Per Gustavsson

Research problem and specific questionsA collective agreement HÖK 22 with stricter rules guaranteeing workers a minimum of 11h rest between shifts will be implemented this autumn. As a result, quick returns (&lt

11h of rest) are expected to decrease. Quick returns are associated with insufficient recovery and sick leave, but also facilitate information transfer between shifts. HÖK 22 may affect both the work, health and private life of many health- and social care employees. This project investigates factors impacting the implementation of HÖK 22, and its effects on working hours, work environment and health.Data and methodSchedules before and after implementing HÖK 22 will be compared using hospital working time data in two regions. Effects of reduced quick returns on sick leave, health and work environment, and moderating factors will be studied with data from the healthcare register and regional employee surveys. Employees’ views of the change will be studied with a survey distributed to nurses and assistant nurses. Qualitative interviews with HR-representatives, ward managers, staffing assistants, nurses and assistant nurses will provide understanding of the implementation process. The mixed method approach will provide a comprehensive understanding of why and how changes occur.Societal relevance and utilisationThe sectors of health- and social care face difficulties recruiting and keeping staff. Sick leave due to stress related conditions are increasing, with health- and social care employees being over represented. Sustainable work hours are essential for recovery, work satisfaction and work-home balance. The implementation of HÖK 22 provides a unique opportunity to conduct a large-scale study on the effects of reducing quick returns on work time schedules, health and work environment, as well as factors facilitating or hindering implementation, which is of importance for future work time interventions. Plan for project realisationThe project will be conducted in collaboration with the societal partners and hospital management. In work package 1 we will identify the effects of HÖK 22 on work hour schedules, work environment, safety and employee health. In work package 2 we will evaluate the implementation process of HÖK 22, with the aim of identifying facilitators and obstacles of change. The funds applied for will be used to cover employment costs and dissemination of results, for example in the form of a handbook on work time change.

Research problem and specific questions: The number of children with neurodevelopmental disorders have increased during the last coupleof years. Physical, psychosocial, and chemical exposures in residential settings during pregnancy have been indicated as possible risk factors in relation to neurodevelopmental disorders in children. However, few studies have assessed these associations in occupational settings even though the exposure levels usually are much higher.Specific questions: Does occupational exposure to chemicals, particles, noise, whole body vibration, or psychosocial work during pregnancy increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children? Do residential exposures and socioeconomic factors modify that association?Data and method: A national cohort of 1,5 million births in Sweden between 1994 and 2014, with data on occupational title, full-time/part-time work and leave of absence during pregnancy will be used. Individual information on the mother’s lifestyle (smoking, BMI etc.), heredity of neurodevelopmental disorders, socioeconomic factors (education, income etc.) and residential exposure (noise, air pollution, green/blue space etc.) during pregnancy is also attached. Occupational exposure to stone/concreate, silica, organic particles, combustion particles, welding fumes, oil mist, noise, solvents, whole body vibration, physically strenuous work, psychosocial work will be classified through job-exposure matricesbased on measurements and questionnaire data. Diagnosis of neurological disorders are gathered through the national Swedish inpatient registry.Plan for project realisation: The project build on existing data that will be linked to new exposure assessments and registry data. The research group has vast experience preforming these kind of studies.Relevance: More and more women start working in exposed occupations previously only held by men. Risk assessments are lacking, especially regarding occupational exposures during pregancy. Better assessments of which occupational exposures during pregnancy that might increasethe risk of neurological disorders will give better guidance for preventive work in these exposed occupations.