Objective: To understand the noise hazard levels at mining industry workplaces to provide a scientific basis for occupational disease prevention policies. Methods: The monitoring result data on occupational hazard factors in the workplace for 2023 were obtained from the National Surveillance System for Occupational Hazards during September to October 2024. Descriptive analysis was then conducted on the noise exposure results at workplace positions in mining industry enterprises, categorized by industry type, geographical distribution, enterprise size, economic type, and key positions. Noise levels at workplace positions were expressed as M (Q(1), Q(3)). The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare noise levels between groups, while noise exposure exceedance rates were compared using the χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test. Results: A total of 8417 enterprises in the mining industry were monitored, with the non-metallic mining and beneficiation industry constituting the majority at 41.6% (3503/8417). Regionally, enterprises in North China and Southwest China dominated, accounting for 24.0% (2019/8417) and 21.9% (1843/8417) respectively. Small-sized enterprises were the primary type, accounting for 51.4% (4322/8417). In terms of economic types, limited liability companies dominated, accounting for 60.2% (5072/8417). The metal mining and beneficiation industry exhibited the highest noise exposure exceedance rate, at 39.5% (2698/6833), with the drilling position showing an exceptionally high rate of 81.7% (508/622). Northwest China and East China showed higher noise exceedance rates, at 34.8% (1331/3823) and 31.7%(1550/4893) respectively. The small-sized enterprises exhibited the highest exceedance rate of noise exposure, at 28.0% (4328/15476). In metal mining and beneficiation industry, the exceedance rate and the median of noise levels among large and medium-sized enterprises were 41.8% (665/1592) and 84.2 dB (A), respectively, both higher than those among small and micro-sized enterprises[38.8% (2033/5241) and 83.7 dB (A) ] (P<0.05). State-owned enterprises exhibited the lowest workplace noise exceedance rate at 20.1%. Statistically significant differences were found in workplace noise exceedance rates and median noise levels among different industries, regions, enterprise sizes, economic types, and key positions (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The situation of noise hazards in China's mining industry remain severe. Effective workplace noise control in the mining industry should be strengthened to reduce noise exposure at workplace positions and truely safeguard the occupational health of workers.

This study analyzed a patient with occupational trinitrotoluene cataract, summarized occupational history, clinical manifestations, and relevant ophthalmic examinations for the diagnosis of occupational diseases, and provided a reference for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of such occupational diseases. This patient had long-term exposure to trinitrotoluene, experiencing blurred vision and photophobia for more than half a year. After undergoing comprehensive vision improvement and other examinations in the ophthalmology department, trinitrotoluene cataract was considered. After discussion, the patient was diagnosed with stage one occupational trinitrotoluene cataract in accordance with GBZ 45-2010 "Diagnostic Criteria of Occupational Trinitrotoluene Cataract". Occupational exposure to trinitrotoluene can cause lens damage and subsequently lead to cataracts. Attention should be paid during occupational activities and enhanced protection measures should be taken.

The group of works exposed to occupational noise worldwide is constanthy expanding, with hearing loss becoming a pressing issue that poses serious challenges to public health, economic and society. While current clinical diagnosis primarily relies on elevated hearing thresholds, detectable pre-decibel hearing loss damage has already occurred in the inner ear. Therefore, early biomarkers of noise-induced hearing loss are crucial for the early detection of noise-induced hearing loss and the reduction of the risk of hearing imparment in the occupational population. This article synthesizes the latest research progress on early biomarkers associated with occupational noise exposure-induced hearing loss, aiming to reduce disease incidence and protect the health of occupational populations.

Objective: To explore the current status of the protective effects of hearing protection devices worn by noise-exposed workers in different industries and its possible influencing factors. Methods: From October 2020 to December 2023, by using the method of convenient sampling, 3634 noise-exposed workers from 7 industries including the petrochemical industry, automotive manufacturing industry, plastic manufacturing industry, and metal manufacturing industry, were selected as the survey subjects. A questionnaire designed by the research group was adopted to investigate the usage of hearing protection devices (foam earplugs, preformed earplugs, and earmuffs) among workers. The personal attenuation rating (PAR) of workers wearing hearing protection devices was measured by using the 3M(TM) E-A-R fit(TM) binaural verification system. Three process tests were carried out, including baseline PAR, intervention PAR (training demonstration of correct wearing of hearing protection devices, replacement of appropriate hearing protection devices and other interventions), and follow-up PAR. The differences of PAR in each group were analyzed by non-parametric tests, and the generalized linear regression model was used to explore the factors that might affect the baseline PAR. Results: The M (Q(1), Q(3)) of the baseline PAR obtained by 3634 workers wearing hearing protection devices was 12 (2, 19) dB. There was a statistically significant difference in baseline PAR among the three types of hearing protection devices (H=336.39, P<0.001), and the baseline PAR of workers wearing foam earplugs and earmuffs were higher than that of preformed earplugs (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in baseline PAR among workers in different industries (Z=359.73, P<0.001). Workers with college degree or above education level, wearing hearing protection devices for 10 to <30 years, foam earplugs and earmuffs, noise intensity≥85 dB (A), knowing the correct wearing method and evaluating the comfort of hearing protection devices had a higher baseline PAR (P<0.05). There were 1559 workers (42.9%) failed the baseline PAR test. After the intervention, the PAR of the workers increased from 1 (0, 6) dB at baseline to 18 (14, 22) dB after the intervention (P<0.001). The follow-up test found that the follow-up PAR of 328 workers was higher than the baseline PAR but lower than the intervention PAR (P<0.001) . Conclusion: The actual protective effect of the hearing protection devices worn by some workers exposed to noise is not good, mainly related to factors such as insufficient knowledge of wearing hearing protection devices among workers, exposure to high-intensity noise, and low educational level. Enterprises should enhance the training of workers on the correct wearing of hearing protection devices by means of hearing protection device fit test methods, select suitable hearing protection devices scientifically, and conduct regular follow-ups when necessary.

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of occupational stress among female coal miners and construct a risk prediction model. Methods: In July 2023, a cluster sampling method was conducted to select all female workers on duty at a large coal mine in Gansu Province during a specific period (totaling 1437 individuals) as research subjects. Occupational stress levels were assessed through questionnaire surveys. A total of 1435 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective recovery rate of 99.86%. Single-factor analysis was conducted using the rank sum test, while multiple linear regression models was used for multivariate analysis. Deep learning models, including XGBoost and LightGBM, were constructed to analyze factors influencing occupational stress among female coal miners. The performance of the optimal XGBoost model was further explained using the Shapley additive explanatory (SHAP) algorithm. Results: Among the 1435 female coal miners, 89 cases (6.2%) had no occupational stress (score ≤20 points); 930 cases (64.8%) had mild occupational stress (scores 21-30 points); 405 cases (28.2%) had moderate occupational stress (scores 31-40 points); and 11 cases (0.8%) had severe occupational stress (scores 41-50 points). Educational level, marital status, annual personal income, physical exercise, job type, average weekly working time, work form, work position, exposure to noise and noise intensity, heavy labor, coal dust exposure, exposure to occupational hazards and exposure time, injury or infringement during work, and whether to wear protective equipment were influencing factors affecting the occupational stress of female coal miners (P<0.05). For the XGBoost model on the test set, the coefficient of determination (R(2)), mean squared error (MSE), and root mean squared error (RMSE) were 0.994, 0.152, and 0.390, respectively, which were better than LightGBM's 0.933, 1.692, 1.301 and the multiple linear regression model's 0.268, 18.408, and 4.290. The SHAP results showed that work position and daily household chores were the main factors affecting the occupational stress of female coal miners. In addition, physical exercise, work-related injuries or violations, and coal dust exposure also had a certain impact on occupational stress. Conclusion: The occupational stress of coal miners is the result of the combined effects of occupational and lifestyle factors. The XGBoost model demonstrates superior predictive ability and proves the feasibility of the SHAP algorithm in analyzing the occupational stress of female coal miners using machine learning models.

Objective: To investigate the decline of lung function and related risk factors in patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . Methods: In December 2022, a retrospective analysis was performed for coal workers' pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD who were admitted to Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Disease from 2017 to 2018, and the demographic data, lung function, blood eosinophil value (EOS), smoking status, occupational history, stage of pneumoconiosis, and treatment situation were collected until 2021. Multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the risk factor of lung function decline. Results: A total of 162 patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis were included in this study, and the median follow-up time was 47 months. The lung function of the patients decreased to varying degrees during the follow-up period, and the annual decline of forced vital capacity (FVC) was 115.8 ml/year, percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) was 2.9%/year, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) was 99.6 ml/year, percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)%) was 3.4%/year, ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV(1)/FVC) was 1.4%/year, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was 0.32 mmol/min/KPa/year, and percentage of predicted diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO%) was 4.1%/year. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that dust exposure time (HR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01-1.07), regular use of bronchodilators (HR=0.50, 95%CI=0.29-0.86), blood EOS (HR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.19-1.61), baseline FVC% (HR=1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.03, ) and cumulative cigarette smoking (HR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.02-1.05) were the influencing factor of lung function decline of patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The lung function of patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis complicated with COPD will gradually decline, and the baseline value of lung function, dust contact time, EOS, and smoking are the risk factors for the decline of lung function, and the regular use of bronchodilators is its protective factor.

Objective: To explore the effects of clinical ergonomics theoretical training combined with clinical chairside operation guidance strategy on the incidence of pain symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dentists. Methods: A total of 80 dentists working in the Stomatology Department of the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital from June 2023 to December 2023 were selected as the study objects by random simply sampling method. And the objects were separated into the control group (40 persons) and the experimental group (40 persons). The control group didn't get any special intervention, and the experimental group had half a year of training in clinical ergonomics and guidance on clinical chairside operation. The WMSDs cognitive level and symptom incidence of dentists in two groups were measured by questionnaire, and the intensity of pain symptom of WMSDs was compared by visual analogue scale (VAS). The count date was compared using χ(2) test. For measurement data that followed a normal distribution and met the homogeneity of variance requirement, independent samples t-test was used for intergroup comparison. For measurement data that followed a normal distribution but exhibited unequal variances, the corrected t-test was conducted for intergroup comparison. Results: The cognitve rates of dentists in the experimental group regarding WMSDs symptoms, affected areas, influencing factors, and preventive measures reached 90.0% (36 dentists), 87.5% (35 dentists), 80.0% (32 dentists), and 82.5% (33 dentists), respectively. The incidences of WMSDs in the neck and shoulder of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the VAS scores indicated that the intensity of WMSDs pain symptoms in the neck, shoulder, hands/wrists and lower bock/waist of dentists in the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Strengthening the clinical ergonomics education and training for dentists is conducive to lowering the incidence of WMSDs, mitigating the severity of symptoms, and preserving the physical health of dentists.

Objective: To tracked and analyze the follow-up diagnosis of suspected occupational noise-induced deafness (ONID) patients in an occupational disease diagnosis institution in Guangzhou City from 2020 to 2024. Methods: In December 2024, a retrospective survey method was used to track the reporting, medical consultation, and diagnosis status of suspected ONID patients, as well as to analyze the influencing factors for the confirmation of suspected ONID as ONID. Rate comparisons were conducted using Pearson's χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test for univariate analysis, while related influencing factors were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Occupational health examination was the most important reporting channel of ONID, and the tracking results showed that the number of confirmed cases, exclusion, incomplete diagnosis and non-treatment accounted for 29.58% (21/71), 32.39% (23/71), 5.63% (4/71) and 32.39% (23/71), respectively. Among the 71 suspected cases, 44 entered the diagnostic procedure and completed the diagnosis, and 21 were finally diagnosed, the diagnosis rate was 47.73% (21/44). There was a statistically significant difference in the confirmed diagnosis rate among patients with different noise exposure working years, better weighted values of auditory threshold, and whether the re-examination interval was standardized or not (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the length of noise-exposed working years and the standardized time interval for re-examination were the influencing factors for the final diagnosis of ONID in patients with suspected ONID (OR=0.28, 95%CI: 0.08-0.93; OR=14.92, 95%CI: 2.64-84.39; P<0.05) . Conclusion: Micro-sized enterprises are key monitoring targets for suspected ONID. Diagnosing physicians should strengthen management of non-standard re-examination intervals, emphasizing the scientific rigor and accuracy in diagnosing patients with suspected ONID.

The new version of GBZ 89-2024 "Diagnostic Standard for Occupational Mercury Poisoning" was issued on May 9, 2024 and implemented on May 1, 2025. This professional standard is a supporting of the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases" and a mandatory national occupational health standard. This article interprets and expounds the background, revision process, main contents, difficulties and significance of the diagnostic criteria, to help clinical professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of occupational diseases more fully understand and implement the relevant provisions of this national occupational health standard, in line with the needs of social development, to protect the rights and interests of workers as far as possible.