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

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 Syed, Fionn Cléirigh Büttner, Conor Buggy and Carla Perrotta
Additional contact information
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

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-26

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.

Keywords: occupational health and safety; infection prevention; COVID-19; control measures; workers; review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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