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Workers with disabilities - 128 entries found

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  • Workers with disabilities

2011

CIS 11-0256 Brasseur G.
Electromagnetic fields - When work aptitude is an issue
Champs électromagnétiques - Quand l'aptitude est en question [in French]
The return to work of an employee with a heart implant raises questions regarding the possible interference between the implant and the electromagnetic fields that are present in the work environment. This article discusses concerted solutions involving the employer, the occupational physician and the concerned worker, aimed at avoiding medical inaptitude and reconciling health and employment.
Travail et sécurité, Feb. 2011, No.714, p.12-14. Illus.
Champs_électromagnétiques.pdf [in French]

2010

CIS 11-0736 Capodaglio P., Castelnuovo G., Brunani A., Vismara L., Villa V., Capodaglio E.M.
Functional limitations and occupational issues in obesity: A review
This literature survey reviews the physiological and biomechanical causes of the reduced work capacity in obese workers and speculates on the relationships between occupational exposure and obesity. The reduction in work capacity appears to be due to the following factors: reduced spine flexibility, decay in endurance, limited range of movement of the major joints, reduced muscle strength and capacity to hold prolonged fixed postures, impaired respiratory capacity and reduced visual control. Work capacity in morbidly obese workers should always be evaluated to match specific job demands.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2010, Vol.16, No.4, p.507-523. 151 ref.

CIS 11-0468 Xiang H., Shi J., Wheeler K., Wilkins J.R.
Disability and employment among U.S. working-age immigrants
The 2007 American Community Survey data were analyzed to compare disabilities and employment characteristics between immigrant and adults 18-64 years of age born in the United States (US). Separate logistic regression models of employment were constructed among persons with disabilities and among persons without disabilities. Each multivariate model included nativity/citizenship, sex, race/ethnicity, age, and education. In 2007, 40.8% of immigrants with disabilities were employed, while only 34.9% of US-born persons with disabilities were employed. For each type of disability, including difficulty working, immigrants with disabilities were more likely than their US-born counterparts to be employed. Other findings are discussed.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2010, Vol.53, p.425-434. 38 ref.

CIS 11-0210 Xiang H., Shi J., Wheeler K., Wilkins J.R.
Disability and employment among U.S. working-age immigrants
The 2007 American Community Survey data were analyzed to compare disabilities and employment characteristics between immigrants and adults born in the United States, aged between 18 and 64 years. Separate logistic regression models of employment were constructed among persons with disabilities and among persons without disabilities. Each multivariate model included nativity/citizenship, sex, race/ethnicity, age, and education. In 2007, 40.8% of immigrants with disabilities were employed, while only 34.9% of US-born persons with disabilities were employed. Implications of these and other findings are discussed.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2010, Vol.53, p.425-434. 38 ref.

CIS 10-0499 Huet Machado J.M., de Castro Lacaz F.A., eds.
Disability, occupational rehabilitation and workers' health
Incapacidade, reabilitação profissional e saúde do trabalhador [in Portuguese]
This special issue on disability, occupational rehabilitation and workers' health contains articles on rehabilitation programmes and methods applied in Brazil to improve the return to work of disabled workers. Main topics covered: rehabilitation programmes implemented in a number of regions of Brazil; facilitators and barriers of return to work; inclusion of workers with disabilities in the labour market; elements for the development of public policy for occupational rehabilitation in Brazil.
Revista brasileira de saúde ocupacional, Jan.-June 2010, Vol.35, No.121, p.6-178 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 10-0220 Martimo K.P
Musculoskeletal disorders, disability and work
The aim of this thesis was to examine the role of work in the disability caused by MSD from various perspectives: primary prevention using lifting devices, perception of work-relatedness, measurement of productivity loss, and secondary/tertiary prevention through ergonomic intervention or part-time sick leave. The results support the early use of a bio-psychosocial model for effective management of disability.
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 2010. 168p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 23.00. Downloadable version free of charge.
http://epublications.uef.fi/pub/urn_isbn_978-951-802-988-8/urn_isbn_978-951-802-988-8.pdf [in English]

CIS 10-0289 Nishina M.
Applications of teleworking based on a study of disabled workers
This article discusses the merits of teleworking from home for disabled workers, based on several case studies highlighting the advantages from the standpoints of safety, economics and environmental protection.
Industrial Health, May 2010, Vol.48, No.3, p.292-295. Illus. 5 ref.

2009

CIS 10-0037 Buffet A., Munar L.
Workforce diversity and risk assessment: Ensuring everyone is covered
This report highlights the need to carry out inclusive risk assessment to take into account the diversity of the workforce when assessing and managing risks. Its main aim is to describe why and how risk assessment can and should cover the whole workforce, and to increase awareness among those responsible for and affected by safety and health at work about the importance of assessing the risks of all workers. Main topics covered: legal background and aim of the report; groups of workers at increased risk (migrant, young, disabled, older and temporary workers, gender-sensitive approach to OSH); examples of good practices (workplace adaptation, development of training and information).
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2009. 115p. Illus. Price: EUR 15.00 (excluding VAT). Downloadable version free of charge.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/reports/TE7809894ENC [in English]

CIS 09-1072 Steenbeek R., Giesen F.B.M., Ybema J.F.
The double whammy of a work handicap (differential) effects of health on working conditions and outcomes
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the state of health and physical work aptitude on working conditions and outcomes. Data were collected by means of questionnaires among 1597 Dutch employees who were divided into three groups: healthy; chronic health complaints without a work handicap; chronic health complaints with a work handicap. Data were subjected to multiple regression analyses. Each of the three groups was vulnerable to different working condition factors. Employees with a work handicap experienced less favourable working conditions and outcomes than other employees and over time. Other findings are discussed.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2009, Vol.51, No.8, p.934-942. Illus. 32 ref.

2008

CIS 10-0624 Breslin F.C., Tompa E., Zhao R., Pole J.D., Amick B.C., Smith P.M., Hogg-Johnson S.
The relationship between job tenure and work disability absence among adults: A prospective study
This study examined the relative contribution of sociodemographic characteristics and work factors to the likelihood of a work-related disability or illness. In a representative sample of adult Canadians 25-70 years old from a prospective survey, a hazard modelling approach of time to work disability absence from the start of a new job was estimated with the following predictors: age, gender, type of job (manual, non-manual, and mixed), hours worked, highest education achieved, multiple concurrent job, job tenure, school activity, union membership and living in a rural or urban area. Workers holding manual or mixed jobs and having a low education level were factors independently associated with the increased likelihood of a work disability absence. Gender was not independently associated with work disability absences. A strong job tenure gradient in the unadjusted work disability absence rates was virtually eliminated when controlling for demographic/individual and other work factors. In multivariate analyses, work-related factors remained predictors of work disability absence whereas individual characteristics such as gender did not. Implications of these and other findings are discussed.
Accident Analysis and Prevention, Jan. 2008, Vol.40, No.1, p.368-375. 24 ref.

CIS 09-511 Williams A.N.
Are tribunals given appropriate and sufficient evidence for disability claims?
Occupational physicians are sometimes surprised at the decisions made by employment tribunals. The objective of this literature survey was to assess United Kingdom employment tribunal judgements on disability discrimination in order to determine whether the evidence placed before the tribunal was appropriate and sufficient. Of a total of 2497 cases, 2271 (91%) were withdrawn or settled before going to tribunal. Of the remaining 226 cases, 38 were default judgements. In total, 188 cases were actually heard and only 65 judgements were recorded. Of these, 50 (2% of all cases) were full hearings. In 18 full hearings, there was input from an occupational physician, and the tribunal view was that there was discrimination in six cases, four where the advice had been ignored. Other findings are discussed.
Occupational Medicine, Jan. 2008, Vol.58, No.1, p.35-40. 27 ref.
http://occmed.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/58/1/35 [in English]

CIS 09-347 Deboy G.R., Jones P.J., Field W.E., Metcalf J.M., Tormoehlen R.L.
Estimating the prevalence of major disability within the U.S. farm and ranch population
The objective of this literature survey was to estimate the prevalence of major disability among farmers in the United States, together with the effect of disease and injury on that disability rate. A systematic methodology was developed to combine results from the most recent surveys and censuses. Findings show that estimates of the disability population in the farm, ranch, and agricultural labor sector, ranges from 1.04 million to 2.23 million individuals, depending upon which surveys and censuses are used. Primary reasons identified for the inability to provide a more precise population size include lack of consistent survey methodologies and definitions. This makes it difficult to determine the number of individuals in the farm and ranch population who would benefit from disability services.
Journal of Agromedicine, 2008, Vol.13, No.3, p.175-190. 44 ref.

2007

CIS 10-0237 Pawluczuk M.
Fully fit at work
Sprawni w pracy [in Polish]
This CD-Rom contains a film on the advantages of employing persons with disabilities, showing that disabled workers may sometimes be more productive and skilled in certain jobs than persons without disabilities. The film, in Polish with English subtitles, challenges the "cost" argument of hiring people with disabilities. It shows that the costs of adapting the workplace are low or even neutral, and that there is a perceptive positive change in attitudes amongst employees who work with disabled colleagues, with noticeable effects on productivity.
International Labour Organization (ILO), Subregional Office for Central and Eastern Europe, Mozsár u. 14, 1066 Budapest, Hungary. 2007. CD-ROM.

CIS 08-566 Alcouffe J., Bruno F., Cazali N., Gal A., Kesselring C., Lam L., Montéléon P.Y., Munier A., Özkan-Rabret E., Sauvagère J., Vilaine C.
Total and permanent work incapacity, outcomes for workers. A five-year socio-medical survey
Inaptitude totale permanente au poste de travail, devenir des salariés. Enquête médico-sociale sur 5 ans [in French]
The aim of this survey was to record the number of cases of total work incapacitation having occurred between 2000 and 2004 in the region of Bagneux, France, to describe the procedures adopted and to evaluate the employment status and experience of incapacitated workers at least one year after the second work aptitude evaluation. It involved 269 cases of permanent work incapacitation followed-up within a workforce averaging 17,012 workers. For each case, a questionnaire was completed in two steps: a first part was filled in by an occupational physician at the onset of incapacitation, while a second part was filled in at least one year later by a social worker. Findings show that incapacitated workers consisted more frequently of men than women, that their average age was 46 years and that the main pathologies were rheumatic diseases and psychic disorders. Among the 176 cases reconctated two years after the permanent incapacity diagnosis, 44 had a new occupation, 74 were receiving unemployment benefits, 24 were invalid and 19 had retired.
Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2007, Vol.47, No.3, p.237-250.10 ref.

CIS 08-497 Desmarez P., Godin I., Renneson B.
Impact of occupational accidents on the socioeconomic status of the victims
L'impact des accidents du travail sur le statut socio-économique des victimes [in French]
The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of workplace accidents on the socioeconomic status of permanently impaired workers in Belgium. Subjects included all victims of accidents whose cases were settled in 1997, 1998 and 1999. The linkage between social security databases allowed a follow-up of the socioeconomic positions of 17,983 of these workers (97%) during a period of at least two and up to three years after the settlement of the accident. One year after the event, about 85% of the injured workers were re-employable, with 77% being employed and 8% unemployed. These figures decreased slightly during the following two years, mainly because of the growing number of workers taking early retirement early retired. Multivariate analyses shows that age, gender and injury severity are statistically significant factors for being in employment. Other findings are discussed.
Travail humain, Apr. 2007, Vol.70, No.2, p.127-152. Illus. 52 ref.

CIS 08-347 Truchon M., Fillion L., Truchon G., Dionne C., Arsenault B., Viau C.
Low-back-pain-related determinants of disability
Les déterminants de l'incapacité liés à la lombalgie [in French]
Chronic disability affects only a small proportion of low back pain workers. However, the consequences of such disability are detrimental to society in general as well as to workers and their families (prolonged disability, loss of productivity, incapacitating pain, loss of quality of life, conjugal and family difficulties, high compensation costs, substantial medical costs, etc.). Prevention of chronic disability remains a major concern. However, preventing the complex phenomenon of chronic disability requires a good understanding of all of the factors that come into play in the evolution towards this state. The objective of this study was to integrate scientifically-recognized medical and psychosocial factors into a coherent conceptual framework. Using a longitudinal prospective study, the model thus created was validated on a sample of workers with low back pain disability. Finally, other factors potentially involved in chronic disability, such as aspects relating to the workplace or the compensation system, were documented. The knowledge resulting from this study allows supporting clinicians in their efforts to improve interventions on low back pain workers and will be used in further IRSST work on rehabilitation.
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2007. iv, 100p. Illus. 111 ref. Price: CAD 12.72. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-487.pdf [in French]

2006

CIS 08-876 Bödeker W., Friedel H., Friedrichs M., Röttger C.
Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin
Costs of early retirement
Kosten der Frühberentung [in German]
This case-control study was carried out to estimate the impact of occupational factors on early retirement and their associated costs. It examined the occupational histories of 28,000 persons who were granted a disability pension in 1999, together with those of some 1,000,000 employed persons as controls. Suitable methods were developed to quantify the exposure based on occupational histories, enabling the associations between the grant of a disability pension and the cumulated exposures or the occupation to be determined. In Germany the work-related costs of early retirement were estimated to be at least EUR 10.3 billion annually, including EUR 1.2 billion in direct costs. The work-related share of disability pensions amounts to EUR 2.8 billion. The most important exposures are strenuous work (lifting) and low job control. It is estimated that a moderate increase in job control could save up to EUR 2 billion annually. The strongest correlation with a high incidence of disability pensions was observed in nursing and mining.
Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2006. 275p. Illus. Bibl.ref. CD-Rom. Price: EUR 21.50.

CIS 08-344 Ho J.J., Hwang J.S., Wang J.D.
Estimation of reduced life expectancy from serious occupational injuries in Taiwan
This study assesses the loss of life expectancy and potential working life in Taiwan between 1986 and 2000 from various types of occupational accidents resulting in mortality or permanent disability. Data on occupational mortality and permanent disability were obtained from the Bureau of Labour Insurance and linked to national death registry data. A Monte Carlo simulation method was subsequently used to derive the life expectancy for different types of occupational accidents. The life expectancy lost by age and gender cohort was also estimated for cases of mortality. In those cases resulting in permanent occupational disability, loss of life expectancy ranged between 7.4 to 13.6 years, depending on the type of occupational injury. It is concluded that permanent disability resulting from occupational injuries has a significant impact on society as a whole.
Accident Analysis and Prevention, Sep. 2006, Vol.38, No.5, p.961-968. Illus. 38 ref.

CIS 07-1078 López Montiel M.
Analysis of permanent incapacity among seafarers. Ceuta, 1955-2005.
Análisis de la incapacidad permanente en los trabajadores del mar. Ceuta, 1955-2005. [in Spanish]
Medical files for permanent incapacity opened between 1995 and 2005 by the Marine Institute of Ceuta, Spain, were analysed to determine the diseases responsible for permanent incapacity and the profile of the affected seafarers. Results indicate that permanent incapacity in seafaring affects mainly men in their fifties working under precarious conditions, and is mainly caused by musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Occupational accidents affect younger seafarers (average age 44.2 years).
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Oct. 2006, Vol.LII, No.204, p.43-51. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 07-1057 Rivas Recio J.R., Sesé Madrazo C.
Study of permanent work invalidity. Valencia: 2002-2005
Estudio sobre la incapacidad laboral permanente. Valencia: 2002-2005 [in Spanish]
The aim of this study on the causes and duration of incapacity to work was to determine the main diseases responsible for permanent incapacity (PI). It was carried out in Valencia, Spain, in two medical practices, between 2003 and 2005. It involved 5184 patients with or without work incapacity (59.36% men and 40.64% women). Permanent incapacity was declared for 48.3% of the evaluated patients. The main diseases responsible for total incapacity to work were musculoskeletal diseases (43.33% of PI); mental disorders (15.85%); injury and poisoning (10.86%); cardiovascular diseases (9.45%); neoplasms (7.9%); disorders of the nervous system and sensory organs (5.92%) and respiratory disorders (2.46%).
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Oct. 2006, Vol.LII, No.204, p.7-42. 5 ref.

2005

CIS 06-1072 Godin J.F., Baril R., Massicotte P.
Statistical profile of workers undergoing rehabilitation for 2001-2002
Portrait statistique des travailleurs en réadaptation pour 2001-2002 [in French]
This report, based on administrative data from the Commission for Health and Safety at Work in Quebec (Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail du Québec, CSST), provides a statistical profile of workers undergoing rehabilitation following an occupational injury. Analysis of the data indicates that the sex and age of a worker, the size of the enterprise, back pain and musculoskeletal disorders, relapse, and jobs in the secondary sector are important elements of the characteristics of participants in the rehabilitation programme.
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2005. v, 57p. 3 ref. Price: CAD 7.49. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge.
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-440.pdf [in French]

CIS 06-522
Health and Safety Executive
Working together to prevent sickness absence from becoming job loss
Aimed at trade union representatives responsible for occupational safety and health (OSH), this booklet provides information and practical advice on long-term sickness absence and return to work issues. With reference to the regulatory framework of the United Kingdom, it suggests ways in which OSH representatives can work in partnership with employers and workers to prevent illness, injury and disability leading to prolonged absence and job loss.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2005. 15p. Illus. 10 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web02.pdf [in English]

CIS 06-87 Watine P.
Integration into the workforce and continued employment of handicapped persons in France
Insertion et maintien dans l'emploi de personnes en situation de handicap en France [in French]
This article describes the French regulatory framework that applies to the integration into the workforce and the continued employment of handicapped persons. It examines the role of physicians, and in particular of the physician attached to the technical commission for occupational advice and redeployment in evaluating the degree of work incapacity, the physician of the social insurance services with respect to social protection and the occupational physician for estimating the medical aptitude to work at a given occupation. Contents: medical and social handicaps; historical development of regulations; concept of handicap and discrimination; evaluation of incapacity; tools for reintegration into employment; multidisciplinary network for integration into the workforce and continued employment.
Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 3rd Quarter 2005, No.148, 18p. Illus. 42 ref.

CIS 06-37 Arancón Viguera Á.
Permanent invalidity from occupational accidents or diseases in the province of Soria: 1999-2003
Menoscabo permanente producido por accidente de trabajo y enfermedad profesional en Soria: 1999-2003 [in Spanish]
The objective of this study was to determine the extent of invalidity caused by occupational accidents and diseases occurring between 1999 and 2003 in the Spanish province of Soria. The study revealed that damages caused by occupational accidents were more frequent than those due to occupational diseases, and that within the study population, annual frequency rates were higher than national averages. 50% of the accidents gave rise to fractures of the extremities and hand lesions, and more than 50% of all occupational diseases were due to mechanical factors. Invalidities caused by accidents were far more frequent among men (90.6%). The most affected groups of occupations were craftsmen and industrial workers, and more particularly workers in the wood and furniture (18.5%) and food industries (11.1%).
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Mar. 2005, Vol.LI, No.198, p.41-50. Illus. 9 ref.

2004

CIS 06-347 Godhinho F., Santos C., Coutinho A.F., Trigueiros P.
Manual - No barriers to information technologies at the workplace
Manual - Technologias de informação sem barreiras no local de trabalho [in Portuguese]
This document provides information on the availability of software that can facilitate the computer-related work of handicapped persons. It describes the display options that can be selected for the control panel of the operating system (increasing the size of the display, controlling the mouse using the keyboard, integrating the keyboard on a touch screen, etc.) as well as various auxiliary tools for improving work posture or equipment access. It includes lists of relevant legislation and websites providing useful information. A CD-ROM version of the manual is included.
Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Duro (UTAD), Portugal, 2nd ed., Aug. 2004. 188p. Illus. 24 ref. + CD-ROM.

CIS 06-236 Kurkus-Rozowska B., Serafin R.
Technical equipment for occupational rehabilitation of disabled persons
Pomoce techniczne w rehabilitacji zawodowej osób niepełnosprawnych [in Polish]
This booklet describes equipment for the occupational rehabilitation of handicapped workers and examines the principles of workplace design for handicapped workers. Includes classification systems of technical equipment provided in standard PN-EN ISO 9999 : 2002.
Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2004. 36p. 13 ref.

CIS 05-71 Valero Muñoz M.R., Carbajo Sotillo M.D., García González A., Martínez Herrera J.A.
Analysis of permanent disability cases in the Madrid region
Análisis de la incapacidad permanente en la comunidad de Madrid [in Spanish]
This study analyses a statistically-representative sample of permanent disability cases submitted during 2001 to the social security services of the Madrid region. Variables examined included age, sex, social security system, occupation, diagnosis and incapacity classification. The average age of the workers was 47.5 years. 37.3% were women. The age group that submitted the largest number of applications was 51-59 years. The most frequent pathologies were musculoskeletal disorders, in particular discal hernia. 29.9% of the cases classified as absolute permanent disability involved neoplasia, and 41.7% of those classified as being a high degree of disability involved nervous system or sensory organ diseases. The results are discussed in light of two similar studies conducted in 1990 and 1993.
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, June 2004, Vol.L, No.195, p.39-49. Illus. 15 ref.

CIS 04-620 Ensuring the health and safety of workers with disabilities
Zajištění ochrany zdraví a bezpečnosti pro pracovníky se zdravotním postižením [in Czech]
Garantera säkerhet och hälsa för anställda med funktionshinder [in Swedish]
Sicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz für Arbeitnehmer mit Behinderungen [in German]
Diasfálisē tēs ugeías kai asfáleias tōn ergazoménōn me eidikés anágkes [in Greek]
Garantizar la seguridad y la salud de los trabajadores con discapacidad [in Spanish]
Puuetega töötajate töötervishoiu ja tööohutuse tagamine [in Estonian]
Vammaisen työntekijän terveys ja turvallisuus [in Finnish]
Garantir la sécurité et la santé des travailleurs handicapés [in French]
A fogyatékkal élő munkavállalók egészségvédelmének és biztonságának biztosítása [in Hungarian]
Garantire la salute e la sicurezza per i lavoratori disabili [in Italian]
Darbuotojų su negalia sveikatos ir saugos užtikrinimas [in Lithuanian]
Strādājošo invalīdu veselības aizsardzība un drošība darbā [in Latvian]
Garanderen van de veiligheid en gezondheid van werknemers met een handicap [in Dutch]
Zapewnianie zdrowia i bezpieczeństwa pracownikom niepełnosprawnym [in Polish]
Garantir a segurança e a saúde dos trabalhadores com deficiência [in Portuguese]
Zabezpečenie ochrany zdravia a bezpečnosti pracovníkov so zmenenou pracovnou schopnost'ou [in Slovak]
Zagotavljanje varnosti in zdravja pri delu za delavce invalide [in Slovenian]
Sikring af sundhed og sikkerhed for arbejdstagere med handicap [in Danish]
People with disabilities should receive equal treatment at work, including in matters regarding occupational health and safety. Health and safety should not be used as an excuse for not employing or not continuing to employ disabled people. In addition, a workplace that is accessible and safe for people with disabilities is also safer and more accessible for all employees, clients and visitors. People with disabilities are covered by both European anti-discrimination legislation and occupational health and safety legislation. This legislation, which the Member States implement in national legislation and arrangements, should be applied to facilitate the employment of people with disabilities, not to exclude them. Contents of this fact sheet on the safety and health of disabled workers: legal requirements; hazard evaluation and anti-discrimination actions; tips for providing reasonable accommodation and a safe workplace for disabled workers; training on equality.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2004. 4p. Illus. 6 ref.
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/en/FACTS_53_EN.PDF [in English]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/fr/FACT53_FR.PDF [in French]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/cs/FACT53_CS.PDF [in Czech]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/da/FACT53_DA.PDF [in Danish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/de/FACT53_DE.PDF [in German]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/et/FACT53_ET.PDF [in Estonian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/el/FACT53_GR.PDF [in Greek]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/it/FACT53_IT.PDF [in Italian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/lv/FACT53_LV.PDF [in Latvian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/hu/FACT53_HU.PDF [in Hungarian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/lt/FACT53_LT.PDF [in Lithuanian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/nl/FACT53_NL.PDF [in Dutch]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/pl/FACT53_PL.PDF [in Polish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/pt/FACT53_PT.PDF [in Portuguese]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/sk/FACT53_SK.PDF [in Slovak]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/sl/FACT53_SL.PDF [in Slovenian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/fi/FACT53_FI.PDF [in Finnish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/sv/FACT53_SV.PDF [in Swedish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/53/es/FACT53_ES.PDF [in Spanish]

CIS 04-324 Herreros Portolés G., Rodriguez Ortiz de Salazar B.
Permanent invalidity due to ophthalmological pathologies
Incapacidad permanente por patología oftalmológica [in Spanish]
The objective of this study was to determine the main ophthalmic pathologies that cause permanent incapacity to work and to identify the patient profiles. It involved 157 patients in whom ophthalmic pathologies were diagnosed during the study period (Oct. 2002 to Oct. 2003). Men accounted for 62.5% with an average age of 50.34 years. The most frequent diagnoses were retinal pathologies (strong myopia, diabetic retinopathies). In 40% of the cases, pathologies did not cause permanent invalidity, while 35% involved absolute permanent invalidity and 15% total permanent invalidity.
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Dec. 2004, Vol.L, No.197, p.27-35. Illus. 13 ref.

2003

CIS 03-1598 Hurstsfield J., Allen B., Ballard J., Davies J., McGeer P., Miller L.
Health and Safety Executive
The extent of use of health and safety requirements as a false excuse for not employing sick or disabled persons
This project was undertaken to establish the nature and extent of the problem of occupational safety and health (OSH) requirements being used as a "false excuse" for not employing or continuing to employ disabled persons or persons with an ill-health condition. It involved reviews of literature and case law, together with telephone interviews and questionnaire surveys of employers at small and large enterprises, OSH practitioners and safety representatives. Sixteen interviews were also conducted with disabled persons who felt that their employment had been affected by OSH considerations of employers or prospective employers. The study concludes that while there is evidence of employers invoking OSH considerations for not recruiting disabled persons, it was not possible to determine whether the individual decisions were justified.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2003. vi, 208p. Illus. 62 ref. Price: GBP 25.00.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr167.pdf [in English]

CIS 03-1950 Górska E.
Software tool for the ergonomic design of workstations for persons with limb impairment
Koncepcja komputerowego wspomagania dostosowywania stanowisk pracy do potrzeb osób niepełnosprawnych [in Polish]
Polish law requires workplaces to be organized in such a way as to enable disabled persons to be employed and work. This article presents the concept of task selection and organization of workstations in accordance with the mobility and perception abilities of persons with limb impairment.
Bezpieczeństwo pracy, May 2003, No.5, p.22-25. Illus. 6 ref.

CIS 03-1682 Kurkus-Rozowska B., Serafin R.
Technical aids for the occupational rehabilitation of disabled persons
Pomoce techniczne w rehabilitacji zawodowej osób niepełnosprawnych [in Polish]
The PN-EN ISO 9999 standard Technical aids for persons with disabilities - Classification established in 2002 is the Polish version of EN ISO 9999. This standard establishes a classification of technical aids for persons with disabilities and is the basis for the unification of information systems concerning technical aids. It provides for the classification of such equipment according to its function. It covers equipment used individually by disabled persons in all areas of their daily life, taking new technologies into account. Moreover, the standard is the first formal document addressing the problem of testing and certification of technical aids for persons with disabilities and of issuing expert opinions concerning the usability of a given equipment for rehabilitation purposes.
Bezpieczeństwo pracy, May 2003, No.5, p.10-12. Illus. 13 ref.

CIS 03-1683 Majewski T.
Systems of employing disabled persons in European Union member States
Systemy zatrudnienia osób niepełnosprawnych w państwach Unii Europejskiej [in Polish]
This article presents the basic principles of the employment policy of disabled persons outlined in EU directives, the systems of employing disabled persons in EU member States, the responsibilities of employers with respect to the hiring of disabled persons and the financial support they can claim when they have done so.
Bezpieczeństwo pracy, May 2003, No.5, p.7-9. Illus. 5 ref.

CIS 03-1179 Miled S., Fehri S., Rammeh H., Nouaigui H., Ben Laïba M.
Epilepsy and work: What must be done?
Epilepsie et travail: Que faire? [in French]
Contents of this feature article on epilepsy: history; definition; epidemiology; clinical signs of seizures; aetiology; treatment; consequences of epilepsy at work; epilepsy and work aptitude; role of occupational physicians in the medical supervision of epilepsy.
SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, Oct. 2003, No.27, p.2-7. Illus.

CIS 03-1265 Vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities
This CD-ROM published by the ILO's InFocus Programme on Skills, Knowledge and Employability addresses issues of vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. Contents: tests and statistics on the vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities in 23 African, Asian and European countries and information on each of these countries (objectives and strategy, government measures and programmes; legal framework; consultation of representative organizations, disability compensation system, employment, adjustment to work and workplace); instruments of intergovernmental organization (full texts and extracts); selected ILO publications on the vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.
ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2003. CD-ROM.

CIS 03-1191 Spicker P.
Distinguishing disability and incapacity
Unterscheidung zwischen Behinderung und Arbeitsunfähigkeit [in German]
La distinction entre handicap et incapacité [in French]
Un distingo entre discapacidad y incapacidad [in Spanish]
The distinction between disability and incapacity for work is discussed from both a theoretical and an operational perspective. Disability refers mainly to a functional limitation of everyday activity whereas incapacity for work concerns people who are unable to work because of a medical condition. Although the two terms overlap, they are conceptually different. People can be disabled without being unable to work, and unable to work without being disabled. It is important to clarify these distinctions for policy, as social security benefits for disability are liable to be given on different principles from benefits for incapacity. The implications for social security systems in development are considered.
International Social Security Review - Revue internationale de sécurité sociale, Apr.-June 2003, Vol.56, No.2, p.31-43. Illus. 19 ref.

CIS 03-599 James P., Gunningham I., Dibben P.
Health and Safety Executive
Job retention and vocational rehabilitation: The development and evaluation of a conceptual framework
The purpose of this study was to identify the issues which employers need to address in partnership with their employees in order to facilitate the continued employment of workers with physical or mental impairment through the provision of vocational rehabilitation. Phase one consisted of the development of a framework document to identify the main issues, and the presentation of this document to a conference of stakeholders. Subsequently, in phase two, a review of the available research evidence was conducted concerning the validity of this framework document and the extent to which employers do currently undertake the types of activities in it. Overall, the evidence lent some support to the propositions put forward in the framework document.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2003. x, 87p. Illus. 131 ref. Price: GBP 15.00.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr106.pdf [in English]

2002

CIS 11-0172 Managing disability in the workplace: ILO code of practice
La gestion du handicap sur le lieu de travail: recueil de directives pratiques du BIT [in French]
Gestión de las discapacidades en el lugar de trabajo: repertorio de recomendaciones prácticas de la OIT [in Spanish]
This code has been drawn up to guide employers to adopt a positive strategy in managing disability related issues in the workplace. It is intended to be read in the context of national conditions and to be applied in accordance with national law and practice. Contents: general provisions; general duties of employers and workers' representatives, and responsibilities of competent authorities; framework for the management of disability issues in the workplace; recruitment; promotion; job retention; adjustments; confidentiality of information. Appendices include relevant international disability initiatives, other related ILO Conventions and Recommendations, and examples of legal and policy frameworks concerning disability adopted by some ILO Member States.
ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2002. xii, 41p.
Managing_disability.pdf [in English]
La_gestion_du_handicap.pdf [in French]
Gestión_de_las_discapacidades.pdf [in Spanish]

CIS 05-136 Managing disability in the workplace
Voprosy truda invalidov [in Russian]
La gestion du handicap sur le lieu de travail [in French]
Gestión de las discapacidades en el lugar de trabajo [in Spanish]
Throughout the world, persons with disabilities are participating and contributing in the world of work at all levels. However, many persons with disabilities who wish to work are unable to do so because of numerous barriers. This code of practice provides guidelines for employers in the management of disability-related issues in the workplace. It covers work-related or non-work-related disabilities and outlines responsibilities for improving the employment prospects of persons with disabilities, particularly in the areas of recruitment, return to work, job retention and opportunities for advancement. The code is mainly aimed at employers, but it also explores the role of government and trade unions.
ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2002. xii, 41p. Price: CHF 12.00.
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/skills/disability/download/code.pdf [in English]
http://www.ilo.org/public/spanish/employment/skills/disability/download/code.pdf [in Spanish]
http://www.ilo.org/public/french/employment/skills/disability/download/code.pdf [in French]

CIS 03-1720 Manual on the prevention of occupational hazards among disabled persons
Manual de prevención de riesgos laborales en discapacidad [in Spanish]
This manual on the prevention of hazards is aimed at enterprises that employ disabled workers. It was prepared in the context of a campaign for the reinsertion of disabled persons in productive work, while at the same time ensuring good working conditions and the prevention of occupational hazards. Contents: definition of disability and the various types of disability; various aspects of the prevention of hazards (proportionality principle, causes of accidents and near misses and their consequences, cost of accidents); practical aspects of various prevention topics (analysis of accident causes, safety inspections, accident prevention records, personal protective equipment, hand tools, manual handling, housekeeping, emergency planning, fire fighting, first aid). Appendices include summary instruction sheets for the organization of safety meetings on various prevention topics.
Consejo Comunal de la Discapacidad de Ñuñoa, Los Tres Antonios 1650, Ñuñoa Chile, 2002. 136p, Illus. 52 ref.

CIS 03-261 Sebastian L.P., Tubelonia R.M.
Safety and health concerns of working persons with disabilities - Report of Proceedings #3
Summary of the discussions during a workshop on disabled persons at work, held at Quezon City, Philippines, 22 July 2002. Topics covered: employability; problem of lack of qualifications; safety and health concerns; improvements of premises (signs, passageways, handrails, slippery floors; ramps, guarding of machinery); safety and health tips; preventing lifestyle-related diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer); case descriptions of disabled workers (visually-impaired workers, workers with amputated arms or legs).
Department of Labor and Employment, Occupational Safety and Health Center, OSHC Building, North Avenue corner Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, July 2002. 16p. Illus.

CIS 02-1710 Tudor O.
Have health will work
In the United Kingdom, more than 27,000 persons permanently lose their capacity for employment each year, following disabling illness or injury. Many would no doubt be able to return to work if effective rehabilitation systems were in place. This article discusses various possibilities for improving the employability of disabled persons and facilitating their return to work, based on responses to a questionnaire addressed to trade union safety representatives in the United Kingdom.
Safety and Health Practitioner, Aug. 2002, Vol.20, No.8, p.24-26. Illus. 9 ref.

CIS 02-1971 Pagnoux J.M., Abdelmoumene R., Fremont C., Arif J.
Integrating vision-impaired workers in normal working environments
Intégration des déficients visuels en milieu ordinaire de travail [in French]
This article was written by vision-impaired employees who are integrated in normal working environments. They give their personal accounts of their experiences and hopes, as well as their expectations from occupational physicians. Contents: medical definition of impaired vision; vision impairment at birth and later in life; other persons' opinions of visually-impaired workers; visually-impaired workers within the enterprise; interactions of multiple factors caused by experiencing the impairment within the enterprise; what the impaired workers expect from occupational physicians.
Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2002, Vol.42, No.4, p.513-516.

CIS 02-1600 Willems H., de Kleijn-de Vrankrijker M.
Work disability in the Netherlands: Data, conceptual aspects, and perspectives
Data on work disability are not standardized with respect to the definitions of the main variables. As a consequence, such data do not usually provide reliable information about health problems and related outcome measures. Examples of this unreliability are provided by the different approaches used in Dutch social security compared with national statistics on disability. It is recommended that a single concept be developed and used in order to make data comparable. The recently-presented International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health by the WHO seems to be a sound base for further exploration of the possibilities of standardization in occupational health and social security.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2002, Vol.44, No.6, p.510-515. 38 ref.

2001

CIS 02-744 Santos Guerras J.J.
Evaluation of hazards for handicapped workers
Evaluación de riesgos para trabajadores discapacitados [in Spanish]
This article presents a method for evaluating the hazards to which handicapped workers are exposed. Various types of risk were coded (from 00 to 23). For each hazard highlighted in the analysis of the conditions of work, the level of risk is evaluated by determining the potential seriousness of the injury and its probability of occurrence. Specific preventive measures depend on risk levels highlighted. Four check-lists for hazard evaluation are included, applicable to persons in wheelchairs, with walking difficulties, with handling difficulties (problems in using arms or hands) and with vision problems.
Prevención, trabajo y salud, 2001, No.16, p.18-26; 35-36. Illus. 6 ref.

CIS 01-1723 Sancho Figueroa T.
Working conditions and integration of handicapped workers
Las condiciones de trabajo en la integración de minusválidos [in Spanish]
This report presents the results of a survey of working conditions in centres employing mentally handicapped persons. The responses to a questionnaire aimed at evaluating physical, mental, perceptual-motor, social and personal factors related to workplaces of mentally handicapped workers are compared with the results of a national survey of working conditions in Spain. The advantages of new technologies applied to systems aimed at improving the performance of the handicapped worker as well as those of new information and process control technologies are discussed.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2001. 87p. Illus. 77 ref.

2000

CIS 05-91 Hernández Manso J.
Recognition, notification and definition of the degree of invalidity [Spain]
Reconocimiento, declaración y calificación del grado de minusvalía [in Spanish]
This issue is devoted to the Royal Decree 1971/1999 of 23 December concerning the recognition, notification and definition of the degree of invalidity; it includes amendments made in March 2000. This Decree specifies the invalidity scales that apply to the musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory vascular, cardiovascular, digestive, genito-urinary and endocrine systems, as well as to the skin and its appendages, neoplasia, vision, hearing, throat and related structures, speech, mental retardedness and mental illnesses. Several articles expressing opinion on the evaluation of the disability are included, together with a list of 77 literature references concerning disability drawn from the CIS database.
Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, 2000, Vol.XLVII, No.184-185, p.i-x; 3-226 (whole issue). Illus.

CIS 02-124 Vitiello G.
Lack of aptitude for useful work in legal theory and practice
L'inabilità a lavoro proficuo nella dottrina e nella giurisprudenza [in Italian]
The concept of unfitness for a specific job is analysed through a review of Italian doctrinal and jurisprudential contributions. It is recommended that the reference to a value of usefulness for a specific job should be considered an obsolete and a dangerous expression open to distorted interpretations for certain handicapped workers in the absence of an objective verification.
Difesa sociale, Sep.-Dec. 2000, Vol.79, No.5-6, p.143-148. 18 ref.

CIS 02-441 Chang Y.C., Chensea M.J., Jang Y., Wang J.D.
A simple self-rating assessment method of residual work capability for occupational permanent disabilities
A group of 539 compensated permanent disability workers answered visual analogue questionnaires for self-rating their residual work capability (RWC) in terms of speed (RWCS), quality (RWCQ) and a combination of speed and quality (RWCC). 169 of these subjects were evaluated in hospitals with physical capacity assessment (PCA), cognition and sensation assessment (CSA), the work ability index (WAI) and the 12-item Chinese health questionnaire (CHQ-12). High test-retest reliability (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.77) and satisfactory concurrent validity were shown for RWCS and RWCC. All PCA, CSA and WAI showed significant correlation with RWCs, while CHQ-12 displayed statistically borderline correlation. Employment status after injury and whether or not the victim was the main breadwinner before injury were also major determinants of RWCs.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 2000, Vol.38, No.5, p.539-547. 26 ref.

CIS 01-1070 Dasinger L.K., Krause N., Deegan L.J., Brand R.J., Rudolph L.
Physical workplace factors and return to work after compensated low back injury: A disability phase-specific analysis
Little is known about predictors of duration of work disability (DOD). This cohort study of 433 workers' compensation claimants estimated DOD for job, injury, and demographic factors during consecutive disability phases using regression analysis. DOD was calculated from administrative records. Results show that DOD increases with the time spent bending and lifting, pushing or pulling heavy objects at work, but it is unrelated to sitting, standing or vibration. Younger age, longer pre-injury employment, less severe injuries, and a previous back injury predicted shorter disability, the latter factor only during the sub-acute and chronic disability phases. This study shows that physical job and injury factors have a significant and time-varying impact on DOD.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2000, Vol.42, No.3, p.323-333. 30 ref.

CIS 00-401 Gillion C., Turner J., Bailey C., Latulippe D.
Social security pensions: Development and reform
This book provides an overview of the history, current state and future developments of social security pensions. Pension schemes, invalidity and social benefits, their financing and administration are discussed. Needs for the 21st century include extending these benefits to all people in developing countries and tackling the problems in developed countries. Regional briefs for different parts of the world and technical briefs covering specific topics are presented. Numerous statistical tables are included.
ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2000. xxv, 769p. Illus. Approx. 500 ref. Index. Price: CHF 120.00.

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