Related Experiment Videos
Sickness absence in the freezing industry.
1Christchurch School of Medicine.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|October 26, 1988
Summary
Sickness absence in freezing works was mainly due to viral infections, surgical operations, and stress-related diseases, not zoonotic illnesses. Stress-related illness emerged as a significant factor in absenteeism during the study period.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sickness absence is a significant concern in occupational health.
- Understanding the causes of absenteeism is crucial for workplace interventions.
- Previous studies have highlighted various factors contributing to employee sick leave.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the aetiology and incidence of sickness absence in South Island freezing works.
- To investigate the impact of job stress on absenteeism.
- To assess the relationship between job involvement and sickness absence.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month study (May 1982-April 1983) involving two freezing works.
- Utilized sickness absence, job stress, and job involvement questionnaires.
- Collected data on the causes of employee absenteeism.
Main Results:
- Zoonotic illnesses accounted for only 6.8% of all sickness absences.
- Non-zoonotic viral infections (39.3%) were the leading cause of absence.
- Surgical operations (17.1%) and stress-related diseases (15.4%) were also major contributors.
Conclusions:
- Stress-related illness was a greater cause of sickness absence than zoonotic illness.
- Viral infections represent the primary cause of absenteeism in this occupational setting.
- Workplace stress is a significant factor influencing sickness absence rates.