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Background Coffee processing has been shown to cause high dust exposure among the workers, but there are few studies from primary processing of coffee, and none of them is from Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess dust exposure and its determinants among workers in primary coffee processing factories of Ethiopia. Methods A total of 360 personal 'total' dust samples were collected from the breathing zone of workers in 12 primary coffee processing factories in Ethiopia. Dust sampling was performed with 25-mm three piece conductive cassettes with cellulose acetate filters attached to pumps with flow rate of 2 l min−1for an average sampling duration of 410 min. The dust samples were analysed gravimetrically using a standard microbalance scale. An observational checklist was used to collect information about possible determinants of dust exposure in the work environment. Linear mixed effect regression models were used to identify significant determinants of total dust exposure. Results Personal total dust exposure levels varied between the three main job groups with a geometric mean (GM) of 12.54 mg m−3for the machine room workers, 12.30 mg m−3for the transport workers, and 1.08 mg m−3for hand pickers. In these three groups, 84.6%, 84.1% and 2.6% of the samples exceeded the occupational exposure limit for organic total dust of 5 mg m−3, respectively. The mixed-effects model for the machine room workers explained 21% of the total variance in total dust exposure, and showed that vigorously pouring coffee from a dropping height was associated with an about two times increase in exposure. For the transport workers, the mixed-effects model that included pouring method of coffee beans, number of huller machine in the room, mixing coffee, and feeding hopper explained 32% of total variance in personal total dust exposure. Conclusion About 84% of the dust samples among machine room and transport workers in primary coffee processing factories were above the occupational exposure limit value for organic dust. Proper control measures are necessary to reduce the exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Machines, processes, and tasks in the iron and steel factories may produce noise levels that are harmful to hearing if not properly controlled. Studies documenting noise exposure levels and related determinants in sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania are lacking. The aim of this study was to document noise exposure and to identify determinants of noise exposure with a view to establishing an effective hearing conservation programme. Methods A walk-through survey was conducted to describe the working environment in terms of noise sources in four metal factories (A–D) in Tanzania. Noise measurements were conducted by both personal, full-shift noise measurements (8 h) using dosimeters and area measurements (10-s measurements) using a sound level meter. A total of 163 participants had repeated personal noise measurements (Factory A: 46 participants, B: 43, C: 34, and D: 40). Workers were randomly selected and categorized into 13 exposure groups according to their job. Linear mixed effects models were used to identify significant determinants of noise exposure in the furnace section and the rolling mill section. Results The average personal noise exposure in the four factories was 92.0 dB(A) (range of job group means; 85.4–96.2 dB(A)) (n = 326). Personal exposure was significantly higher in the rolling mill section (93.0 dB(A)) than in the furnace section (89.6 dB(A)). Among the job groups, the cutters located in the rolling mill section had the highest noise exposure (96.2 dB(A)). In the furnace section, furnace installation (below the ground floor), manual handling of raw materials/billets/crowbars, and billet weighing/transfer were significant determinants explaining 40% of the total variance in personal noise exposure. In the rolling mill section, the size of the cutting machine, steel billet weight and feeding re-heating furnace explained 46% of the total variance in personal noise exposure. The mean noise level of the area measurements was 90.5 dB(A) (n = 376). Conclusion Workers in the four iron and steel factories in Tanzania were exposed to average noise of 92.0 dB(A), without using hearing protection, implying a high risk of developing hearing loss. Task and factory level determinants were identified in the furnace and the rolling mill sections of the plant, which can inform noise control in factories with similar characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graph This book describes the nature and causes of work-related risk in a global perspective. The third part of the book has seven chapters describing emerging issues that may influence risk and health and safety of workers. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Self-rated health (SRH) has been found to predict sickness absence (SA). The present study investigated the effect of replacing single-item SRH by a multi-item health measure on SA predictions. Methods: Longitudinal study of 2059 Norwegian nurses with assessments in three waves each separated by 1 year. Health was measured by single-item SRH and multi-item SF-12 in waves 1 and 2. SA was self-reported in all three waves and high SA was defined as more than or equal to 31 SA days within the last 12 months. Predictions of high SA by a model including age, prior SA and single-item SRH were compared with predictions by a model including age, prior SA and multi-item SF-12. Both models were bootstrapped to correct for over-optimism and prospectively validated for their predictions in a new time frame. Results: 1253 nurses (61%) had complete data for analysis. The SF-12 model predicted the risk of high SA more accurately (X2= 4.294; df = 8) and was more stable over time than the SRH model (model X2= 14.495; df = 8). Both prediction models correctly discriminated between high-risk and low-risk individuals in 73% of the cases at wave 2 and in 71% of the cases at wave 3. Conclusions: The accuracy of predictions increased when single-item SRH was replaced by multi-item SF-12, but the discriminative ability did not improve. Single-item SRH suffices to identify employees at increased risk of high SA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Frequent short sickness absences result in understaffing and interfere with work processes. We need more knowledge about factors associated with this type of absence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study characterized the exposure of crude oil process operators to benzene and related aromatics during ordinary activity and investigated whether the operators take up benzene at this level of exposure. We performed the study on a fixed, integrated oil and gas production facility on Norway's continental shelf. The study population included 12 operators and 9 referents. We measured personal exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene during three consecutive 12-h work shifts using organic vapour passive dosimeter badges. We sampled blood and urine before departure to the production facility (pre-shift), immediately after the work shift on Day 13 of the work period (post-shift) and immediately before the following work shift (pre-next shift). We also measured the exposure to hydrocarbons during short-term tasks by active sampling using Tenax tubes. The arithmetic mean exposure over the 3 days was 0.042 ppm for benzene (range <0.001–0.69 ppm), 0.05 ppm for toluene, 0.02 ppm for ethylbenzene and 0.03 ppm for xylene. Full-shift personal exposure was significantly higher when the process operators performed flotation work during the shift versus other tasks. Work in the flotation area was associated with short-term (6–15 min) arithmetic mean exposure to benzene of 1.06 ppm (range 0.09–2.33 ppm). The concentrations of benzene in blood and urine did not differ between operators and referents at any time point. When we adjusted for current smoking in regression analysis, benzene exposure was significantly associated with the post-shift concentration of benzene in blood (P = 0.01) and urine (P = 0.03), respectively. Although these operators perform tasks with relatively high short-term exposure to benzene, the full-shift mean exposure is low during ordinary activity. Some evidence indicates benzene uptake within this range of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study aims at estimating variability in exposure to respirable dust and assessing whether the a priori grouping by job team is appropriate for an exposure–response study on respiratory effects among workers in a manually operated coal mine in Tanzania. Furthermore, estimated exposure levels were used to calculate cumulative exposure. Full-shift personal respirable dust samples (n = 204) were collected from 141 randomly chosen workers at underground and surface work sites. The geometric mean exposure for respirable dust varied from 0.07 mg m−3 for office workers to 1.96 mg m−3 for the development team. The analogous range of respirable quartz exposure was 0.006–0.073 mg m−3. Variance components were estimated using random effect models. For most job teams the within-worker variance component was considerably higher than the between-worker variance component. For respirable dust the estimated attenuation of the linear exposure–response relationship was low (5.9%) when grouping by job team. Grouping by job team was considered appropriate for studying the association between current dust exposure and respiratory effects. Based on the estimated worker-specific mean exposure in the job teams, the arithmetic mean cumulative exposure for the 299 workers who participated in the epidemiological part of the study was 38.1 mg· yr m−3 for respirable dust and 2.0 mg· yr m−3 for quartz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Labour-intensive mines are numerous in several developing countries, but dust exposure in such mines has not been adequately characterized. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the determinants of respirable dust and quartz exposure among underground coal mine workers in Tanzania. Personal respirable dust samples (n = 134) were collected from 90 underground workers in June–August 2003 and July–August 2004. The development team had higher exposure to respirable dust and quartz (geometric means 1.80 and 0.073 mg m−3, respectively) than the mining team (0.47 and 0.013 mg m−3), the underground transport team (0.14 and 0.006 mg m−3) and the underground maintenance team (0.58 and 0.016 mg m−3). The percentages of samples above the threshold limit values (TLVs) of 0.9 mg m−3 for respirable bituminous coal dust and 0.05 mg m−3 for respirable quartz, respectively, were higher in the development team (55 and 47%) than in the mining team (20 and 9%). No sample for the underground transport team exceeded the TLV. Drilling in the development was the work task associated with the highest exposure to respirable dust and quartz (17.37 and 0.611 mg m−3, respectively). Exposure models were constructed using multiple regression model analysis, with log-transformed data on either respirable dust or quartz as the dependent variable and tasks performed as the independent variables. The models for the development section showed that blasting and pneumatic drilling times were major determinants of respirable dust and quartz, explaining 45.2 and 40.7% of the variance, respectively. In the mining team, only blasting significantly determined respirable dust. Immediate actions for improvements are suggested to include implementing effective dust control together with improved training and education programmes for the workers. Dust and quartz in this underground mine should be controlled by giving priority to workers performing drilling and blasting in the development sections of the mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe personal exposure to airborne hydrocarbon contaminants (oil mist and oil vapour) from 1979 to 2004 in the mud-handling areas of offshore drilling facilities operating on the Norwegian continental shelf when drilling with oil-based muds.Methods: Qualitative and quantitative information was gathered during visits to companies involved in offshore oil and gas production in Norway. Monitoring reports on oil mist and oil vapour exposure covered 37 drilling facilities. Exposure data were analysed using descriptive statistics and by constructing linear mixed-effects models.Results: Samples had been taken during the use of three generations of hydrocarbon base oils, namely diesel oils (1979–1984), low-aromatic mineral oils (1985–1997) and non-aromatic mineral oils (1998–2004). Sampling done before 1984 showed high exposure to diesel vapour (arithmetic mean, AM = 1217 mg m−3). When low-aromatic mineral oils were used, the exposure to oil mist and oil vapour was 4.3 and 36 mg m−3, and the respective AMs for non-aromatic mineral oils were reduced to 0.54 and 16 mg m−3. Downward time trends were indicated for both oil mist (6% per year) and oil vapour (8% per year) when the year of monitoring was introduced as a fixed effect in a linear mixed-effects model analysis. Rig type, technical control measures and mud temperature significantly determined exposure to oil mist. Rig type, type of base oil, viscosity of the base oil, work area, mud temperature and season significantly determined exposure to oil vapour. Major decreases in variability were found for the between-rig components.Conclusions: Exposure to oil mist and oil vapour declined over time in the mud-handling areas of offshore drilling facilities. Exposure levels were associated with rig type, mud temperature, technical control measures, base oil, viscosity of the base oil, work area and season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To test the strain/iso-strain, interaction and buffer hypotheses of the Job Demand–Control–Support model in relation to anxiety and depression.Methods Five thousand five hundred and sixty-two workers with valid Demand–Control–Support Questionnaire (DCSQ) scores were examined with the sub-scales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale as outcomes. Multiple statistical methods were applied.Results The strain and iso-strain hypotheses were confirmed. Generally, additive and non-interaction effects were found between psychological demands, control and social support. The buffer hypotheses were refuted. Results from analyses testing different interaction operationalizations were complementary.Conclusions High demands, low control and low support individually, but particularly combined, are risk factors for anxiety and depression. Support is the DCSQ index most strongly associated with anxiety and depression in women. Assessment of psychosocial work environment may identify workers at risk, and serve as a basis for job-redesign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study characterized workers’ exposure to sulfuric acid in two cell houses of a zinc production plant. We also aimed at estimating previous exposure to sulfuric acid by simulating the process conditions from before 1975 to produce exposure data for an epidemiological study on cancer in this industry. Further, we compared different sampling methods for aerosols in the cell houses. Personal sampling with a 37 mm Millipore cassette showed that the geometric means of the exposure levels for the workers in the two cell houses were 0.07 mg/m3 (range 0.01–0.48 mg/m3) and 0.04 mg/m3 (range 0.01–0.15 mg/m3). Norway’s newly revised limit value of 0.1 mg/m3 was exceeded in 39.0 and 12.9% of the samples in the two cell houses. After the foam layer was removed from the electrolyte surface to simulate the production process from before 1975, the concentration of sulfuric acid increased from 0.11 to 6.04 mg/m3 in stationary measurement by the Millipore sampler. Stationary sampling showed that the Millipore sampler and the inhalable fraction of the Respicon® impactor underestimated the sulfuric acid concentration by factors of 1.5 and 2.1 compared with the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) sampler. Sampling with the Respicon impactor showed that the respirable, tracheobronchial and extrathoracic fractions constituted 3.0, 18.7 and 71.7% of the inhalable sulfuric acid aerosol, respectively. Today’s exposure levels are lower than those reported to be associated with an increased prevalence of laryngeal cancer in other industries, but the levels prior to 1975 seem to have been much higher. By mass, most of the inhalable aerosol was in the size fractions considered to be highly relevant for the effects of sulfuric acid on the respiratory system. The risk of cancer among the cell house workers should be investigated in an epidemiological study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the relationship between social and organizational factors at work and the strategies of workers in automobile garages to cope with musculoskeletal symptoms while at work. Characteristics of the study population; Impact of social and organizational factors on workers' coping strategies; Clinical implications of the findings.

Car painters are exposed to organic solvents during their work. Several sets of official regulations have therefore been adopted in Norway in recent years to reduce the exposure. This study evaluated some of the effects of these regulations, by measuring the levels of exposure to organic solvents in six car-painting garages and relating them to the limit values in Norway. Both stationary and personal monitoring were performed. In addition, the occurrence of acute symptoms in the nervous system, skin and upper airways, the use of personal protective equipment and the workers’ satisfaction with the ventilation were determined using the results of a questionnaire survey among the car painters from 11 car-painting garages (N=28). A control group of unexposed workers (N=18) was used for comparison. All air samples showed low levels of exposure, far below the limit values. The highest levels were found for toluene; about half the limit value in two garages (11.5 and 12.5 ppm). No significant difference was found between the exposed and unexposed workers in the frequency of acute symptoms. Most workers reported to always use gloves, overalls and respiratory protective equipment during the car painting. The study indicates that the exposure to organic solvents is low in the examined car-painting garages, and the risk of adverse health effects related to organic solvents is probably low in these workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although several studies demonstrate adverse health effects among hairdressers that may be related to their working environment, relatively few studies have described the chemical exposure levels in hairdresser salons. This paper shows the exposure level of isopropanol, ethanol, toluene, phenylendiamines, diaminotoluene and ammonia in six hairdresser salons, and the effect of local exhaust ventilation on these exposure levels.Stationary measurements were performed at the mixing location in the hairdresser salons. At this location isopropanol was found to be in the range from 0.7–15mg/m3, ethanol in the range from 4–36mg/m3 and toluene from 0.04–0.11mg/m3, The range of ammonia in the same area was from 0.1–1.2 mg/m3.Personal monitoring of the hairdresser showed an exposure level of ammonia in a range from 0.3–10mg/m3. Phenylendiamines and diaminotoluene were not detected.The exposure level was significantly lower in the salons with local exhaust ventilation than in the salons with no ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work on deck on eight oil product tankers was examined. The purpose was to evaluate the need for improvement of the working environment to reduce the risk of occupational cancer. Benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organic lead compounds were sampled, and the crew answered a questionnaire on acute health effects. By area monitoring, benzene was generally found to be in the range from the detection limit, of 0.01 ppm, up to 1.15 ppm, but one tanker which loaded gasoline with the hatches open had levels up to 55 ppm. Personal monitoring showed exposure levels in the range 0.01–1.15 ppm. The PAH-levels and the levels of organic lead were low. No seamen were observed using respiratory protective equipment. Central nervous system symptoms were reported by the crew with the highest exposures to benzene although benzene may not be the only cause. The exposure to benzene and other hydrocarbons on the deck of oil product tankers ought to be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Several studies demonstrate a high mortality among seamen but this has not been related to different types of work on board. This study examined a possible relationship between work on tankers and mortality. Tankers differ from other ships by carrying different types of oil, oil products and other chemicals.Methods: Mortality was studied in 1687 men who were captains and mates during the period 1970-1987, and were registered by a Norwegian census in 1970. The data were linked to the Norwegian Register of Death Certificates. In all 181 deaths were found. Each case was age-matched at time of death to three individuals from the rest of the population alive at this date. Information about the seamen's work on different ships was obtained for cases and controls. The data were analysed using multivariate conditional logistic regression.Results: Seamen working on tankers had a higher mortality rate ratio (RR = 2.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.65-3.60) than seamen who had not been working on tankers. The increased risk was especially related to death from cancer and from accidents, while no significantly increased mortality due to cardiovascular diseases was found. Employment as a mate on tankers showed the highest all-causes risk of death (RR = 3.14, 95% CI: 2.04-4.82) as well as for cancer (RR = 4.24, 95% CI: 2.02-8.88) and accidents (RR = 5.85, 95% CI: 1.66-20.60). Employment as a captain on tankers showed no significantly increased mortality.Conclusion: Exposure to chemicals on tankers may be related to the increased mortality, as this is the major difference between tankers and other ships and mates are exposed to chemical agents, while captains are not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Quartz and dust are known to cause respiratory problems. Slate workers in Alta, Norway are exposed to these compounds even today, and the need for improvement of their work environment was evaluated.Methods Respiratory health was examined using chest X‐ray, lung function tests and a self‐administered questionnaire in a cross‐sectional study.Results The prevalence of silicosis among the slate workers varied between 1.9 and 6.5%. The slate workers had significantly more respiratory symptoms than the controls when adjusted for smoking. Peak expiratory flow was significantly lower among slate workers than among controls.Conclusion The work environment of the slate workers may cause adverse effects in their airways. Improvements to their work environment are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]