Murder is the leading cause of injury-related death for women in the workplace in the US, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Murder accounts for 40 per cent of all workplace deaths among female workers.
"Workplace homicides are primarily robbery-related, and often occur in grocery stores, eating and drinking establishments, and gasoline service stations," according to the institute.
More than 25 per cent of female victims of workplace murder are assaulted by people they know, such as colleagues, customers, friends or spouses. Domestic violence spilling into the workplace accounts for 16 per cent of job-related female homicides.
Women workers also endure high levels of non-fatal violence. Nearly two-thirds of workers injured in workplace assaults are women.
"Most of these assaults (70 per cent) were directed at women employed in service occupations, such as healthcare, while an additional 20 per cent of these incidents occurred in retail locations."
The Irish workforce would do well to learn from US research.
The NIOSH conducted research on female reproductive hazards. It found no association between video display units and miscarriages, low birth-weights in newborn babies or in pre-term deliveries. Together with the US Federal Aviation Administration, the institute is conducting research to establish if female flight attendants face reproductive risks due to cosmic ionising radiation or circadian rhythm disruption.
Musculoskeletal problems constitute more than half (52 per cent) of injuries and illnesses suffered by women workers, compared with 45 per cent for male workers. These include sprains and strains, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
One study of musculoskeletal disorders conducted by NIOSH with Inland Revenue Service data transcribers, most of whom were women, found that periodic rest breaks throughout the work shift reduced discomfort.
According to the NIOSH, levels of stress-related illness are nearly twice as high for women as for men. Factors causing stress among women include heavy workload; little control over work; role ambiguity and conflict; job insecurity; poor relationships with fellow workers and supervisors; and work that is repetitive and monotonous.
Women at work can face health and safety risks caused by ill-fitting equipment and clothing designed for men. In non-traditional jobs, personal protective equipment and clothing offered to women were often designed for average-sized men.
Woman can be exposed to workplace hazards putting them at risk of developing cancers. The institute is researching certain hazards to see if there is a link with cervical and breast cancer. For instance, perchloroethylene, the main solvent used in the dry-cleaning industry, is being examined to help evaluate its connection with cervical cancer. An estimated half of dry-cleaning workers in the US are women, says the institute.
Up to 800,000 needlestick injuries occur annually in healthcare settings in the US, mostly involving nurses. Such injuries threaten nurses' physical and emotional health, posing the risk of infections from hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
Between 8 and 12 per cent of healthcare workers who frequently use latex gloves are at risk of developing latex allergy. This can lead to skin rashes, hives, nasal, eye, or sinus symptoms, asthma and even shock.
Meanwhile, the European Trade Union Confederation and the European Trade Union Technical Bureau for Health (TUTB) are carrying out a survey to assess the inclusion of gender issues in health and safety policies.
The survey is also examining practical experiences involving health and safety actions at the workplace that take account of gender issues. The outcomes of the survey will be published by the TUTB next September. It will review the key issues addressed by the research and case studies from different EU countries.
The Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (Ireland Branch) annual conference takes place on June 12th at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Co Roscommon. Its theme is "Alliances and Partnerships: Strategies for Effective Health & Safety Management". Cost: €160 for IOSH members, €190 for non-members. For details, contact Fabian Murphy, tel: 021 4527433.
jmarms@irish-times.ie
