Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles) ISSN (Print) 2398-7308 - ISSN (Online) 2398-7316 Published by Oxford University Press[425 journals]
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Pages: 673 - 677 Abstract: AbstractEstimates of occupational disease burden provide important information on which effective policy and regulations can be developed. However, there is no direct way that these data can be obtained, and most burden estimates are derived by merging different data from diverse sources to synthesize estimates of the number of people made ill or who have died from workplace exposures. In recent years, several research groups have published estimates of occupational health burden at national or global scales; these are not always consistent. The World Health Organisation and the International Labour Organisation have taken on the task of producing occupational disease burden estimates for several workplace agents, which we assume are to be seen as the definitive global, regional, and national data. In this commentary, we critique the WHO/ILO approach for their estimates of the non-melanoma skin cancer burden from solar ultraviolet radiation and some of their results for hazardous particulates. We provide recommendations for researchers undertaking occupational burden estimates that they should report along with their data. PubDate: Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae040 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
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Pages: 678 - 687 Abstract: AbstractObjectiveThe aim of our study is to explore the associations between multiple types of workplace violence (WPV) and burnout risk, sleep problems, and leaving intention among nurses.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey recruited 1,742 nurses, and data on WPV experiences were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Work conditions, burnout risk scales, sleep quality, and leaving intentions were also evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations of WPV with burnout risk, sleep quality, and leaving intentions, adjusting for demographic characteristics and work conditions.ResultsThe study found that 66.7% of nurses reported experience of WPV, with 26.9% experiencing both physical and nonphysical forms. Those who experienced multiple types of WPV reported worse work conditions, higher burnout risk, poorer sleep quality, and a stronger leaving intention compared to those without such experiences. Adjusting for working conditions, logistic regression analysis showed that nurses who experienced multiple types of WPV had 2.12-fold higher odds of high personal burnout risk, 2.36-fold higher odds of high client-related burnout risk, 1.95-fold higher odds of poor sleep quality, and 1.80-fold higher odds of high leaving intention, compared to those without WPV experiences.ConclusionsStrategies by hospital managers and policymakers to monitor and reduce workplace violence are vital for sustaining nurses’ mental health, well-being, and preventing early attrition from the profession. PubDate: Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae052 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
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Pages: 688 - 701 Abstract: AbstractIntroductionThe problem of transcoding is recurrent when researchers wish to link occupational data from cohorts to Job-Exposure Matrices (JEMs) which were not set up in the same classifications. The Occupational Asthma-specific JEM (OAsJEM) is a JEM developed for assessing exposure to agents known at risk for asthma for jobs coded with ISCO88 occupation classification. To apply the OAsJEM in the CONSTANCES cohort, in which jobs and industries were coded with French PCS2003 and NAF2008 classifications respectively, we developed a crosswalk to convert jobs from PCS2003 into ISCO88 classification.MethodsThis work was carried out by 2 skilled coders and 1 novice coder who have worked independently by using different tools and transcoding strategies defined a priori. Consensus meetings were organized with skilled coders to define the final crosswalk. This work was elaborated in 2 steps: (i) for 38 ISCO88 codes classified as potentially exposed to cleaning and disinfection products by the OAsJEM, and (ii) for all jobs from the ISCO88 classification. A comparison between the 3 initial coder’s crosswalk proposals and the final crosswalk was made for the 38 ISCO codes in step (i).ResultsThe final crosswalk provided 998 matches between the 482 4-digit PCS2003 codes, 308 4-digit ISCO88 codes, and 31 3-digit ISCO88 codes. Information regarding the NAF2008 industry classification was also used in some cases to improve the final crosswalk. For the selected 38 ISCO88 codes, the final crosswalk provided 110 combinations, but the number of proposed ISCO88–PCS2003 couples by each of the 3 coders varied greatly from 68 to 153. In addition, an important variability between the 3 coders were observed among the number of common combinations between the initial coder’s proposals and the final crosswalk (from 47% to 78%).DiscussionWe have developed a crosswalk specifically for an application of the OAsJEM in population-based surveys using the PCS2003 occupation classification. The development of this crosswalk is of great interest for the use of OAsJEM on the data of the CONSTANCES cohort and on any other survey with occupational data coded according to the French classifications. This OAsJEM crosswalk could be used by other teams to evaluate occupational exposures known to be at risk of asthma from occupational calendars coded with French classifications. PubDate: Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae049 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
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Pages: 702 - 712 Abstract: AbstractTake-home exposures occur when workers accidentally bring workplace contaminants home. Regular job responsibilities may expose construction workers to lead, which extends to their households via the take-home pathway. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate 2 educational sessions addressing take-home lead exposure tailored to construction workers and their families. Educational materials on take-home lead exposure and prevention strategies were designed following guidance from US government institutions and experts on construction work, lead exposure, and educational interventions. The educational materials were pilot-tested with construction workers and their family members during in-person or online sessions in English or Spanish. Changes in knowledge of take-home lead exposure were assessed through pre- and post-testing and open-ended feedback was collected from both participants and session facilitators. The study sample comprised 44 participants, including 33 workers and 11 family members. Among all participants, 81% were male, 46% were Hispanic or Latino, and the average age was 29 years. Post-test scores (µ = 93%, SD = 10%) were higher than pre-test scores (µ = 82%, SD = 19%), and younger participants (<30 years) were more likely to have a lower pre-test score compared to older participants (≥30 years). Overall, feedback from participants and facilitators was positive, indicating appropriate duration, appealing visuals, and ease of engagement through the training activities. Effective public health education for lead-exposed construction workers and their families is needed to reduce lead exposure disparities, especially among children of workers. Interventions must recognize that take-home exposures are not isolated to occupational or home environments. PubDate: Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae047 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
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Pages: 713 - 724 Abstract: AbstractTunnel boring machines (TBMs) are used to excavate tunnels in a manner where the rock is constantly penetrated with rotating cutter heads. Fine particles of the rock minerals are thereby generated. Workers on and in the vicinity of the TBM are exposed to particulate matter (PM) consisting of bedrock minerals including α-quartz. Exposure to respirable α-quartz remains a concern because of the respiratory diseases associated with this exposure. The particle size distribution of PM and α-quartz is of special importance because of its influence on adverse health effects, monitoring and control strategies as well as accurate quantification of α-quartz concentrations. The major aim of our study was therefore to investigate the particle size distribution of airborne PM and α-quartz generated during tunnel excavation using TBMs in an area dominated by gneiss, a metamorphic type of rock. Sioutas cascade impactors were used to collect personal samples on 3 separate days. The impactor fractionates the dust in 5 size fractions, from 10 µm down to below 0.25 µm. The filters were weighted, and the α-quartz concentrations were quantified using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and the NIOSH 7500 method on the 5 size fractions. Other minerals were determined using Rietveld refinement XRD analysis. The size and elemental composition of individual particles were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The majority of PM mass was collected on the first 3 stages (aerodynamic diameter = 10 to 0.5 µm) of the Sioutas cascade impactor. No observable differences were found for the size distribution of the collected PM and α-quartz for the 3 sampling days nor the various work tasks. However, the α-quartz proportion varied for the 3 sampling days demonstrating a dependence on geology. The collected α-quartz consisted of more particles with sizes below 1 µm than the calibration material, which most likely affected the accuracy of the measured respirable α-quartz concentrations. This potential systematic error is important to keep in mind when analyzing α-quartz from occupational samples. Knowledge of the particle size distribution is also important for control measures, which should target particle sizes that efficiently capture the respirable α-quartz concentration. PubDate: Wed, 29 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae041 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
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Pages: 725 - 736 Abstract: AbstractThis study evaluates the effectiveness of self-assessed exposure (SAE) data collection for characterization of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) risks in water and wastewater management, challenging the adequacy of traditional random or campaign sampling strategies. We compared 3 datasets derived from distinct strategies: expert data with activity metadata (A), SAE without metadata (B), and SAE with logbook metadata (C). The findings reveal that standard practices of random sampling (dataset A) fail to capture the sporadic nature of H2S exposure. Instead, SAE methods enhanced by logbook metadata and supported by reliable detection and calibration infrastructure (datasets B and C) are more effective. When assessing risk, particularly peak exposure risks, it is crucial to adopt measures that capture exposure variability, such as the range and standard deviations. This finer assessment is vital where high H2S peaks occur in confined spaces. Risk assessment should incorporate indices that account for peak exposure, utilizing variability measures like range and standard or geometric standard deviation to reflect the actual risk more accurately. For large datasets, a histogram is just as useful as statistical measures. This approach has revealed that not only wastewater workers but also water distribution network workers, can face unexpectedly high H2S levels when accessing confined underground spaces. Our research underscores the need for continuous monitoring with personal electrochemical gas detector alarm systems, particularly in environments with variable and potentially hazardous exposure levels. PubDate: Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae043 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
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Pages: 737 - 747 Abstract: AbstractObjectivesFirefighters work with dogs as support for their search activities for victims. Firefighters who handle dogs supposedly have higher acute muscle pain, more stumbling, and fatigue. This study aimed to verify the influence of a mantrailing dog on the firefighter’s psychophysiological and muscular responses and the number of imbalances in a simulated activity of searching for people.MethodsThe sample consisted of 10 canine operators characterized by mass (92.57 ± 9.66 kg), height (1.78 ± 0.06 m), age (37.8 ± 2.1 yr), and length of service (9.5 ± 4.6 yr), who performed a search activity under 2 experimental conditions (dog condition and control condition). The simulated search activity consisted of a predefined hike of 2.5 km between the beginning of a search and the place where the sham victim was hidden. Cardiometabolic variables, pain level, and muscular performance were measured pre and postactivity (time factor). The number of imbalances suffered during hiking was also quantified.ResultsANOVA data indicated interactions (condition × time) related to handgrip strength (P < 0.05). Handgrip strength was reduced in the postsearch activity with the dog, and it increased the control when compared to the preactivity (–12.3% versus +9.2%). Also, the level of pain and discomfort in the neck, trunk, and hip regions was higher with dogs (P < 0.05). Under the dog and control conditions, there were 25 and 05 imbalances, respectively, during the hike. There were no significant differences between the experimental conditions for vertical jump performance and cardiovascular responses either with dog or control.ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlight that a mantrailing dog with the firefighter increased the number of slips, trips, sudden changes in direction, and loss of body balance, accompanied by a reduction in handgrip strength, and increased acute pain in the neck, trunk, and hip. These findings may contribute to support strategies for mitigating injuries and optimizing the performance of canine operators in the fire department and other units cinotechnic. PubDate: Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae050 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
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Pages: 748 - 755 Abstract: AbstractWhile chronic forearm pain is a common and debilitating condition among cleaners, the most physically demanding tasks remain unidentified. The present field study examines forearm muscle activity during 9 common cleaning tasks in a real working environment. Seven healthy cleaners participated in this study (age: 35.17 ± 9.62 yr; height: 168.17 ± 8.06 cm; weight: 77.14 ± 13.78 kg; experience: 5.60 ± 3.29 yr). Surface wireless electromyography (EMG) was recorded from 2 muscles on both sides of the upper limb, flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), and extensor carpi radialis (ECR), and normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC). Top-3 demanding high-force tasks (90th percentile EMG) were the rough floor, dirty rough floor, and office floor mopping for the FCU, and mopping high walls, ceiling mopping, and baize cleaning for the ECR. Top-3 static work tasks (10th percentile EMG) were mopping low walls, ceiling mopping, and dirty rough floors mopping for the FCU and mopping of high walls, low walls, and ceiling for the ECR. The study identified the forearm muscles’ most physically demanding work tasks during cleaning tasks. The development of better working tools is recommended to avoid high-force overload as well as prolonged static overload of these muscles in cleaners. PubDate: Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae053 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
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Pages: 756 - 764 Abstract: AbstractWith the increased provision of services by health authorities and community organizations allowing supervised inhalation of illicit substances comes concerns about the potential for secondhand exposure to the substances being used, whether in the adjacent community or to workers at the sites. In order to address community concerns surrounding secondhand illicit substance exposure and better protect harm reduction workers, a validated sampling and LC–MS/MS analysis method was developed for 6 illicit drugs: fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, etizolam, and bromazolam. It was found that the filter used needed to be silanized to be made more inert and avoid loss of analyte due to degradation. Using the silanized filters, recoveries were good (>90%) and the collected samples were found to be stable at room temperature for 2 wk. The sampling volume validated was up to 960 L. The sensitivity and range of the method make it appropriate for short-term (15 min), full shift (8 h), or environmental sampling. PubDate: Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae048 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
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Pages: 765 - 769 Abstract: AbstractPrevious studies have investigated the health hazards caused by exposure to the noise of heavy equipment used at construction sites. Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport operates a registration system for construction machinery, and regular safety inspections are mandatory. Although workers inspecting construction machinery vehicles are exposed to unwanted noise, no noise exposure assessment has been made regarding these workers in Korea. The time-weighted average (TWA) daily average noise exposure level among construction machinery inspectors at 18 inspection centers was 75.3 dB(A). Among the inspection steps, the exhaust gas inspection step was found to exhibit the highest noise exposure level, up to 100 dB(A). In Korea, if the noise level of a workplace exceeds 85 dB(A) as a TWA, workers are required to undergo special medical examinations. This study found that special medical examinations were required for two of the 18 target inspection centers (approximately 115 workers) as the 8-hour TWA noise level exceeded 85 dB(A). Therefore, regular noise exposure assessment and special medical examinations for noise are required to prevent inspectors from developing hearing disorders due to noise exposure. PubDate: Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae037 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
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Pages: 770 - 776 Abstract: AbstractBackgroundThe public order and safety (POS) sector remains susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks, as workplace attendance is typically compulsory and close physical contact is often needed. Here, we report on a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak with an attack rate of 39% (9/23), which occurred between 19 and 29 June 2021 among a cohort of new POS recruits participating in a mandatory 18-week training programme in England.MethodsThe COVID-OUT (COVID-19 Outbreak investigation to Understand Transmission) study team undertook a multidisciplinary outbreak investigation, including viral surface sampling, workplace environmental assessment, participant viral and antibody testing, and questionnaires, at the two associated training facilities between 5 July and 24 August 2021.ResultsEnvironmental factors, such as ventilation, were deemed inadequate in some areas of the workplace, with carbon dioxide (CO2) levels exceeding 1,500 ppm on multiple occasions within naturally ventilated classrooms. Activities during safety training required close contact, with some necessitating physical contact, physical exertion, and shouting. Furthermore, most participants reported having physical contact with colleagues (67%) and more than one close work contact daily (97%).ConclusionsOur investigation suggests that site- and activity-specific factors likely contributed to the transmission risks within the POS trainee cohort. Potential interventions for mitigating SARS-CoV-2 transmission in this POS training context could include implementing regular rapid lateral flow testing, optimizing natural ventilation, using portable air cleaning devices in classrooms, and expanding use of well-fitted FFP2/FFP3 respirators during activities where prolonged close physical contact is required. PubDate: Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae038 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
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Pages: 777 - 777 Abstract: Occupational and Environmental Health Department of the University of Montreal PubDate: Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxae055 Issue No:Vol. 68, No. 7 (2024)
Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
[425 journals]
