ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the impact of occupational thermal exposure on shift workers, specifically whether cold exposure elicits distinct physiological responses and thermoregulatory recovery across different tasks and shift types.MethodsObservational study at two factories processing prawns in Northern Norway in which 32 shift-working seafood handlers with different task responsibilities were followed for a single shift (morning, evening, night). The participants answered questionnaires regarding thermal exposures at work and related symptoms; these were compared to answers from 12 administration workers. Personal thermal loggers measured the range of temperature exposures associated with four different seafood handler work tasks. Pre- and post-shift plasma levels of FGF21, GDF15 and cytokines were analysed using immunoassays. As a proxy for thermoregulatory response across different shift types, hand temperature was measured repeatedly before and after breaks using a thermal imaging camera.ResultsMost seafood handlers reported subjective impact from cold exposure. Cold working conditions of ≤ 10 ℃ were measured across all shifts and three different seafood handling tasks. The morning shift—seafood handlers displayed lower plasma FGF21 post-shift vs. pre-shift; the evening and night shifts showed no difference. GDF15 levels remained unchanged regardless of shift types but were positively correlated with age. Night shift was associated with increased plasma IL6 post-shift vs. pre-shift. Thermoregulatory responses showed a positive linear relationship with break duration but did not differ between shifts.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that exposure levels are closely linked to specific tasks and shifts, with thermoregulatory responses varying by task type and time of day.

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, several industries were deemed essential. However, information on infection risk in occupational settings outside of healthcare workers and medical staff (HCWs) remain scarce. Thus, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to compile the risk of infection to SARS-CoV-2 in non-healthcare workers (non-HCWs).MethodsWe screened three databases (EMBASE, PubMed, medRχiv) for studies on SARS-CoV-2 infection risk in working population. Several stages of severity (infection, hospitalisation, admission to intensive care unit (ICU), mortality) were eligible. Occupational specifications were harmonised according to the German classification of professions (KldB). All reported risk estimators were considered. Studies were analysed for their risk of bias. Results of random-effects meta-analyses were assessed for their evidence according to GRADE. Subgroup analyses were run for ‘outcome’, ‘comparison group’, and ‘risk of bias’.ResultsOf 9,081 publications identified, 25 were recognised as eligible, mainly describing the first year of the pandemic. For 20 occupations, we were able to carry out meta-analyses on KldB-4-level by integrating all stages of severity. Nine occupations were identified with a statistically significantly increased risk of infection for SARS-CoV-2, four of which had a relative risk (RR) of > 2: Occupations in meat processing (RR = 3.58 [95%-CI 1.46; 8.77]), occupations in building cleaning services (RR = 2.55 [95%-CI 1.51; 4.31]), occupations in cargo handling (RR = 2.52 [95%-CI 2.27; 2.79]) and cooks (RR = 2.53 [95%-CI 1.75; 3.67]). The certainty of evidence of eight results was found moderate or high.ConclusionsThe first systematic review and meta-analysis of occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection risk in occupations other than HCWs revealed a considerably elevated risk in individual related services as well as in commercial services.Trial registrationPROSPERO CRD42021297572.

BackgroundOvercommitment (OC) is highly prevalent in health care employees, and may predict depression symptoms. The literature suggests that the relationship between OC and depression is mediated by Effort-Reward-Imbalance (ERI), burnout and physical pain. This study tested a two-step mediation effect between OC and depression by ERI in a first, and burnout and physical pain in a second step using a cohort of German Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out on a volunteer sample of 303 EMTs in Germany. OC and ERI were assessed using the ERI questionnaire, burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory, physical pain with the Short Form 36, and depression with the BDI-II. The relationship between these variables was tested using a mediation analysis.ResultsWe found a partial mediation effect between OC and depression via ERI, burnout (emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment) and physical pain. The mediation effect of emotional exhaustion is significantly higher than those of depersonalization and physical pain.ConclusionsThe partial mediation effect suggests the validity of our model assumptions, but also indicates direct relationships between variables (i.e. OC, ERI and depression). The identification of emotional exhaustion as key mediator implies that prevention and intervention approaches in EMTs should be based on this indicator.

BackgroundThe history of occupational health on the African continent is important but under-studied.MethodsWe surveyed key resources related to medical history from the Ancient Egypt through the Ottoman Empire period. For the colonial era, we examined archival records, official reports, and historiographical studies, focusing on key cases from French North Africa, Belgian Congo, Italian East Africa, and British South Africa. To explore occupational health in Africa during the post-colonial period, we supplemented biomedical publications with data from governmental reports and policy documents.ResultsThe history of occupational health on the African continent has been characterized by poor working conditions, especially in mineral extraction. Colonial exploitation frequently worsened these underlying problems. The post-colonial record suggests that many past deficiencies continue.DiscussionAn integrated approach to the history of occupational health on the African continent provides context for better understanding current problems and for anticipating future trends.

BackgroundMotorcycle Food Delivery Riders (MFDRs) play a vital role in the online food delivery industry, yet their prolonged time on the road exposes them to numerous occupational hazards, health risks, making them more vulnerable than both regular motorcyclists and the general population. The study aimed to investigate the working conditions, occupational hazards, health issues, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the association between occupational hazards and health effects among Thai MFDRs.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to mid-February 2022 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, using an anonymous self-reported survey. A total of 709 MFDRs participated in the survey. Data were collected on background information, job characteristics, occupational hazards, health issues, and the use of PPE over the previous six months. The data were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsMost MFDRs are frequently exposed to physical hazards, including heat and sunlight (91.6%), as well as chemical hazards such as exhaust smoke (90.1%) and particulate matter (PM) (86.1%). Most MFDRs reported suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (62.1%) and eyes-related problems (45.1%). The most common problems were shoulder pain (39.2%), neck pain (38.1%), and burning eyes (33.3%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicates that biomechanical hazards are significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) (p < 0.05), while psychological hazards significantly associated with headaches, insomnia, and feeling depressed (p < 0.05). Additionally, physical hazards such as sunlight and heat, noise, and whole-body vibrations, are also significantly associated with headaches, flu-like symptoms, and insomnia (p < 0.05). The most worn PPE by the participants were helmets (99.72%), long-leg pants (99.72%), masks (99.29%), and thermal jackets (98.17%).ConclusionsThe high prevalence of occupational hazards and health issues among MFDRs is worrisome. It is critical for platform companies and health sectors to introduce effective protective measures for workers, including establishing health surveillance, and supplying PPE.

BackgroundA substantial body of research has documented a high prevalence of neck, shoulder, wrist, and back pain among sonography users. However, the specific postures that contribute to these complaints have scarcely been systematically investigated, to date. This proposed study offers a novel method to record users’ body posture during sonography examinations kinematically and to survey the complaints of sonography users in various specialities. Using this data, well-founded ergonomic recommendations for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) will be developed.MethodsA minimum of 38 study participants across two groups (19 beginners; 19 experienced) per speciality (head and neck sonography, abdominal sonography, cardiac sonography, musculoskeletal sonography, and obstetric/gynaecological sonography) will be assessed using kinematic whole-body (including finger movements) analysis based on inertial motion capture. Subsequently, ergonomic risk will be determined by integrating the quantitative data into the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Moreover, a questionnaire on musculoskeletal complaints and ergonomics in sonography will be used in certified sonography courses, ultrasound-based centres, and university teaching. The primary outcome measures of this proposed study include typical tasks based on joint angles and assessment using RULA scores. In addition, the prevalence of WRMSDs will be recorded.The Mann-Whitney-U test will be employed to calculate the differences between the two study groups in each speciality. In addition, inferential statistical comparisons will be conducted for continuous data using confidence bands; the statistical parametric mapping method will be employed here. The significance level will be set at p = 0.05.ConclusionsThis article proposes a study (or series of studies) to describe the continuous ergonomic risk for typical tasks across different disciplines of sonography and to identify increased ergonomic risks. Such studies offer significant potential for preventing WRMSDs. The insights gained could inform the future design of prevention programmes and the development of recommendations for action, as well as teaching sonography users an ergonomically optimised way of working. The results could suggest that ergonomics training is incorporated more thoroughly into ultrasound training curricula to minimise health risks for future users.

BackgroundExposure to workplace chemicals can pose serious risks to reproductive health. The European Union’s Pregnant Workers Directive requires risk assessments but lacks clear guidelines for assessing chemical reproductive hazards in workplaces.AimsThis study aims to review how EU member states implement the Pregnant Workers Directive by analysing national guidance documents and relevant literature.MethodsA qualitative review was conducted, combining a systematic literature search with outreach to EU national experts to gather relevant guidance documents. Thematic synthesis identified guiding principles for implementing maternity protection for chemical exposures.ResultsTwo main themes were identified: the need for a broad perspective and for certainty in risk assessment. The broad perspective stresses the importance of considering all reproductive hazards, not limited to those listed in the EU Directive and inclusion of male workers and the preconception period, and the potential adverse socio-economic consequences of applied protective measures. The need for certainty highlights the challenges in reliable risk assessments, due to lack of knowledge about chemicals’ hazardous properties, dose-response relationships and the level of worker exposure. These themes reveal the complexity of implementing effective maternity protection and the need for improved guidelines across the EU.ConclusionsThis study calls for a unified approach to reproductive health protection, extending beyond pregnancy to include also preconception and paternal exposures. The findings highlight the need to support practitioners in the risk assess process at workplaces in the EU by providing a framework for the assessment of reproductive hazards and determining protective measures.

BackgroundEngineered stone (ES), a material that has become widespread for its use in kitchen and bathroom countertops since the 1980s, is composed of over 90% crystalline silica by weight, significantly exceeding the silica content of natural stones such as granite (40–50%) and marble (< 10%). Workers fabricating ES are exposed to dangerously high levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and other toxic chemicals, which increases the risk of developing silicosis and other lung and systemic diseases. The purpose of this review is to explore the epidemiology, occupational risks, regulatory gaps, diagnostic evaluation, and clinical challenges associated with ES dust exposure.Main bodyES silicosis was first described in the early 2010s among ES countertop workers in Spain, Italy, and Israel. Since then, hundreds of cases have emerged worldwide, namely in China, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. Silicosis from ES dust is accelerated and diagnosed after 7–19 years of exposure, often affecting young individuals (median age 33–55 years) from marginalized or immigrant communities. Morbidity and mortality are poor, with high rates of lung transplantation and death. Industrial hygiene air sample monitoring data shows that despite engineering controls such as wet saws and exhaust ventilation, exposure to respirable crystalline silica when cutting ES frequently exceeds safe exposure levels. Diagnostic evaluation and treatment are clinically challenging due to delayed medical screening, misdiagnosis, and lack of treatment options.ConclusionsThis review underscores the urgent need for enhanced occupational safety regulations, active screening, and healthcare support to address the rising burden of ES silicosis among vulnerable worker populations globally.