Occupational health and safety increasingly acknowledges the impact of environmental factors on both mental and physical health in the workplace. Environmental conditions such as chemicals and microorganisms in the workplace, ambient noise, temperature control, lighting, and ergonomic workplace design are pivotal in shaping employee psychological well-being, stress levels, and overall physical health.
This Research Topic delves into how these factors contribute to occupational stress, mental health challenges, and physical health issues like musculoskeletal, skin and respiratory disorders and other chronic illnesses. It aims to unravel the complex relationships between workplace environments and their combined psychological and physical impacts on employees, underlining the importance of a conducive working environment that supports holistic health.
This Research Topic aims to explore the outcomes of environmental exposures at work, focusing on stress, mental health aspects, and physical health outcomes. Key objectives include:
Examining how different environmental factors influence mental health, stress, and physical health among workers, including cardiovascular, skin and respiratory health, sensory well-being, and musculoskeletal integrity.
Reviewing the effectiveness of risk management measures put in place to mitigate occupational stress and improve physical health.
Identifying successful workplace health programs and policies, targeting both mental resilience and physical health maintenance, based on empirical evidence.
To thoroughly explore these facets of occupational health and safety, the scope of this Research Topic is limited to workplace environmental factors and their direct implications on mental and physical health. Relevant themes for this Research Topic include:
Impact of chemicals and microorganisms in the workplace and noise levels on worker stress, anxiety, and physical health outcomes, such as respiratory conditions and hearing loss.
Relationships between workplace design features, such as seating arrangements and equipment layout, and employee psychological and physical health, including posture-related issues.
Effectiveness of environmental health interventions in occupational settings on both mental well-being and physical health, such as programs promoting active breaks and physical exercise.
Empirical analysis of stress reduction and enhancement of physical health through ergonomic improvements, focusing on reducing back pain and increasing comfort.
Case studies on transformative workplace policies that address both mental and physical health, creating a comprehensive approach to employee well-being.
Keywords: environmental health, exposome, risk, hazards, predictors, occupational diseases, work-related diseases, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, disability, chronic illnesses
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
