Citation

Brown LP, Rospenda KM, Sokas RK, Conroy L, Freels S, Swanson NG. J. Occup. Env. Hyg. 2011; 8(1): 31-37.

Affiliation

College of Applied Science and Technology, Health Sciences Department, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15459624.2011.537985

PMID

21154106

Abstract

This research project characterizes occupational injuries, illnesses, and assaults (OIIAs) as a negative outcome associated with worker exposure to generalized workplace abuse/harassment, sexual harassment, and job threat and pressure. Data were collected in a nationwide random-digit-dial telephone survey conducted during 2003-2004. There were 2151 study interviews conducted in English and Spanish. Analyses included cross tabulation with Pearson's Chi-Square and logistic regression analyses. Three hundred and fifty-one study participants reported having an OIIA during the 12 months preceding the study. Occurrences of generalized workplace harassment (OR = 1.53; CI = 1.33-1.75, p ≤ 0.05); sexual harassment (OR = 1. 18; CI = 1.04-.34, p ≤ 0.05); and job pressure and threat (OR = 1.26; CI = 1.10-1.45, p ≤ 0.05) were significantly associated with reporting an OIIA. The psychosocial environment is significantly associated with an increased risk of OIIA. Further research is needed to understand causal pathways and to explore potential interventions.

Language: en