The impact of workplace risk factors on the occurrence of neck and upper limb pain: a general population study

BACKGROUND: Work-related neck and upper limb pain has mainly been studied in specific occupational groups, and little is known about its impact in the general population. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and population impact of work-related neck and upper limb pain. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 10 000 adults in North Staffordshire, UK, in which there is a common local manual industry. The primary outcome measure was presence or absence of neck and upper limb pain. Participants were asked to give details of up to five recent jobs, and to report exposure to six work activities involving the neck or upper limbs. Psychosocial measures included job control, demand and support. Odds ratios (ORs) and population attributable fractions were calculated for these risk factors. RESULTS: The age-standardized one-month period prevalence of neck and upper limb pain was 44%. There were significant independent associations between neck and upper limb pain and: repeated lifting of heavy objects (OR = 1.4); prolonged bending of neck (OR = 2.0); working with arms at/above shoulder height (OR = 1.3); little job control (OR = 1.6); and little supervisor support (OR = 1.3). The population attributable fractions were 0.24 (24%) for exposure to work activities and 0.12 (12%) for exposure to psychosocial factors. CONCLUSION: Neck and upper limb pain is associated with both physical and psychosocial factors in the work environment. Inferences of cause-and-effect from cross-sectional studies must be made with caution; nonetheless, our findings suggest that modification of the work environment might prevent up to one in three of cases of neck and upper limb pain in the general population, depending on current exposures to occupational risk

Making the core contingent : professional agency work and its consequences in UK social services

In recent times, the UK has witnessed a steady growth in the use of agency workers to fill core professional roles in public sector organizations. Similar trends have been noted elsewhere, particularly in Australia and the US. In this paper our objective is to explore some of the consequences of this growth, drawing on case study research on social services. We point to a number of problems associated with the management of agency workers and to the potentially negative consequences for the quality of services. These problems, in turn, may impact on key aspects of a (largely functional) public service employment model founded on strong internal labour markets, employment stability and collegial ethos. We also note that while there are ways in which public organizations can manage this situation, certain constraints may prevent them from doing so

Gender mainstreaming within local planning authorities

This paper discusses the extent to which EU-derived gender mainstreaming (GM) requirements are being adopted with reference to Royal Town Planning Institute research on the situation in UK local planning authorities (LPAs). Firstly, the problem of a lack of gender perspective on planning policy is summarised. Barriers to progress are explained and the role of enablers is identified. International and European factors that resulted in GM becoming an integral component of the UK planning system are explained. The second part of the paper outlines the current extent of GM in LPAs. Although generic equalities policy is widespread, it is primarily concerned with personnel matters and there is little understanding of the impact of gender considerations on planning policy. At best there is an assumption that only policies related to women's traditional roles are affected. At worst some LPAs do not consider gender to be of any relevance to the planning process, particularly in departments where there is little social awareness and a technical and quantitative approach predominates. The methodological steps required to achieve GM that need to be applied to the planning process are summarised. Little will change unless central government gives high-level guidance on mainstreaming, and resource allocation and awareness training is increased. Cultural change is needed within the profession to enable planners to take gender seriously

Overcoming the factors inhibiting the mainstreaming of gender into spatial planning policy in the United Kingdom

This paper investigates why gender is not being effectively mainstreamed into the work of local planning authorities in the UK. It discusses means whereby this reluctance might be overcome. Research undertaken for the Royal Town Planning Institute is drawn upon to illustrate the situation. Whilst generic mainstreaming is widespread, it predominantly relates to personnel matters and social policy issues; but there is little evidence of the mainstreaming of gender issues into spatial policy. Factors that hinder progress are identified at central and local government levels. Drawing on principles from a gender mainstreaming toolkit, developed as part of the research, key stages and components of the planning process are identified through which gender might be more successfully mainstreamed into substantive spatial policy. © 2005 The Editors of Urban Studies