| 1. |
- Badarin, Kathryn, et al.
(författare)
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Safety and health among undeclared workers : A mixed methods study investigating social partner experiences and strategies
- 2024
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Ingår i: Safety Science. - : Elsevier B.V.. - 0925-7535 .- 1879-1042. ; 175
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Little is known about the experiences of the social partners in helping undeclared workers resist Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) issues. This study draws upon Walter Korpi’s ‘power resource theory’ to gain a deeper understanding of how power resources within the construction, transport, and cleaning sectors influence the ability of social partners to respond to OSH issues related to undeclared work. This mixed-method study uses survey data from employer representatives in the construction (n = 686) and transport (n = 650) sectors in Sweden in 2019 to estimate the nature and magnitude of undeclared work-related problems. To also study the view of union representatives, a duplicate survey was sent to union representatives in the transport, construction, and cleaning sectors (n = 57) in 2020, followed by 13 semi-structured interviews with Regional Safety Representatives (RSRs) in 2021–2023. Our findings show that employer representatives in construction and transport reported that the violation of OSH regulations was uncommon and remained unchanged, most union representatives said the opposite. We found a gradient of activism among the unions towards OSH issues related to undeclared work dependent on their power resources. Furthermore, structural and organizational factors limited the RSRs’ ability to address undeclared work. The RSRs identified strategies to tackle OSH issues related to undeclared work in their sectors, these included but were not limited to, dismantling the language barrier between unions and undeclared foreign-born workers, for OSH coordinators and main contractors to be held responsible for OSH violations and greater cooperation between the relevant authorities dealing with undeclared work.
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| 2. |
- Bosmans, Kim, et al.
(författare)
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Experiences of insecurity among non-standard workers across different welfare states : A qualitative cross-country study
- 2023
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Ingår i: Social Science and Medicine. - : Elsevier. - 0277-9536 .- 1873-5347. ; 327
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In recent decades, economic crises and political reforms focused on employment flexibilization have increased the use of non-standard employment (NSE). National political and economic contexts determine how employers interact with labour and how the state interacts with labour markets and manages social welfare policies. These factors influence the prevalence of NSE and the level of employment insecurity it creates, but the extent to which a country’s policy context mitigates the health influences of NSE is unclear. This study describes how workers experience insecurities created by NSE, and how this influences their health and well-being, in countries with different welfare states: Belgium, Canada, Chile, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. Interviews with 250 workers in NSE were analysed using a multiple-case study approach. Workers in all countries experienced multiple insecurities (e.g., income and employment insecurity) and relational tension with employers/clients, with negative health and well-being influences, in ways that were shaped by social inequalities (e.g., related to family support or immigration status). Welfare state differences were reflected in the level of workers’ exclusion from social protections, the time scale of their insecurity (threatening daily survival or longer-term life planning), and their ability to derive a sense of control from NSE. Workers in Belgium, Sweden, and Spain, countries with more generous welfare states, navigated these insecurities with greater success and with less influence on health and well-being. Findings contribute to our understanding of the health and well-being influences of NSE across different welfare regimes and suggest the need in all six countries for stronger state responses to NSE. Increased investment in universal and more equal rights and benefits in NSE could reduce the widening gap between standard and NSE.
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| 3. |
- Gressens, Pierre, et al.
(författare)
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Pitfalls in the Quest of Neuroprotectants for the Perinatal Brain.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Developmental neuroscience. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9859 .- 0378-5866. ; 33:3-4, s. 189-198
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sick preterm and term newborns are highly vulnerable to neural injury, and thus there has been a major search for new, safe and efficacious neuroprotective interventions in recent decades. Preclinical studies are essential to select candidate drugs for clinical trials in humans. This article focuses on 'negative' preclinical studies, i.e. studies where significant differences cannot be detected. Such findings are critical to inform both clinical and preclinical investigators, but historically they have been difficult to publish. A significant amount of time and resources is lost when negative results or nonpromising therapeutics are replicated in separate laboratories because these negative results were not shared with the research community in an open and accessible format. In this article, we discuss approaches to strengthen conclusions from negative preclinical studies and, conversely, to reduce false-negative preclinical evaluations of potential therapeutic compounds. Without being exhaustive, we address three major issues in conducting and interpreting preclinical experiments, including: (a) the choice of animal models, (b) the experimental design, and (c) issues concerning statistical analyses of the experiments. This general introduction is followed by synopses of negative data obtained from studies of three potential therapeutics for perinatal brain injury: (1) the somatostatin analog octreotide, (2) an AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist, topiramate, and (3) a pyruvate derivative, ethyl pyruvate.
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| 4. |
- Gunn, Virginia, et al.
(författare)
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Initiatives addressing precarious employment and its effects on workers' health and well-being : a protocol for a systematic review
- 2021
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Ingår i: Systematic Reviews. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 2046-4053. ; 10:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Precarious employment is a significant determinant of population health and health inequities and has complex public health consequences both for a given nation and internationally. Precarious employment is conceptualized as a multi-dimensional construct including but not limited to employment insecurity, income inadequacy, and lack of rights and protection in the employment relation, which could affect both informal and formal workers. The purpose of this review is to identify, appraise, and synthesize existing research on the effectiveness of initiatives aiming to or having the potential to eliminate, reduce, or mitigate workers' exposure to precarious employment conditions and its effects on the health and well-being of workers and their families. Methods: The electronic databases searched (from January 2000 onwards) are Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and PubMed, along with three institutional databases as sources of grey literature. We will include any study (e.g. quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods design) evaluating the effects of initiatives that aim to or have the potential to address workers' exposure to precarious employment or its effects on the health and well-being of workers and their families, whether or not such initiatives were designed specifically to address precarious employment. The primary outcomes will be changes in (i) the prevalence of precarious employment and workers' exposure to precarious employment and (ii) the health and well-being of precariously employed workers and their families. No secondary outcomes will be included. Given the large body of evidence screened, the initial screening of each study will be done by one reviewer, after implementing several strategies to ensure decision-making consistency across reviewers. The screening of full-text articles, data extraction, and critical appraisal will be done independently by two reviewers. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion. Established checklists will be used to assess a study's methodological quality or bias. A narrative synthesis will be employed to describe and summarize the included studies' characteristics and findings and to explore relationships both within and between the included studies. Discussion: We expect that this review's findings will provide stakeholders interested in tackling precarious employment and its harmful health effects with evidence on effectiveness of solutions that have been implemented to inform considerations for adaptation of these to their unique contexts. In addition, the review will increase our understanding of existing research gaps and enable us to make recommendations to address them. Our work aligns with the sustainable development agenda to protect workers, promote decent work and economic growth, eliminate poverty, and reduce inequalities.
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| 5. |
- Gunn, Virginia, et al.
(författare)
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Initiatives Addressing Precarious Employment and Its Effects on Workers' Health and Well-Being : A Systematic Review
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 19:4
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The prevalence of precarious employment has increased in recent decades and aspects such as employment insecurity and income inadequacy have intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify, appraise, and synthesise existing evidence pertaining to implemented initiatives addressing precarious employment that have evaluated and reported health and well-being outcomes. We used the PRISMA framework to guide this review and identified 11 relevant initiatives through searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and three sources of grey literature. We found very few evaluated interventions addressing precarious employment and its impact on the health and well-being of workers globally. Ten out of 11 initiatives were not purposefully designed to address precarious employment in general, nor specific dimensions of it. Seven out of 11 initiatives evaluated outcomes related to the occupational health and safety of precariously employed workers and six out of 11 evaluated worker health and well-being outcomes. Most initiatives showed the potential to improve the health of workers, although the evaluation component was often described with less detail than the initiative itself. Given the heterogeneity of the 11 initiatives regarding study design, sample size, implementation, evaluation, economic and political contexts, and target population, we found insufficient evidence to compare outcomes across types of initiatives, generalize findings, or make specific recommendations for the adoption of initiatives.
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| 6. |
- Gunn, Virginia, et al.
(författare)
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Non-Standard Employment and Unemployment during the COVID-19 Crisis : Economic and Health Findings from a Six-Country Survey Study
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 19:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The COVID-19 crisis is a global event that has created and amplified social inequalities, including an already existing and steadily increasing problem of employment and income insecurity and erosion of workplace rights, affecting workers globally. The aim of this exploratory study was to review employment-related determinants of health and health protection during the pandemic, or more specifically, to examine several links between non-standard employment, unemployment, economic, health, and safety outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Canada, the United States, and Chile, based on an online survey conducted from November 2020 to June 2021. The study focused on both non-standard workers and unemployed workers and examined worker outcomes in the context of current type and duration of employment arrangements, as well as employment transitions triggered by the COVID-19 crisis. The results suggest that COVID-19-related changes in non-standard worker employment arrangements, or unemployment, are related to changes in work hours, income, and benefits, as well as the self-reported prevalence of suffering from severe to extreme anxiety or depression. The results also suggest a link between worker type, duration of employment arrangements, or unemployment, and the ability to cover regular expenses during the pandemic. Additionally, the findings indicate that the type and duration of employment arrangements are related to the provision of personal protective equipment or other COVID-19 protection measures. This study provides additional evidence that workers in non-standard employment and the unemployed have experienced numerous and complex adverse effects of the pandemic and require additional protection through tailored pandemic responses and recovery strategies.
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| 7. |
- Hernando-Rodriguez, Julio C., et al.
(författare)
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Unequal access? Use of sickness absence benefits by precariously employed workers with common mental disorders : a register-based cohort study in Sweden
- 2023
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Ingår i: BMJ Open. - 2044-6055. ; 13:7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective This study compares the use of sickness absence benefits (SABs) due to a common mental disorder (CMD) between precariously employed and non-precariously employed workers with CMDs. DesignRegister-based cohort study. Participants The study included 78 215 Swedish workers aged 27-61 who experienced CMDs in 2017, indicated by a new treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Excluded were those who emigrated or immigrated, were self-employed, had an annual employment-based income <100 Swedish Krona, had >90 days of unemployment per year, had student status, had SABs due to CMDs during the exposure measurement (2016) and the two previous years, had an SSRI prescription 1 year or less before the start of the SSRI prescription in 2017, had packs of >100 pills of SSRI medication, had a disability pension before 2017, were not entitled to SABs due to CMDs in 2016, and had no information about the exposure. Outcome The first incidence of SABs due to CMDs in 2017. Results The use of SABs due to a CMD was slightly lower among precariously employed workers compared with those in standard employment (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.92, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.05). Particularly, women with three consecutive years in precarious employment had reduced SABs use (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.89), while men in precarious employment showed weaker evidence of association. Those in standard employment with high income also showed a lower use of SABs (aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.81). Low unionisation and both low and high-income levels were associated with lower use of SABs, particularly among women. ConclusionsThe study indicates that workers with CMDs in precarious employment may use SABs to a lower extent. Accordingly, there is a need for (1) guaranteeing access to SABs for people in precarious employment and/or (2) reducing involuntary forms of presenteeism.
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| 8. |
- Håkansta, Carin, et al.
(författare)
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Power resources and the battle against precarious employment : Trade union activities within a tripartite initiative tackling undeclared work in Sweden
- 2024
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Ingår i: Economic and Industrial Democracy. - : Sage Publications. - 0143-831X .- 1461-7099. ; 45:1, s. 29-56
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this case study was to explore the abilities and limitations of trade unions in their response to undeclared work, which has received scant attention in research on working conditions and industrial relations. The authors use power resource theory to examine the outcome of a Swedish government initiative aimed to boost the ability of the social partners to tackle undeclared work. The findings confirm previous literature suggesting cross-sectoral differences in the extent and nature of undeclared work and an association between low levels of power resources and high risk of undeclared work. The authors recommend that future initiatives take account of cross-sectoral differences in the nature and extent of undeclared work and available power resources. Future research should consider how different actors can contribute to the ability of the social partners in different sectors to engage in the battle against undeclared work.
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| 9. |
- Jonsson, Johanna, et al.
(författare)
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Low-quality employment trajectories and risk of common mental disorders, substance use disorders and suicide attempt : a longitudinal study of the Swedish workforce
- 2021
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - : Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X. ; 47:7, s. 509-520
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective High-quality longitudinal evidence exploring the mental health risk associated with low-quality employment trajectories is scarce. We therefore aimed to investigate the risk of being diagnosed with common mental disorders, substance use disorders, or suicide attempt according to low-quality employment trajectories.Methods A longitudinal register-study based on the working population of Sweden (N=2 743 764). Employment trajectories (2005–2009) characterized by employment quality and pattern (constancy, fluctuation, mobility) were created. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models for first incidence (2010–2017) diagnosis of common mental disorders, substance use disorders and suicide attempt as dependent on employment trajectories.Results We identified 21 employment trajectories, 10 of which were low quality (21%). With the exception of constant solo self-employment, there was an increased risk of common mental disorders (HR 1.07–1.62) and substance use disorders (HR 1.05–2.19) for all low-quality trajectories. Constant solo self-employment increased the risk for substance use disorders among women, while it reduced the risk of both disorders for men. Half of the low-quality trajectories were associated with a risk increase of suicide attempt (HR 1.08–1.76).Conclusions Low-quality employment trajectories represent risk factors for mental disorders and suicide attempt in Sweden, and there might be differential effects according to sex – especially in terms of self-employment. Policies ensuring and maintaining high-quality employment characteristics over time are imperative. Similar prospective studies are needed, also in other contexts, which cover the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the mechanisms linking employment trajectories with mental health.
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| 10. |
- Matilla-Santander, Nuria, et al.
(författare)
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Trajectories of precarious employment and the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke among middle-aged workers in Sweden : A register-based cohort study
- 2022
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Ingår i: The Lancet Regional Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-7762. ; 15
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background The aim is to identify trajectories of precarious employment (PE) over time in Sweden to examine associations of these with the subsequent risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke.Methods This is a nation-wide register-based cohort study of 1,583,957 individuals aged 40 to 61 years old residing in Sweden between 2003-2007. Trajectories of PE as a multidimensional construct and single PE components (contractual employment relationship, temporariness, income levels, multiple job holding, probability of coverage by collective agreements) were identified for 2003-2007 by means of group-based model trajectories. Risk Ratios (RR) for MI and stroke according to PE trajectories were calculated by means of generalized linear models with binomial family.Findings Adjusted estimates showed that constant PE and borderline PE trajectories increased the risk of MI (RR: 1.08, CI95%:1.05-1.11 and RR:1.13, CI95%: 1.07-1.20 respectively) and stroke (RR:1.14, CI95%: 1.10-1.18 and HR:1.24, CI95%: 1.16-1.33 respectively) among men. A higher risk of stroke in men was found for the following unidimensional trajectories: former agency employees (RR:1.32, CI95%:1.04-1.68); moving from high to a low probability of having collective agreements (RR: 1.10, CI95%:1.01-1.20). Having constant low or very low income was associated to an increased risk of MI and Stroke for both men and women.Interpretation The study findings provide evidence that PE increases the risk of stroke and possibly MI. It highlights the importance of being covered by collective bargaining agreements, being directly employed and having sufficient income levels over time.
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| 11. |
- Méndez-Rivero, Fabrizio, et al.
(författare)
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Can psychosocial risk factors mediate the association between precarious employment and mental health problems in Sweden? Results from a register-based study
- 2024
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health. - 0355-3140 .- 1795-990X.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the mediating effect of the psychosocial work environment on the association between precarious employment (PE) and increased risk of common mental disorders (CMD), substance use disorders and suicide attempts.Methods This longitudinal register-study was based on the working population of Sweden, aged 25-60 years in 2005 (N=2 552 589). Mediation analyses based on a decomposition of counterfactual effects were used to estimate the indirect effect of psychosocial risk factors (PRF) (mediators, measured in 2005) on the association between PE (exposure, measured in 2005) and the first diagnosis of CMD, substance use disorders, and suicide attempts occurring over 2006-2017.Results The decomposition of effects showed that the indirect effect of the PRF is practically null for the three outcomes considered, among both sexes. PE increased the odds of being diagnosed with CMD, substance use disorders, and suicide attempts, among both men and women. After adjusting for PE, low job control increased the odds of all three outcomes among both sexes, while high job demands decreased the odds of CMD among women. High job strain increased the odds of CMD and suicide attempts among men, while passive job increased the odds of all three outcomes among women. Conclusion The results of this study did not provide evidence for the hypothesis that psychosocial risks could be the pathways linking precarious employment with workers' mental health. Future studies in different social contexts and labour markets are needed.
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