Complaints Of Workers Research Articles

Risk factors for foot and ankle disorders among assembly plant workers

Jobs that necessitate prolonged standing and walking activities are commonly associated with worker's complaints of foot and ankle pain. The objective of this study was to determine the relative contributions of work activity (time spent standing, walking, or sitting), floor surface characteristics, weight, BMI, age, foot biomechanics, and other demographic and medical history factors to the prevalence of foot and ankle disorders. A cross-sectional observational study design was used to evaluate employees of an engine manufacturing plant. The main outcome variable was foot or ankle disorders defined by pain and a positive physical examination. The independent variables included baseline demographics, medical history, ergonomic exposures, psychosocial factors, shoe characteristics and foot biomechanics. Twenty-four percent of the cohort met the case definition of foot/ankle disorder with 10% defined as new cases. Fifty-two percent had symptoms of foot/ankle. An increased risk of presenting with foot/ankle disorders was associated with high metatarsal pressure on gait assessment, increased time spent walking, female gender, reported high job dissatisfaction, a history of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis or vascular disorder. For the truck/forklift drivers, an increased number of times getting in and out of the vehicle was associated with a higher prevalence of ankle/foot problems. An increased risk is associated with higher metatarsal pressure and increased time spent walking. These findings suggest several options for primary and secondary prevention strategies. The use of shoe orthoses with a medial longitudinal arch and metatarsal pad as well as including optional sit/stand workstations may be helpful.

Health complaints among subjects involved in oil cleanup operations during oil spillage from a Greek tanker "Tasman Spirit"

Oil spillage in the sea water is a disaster for marine life and humans in the vicinity. The study aimed at investigating health complaints among subjects involved in oil cleanup operations during a spillage from a Greek oil tanker "Tasman Spirit". The project was conducted under the supervision of the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study concerned the respiratory and general health complaints in 50 apparently healthy, non-smoking male workers exposed to crude oil during oil cleanup operations. The exposed group was matched with a similar number of male, non-smoking controls. The health complaints were evaluated based on a comprehensive interview. The subjects involved in oil cleanup operations had significantly higher rates of health complaints including cough (38%), runny nose (36%), eye irritation/redness (32%), sore throat (28%), headache (28%), nausea (24%) and general illness (18%), compared to their matched controls. Air pollution due to crude oil spillage into sea water may cause respiratory and general health complaints in workers involved in oil cleanup operations.

A Strategic Approach to Labor Inspection

The challenges facing workplace regulators are daunting: Workplace agencies in developing and developed countries alike face severe resource constraints. Changes in the workplace, from the growth of the informal sector and the fissuring of the traditional employment relationship to the decline of labor unions and emergence of new forms of workplace risk make the task facing labor inspectors far more complicated. This complex workplace environment cannot be addressed by simple calls for more resources or better training. Instead, I discuss four major principles - prioritization, deterrence, sustainability, and systemic effects - that labor inspectorates need to integrate into framing enforcement policies as part of a strategic approach to the complex regulatory environment. I then apply these criteria to evaluating interventions in the primary domains of enforcement: responding to worker complaints and conducting programmatic investigations.

An Investigation of Ergonomics Analysis Tools Used in Industry in the Identification of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Web-based surveys were sent to Canadian certified ergonomists, Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSCs) and health and safety certification trainers to understand better which ergonomics analysis tools were used in industry and help JHSCs obtain the necessary training required to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The results showed that most of the certified ergonomists used the Snook/Mital tables, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) equation and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA)/rapid entire body assessment (REBA). The most frequently used methods by JHSCs to identify ergonomics risk were injury reports and worker complaints. The surveys for the health and safety certification trainers revealed that most curricula did not include ergonomics analysis tools. There appears to be a gap between what is recommended by certified ergonomists for JHSC, what is taught in training and what is used by JHSCs for ergonomics risk analysis. A better understanding, modifications in training curricula and education of JHSCs are needed to help reduce WMSDs.

Rapid Assessment of Microbial Hazards in Metalworking Fluids

Industries that use metalworking fluids require a test method that can rapidly estimate the total number of bacteria. Such a test method would improve the ability to manage the metal working fluid by allowing near real−time decision making. The ability to manage the fluid more consistently and make critical decisions as they arise would reduce occupational exposures to contaminated metalworking fluid and likely result in fewer worker complaints and/or work stoppages. In this study, a filtration−based rapid adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay, which takes less than 10 min to perform, was evaluated as a test method for estimating total bacteria populations in metalworking fluid. This evaluation used two types of metalworking fluid (soluble and semisynthetic) that were inoculated usingPseudomonas aeruginosa and spoiled metalworking fluid. Daily parallel testing was completed on metalworking fluid samples using the rapid adenosine triphosphate assay and the standard plate count methods. Daily test results were evaluated by calculating r 2 values using statistical correlation and regression procedures for each fluid type. Study result sindicate the rapid adenosine triphosphate assay is strongly correlated to the standard plate count method for soluble and semisynthetic fluids, producing results of r 2 = 0.74 and r 2 = 0.89, respectively.

Longitudinal Study to Explore Chronic Neuropsychologic Effects on Solvent Exposed Workers

The aim of the study was to examine possible neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system (CNS) in relation to a chronic solvent exposure at the workplace. The collective included 127 workers exposed to solvent mixtures, such as spray painters and printers. They were examined twice by means of a physical examination, neuropsychological testbattery, biological and air monitoring. Major component of the solvents were white spirits in concentrations up to 127 ppm in air and 2,666 microg/l in blood. Single substances were mainly toluene and xylenes in concentrations below current threshold values at the workplace. During the 2 yr interval, the concentrations of solvents decreased, and no significant associations between the neuropsychological tests and the solvent exposure were found. Regarding the whole working history of each participant, we found a significant reduction on information processing velocity and performance in the trailmaking test, as well as more complaints of workers with higher solvent exposure in the past. A slight increase of subjective complaints and a deteriorated power of concentration seems to be associated with chronic solvent exposure.

Adverse environmental health effects of ultra-low relative humidity indoor air.

In Japan, relative humidity (RH) shows the lowest achievement rate among the various general air quality standards for work environment. It has been mainly contributed by airtight design of modern buildings and occurrence of dry outdoor air in winter. Furthermore, an ultra-dry air environment of nearly 0% RH is often required in sophisticated industries. In order to assess the adverse health effects of the ultra-dry air environment, using a self-reported questionnaire, we have undertaken a study of over 200 employees of a high-tech device developing laboratory having a room at 2.5% RH (ultra-dry room). Those who worked in the ultra-dry room were identified and the prevalence of symptoms was compared with the other workers. Analysis was performed by Wilcoxon's test and Fisher's exact test. In the ultra-dry room, all the twelve workers covered their skin with long-sleeve clothes, paper caps, paper masks and latex gloves. They reported skin symptoms more often (p<0.05) than the other workers (N=143). The prevalence of atopic dermatitis was also higher in the exposed workers (p<0.05). The complaints of workers in the ultra-dry environment were similar to preceding reports concerning moderately dry environmental exposures. The current precautions to protect the workers from the adverse effects of ultra-low RH appear to be insufficient, indicating that additional measures such as selection of appropriate clothing to mere skin coverage should be considered.

Characteristics and Affecting Factors of Tinnitus in Noise Exposed Workers

Objectives: Tinnitus is a relatively common complaint of workers who are exposed to noise. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus as well as the factors related to the prevalence of tinnitus. Methods: A cross-sectional audiologic survey was combined with a questionnaire on tinnitus in a stratified random sample of 246 shipyard workers who had long-term exposure to noise. Results: Forty seven had tinnitus, giving a prevalence of 19.1 percent. The tinnitus was the here and now in 44.7 percent of cases, bilateral in 51.1 percent, and caused sleep disturbances in 12.8 percent. The prevalence of tinnitus was highest in shipfitters and those with longer exposure duration. The workers with tunnitus had consistently higher hearing thresholds at both high and low frequencies than those with no tinnitus. The workers with tinnitus had a significantly higher prevalence of hearing disorders such as conductive hearing loss, a C5-dip, and NIHL. Multivariative logistic regression indicated that past history of ear disease, working and military service exposure to noise were independently associated with tinnitus. The adjusted odds ratio estimates for tinnitus were 3.0 times greater (95% CI 1.4-6.4) for the group with a past history of ear diseases, 2.3 times greater (95% CI 1.0-5.0) for the military noise exposed group, and 4.5 times greater (95% CI 1.8-11.1) for the working noise exposed group. Conclusions: The results provide evidence that reports of tinnitus at the time of the annual audiometric testing may be useful in identifying workers at greater risk of developing significant shifts in their hearing thresholds. An awareness of the possible occurrence of tinnitus may encourage workers to cooperate more actively in a company’s hearing conservation program.

Do Anti-Glare Filters Help Computer Users in Offices?

Computer screen glare is associated with worker complaints of eyestrain and other visual problems, and it impairs the visual performance of workers. Previous research suggests that the use of an optical glass anti-glare filter that fits over the computer screen can be an effective solution to many kinds of glare problem. The present study tests the effects of four types of ant***glare filter design on self reported comfort, health and performance. Results from a field experimental study show that the use of anti-glare filters reduces the frequency of visual health symptoms. Ratings of productivity were highest for circular polarizing and high transmission filters.

Neurobehavioural changes and persistence of complaints in workers exposed to styrene in a polyester boat building plant: influence of exposure characteristics and microsomal epoxide hydrolase phenotype

OBJECTIVESTo investigate neurobehavioural effects and the persistence of complaints in workers exposed to styrene relative to exposure characteristics and the enzyme microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) activity.METHODSA cross sectional study was...

P142 某ワープロ入力作業場における電磁波環境と作業者自覚症状について

P142 某ワープロ入力作業場における電磁波環境と作業者自覚症状について

Sleep/Wake Cycle Parameters and Sleep/Fatigue Complaints in Female Night Workers

Adaptation to shift-work is influenced by the way workers schedule their lives, including allocation of sleep episodes. Female workers (n = 29) engaged at an assembly line were studied as to individual differences in sleep parameters in order to verify whether those differences could be related to the manifestation of sleep and fatigue complaints. The sample was composed of women (20–40 y) working at night from Monday to Friday. Sleep data were based on daily sleep logs which were filled out by the workers for 10 consecutive weeks. In the analyses of sleep data both diurnal episodes between consecutive night shifts and noctural sleep episodes preceding working nights were taken into account. Worker's complaints were analyzed through questions extracted from an interview form encompassing questions on fatigue associated with the work schedule and on dissatisfaction with sleep on weekdays and weekends. The analysis of diurnal episodes showed no significant correlation between the total amount of sleep per day and the total number of complaints. Nevertheless, the latter was correlated to the length of the first sleep episode on a day, which usually began in the morning. As to sleep onset times, significant correlations were not detected concerning the first diurnal episodes. The analysis of nocturnal episodes did not reveal any significant correlation between sleep parameters and complaints. Results indicate that workers whose sleep onsets were allocated to the morning and were able to sleep for many consecutive hours, tended to show less complaints, suggesting that the temporal allocation of diurnal sleep and its length are relevant in the determination of how these workers perceive fatigue and sleep quality.

Rehabilitation ergonomists: standards for development

Ergonomics, in the traditional definition, is the science of design of work sites and work methods which influence production performance. In recent years, worker complaints and reports of injuries have caused evaluation of the effect of work stressors on workers. Currently, the rehabilitation specialist plays a pivotal role in both prevention and management of physical work related complaints. Rehabilitation ergonomic practitioners combine a scientific background in function and pathology with the act of developing preventive or restorative remedies. A volunteer group of sixteen rehabilitation professionals who utilize ergonomic principles in the workplace developed a document, identifying job functions of the newly defined field. This paper presents philosophy and a model for educational development and potential credentialing areas for rehabilitation ergonomists.

Ergonomics and education: fad, failure or fraction of back injury prevention?

Ergonomics, in the traditional definition, is the science of design of work sites and work methods which influence production performance. In recent years, worker complaints and reports of injuries have caused evaluation of the effect of work stressors on workers. Currently, the rehabilitation specialist plays a pivotal role in both prevention and management of physical work related complaints. Rehabilitation ergonomic practitioners combine a scientific background in function and pathology with the act of developing preventive or restorative remedies. A volunteer group of sixteen rehabilitation professionals who utilize ergonomic principles in the workplace developed a document, identifying job functions of the newly defined field. This paper presents philosophy and a model for educational development and potential credentialing areas for rehabilitation ergonomists.

夏期の遺跡発掘作業に関する研究

夏期の遺跡発掘作業に関する研究

Lead poisoning in telephone cable strippers: a new setting for an old problem.

Lead poisoning among workers processing lead sheathed telephone cable was identified at five worksites. High blood lead levels (BLLs) were identified during the medical evaluation of symptomatic workers following employer mandated air monitoring and through employer mandated blood lead levels. Once high BLLs were identified, governmental agencies became involved at every site, either as a result of worker complaints to OSHA or as a registry reporting mechanism. Workplace evaluation revealed significant overexposure to lead, particularly among workers mechanically stripping the lead sheaths. After intervention by a government agency, four of the workplaces chose to stop lead cable processing. Because the ongoing replacement of lead sheathed telephone cable with fiber optics may be continuing in many areas of the country, there is concern that the clusters we have identified represents a widespread and little recognized setting for lead overexposure. Recommendations for preventing overexposure to lead in this setting are given.

The effect of air humidification on different symptoms in office workers — An epidemiologic study

Abstract The effects of air humidification were studied in the Pasila Office Center, a modern eight-floor office building of 2150 workers in Helsinki, Finland. The occurrence of symptoms and complaints among the workers in the humidified part of the building (n = 122) was compared to the symptoms and complaints of workers in similar nonhumidified rooms (n = 132) in February, March, and April. The workers in the humidified part reported significantly less dryness of skin, throat and nose, and nasal obstruction as well as sensation of air dryness compared to those in the non-humidified part. There was no evidence of humidifier fever symptoms during the study period.

Strengthening Occupational Safety and Health Enforcement

INCE the Reagan Administration took office, enforceG ment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act has been weakened severely from the period of maximum 3 051-I OSHA activity in I976-80 (i-z). Worker complaints to the Agency have dropped by one-third since I98I, in large part as a result of worker recognition that OSHA will not protect them (z-3). Pressure from labor unions has recently somewhat improved the level of OSHA enforcement, primarily with regard to willful falsification of injury and illness records. However, the citations and fines issued for hazardous conditions are still minimal at best in most cases. The inadequacies of current enforcement activity, and the failure of the Agency to ameliorate hazards faced by many workers, call for aggressive measures to be taken. This paper discusses immediate actions intended both to strengthen the power of the Agency with regard to the existing Act and standards, and to go beyond reliance on specific standards.

Development of Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) and their Implementation

Abstract The sources of variability of body exposure with respect to inhalation exposure, workplace exposure, and body response are discussed, as well as the data base for determining BEIs which the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) offers as reference values for biological monitoring of workplace exposure. Such monitoring is recommended as supplemental to air monitoring and is especially useful whenever the substance is absorbed by routes other than inhalation, whenever the efficacy of personal protective aids is in question, whenever the complaints of workers are not substantiated by airborne concentration measurements, whenever the substance accumulates in the body over years, or whenever overexposure of the worker has occurred in the past. There is a large variability in body response to the exposure. Numerous factors interpose in the correlation between inhalation exposure and body exposure. Therefore, the BEI should be applied only to specimens collected as indicated and with full understanding of circumstantial factors which affect determinant levels in the body. The main concern should be routes of absorption and exposure to other chemicals (industrial or medication). The documentations for BEIs, published by ACGIH, provide basic information to be considered when biological monitoring is instituted and the BEI is applied.

The understanding of complaints in a noisy workshop.

Abstract The complaints of workers in a noisy workshop were taken as the basis of recognition and attitude to noise. However, all the complaints based on noise exposure could not be attributed to neurotic responses. The distinctive character of homeostatic changes induced by noise exposure was attributable to the depression of the adreno-cortical function. The possibility was considered that the metabolism of the brain was disturbed by the noise exposure. It was concluded that the complaints of workers exposed to noise must be considered from the view-point that workers have a physical, mental and social existence.