Authors:John Howard; Vladimir Murashov, Christine M. Branche Abstract: Applications of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military, recreational, public, and commercial uses have expanded significantly in recent years. In the construction industry, UAVs are used primarily for monitoring of construction workflow and job site logistics, inspecting construction sites to assess structural integrity, and for maintenance assessments. As is the case with other emerging technologies, occupational safety assessments of UAVs lag behind technological advancements. UAVs may create new workplace hazards that need to be evaluated and managed to ensure their safe operation around human workers. At the same time, UAVs can perform dangerous tasks, thereby improving workplace safety. This paper describes the four major uses of UAVs, including their use in construction, the potential risks of their use to workers, approaches for risk mitigation, and the important role that safety and health professionals can play in ensuring safe approaches to the their use in the workplace. PubDate: 2017-10-13T03:35:19.608089-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22782
Authors:Marta Benedetti; Marco De Santis, Valerio Manno, Sante Minerba, Antonella Mincuzzi, Angela Morabito, Nicola Panocchia, Maria Eleonora Soggiu, Annalisa Tanzarella, Tiziano Pastore, Maurizio Bossola, Roberto Giua, Simona Leogrande, Alessandra Nocioni, Susanna Conti, Pietro Comba Abstract: BackgroundExposure to heavy metals has been associated with kidney disease. We investigated the spatial distribution of kidney disease in the industrially contaminated site of Taranto.MethodsCases were subjects with a first hospital discharge diagnosis of kidney disease. Cases affected by specific comorbidities were excluded. Standardized Hospitalization Ratios (SHRs) were computed for low/high exposure area and for modeled spatial distribution of cadmium and fine particulate matter.ResultUsing the high/low exposure approach, in subjects aged 20-59 years residing in the high exposure area a significant excess of hospitalization was observed in males and a non-significant excess in females. No excesses were observed in subjects aged 60 years and over. The analysis by the modeling approach did not show a significant association with the greatest pollution impact area.ConclusionDue to the excesses of hospitalization observed in the high/low exposure approach, a continuing epidemiological surveillance of residents and occupational groups is warranted. PubDate: 2017-10-13T03:30:51.39585-05:0 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22781
Authors:Paul A. Schulte; Thomas R. Cunningham, Leslie Nickels, Sarah Felknor, Rebecca Guerin, Fred Blosser, Chia-Chia Chang, Pietra Check, Donald Eggerth, Michael Flynn, Christy Forrester, David Hard, Heidi Hudson, Jennifer Lincoln, Lauralynn T. McKernan, Preethi Pratap, Carol M. Stephenson, Donna Van Bogaert, Lauren Menger-Ogle Abstract: Translation research in occupational safety and health is the application of scientific investigative approaches to study how the outputs of basic and applied research can be effectively translated into practice and have an impact. This includes the study of the ways in which useful knowledge and interventions are disseminated, adopted, implemented, and institutionalized. In this paper, a 4-stage framework (Development, Testing, Institutionalization, and Evaluation) is presented. Translation research can be used to enhance the use and impact of occupational safety and health knowledge and interventions to protect workers. This type of research has not received much attention in the occupational safety and health field. However, in contemporary society, it is critical to know how to make an impact with the findings and outputs of basic and applied research. This paper provides a novel framework for consideration of how to advance and prioritize translation research for occupational safety and health. PubDate: 2017-10-09T02:05:22.169329-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22780
Authors:Christine Buttorff; Antonio J. Trujillo, Renan Castillo, Andres I. Vecino-Ortiz, Gerard F. Anderson Abstract: BackgroundOpioid use is rising in the US and may cause special problems in workers compensation cases, including addiction and preventing a return to work after an injury.ObjectiveThis study evaluates a physician-level intervention to curb opioid usage. An insurer identified patients with out-of-guideline opioid utilization and called the prescribing physician to discuss the patient's treatment protocol.Research DesignThis study uses a differences-in-differences study design with a propensity-score-matched control group. Medical and pharmaceutical claims data from 2005 to 2011 were used for analyses.ResultsFollowing the intervention, the use of opioids increased for the intervention group and there is little impact on medical spending.ConclusionsCounseling physicians about patients with high opioid utilization may focus more attention on their care, but did not impact short-term outcomes. More robust interventions may be needed to manage opioid use.PerspectiveWhile the increasing use of opioids is of growing concern around the world, curbing the utilization of these powerfully addictive narcotics has proved elusive. This study examines a prescribing guidelines intervention designed to reduce the prescription of opioids following an injury. The study finds that there was little change in the opioid utilization after the intervention, suggesting interventions along other parts of the prescribing pathway may be needed. PubDate: 2017-10-09T01:55:25.72788-05:0 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22779
Authors:John Howard; John Piacentino, Kathleen MacMahon, Paul Schulte Abstract: Evaluation of scientific evidence is critical in developing recommendations to reduce risk. Healthcare was the first scientific field to employ a systematic review approach for synthesizing research findings to support evidence-based decision-making and it is still the largest producer and consumer of systematic reviews. Systematic reviews in the field of occupational safety and health are being conducted, but more widespread use and adoption would strengthen assessments. In 2016, NIOSH asked RAND to develop a framework for applying the traditional systematic review elements to the field of occupational safety and health. This paper describes how essential systematic review elements can be adapted for use in occupational systematic reviews to enhance their scientific quality, objectivity, transparency, reliability, utility, and acceptability. PubDate: 2017-09-25T01:57:01.353322-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22771
Authors:Richard L. Kradin; George Eng, David C. Christiani Abstract: BackgroundDiffuse peritoneal malignant mesothelioma (DPM) is caused by exposure to asbestos. The medical literature has linked DPM primarily to high levels of asbestos exposure, in particular amosite. Controversy persists as to whether chrysotile is capable of causing DPM, especially when exposures are paraoccupational.MethodsSixty-two subjects (51 men, 11 women) with DPM were reviewed in medical-legal consultation with deposition and product identification evidence.ResultsAll had pathologically confirmed DPM. Most were exposed to both amphibole and chrysotile, but chrysotile alone was documented in 14/62 (26%) cases. A total of 7/14 (50%) cases of the paraoccupational exposures were to chrysotile alone. Women were younger than men as were those with paraoccupational versus those with occupational exposure. The mean duration of exposure for all cases was 17.9 ± 10 years and latency from time of first exposure was 45.9 + 11.6 years.ConclusionsDPM occurs with both occupational and paraoccupational exposures to asbestos and may be seen in paraoccupational exposures to chrysotile asbestos. PubDate: 2017-09-22T00:40:20.032012-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22768
Authors:Baylah Tessier-Sherman; Deron Galusha, Linda F. Cantley, Mark R. Cullen, Peter M. Rabinowitz, Richard L. Neitzel Abstract: BackgroundCommunity noise exposure has been shown to increase the risk of hypertension; however, the relationship between occupational noise exposure and hypertension is less clear.MethodsUsing an inception cohort of workers in a specialty metals manufacturing company, we retrospectively assessed occupational noise exposure, hearing acuity, and incident hypertension diagnoses using administrative datasets. Time-weighted average noise exposure levels were assigned to employees based on their job histories. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to determine the association of noise exposure with risk of incident hypertension.ResultsThe adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of incident hypertension did not significantly differ between groups by cumulative continuous or categorized noise exposure metric.ConclusionWe found no increased risk of incident hypertension with exposure to occupational noise among workers. Further assessment examining workers’ use of hearing protection devices is warranted. PubDate: 2017-09-22T00:30:24.725124-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22775
Authors:Niklas Krause; Onyebuchi A. Arah, Jussi Kauhanen Abstract: BackgroundThis study explores the effects of occupational (OPA) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) on mortality relative to cardiorespiratory fitness and pre-existing coronary heart disease (CHD).MethodsAssociations between OPA, measured as energy expenditure (kcal/day) and relative aerobic workload (%VO2max), LTPA, and 22-year mortality among 1891 Finnish men were assessed by Cox regression models stratified by CHD and adjusted for 19 confounders.ResultsIn fully adjusted models, each 10% of relative aerobic workload increased all-cause mortality by 13% and CHD mortality 28% (P PubDate: 2017-09-20T22:50:24.823373-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22756
Authors:Denis Vinnikov; Sergey Semizhon, Tatsyana Rybina, Ludmila Savich, Vicktor Scherbitsky, Igor Manichev Abstract: BackgroundThe aim of this study was to measure the association of exposure to dust at workplace with COPD using objective methods of exposure and outcome classification.MethodsForced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) PubDate: 2017-09-20T04:10:21.318989-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22776
Authors:Hyun Kim; Sherry Baron, Navneet K. Baidwan, Adam Schwartz, Jacqueline Moline Abstract: BackgroundDespite the high rates, the consequences of new onset asthma among the World Trade Center (WTC) responders in terms of the change in job status have not been studied.MethodsThis study consists of a cohort of 8132 WTC responders out of the total 25 787 responders who held a full-time job at the baseline visit, and participated in at least one follow-up visit.ResultsOverall, 34% of the study cohort changed their job status from full-time at a follow-up visit. Multivariable models showed that asthmatics were respectively 27% and 47% more likely to have any job status change and get retired, and twice as likely to become disabled as compared to non-asthmatics.ConclusionsWith asthma incidence from WTC exposure, negative job status change should be considered as a potential long-term consequence of WTC exposure. PubDate: 2017-09-14T23:50:22.040372-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22774
Authors:Morris Greenberg Abstract: The asbestos industry originated in the UK in the 1870s. By 1898, asbestos had many applications and was reported to be one of the four leading causes of severe occupational disease. In 1912, the UK government sponsored an experimental study that reported that exposure to asbestos produced no more than a modicum of pulmonary fibrosis in guinea pigs. In the 1930s, the newly established Medical Research Council, with assistance from industry, sponsored a study of the effects of exposing animals to asbestos by injection (intratracheal and subcutaneous) and by inhalation in the factory environment. Government reports, publications, and contemporary records obtained by legal discovery have been reviewed in the context of the stage of scientific development and the history of the times. Experimenters were engaged in a learning process during the 1912–1950 period, and their reports of the effects of asbestos were inconsistent. Pathologists who studied the effects of asbestos experimentally, at whole animal, tissue and cellular levels, advanced experimental methodology and mechanistic knowledge. In the hands of public relations experts, however, research was exploited to preserve an industry and perpetuate preventable diseases, a practice that continues to this day. PubDate: 2017-09-14T23:46:23.891572-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22762
Authors:Bénédicte Clin; Isabelle Thaon, Mathilde Boulanger, Patrick Brochard, Soizick Chamming's, Antoine Gislard, Aude Lacourt, Amandine Luc, Guy Ogier, Christophe Paris, Jean-Claude Pairon Abstract: BackgroundOur study aimed at analyzing incidence and mortality from esophageal cancer within a cohort of workers with previous occupational asbestos exposure (ARDCo Program).MethodsA 10-year follow-up study was conducted in the 14 515 male subjects included in this program between October 2003 and December 2005. Follow-up began when exposure stopped. Asbestos exposure was analyzed by industrial hygienists using data from a standardized questionnaire. The Cox model was used, with age as the time axis variable adjusted for smoking, time since first exposure (TSFE) and cumulative exposure index (CEI) of exposure to asbestos.ResultsWe reported a significant dose-response relationship between CEI of exposure to asbestos and esophageal cancer, in both incidence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.58), and mortality (HR 1.40, [95%CI 1.12-1.75]).ConclusionsThis large-scale study suggests the existence of a relationship between asbestos exposure and cancer of the esophagus PubDate: 2017-09-07T22:20:33.857887-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22769
Authors:Betul Kozanhan; Ikbal Inanlı, Cigdem Damla Deniz, Mehmet Sinan Iyisoy, Salim Neselioğlu, Osman Sahin, Fatma Akin, Mahmut Sami Tutar, Ibrahim Eren, Ozcan Erel Abstract: BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the association between dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis and occupational exposure to volatile anesthetic gases in operating theater personnel. Decreased blood thiol levels and raised blood disulphide levels serve as biomarkers of oxidative stress.MethodsWe included 65 subjects occupationally exposed and 55 unexposed healthy medical professionals into the study. A novel method enabled separate measurements of components involved in dynamic thiol/disulphide homeostasis (native thiol, disulphide, and total thiol). To control for the potential confounding effect on oxidative stress of psychological symptoms potentially caused by occupational stress, we used scores obtained from four different anxiety and depression inventories.ResultsMean ± standard deviation native thiol was found to be 433.35 ± 30.68 in the exposed group, lower than among controls, 446.61 ± 27.8 (P = 0.02). Disulphide in the exposed group was 15.78 ± 5.12, higher than among controls, 12.14 ± 5.33 (P PubDate: 2017-08-30T08:25:24.749266-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22764
Authors:Anne G. Sadler; Brenda M. Booth, James C. Torner, Michelle A. Mengeling Abstract: BackgroundTo determine whether sexual assault in the military (SAIM) among active component and Reserve/National Guard servicewomen is more likely to occur in deployed or non-deployed locations; and which location poses greater risk for SAIM when time spent in-location is considered.MethodsA total of 1337 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom era servicewomen completed telephone interviews eliciting socio-demographics, military and sexual assault histories, including attempted and completed sexual assault.ResultsHalf of the sample had been deployed (58%). Overall 16% (N = 245) experienced SAIM; a higher proportion while not deployed (15%; n = 208) than while deployed (4%; n = 52). However, the incidence of SAIM per 100 person-years was higher in deployed than in non-deployed locations: 3.5 vs 2.4. Active component and Reserve/National Guard had similar deployment lengths, but Reserve/National Guard had higher SAIM incidence rates/100 person-years (2.8 vs 4.0).ConclusionsA higher proportion of servicewomen experienced SAIM while not deployed; however, adjusting for time in each location, servicewomen were at greater risk during deployment. PubDate: 2017-08-30T08:25:19.826459-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22767
Authors:Jenny H.-C. Tsai; Elaine A. Thompson Abstract: BackgroundCommunity-based collaborative approaches have received increased attention as a means for addressing occupational health disparities. Organizational capacity, highly relevant to engaging and sustaining community partnerships, however, is rarely considered in occupational health research.MethodsTo characterize community organizational capacity specifically relevant to Chinese immigrant worker health, we used a cross-sectional, descriptive design with 36 agencies from six community sectors in King County, Washington. Joint interviews, conducted with two representatives from each agency, addressed three dimensions of organizational capacity: organizational commitment, resources, and flexibility. Descriptive statistics were used to capture the patterning of these dimensions by community sector.ResultsOrganizational capacity varied widely across and within sectors. Chinese and Pan-Asian service sectors indicated higher capacity for Chinese immigrant worker health than did Chinese faith-based, labor union, public, and Pan-ethnic nonprofit sectors.ConclusionsVariation in organizational capacity in community sectors can inform selection of collaborators for community-based, immigrant worker health interventions. PubDate: 2017-08-28T01:30:19.828225-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22758
Authors:Ariel R. Choi; Joseph M. Braun, George D. Papandonatos, Paul B. Greenberg Abstract: BackgroundStyrene is a chemical used in the manufacture of plastic-based products worldwide. We systematically reviewed eligible studies of occupational styrene-induced dyschromatopsia, qualitatively synthesizing their findings and estimating the exposure effect through meta-analysis.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were queried for eligible studies. Using a random effects model, we compared measures of dyschromatopsia between exposed and non-exposed workers to calculate the standardized mean difference (Hedges’g). We also assessed between-study heterogeneity and publication bias.ResultsStyrene-exposed subjects demonstrated poorer color vision than did the non-exposed (Hedges’ g = 0.56; 95%CI: 0.37, 0.76; P PubDate: 2017-08-24T05:55:21.19245-05:0 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22766
Authors:Devin L. Lucas; Samantha L. Case Abstract: BackgroundCommercial fishing is a global industry that has been frequently classified as high-risk. The use of detailed surveillance data is critical in identifying hazards.MethodsThe purpose of this study was to provide updated statistics for the entire US fishing industry during 2010-2014, generate fleet-specific fatality rates using a revised calculation of full-time equivalent estimates, and examine changes in the patterns of fatalities and in risk over a 15-year period (2000-2014).ResultsDuring 2010-2014, 188 commercial fishing fatalities occurred in the United States. Vessel disasters and falls overboard remain leading contributors to commercial fishing deaths. The Atlantic scallop fleet stands out for achieving substantial declines in the risk of fatalities over the 15-year study period. However, fatality rates ranged from 21 to 147 deaths per 100 000 FTEs, many times higher than the rate for all US workers.ConclusionsAlthough the number of fatalities among commercial fishermen in the United States has generally declined since 2000, commercial fishing continues to have one of the highest occupational fatality rates in the United States. The sustainable seafood movement could assist in improving the health and safety of fishing industry workers if worker well-being was integrated into the definition of sustainable seafood. PubDate: 2017-08-23T05:30:48.165422-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22761
Authors:Elise Lagerstrom; Sheryl Magzamen, John Rosecrance Abstract: BackgroundDespite advances in mechanization, logging continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Logging in the Intermountain West region (Montana and Idaho) is especially hazardous due to steep terrain, extreme weather, and remote work locations.MethodsWe implemented a mixed-methods approach combining analyses of workers’ compensation claims and focus groups to identify factors associated with injuries and fatalities in the logging industry.ResultsInexperienced workers (>6 months experience) accounted for over 25% of claims. Sprain/strain injuries were the most common, accounting for 36% of claims, while fatalities had the highest median claim cost ($274 411). Focus groups identified job tasks involving felling trees, skidding, and truck driving as having highest risk.ConclusionsInjury prevention efforts should focus on training related to safe work methods (especially for inexperienced workers), the development of a safety culture and safety leadership, as well as implementation of engineering controls. PubDate: 2017-08-18T08:05:28.167012-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22759
Authors:Marnie Dobson; BongKyoo Choi, Peter L. Schnall Abstract: BackgroundUrban transit operators have high rates of obesity, hypertension, and other cardiovascular risk-factors compared to other occupations. There have been few qualitative studies exploring the interrelationships between the organization of transit work, stress, and health including obesity, from the perspective of operators.MethodsFive focus groups were conducted at five Divisions in a transit authority in Southern California and included 65 bus and rail operators.ResultsOperators reported a great deal of stress related to their work, including 1) time pressures and lack of recovery time; 2) long work shifts and overtime; 3) feeling unsafe when dealing with the public; 4) lack of respect from supervisors and management. Operators believed stressful working conditions negatively impacted their health and weight.ConclusionThis qualitative study yielded new as well as confirmatory data about stress and transit work organization, health, and weight in operators. This study will add to future survey research and interventions in this population. PubDate: 2017-08-18T07:55:25.287158-05: DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22760
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