Occupational Risk Assessment Research Articles

A novel biomonitoring method to detect pyrethroid metabolites in saliva of occupationally exposed workers as a tool for risk assessment

Saliva is valuable in exposure assessment having been successfully used for drug and environmental pollutant detection, providing a surrogate measure of plasma concentrations. Pyrethroid biomarkers have not previously been assessed in saliva, although are prime candidates for saliva detection. This study’s objectives were to (1) develop a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method to quantify six pyrethroid metabolites using gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry and (2) assess its application for an occupationally exposed population. Several solvents and mixing protocols were optimized for metabolite recovery. The optimized method was applied to a population of pest control operators (PCOs) and compared against a urine sample before and after a full workday using pesticides. A questionnaire collected demographic information, occupational history, and occupational and non-occupational exposure data. LLE recoveries ranged from 85–104% and 72–88% for toluene and dichloromethane using slow mixing, and 49–103% for methyl tert-butyl ether by fast mixing. Urinary 3-Phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA) was detected in 100% of pre- and post-work urine samples. Three PCOs had increased urinary pyrethroid metabolite levels post-work. Salivary 3PBA was present below detection limit in two of the three PCO’s post-work saliva samples, demonstrating that salivary 3PBA could be measured in PCOs after the workday. This study presents preliminary findings of a potential, low-risk biomonitoring technique that may be utilized in future occupational pyrethroid exposure and risk assessment research.

Assessment of emissions and potential occupational exposure to carbon monoxide during biowaste composting.

To date, only a few studies focused on the carbon monoxide (CO) production during waste composting; all targeted on CO inside piles. Here, the CO net emissions from compost piles and the assessment of worker's occupational risk of exposure to CO at large-scale composting plants are shown for the first time. CO net emissions were measured at two plants processing green waste, sewage sludge, or undersize fraction of municipal solid waste. Effects of the location of piles (hermetised hall vs. open yard) and turning (before vs. after) were studied. Higher CO net emission rates were observed from piles located in a closed hall. The average CO flux before turning was 23.25 and 0.60 mg‧m-2‧h-1 for hermetised and open piles, respectively, while after- 69.38 and 5.11 mg‧m-2‧h-1. The maximum CO net emissions occurred after the compost was turned (1.7x to 13.7x higher than before turning). The top sections of hermetised piles had greater CO emissions compared to sides. Additionally, 5% of measurement points of hermetised piles switched to 'CO sinks'. The 1-h concentration in hermetised composting hall can reach max. ~50 mg CO∙m-3 before turning, and >115 mg CO∙m-3 after, exceeding the WHO thresholds for a 1-h and 15-min exposures, respectively.

Occupational Safety Risk Assessment for Wola Heavy-Duty Machinery Operator in a Romanian Diabase Open –Pit Mine

Abstract Occupational safety risk assessment is always the basic stage of the systematic approach of reducing the impact of undesired events (work injuries and occupational illnesses), by decreasing both their likelihood of occurrence and the gravity/severity of the generated impact. Eighteen years ago, when, as a consequence of the regulatory changes induced by our country’s accession into the European Union, the risk assessment became mandatory/compulsory. Since then some progress was factually realized in the spirit of applying different risk analysis techniques in all Romanian organizations. Even if there are many aspects that are requiring further improvement, an effectively validated and nationally accepted indigenous tool is nowadays available. This method was put in practice in this research paper, in order to analyse, evaluate and assess the safety risks related to several of the main activities/jobs in a diabase open pit mine exploiting construction stone in a certain province of the country. Based on the results obtained, it has become feasible to propose realistic measures aimed at preventing the identified and quantified risks located in the field of unacceptable risks and protecting exposed workers to their effects. The case study developed and synthesized in this article confirms the capability of the risk assessment process to facilitate the substantiation of the decisions regarding the allocation of resources towards the minimization of the risks encountered in the work processes by different categories of workers in the mining companies.

Occupational health risk assessment of PC production-caused pollution based on damage assessment and cyclic mitigation model

PurposeThe occupational health risk associated with the production of prefabricated concrete components is often overlooked. This paper will use a damage assessment and cyclic mitigation (DACM) model to provide individualized exposure risk assessment and corresponding mitigation management measures for workers who are being exposed.Design/methodology/approachThe DACM model is proposed based on the concept of life cycle assessment (LCA). The model uses Monte-Carlo simulation for uncertainty risk assessment, followed by quantitative damage assessment using disability-adjusted life year (DALY). Lastly, sensitivity analysis is used to identify the parameters with the greatest impact on health risks.FindingsThe results show that the dust concentration is centered around the mean, and the fitting results are close to normal distribution, so the mean value can be used to carry out the calculation of risk. However, calculations using the DACM model revealed that there are still some work areas at risk. DALY damage is most severe in concrete production area. Meanwhile, the inhalation rate (IR), exposure duration (ED), exposure frequency (EF) and average exposure time (AT) showed greater impacts based on the sensitivity analysis.Originality/valueBased on the comparison, the DACM model can determine that the potential occupational health risk of prefabricated concrete component (PC) factory and the risk is less than that of on-site construction. It synthesizes field research and simulation to form the entire assessment process into a case-base system with the depth of the cycle, which allows the model to be continuously adjusted to reduce the occupational health damage caused by production pollution exposure.

Carcinogenic Chemicals in Occupational Settings: A Tool for Comparison and Translation between Different Classification Systems

In the European Union, Occupational Safety and Health legislation generally refers to European Regulation (CE) n. 1272/2008 to define and classify carcinogens of concern for occupational risk assessment and exposure assessment. In Europe, the current reference is Directive (UE) 2022/431, regarding carcinogen, mutagen, and reprotoxic agent (CMR) exposure. However, at the worldwide level, different classification approaches are used to establish carcinogenicity of substances and it is often difficult to compare the classifications of carcinogenicity (CoCs) proposed by different international bodies. This study aims to investigate a list of carcinogens of concern in occupational settings based on the CLP (Classification Labelling Packaging) CoC and to create a tool that allows a rapid translation–comparison of some international CoCs with the reference one. CoCs proposed by various sources were consulted and used to apply a translation method, to favor an alignment of different CoCs according to a reference. Results outlined that, considering diverse sources, CoCs can result in different classifications of the same chemicals. Overall, this may have implications for the hazard assessment process, which is the base of risk assessment. The proposed tool is expected to help risk assessors in the occupational field when it is needed to have a comparison with different CoC systems.

Linguistic analysis for occupational risk assessment communication using the Lpac in an AI environment

Risk assessment methodologies results in construction sector are usually reported within a very limited linguistic context of preventive action, which may involve interpretation difficulties. This research identifies the problem of risk assessment methodologies to linguistically convey the results of risk assessment to construction workers. The methodology adapted to construction sites called Level of Preventive Action (Lpac) determines levels of preventive action control related to a spectrum of quantitative results, with data collection based on physical conditions of the environment with sensors in the construction and safety systems; and behavioural conditions and worker emotional state with body sensors, locators and integrating with the BIM approach. The communication of the results must be adapted to the multiple variables that occur in a communicative interaction. The Lpac method proposes a broad spectrum of preventive action control conditions on the physical and human environment that are transmitted to the worker, which allows for different communicative possibilities. In this sense, safety is assessed concerning the different risks involved in work performance, applying control banding concepts. Optimising the physical and human environment in real time is essential through devices that generate a complex human-machine interaction within an artificial intelligence environment in the construction sector.

Occupational conditionality of integral hematological indices in metallurgical production workers

The health of the working population is one of the main guarantors of the sustainable and planned development of the state's economy, while working conditions and factors of the production environment play an important role in its formation. Studies of indicators of endogenous intoxication make it possible to identify the formation of adaptive and compensatory changes in the hemogram depending on the conditions of the production environment and the labor 
 process.
 The study aims to explore the degree of professional conditionality of integral hematological indices for early diagnosis of the harmful effects of production factors on the body of workers employed in metallurgy.
 The authors have analyzed the results of some integral hematological indices and carried out the assessment of occupational risk in accordance with the "Temporary methodological recommendations for the calculation of occupational risk indicators" (2005) and the methodological recommendations "Methodology for the detection of occupational diseases and diseases related to working conditions" based on the calculation of relative risk (RR, units) and etiological proportion (EF, %).
 The calculation of the leukocyte intoxication index showed high values in all occupational groups from 50.00% for electricians and gas welders to 88.16% for potash workers. Scientists diagnosed a significantly increased number of eosinophilic granulocytes (more than 5%) in 26.09% of draggers, in 34.52% of rope-winding machinists, in 38.16% of potters compared with the control group (p<0.001). Scientists determined the most pronounced changes in the indicators of endogenous intoxication in the first five years of contact with harmful factors of production. We found high LII values in 62.16% of draggers, 75.00% of compressor unit drivers, 73.53% of rope winding drivers and 45.00% of electricians. The content of eosinophils in peripheral blood, as well as the calculated allergization index, demonstrate almost complete industrial conditionality in all occupational groups of the examined (RR>5, EF=81–100%). In the group of electricians, these indicators have a very high degree of production conditionality.
 Timely identification of workers with violations of integral hematological indices in the dynamics of professional activity allows them to be identified as a risk group for further monitoring and preventive measures.
 Limitations. The conducted study took into account the influence of only harmful production factors on deviations of integral hematological indices in workers of metallurgical production.
 Ethics. The material of the article was approved by the Bioethical Commission at the Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Medicine and Human Ecology (Protocol No. 01-11 dated 11/22/2023).

Assessing cytotoxicity and endoplasmic reticulum stress in human blood–brain barrier cells due to silver and copper oxide nanoparticles

AbstractIn recent years, it has been generally accepted that metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) may induce stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a key organelle where protein folding occurs. We examined ER stress in immortalized human cerebral microvascular cells (hCMEC/D3) after exposure to silver-NPs (Ag-NPs)- and copper oxide-NPs (CuO-NPs) induced toxicity at < 10 nm and < 40 nm or < 50 nm diameters, respectively. In cytotoxicity assessments, cells were exposed to different CuO-NPs (5–400 µg/mL) or Ag-NPs (1–10 µg/mL) concentration ranges for 24 h and 72 h, and tetrazole salt reduction assays (EZ4U) were performed. Also, Ag-NP or CuO-NP effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis (caspase 3/7 assays), and ER stress and cell morphology were evaluated. In ER stress assessments, RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1a), and others stress factor mRNA levels were determined after 24 h treatment using Real-Time PCR. Increased stress sensors (IRE1a, PERK, and ATF6) mRNA levels were observed after exposure to Ag-NPs (< 10 and < 40 nm) or CuO-NPs (< 50 nm). We investigated the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (barrier junctions) and showed that both types of NP reduced of OCLN gene expression. Morphological changes were observed after Ag-NP or CuO-NP exposure using holotomographic microscopy. Our data suggest that Ag- and CuO-NPs should undergo future in vitro and in vivo toxicology studies, especially for downstream biomedical application and occupational risk assessments.

Прогнозирование уровня травматизма в организации на основе результатов оценки профессиональных рисков

The methodology for converting the results of occupational risk assessment into forecast coefficients of injury frequency and severity is provided. The criticality of assessment of occupational risks and hazards for employees’ safety and health is accentuated. In the article, a unified methodological framework of risk assessment, including a general nomenclature of hazards, probability scales, severity of consequences of disabilities, occupational risk level classification, and a clear definition of the concept of «acceptable risk» are described. Notably, in most cases, employees question the necessity of occupational risk assessment; therefore, intuitive and motivating indices to encourage taking preventive measures to reduce and eliminate risks are required. The methodology is provided along with a step-by-step specification of the initial data and calculation formulas. It is noted that the software (1С: Labor Safety) can significantly facilitate the process of risk assessment and management. The methodology that enables the identification of prioritized risks, adjustment of risk levels, and evaluation of the efficiency of preventive measures taken, was proposed.

Workplace Hazards and Occupational Risk Assessment for Automotive Industry Workers

Introduction: The automotive industry is characterized by a complex and combined workers’ exposure to occupational risk factors. The problem of early detection, course and development of prognostic criteria for modern forms of occupational pathology remains relevant. Objective: To assess the main workplace hazards in the automotive industry and the risk of occupational diseases in its workers. Materials and methods: We conducted our own occupational health studies, examined production control data (348 units) and results of special evaluation of working conditions (97 units) at an automobile manufacturing enterprise of the Republic of Bashkortostan in 2020–2023. In total, we took 554 measurements of noise, 554 – of hand-arm vibration, 448 – of chemicals, and 554 – of work heaviness. To assess occupational risk, we used an integral indicator of the frequency and severity of occupational diseases, the index of occupational diseases (IOD), as the inverse value of the categories of risk (Cr) and severity (Cs), a single-digit indicator (IOD), combining Cr and Cs. Calculations were done in Microsoft Excel. Results: In the course of work, employees are exposed to a combination of physical factors, such as noise (Class 3.2) and hand-arm vibration (Class 3.1); chemical factors, including fibrogenic aerosols, metal dusts, toxicants from welding fumes, paints and varnishes (Class 3.1), and physical overload (Class 3.1). The overall working conditions correspond to Hazard Class 3, degrees 1–2. We assessed risks of developing the following occupational diseases (IOD = 0.16, total IOD = 0.32): vibration disease from exposure to hand-arm vibration and sensorineural hearing loss from noise exposure; chronic poisoning with manifestations of disorders of the pulmonary system (toxic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) related to chemical exposures. Occupational diseases had a mild course with minor functional grade 1 manifestations and no progression of the pathological process. Conclusions: The complex and combined exposure to industrial safety hazards in the automotive industry determines the moderate risk of developing occupational diseases in its workers.

Assessment of waste workers occupational risk to microbial agents and cytotoxic effects of mixed contaminants present in the air of waste truck cabin and ventilation filters

ABSTRACT Workers in the waste-processing industry are potentially exposed to high concentrations of biological contaminants, leading to respiratory and digestive problems and skin irritations. However, few data on the exposure of waste collection truck (WCT) drivers are available. The goal was to document the microbial risk of the waste collection truck (WCT) workers while in the vehicle cab. Long-period sampling using the truck air filters (CAF) and short time ambient air sampling in the cab were used. The potential release of microbial particles from CAFs was also investigated since it could contribute to the microbial load of the cabin air. A combination of analytical methods also helped assess the complex mixture of the biological agents. Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Flavi, E. coli, Enterobacter spp. and Legionella spp. were detected in the CAF of trucks collecting three types of waste. The highest levels of bacteria and fungi were found in the CAF from organic WCT. The highest endotoxin concentrations in CAF were 300 EU/cm2. Most of the CAF showed cytotoxic effects on both lung cells and hepatocytes. Only one mycotoxin was detected in a CAF. The maximal concentrations in the ambient WCT air varied according to the type of waste collected. The highest proportion (84%) of the air samples without cytotoxic effects on the lungs cells was for the recyclable material WCTs. The results revealed the potential microbial risk to workers from a complex mixture of bio-contaminants in the cabs of vehicles collecting all types of waste. The sustained cytotoxic effect indicates the potential adverse health-related impact of mixed contaminants (biological and non-biological) for the workers. Overall, this study highlights the benefits of using complementary sampling strategy and combined analytical methods for a the assessment of the microbial risk in work environments and the need to implement protective measures for the workers. Implications: Exposure to microbial agents is a well-known occupational hazard in the waste management sector. No previous study had evaluated the cytotoxicity of ambient air and ventilation filters to document worker exposure to a combination of contaminants during waste collection. This research confirms the usefulness of ventilation filters for long-term characterization of exposure to infectious agents, azole-resistant fungi, coliform bacteria and mycotoxin. Overall, this study highlights the importance of using several sampling and analysis methods for a comprehensive assessment of microbial risk in work environments, as well as the need to implement appropriate protective measures for collection workers.

Enhancing risk assessment skills in hazardous environments: Priming with a serious game approach

Occupational risk assessments, critical for identifying hazards such as noise, radiation, and air quality, are challenging due to their complex and often invisible nature. In response, we developed AssessVR, a serious game-based simulation tool, designed to enhance risk assessment skills among students and safety professionals.This study included twenty-seven students from three US universities, all of whom had completed a module on Occupational Hearing Loss and risk assessment in an Industrial Hygiene course. These students were assigned to either the Utilitarian or Gamified version of AssessVR for a risk assessment case study.The results indicated that students using the Gamified version of AssessVR tended to perform better in specific risk assessment areas, such as Exposure Assessment and Reference to Exposure Standards. However, this improvement was not uniform across all evaluation metrics.These findings suggest that while AssessVR, particularly its Gamified form, has potential in risk assessment skill acquisition, its effectiveness varies across different assessment areas. This underscores the need for further research and development in serious game-based simulations to optimize their role in enhancing occupational hazards management competencies.

OCCUPATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT TO EXPOSURE OF RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SiO2 AT CEMENT MANUFACTURING

OCCUPATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT TO EXPOSURE OF RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SiO2 AT CEMENT MANUFACTURING

An integrated approach to occupational health risk assessment of manufacturing nanomaterials using Pythagorean Fuzzy AHP and Fuzzy Inference System

Nanomaterials (NMs) have the potential to be hazardous owing to their unique physico-chemical properties. Therefore, the need for Health Risk Assessment (HRA) of NMs is expanding. In this study, a novel HRA was developed by the Pythagorean Fuzzy Health Risk Assessment (PFHRA) approach. Risk is considered to be the outcome of parameters including Occurrence Likelihood (OL), Potential Exposure (PE) and Toxic Effects (TE). In our proposed method, priority weights of sub-factors in Pythagorean Fuzzy-Analytical Hierarchical Process (PF-AHP) were determined by pairwise comparison based on expert judgment. After determining parameter scores, both RM and risk class (i.e., negligible, minor, major and critical) were reported as Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) output. Ultimately, a risk management strategy is presented for NMs manufacturing workplaces. This proposed method provides experts with more flexibility to express their opinions. The PFHRA approach was applied for two scenarios. The production scenario for SiNPs can create minor (5%) and major (95%) occupational health risks; the production scenario for ZnONPs can create minor (100%) concerns. However, the production SiNPs and ZnONPs utilizing the CB Nanotool technique had a major and minor risk class, respectively. The results of the present study confirmed the reliability and applicability of this approach.

Hazard identification and occupational risk management of a tractor driver at an agricultural production

The profession of an agricultural tractor driver is one of the most common professions in agriculture. There is a high level of occupational injury rates among machinists and drivers of vehicles, which is associated with dangerous and difficult working conditions and the specifics of the work. The purpose of the study is to identify hazards and assess occupational risks in the workplace. The scientific objective of the study is to improve the safety of tractor drivers based on the methodology of assessment and management of occupational risks. Based on the results of identification of risk-forming factors in the workplace, the work presents a register of hazards, the results of an assessment of occupational risks before and after measures to reduce the impact of hazards. The obtained data of the conducted research can be used for all similar jobs in agricultural production. The comprehensive approach proposed in the work to the assessment and management of occupational risks is aimed at improving the labor protection system, increasing the protection of employees, prevention and prevention of injuries at work.

Оценка профессионального риска выполнения повторных включений газодымозащитниками при планировании действий по тушению пожара

Introduction. The article proposes a software package for managing professional risks when organizing repeated activations of the breathing apparatus by firefighters as a tool for planning fire extinguishing tactics. A factorial experiment was conducted to assess the influence of performance indicators and load repetition on the functional state of firefighters. Using the data obtained in the process of conducting a factorial experiment, the work of the proposed software complex is shown using the example of solving a fire-tactical problem. Goals and objectives of the study. To develop a criterion for assessing the professional risk of repeated switching on of the breathing apparatus by firefighters when planning fire extinguishing tactics. Research methods. The study used methods of system analysis, probability theory, mathematical statistics, testing and experiment. The obtained empirical data were interpreted and processed using qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis, including: descriptive statistics, Fisher's test of statistical agreement. Regression analysis methods were used to build models. Calculations were made using the Excel statistical software package. Results and their discussion. In the course of the study, an array of coefficients of the factor model of the initial average time of state dynamics was obtained. The software package analyzes the developed options for repeated switching on of the breathing apparatus by firefighters under given conditions with variations in work modes and the numerical composition of the gas and smoke protection service units. An assessment of occupational risks is given according to the parameters "Possibility" and "Ability" for each of the developed options for restarting the breathing apparatus by firefighters. Depending on the level of performance, the software package has been used to determine the most preferable options for restarting breathing apparatus by firefighters in the process of extinguishing a fire. Conclusion. The proposed software package will improve the quality of planning fire extinguishing tactics using repeated activations of the breathing apparatus by firefighters. This will be achieved by introducing automated means of calculating time indicators of optimal work and rest regimes into the process of planning fire extinguishing tactics when firefighters repeatedly turn on the breathing apparatus. Using the risk assessment scale for the ability to implement repeated activations of the breathing apparatus by firefighters in the software package, it is possible to visually predict the degree of danger of performing work. Keywords: firefighter; working capacity; recovery time; operating time; physical activity; repetition of work; risk assessment; planning of extinguishing tactics.

Методика корректировки уровня профессионального риска по результатам трехступенчатого контроля

A methodology enabling the introduction of changes into risk assessment results based on the operative data on violations of safety requirements detected during control and prompt risk management has been proposed. It has been observed that the labor safety level is determined by both internal and external factors; and any changes in production affect labor safety. Changes can be explicit, such as new technologies implementation, or less explicit, such as changes in management systems or social and psychological climate. To assess risks associated with such changes indices such as the frequency of safety requirements violations can be applied; the objective is to prevent negative events and promptly respond to changes in occupational risk. The methodology developed at the Private organization of Federation of Independent Trade-Unions of Russia «Scientific-Research Institute for Labor Protection in Ekaterinburg» is presented; its source data are the operative data on safety requirements violations detected; the calculation formulas are provided. It has been demonstrated that the proposed methodology enables both occupational risk assessment and prompt response to changes and taking measures to eliminate them resource- and cost-efficiently.

Methodology for improving the efficiency of occupational safety management of an enterprise based on the theory of risk management

The creation and effective functioning of the occupational health and safety management system is the basis of occupational safety at the enterprise. The purpose of the research is to ensure safe working conditions by improving the efficiency of the enterprise's occupational safety management system based on the theory of risk management. The article proposes a methodology for improving the efficiency of the occupational safety and health management system, which allows to analyse the state of occupational safety and health at the enterprise, develop a unified register of risk-forming factors for the organisation, establish numerical values of occupational risk at each workplace and identify the most significant groups of risk-forming factors. For high-risk workplaces, measures are being developed to reduce the risk of exposure to environmental factors on the employee, which contributes to improving the effectiveness of the occupational safety management system. The result of the research is to develop an accessible and practical application-oriented methodology for improving the efficiency of the enterprise's occupational safety management system, based on the assessment and management of occupational risks, which improves the actual state of working conditions at the enterprise.

An Exploratory Study on New and Emerging Occupational Safety and Health Risks Associated with the Digital Market

Europe wants to prepare its businesses and citizens for a sustainable and more prosperous human-centric digital future.The path to the translation into reality of the digital objectives will bring a complement to the existing rights and principles regarding the protection of data and private life, the digital rights of citizens as well as guidelines for companies regarding new technologies.Globally, the occupational health and safety risk assessment process is implemented using hundreds of dedicated tools, used in a flexible and complementary way, according to clearly specified criteria. Customized concepts offer a major potential for improving the management of safety and health at work in economic organizations, regardless of their size, form of ownership or other conditioning categories, sectors of activity or public institutions. This paper aims to make contributions regarding the forecasting and identification of new and emerging OSH challenges related to how digitization would change automated systems, work equipment and tools used, how work is organized, business models, hierarchies and relationships, the characteristics of the force of work, responsibilities for OSH management, skills, knowledge and information needed to work.

The prediction of occupational health risks of n-Hexane in small and micro enterprises within China's printing industry using five occupational health risk assessment models.

Chronic n-Hexane poisoning is prevalent among workers in small and micro printing industries in China. Despite this, there is limited research on occupational health risk assessment in these sectors. Conducting comprehensive risk assessments at key positions and proposing effective countermeasures are essential. Data were collected from 84 key positions across 32 small and micro-sized printing enterprises. Air samples were tested for n-Hexane exposure levels in accordance with Chinese standards. Five risk assessment models were employed: COSHH, EPA, MOM, ICMM, and Technical Guide GBZ/T 289-2017 of China. The consistency of results across these models was analyzed. Workers in 84 job positions were categorized into four exposure groups, with exposure to n-Hexane for 8-10 h daily, 5-6 days weekly. Most positions operated with low automation levels (96.9% in printing, 5.9% in oil blending, and 42.9% in pasting), while others were manual. Localized ventilation rates were notably low in oil blending (23.5%), cleaning (14.3%), and pasting (9.5%) groups. n-Hexane concentrations exceeded Chinese occupational limits in 15.6% of printing, 17.7% of oil blending, and 21.4% of cleaning groups. Risk assessment models identified over 60% of work groups as high risk. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found among the seven risk assessment methods. Consistency analysis revealed moderate agreement between the Chinese synthesis index and exposure index methods (k = 0.571, p < 0.01). The Chinese synthesis and exposure index methods from Technical Guide GBZ/T 289-2017 are practical and reliable for assessing n-Hexane exposure risks in small and micro printing enterprises. Cleaning and printing roles were found to be at the highest risk for n-Hexane exposure. These findings provide valuable insights for targeted risk management strategies to protect workers' health in the industry.