http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/services/Feed ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:5469 We investigated the effects of gender and group size on perceptions of group variability, using groups of students taking different majors that varied in the proportion of men and women (female-majority, parity, and male-majority). We found that both group size and gender had consistent effects on perceived out-group variability, even when potentially confounded alternative explanations were assessed. Men showed a stronger out-group homogeneity effect than women, except when women were in the majority (Studies One and Two), and women showed no in-group homogeneity effect. There was an association between out-group homogeneity and the tendency to generate more subgroups for the in-group than out-group (Study Two), but perceived variability was not associated with familiarity, distinctiveness, perceived group size, or perceived group status. These consistent effects qualify the conclusions of prior research in important ways, and cannot be explained in terms of differences in stereotype accuracy (Study Three), or a confound between the gender majority of a major and its perceived status (Study Four). We discuss our findings in terms of theoretical explanations for gender and size effects on out-group homogeneity, and methodological considerations. 2013-03-11T00:43:19.843Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:12485 Purpose: It is unknown whether parental occupational exposure to chemicals before during and after pregnancy increases the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the offspring. Few studies on this topic have assessed maternal exposures. Methods: In an Australian case–control study of ALL in children aged <15 years, parents were asked about tasks they undertook in each job using a set of job-specific modules (JSMs). An expert reviewed the likelihood of exposure to exhausts, solvents, glues, and paints. Exposure was examined in each job 2 years, 1 year and anytime before birth of the child, and up to 1 year after birth of child. Results: Solvent exposure was similar for case and control mothers in all time periods. More case mothers had moderate/high exposure to exhausts than control mothers anytime before the birth of the child (p = 0.010). Exposure to moderate or substantial levels of exhausts by mothers (OR = 1.97 95% CI 0.99–3.90) or fathers (OR = 1.37 95% CI 1.01–1.86) before the birth increased the risk of ALL in their offspring. Exposure to paints, pigments, glues, and resins was similar in case and control parents. Conclusion: We found little evidence that parental occupational exposure to solvents, glues, and paints was associated with childhood ALL. There was some evidence ALL was associated with exhaust exposure. 2013-01-25T03:30:03.907Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:12060 The biggest change in the OHS legal environment in Australia in over 25 years is approaching, with the possible enactment of uniform legislation in the form of the model Work Health and Safety Act produced by Safe Work Australia in response to recommendations of a joint Federal and State ministers’ meeting. This paper will provide an overview of the new legislation, touching on the new definition of duty‐holders as “persons conducting a business or undertaking”, obligations imposed on managers, the differential penalty regime, new options for enforcement, and whether or not the recent High Court decision in Kirk will have any impact on the proposed new regime. 2012-11-26T22:39:41.283Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:12123 This paper considers the question of whether it is possible for company officers, who are fixed with personal liability for criminal occupational health and safety offences, to insure against such liability. It will also touch on related issues to do with indemnities being provided by companies. The paper focuses on the “common law” world, with particular reference to the UK and Australia. 2012-11-26T22:32:47.984Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:12091 This paper investigates the extent to which multinational enterprises formally identify a key group of non-managerial employees that are critical to the achievement of corporate strategy. Furthermore, the paper investigates whether there is a differentiated HR approach utilised according to the different talent pools. Utilising data from 260 MNEs operating in Ireland, the paper supports the viewpoint that there are employees other than management who possess significant strategic value in terms of their contribution to the corporate strategy. Although not a universal finding, a slight majority of MNEs noted that they identify a key group of employees based on possessing knowledge and skills deemed critical to the achievement of the organisation’s competitive strategy. In addition, some support was also found regarding the use of a differentiated HR architecture based on different. Specifically, we found that both the managerial pool and key group were more likely to be offered financial participation schemes, be subject to variable pay based on performance and were also more likely to have a pay policy of paying in the top or second quartile than the largest occupational group. Differences in the HR approach between the key group and managerial pool were also found but these were more minimalist. 2012-11-21T22:59:03.374Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:12017 For many years it has been acknowledged that the possibility of personal criminal liability of company officers plays a key role in encouraging company compliance with OHS obligations. The area of personal liability is one of those where currently there is a wide divergence between different Australian jurisdictions. This paper will offer some comments on the suggested national model and an evaluation of whether the proposed model will be effective in seeing that companies pay closer attention to OHS responsibilities. 2012-11-15T22:37:02.539Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:1498 In this paper, we build on earlier work (Watts and Rich, 1991, 1992a) and examine the conceptual and measurement issues associated with documenting trends in occupational segregation in Australia over the period 1986-2002. Some specific issues will be addressed, including: Is the rate of gender integration still pro-cyclical? Has gender stereotyping diminished in the atypical occupations? Have women crowded into occupations that were previously male dominated, so that re-segregation has occurred? What has been the impact on gender segregation of the continued growth of part-time employment? What role can legislation play in promoting occupational gender integration? 2012-10-05T04:30:04.513Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:11629 Research Doctorate - Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) 2012-09-28T05:40:34.128Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:11497 Background: Occupational violence is well documented among general practice receptionists, who are singularly vulnerable because they are placed in the general practice ‘frontline’. One response to this threat has been to physically isolate reception staff from waiting room patients by having a perspex shield at the reception desk and a locked door between waiting room and staff areas. Method: A qualitative study employing semistructured interviews, an inductive approach and a thematic analysis. The study explored the experiences and perceptions of three receptionists who work in a practice with a perspex and lockdown system, and 16 who work in practices without these. Results: Receptionists were universally positive about the safety measures for reducing risk. But there was also a view that these safety measures potentially compromise the feeling of a practice being patient centred by alienating patients from staff and, paradoxically, increasing levels of patient violence and staff fearfulness. Discussion: These safety measures, while viewed positively by receptionists, may have adverse effects on patient-staff relationships and exacerbate violence and increase staff fearfulness. 2012-09-10T05:00:05.648Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:11377 This paper describes the implementation and preliminary results of a supported education programme designed to complement a youth-oriented supported employment programme. Method: The programme was delivered by occupational therapists employed by a community mental health service in the Hunter New England region, New South Wales, Australia. Twenty mental health service users were assisted with their course of study over an 18-month period. Results: Education outcomes were promising, with 70% of service users either continuing or completing their chosen course of formal study. The education support provided was modelled on the Individual Placement and Support approach to supported employment. Conclusion: Occupational therapists working in public mental health can use this promising approach to supplement supported employment programmes, which should also be closely coordinated with the mental health service. 2012-08-27T04:51:54.983Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:11376 This article describes a pioneering longitudinal investigation from Australia known as the Hunter Community Study (HCS). The HCS investigates retired and near-retired persons randomly selected in a regional area on the heavily populated east coast. As it collects detailed survey, clinical, and biological measures, the HCS is more comprehensive than most other research of this nature. The HCS also has significant occupational implications at an international level, being one of the first Australian studies to take a full, lifetime occupational history linked to job exposures. Longitudinal cohort studies with exposure assessment, such as the HCS offer epidemiologists around the world a clear opportunity for examining and evaluating the long-term risks of employment across a variety of workplace settings. It is only with detailed datasets that continuing progress can be made in elucidating mechanisms of occupational disease causation in the new millennium. 2012-08-27T04:50:47.161Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:11351 Objectives: This study aimed to identify current and emerging issues relevant to Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) research in Australia, and to formulate strategic research directions and strategies for the future. Methods: A national research forum was held which included leading OHS academics, employer and employee representative groups, as well as executives from state (New South Wales) and national (Safe Work Australia) representative bodies. A modified Delphi technique was used for collecting data in three phases. Results: When ranked according to group consensus, the top three priorities for future OHS research in Australia were identified as being psychosocial and soft tissue injury hazards, work/life issues, and the impact of multiple, long-term exposures. Strategies to enhance collaboration despite limited research funding included the need to focus on complementary skills, to make the best use of Safe Work Australia's role (particularly to link with strategic and operational plans), and to foster closer engagement with research communities. Conclusions: While certain research priorities appear to be similar to those of other countries, the current study did identify some unique characteristics within an Australian context. High quality investigations of these issues should now be considered, in conjunction with greater cooperation between governments, regulators, employers and employee groups for the more effective facilitation of applied OHS research in the coming years. 2012-08-24T01:21:44.279Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:10879 This Addendum examines the literature of Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) between 1961 and 1974, a time period not originally included in last year's 90th Anniversary Supplement due to incomplete coverage in the citation databases. 2012-06-06T05:00:06.827Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:10878 This Addendum examines the earliest bibliometric data from 5 core journals of occupational medicine (1975-1984), utilizing material that was not available when the original article was published. 2012-06-06T05:00:06.234Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:10875 In 2010, an article was published in the Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health (AEOH) that proposed a set of core journals in the field of Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH). In 2010, an article was published in the Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health (AEOH) that proposed a set of core journals in the field of Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH). Part 1 highlighted EOH journal titles that have repeatedly appeared in articles published by other authors, and as such, was intended as a guide for those looking for a manageable starting point given the plethora of published material available in contemporary academia. A ‘core’ list of 13 English-language periodicals was identified and scored based on how often a particular journal was being referred to in the published works of others. The current article, Part 2, proposes a ‘core’ journal list identified by way of bibliometric measures, such as citation counts and impact factors. 2012-06-06T01:40:04.922Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:10865 As with any discussion of academic journals, there will always be disagreements regarding whether certain titles should or should not have been included. The current article is intended to help EOH professionals decide which international journals feature most prominently, while at the same time, offering comprehensive coverage in a practically manageable amount of reading each month. As a result, Part 1 highlights journal titles that have repeatedly appeared in scientific articles published by other authors. It may or may not be considered the definitive list. Part 2 of this series will propose a ‘core’ list identified by way of bibliometric measures, such as citation counts and impact factors. 2012-05-30T00:32:30.872Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:9329 The nursing workforce has a high risk of injury in the workplace due to a very active and heavy manual handling workload and associated hazards. Previous studies have focused on the problem of manual handling injuries in a range of professions. This study focused specifically on the nursing workforce and the experience of occupational rehabilitation from two perspectives: Return to work coordinators and injured nurses. Occupational rehabilitation is a complex process involving several stakeholders. The employer, insurer, return-to-work coordinator, various medical and allied health service providers, the injured person and their colleagues all contribute to this process. The study has included participants representing a range of health care facilities and working environments. Nurse participants were recruited from a range of specialty areas of practice and across a range of nursing roles or classifications. 2012-05-28T23:11:52.246Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:8539 The Hunter Community Study (HCS) is a longitudinal cohort study of men and women aged 55-85 years of age who reside in Newcastle, New South Wales on the east coast of Australia. The study is conducted as a collaboration between the University of Newcastle and the Hunter New England Area Health Service.The first phase of this study sampled 3253 people representing a response rate of 44.5%. A follow up survey of the entire cohort is currently being completed (Jan-June 2011). Description of the data Blood collection samples The blood samples include plasma, serum, whole blood, and DNA that have been stored at -80 degrees Celsius, as well as whole cells cryopreserved in DMSO in liquid nitrogen (-196C) for future use. All the blood samples are stored in 1-ml aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles, which may adversely impact on analyte integrity. One of the more unique samples is whole blood that has been cryopreserved with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) in liquid nitrogen to obtain whole lymphocytes for future cell immortalization (through Epstein-Barr virus transformation) and cytogenetic studies. These samples also allow for assaying biomarkers of genetic damage, in which toxins have affected DNA integrity. These include single- or double-stranded DNA breaks detected using the COMET assay, micronuclei, sister chromatid exchanges and cytogenetic abnormalities, all of which require whole viable cells, not just isolated DNA. Electronic data All files are in SAS format and the total file size is ~250MB. Participants have given consent for linkage to area health databases (for hospitalisations), death registry, and Medicare records. Measures within this study include: demographics (age, education, housing, income, government benefits), morbidity (self-reported diseases) and health professional utilization, use of complementary and alternative medicines and medication, nutrition (use of a Food Frequency Questionnaire), quality of life (using Short Form 36 [SF-36] and Australian Quality of Life - Mark 2 [AQoL II]), physical activity (using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly [PASE]), mental health (using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K 10], Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D] and Memory Assessment Clinic-Q [MAC-Q]), daytime sleepiness (using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale), social support (using the Duke Social Support Index [DSSI]), occupational exposures to more than 40 different classes of toxins (using the Finnish Job Exposure Matrix [FINJEM]), lifetime tobacco use, lifetime alcohol consumption, oral health questionnaire, hearing assistance (using Glasgow Hearing Aid Questionnaire) and spirituality measures (including religion and attendance at places of worship). Clinical data collection measures include respiratory function (Spirometry [Spida 5 Software]), cardiovascular function (heart rate, blood pressure - using BP Tru Blood Pressure Machine-100), cognition (Audio Recorded Cognitive Screening (ARCS), Neuropsychological battery Mini Mental State Examination [MMSE]), sensory measures (visual acuity, hearing [pure tone audiometry], smell [Sniffin Sticks], vibration sensation [biothesiometry]), obesity (Body Mass Index [BMI], Waist-to-hip-ratio [WHR]), functional performance (functional reach test, Timed Up and Go, grip strength), physical activity (self-reported and individual pedometry results), bone density (ultrasound ankle bone Densitometry), vaccination history and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) use. Physical data collection measures via routine haematological and biochemical tests include full blood count, fibrinogen, lipids, triglycerides, liver function test, proteins, electrolytes, urea, urate, creatinine. fasting total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose. 2012-05-04T03:28:56.392Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:10547 This review of the current literature is aimed at examining musculoskeletal disorders in dental hygienists, and investigates the complex nature of this significant occupational health issue. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) have been identified as a significant issue for the profession of dental hygiene. The purpose of this review is to examine and assemble the best evidence on the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, interventions, prevention, impact and consequences of MSD among the dental hygiene profession. The prevalence of MSD is alarming, with up to 96% reporting pain, and a number of occupational risk factors have been identified by the literature. Studies investigating interventions are generally limited in their study design, which is concerning given the huge impact MSD can have on the practising dental hygienist. Overall, it is evident from the literature that MSD is a complex and multifactorial problem. However, a complete understanding of the progression of musculoskeletal disorders is still far from being realised, due to the lack of longitudinal studies and standardised research techniques. Future research should implement triangulation methods in longitudinal studies, a strategy which will go a long way in the understanding of this complex occupational health issue. 2012-03-27T02:50:06.997Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:10444 Introduction: Occupation-focused models are one method of integrating occupation into occupational therapy education programmes. They offer a theoretical basis for practice by providing explanations about the process and practice of the profession. Method: This exploratory study used a quantitative research framework to investigate which occupation-focused models are included in occupational therapy programmes, the rationale for their inclusion and how the models are integrated into curricula. A survey was sent to 193 occupational therapy programmes in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Results: The response rate was 33.8% (n = 65). The data showed that each programme included between 3 and 10 occupation-focused models. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement and the Model of Human Occupation were included in 98.5% of all curricula surveyed. Conclusion: The educators used a multilayered decision-making process to determine which occupation-focused models to include in a curriculum. The instructional methods varied, but most programmes used practice placement education as a teaching strategy. Further research is required into how curriculum design influences a practitioner’s future use of occupation-focused models in practice. A better understanding is needed of how professional practice education affects students’ values and attitudes towards the use of occupation-focused models. 2012-03-19T21:40:05.302Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:10431 The objectives of this chapter are to: 1. Appreciate the contribution of spirituality to children’s self-esteem, agency and resilience. 2. Understand the importance of enabling spirituality in children’s everyday lives. 3. Develop an understanding of the ways in which children may express their spirituality. 4. Identify ways of supporting children’s expression of their spirituality in daily occupational therapy practice. 2012-03-19T03:50:05.410Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:10352 Masters Research - Master of Philosophy (MPhil) 2012-03-12T07:50:39.325Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:988 Despite Australia enjoying unprecedented growth since the early 1990's, pockets of socio-demographic and regional disadvantage persist. Studies of disadvantaged workers often focus on regions experiencing employment decline; this paper instead explores how disadvantaged workers have fared in expanding labour markets. How much do workers at the bottom end of the labour market benefit from employment growth? Are policies that focus on the delivery of employment growth sufficient for determining labour market outcomes, or is continuing disadvantage a reflection of personal characteristics? At the aggregate level, high growth regions appear to have had more equitable rates of growth across occupations relative to low or medium growth regions. However growth in the late 1990s has not significantly altered the structure of the labour market disadvantage and the gap in the relative probabilities of unemployment between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged participants persists. This is particularly so for labour market participants with low English proficiency, in state housing, renting and non-metropolitan Australians, and the trend is more pronounced amongst females. 2012-03-07T23:10:11.529Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:761 Where death is caused through culpable carelessness, such as in a road accident, the legal response in many situations is a finding of manslaughter. But until recently the legal system has tended not to resort to this option in cases of death occurring in the workplace. In particular, given the prevalence of the corporate structure among employers, individual company officers have often been able to rely on the 'corporate shield' to avoid being called to account in this way. More recently there have been many calls for company officers to be judged for serious neglect of their duties, leading to the death of workers, in the same way that they would be judged if they were carelessly in control of a motor vehicle and caused the death of another driver. Prosecution authorities, in particular in the United Kingdom, have started to make more use of the general criminal law of manslaughter, rather than simply relying on the specific workplace safety statutes. Arguably there are benefits to this flowing from the community perception that a manslaughter charge is a much more serious business than a 'mere' workplace safety prosecution. This article aims to consider how under the criminal law a company officer might be found to be guilty of either manslaughter or another serious offence as a result of the death of a worker employed by the company. 2012-03-01T23:14:36.403Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:9204 Purpose: The WorkHab Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is one of many FCEs currently available and is widely used in the Australian workplace injury management and occupational rehabilitation arena. This study investigated the test–retest reliability of manual handling tasks within the WorkHab FCE in healthy adults. Method: A convenience sample of 25 healthy subjects, consisting of 19 women and 6 men with a mean age of 29 years (SD: 12.0) participated in this study. Two FCE sessions were held a week apart and subjects completed a floor to bench, bench to shoulder and bench to bench lift. Analysis of the outcomes of the FCE included descriptive analysis, intra-class correlations (ICC), kappa, percentage agreement and 95% limits of agreement where appropriate. Results: The ICCs for the three lifts show an excellent reliability (0.90–0.92), and a moderate reliability for the manual handling score (0.74). Further analysis of the components of the manual handling score found the percentage agreement was high for all components ranging from 72 to 92%; however, the kappa scores suggested poor to moderate reliability (range: −0.06 to 0.52). Internal consistency of the manual handling score was good (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.92) indicating this is a reliable scale. Conclusions: The ratings for the lifting components identified substantial levels of test–retest reliability for the lifting components of the WorkHab FCE in healthy adults. 2012-01-30T05:21:00.487Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7318 Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE's) are used within the occupational rehabilitation arena with the aim of assessing an individual's functional abilities in relation to work tasks. Therapists use a variety of different FCE's, both standardized and non standardized. This study aimed to investigate therapists' views on the clinical utility of FCE's in general and to identify if these differed between professional groups. A cross sectional study design was used. Health professionals who conduct FCE's and who worked for WorkCover accredited rehabilitation providers in NSW were surveyed. Surveys were returned from 79 participants working for 65 different rehabilitation providers. Of those who replied, 82% (n=63) were occupational therapists, 13% (n=10) physiotherapists and 5% (n=5) exercise physiologists. The mean years of professional experience was 10.9 years and the mean years of FCE experience was 5.3 years. Data were analyzed using STATA [v8.0] and the clinical utility of FCE's was considered relating to: usefulness & relevance; adaptability and flexibility; therapist perceived requirements and issues in practice. No differences were found related to the clinical utility of FCE's between professional groups or years of professional experience. The results suggest consistency and similarities in how FCE's are currently used in practice across NSW (Australia). Limitations of this study and areas for further research are suggested. 2012-01-30T05:16:42.661Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:9275 Objective: This longitudinal study sought to determine the effectiveness of interventions to improve injury management in an industrial setting. Participants: Study participants were workers from three production departments of a large aluminium smelter. Methods: The interventions introduced were to encourage active participation in rehabilitation procedures by injured workers, improve communication with all stakeholders, identify and manage psychosocial issues, and focus the workforce on occupational health and safety matters. Linear regression modelling was used to determine the effectiveness of the interventions using data collected for fourteen months before and fifteen months after the introduction of interventions. Outcomes compared were the number of injuries, number of persons on restricted duty, and lost hours per month. Results: Modelling showed the intervention significantly reduced the number of injuries in the potrooms (from 14 to 6 per month). The number of persons on restricted duties was reduced in all departments (potrooms: from 12 to 7 persons per month, cast house: 3 to 1 person per month, carbon plant: 3 to 1 person per month). Lost hours were significantly reduced in the potrooms (from 244 to 61 hours per month). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the revised injury management process introduced. 2012-01-30T05:10:44.422Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7352 At the Western Institute of Technical and Further Education (WITAFE) in New South Wales (NSW), vocational education and training (VET) courses are being delivered to students in isolated homesteads and remote Aboriginal communities by Interactive Distance eLearning (IDL). IDL provides satellite-supported two-way broadband voice, oneway video and Internet access for school-age and adult distance education. Adults commonly access VET courses offered by WITAFE using the equipment provided to their children who are students of a ‘School of the Air’ or through community facilities in remote Aboriginal communities. By providing lessons via satellite to isolated students TAFENSW is helping to counter long-standing inequities in distance and rural education by decreasing the digital divide and assisting with rural renewal. Through a case study, this paper examines the influence of the provision of IDL and Internet access for adult students in isolated homesteads in NSW and also the benefits and challenges of teaching and learning with IDL. 2011-11-28T02:00:04.981Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:9207 Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE's) are part of practice in work injury prevention and rehabilitation, and are designed to define an individual's functional abilities or limitations in the context of safe, productive work tasks. Qualitative research methodology was used to investigate the attitudes and behaviours of health professionals in relation to FCE use. The study aimed to identify why health professionals chose a particular FCE, and to identify what factors influence health professionals' clinical judgements when providing results and recommendations for the individual being assessed. Five health professionals from the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia, participated in semi-structured, individual interviews using a phenomenological approach. Following inductive analysis of the data, four themes reflecting participants' attitudes and behaviours of FCE use emerged: i) referrals and expectations, including why and when the assessment is completed ii) outcomes, – what the results aim to provide iii) workplace/practice/usage issues and iv) skills of the assessor. The results indicate the need for further research on the clinical utility of FCE's. A large scale quantitative study would allow results to be generalised to a wider community of FCE users. 2011-10-25T03:40:10.890Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:8346 Introduction: This study investigated the perceptions and practices of Australian health professionals in relation to the use of functional capacity evaluations (FCE’s). Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used to survey health professionals who conduct FCE’s and who were working for one of 219 rehabilitation providers in NSW, Australia. Seventy seven returned surveys were eligible for inclusion. Results: Eleven different FCE’s were being utilised with many health professionals using more than one FCE. The most commonly used FCE was non-standardised (56%, n = 43) followed by 52% (n = 40) using the Workhab, and 18% (n = 14) using Valpar. Both non-standardised and standardised assessments were being used by 90% (n = 69) of respondents. Health professionals reported using all or parts of the FCE, and indicated identical FCE’s are not always conducted, with adaptation of the FCE, due to client injury (82%, n = 62) and job (80%, n = 43) occurring. About 60% of respondents had no choice in the type of FCE they conducted, and of the 40% with a choice, this was not influenced by other stakeholders in the process. Accreditation and training, characteristics of assessment tasks, standardisation, reliability, cost, length and flexibility were all identified as factors affecting the selection of an FCE. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that health professionals in NSW Australia, are not routinely using standardised tools for FCE’s. Health professional perceptions suggest accreditation, training and the characteristics of the FCE were important factors in FCE selection. In practice, participants tended to use parts of an FCE rather than the whole FCE. Adaptation of FCE’s was common, due to client injury and specific job requirements. 2011-10-25T03:30:10.287Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:8992 The two Reports of the National Review into Model Occupational Health and Safety Laws (the First Report of October 2008, and the Second Report of January 2009) when read together make a number of recommendations concerning the personal criminal liability of company officers, and the defence of "due diligence". A previous paper reviewed the current law as to personal liability under Australian law, building on an initial study published in 2005. In this paper I shall assume some familiarity with those papers and concentrate on the recommendations of the two Reports. Some of the material here commenting on the First Report is also contained in "Recent Developments", but since at the time it was presented the Second Report had not been published, it seems sensible to provide a combined comment on the overall impact of both Reports. 2011-09-18T22:40:09.586Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:6601 The decision in Kirk v Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales; Kirk Group Holdings Pty Ltd v WorkCover Authority of New South Wales (Inspector Childs) (Kirk) is an important decision of the Full Bench of the High Court which provides guidance on the proper interpretation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (NSW) (OHS Act 2000), and has implications for the continuing work of the Industrial Court of New South Wales in this important area of law. The decision is also important for administrative lawyers. This note, however, focuses primarily on the implications of the decision for the area of occupational health and safety law. Administrative law issues are likely to be explored in greater depth in other comments. 2011-08-31T02:00:08.138Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:8453 Medical office workers require a basic understanding of medical terminology and the main body systems to which these terms refer. They should also be aware of current occupational health and safety regulations and the various government procedures and protocols related to medical practice and health care in Australia. This book addresses all these issues. It also discusses communication skills and interaction with colleagues and patients. 2011-07-25T06:00:07.652Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:8062 The decision of the NSW Court of Appeal in Wynn Tresidder Management Pty Ltd v Barkho (Wynn Tresidder) deals with the question whether civil liability to a member of the public injured at a workplace can be based on the occupational health and safety legislation in NSW. The plaintiff was attempting to enter a shopping centre car park, when she was injured as she slipped on a wet surface which had been created by rain entering where renovations were happening. Her claim in negligence against the owners of the shopping centre (the occupiers) succeeded at trial and was upheld by the Court of Appeal. But a claim in breach of statutory duty (BSD), which also succeeded at trial, was doubted by the appeal court. This casenote comments on the BSD claim, and some aspects of the interesting interaction of the tort of breach of statutory duty with the new civil liability legislation. 2011-07-05T00:00:11.005Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7926 Francis Bacon once said that reading maketh a learned man, and much of the progress achieved in making workplaces safer is reflected by, and recorded in, the academic periodicals of environmental and occupational health (EOH). The historical development of EOH journals, therefore, provides an interesting written record of the profession itself, as well as documenting the concerns and issues deemed important by journal editors and contributors over time. 2011-06-23T23:32:09.068Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7927 Tobacco use represents one of the most important public health issues in the world today. The problem is vast, with over one billion smokers worldwide and many millions more using oral tobacco products. Tobacco kills over 5 million people every year, accounts for 10% of all adult mortality and is a risk factor for 6 of the top 8 causes of death worldwide. If current trends continue, tobacco will be responsible for around 8 million deaths per year, and up to one billion deaths in the 21st century. Tobacco also represents a key issue in occupational health, as it has considerable impact in the workplace. From a health perspective, smoking at work may act multiplicatively to cause significant respiratory disease among occupations with high exposures to mineral dusts and other airborne contaminants. From a financial perspective, employees who smoke incur greater absences from work, take more sick days and have higher health care costs than comparable never smokers. Employers suffer from decreased productivity, higher ventilation and housekeeping costs, as well as fire insurance losses when their employees smoke. Tobacco use at work also harms others and for non-smokers, the workplace represents one of the largest sources of environmental tobacco exposure. 2011-06-23T23:31:59.621Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7657 In memoriam: Jay Govind was raised in Durban, South Africa. He graduated with a degree in Medicine from the University of Cape Town, and completed several years as a resident medical officer. Being of Indian descent, he found that career opportunities in specialist medicine were limited to him in South Africa. He emigrated to Australia to pursue his fortune. 2011-05-03T04:50:01.886Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7534 A letter to the editor about Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), needlestick and sharps injuries (NSI) and occupational skin diseases being three of the most common workplace health issues in the dental profession. 2011-04-08T06:10:20.707Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7539 Although numerous lists of "citation classics" have been compiled across a variety of scientific fields, few have included articles from environmental and occupational health (EOH). This investigation sought to identify and analyze the most highly cited articles ever published in the Journal of Industrial Hygiene (1919-1935), the Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology (1936-1949) the Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Medicine (1950), the American Medical Association (A.M.A.) Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Medicine (1950-1954), and the A.M.A. Archives of Industrial Health (1955-1960). Regularly cited topics included metal fume fever and various studies of beryllium, whereas the most highly cited article of all was a 1957 paper describing the control of heat casualties at military training centers. Interestingly, the most highly cited articles were not the oldest, and nor were they written as literature reviews. Overall, this Study suggests that although some citation patterns in EOH reflect those of other disciplines, the trend is not uniform and EOH itself appears to have some distinctive bibliometric characteristics. 2011-04-08T06:10:15.856Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7523 Review of: Jayakumar G, Retneswari M, eds. Occupational Health for Health Care Professionals: Caring for the Carers. 1st ed. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Malaysian Medical Association; 2008. 2011-04-07T03:00:14.312Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7521 Obituary of: Eric Clifford Wigglesworth AM, the "father of Australian safety", who passed away on 22 March 2009. 2011-04-07T03:00:03.490Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7501 Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a monomer of acrylic resin widely used in a variety of medical, dental, and industrial applications. Its extensive use in surgery, particularly for arthroplasties, has often raised concerns regarding potential human toxicity for orthopaedic surgeons, surgical nurses, and other operating-room staff who are occupationally exposed to the compound. The main toxic effects of MMA exposure appear to involve the cardiovascular system. When exposed to MMA in the work environment, surgical staff have been reported to suffer from hypersensitivity, asthmatic reactions, local neurological symptoms, irritations and local dermatological reactions. The integrity of latex gloves may also be compromised following exposure to MMA during surgical procedures. At present, MMA is not thought to be carcinogenic to humans under normal conditions of use. Nevertheless, sound occupational hygiene practices should still be used to help reduce workplace exposure to MMA during orthopaedic and other medical procedures. Surgical staff should avoid direct contact with MMA mixtures wherever possible, and room ventilation and adequate airflow should also be optimized. In the present article, the authors review studies relating to MMA toxicity in surgical practice, updating in part a previous literature review and expanding on the toxicity of MMA within the surgical setting. 2011-04-07T02:40:16.177Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7500 Academic journals in a specialist field provide an interesting historical record of its development and progression over time. This article describes the evolution of some major international journals of occupational medicine, including some historical background on their editorial board. As North America, the United Kingdom, and Northern Europe are known to have the highest contribution to scientific production, it was considered appropriate to investigate the main occupational medicine periodicals in these regions. Given the remarkable improvements in Japanese occupational health following the Second World War, it was also considered worthwhile to investigate the two English-language journals of occupational medicine from this country. 2011-04-07T02:40:13.492Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7291 Musculoskeletal problems have become a significant issue for the profession of dentistry and dental hygiene. This review provides a detailed examination and discussion regarding the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in dental personnel and possible causative factors. All research studies or literature reviews, which have reported on the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and/or potential risk factors for this problem in dentists, dental hygienists and dental students, were selected for inclusion. Our literature suggests that the prevalence of general musculoskeletal pain ranges between 64% and 93%. The most prevalent regions for pain in dentists have been shown to be the back (36.3–60.1%) and neck (19.8–85%), while the hand and wrist regions were the most prevalent regions for dental hygienists (60–69.5%). Interestingly, we found that studies on MSDs among dental and dental hygiene students are quite limited. Many risk factors have been identified, including static and awkward posture and work practices. Overall, the review suggests that musculoskeletal problems represent a significant burden for the dental profession. More research in the form of larger studies is urgently required, to help more clearly elucidate the development of this important issue for dental hygienists and dental hygiene students. 2011-02-23T02:40:25.492Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:760 Section 26 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (NSW) (like similar provisions in other Australian jurisdictions) imposes personal liability for corporate breaches of the Act on officers of the relevant company. This article explores this provision in detail through analysis of cases decided in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, and other material. It deals with the general background to the provision, the practice of prosecutors, and a number of legal issues arising under the section. These include the meaning of ‘due diligence’ as a defence, the difficult issues raised by the privilege against self-incrimination when both officers and the company are prosecuted, and sentencing issues such as the appropriate allocation of penalty between the company and the officer. The article concludes by suggesting a number of areas where some ‘fine-tuning’ of s 26 is desirable to enable it to be effective in encouraging senior managers to pay proper attention to workplace safety. 2010-07-02T04:51:41.575Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:1893 Second-year students of undergraduate occupational therapy at the University of Newcastle, NSW, undertake a fieldwork placement in occupational health. However, sufficient placements are not always available. A new fieldwork program attempts to meet this need. Three groups of students conducted risk assessments throughout the academic year, with generally positive results. Students enjoyed the self-directed nature of the placement and the opportunity to learn generic and occupational health related skills. Although there were some limitations to the program, we believe that fieldwork placements met the learning needs of second-year students and offered them an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience related to occupational health practice in prevention. 2010-04-27T06:59:31.993Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:2507 Professional Doctorate - Doctor of Business Administration 2010-04-27T06:49:45.234Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:1200 Speech Pathology Australia developed competency-based occupational standards in response to a national government initiative across all professions and these standards have formed the basis for the accreditation process of speech pathology education programmes in Australia since 1994. This paper presents a critical appraisal of the contribution of a competency framework to curricular design, focussing on both content coverage and teaching methodologies. Also, the assessment of learning promoted through a competency-based framework is considered in relation to models of critical thinking. 2010-04-27T06:39:31.975Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:1151 Section 26 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (NSW) (like similar provisions in other Australian jurisdictions) imposes personal liability for corporate breaches of the Act on officers of the relevant company. This article explores this provision in detail through analysis of cases decided in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, and other material. It deals with the general background to the provision, the practice of prosecutors, and a number of legal issues arising under the section. These include the meaning of 'due diligence' as a defence, the difficult issues raised by the privilege against self-incrimination when both officers and the company are prosecuted, and sentencing issues such as the appropriate allocation of penalty between the company and the officer. The article concludes by suggesting a number of areas where some 'fine-tuning' of s 26 is desirable to enable it to be effective in encouraging senior managers to pay proper attention to workplace safety. 2010-04-27T06:38:43.652Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:3106 There are many differences between the cities and their counterparts for the motivations and the transitions of the jobs. This paper attempts to extend these findings using four waves of Household Income and Labour Dynamics Australia (HILDA) data, to examine whether cities do promote greater levels of mobility and whether primary and secondary labour market participants display different patterns of search and occupational transition in urban areas. 2010-04-27T06:29:55.794Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:1601 Aim: Occupational injury and the process of rehabilitation can impact significantly on an individual's life. Research on the perspectives of injured workers, and their perceptions of the occupational therapy role, is limited. Method: A qualitative, phenomenological study explored the experiences of six injured workers, from a large regional area health service, who had undergone occupational rehabilitation within the NSW Workers Compensation System. Data were collected through the use of in-depth, semistructured interviews and were analysed inductively. Results: Injured workers have a limited knowledge and understanding of the rehabilitation process, feel unsupported throughout the process, have unsatisfying return-to-work duties and often experience negative attitudes from key stakeholders. Conclusion: The results highlight the opportunity for occupational therapists to increase their role within occupational rehabilitation; however, they need to adopt a more holistic approach to their practice. 2010-04-27T06:28:52.293Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:882 Objective:To document levels of public support in Australia for smoking restrictions in licensed premises, including trends over time, and to examine the potential effects of a ban on patronage. Method:Systematic review of published and unpublished studies of community and staff attitudes towards smoking in bars, gaming areas and related venues were identified using Medline, Current Contents, PsycINFO and AUSTHealth prior to September 2002. State and Territory health departments, cancer organisations and branches of the National Heart Foundation were approached. Cross-sectional surveys reporting data on attitudes towards smoking restrictions and/or perceptions of effects on patronage were sought. Two reviewers assessed studies for inclusion. One extracted data using pre-coded categories with checking by the second. Results:Thirty-four community and seven staff surveys were synthesised qualitatively, with greater emphasis given to surveys using random selection. All surveys conducted since 1993, which included the separate smoking area response option, have demonstrated majority support for some form of smoking restriction on licensed premises. From 2000, surveys with the ban option alone report majority support for prohibiting smoking completely in bars (52–68%) and gaming areas (64–76%). Support increased significantly after the Sharp damages award. Customer preference data indicate banning smoking is most likely to have a neutral or positive effect on patronage. Conclusions and implications:Support for a ban on smoking in licensed premises has increased by almost 20% in the past decade. State and Territory governments should introduce legislation banning smoking in all indoor drinking and gaming areas immediately. 2010-04-27T06:22:52.751Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:1119 Objective: To contrast subjective and objective measures of neuropsychological health in F-111 aircraft Deseal/Reseal maintenance personnel, against two appropriate comparison groups. Methods: Exposed and comparison participants completed a postal questionnaire which included a validated memory questionnaire and additional questions relating to possible cognitive symptoms. They also underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and screening for a past or current disturbance of mood. Multiple linear or logistic regression was conducted for each outcome using exposure group and potential confounders as explanatory variables. Results: There was a strong and consistent excess of self-reported cognitive problems among the exposed group relative to the comparison groups including a 2.8–4.3-fold increase in self-reported symptoms of forgetfulness, loss of concentration and difficulty finding the right word. On detailed neuropsychological testing, the exposed group performed significantly worse than comparisons on tests of psychomotor speed, executive functioning, and new learning/memory. These findings could not be accounted for by disturbances of mood or other potential confounders. Conclusions: There was a strong and consistent increase in self-reported cognitive problems among the exposed, and small but significant exposure-specific differences on objective tests of cognitive functioning. The findings are consistent with the development of adverse neuropsychiatric changes related to occupational exposure to solvents. 2010-04-27T06:07:21.272Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4782 For safety professionals wishing to seek up-to-date English-language information on workplace issues, standards and exposure limits in Japan, the journals INDUSTRIAL HEALTH and the JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH represent a treasure trove of information. Despite being Japan's premier English-language journals in the field of occupational safety and health for almost 50 years, the history and content of these periodicals is largely unknown outside the country. Founded in 1963 and 1996 respectively, INDUSTRIAL HEALTH and the JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH have been two important vehicles for the dissemination of research findings, technical standards and exposure limits to the international community. This article provides a brief history and introduction to both journals, as well as describing their developmental stages and current position in the field of international occupational safety and health. 2010-04-27T05:33:50.897Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4772 Alternate Italian title: "Abitudine al fumo nei medici italiani e il ruolo della Medicina del Lavoro" (abstract in Italian, article in English). 2010-04-27T05:33:11.257Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4791 China has a large working population, many of whom are exposed to occupational hazards on a daily basis. In addition, the overall number of occupational disease cases and the workplace mortality rate are higher than in many other countries. With rapid economic development, a proliferation of international and private companies has emerged, leading to conflicts between limited service capacity and a steadily growing need for occupational health surveillance. This article describes the current status of and issues related to the occupational health surveillance of China's working population, and suggests ways to resolve the shortfall in occupational health services. While, in principle, an employer's responsibilities for health protection are emphasised in Chinese occupational health legislation, there are still inadequacies in the current system, particularly relating to administrative agencies, employers' behaviour, the current situation regarding farm workers, and the integration of preventive approaches. 2010-04-27T05:33:05.764Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4789 Longitudinal analysis of citation data provides useful historical information on research and publishing trends in our field. A citation-based analysis was performed on 5 core journals published between 1985 and 2006. Detailed historical information on citation rates, cited half-lives, immediacy indices, and impact-factor scores were extracted from the Thomson Scientific Journal Citation Reports via a custom order, and systematically analyzed. Occupational medicine journals have attracted an increasing number of citations in recent years, with this figure rising from just over 5,000 per year in 1985 to almost 17,000 per year by 2006. Impact factors have also increased between 108% and 186% per journal, with an average rise of approximately 158% during the time period examined. Overall, this study suggests that occupational medicine is now attracting increasing attention in the scientific literature, as evidenced by rising citation counts and impact factors. 2010-04-27T05:33:05.743Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4567 Background: Although low back pain (LBP) is an important issue for the health profession, few studies have examined LBP among occupational therapy students. Purpose: To investigate the prevalence and distribution of LBP, its adverse sequelae; and to identify potential risk factors. Methods: In 2005, a self-reported questionnaire was administered to occupational therapy students in Northern Queensland. Findings: The 12-month period-prevalence of LBP was 64.6%. Nearly half (46.9%) had experienced pain for over 2 days, 38.8% suffered LBP that affected their daily lives, and 24.5% had sought medical treatment. The prevalence of LBP ranged from 45.5 to 77.1% (p=0.004), while the prevalence of LBP symptoms persisting longer than two days was 34.1 to 62.5% (p=0.020). Logistic regression analysis indicated that year of study and weekly computer usage were statistically-significant LBP risk factors. Implications: The occupational therapy profession will need to further investigate the high prevalence of student LBP identified in this study. 2010-04-27T05:17:39.828Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4875 The death of four miners at the Gretley Colliery near Newcastle on 14 November 1996 was not only a personal disaster for the victims and their families, but has also had a significant impact on prosecution policy in the mining industry in New South Wales. On 5 December 2006, the Full Bench of the Industrial Court of NSW handed down its decision on the appeal in Newcastle Wallsend Coal Company Pty Ltd & Ors v McMartin (the Gretley appeal). The decision overturned the previous conviction of one of the company officers, but re-affirmed the guilt of two mine managers, and the guilt of the two companies concerned in the management of the Gretley Colliery. Now that the long series of judicial decisions seems to have reached an end, it seems appropriate to review this fInal appeal concerning the criminal liability of the companies concerned, and of the managers involved, handed down just over a decade after the tragic events. 2010-04-27T05:11:06.247Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4471 Occupational therapists need to embrace the use of mainstream technology in their quest to ensure that therapy remains current and meaningful to their clients. Technology can be useful to improve both functional independence and occupational performance. This opinion piece introduces how occupational therapists can apply mainstream technologies, including information and communication technologies such as the internet, computer software, portable devices and computer games, in their everyday interventions. 2010-04-27T05:09:52.202Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4335 Background: Physicians occupy an important position as tobacco control exemplars and their own smoking habits are known to influence how effective they may be in such a role. Methods: A comprehensive review of all published manuscripts describing tobacco usage rates and tobacco control activities in the Australian medical profession between 1964 and 1997. Results: Some of the earliest surveys revealed that around one-quarter of Australian physicians were smoking in the mid twentieth century, a rate which rapidly declined in the 1970s and 1980s,with reductions beyond that achieved by the general population. Conclusion: Overall, our review suggests that not only do contemporary Australian physicians smoke at very low rates when compared internationally, but that an active professional community can also make a real difference to the lifestyle choices of its own members. 2010-04-27T05:03:30.427Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4821 Regardless of one's opinion of the Editor-in-Chief or the journal itself, occupational health editorials offer an interesting insight into the professional direction of the editorial board and the periodical it serves. Nevertheless, when judging a particular journal, it is important not to forget the fundamental goal of our profession, that is, to strive continuously for healthier and safer workplaces around the world. While profound changes have no doubt occurred throughout most occupations in recent years, many traditional hazards still continue to exist, particularly in developing countries. For these reasons and more, it is critical that we, as occupational health professionals in Australia as elsewhere, continue to examine, analyse and publish our findings on how to achieve a safer world of work for all. Editorials, original research and review articles offer a key vehicle for this ongoing dissemination of knowledge. 2010-04-27T05:00:03.572Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:5188 Objective: To explore GPs' opinions about the causes of occupational violence in general practice. Design: A cross-sectional qualitative study. Setting: Three urban divisions of general practice in New South Wales, Australia. Participants: A total of 172 GPs: 18 GPs participated in focus group discussions and a further 154 provided written responses. Method: Purposive sampling was used to recruit GPs to participate in focus groups. Discussions were audiotaped and transcribed; each transcript was separately coded by all members of the research team. Focus groups were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Further qualitative data were obtained by offering GPs the opportunity, during completion of a written questionnaire sent to all GPs practising in the 3 urban divisions, to provide additional comments regarding their experiences and perceptions of violence. A modified grounded-theory approach, employing thematic analysis of the focus group transcripts and written responses from the questionnaires, was used. Main Findings: All focus group participants and 75% of questionnaire respondents had experienced episodes of violence during their general practice careers. Key themes that emerged in data analysis were used to construct a schema of participating GPs' perceptions of the causes of occupational violence. Elements in the schema include underlying causes, proximate causes, and GP vulnerability. Perhaps the most noteworthy findings within this structure were the emergent constructs - culture of fear, "naïve" practice culture, and GP vulnerability. To date these themes have not been evident in general practice literature on this topic. Conclusion: An understanding of GPs' perceptions regarding the causes of violence will be useful in planning general practice service provision and promoting GP safety. 2010-04-27T04:47:08.719Z ]]> http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:4976 Background/aim: Predischarge home assessment visits are a commonly accepted, but little researched, aspect of occupational therapy practice. The aim of this research was to systematically investigate current predischarge occupational therapy home assessment visit practices in a rehabilitation ward of a regional Australian hospital. Methods: A retrospective chart audit was conducted over a 7-month time period and included 227 patients discharged from the inpatient rehabilitation ward at the study hospital. Results: Fifty-five per cent of patients in the study sample received home assessment visits. At least one recommendation for change was made as a result of the visit for 99% of those patients receiving visits. A total of 139 visits were completed and resulted in 1179 recommendations for change. The median number of recommendations made for the home assessment visits was 10 (range 0–33). The most common types of recommendations, timing of visits, persons present during the visit and documentation of visits were also investigated. Conclusion: Although occupational therapy home assessment visits are routinely completed, there is limited research available to provide evidence-based guidelines relating to predischarge occupational therapy home assessment visit practices. Recommendations for future practice and areas for further research into occupational therapy home assessment visits are discussed. 2010-04-27T04:41:32.257Z ]]>