Authors:Marija Borjan; Margaret Lumia Abstract: BackgroundThis preliminary study evaluates a real-time syndromic surveillance system to track occupationally-related emergency room visits throughout New Jersey.MethodsEmergency Department (ED) chief complaint fields were evaluated from 79 of 80 hospitals in NJ in 2014, using work-related keywords and ICD-9 E-codes, to determine its ability to capture non-fatal work-related injuries. Sensitivity analysis and descriptive statistics, were used to evaluate and summarize the occupational injuries identified.ResultsOverall, 11 919 (0.3%) possible work-related ED visits were identified from all ED visits. Events with the greatest number of ED visits were slips, trips, and falls (1679, 14%). Nature of injury included cuts, lacerations (1041, 9%). The part of the body most affected was the back (1414, 12%). This work-related classifier achieved a sensitivity of 5.4%, a specificity of 99.8%, and a PPV of 2.8%.ConclusionsThis evaluation demonstrated that the syndromic surveillance reporting system can yield real-time knowledge of work-related injuries. PubDate: 2017-05-23T03:30:26.270675-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22734
Authors:Barbara J. Burgel; Rami A. Elshatarat Abstract: IntroductionTaxi drivers are at high risk for low back pain (LBP).AimIdentify the association between psychosocial-work factors (Job strain, Iso-strain, effort-reward imbalance [ERI], unfairness, and mental exertion) and LBP in taxi drivers.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done with 129 taxi drivers.ResultsApproximately 63% reported LBP in the prior 12 months. Chi square or t-test analyses identified the associations between demographic, work, health, and psychosocial work factors, and self-report of LBP in the prior 12 months. Depression, perceived physical exertion, dispatcher and manager support, unfair treatment at work, and unfair treatment due to nationality were significantly associated with LBP in bivariate analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was done to identify the predictors of LBP. High dispatcher support remained the sole significant predictor for lower prevalence of LBP (OR = 0.66, P = 0.017).ConclusionGreater understanding of psychosocial work factors may aid in developing interventions to prevent LBP in taxi drivers. PubDate: 2017-05-19T07:00:37.44043-05:0 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22732
Authors:A. J. Agopian; Jihye Kim, Peter H. Langlois, Laura Lee, Lawrence W. Whitehead, Elaine Symanski, Michele L. Herdt, George L. Delclos Abstract: ObjectivesTo perform a case-control study of maternal occupational physical activity and risk for orofacial clefts in Texas during 1999-2009.MethodsWe used logistic regression to assess 14 measures of physical activity estimated from a job exposure matrix, using the maternal occupation reported on the birth certificate, among 887 children with cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CLP), 436 children with cleft palate only (CP), and 1932 controls.ResultsAfter adjusting for several potential confounders, seven measures of physical activity (as a categorical and/or continuous variable) were significantly associated with CLP, CP, or both. Positive associations were seen for keeping balance, kneeling, standing, and walking/running (odds ratio 95% confidence interval range 1.0-1.9 for fourth versus first quartile). A significant positive trend was also seen for bending/twisting. Negative associations were seen for repetitive motion and sitting.ConclusionsMaternal occupational physical activity may be related to the etiology of orofacial clefts. PubDate: 2017-05-19T07:00:25.845348-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22731
Authors:Brie Hawley; Kristin J. Cummings, Mohammed Mohammed, Anne E. Dimmock, Rebecca Bascom Abstract: We present a case that highlights the difficulties with diagnosis and the dangers of occupational allergic sinusitis and asthma left unrecognized. We describe the case history of a man who experienced work-related symptoms 1 year after beginning work as a cheesemaker at a creamery, and whose respiratory symptoms progressively worsened over 16 years before an occupational cause of his asthma was identified. His initial discrete episodes of sinusitis and acute bronchitis evolved into persistent asthma of increasing severity with exacerbations requiring repeated emergency room treatment. The case described in our report emphasizes the importance of clinician diagnosis of OA, and subsequent removal from exposure, such that asthma severity does not progress to near-fatal or fatal asthma in the sensitized worker. As demonstrated by this case report, identification of an occupational cause of asthma relies on a high degree of suspicion and excellent detective work by the clinician. PubDate: 2017-05-12T06:11:35.622855-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22725
Authors:Laura E. Reynolds; David J. Blackley, Anthony S. Laney, Cara N. Halldin Abstract: BackgroundRecent NIOSH publications have focused on the respiratory health of coal miners in central Appalachia, yet 57% of U.S. coal miners work in other regions. We characterized respiratory morbidity in coal miners from these regions.MethodsActive coal miners working outside of central Appalachia who received chest radiographs and/or spirometry during 2005-2015 were included. Chest radiographs were classified according to International Labour Office standards and spirometry was interpreted using the American Thoracic Society guidelines. Prevalence of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) and abnormal spirometry were compared by region.ResultsA total of 103 (2.1%) miners had CWP. The eastern region had the highest prevalence (3.4%), followed by the western (1.7%), and interior (0.8%) regions. A total of 524 (9.3%) miners had abnormal spirometry.ConclusionsCWP occurs in all U.S. coal mining regions. Prevalence of CWP was higher in the eastern region, but lower than levels reported in central Appalachia. PubDate: 2017-05-12T06:11:33.747344-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22727
Authors:Luz S. Marín; Hester Lipscomb, Manuel Cifuentes, Laura Punnett Abstract: BackgroundSafety climate, a group-level measure of workers’ perceptions regarding management's safety priorities, has been suggested as a key predictor of safety outcomes. However, its relationship with actual injury rates is inconsistent. We posit that safety climate may instead be a parallel outcome of workplace safety practices, rather than a determinant of workers’ safety behaviors or outcomes.MethodsUsing a sample of 25 commercial construction companies in Colombia, selected by injury rate stratum (high, medium, low), we examined the relationship between workers’ safety climate perceptions and safety management practices (SMPs) reported by safety officers.ResultsWorkers’ perceptions of safety climate were independent of their own company's implementation of SMPs, as measured here, and its injury rates. However, injury rates were negatively related to the implementation of SMPs.ConclusionsSafety management practices may be more important than workers’ perceptions of safety climate as direct predictors of injury rates. PubDate: 2017-05-09T05:08:42.014998-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22723
Authors:Bernardo Nunes; Francisco Serdoura, Luísa Vital, Manuel Seara, Rui Pinto Abstract: This case report presents a 27 year-old manual worker with right wrist extension deficit after pneumatic hammer handling. MRI and electromyographic studies revealed partial compromise of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) proximal to the branch for the extensor digitorum communis. The patient enrolled a 6-week rehabilitation period and recovered without remaing symptoms. PIN syndrome has mostly been associated with compressive neuropathies of the upper limb, but has seldom been reported in labor contexts. This case exemplifies an unusual presentation of PIN compression without a definite imaging diagnosis, where clinical presentation and electrodiagnostic studies are paramount for an accurate approach and understanding of the underlying condition. PubDate: 2017-05-09T05:08:39.900751-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22730
Authors:Samuel R. Huntley; David J. Lee, William G. LeBlanc, Kristopher L. Arheart, Laura A. McClure, Lora E. Fleming, Alberto J. Caban-Martinez Pages: 518 - 528 Abstract: BackgroundGreen jobs are a rapidly emerging category of very heterogeneous occupations that typically involve engagement with new technologies and changing job demands predisposing them to physical stressors that may contribute to the development of joint pain.MethodsWe estimated and compared the prevalence of self-reported acute (past 30 days) joint pain between green and non-green collar workers using pooled 2004-2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data linked to the Occupational Information Network Database (O*NET).ResultsGreen collar workers have a higher prevalence of acute joint pain as compared to non-green collar workers. Green collar workers with pain in the upper extremity joints were significantly greater than in the non-green collar workforce, for example, right shoulder [23.2% vs 21.1%], right elbow [13.7% vs 12.0%], left shoulder [20.1% vs 18.2%], and left elbow [12.0% vs 10.7%].ConclusionsAcute joint pain reported by the emerging green collar workforce can assist in identifying at risk worker subgroups for musculoskeletal pain interventions. PubDate: 2017-05-17T07:46:04.009169-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22710
Authors:Tamires P. Souza; Guilherme Watte, Alaíde M. Gusso, Rafaela Souza, José da S. Moreira, Marli M. Knorst Pages: 529 - 536 Abstract: BackgroundUnderground mining generates large amounts of dust and exposes workers to silica. This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictor factors for the development of silicosis among semi-precious-stone mineworkers in southern Brazil working in a self-administered cooperative.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study of 348 current workers and retirees, demographic data, medical, and occupational history were collected through an interview performed by a nurse and medical record review. Risk factor associations were studied by Poisson multivariate regression.ResultsThe overall prevalence of silicosis was 37%, while in current miners it was 28%. Several risk factors for silicosis were identified in the univariate analysis. Inadequate ventilation in the underground galleries combined with dry drilling, duration of silica exposure, and (inversely) education remained significant in the multivariate analysis (P PubDate: 2017-05-17T07:46:02.545651-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22719
Authors:Sergio Chávez; Claire E. Altman Pages: 537 - 547 Abstract: BackgroundThis paper examines the occupational experiences of unauthorized immigrants employed in one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States: roofing.MethodsWe draw on 40 in-depth interviews with return migrants in Guanajuato, Mexico, to examine how the adoption of masculinity, dangerous working conditions, the labor market structure, and absence of legal status exacerbates injuries for unauthorized roofers.FindingsUndocumented men return to Mexico injured with chronic pain, health complications, and trauma. We find that men “do gender” that is adopt masculine beliefs, when they skirt safety practices, police each other's behaviors, withhold their emotions, experience heightened stress, and engage in poor health behaviors. It is a combination of dangerous working conditions, economic insecurity, and men seeking to fulfill their masculine roles that all combine to create unsafe working conditions and lead to injuries. PubDate: 2017-05-17T07:46:02.131096-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22721
Authors:BongKyoo Choi Pages: 548 - 556 Abstract: BackgroundLittle is known about the association between weight change (particularly moderate weight loss, 5-10% in initial weight) and long-term sickness absence (LSA) in working populations.MethodsThree hundred and forty professional firefighters reported their current and past (1 year ago) weights in a cross-sectional survey, along with their LSA experience due to a severe accident, injury, or illness during the previous 12 months.ResultsThe prevalence of LSA was 14.7%. In the non-smoking male firefighters, the prevalence of LSA was 3.4% in those with moderate weight loss over the past year; 13.3% in those who maintained their weight; and 21.7% in those who gained their weight moderately: gamma coefficient, 0.44 (95%CI: 0.05, 0.66). The linear association remained significant after further controlling for age and alcohol consumption. And it was similar across the adiposity strata (normal weight, overweight, and obesity) of the firefighters 1 year ago.ConclusionsOne-year weight loss was associated with decreased risk of LSA in professional firefighters. PubDate: 2017-05-17T07:46:04.464704-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22722
Authors:Charline Warembourg; Sylvaine Cordier, Ronan Garlantézec Pages: 578 - 590 Abstract: BackgroundHealth care workers (HCWs) are occupationally exposed to various hazards, some associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in previous reviews. This systematic review aims at synthesizing the recent literature on occupational exposures among HCWs related to fetal death, congenital anomalies, and fertility disorders.MethodsWe searched the Medline database from 2000 to 2015 for articles about all potential occupational exposures of women and men working in this sector.ResultsWe retained 32 studies, most of them (n = 30) among women HCWs. Studies based on job title reported excess risks of some congenital anomalies (especially nervous and musculoskeletal systems) among HCWs compared to non-HCWs but no evidence about fetal death. Excess risks associated with specific exposures includes reports of some congenital anomalies for women exposed to anesthetic gases. Exposure to some sterilizing agents and, with less evidence, to antineoplastic drugs and to ionizing radiation, is associated with increased risks of miscarriage but not stillbirth. Strenuous work schedules appear to be associated with fertility disorders, but the evidence is limited. Only a few studies have been published since 2000 about non-ionizing radiation, or about fertility disorders related to chemical or physical agents, or about male HCWs.ConclusionsDespite the establishment of recommendations to limit exposures of HCWs, some excess risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes are still reported and need to be explained. PubDate: 2017-05-17T07:46:03.563406-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22711
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