Workplace Health & Safety

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between various types of burnout, coping strategies, and resilience among healthcare professionals through a transactional model of stress and coping framework.

A sample of healthcare professionals (HCPs; N = 647) from various hospitals across China responded to an online questionnaire survey, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the proposed interaction model.

Emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment negatively predicted resilience, while depersonalization positively predicted resilience. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization positively predicted emotion-oriented strategies, and depersonalization negatively predicted problem-oriented strategies. Reduced personal accomplishment negatively predicted problem-oriented and avoidance-oriented strategies. Emotion-oriented strategies negatively predicted resilience, while problem-oriented and avoidance-oriented strategies positively predicted resilience. Mediation analysis revealed that emotion-oriented strategies significantly mediated the relationships between emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and resilience; avoidance-oriented strategies significantly mediated the relationships between depersonalization, reduced personal accomplishment, and resilience; and problem-oriented strategies mediated the relationships between reduced personal accomplishment and resilience.

The conclusions of this study may enhance the effectiveness of interventions for HCPs by providing insights into the specific effects of different burnout coping strategies. Particular attention should be given to HCPs experiencing a high level of reduced personal accomplishment burnout, and interventions for this subtype should emphasize problem-oriented strategies and the moderate adoption of avoidance strategies to best promote resilience.

It is well known that healthcare workers experience poor outcomes associated with workplace stress and secondary trauma from on-the-job events. In order to respond, healthcare systems must evolve. Yet it is unknown how trauma-informed approaches (TIAs) may effectively address system-level factors within healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to: (1) map out the existing knowledge about TIAs integrated within healthcare organizations and (2) map out the reported health impact of TIA integration on healthcare workers.

A scoping review was conducted using Fink’s five-step approach for systematic reviews, with scoping review modifications based on Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.

A total of 6,162 participants from 17 articles published between 2018 and 2024 were included in the retained sample. Key findings indicate: (1) TIA support for healthcare workers is insufficient, necessitating systemic organizational change led by effective leadership, and; (2) TIA integration may protect healthcare workers from trauma and burnout, fostering resilience and well-being.

TIAs within healthcare were associated with well-being among healthcare workers. Leadership plays an integral role in establishing trauma-informed organizational climates. Further work must be conducted with a large sample of healthcare workers to explore the perceived impact of trauma-informed system-level efforts aimed at promoting hospital staff’s well-being.

Research on emotional exhaustion (EE) among Lebanese registered nurses (RNs) during the COVID-19 pandemic is lacking, despite the extensive literature addressing EE within the healthcare workforce. This study explores the relationships between EE, self-confidence in learning (SCL), coping strategies, and perceived organizational support (POS).

A cross-sectional study analyzed a convenience sample of 82 RNs in medium-to-large acute care settings providing direct COVID-19 patient care. Data were gathered through an online survey that measured sociodemographic, SCL, POS, coping strategies, and EE. Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multiple linear regression to identify EE predictors.

Most participants were female (79.0%), married (56.1%), employed in the private sector (85.4%), and located in Beirut (63.4%). Bivariate analysis indicated that problem-focused coping (β = .32; p = .017) and dysfunctional coping (β = .38; p = .019) were positively associated with EE, while POS (β = −.21; p = .002) and marriage (β = .36; p = .040) were negatively related to EE. The final regression model explained 32% of variance in EE (p < .001), showing that POS (β = −.18; p = .007) and emotion-focused coping (β = −.74; p = .001) were associated with lower EE levels, while problem-focused coping (β = .60; p = .003) correlated with higher EE levels.

POS and emotion-focused coping were protective factors against EE, while problem focus strategies increased EE levels. This highlights the need for enhanced organizational support and tailored coping interventions to mitigate burnout among nurses.

Healthcare organizations should prioritize psychological support and resilience training to address EE among nurses. Policies should promote emotion-focused coping and reduce problem-focused coping strategies to enhance workforce well-being and retention.

Nurses working under armed conflict face heightened psychological stress that may undermine well-being and resilience. Mind-body practices such as yoga have been identified as promising strategies for enhancing emotional regulation and adaptive coping; however, evidence on their contribution to nurses’ resilience during wartime or emergency conditions remains limited.

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 105 hospital nurses in Israel during an active armed conflict. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing personal resilience (CD-RISC-10), stress response (SRQ), and yoga characteristics, including type (workplace vs. personal), duration, and perceived emotional benefits. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, group comparisons, and hierarchical regressions.

Nurses who engaged in sustained, self-initiated personal yoga practice reported higher personal resilience and lower stress response than non-practitioners. Perceived emotional benefits of yoga, longer duration of practice, and independent engagement were the strongest predictors of resilience, while lower stress response was associated with older age, longer yoga experience, and higher perceived benefits. Participation in brief workplace-only sessions was not independently related to either outcome.

Yoga may strengthen nurses’ resilience and reduce stress reactivity even under wartime conditions, particularly when practiced consistently and autonomously. Short-term institutional classes alone appear insufficient without sustained personal engagement and emotional relevance.

Occupational health nurses can promote resilience by developing hybrid yoga-based programs that combine structured on-site sessions with supported self-practice. Emphasizing autonomy, continuity, and reflection on emotional benefits may enhance coping, reduce stress, and foster durable well-being among nurses in conflict-affected environments.

Workplace health promotion programs are gaining prominence due to their potential to improve the physical and mental health of female employees. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of workplace health promotion programs on general health and quality of life outcomes in working women.

A systematic search of six databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials published between 2000 and 2025. A total of 20 randomized controlled trials involving 3,962 female employees were included, with 11 studies contributing to the meta-analysis. Interventions varied in type and duration, including physical activity, mindfulness, self-management education, and relaxation techniques. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model (Hedges’ g), and subgroup analyses were conducted based on intervention types.

Workplace health promotion programs demonstrated a significant positive effect on overall quality of life (SMD = 0.71). Subgroup analyses revealed a moderate and significant improvement in general quality of life, a small-to-moderate but consistent effect on physical health outcomes, and positive yet non-significant effects on psychological and mental health outcomes, which were characterized by substantial heterogeneity.

Workplace health promotion programs are effective in enhancing health and quality of life among female employees across diverse work settings. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and adapt interventions for specific needs of subgroups of women.

Workplace health promotion programs can be integrated into occupational health practice to improve health and quality of life among female employees.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common occupational health concern among nurses, particularly operating room (OR) nurses because of prolonged static postures and repetitive tasks in confined surgical settings. Here, we evaluated the effect of a structured stretching exercise program for OR nurses on musculoskeletal discomfort.

A quasi-experimental two-group pretest–posttest design was employed. Using a convenience sample, we recruited OR nurses with musculoskeletal pain or discomfort lasting ≥30 days in the past year from a regional teaching hospital in Taiwan. The intervention group (n = 20) completed 30 minutes of stretching 5 days/week for 6 weeks, with one supervised and four app-guided sessions. The control group (n = 20) continued their usual routines. WMSDs in 15 body regions were assessed with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. Intervention effects were analyzed using independent and paired t-tests.

Participants had a mean age and OR experience of 37.8 (standard deviation, 7.7) and 11.9 years (standard deviation, 10.9), respectively. The intervention group showed a significantly greater reduction in total musculoskeletal discomfort scores than the control group (t = 5.73, p < .001). Significant improvements occurred in 8 of 15 body regions, particularly the right shoulder (t = 3.04, p = .006), lower back (t = 4.83, p < .001), and left wrist/hand (t = 3.25, p = .004).

A structured stretching program is a feasible, low-cost strategy to reduce WMSDs and promote well-being among OR nurses.

These findings support implementing exercise interventions in occupational health promotion for perioperative settings.

Despite recognition of the integral relationship between healthcare worker (HCW) safety and patient safety, few studies have evaluated practices that improve safety for both groups. We undertook a scoping meta-review including only systematic reviews (SRs) to determine the extent to which existing literature identifies practices likely to benefit both HCW safety/well-being and patient safety and remaining research questions.

Literature searches were conducted for SRs and meta-analyses from 2011 to 2020 that reported outcome measures related to improving HCW safety/well-being or organizational safety culture as well as patient safety. After multi-stage screening, studies were classified as relationship/association or focused on a specific practice. Among practice-focused, those that found positive outcomes for both HCW/organizations and patients were considered potentially promising practices. Information was extracted on topic area, interventions, care settings, HCW type, outcomes measured and improvements.

Of 1,619 abstracts, 114 reviews met all inclusion criteria. Major topic groups were Worker Safety/Well-being (n = 33), Operational Practices (n = 34), Organization Safety Culture (n = 24), and Patient Safety/Quality (n = 23). Of 78 reviews addressing specific practices, 48 described practices likely to benefit both groups. Practices/interventions targeting how work is organized were most promising (subtopics staffing/human resources; structure, policies/procedures; human factors engineering). Practices addressing teamwork and engagement suggest opportunities to enhance safety climate.

A wide range of practices and topic areas may directly and/or indirectly improve safety for both HCWs/organizations and patients, suggesting an integrated approach to examining interventions and operational practices. Occupational health/safety and patient safety leaders should consider collaborating to implement promising practices.

The European Union prioritizes occupational health and safety, with firefighters—particularly volunteers—facing significant risks. In Portugal, 94% of firefighters are volunteers, often balancing multiple jobs, which increases their exposure to hazards. This study investigates Portuguese firefighters’ occupational risks and identifies tasks with the highest accident incidence to build a comprehensive profile of their health and work conditions.

Firefighters are exposed to extreme environments, long shifts, and high-stress situations, especially during wildfires. These conditions contribute to physical and mental health issues, including cardiovascular disease and sleep disturbances. Training and experience are key to improving risk perception and preventing accidents. Understanding firefighters’ main characteristics is essential for risk reduction and improving their quality of life.

A sociodemographic questionnaire was developed and administered to firefighters, covering three sections: General Information, Lifestyle and Clinical History, and Firefighting Activity. This enabled the collection of sociodemographic and occupational data.

A total of 220 responses were collected from Portuguese volunteer firefighters. Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases were the most commonly reported diagnoses. Wildland and urban/industrial fires were the main operational contexts linked to accidents, with 84 individuals reporting accident history in these scenarios.

The study revealed a lack of data on the profile of volunteer firefighters, a group at heightened risk due to cumulative exposures and existing health conditions. Further research is needed to support the development of regulations and health monitoring strategies that protect this workforce without compromising their operational capacity.

Older employees experience distinct occupational risks owing to age-related changes, making them more vulnerable to occupational injuries and disease. This study aimed to determine global factors influencing older adult safety to develop effective preventive interventions.

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Four scientific databases were searched for articles related to the safety of older adult workers published from January 2010 to November 2025. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist was used to ensure methodological rigor and minimize bias.

Thirty-one studies across diverse occupational settings were included, representing more than 27 million workers, with specific analyses focusing on adults aged ≥60 years. Occupational safety risks varied by sector. Agricultural workers were primarily exposed to heat stress, heavy physical workloads, and chronic diseases. Factory workers commonly faced metabolic disorders, falls, and physically demanding tasks, while office workers were mainly affected by psychosocial stress, ergonomic strain, and high workload demands. Common determinants of occupational safety across sectors included age, sex, job insecurity, ergonomic challenges, chronic conditions, smoking, and environmental exposures such as heat and chemicals.

Older workers face heterogeneous and sector-specific occupational safety risks, highlighting the need for age-sensitive workplace interventions. Targeted training, ergonomic modifications, and sector-specific safety regulations are essential to improving occupational safety and promoting healthy aging at work.

These findings support the development of tailored, age-sensitive occupational safety strategies, including ergonomic redesign, heat stress prevention, and flexible work arrangements, to enhance safety and well-being among aging workers.