Search

Background: Comfort gloves are used in the management of hand dermatoses. Objectives: To compare the acceptance and tolerability of comfort gloves made of different materials in patients with hand dermatoses and their effects on skin lesions. Methods: In a prospective multicenter study, 284 patients with hand dermatoses were invited to wear either a cotton glove (COT) or a semipermeable Sympatex glove underneath a cotton glove (SYM/COT) for two subsequent phases of 19 consecutive nights each. A total of 88 controls were asked not to wear any comfort gloves overnight. The severity of skin lesions over time was examined. Questionnaires were used to assess health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and acceptance and tolerability of the gloves. Results: The hand dermatoses improved in all groups. No substantial intergroup differences regarding severity and HRQoL were observed. SYM/COT received better ratings regarding climate conditions and tactility while COT showed superiority in fit, wearing comfort, and practicality. Conclusions: We confirmed that SYM/COT and COT are well tolerated and accepted suggesting that SYM/COT is a good alternative for COT as comfort gloves in patients with hand dermatoses. Individual requirements, needs, and preferences may direct the material choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Work-related road traffic crashes have significant implications for both employers and employees, leading to devastating consequences such as fatalities, injuries, and property damage. Despite the increasing focus on road safety research, little attention has been given to identifying factors associated with work-related road crashes. This paper explores and compares the characteristics of fatal cases (FOT) with the characteristics of temporary injury cases (HUS) in work-related road traffic crashes. Materials and methods: Seven years of work-related road crash claim compensation data between 2014 and 2020 was obtained from the Social Security Organization (SOCSO). A total of 546 cases were involved, including 56 FOT and 490 HUS cases. Categorical data analysis techniques were employed to examine the distinctions between FOT and HUS cases. Results: The results indicate a lower representation of transportation sectors in FOT cases, with the corresponding odds approximately 84% lower. Conversely, small and middle enterprises exhibit an odds ratio of about 5.1 times higher in FOT compared to HUS cases. Conclusion: The findings from this study can serve as proactive measures for employers in addressing work-related road traffic crashes. This includes enhancing road safety awareness programs specifically focusing on groups engaged in nighttime shifts and those involved in sending and pickup duties. Considering the distinct risk profiles of large enterprises versus small and medium enterprises, future studies are necessary to clarify the effectiveness of the road safety initiatives undertaken by both types of enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on cannabis use motives has focused on youth. Little is known about motives among working adults, including how work may play a role. This study aimed to describe cannabis use motives and their connection to work, and identify the personal and work correlates of work-related motives among a sample of workers. Methods: A national, cross-sectional sample of Canadian workers were queried about their cannabis use. Workers reporting past-year cannabis use (n = 589) were asked their motives for using cannabis and whether each motive was related to work or helped them manage at work (i.e., work-related). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations of personal and work characteristics with work-related cannabis use motives (no work-related motives, < 50% of motives work-related, ≥ 50% of motives work-related). Results: Use for relaxation (59.3%), enjoyment (47.2%), social reasons (35.3%), coping (35.1%), medical reasons (30.9%), and sleep (29.9%) were the most common motives. Almost 40% of respondents reported one or more of their cannabis use motives were work-related, with coping (19.9%) and relaxation (16.3%) most commonly reported as work-related. Younger age, poorer general health, greater job stress, having a supervisory role, and hazardous work were associated with increased odds of reporting at least some cannabis use motives to be work-related, while work schedule and greater frequency of alcohol use were associated with reduced odds of motives being primarily work-related. Conclusions: Cannabis use motives among workers are diverse and frequently associated with work. Greater attention to the role of work in motivating cannabis use is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the main risk factors for the occurrence of low back pain (LBP) and provide a theoretical basis for future prevention and intervention of LBP. Methods Using stratified cluster sampling, LBP patients treated in 11 hospitals nationwide were selected as the case group (n = 394), and patients with other diseases or healthy individuals from the same hospitals were selected as the control group (n = 413) from December 2021 to December 2022. Data on general personal information, occupational factors, lifestyle, and socio -psychological factors were collected through electronic questionnaires. R-language statistical software was used to analyze the data. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the influencing factors of LBP, and multiplicative and additive interaction models were used to analyze the interaction effects of occupational and lifestyle factors. Results The average age of the case group was (47.65 ± 11.24) years; the control group's average age was (46.54 ± 11.31) years. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that compared to those who were underweight, did not engage in repetitive work, did not use mobile phones during commuting, and were dissatisfied with their salary, those who were overweight or obese, engaged in repetitive work, used mobile phones during commuting, and were satisfied with their salary had an increased risk of LBP ranging from 1.759 to 3.713 times (P < 0.05). Compared to those with an educational level of primary school or below and administrative personnel, those with higher educational levels and professional technicians, office workers, military personnel, and equipment operators had a lower risk of LBP ranging from 0.144 to 0.571 times (P < 0.05). Interaction analysis showed a multiplicative interaction between repetitive work and mobile phone use during commuting (OR = 3.743, 95%CI: 2.181 - 6.424). Conclusions The occurrence of LBP was related to multiple individual, occupational, and lifestyle factors, and there may be a cumulative effect of work and lifestyle factors on the occurrence of LBP. Employers should take reasonable preventive measures to reduce the risk of LBP and ensure the occupational health of workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify and assess the ergonomic risk factors associated with work -related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among workers in the automotive repair industry. Methods From January 2018 to December 2020, a cluster sampling method was used to select workers from 23 automotive repair businesses in Chongqing as research subjects. The baseline risk identification of ergonomic factors (BRIEF) in the United States and the method for the identification of musculoskeletal stress factors which may have injurious effects (PLIBEL) in Sweden were employed to identify adverse ergonomic risk factors during automotive repair operations, and the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) was utilized for posture load level assessment. Results A total of 193 workers were evaluated ergonomically, including 86 mechanics, 60 painters, and 47 sheet metal workers. BRIEF results indicated that the neck, back, and wrists of mechanics, painters, and sheet metal workers were potential risk areas for WMSDs; PLIBEL results showed slight differences in the hazardous areas occurring in different operations, with mechanics, painters, and sheet metal workers' elbows, forearms, hands, and upper back neck and shoulders mainly involving repetitive tasks, and painters and sheet metal workers' lower backs primarily involving unsupported standing postures and severe forward bending; REBA assessment of posture load levels was mainly medium and low risk, with the proportion of mechanics, painters, and sheet metal workers at medium risk level being 61.6% (53/86), 36.7% (22/60), and 23.4% (11/17), respectively. Conclusions Automotive repair workers should strengthen the management and control of the aforementioned ergonomic risk factors to prevent the occurrence of WMSDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farming is one of the top industries in Michigan and has the highest fatality rate. National sources of non-fatal farm injuries underestimate the burden, especially among children. In this paper, we provide a more accurate estimate of non-fatal farm injuries in Michigan by using an ongoing multi-source surveillance system. Michigan's farm-injury surveillance system includes abstractions of hospital-based medical records, poison control center calls, ambulance runs, and workers' compensation claims for individuals with a farm-related injury. For this analysis, injury onset occurred in 2015 to 2021 and included all injuries regardless of age or occupation. We identified 4,306 injuries in adults and 336 injuries in youth. For those 0–13 years of age all but two were family members. For those 14–15 and 16–17 years of age, 19% and 45%, respectively were hired hands. For adults, 51% were owner/operators, 43% were hired hands, and 5% were family members. For all ages, the most frequent injury source was cattle. Lacerations/cuts/punctures were the most common type of injury for those < 14 years of age while for older individuals it was contusions/bruises. The plurality of injuries occurred in the summer months. Children working on a farm are in unique situation and tracking injuries and identifying injury sources provide necessary information to protect their health and well-being. Michigan's farm-injury surveillance system will continue to provide a comprehensive count of work-related injuries among Michigan's farming population. The information is used to direct public health intervention both at the individual and population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodResultsDiscussionThe relationship of specific domains of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) (i.e. leisure, work, home, transportation) with mental health/illness is still unclear. Thus, we systematically gathered the evidence that examined the relationship between specific domains of PA and SB with measures of mental health/illness in adults.The review was conducted according to PRISMA criteria, and the search was carried out in the PubMed, SportDiscus, and APA PsychInfo databases. The studies presented a medium to low risk of bias, according to the criteria chosen.The search resulted in 155 records, of which 26 were included with 538,206 people involved. The majority of the studies assess the domain of ‘leisure’, for both PA and SB.Based on the gathered information, leisure-time PA was the domain most associated with mental health. Transportation and occupational PA were associated with better mental health in European countries but not in women from lower social classes. Conversely, leisure-time SB was the domain most associated with deleterious mental health outcomes, especially among inactive people. These findings may add to the current public recommendations on PA, stressing the importance of the domain, in addition to the amount and intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of our study was to determine how six mood indicators (vigour, fatigue, depression, anger, confusion, tension) depend on moderate to vigorous physical activity, walking time and sedentary time at work, after working hours and during leisure time, in men and women of different age groups. Methods: A total of 1,140 individuals aged 18 to 64 years participated in the study. The participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional survey using a snowball sampling method. An online questionnaire was shared through popular social networks and emails within the period October 2019 to June 2020. Mood responses were assessed using The Brunel Mood Scale-LTU. Physical activity was assessed using the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, a two-way analysis of variance, and linear regression analysis were used to interpret the data. Results: The survey results showed that vigour and fatigue correlated significantly only with leisure-time moderate to vigorous physical activity. The present results show a significant positive correlation between women and men moods and leisure-time moderate to vigorous physical activity, the length of time walking to work and back home, and negative correlation between moods and leisure-time sedentary behaviour. However, there was no significant correlation between moods and work-related moderate to vigorous physical activity and household moderate to vigorous physical activity, walking at work, and sitting duration at work. Conclusions: This study provides theoretical implications of the physical activity paradox, justifying the benefits of moderate to vigorous physical activity practiced in different circumstances. According to the regression analysis, exercising men in all age groups moved the most (had a higher moderate to vigorous physical activity level) during leisure time, the highest work-related moderate to vigorous physical activity was observed in men and women with lower education, and the highest household moderate to vigorous physical activity was observed in older age men and women living in rural areas. Clinicians and leaders at all levels of health care should consider the greater importance of leisure-time physical activity for mental health when choosing the most targeted physical activity recommendations for mood profile improvement in men and women of different age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Working children and adolescents face a heightened risk of work-related injuries. This research aimed to assess the rate of hospitalizations resulting from work-related injuries among children and adolescents in Israel, with a specific focus on disadvantaged populations. Methods: This nationwide retrospective cohort study utilized The Israeli National Trauma Registry (INTR). It included 642 children and adolescents aged 13–17 hospitalized due to work-related injuries from 2015–2022. Results: Arab children had over five times the risk of hospitalization due to work-related injuries compared to Jewish (RR = 5.5, 95% CI: 4.7–7.4). Despite the 2018 law prohibiting young people from entering this type of work, the most common type of work leading to hospitalization was construction, accounting for 40.2% of Arab and 11.9% of Jewish injuries (p < 0.001). After adjustment, road traffic accidents and falls presented the highest odds of at least severe injury. Arabs had three times significantly higher odds of at least moderate injury compared to Jews. Conclusions: Prioritizing the creation of safe job opportunities for Arab teenagers is imperative. Strict enforcement measures, particularly within the construction industry, especially among Arab youth and during night shifts, are essential. These initiatives should focus on establishing secure and sustainable employment opportunities for children and young individuals, effectively reducing the risks associated with hazardous labor practices. In addition, the implementation of educational programs in the school curriculum covering essential aspects of youth employment is vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Workplace injury is a commonplace occurrence in the USA. Spine injuries are especially devastating as they can cause chronic pain and limit mobility which prevents patients from returning to work. Gaining a better understanding of the patients, mechanisms, and treatments associated with these injuries can aid in improving outcomes. The purpose of this study is to characterize the nature of work-related spine injuries. Methods: The National Trauma Data Bank was queried from 2017 to 2019 for all diagnoses involving the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine. Patient demographics, comorbidities, injury characteristics, spinal diagnoses, and procedures were identified for each occupation. Occupational industries, patient demographics, mechanisms of injury, diagnoses, and spinal procedures were characterized. Results: A total of 100,842 work-related injuries were identified between 2017 and 2019. Of those, 19,002 (19%) were spine injuries, and subsequently, 3963 (21%) required spinal surgery. Eight thousand twenty-nine (42%) cases were seen among construction workers, which had the highest proportion of Hispanic patients (36%). Smoking was prevalent in labor-intensive occupations with high rates of spine injury such as building and grounds maintenance. The most common mechanism of injury was a fall from a roof. The most common injury diagnoses were L1, L2, and L3 fractures, and the most common procedures were T12-L1 fusion, multilevel thoracic fusion, and multilevel lumbar fusion. Conclusion: Spine injuries represent a significant portion of work-related injuries in the USA and a considerable portion require neurosurgical intervention. Initial efforts should focus on the prevention and management of lumbar spine injuries in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Working with cleaning products is associated with occupational contact dermatitis in health workers (HWs), but information on predictors for these outcomes is limited. Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence of work‐related skin symptoms (WRSS) and associated factors in HWs exposed to cleaning agents in two Southern African tertiary hospitals. Methods: A cross‐sectional study of 697 HWs used an interviewer‐administered questionnaire and assessed for atopy using Phadiatop. Results: HWs' median age was 42 years, 77.0% were female and 42.5% were atopic. The prevalence of WRSS in the last 12 months was 14.8%, 12.3% had probable contact dermatitis (PCD) and 3.2% had probable contact urticaria (PCU). Technicians (ORadj 3.91) and tasks involving cleaning and disinfection of skin wounds (ORadj 1.98) were associated with WRSS in the past year. Factors associated with PCD included sterilizing instruments, disinfecting skin before procedures and use of wound adhesives. Factors associated with PCU included specimen preparation using formalin, medical instrument sterilization tasks, and skin/wound cleaning and disinfection. Appropriate glove use when performing patients' skin/wound care was protective against WRSS. Conclusions: Tasks involving cleaning and disinfecting patients' skin and wounds were associated with WRSS in HWs, especially when performed without gloves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to estimate farm fatality rates and to describe patterns of fatal agricultural injuries on Saskatchewan farms from 2005 to 2019. Data on work-related farm fatalities was collected from January 2005 to December 2019 in the Province of Saskatchewan as a part of the injury and mortality surveillance for the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting (CAIR) program. Data were abstracted from records made available by the Provincial Coroner's Office. There were 166 farm work-related fatalities recorded between 2005 and 2019 in Saskatchewan. The majority (93.4%) of work-related fatalities were in males. The overall work-related fatality rate was 10.5 (95% CI: 8.9–12.1) per 100,000 farm population. The overall age-adjusted work-related fatality rate was 18.1 (95% CI: 15.2–20.9) per 100,000 farm population among males and 1.4 (95% CI: 0.6–2.3) per 100,000 farm population among females. Age-adjusted rate decreased from 91.2 (95% CI: 69.4–117.66) per 100,000 farm population in 2005–2009 to 89.7 (95% CI: 64.9–120.2) per 100,000 farm population in 2015–2019 in males. Trend analysis of the work-related fatality rate in all cases showed a non-significant average annual decline of 2.6% (p = 0.156). Rollover injuries contributed to a high proportion of fatalities in children (30.0%) and the elderly population (14.9%). The most common causative agent was a tractor, and the most common location of injury was the farmyard or field. The burden of mortality in this industry is still substantial. There was a non-significant decreasing trend in the injury rate over the 15-year period. Elderly farmers continue to be at high risk for fatality, while the rates for children have declined. Application of prevention approaches could reduce the risk of fatal injury, and in particular the high proportion of rollover injuries in children and the elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic contact dermatitis to accelerators in rubber gloves marketed as accelerator-free Keywords: accelerator-free; allergic contact dermatitis; carbamates; case report; hand eczema; rubber glove; thiurams; work-related EN accelerator-free allergic contact dermatitis carbamates case report hand eczema rubber glove thiurams work-related 65 68 4 06/12/23 20230701 NES 230701 Contact allergies to rubber accelerators used in the production of protective gloves, including thiurams, dithiocarbamates, benzothiazoles, and 1,3-diphenylguanidine are frequent in patients with work-related hand eczema, particularly in cleaning personnel, food handlers and healthcare workers.[[1]] To find suitable protective gloves for these individuals remains a challenge. Despite being marketed as accelerator-free, classified as medical device and labelled with EN 455-3, the analysis revealed that the selected "accelerator-free" glove SHIELDskin Orange Nitrile 300 contained three accelerators of which two were dithiocarbamates, explaining the positive patch test reaction to the glove in our patient. [Extracted from the article]

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Cohen BS, Redmond JE, Haven CC, Foulis SA, Canino MC, Frykman PN, Sharp MA. Occupational Experience Effects on Physiological and Perceptual Responses of Common Soldiering Tasks. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 894–901, 2023—This study measured the impact of occupational experience (i.e., time spent deployed, in military service, and in job and task performance frequency in training, deployment, and study practice) on the physiological (heart rate [HR] and oxygen consumption [VO2]) and perceptual (rate of perceived exertion [RPE]) responses to performance of critical physically demanding tasks (CPDTs). Five CPDTs (road march, build a fighting position, move under fire, evacuate a casualty, and drag a casualty to safety), common to all soldiers, were performed by 237 active duty soldiers. Linear regression models examined the association between measures of experience and physiological and perceptual performance responses to task demands. The level of significance was adjusted for multiple comparisons and set at ρ ≤ 0.0125 for this study. Significant and notable effect sizes included the impact of time spent deployed on the physiological measures of the road march (PostHR F = 24.84, p < 0.0001, β=-9.65), sandbag fill (PostHR F = 8.26, p = 0.005, β = −2.83), and sandbag carry (MeanHR F = 7.51, p = 0.007, β = −1.12; PostHR F = 7.35, p = 0.007, β = −0.87). For the road march task, there was a nearly 10 bpm decrease in postperformance HR for every year spent deployed. Road march, sandbag fill, and sandbag carry tasks PostHRs were also notably negatively associated with the experience measures of time in their MOS (job and time in military service but not for other physiological and perceptual responses, including VO2 and RPE. Frequency of task performance in training, deployment, and study practice was not meaningfully associated with experience. The results suggest that increasing task familiarization through on-the-job occupational operational experience may result in greater proficiency and reduced physiological effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Massage therapists are particularly exposed to constituents of massage preparations, wet work and mechanical strain and therefore, at high risk to develop occupational dermatitis (OD). Objectives: To describe the sensitization spectrum of massage therapists with OD. Patients and Methods: In a retrospective study, patch test data of patients with OD (128 massage therapists and 24 374 patients working in other professions) collected by the Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK, 2008–2020) were analysed. Results: Hand dermatitis (91.4%) and allergic contact dermatitis (34.4%) were common in massage therapists with OD. Most frequent were sensitizations to fragrances/essential oils which were found in 54 (42.2%) massage therapists and thus, more often than in other patients with OD. Concomitant positivity to several fragrances/essential oils was frequent. In 8 (14.8%) of the 54 massage therapists, sensitizations to fragrances/essential oils were not detected with the baseline series, but only with special fragrance series. Conclusions: Allergic contact dermatitis is common in massage therapists with OD and is mainly caused by fragrances and essential oils. Hence, massage therapists should be aware of this risk. When OD is suspected, not only the baseline series, but also special fragrance series should be patch tested in this occupational group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Semipermeable gloves might be an alternative to cotton gloves in management of hand dermatoses. Objectives: To compare acceptance and tolerability of gloves made of cotton or a semipermeable Sympatex membrane in patients with hand dermatoses and their effect on skin lesions when worn overnight. Methods: A total of 199 patients with work‐related symmetrical hand dermatoses were asked to wear a cotton glove (COT) on one hand and a Sympatex glove underneath a cotton glove (SYM/COT) on the other hand for 19 consecutive nights. The severity of skin lesions was regularly examined. A questionnaire on acceptance and tolerability was used in a subset of 126 patients. Results: Data on skin lesions were available for 183 participating patients (92%). The severity did not differ substantially between hands covered with SYM/COT or COT over time. Questionnaire data were available for 120 patients (95%). SYM/COT received better ratings regarding climate conditions while COT showed superiority in wearing comfort, practicality and appearance. Conclusions: Both SYM/COT and COT were well tolerated and accepted in patients with hand dermatoses. Hence, SYM/COT may serve as suitable alternative for COT as comfort gloves supporting therapeutic efforts. The observed slight differences may influence the decision when selecting the glove type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients taking part in a tertiary individual prevention program (TIP) for work‐related skin diseases frequently have chronic hand eczema (HE) for which alitretinoin is a treatment option. Objective: To investigate treatment with alitretinoin before and during the TIP and related factors. Methods: Data of 1614 patients taking part in the TIP between January 2015 and December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Three hundred forty‐eight patients (21.6%) reported treatment with alitretinoin prior to the TIP showing an increase over time, particularly in men. In 45 patients (2.8%), alitretinoin treatment was initiated during the TIP. Treatment with alitretinoin was significantly less common among female than male patients, both prior to (P <.001) and during the TIP (P =.015). Female patients who had received alitretinoin in the past were significantly older than the other female patients (P <.001). Among patients treated with alitretinoin prior to the TIP, women had a significantly higher disease severity at admission than men (P =.007). Conclusions: About twenty percent of patients reported treatment with alitretinoin prior to the TIP. The data indicate that treatment of female TIP patients with alitretinoin is less frequent than among male patients and depends on age and disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The electronics industry is one of the largest global industries, and significant numbers of workers are engaged in this industry. Evidence suggests two associations, including one between ergonomic risks and shoulder disorders and another between psychological stress and psychological problems among workers in this industry. Investigations on ergonomic risks, psychological stress, and sex effects for shoulder disorders in this industry are limited. This study aimed to explore personal and work-related factors associated with shoulder disorders and to investigate the combined effect of similar ergonomic risk factors.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 931 workers aged 20 to 58 from an electronics factory in Taiwan were recruited. A Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess shoulder symptoms. Sociodemographic factors and work-related factors, including psychological stress, were assessed. One hundred random sample workers with shoulder symptoms underwent a standardized clinical test for the evaluation of subacromial impingement syndrome. The ergonomic risks were assessed by the risk filter of 'upper limb disorders in the workplace', including repetition, posture, force, vibration, and duration of exposure.Results: The prevalence of shoulder symptoms was 30.5, and 19% of those with shoulder symptoms had subacromial impingement syndrome. In multivariable analyses, older age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.37, 95% CI 1.01-1.86), repetition (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.15-2.60) and posture (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.10-3.11) were associated with shoulder symptoms. Regarding the gender effect, older age (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.01-2.11), repetition (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.00-2.68), posture (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.01-3.52), and force (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI 0.99-2.85) were associated with shoulder symptoms in men, whereas posture (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI 0.99-4.57) was associated with symptoms in women.Conclusions: This study implies that repetition and posture are important risk factors for shoulder disorders in the electronics industry. The risk exhibited sex differences, and force was more important for shoulder disorders in men. Such information is useful to help occupational health practitioners and policy makers conduct preventive programmes on shoulder disorders in this working population. Future longitudinal studies on work-related shoulder disorders are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores racial/ethnic inequalities in work-related injuries among U.S. construction workers. Data from the 2004–2017 National Health Interview Survey were used to estimate work-related injuries by race/ethnicity in construction. Disparities in demographic, socioeconomic, and injury status among construction workers were examined by race/ethnicity. Injury differences were also evaluated in multiple logistic regression analyses controlling for potential confounders. Compared to white, non-Hispanic workers, minority workers were more likely to have lower socioeconomic statuses (e.g., lower educational attainment, lack of health insurance coverage, and family income below the poverty level), which considerably increased the likelihood of work-related injuries. The odds of work-related injuries were 70% higher among racial/ethnic minorities than white, non-Hispanics in construction. Injuries were also more severe among minorities than white, non-Hispanic workers. Among workers with a work-related injury, nearly 85% of Hispanics reported missing at least one workday due to injury, 45.6% higher than the proportion of 57.9% for their white, non-Hispanic counterparts. After adjusting for major demographic and socioeconomic factors, the work-related injury difference between race/ethnicity was no longer statistically significant. However, the odds of work-related injury remained significantly higher among workers who were younger (35–54 years vs. ≥ 55 years: aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3–3.6); male (aOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 2.9–9.8); not college-educated (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0–2.2); had a family income below the poverty threshold (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.8); or held a blue-collar occupation (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2–3.4). These findings suggest that the injury differences between race/ethnicity were strongly associated with demographics and socioeconomic inequalities in these worker groups. The identified injury disparities should be reduced or eliminated, following the hierarchy of controls paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The concept of workability provides a conceptual framework and proposes measures for the evaluation of relevant actions focused on a healthy workforce. In Spain, one of the countries with the highest life expectancy, there are practically no scientific studies on workability and its associated factors. Aims The objective of this study is to examine the associations between workability and variables related to health and work in a sample of workers from Spanish health centres. Methods Cross-sectional study including 1184 health centre workers who completed a questionnaire at baseline, comprising measures of workability, health and other work-related factors. Workability has been analysed as a one-factor construct, and as a two-factor construct. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyse factors associated with workability. Results As a one-dimensional construct, workability is associated with physical and mental health, number of hours of worked, insomnia, work and family life balance, adequate training, never having had an accident and type of contract. When the two-factor measure was used, sensitivity of findings increased, and it was identified that those participants who were older, lived alone and have more years of service in their profession also show worse workability. Conclusions The present study identified factors associated with the workability of health centre workers. The two-factor workability index (WAI) has better psychometric properties and used in combination with the global measure of WAI, identifies important additional aspects, specifically, age and years of professional experience as additional considerations for the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) remains a leading occupational hazard in firefighters, but cigarette and waterpipe smoking likely contributes to the other sources of CO in such workers. The aim of this study was to estimate the contribution of self-reported active cigarette smoking, waterpipe use, and potential job-related sources of CO to the level of exhaled CO in firefighters.Methods: We surveyed the personnel of 18 fire stations (N = 842), median age 28 years, who participated at an annual screening not timed to coincide with recent firefighting. We surveyed smoking and waterpipe history, exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), use of coal for health and biomass for cooking and time since last exposure to firefighting in the workplace. We measured exhaled CO with an instantaneous reading device (piCO Smokerlyzer). We used multivariable regression models to test the association of time since last smoked cigarette (≤12 h) and waterpipe (≤12 h) and time since last fire (≤6 h) with exhaled CO.Results: In analysis limited to men (93.5% of all surveyed), 42% were daily cigarette; 1% were waterpipe smokers; 94% were exposed to SHS, 29% used coal for heating and 4% used biomass for cooking. The median CO was 4 (interquartile range 3;8) ppm. Age (beta 0.74 per 10 years, p < 0.001), use of biomass fuel for cooking (beta 1.38, p = 0.05), cigarette smoked in the last 12 h (beta 8.22, p < 0.001), waterpipe smoked in the last 12 h (beta 23.10, p < 0.001) were statistically associated with CO, but not time since last fire (≤6 h) (beta 4.12, p = 0.12). There was a significant interaction between older age and firefighting for exhaled CO (p = 0.03).Conclusions: Cigarette and recent waterpipe smoking are associated with increased exhaled CO in firefighters. Firefighting itself was a less potent contributor to exhaled CO when measured at an annual screening, but an age interaction was manifested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Germany, a multistep approach has been established to prevent work‐related skin diseases (WRSDs). Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a secondary individual prevention program (SIP) in metalworkers with WRSD and to compare their characteristics with those of participants of a tertiary individual prevention program (TIP). Patients and Methods: In a prospective cohort study, metalworkers with WRSD of the hands participating either in the SIP (n = 114) or in the TIP (n = 83) were recruited. At baseline and at the respective follow‐up 8–12 weeks after the SIP or at dismissal from the TIP (3–4 weeks later), questionnaires were completed and the severity of WRSD was assessed. Saliva samples were collected for assessment of filaggrin (FLG) mutations and an explorative genome‐wide association study (GWAS). Results: Ninety‐three SIP patients (81.6%) attended the follow‐up. Disease severity was significantly reduced, and knowledge and protective behavior were significantly improved compared to baseline. Significant differences between SIP and TIP patients were found regarding duration and severity of symptoms, work absenteeism, tobacco smoking, and presence of atopic dermatitis, but not regarding FLG mutations and by GWAS. Conclusions: The SIP was effective in metalworkers with WRSDs. Individual factors may influence the course of the disease and the need for the TIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers constitute a large professional group worldwide. In developed countries farms tend to become larger, with a concentration of farm operations. Animal farming has been associated with negative respiratory effects such as work-related asthma and rhinitis. However, being born and raised or working on a farm reduces the risk of atopic asthma and rhinitis later in life. A risk of chronic bronchitis and bronchial obstruction/COPD has been reported in confinement buildings and livestock farmers. This position paper reviews the literature linking exposure information to intensive animal farming and the risk of work-related respiratory diseases and focuses on prevention. Animal farming is associated with exposure to organic dust containing allergens and microbial matter including alive microorganisms and viruses, endotoxins and other factors like irritant gases such as ammonia and disinfectants. These exposures have been identified as specific agents/risk factors of asthma, rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, COPD and reduced FEV1. Published studies on dust and endotoxin exposure in livestock farmers do not show a downward trend in exposure over the last 30 years, suggesting that the workforce in these industries is still overexposed and at risk of developing respiratory disease. In cases of occupational asthma and rhinitis, avoidance of further exposure to causal agents is recommended, but it may not be obtainable in agriculture, mainly due to socio-economic considerations. Hence, there is an urgent need for focus on farming exposure in order to protect farmers and others at work in these and related industries from developing respiratory diseases and allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Norwegian cooks exhibit relatively high mortality, particularly from respiratory diseases. Both occupational hazards and lifestyle factors have been suggested as possible explanations. Negative health effects from exposure to cooking fumes are well documented in non-Western populations, and it has been claimed that cooking fumes in Western style cooking might be substantially different. We hypothesise that exposure to cooking fumes contributes to respiratory diseases also in professional cooks in Western countries. The aim of this study was to elucidate if specific work environment factors related to cooking fume exposure are determinants for respiratory morbidity in Norwegian cooks. Methods: We surveyed specific work environment factors and respiratory complaints in 553 subjects that were currently working as skilled cooks. Inclusion was based on the register of people that had graduated as skilled cooks in central Norway between 1988 and 2008. Determinants for the occurrence of respiratory complaints were explored by logistic regression. Results: Overall, 17.2% of subjects reported respiratory complaints at work, while 8.1% had chronic bronchitis. Those who performed frying for over half of their workday exhibited an increased odds ratio for having chronic bronchitis of 2.5 (95% CI 1.2–5.3). Using gas for frying and using a fryer in the kitchen were also related to the occurrence of respiratory complaints. Conclusions: This study in Norwegian cooks demonstrates a relationship between the extent of frying and the occurrence of work-related respiratory complaints. Therefore, reducing exposure to cooking fumes could reduce respiratory complaints in cooks, and potentially help alleviate excess morbidity and mortality in this occupation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers constitute a large professional group worldwide. In developed countries farms tend to become larger, with a concentration of farm operations. Animal farming has been associated with negative respiratory effects such as work‐related asthma and rhinitis. However, being born and raised or working on a farm reduces the risk of atopic asthma and rhinitis later in life. A risk of chronic bronchitis and bronchial obstruction/COPD has been reported in confinement buildings and livestock farmers. This position paper reviews the literature linking exposure information to intensive animal farming and the risk of work‐related respiratory diseases and focuses on prevention. Animal farming is associated with exposure to organic dust containing allergens and microbial matter including alive microorganisms and viruses, endotoxins and other factors like irritant gases such as ammonia and disinfectants. These exposures have been identified as specific agents/risk factors of asthma, rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, COPD and reduced FEV1. Published studies on dust and endotoxin exposure in livestock farmers do not show a downward trend in exposure over the last 30 years, suggesting that the workforce in these industries is still overexposed and at risk of developing respiratory disease. In cases of occupational asthma and rhinitis, avoidance of further exposure to causal agents is recommended, but it may not be obtainable in agriculture, mainly due to socio‐economic considerations. Hence, there is an urgent need for focus on farming exposure in order to protect farmers and others at work in these and related industries from developing respiratory diseases and allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Existing asthma-specific job-exposure matrices (JEMs) do not necessarily reflect current working conditions in the USA and do not directly function with occupational coding systems commonly used in the USA. We initiated a project to modify an existing JEM to address these limitations, and to apply the new JEM to the entire US employed population to estimate quantitatively the extent of probable work-related asthma exposures nationwide. Methods We started with an asthma-specific JEM that was developed for northern Europe (the N-JEM) and modified it to function with the 2010 US Standard Occupational Classification (SOC-2010) codes and to reflect working conditions in the USA during the post-2000 period. This involved cross walking from the 1988 International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-88) codes used in the N-JEM to the SOC-2010 codes, transferring the N-JEM exposure assignments to the SOC-2010 codes, and modifying those assignments to reflect working conditions in the USA. The new US asthma JEM (USA-JEM) assigns exposures to 19 agents organized into five categories. The USA-JEM and N-JEM were applied to the same sample of working adults with asthma to compare how they performed, and the USA-JEM was also applied to the entire 2015 US working population to estimate the extent of occupational asthma exposures nationally. Results The USA-JEM assigns at least one asthma-related probable exposure to 47.5% and at least one possible exposure to 14.9% of the 840 SOC-2010 detailed occupations, and 9.0% of the occupations have both probable exposure to at least one agent and possible exposure to at least one other agent. The USA-JEM has greater sensitivity for cleaning products, highly reactive disinfectants and sterilants, and irritant peak exposures than the N-JEM. When applied to the entire 2015 US working population, the USA-JEM determined that 42.6% of workers had probable exposure to at least one type of occupational asthma agent. Discussion A new asthma-specific JEM for application in the USA was developed. Additional work is needed to compare its performance to similar JEMs and, if possible, to exposure assessments generated on a case-by-case basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Work-related ill-health in construction presents a significant management challenge. • Poor knowledge, lack of ownership and a sense of resignation increase the risks. • A focus on general wellbeing can distract from the reduction of work-related hazards. • Improved access to OH services and management of health data are needed. Work-related ill-health in construction is a major concern worldwide, presenting significant risk management challenges. This three-year research project studied a multi-million pound regional construction project and a multi-billion pound infrastructure megaproject in the UK. It used interviews (n = 237) and meeting observations (n = 120) to examine contemporary approaches to managing occupational health in the industry and their limitations. It was found that the conceptualisation of 'health' is a significant issue: activities which focus on the general health and wellbeing of the workforce can distract from the reduction of work-related hazards at source. There are further challenges in the way health risk is perceived and tolerated by workers and organisations. This is partly because of the invisibility and latency of the associated health effects, but also reflects incomplete knowledge and a sense of resignation. Crucially, there is evidence of a lack of ownership of health within organisations and on the part of some managers, frontline workers and OSH professionals. These aspects are exacerbated by the way in which the construction industry operates, with high levels of self-employment and worker mobility; the temporary nature of projects which inevitably foregrounds immediate safety concerns over longer term health issues; and the cost of and limited access to health services. Health risks are challenging to manage because 'health' differs from 'safety'; in terms of the hazards themselves but also in the way that the construction sector understands and manages risk. These differences need to be recognised and addressed to achieve lasting improvements to worker health in construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chimney sweeps have higher incidence and mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD), likely related to their exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In order to identify underlying mechanisms of PAH-related CVD, we here investigated whether PAH exposure was associated with levels of putative CVD-related proteins in serum among currently working chimney sweeps. We enrolled 116 chimney sweeps and 125 unexposed controls, all nonsmoking male workers from Sweden. We measured monohydroxylated PAH metabolites in urine by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and a panel of 85 proteins in serum using proximity extension assay. Linear regression analysis adjusted for age and body mass index showed that 25 proteins were differentially expressed between chimney sweeps and the controls (p  <  .05, adjusted for false discovery rate). Of the 25 proteins, follistatin (FS), prointerleukin-16 (IL-16), and heat shock protein beta-1 (HSP 27) showed positive associations with the monohydroxylated metabolites of PAH in a dose-response manner (p  <  .05). Pathway and gene ontology analyses demonstrated that the differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in inflammatory response and immunological functions, such as leukocyte migration, cell movement of leukocytes, and adhesion of immune cells. In conclusion, we found a number of putative CVD-related proteins differentially expressed, between PAH-exposed and unexposed individuals, and mainly involved in inflammation and immune function. Our data warrant protective measures to reduce PAH exposure and longitudinal investigations of the protein profile in chimney sweeps and other occupational groups exposed to PAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk of dying in a work-related accident is greatest for those employed in agricultural sector. The aim of this study is to analyse the dynamics of work accidents (WA) incidence by severity, gender and lost workdays in Estonian agriculture in 2008-2017. Method: The database of accidents in agriculture (2008-2017) was obtained from the Estonian Labour Inspectorate (ELI). Work accidents statistics is based on official reports of employers. Results: In total 1,683 non-fatal work accidents (NFA) was registered in the past decade, from which 1,235 (79.3%) were minor and 448 (20.7%) severe. In total 13 fatal work accidents (FA) have occurred, which accounts 0.8% of all the WAs (n = 1,696). Although the trends of minor and severe WA cases showed steady increase, the number of FA has remained low. A major part WAs (74%) was registered in farming and horticulture, with prevalence of minor accidents. A severe WA is likely to occur in forestry or very likely in fishery. The proportion of injured male and female was 51.8% and 48.2%, accordingly. In the farming and horticulture sector there were more accidents among women - of all the minor accidents (n = 1,235) 52.1% occurred to women. Of all the severe WAs (n = 448) 61.2% and all the fatal work accidents happened to male workers. About 2/3 of severe WAs caused sick leave 31-90 days and more. Conclusion: The number of WAs in Estonian agricultural sector show steady increase in the past decade. A major part of accidents is minor and mostly occurred in farming and horticulture, and more often with females. Severe and FAs more often occurred in forestry and fishery. Mostly the severe WAs cause long sick leave - a month or more. When to increase work accidents severity level by one step (from minor to severe), the sick leave is increasing significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress occupational exposure limits (OELs) were developed in the 1970s to prevent heat-related illnesses (HRIs). The OELs define the maximum safe wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) for a given physical activity level. This study's objectives were to compute the sensitivity of heat stress OELs and determine if Heat Index could be a surrogate for WBGT. We performed a retrospective analysis of 234 outdoor work-related HRIs reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 2016. Archived NOAA weather data were used to compute each day's maximum WBGT and Heat Index. We defined the OELs' sensitivity as the percentage of incidents with WBGT>OEL. Sensitivity of the OELs was between 88% and 97%, depending upon our assumption about acclimatization status. In fatal cases, the OELs' sensitivity was somewhat higher (92-100%). We also computed the sensitivity of each possible Heat Index discrimination threshold. A Heat Index threshold of 80 °F (26.7 °C) was exceeded in 100% of fatalities and 99% of non-fatal HRIs. In a separate analysis, we created simulated weather data to assess associations of WBGT with Heat Index over a range of realistic outdoor heat conditions. These simulations demonstrated that for a given Heat Index, when radiant heat was included, WBGT was often higher than previously reported. The imperfect correlation between WBGT and Heat Index precluded a direct translation of OELs from WBGT into Heat Index. We conclude that WBGT-based heat stress exposure limits are highly sensitive and should be used for workplace heat hazard assessment. When WBGT is unavailable, a Heat Index alert threshold of approximately 80 °F (26.7 °C) could identify potentially hazardous workplace environmental heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 6 December 2019 we start the 10th year of the European Journal of Psychotraumatogy (EJPT), a full Open Access journal on psychotrauma. This editorial is part of a of the journal where we will acknowledge some of our most impactful articles of the past decade (also discussed below and marked with * in the reference list). In this editorial the editors present a decennial review of the field addressing a range of topics that are core to both the journal and to psychotraumatology as a discipline. These include neurobiological developments (genomics, neuroimaging and neuroendocrine research), forms of trauma exposure and impact across the lifespan, mass trauma and early interventions, work-related trauma, trauma in refugee populations, and the potential consequences of trauma such as PTSD or Complex PTSD, but also resilience. We address innovations in psychological, medication (enhanced) and technology-assisted treatments, mediators and moderators like social support and finally how new research methods help us to gain insights in symptom structures or to better predict symptom development or treatment success. We aimed to answer three questions 1. Where did we stand in 2010? 2. What did we learn in the past 10 years? 3. What are our knowledge gaps? We conclude with a number of recommendations concerning top priorities for the future direction of the field of psychotraumatology and correspondingly the journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is one of the most common occupational skin diseases (OSDs). Its prevalence and the causative allergens differ between occupations. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of ACD and the pattern of patch test results of patients taking part in a tertiary individual prevention programme (TIP) for OSD in Germany. Patients and Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, the data of 3411 TIP patients patch tested between 2007 and 2016 were analysed. Results: In 2687 (78.8%) patients, work‐related skin disease was diagnosed, mostly hand dermatitis. The highest proportion of face dermatitis was seen in painters (8.1%). ACD was most common in painters (56.8%), hairdressers (45.8%), construction workers (31.5%), gardeners/florists (26.7%), and metalworkers (26.5%). On average, hairdressers had the youngest age (31.4 ± 12.6 years, P < 0.0001) and the shortest time in the profession prior to the TIP (mean 13.7 years). The pattern of patch test reactivity showed occupation‐specific differences related to work exposures. Conclusions: Identification of occupational groups at risk for ACD and relevant allergens may help in the development and implementation of targeted prevention strategies. Our data suggest that there should be a particular focus on hairdressers and painters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Development of neck pain (NP) in workers has a multifactorial etiology and depends on both individual and workplace factors. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for episodic NP in a large diverse sample of active workers.Methods: A prospective study based on the surveillance program implemented by the French Public Health Agency in the Loire Valley region. Between 2002 and 2005, 3710 workers were included. Between 2007 and 2010, 2332 workers responded to a follow-up questionnaire which assessed: (1) musculoskeletal symptoms (Nordic questionnaire) and (2) individual and work-related risk factors. Associations between episodic NP in 2007 (i.e., free subjects at baseline and who suffered at least 8 days during the preceding 12 months) and individual and work-related risk factors at baseline were studied using logistic regression modeling, stratified by sex.Results: Among the 1510 workers (914 men, 596 women) still active at follow-up, 10.4% (8.4-12.4) of men and 14.6% (11.8-17.4) of women declared episodic NP. Among men, work pace dependence of guests or permanent hierarchical controls were risk factors of NP [OR = 1.8 (1.1-2.8) and OR = 2.1 (1.3-3.3), respectively]. Among women, the combination of sustained/repeated arm abduction with high physical perceived exertion was the strongest risk factor for NP [OR = 3.5 (1.7-7.2)]; age and paced work were also predictors for NP in women.Conclusions: NP results from complex relationships between individual and work-related variables. High physical workload, awkward postures, and poor organizational environment together with age differently predicted episodic NP according to the sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first objective of this study was to identify work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and determine their prevalence in the practice of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck surgery in Canada. The second objective was to establish potential associations between those musculoskeletal symptoms and variables related to demographic status of the surgeons, their workload and work ergonomics. This study was designed as a Canadian census on work-related musculoskeletal symptoms amongst Otolaryngologist and Head and Neck surgeons. The census was a self-administered electronic survey. It was distributed to all Otolaryngologists and Head and Neck surgeons members of either the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery or the Association of Oto-rhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of Quebec. The questionnaire contained three sections: demographic and workload-related data, identification of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and evaluation of working ergonomics. The response rate was 23%. Ninety seven percent (97%) of respondents experienced some physical symptom in one or many regions of their body. Seventy-four percents (74%) of respondents noted an exacerbation of their musculoskeletal symptoms by work. Musculoskeletal symptoms limited the daily activities of 45% of respondents while 23% think that their occupational longevity will be diminished by these limitations. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is high among otolaryngologists and its impact on the surgeon's personal and professional life is high. There is a need to improve ergonomics in the clinical and operative room settings and to educate surgeons on ergonomic principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Develop a model to predict the prevalence of lower limb pain using indicators of high workplace exposures based on the fifth European Working Conditions Survey, evaluate its impact and explore its significance for work-related health problems. Method: Cross-sectional interview data of 35,372 workers from 27 countries of the European Union in 2010 (EU27) were used to develop (20% sample) and validate (80% sample) a logistic regression model for lower limb pain. Independent variables included descriptions of working conditions, assessments of physical and psychosocial exposures at work, and demographic factors. The impact of the model was explored through the amount of lower limb pain cases attributable to work and estimating work absences correlated with lower limb pain. Results: The resulting logistic model included ten risks indicators and one preventive factor. The highest odds ratios (OR) corresponded to 'tiring or painful positions' OR 2.0, 99% confidence interval (99% CI) 1.9-2.2, and 'not satisfied with level of working conditions in the job' (OR 1.6, 99% CI 1.5-1.7). The prevalence of work-related lower limb pain was 16.5% for men and 15.8% for women for the 27 countries of the European Union. Estimates based on the developed model revealed more than 34 million cases of work-related lower limb pain, where four physical risks explained about 22 million cases. In addition, more than 3 million days of absence from work in 2010 could be attributed to lower limb pain. Conclusion: Lower limb pain is highly prevalent among the European workforce and work exposures are a major contributing factor. Effective workplace interventions should aim at improving working conditions at workplaces with multiple risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) in employees, which can be seen as work-related pain, restriction of movement and disabilities and primarily affect the muscles, tendons, soft tissues such as ligaments and disks, are regarded as work-related MSD. There are various methods for assessing ergonomic risks for work-related MSD, yet practitioners still face many problems while conducting these assessments. Occupational safety specialists working in the companies fall hesitant in many areas and have difficulty in diverse topics ranging from method selection, observation, analysis to interpretation while conducting risk exposure assessment studies due to a lack of systematic ergonomic risk assessment approach. In this study, an integrated and systematic approach is developed including both reactive and proactive perspectives in order to support managing ergonomic risk assessment process more easily and accurately. The developed approach consists of four overlapping phases; awareness activities, work analysis, exposure assessment and reporting. The approach is applied in a company operating in metal sector. In this application, ergonomic risk factors in the company's machining department are identified using reactive and proactive perspectives, ergonomic risk exposure levels of all the operations are found and priority action areas are identified. Based on the information obtained with the application of the systematic approach developed in this study, suggestions for future work are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of effort-reward imbalance (ERI) among qualified childcare workers in Germany is currently estimated at around 65%. High rates of burnout and musculoskeletal symptoms (MS) have also been reported for this group. Previous longitudinal studies show inconsistent results with regard to the association between ERI and MS. As yet, no longitudinal studies have been conducted to investigate the association between ERI and burnout or MS in childcare workers. This study aims to investigate the extent to which a relationship between ERI and MS or burnout can be observed in childcare workers in Germany on a longitudinal basis. Methods: In 2014 childcare workers (N = 199, response rate: 57%) of a provider of facilities for children and youth in Hamburg were asked about stress and health effects in the workplace. Follow-up was completed one year later (N = 106, follow-up rate: 53%) For the baseline assessment, ERI was determined as the primary influencing factor. Data on MS was recorded using the Nordic questionnaire, and burnout using the personal burnout scale of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). The statistical analysis was carried out using multivariate linear and logistic regression. Results: At baseline ERI was present in 65% of the sample population. The mean burnout score at the time of follow-up was 53.7 (SD: 20.7); the prevalence of MS was between 19% and 62%. ERI was identified as a statistically significant factor for MS, after adjusting especially for physical stress (lower back: OR 4.2; 95% CI: 1.14 to 15.50, neck: OR 4.3; 95% CI: 1.25 to 15.0, total MS: OR 4.0; 95% CI: 1.20 to 13.49). With regard to burnout, a relative increase of 10% in the ERI ratio score increased the burnout score by 1.1 points (p = 0.034). Conclusions: ERI was revealed to be a major factor in relation to MS and burnout in childcare workers. Based on this observation worksite interventions on the individual and organizational level should be introduced in order to prevent ERI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the relationship between contact of police officers with citizens, their (meta-)stereotypes about citizens, and their work-related well-being. Ninety-three police officers from 4 police stations in low- and high-crime regions in France completed the questionnaire. As expected, negative well-being of police officers is predicted by negative contact with citizens and their belief that police officers are stereotyped negatively by citizens. Moreover, the relationship between negative contact and negative well-being was mediated by police officers' beliefs that police officers are perceived negatively by citizens, whereas their perceptions of citizens did not mediate this relationship. Interestingly, level of crime did not influence these relationships. Together, this research shows the important role of beliefs about how one's group is stereotyped when in contact with another group as it may have consequences for people's well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It has been suggested that lifestyle factors such as smoking, overweight and stress may influence the prevalence and severity of hand eczema. Objectives To investigate the association between lifestyle factors and hand eczema severity in a cohort of patients with work-related hand eczema. Methods Individuals with work-related hand eczema notified in the period between June 2012 and November 2013 were included in this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Participants responded to a questionnaire including questions on lifestyle factors, as well as a photographic guide for assessment of severity of hand eczema and questions on quality of life. Results A total of 773 individuals (546 women and 227 men) responded to the questionnaire and were included in the study. A strong association was found between tobacco smoking and hand eczema severity ( p = 0.003), whereas no significant association was found for body weight and stress. Other factors linked to severe eczema were male sex and older age ( p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively), and wet work ( p = 0.08). Conclusion The data from the present study strongly support an association between smoking and hand eczema severity. However, owing to the cross-sectional design of the study, no conclusion on causation can be drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We present an unusual case of subcutaneous granulomas that also highlights the importance of assessing possible associations between exposure and symptoms early in the diagnostic approach to prevent further adverse health effects. Granulomas of the skin are seen in association with several diseases and after foreign body penetration of soft tissue, but have not been described after contact with epoxy. Epoxy resins are commonly used in paints and other protective coatings, including flooring materials. Case presentation: We report a case of granulomatous inflammation in a 58-year-old man after accidental intradermal deposition of unhardened epoxy. Multiple subcutaneous nodules were present on his right forearm, from hand to elbow, for a period of 6 months after the incident. Biopsies and histological analysis showed a granulomatous inflammation without necrosis. Microscopic analysis of the biopsies did not show mycobacterium tuberculosis, other bacteria, or fungal elements. Standard patch testing was negative. The nodules disappeared gradually, but intense pruritus remained. The patient returned to exposure and developed severe work related rhinitis. Conclusions: This case report describes an unusual case of multiple subcutaneous granulomas after a small injury with an epoxy-contaminated tool. Initially no association between the granulomas and exposure was established and the patient returned to work and epoxy exposure. He subsequently developed severe work related rhinitis. The case highlights the challenges of establishing an association between exposure and dermal reactions and that exposure should be reduced or avoided when sensitisation to allergens may have occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: While workplace health promotion with group-based physical exercise can improve workers’ physical health, less is known about potential carry-over effects to psychosocial factors. This study investigates the effect of physical exercise on social capital at work. Methods: Altogether, 200 female healthcare workers (nurses and nurse’s aides) from 18 departments at three hospitals were randomly allocated at the department level to 10 weeks of (1) group-based physical exercise at work during working hours or (2) physical exercise at home during leisure time. At baseline and follow-up, participants replied to a questionnaire concerning workplace social capital: (1) within teams (bonding); (2) between teams (bridging); (3) between teams and nearest leaders (linking A); (4) between teams and distant leaders (linking B). Results: At baseline, bonding, bridging, linking A and linking B social capital were 74 (SD 17), 61 (SD 19), 72 (SD 22) and 70 (SD 18), respectively, on a scale of 0–100 (where 100 is best). A group by time interaction was found for bonding social capital (P=0.02), where physical exercise at work compared with physical exercise during leisure time increased 5.3 (95% confidence interval 2.3– 8.2)(effect size, Cohen’s d = 0.31) from baseline to follow-up. For physical exercise at home during leisure time and exercise at work combined, a time effect (P=0.001) was found for linking A social capital, with a decrease of 4.8 (95% confidence interval 1.9–7.6). Conclusions: Group-based physical exercise at work contributed to building social capital within teams at the workplace. However, the general decrease of social capital between teams and nearest leaders during the intervention period warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposures to occupational hazards substantially increase workers' risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and can exacerbate pre-existing disorders. The effects on MSD risk of the physical requirements of work performance are well recognised, but there is now ample evidence that work-related psychosocial hazards can also have substantial effects; further, some hazards may be additive or interactive. This evidence is not reflected in current workplace risk management practices.Discussion: Barriers to more effective workplace management of MSD risk include: the widespread belief that risk arises largely or entirely from physical hazard exposures; regulatory and guidance documents targeting MSDs, most of which reflect this belief; risk assessment tools that focus narrowly on subsets of mainly physical hazards and yet generate outputs in the form of MSD risk indicators; and the conventional occupational health and safety (OHS) risk management paradigm, which is ill-suited to manage MSD risk. It is argued that improved workplace management of MSD risk requires a systems-based management framework and more holistic risk assessment and control procedures that address risk from all types of hazard together rather than in isolation from each other, and that support participation by workers themselves. New MSD risk management tools are needed to meet these requirements. Further, successful implementation of such changes is likely to require some restructuring of workplace responsibilities for MSD risk management. Line managers and supervisors often play key roles in generating hazards, both physical and psychosocial, so there is a need for their more active participation, along with OHS personnel and workers themselves, in routine risk assessment and control procedures. MSDs are one of our largest OHS problems, but workplace risk management procedures do not reflect current evidence concerning their work-related causes. Inadequate attention is given to assessing and controlling risk from psychosocial hazards, and the conventional risk management paradigm focuses too narrowly on risk from individual hazards rather than promoting the more holistic approach needed to manage the combined effects of all relevant hazards. Achievement of such changes requires new MSD risk management tools and better integration of the roles of OHS personnel with those of line managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) can be a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but its role among relatively heavy smokers with potential co-exposure to workplace vapors, gas, dust, and fumes (VGDF) has not been studied. Methods: To estimate the contribution of SHS exposure to COPD risk, taking into account smoking effects and work-related exposures to VGDF, we quantified SHS based on survey responses for 1400 ever-employed subjects enrolled in the COPDGene study, all current or former smokers with or without COPD. Occupational exposures to VGDF were quantified based on a job exposure matrix. The associations between SHS and COPD were tested in multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, VGDF exposure, and cumulative smoking. Results and Discussion: Exposures to SHS at work and at home during adulthood were associated with increased COPD risk: odds ratio (OR) = 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.23; p = 0.01) and OR = 1.09 (95%CI: 1.00-1.18; p = 0.04) per 10 years of exposure adjusted for smoking and other covariates, respectively. In addition, subjects with employment histories likely to entail exposure to VGDF were more likely to have COPD: OR = 1.52 (95%CI: 1.16-1.98; p < 0.01) (adjusted for other covariates). While adult home SHS COPD risk was attenuated among the heaviest smokers within the cohort, workplace SHS and job VGDF risks persisted in that stratum. Conclusion: Among smokers all with at least 10 pack-years, adult home and work SHS exposures and occupational VGDF exposure are all associated with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Daily clinical activities in dental operatory expose dental surgeons to varied forms of ocular events. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of ocular splashes and foreign bodies among dental surgeons in Nigeria. Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional of dental surgeons in Southern Nigeria was conducted between September 2010 and August 2011. The information elicited were demography, experience and type of ocular event, implicated dental procedure and action taken. Results: Of the 185 studied, 148 of them responded. Of these 148 respondents, 56 (37.8%) reported foreign body, 18 (12.2%) splash, 33 (22.3%) both foreign body and splash while 41 (27.7%) reported no ocular event. It therefore means that the overall prevalence of ocular events among the respondents was 107 (72.3%). The prevalence of ocular events was significantly associated with age (p = 0.014), years of practice (p = 0.033) and safety eye goggle use (p = 0.023). The main dental procedures implicated in the ocular events among the respondents were scaling 77 (72.0%), tooth/cavity preparation 17 (15.9%), polishing 11 (10.3%) and forcep tooth extraction 10 (9.3%). The major implicated aetiological agents in the ocular events were calculus 74 (69.2%), saliva 29 (27.1%), mixed blood & saliva 19 (17.8%), tooth particles 15 (14.0%) and blood 9 (8.4%). The predominant action taken by the respondents was to rinse the eye under running water 89 (83.2%). Conclusion: Ocular splash and foreign body events are high among dental surgeons in Nigeria. Age, years of practice and safety eye goggles wear were also found to be associated with ocular events. Eye safety awareness is therefore deemed a necessity for dental surgeon in Southern Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work-related musculoskeletal injuries and disorders (WMSDs) present a major problem throughout the world. Strategies to control risks associated with WMSDs typically focus on strategies to reduce the biomechanical loads that people experience during work. It is now evident that to focus workplace risk management strategies only on physical actions during task performance is not the optimal way to reduce WMSD risk. Evidence suggests that risk controls need to be developed in a participative way and controls need to incorporate all hazards and risk including physical and psychosocial. 1381 Responses from 8 jobs in 6 organisations in 3 different industry sectors, in Melbourne, Australia, were analysed for differences in predictors of WSMD risk using ANOVA and multi-modelling. Analysis of results across sector, organisation and job levels found that WMSD risk levels were different across all 8 jobs. Despite differences in levels or risk physical and psychosocial hazards were significant contributors. Greatest variation in predictors of WMSD risk was found at the job level, providing support for risk management to be focussed on jobs rather than at organisation or sector level. This is distinct from a hazard level focus which is the current focus of many risk management strategies. These results support the need for a change to current approaches to WMSD risk management. To accurately identify and control all hazards a toolkit approach is suggested using worker participation to develop appropriate measures to mitigate WMSD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Both solar and non-solar exposures associated with occupation and work tasks have been reported as skin carcinogens. In the UK, there are well-established surveillance schemes providing relevant information, including when exposures took place, occupation, location of work and dates of symptom onset and diagnosis. Aims To add to the evidence on work-related skin neoplasia, including causal agents, geographical exposure and time lag between exposure and diagnosis. Methods This study investigated incident case reports of occupational skin disease originating from clinical specialists in dermatology reporting to a UK-wide surveillance scheme (EPIDERM) by analysing case reports of skin neoplasia from 1996 to 2012 in terms of diagnosis, employment, suspected causal agent and symptom onset. Results The suspected causal agent was ‘sun/sunlight/ultraviolet light’ in 99% of the reported work-related skin neoplasia cases. Most cases reported (91%) were in males, and the majority (62%) were aged over 65 at the time of reporting. More detailed information on exposure was available for 42% of the cases, with the median time from exposure to symptom onset ranging from 44 (melanoma) to 57 (squamous cell carcinoma) years. Irrespective of diagnostic category, the median duration of exposure to ‘sun/sunlight/ultraviolet light’ appeared longer where exposures occurred in the UK (range 39–51 years) rather than outside the UK (range 2.5–6.5 years). Conclusions It is important to provide effective information about skin protection to workers exposed to solar radiation, especially to outdoor workers based outside the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) constitute a major burden for health of working populations throughout the world with as much as 50% of all causes of death and at least 25% of work disability. There are some changes in CVD risk factors among occupational classes. This is mainly due to the new types of work-related causes of morbidity associated with the recent developments in global work life, particularly in the industrialized countries. Meanwhile, in the developing countries or those in transition (e.g., in Eastern Europe), CVD mortality is increasing due to major socioeconomic changes, the demographic transition and rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, all leading to growing challenges to cardiovascular health. Better control of known risk factors (i.e., smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high blood glucose) is effective to prevent CVD incidence. But the expected improvement has not been achieved. The obstacles of achieving such impact are due to lack of awareness, lack of policies and their implementation into practice and shortage of infrastructures and human resources. These are needed for wide-scale and long-term programme implementation. Considering the WHO Global Strategy on Occupational Health for All, the WHO Global Action Plan on Workers' Health, the WHO Programme on Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases and the ILO Decent Work agenda, the 6th ICOH International Conference on Work Environment and Cardiovascular Diseases adopted the Tokyo Declaration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic contact dermatitis, case report, cosmetics, disinfectant, hand eczema, occupational, polyaminopropyl biguanide, polyhexamethylene biguanide, preservative, work-related Allergic contact dermatitis caused by polyhexamethylene biguanide may contribute to work-related hand eczema Keywords: allergic contact dermatitis; case report; cosmetics; disinfectant; hand eczema; occupational; polyaminopropyl biguanide; polyhexamethylene biguanide; preservative; work-related EN allergic contact dermatitis case report cosmetics disinfectant hand eczema occupational polyaminopropyl biguanide polyhexamethylene biguanide preservative work-related 97 98 2 06/17/21 20210701 NES 210701 Polyaminopropyl biguanide (PAPB) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) are polymeric biguanides that are usually subsumed under the term PAPB (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient name, syn. polyhexanide). [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Purpose: Although prior research focused primarily on student-on-student school violence, educators are also at risk. This study was designed to identify risk factors for assaults against educators. Methods: Kindergarten-grade 12 educators (n = 26,000), randomly selected from a state license database, were screened for eligibility (6,469, eligible) by mailed questionnaire. Phase 1 (12-month recall) identified eligible assault cases (n = 372) and controls (n = 1,116), June 2004 to December 2005; phase 2 (case-control study; response, 78%) enabled identification of exposures through 1-month recall before student-perpetrated assaults (cases) and randomly selected months (controls). Directed acyclic graphs enabled confounder selection for multivariable logistic regression analyses; reweighting adjusted for potential biases. Results: Risks (odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals) increased for working in: Special Education (5.84; 4.07–8.39) and School Social Work (7.18; 2.72–18.91); kindergarten to second grade (1.81; 1.18–2.77); urban (1.95; 1.38–2.76) schools; schools with less than 50 (8.40; 3.12–22.63), 50–200 (3.67; 1.84–7.34), 201–500 (2.09; 1.32–3.29), and 501–1000 (1.94; 1.25–3.01) students versus more than 1000; schools with inadequate resources always/frequently (1.62; 1.05–2.48) versus infrequently/never; inadequate building safety always/frequently (4.48; 2.54–7.90) versus infrequently/never; and environments with physical barriers (1.50; 1.07–2.10). Risks decreased with routine locker searches (0.49; 0.29–0.85) and accessible exits (0.36; 0.17–0.74). Conclusions: Identification of assault risk factors provides a basis for further investigation and interventions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]