Handbook of Life Course Occupational Health (Handbook Series in Occupational Health Sciences)

This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in research on the relationship between occupational trajectories over the life course and health. It uncovers the impact of far-reaching changes of work and employment, as evidenced by increased flexibility, discontinuity, and technological innovation, and offers insights into recent theoretical and methodological developments addressing this challenge. In its main parts, it presents the best evidence to readers about the following topics: early life influences on (un)healthy work, chronic exposure to occupational risks; nonstandard employment and poor health; work continuation with chronic disease; occupational determinants of healthy aging. In its final part, it discusses policy implications of current knowledge and points to the need of developing new solutions in research and practice, not least in times of climate crisis and the new pandemic. The important handbook has been prepared by a distinguished editorial team, with chapters written by prominent international experts. Despite its continuous reference to scientific knowledge it addresses its content to a broader, non-specialized readership. Series Preface Volume Preface Contents About the Series Editors About the Volume Editors Contributors 1 Introduction Introduction Concepts of the Life Course Emerging Themes Occupational Health in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic Lack of Data from the Developing World Lack of Relevant Data Conclusion Cross-References References Part I: Background 2 Two Pathways Between Occupation and Health Introduction First Pathway: Technical Fragmentation Second Pathway: Social Class Covid-19 Pandemic Practical Exercise Cross-References Appendix Immediate Producers of the Cotton T-Shirt Inputs to the Immediate Producers References 3 Transformation of Modern Work, Rise of Atypical Employment, and Health Introduction From Standard to Nonstandard Employment Relationships Part-Time Work Temporary Agency Work and Fixed-Term Contracts Self-Employment and the ``Gig ́ ́ Economy Atypical Work and Health Conclusions References 4 The Impact of New Technologies on the Quality of Work Introduction Digitalization and Advanced Digital Technologies The Impact of New Technologies on Job Quality Intrinsic Quality of Work Employment Quality Discussion: A Contextual, Life Course Perspective on Work and Technology Cross-References References Part II: Methodological Challenges 5 Sequence Analysis and Its Potential for Occupational Health Studies Introduction Work-Related Stress Trajectories Following Corporate Restructuring Holistic Methods for Life Course Research Sequence Analysis Coding Trajectories Describing Trajectories Creating Typology of Trajectories Comparing Sequences Cluster Analysis Linking Trajectories to Covariates Software Sequence Analysis Potential for the Study of Occupational Health Across the Life Course Cross-References References 6 Job-Exposure Matrices: Design, Validation, and Limitations Introduction Definition Literature Review Design of Job-Exposure Matrices Will the Job-Exposure Matrix Be Based on Measured Exposure Data, Worker Self-Reports, or Expert Ratings of Exposures? What Type of Job Classifications Should Be Used? What Exposure Components Should Be Considered: Level (Intensity), Duration, Frequency, or Probability? Should Time and/or Location Be Considered (Date/Year, Region)? Other Variables Development Development of a JEM Based on Expert Assessments Development of JEMs Based on Existing Exposure Data Mixed Approaches Validation Some Examples of JEM SYNJEM O*NET Matgéné DOC*X JEM Constances Mat-O-Covid Limitations Why Use JEMs in Public Health Research and Practice? Conclusion References 7 Challenges of Large Cohort and Massive Data in Occupational Health Introduction Studies of Large-Scale Registry Data Data to Define or Describe the Population Occupational Exposure Data Outcome Data Data on Potential Confounders and Other Covariates Business or Enterprise Data Access to Registry Data Strengths and Limitations of Registry-Based Studies Consortia of Cohort Studies The Individual-Participant Data Meta-analysis in Working Populations (IPD-Work) Consortium The International Nuclear Workers Study (INWORKS) The Pooled Uranium Miner Analysis (PUMA) Cohorts The International Consortium of Agricultural Cohort Studies (AGRICOH) Multicenter Worker Cohorts Birth Cohort Studies in Occupational Health Research Recent Initiatives in Integrating European Occupational Cohorts Inventory of Occupational Cohort Studies Inventory of Occupational Exposure Assessment Tools Theoretical Frameworks, Consensus Definitions, and Recommendations for Future Research Exposome Research in Occupation and Health The Exposome The Occupational Exposome Conclusion Cross-References References 8 Integration of Occupational Exposure into the Exposome Introduction The Exposome: An Evolving Concept The Origins of the Exposome The Development of ``Xeno-Metabolomics ́ ́ to Decipher Chemical Exposome The Emergence of the Eco-Exposome to Consider Both Ecological and Human Receptors Application to Occupational Health: The ``Worksome ́ ́ ``Operationalizing ́ ́ the Exposome Concept Occupational Cohorts Matching Exposure Biomarkers with Biological Matrices and Analytical Methodologies Online Questionnaire via Smartphones Personal Sensing Technologies Geographic Information Technologies Exposure Modeling Omics and Bioinformatics Tools Occupational Databases Multidisciplinary Consortia The Main Remaining Challenges Conceptual and Societal Challenges Technical Challenges Causality Challenges Conclusion Cross-References References 9 Methods in Modeling Life Course Introduction Sequence Analysis Analysis of Growth Trajectories Tracing the Average Z-scores The Life Course Plot and Path Analysis Conditional Models for Independent Variables Regression Models with Change Scores Multilevel Models Latent Growth Curve Models Growth Mixture Models Hierarchy of Life Course Hypotheses: A Bayesian Approach Causal Inference in Life Course Epidemiology Discussion References Part III: Early Life Impact on Work and Health 10 Genetics, Epigenetics, and Mental Health at Work Introduction Relevance of Biological Research in Work-Related Stress and Burnout Neurobiology of Stress Genetics Epigenetics DNA Methylation Histone Modifications MicroRNAs Relevance of (Epi)genetics for Work-Related Stress and Burnout Overview of the (Epi)genetic Mechanisms Linked to Work-Related Stress and Burnout (Epi)genetic Regulation of the HPA Axis (Epi)genetic Regulation of BDNF Other (Epi)genetic Mechanisms Implications for Clinical Practice and Future Perspectives References 11 A Life Course Perspective on Work and Mental Health: The Working Lives of Young Adults Introduction Emerging Adulthood: Five Challenging Transitions Young Adults Entering the Labor Market in a Challenging and Changing World of Work Labor Markets and Life Course Challenges: The Link with Mental Health Integrating a Life Course Perspective to Work and Mental Health Research Life Course Principles Life Course Concepts Benefits for Policy and Practice to Integrating a Life Course Perspective When Looking at Work and Mental Health Among Young A... Applying a Life Course Perspective to Young Adults ́ Working Lives: Early Life Mental Health and Adverse Experiences Does the Timing and Duration of Mental Health Problems in Childhood and Adolescence Affect the Working Life of Young Adults? Do Trajectories of Mental Health Problems in Childhood and Adolescence Affect Young Adults ́ Educational Attainment, Labor Mark... How Do Labor Market Trajectories of Today ́s Young Adults Look Like and How Are They Affected by Early Life Circumstances? Looking Forward: Today ́s Youth Is Tomorrow ́s Workforce References Part IV: Occupational Trajectories and Midlife Health: Exposure to Chronic Hazards at Work 12 Chemical Hazards at Work and Occupational Diseases Using Job-Exposure Matrices Introduction Main Strategies of Occupational Exposure Assessment to Chemicals Brief Overview of JEM Development for Chemical Hazards Type of Chemicals Considered in the Generic JEMs Example of a Company-Specific JEM for Radioactive Chemicals JEMs and Emerging Risks JEMs and New Exposure Settings Future Perspectives in Chemical Exposure Assessment and Conclusive Remarks Cross-References References 13 Biomechanical Hazards at Work and Adverse Health Using Job-Exposure Matrices Introduction Musculoskeletal Disorders Measuring Biomechanical Exposures Job-Exposure Matrices (JEMs) Specific MSDs Related to Workplace Exposures Main Disorders Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Nonspecific Back Pain Example of Osteoarthritis of the Knee From Biomechanical to Other Determinants Conclusion References 14 Long Working Hours and Health Effects Introduction Adverse Health Effects Evidence from the Literature Focus on Cardiovascular Diseases LWH: From Epidemiology to Public Health LWH As an Indicator for Monitoring Workers ́ Health LWH As a Target for Prevention Measures Conclusion References 15 Health Effects of Shift Work and Night Shift Work Introduction Definitions of Shift Work and Night Work Shift Work Night Work Prevalence of Night Work Worldwide Physiopathology Circadian Clock and Circadian Desynchronization Melatonin Sleep Disorders and Lifestyle Changes in Shift Workers Assessment of Circadian Disruption in Different Shift Systems Health Outcomes Sleep and Vigilance Disorders Effects on Sleep Effects on Sleepiness Risk of Occupational and Traffic Accidents Metabolic and Cardiovascular Consequences of Shift Work Mechanisms Linking Night Shift Work to Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk Epidemiologic Evidence of an Association Between Shift Work and Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases Metabolic Syndrome Type 2 Diabetes Obesity Cardiovascular Diseases Cancer Mechanisms Linking Night Shift Work to Cancer Risk Evaluation from the 2019 IARC Monograph on ``Night Shift Work ́ ́ Recent Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Cognitive Disorders and Drowsiness Depression and Anxiety Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Prevention Strategies and Recommendations Adapting the Night Shift Work Schedule Systems Information-Education and Occupational Medicine Strategic Light/Dark Exposure Opportunistic Napping Physical Activity Meal Timing Conclusion References 16 Psychosocial Work Environment and Health: Applying Job-Exposure Matrices and Work Organization and Management Practice Introduction Psychosocial Exposure and JEM Psychosocial Work Environment and Health Subjectivity of Measure as a Major Source of Bias in the Assessment of Psychosocial Exposures Psychosocial Job-Exposure Matrix: Advantages and Disadvantages over Individual Measurements from Questionnaires Use of Psychosocial Job-Exposure Matrices as Exposure Assessment Tool in Epidemiological Studies Work Organization and Management Practice A World of Work in Constant Transformation Occupational Exposures and Economic, Social, Organizational, and Managerial Determinants: An Integrative Approach Organizational and Integrative Model of Occupational Exposures The Organizational Bundle of Determinants of Occupational Exposure as a Lever for Action of Prevention Cross-References References 17 Occupational Differences in Work-Related Mental Health: A Life Course Analysis of Recent Trends in the European Context Introduction Work-related Psychosocial Risk Factors Over the Life Course Macrosocial and Economic Trends in the European and UK Contexts That Could Affect Work-Related Mental Health Work Automation Globalization Demographic Change Age Differences in Work-Related Mental Health Period Differences in Work-Related Mental Health Cohort Differences in Work-Related Mental Health Recent Trends in Risk Factors for Work-Related Poor Mental Health Longitudinal Follow-Up of Work-Related Poor Mental Health Among Workers in Different Occupations Conclusion Cross-References References Part V: Occupational Trajectories and Midlife Health: Exposure to Irregular and Discontinued Hazards at Work 18 Adverse Employment Histories: Conceptual Considerations and Selected Health Effects Introduction Leading Concepts of Psychosocial Work Environments with Relevance to Health Dimensions of Nonstandard Employment with Relevance to Health Selected Health Effects Concluding Remarks Cross-References References 19 Precarious Work and Health Introduction What Is Precarious Work? Prevalence of Precarious Work Precarious Work Across the Life Course Precarious Work and Models of Work-Related Stress Precarious Work and Mental Health Temporary Work and Mental Health Self-Employment and Mental Health Precarious Work and Sleep Conclusion Cross-References References 20 Gig Work and Health Background: The Rise of the Gig Economy Occupational Risks of Couriers in the Gig Economy A Life Course Perspective Stressors and Responses: Chinese Couriers in a Digital Era Stressors, Responses, and Coping Mechanisms Agility and Vulnerability: The UK Logistics Sector During the COVID-19 Pandemic Conclusion Cross-References References 21 Gender Differences in Work Participation over the Life Course and Consequences for Socioeconomic and Health Outcomes Introduction Gender Differences in Labor Market Participation Across Working Life Entry to Parenthood As a Gendered Life Course Transition Longer-Term Gender Differences in Labor Market Participation and Uptake of Adult Care Gender and Unpaid Care Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic Socioeconomic Inequalities Country-Level Differences and Policy Drivers of Gender Differences in Labor Market Participation Consequences of Gender Differences in Work Participation: Socioeconomic Outcomes Occupation Downgrading and Positional Power The Gender Pay and Pension Gaps Consequences of Gender Differences in Work Participation: Health and Well-Being Outcomes Self-Reported Health and Quality of Life Mental Health and Well-Being Obesity Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers Cognition Mortality Job Quality Adult Care Single Mothers Conclusion References Part VI: Occupational Trajectories in the Context of Disability and Ageing 25 Pathways to Retirement and Health Effects Introduction National Policies and Pathways to Retirement Policies: Availability and Generosity of Pension Benefits and Their Effect on Employment Rates Early Retirement Between 1970 and 2000 From Early to Late Retirement 2000-Ongoing Employment Rates and Generosity of Pensions Since the Reforms Linking Retirement Age to Life Expectancy Process of Retirement Employment Careers Relate to Retirement Transition from Employment to Retirement Predictors of Early Work Exit and Retirement Inequalities in Employment Rates Among Older Workers Working Conditions Poor Health Informal Caregiving The Health Effect of Retirement Theoretical Perspectives on the Health Effect of Retirement Empirical Studies on the Health Effect of Retirement Retirement and Mental Health Retirement and Cognition Retirement and Physical Health Retirement and Other Health and Well-Being Outcomes Discussion on the Health Effect of Retirement Conclusion References 22 Changing Experiences, Needs, and Supports Across the Life Course for Workers Living with Disabilities Introduction Defining Disability Disability and Employment The School to Employment Transition and Early Career Experiences Work Environments and Disability Communication and Disclosure of a Disability and Support Needs Sharing Disability Information During the Hiring Process Outcomes of Disclosing Disability Information Support and Accommodations to Sustain Employment Changing Work Environments and the Future of Work and Disability Conclusion Cross-References References 23 Working Careers with Common Mental Disorders Introduction Common Mental Disorders and Work The Magnitude of CMD The Right to Work CMD in a Life Course Perspective Work Capacity: A Dynamic Phenomenon Mental Health: A Conceptual Framework Exploring the Capacity to Work with Common Mental Disorders Exploring Work Instability in Common Mental Disorders The Sick Leave and Rehabilitation Process in CMD What Employers Can Do Stigma Universal Prevention Early Identification Sickness Absence and Return to Work Sickness Absence with Psychiatric Disorders Employer Support in Return to Work A Gender Perspective Concluding Remarks Cross-References References 24 Adverse Effect of Psychosocial Stressors at Work and Long Working Hours Along the Cardiovascular Continuum Introduction Psychosocial Stressors at Work and Long Working Hours The Cardiovascular Continuum Psychosocial Stressors at Work and Long Working Hours Along the CV Continuum Blood Pressure Psychosocial Stressors at Work and Masked Hypertension Psychosocial Stressors at Work and Uncontrolled Hypertension Long Working Hours and Blood Pressure Arterial Stiffness Cardiovascular Disease Incidence Cardiovascular Disease Recurrence Sex and Gender Considerations Mechanisms and Interactions with Other Risk Factors Population Attributable Fraction of Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention (Guidelines, Screening, Prediction, and Interventions) from the Individual to the Population and Their Work Environ... Psychosocial Stressors at Work in Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines CVD Risk Prediction Screening Preventive Workplace Interventions Conclusion References Part VII: Interventions and Policy Implications 26 Worksite Health Promotion: Evidence on Effects and Challenges Introduction Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) Definitions and Approaches Workplace Health Promotion and Health/Risk Behaviors Workplace Health Promotion and Mental Health Inequalities in Workplace Health Promotion Workplace Health Promotion and Workforce Retention Precarious Employment and Psychosocial Risks: Major Challenge for Workplace Health Promotion Overview of Legislation and Policies on Work-Related Psychosocial Risks Conclusions Cross-References References 27 Falling Sick While Working: An Overview of the EU-Level Policy Framework on Returning to Work Following Chronic Disease(s) Introduction A Snapshot of Demographic and Health Trends in Europe Ageing Population Prevalence of Disabilities and Chronic Diseases Implications of Chronic Health Conditions for Labor Markets The EU-Level Approach to the Return to Work The EU Occupational Health and Safety Framework Disability and Social Inclusion Policies Other Relevant EU-Level Initiatives The Way Ahead on the Return to Work: Further Reflections Cross-References References 28 The Role of Social and Labor Policies in Shaping Working Conditions Throughout the Life Course Introduction Theoretical Background National Labor Policies (Definition and Mechanisms) Conceptual Framework Empirical Evidence Cross-Country Evidence Differences by Socioeconomic Position Longitudinal Evidence Trend Studies Conclusion Cross-References References Part VIII: Future Perspectives 29 Occupational Trajectories and Health Inequalities in a Global Perspective Introduction Social Inequalities in Access to the Labor Market and Young Adults ́ Health Adverse Working Conditions During Midlife and Their Effects on Health The Contribution of Work Toward Explaining Social Inequalities in Health Implications for Policy Cross-References References 30 Conceptual and Methodological Directions of Occupational Life Course Research Introduction Objective From Perspective To Challenges Through Possible Rupture like COVID-19 Pandemic To the Future Using Prospective Modeling? Cross-References References Index