ambient conditions.

The legislative backgrounds of workplace health promotion in three European countries: a comparative analysis.

Background: This article investigates the legal database and theoretical basis of workplace health promotion (WHP) in three European countries: Finland, Latvia and Lithuania, and aims to find insights into effective WHP implementation.

Methods: In November 2013, a stakeholders' survey was carried out. The questionnaire included questions about legal documents and non-legislative measures relevant to WHP, institutions and other bodies/organizations working in the field, WHP conception/definition, and implementation of WHP activities according to the enterprises' size.