Interaction of occupational and personal risk factors in workforce health and safety

Am J Public Health. 2012 Mar;102(3):434-48. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300249. Epub 2011 Nov 28.

Abstract

Most diseases, injuries, and other health conditions experienced by working people are multifactorial, especially as the workforce ages. Evidence supporting the role of work and personal risk factors in the health of working people is frequently underused in developing interventions. Achieving a longer, healthy working life requires a comprehensive preventive approach. To help develop such an approach, we evaluated the influence of both occupational and personal risk factors on workforce health. We present 32 examples illustrating 4 combinatorial models of occupational hazards and personal risk factors (genetics, age, gender, chronic disease, obesity, smoking, alcohol use, prescription drug use). Models that address occupational and personal risk factors and their interactions can improve our understanding of health hazards and guide research and interventions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Chronic Disease
  • Employment*
  • Female
  • Genetics
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Obesity
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Prescription Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors
  • Safety*
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking
  • United States

Substances

  • Prescription Drugs