OccHealthSci June 2024 Newsletter

The latest news, updates, and events from OccHealthSci

Professional Development

Total Worker Health® Alliance Courses

Total Worker Health: Train the Trainer Virtual Workshop Series 

Mondays, July 29 – August 19 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Virtual Workshop

In this four-session, eight-hour workshop series you will learn how to effectively deliver the Total Worker Health (TWH) 101: The Basics course offered from the Oregon TWH Alliance in your organization or in your network. This interactive and engaging professional development course covers TWH core concepts, principles and practical resources essential for initial planning and implementation of the TWH approach in any organization or work setting. Enrollment in this course requires previous completion of the TWH 101: The Basics course and commitment to attending all four virtual sessions. Learn more and register to attend.

OccHealthSci Training Programs

Mental Health Training for First Responder Leaders  

Supervisors are well-positioned to notice changes in team members, but few know how to recognize the warning signs or how to respond appropriately. The one-hour, online Mental Health Training for First Responder Leaders, originally developed for active-duty military, has been customized to the unique needs of first responder leaders, training them with tangible skills to:

• Effectively support team members’ mental health  

• Recognize and respond to warning signs of distress in ways that are appropriate and actionable

  
  

This training is available at no cost for first responder organizations.  

Email supportiveworkplaces@ohsu.edufor more information.

OccHealthSci Sponsored Programs

Occupational Public Health Program/OR-FACE Program 

The Oregon Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (OR-FACE) Program recently published a fatality investigation report that examines contributing factors and lessons learned from a wildland firefighter fatality involving a hazard tree. This report offers best practice recommendations to help prevent this kind of incident from reoccurring.

Learn more about OR-FACE (Oregon Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program), including our fatality investigations and toolbox talks, by visiting our website. To download and receive new publications including investigative reports and other OR-FACE publications, please join our mailing list. 

OccHealthSci Research

Stay up to date on the latest basic, clinical, and applied research at OccHealthSci, and learn about our partnerships and community engagement at the Oregon and the Workplace blog.

From the blog: Working nightshifts long term increased risk factors for cardiovascular health 

Recent research from OccHealthSci’s Drs. Andrew McHill, Ryan Olson, Steven Shea and colleagues suggests that long term shift work coupled with sleep timing variability are negatively associated with overnight blood pressure dipping, which is a marker for poor cardiovascular health. The study aimed to determine the relationships between overnight blood pressure (a marker for cardiovascular health), circadian phase (the body's natural sleep/wake pattern) and sleep timing variability among dayshift and chronic nightshift nurses.  Read the full blog post.

Regular check-ins with leadership could improve mental well-being and job satisfaction in primary care clinics 

The Work-life Check-ins study, conducted by OccHealthSci’s Dr. David Hurtado and colleagues, tested a program where clinic leaders had regular meetings with their team members to help reduce stress and improve job satisfaction. These meetings aimed to create a better work-life balance and prevent burnout among healthcare workers. The results showed that this approach could be beneficial for improving mental well-being and job satisfaction in primary care clinics, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of supportive leadership in reducing burnout and promoting a healthier work environment for healthcare professionals. Read the full article.

Piloting an intervention to address chronic pain in home care workers 

The COMPASS-NP Pilot study led by OccHealthSci’s Dr. Ryan Olson and colleagues aimed to help home care workers dealing with chronic pain. The intervention included group meetings, goal setting, and education on pain management. The findings suggest that the program was beneficial overall, especially in reducing pain and improving mental well-being. The researchers highlighted the need for further analysis on certain outcomes and emphasized the importance of managing and supporting online programs like COMPASS-NP. Read the full article.

Events

• Mondays, July 29 – August 19: Total Worker Health: Train the Trainer Virtual Workshop Series 

• August 7-9: ASSP Safety 2024 Conference and Expo—OccHealthSci presenting