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COVID-19 Prevention and Control Measures in Workplace Settings: A Rapid Review and Meta-Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Carolyn Ingram

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Vicky Downey

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Mark Roe

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Yanbing Chen

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Mary Archibald

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Kadri-Ann Kallas

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Jaspal Kumar

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Peter Naughton

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Cyril Onwuelazu Uteh

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Alejandro Rojas-Chaves

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Shibu Shrestha

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Shiraz Syed

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Fionn Cléirigh Büttner

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Conor Buggy

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Carla Perrotta

    (School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

Abstract

Workplaces can be high-risk environments for SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and subsequent community transmission. Identifying, understanding, and implementing effective workplace SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures is critical to protect workers, their families, and communities. A rapid review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesize evidence assessing the effectiveness of COVID-19 IPC measures implemented in global workplace settings through April 2021. Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies that quantitatively assessed the effectiveness of workplace COVID-19 IPC measures. The included studies comprised varying empirical designs and occupational settings. Measures of interest included surveillance measures, outbreak investigations, environmental adjustments, personal protective equipment (PPE), changes in work arrangements, and worker education. Sixty-one studies from healthcare, nursing home, meatpacking, manufacturing, and office settings were included, accounting for ~280,000 employees based in Europe, Asia, and North America. Meta-analyses showed that combined IPC measures resulted in lower employee COVID-19 positivity rates (0.2% positivity; 95% CI 0–0.4%) than single measures such as asymptomatic PCR testing (1.7%; 95% CI 0.9–2.9%) and universal masking (24%; 95% CI 3.4–55.5%). Modelling studies showed that combinations of (i) timely and widespread contact tracing and case isolation, (ii) facilitating smaller worker cohorts, and (iii) effective use of PPE can reduce workplace transmission. Comprehensive COVID-19 IPC measures incorporating swift contact tracing and case isolation, PPE, and facility zoning can effectively prevent workplace outbreaks. Masking alone should not be considered sufficient protection from SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in the workplace.

Suggested Citation

  • Carolyn Ingram & Vicky Downey & Mark Roe & Yanbing Chen & Mary Archibald & Kadri-Ann Kallas & Jaspal Kumar & Peter Naughton & Cyril Onwuelazu Uteh & Alejandro Rojas-Chaves & Shibu Shrestha & Shiraz Sy, 2021. "COVID-19 Prevention and Control Measures in Workplace Settings: A Rapid Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-26, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:7847-:d:600857
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yiqun Chen & Helen Beattie & Andrew Simpson & Gillian Nicholls & Vince Sandys & Chris Keen & Andrew D. Curran, 2023. "A COVID-19 Outbreak in a Large Meat-Processing Plant in England: Transmission Risk Factors and Controls," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(19), pages 1-18, September.
    2. Yongji Ma & Jinliang Xu & Chao Gao & Chenwei Gu & Xiaohui Tong, 2022. "The Limited Responses of Provincial Expressway Network Operation Quality to the Impact of COVID-19: Taking Shaanxi Province as an Example," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-22, August.
    3. Rebecca J. Guerin & John P. Barile & Matthew R. Groenewold & Hannah L. Free & Andrea H. Okun, 2023. "COVID-19 Workplace Mitigation Strategies and Employee Leave Policies Implemented during the Height of the Pandemic, United States, Fall 2020 and 2021," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-13, February.
    4. Siti Fairuza Hassam, 2023. "Building a Resilient and Sustainable Workplace: A Post-Pandemic Hazard Control and Preparedness Plan in Malaysia," GATR Journals jmmr310, Global Academy of Training and Research (GATR) Enterprise.

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