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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-05-2018 | Original Article

Do frequent exposures to threats and violence at work affect later workforce participation?

Authors: Karin Biering, Lars Peter Sønderbo Andersen, Annie Hogh, Johan Hviid Andersen

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 4/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Threats and violence at work are common problems in the human service sector. It can result in physical and psychological health symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the association between exposure to threats and violence and workforce participation in four human service sectors.

Methods

5170 employees answered questionnaires about threats and violence in 2010 and were followed in a register for public transfer incomes for 3.5 years to identify episodes of sick leave, general workforce participation, and permanent health-related benefits.

Results

We found associations between exposures to threats and violence at work and workforce participation, though only a few specific types of threats and violence were associated on their own. Self-rated severity of both threatening and violent episodes was associated with overall low workforce participation, new sick leave episodes, and permanent health-related benefits. However, the latter was not statistically significant. The same pattern seems to be present in the relation between the total amount of exposure to threats and violence (threats score and violence score), respectively, and overall low workforce participation and new sick leave episodes. The threats score was also related to permanent health-related benefits.

Conclusion

Exposure to threats and violence is associated with temporary and permanent health-related benefits as well as with low workforce participation in general, although some of the associations were not statistically significant.

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Title: Do frequent exposures to threats and violence at work affect later workforce participation?
Authors: Karin Biering
Lars Peter Sønderbo Andersen
Annie Hogh
Johan Hviid Andersen
Publication date: 01-05-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 4/2018
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-018-1295-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Do frequent exposures to threats and violence at work affect later workforce participation?

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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