Health Risks For Workers Research Articles

Metaheuristic Optimization of Agricultural Machinery for the Colombian Carnation Industry

The flower-growing sector in Latin America presents significant health risks for workers, which highlights the need for technological updates in their production processes. Likewise, outdated machinery leads to losses that need to be avoided. The method of productive innovation developed in this document involves optimizing a mechanism of agricultural machinery used in carnation classification. The optimization is achieved by minimizing the jerk of the mechanism’s movement using metaheuristic methods. The results of three metaheuristic methods are compared against a brute force methodology. Optimization using these metaheuristic methods allows for achieving satisfactory results with up to 98% time reduction in the optimization process. This jerk optimization gives a longer useful life to the machinery, reduces the production stops needed for maintenance from once an hour to once every three hours, and reduces the damage done by the machine to the carnation stems.

Environmental health risk assessment and acute effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) inhalation exposure on traditional sulfur miners at Ijen Crater Volcano, Indonesia

The Ijen Crater volcano is one of the geological wonders recognized by UNESCO. Inside it is a blue lake with a high acidity level, and a blue fire phenomenon has formed due to the very high concentration of sulfur. This crater is also one of Indonesia's largest sources of sulfur and is used by locals as a traditional sulfur mine. This study aims to measure SO2 concentrations and assess the health risks of SO2 exposure in traditional sulfur mine workers. The SO2 measurements were taken using impingers at six sample points along the mine workers' path. In addition, anthropometric data, work activity patterns, and health complaints during work were collected through direct interviews with 30 respondents selected based on inclusion criteria. Short-Term Health Impact Method was carried out based on a comparison of threshold level values and acute effects obtained from interviews regarding health complaints. The Hazard Question Index (HQ Index) of SO2 exposure was calculated using the health risk assessment method. The SO2 concentrations between 3.14 and 18.24 mg/m3. All sample points were above the quality standard threshold set by the EPA of 1.97 mg/m3. The most common health complaints workers experienced were eye irritation and coughing while working, followed by headache, shortness of breath, and skin irritation. The HQ index of SO2 exposure in workers was 1.02 for real-time exposure and 2.15 for long-term exposure. An HQ index ≥ 1 indicates a potential health risk for workers. Therefore, it is important to control workers' SO2 exposure.

Assessing and mitigating health risks of workers exposed to volatile organic compounds in contaminated soils during active pit excavation: Accounting for exposure variability and uncertainty

Health risks to workers involved in the active pit excavation of volatile organic compound (VOC)-contaminated soils have been overlooked, despite the prevalence of ex-situ remediation practices in China. This study developed a new VOC exposure in pit excavation (VEPE) model that comprehensively accounts for the release of gas-phase VOCs in soil pores, surface volatilization of newly exposed agglomerates, and volatilization of newly exposed excavation pit bottom surfaces. Additionally, the model incorporates the concentration variation of soil contaminants, spatial heterogeneity of soil properties, and the variability and uncertainty of worker exposure using two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation (2D MCS), highlighting the importance of controlling area of new exposure surfaces, soil saturation, and air exchange during the pit excavation to mitigate risks. The study evaluated worker-health-based risks during the excavation of a VOC-contaminated site in Beijing and revealed that the inhalation cancer risk for trichloroethylene (2.35 × 10−6) and its hazard quotient (143.92) exceed the acceptable levels (10−6 and 1.0, respectively). The comparison of models demonstrated the theoretical advancements of the VEPE model over existing pit excavation models, while the field test comparison showed a significant improvement in the predication accuracy. This study addresses the under-researched area of worker safety in contaminated excavation sites. The findings have the potential to promote cleaner and more sustainable practices in ex-situ contaminated site remediation by providing valuable insights for implementing effective control measures to mitigate the emission of toxic VOCs, thereby reducing adverse social and environmental impacts.

A comprehensive perspective on potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) bound with particulate matters in ambient air of landfill sites: a systematic review and probabilistic risk assessment.

Air pollution from Potentially Hazardous Elements bound with particulate matter (PHEs bound PM) in landfill air is a significant concern for human health. To date, no comprehensive research has focused on the health risks of PHEs bound to PM in landfill air. This systematic review aimed to examine PHEs, including Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) bound with PM in landfill air and assess the health risk for workers and waste management personnel. The systematically search was made in different electronic databases. After the screening, 18 most relevant studied focused on PHEs bound PM in landfill air were selected. The data extraction analysis indicated that mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Ni, and Zn in landfill air were 0.3037, 0.0941, 0.4093, 0.0221, 0.2768, and 0.7622μg/m3, respectively. Except for Pb, the concentrations of other PHEs bound to PM exceeded USEPA air quality standards. In addition, Non-carcinogenic risks from Cd, Cr, and Ni exposure exceeded permissible limits (HQ > 1), while As had an HQ value of 0.401. Carcinogenic risks from As, Cd, Ni, and Pb exposure were 1.31 × 10-5, 5.10 × 10-4, 3.51 × 10-5, and 2.03 × 10-6, respectively. Notably, the lifetime carcinogenic risk for workers exposed to Cr in polluted air (6.17 × 10-3) exceeded permissible limits (10-4 to 10-6). In conclusion, given the high carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of some PHEs bound PM in landfills, it is necessary to conduct more research on the health effects of interaction with these PHEs bound PM on communities and the environment in different countries. Also, it is necessary to evaluate the role of different landfill operational activities on atmospheric dispersion of PHEs bound PM) in landfill air.

Cost-effectiveness evaluation of mass-rearing Cadra cautella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) based on harvest theory for sustainable alternative prey production.

Cadra cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a pest in barn, and its eggs are often utilized as an alternative prey or as hosts for mass production of insect predators and parasitoids. To aid in developing a mass-rearing system for C. castella, the suitability of using an artificial diet based on brown rice flour and whole brown rice was compared using the age-stage, 2-sex life table. Compared with those reared on brown rice, the insects reared on an artificial diet had a shorter preadult period (32.08 vs 37.38 d), higher fecundity (468.14 vs 356.20 eggs/female), greater intrinsic rate of increase (0.1509 vs 0.1145 d-1), and higher net reproductive rate (199.28 vs 103.52 offspring). Small populations were required to rear the moth on an artificial diet to achieve the same daily production of C. cautella. Still, the food expense was only 60.2% of that of C. cautella reared on brown rice. Approximately 99.44% of the eggs in each rearing procedure could be supplied as alternative prey for predators, with the remainder served to maintain the colonies for subsequent batches. Only eggs laid within 6 d would be utilized to ensure the high quality of alternative prey for the mass production of predacious bugs. Additionally, a multifunctional device was designed for moth rearing and egg collection, reducing labor input and minimizing health risks for workers coping with inhaled scales. To encourage the production of natural enemies, a cost-effective diet for maintaining a sustainable colony, and a system for daily egg-harvesting of alternative prey were proposed.

Overview of the Prevalence and Contributing Factors for Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: This manuscript aims to provide a synopsis of the current situation surrounding noise exposure at work and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Malaysia. NIHL is an occupational illness that affects most many people and can be prevented in many countries in the world. The production and agriculture businesses and the extraction of natural resources and urban traffic all contribute to ambient noise levels. Working in a noisy environment is the main occupational risk factor for adult-onset hearing loss. In this study, we investigate the prevalence of NIHL across different industries, as well as research publication trends on NIHL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Conducted thorough several online databases, like Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, for related research that had already been published. The review phases were carried out according to the recommendations laid out by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews. A set of criteria was developed for selecting relevant studies. RESULTS: The prevalence of NIHL among workers in Malaysia, varies across different industries and has been reported to range from 5.0% to 82.6%. NIHL has multiple contributing factors, including noise intensity, long-term exposure to daily noise, hearing protection devices and age. A review of these studies found varying percentages of individuals affected by each contributing factor. CONCLUSION: Occupational NIHL is a preventable health risk for workers across industries. Employers must adopt engineering and administrative controls (education and training) and provide personal hearing protectors to protect workers from noise.

Assessment of organic contaminants at a paint manufacturing site: Implications for health risks and source identification

The daily variation of organic contaminants, both gaseous and associated with suspended particulate matter (PM), was investigated within the estate of the National Company of Paintings in Lakhdaria, Algeria, spanning the period 2014-2015. The research emphasizes the chemical characterization of suspended PM, analyzing a range of organic compounds, including n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and highly polar organics (HPOC), such as phthalate esters and heterocyclic compounds. Vapors of PAHs and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were also analyzed. Low molecular weight compounds were primarily associated with the gas phase (two-ring PAHs, approximately 95%; three-ring PAHs, around 70%), while high molecular weight congeners were mainly associated with the particle phase (six-ring PAHs, 55%). The concentrations of PCBs (ranging from 0.6 to 42 ng m–3) were higher than those reported in other cities in Algeria and Europe. The source reconciliation of organic contaminants through principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the primary sources were petroleum combustion, industrial manufacturing, tobacco smoking, and vehicular traffic. The significance of tobacco smoke was further confirmed by the analysis of PAH diagnostic ratios. Differences in the rates of diagnostic ratios between gaseous and particulate PAHs were attributed to distinct contributions from sources such as industrial processes. Health risks for workers exposed to PAHs and PCBs in PM < 10 μm (PM10) were quantitatively assessed in terms of benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). The ILCR presents novel findings showcasing heightened risks among workers exposed to specific PAHs within production areas, whereas those related to PCBs suggested a high potential of health risks for laboratory workers.

Sustainable packaging innovations and their impact on HSE practices in the FMCG industry

Sustainable packaging innovations have emerged as a critical avenue for addressing environmental concerns and enhancing operational efficiency within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. This review delves into the multifaceted impact of sustainable packaging innovations on Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) practices within this sector. With the escalating global focus on environmental sustainability, FMCG companies are increasingly integrating sustainable packaging solutions into their operations. These innovations encompass a spectrum of approaches, including recyclable materials, biodegradable packaging, lightweight designs, and renewable resources. Such initiatives aim to mitigate the adverse environmental effects associated with traditional packaging practices, such as excessive waste generation and carbon emissions. The adoption of sustainable packaging innovations profoundly influences HSE practices in the FMCG industry. Firstly, it fosters a culture of environmental responsibility, prompting companies to prioritize eco-friendly materials and production processes. This shift aligns with regulatory standards and societal expectations, reducing the ecological footprint of FMCG products while enhancing brand reputation. Moreover, sustainable packaging innovations significantly impact health and safety aspects within FMCG operations. By reducing the reliance on non-biodegradable materials and hazardous substances, companies minimize occupational health risks for workers involved in packaging production and handling. Furthermore, lightweight packaging designs contribute to safer transportation and distribution practices, mitigating the likelihood of accidents and injuries along the supply chain. The integration of sustainable packaging innovations also engenders operational efficiencies within FMCG companies. Through optimization of packaging materials and processes, organizations can achieve cost savings, resource conservation, and enhanced supply chain resilience. These benefits bolster long-term competitiveness and profitability while reinforcing the commitment to HSE principles. Sustainable packaging innovations represent a transformative force within the FMCG industry, reshaping HSE practices and fostering a paradigm of environmental stewardship. As companies continue to prioritize sustainability in packaging strategies, they stand to realize tangible benefits in terms of regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and brand differentiation. This review underscores the imperative for FMCG stakeholders to embrace sustainable packaging innovations as a cornerstone of responsible business practice in the 21st century.

Bioaerosolization behaviour of potential pathogenic microorganisms from wastewater treatment plants: Occurrence profile, social function and health risks

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the leading sources of potential pathogenic bioaerosol that cause non-negligible health risks. However, bioaerosolization behaviour of potential pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) migrating from wastewater to the atmosphere is still unclear. This study investigated the occurrence profile of PPMs in wastewater, sludge and bioaerosol, then analyzed bioaerosolization level, impact factors and social function. Staphylococcus aureus was selected as the target due to its pathogenicity, and the health risks of workers, engineers and researchers wearing various masks (N90, N95 and medical masks) were evaluated. The results showed that there were 38 and 64 PPMs in bioaerosol from plant A and B. Streptomyces in plant A (average bioaerosolization index, BI= 237.71) and Acinetobacter in plant B (average BI = 505.88) were more likely to migrate from wastewater to the atmosphere forming bioaerosol. Environmental factors (relative humidity, wind speed and temperature) affected both BI and microbial species of PPMs in different ways. PPMs related to fermentation, aerobic chemoheterotrophy, and chemoheterotrophy are the most abundant. Meanwhile microbial networks from plants A and B showed that PPMs were well-connected. Emission level of Staphylococcus aureus bioaerosol can reach 980 ± 309.19 CFU/m3 in plant A and 715.55 ± 44.17 CFU/m3 in plant B. For three exposure population, disease burden (DB) and annual probability infection (Py) of Staphylococcus aureus bioaerosol in two plants were both higher than the U.S.EPA benchmark (10−4 DALYs pppy). All three masks (N90,N95 and medical masks) can decrease Py and DB by at least one order of magnitude. This study illustrated the bioaerosolization behaviour of PPMs comprehensively, which provides a scientific basis for exposure risk prevention and control.

Intelligent X-ray waste detection and classification via X-ray characteristic enhancement and deep learning

Waste management plays an important role in environmental protection and resource recycling. In fact, traditional waste recycling requires a large number of workers to sort manually, which is not only labor-intensive and time-consuming, but also increases the health risk for workers. To further improve the efficiency of waste detection and classification, related scholars have used computer vision technology to achieve automatic waste management. However, existing methods tend to use RGB images as input, requiring workers to open waste bags and disperse waste items in advance. To avoid comprehensive preparation procedures and identify occluded waste items, we use deep learning models to detect and recognize waste items in X-ray images. Compared to RGB images, X-ray images can effectively preserve boundary information and reflect material types. To take advantage of the inherent characteristics of X-ray images, we propose a novel X-ray Characteristic Enhancement Module (XCEM) to improve the performance of X-ray waste detection. XCEM consists of three sub-modules, namely Hybrid Interaction Module (HIM), Multi-scale Material Perception Module (MMPM), and Boundary Guidance Module (BGM). Specifically, HIM not only generates soft and hard boundary maps, but also achieves information interaction and feature enhancement of different boundary maps. Meanwhile, MMPM can effectively capture different multi-scale material features. In addition, BGM uses auxiliary boundary information and attention mechanisms to effectively enhance critical material features. As a plug-and-play module, XCEM can be readily inserted into the most popular detection pipelines. We select several representative one-stage and two-stage methods and perform related experiments on the WIXRay dataset. Experimental results show that our method can achieve consistent performance gains on diverse detection paradigms. This study promotes the development of intelligent waste inspection and recycling.

Balancing physical workload during workforce scheduling for fair task assignment in a manual warehouse

Warehousing tasks, such as order picking, involve extensive manual materials handling, which can lead to a high physical workload and associated health risks for workers. The goal of this paper is to develop a task assignment decision support model suitable for application in a manually operated warehouse. The model aims to balance the physical workload across the employed order pickers based on an ergonomic indicator, leading to fairer task allocations. The main contribution of this paper is the incorporation of a linearized ergonomic indicator into a typical warehousing task assignment problem that allocates batches to order pickers. The linearized indicator facilitates the ergonomic evaluation during the solution procedure using a commercial solver.

Assessment of seasonal variability of PM, BC and UFP levels at a highway toll stations and their associated health risks

As a part of their occupation, workers at toll stations are exposed to traffic emissions during the working shift, which sometimes stretches to 12 h. To assess the exposure and subsequent health risk of these workers, a study was performed on a highway toll station in India. PM1, PM2.5, PM10, BC and UFP concentration were determined inside a toll collectors’ cabin and outside in a free-flowing traffic section (125 m from the toll cabin). The concentrations varied in the following range: PM1 (40.69–226.13 μg m−3), PM2.5 (49.71–247.36 μg m−3), PM10 (83.15–458.14 μg m−3) and BC (2.1–87.5 μg m−3) and UFP: 101–53705 pt cm−3. The mean concentration inside the cabin was 1.34 (PM1), 1.35 (PM2.5), 1.16 (PM10) and 2.91 (BC) times the concentration outside for the summer season. The corresponding levels in the winter season were 1.14 (PM1), 1.11 (PM2.5), 1.11 (PM10), 2.50 (BC) and 1.82 (UFP). In addition to the exhaust emission, the non-exhaust emissions such as resuspension of crustal particles, fly ash and bioaerosols were identified. Using the Multiple Path Particle Dosimetry model for two groups - adults (18–21 years) and adults (21+ years), it was estimated that the pulmonary deposition of in-cabin workers were 50% (PM2.5) −75% (PM1) higher than the workers outside the cabin. Particle mass deposition was found to be higher for adults (21+ years) than adults (18–21 years) for both the seasons. The study quantitatively assessed the health risk faced by the workers in terms of exposure concentration and deposition in respiratory tract. More such studies at different traffic mix and climate can provide better estimates of health risk of toll workers that can be used to devise appropriate strategies for control of it.

Entomopathogenic fungi against the red palm weevil: Lab and field evidence

Palms are threatened by a major pest, the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The damage caused by its infestation is costly, often resulting in the removal of affected trees and the need for additional treatments to halt the pest's spread. The larvae's development and feeding activities within the trunk cause extensive damage to the trees. However, the lack of early infestation signs worsens the spread of the attack. While chemical treatments are effective, they pose issues such as pest resistance, worker health risks, and environmental concerns. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Isaria fumosorosea, and Lecanicillium lecanii, are a promising alternative for managing RPW infestations. This literature review delves into the biology, ecology, and infection process of EPF and RPW, as well as the factors influencing the effectiveness of EPF against R. ferrugineus throughout its life cycle. The review also assesses the various EPF application and delivery methods along with the challenges and risks associated with their field use. It summarizes the results of various studies that tested the ability of EPF to control RPW in the laboratory and in the field, comparing the efficacy of different species and strains of EPF. The review concludes that EPF can significantly reduce RPW populations and damage, particularly when used in conjunction with other control methods like pheromone traps, insecticides, and sanitation. However, it also underscores the need for additional research and development to optimize the use of EPF for R. ferrugineus management and ensure their safety and sustainability.

Occupational health risk for workers in the production of synthetic polyacrylonitrile fibers

The high proportion of workers in the chemical industry working in hazardous working conditions and the justification of measures to preserve their health are an urgent task in the field of protecting the health of the working population, however, aspects of the formation of occupational risks in the production of chemical fibers remain insufficiently studied. The article presents the results of prospective cohort comprehensive studies of working conditions and health status of 137 workers in the production of polyacrylonitrile fibers. The factors of the working environment (chemical, microclimate, noise), the severity and intensity of the labor process, the first identified and chronic non-infectious morbidity for 2017–2021 were studied. It has been established that workers work under the influence of a complex of factors harmful to their health, including chemicals of hazard classes 1–4 (acrylonitrile, methyl acryate, hydrocyanide, sulfuric acid, caustic alkalis, ethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol), industrial noise, physical and neuro-emotional overloads, the levels of which, to varying degrees, exceed the hygienic standards, forming harmful working conditions (classes 3.1–3.4). In the structure of the accumulated chronic morbidity of workers, the leading ranking places belonged to diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (24.3 %), the circulatory system (16.04 %), and the genitourinary system (15.0 %). As a result of the assessment of cause-and-effect relationships of health disorders with work, the production conditionality of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, represented by dorsalgia of various levels, of an average degree (RR = 1.893; EF = 47.183 %; CI = 1.192–3.007) was established. Quantitative assessment of group occupational risk corresponded to the category of «high risk» (4.780 × 10–2), indicating the need to reduce it to an acceptable level. The limitation of the study was the study of occupational risk factors for health disorders among employees of one enterprise. The results obtained were used to develop measures to reduce occupational health risks for workers in the production of synthetic polyacrylonitrile fibers.

Оценка степени воздействия виброакустических факторов производственной среды на работников горнодобывающей промышленности Арктической зоны

Assessment of occupational health risks for workers with basic mining occupations including those exposed to elevated levels of vibroacoustic factors remains a topical issue. Given that, the aim of this study was to assess degree of exposure to occupational vibroacoustic factors and its effects on mining industry workers in the Arctic zone using occupational risk as a basic criterion. Prior risk assessment relied on results of hygienic assessment of vibroacoustic factors according to data derived by the Special Assessment of Working Conditions (SAWC) and verified by instrumental research. Posterior risk quantification was performed using data on occupational incidence among workers over the last 10 years considering their numbers. Unacceptable prior occupational risks caused by exposure to noise were detected for all analyzed occupations. According to instrumental research, risks levels higher than those identified by SAWC were detected for open face miners and cargo handling machine operators. According to SAWC data, unacceptable prior occupational risks caused by exposure to vibration were identified only for cargo handling machine operators; additional instrumental research identified such levels of occupational risks for them as well but also for blast hole drillers. Occupational risk quantification established that unacceptable (above 1•10-3) levels of occupational risk caused by vibration disease (VD) and sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) were detected in all analyzed occupational groups. The highest risk levels caused by exposure to vibration were identified for such an occupational group as ‘cargo handling machine operators’ and ranked as ‘average’ (1.37•10-2). The highest risk levels caused by exposure to noise were identified for timbermen and were also ranked as ‘average’ (1.32•10-2). Results obtained by quantification of occupational health risks for mining industry workers in the Arctic zone refine results of prior assessment can be applied in planning activities aimed at mitigating health risks for workers caused by exposure to vibroacoustic factors.

Assessing degree of exposure to vibroacoustic occupational factors for mining industry workers in Аrctic zone

Assessment of occupational health risks for workers with basic mining occupations including those exposed to elevated levels of vibroacoustic factors remains a topical issue. Given that, the aim of this study was to assess degree of exposure to occupational vibroacoustic factors and its effects on mining industry workers in the Arctic zone using occupational risk as a basic criterion. Prior risk assessment relied on results of hygienic assessment of vibroacoustic factors according to data derived by the Special Assessment of Working Conditions (SAWC) and verified by instrumental research. Posterior risk quantification was performed using data on occupational incidence among workers over the last 10 years considering their numbers. Unacceptable prior occupational risks caused by exposure to noise were detected for all analyzed occupations. According to instrumental research, risks levels higher than those identified by SAWC were detected for open face miners and cargo handling machine operators. According to SAWC data, unacceptable prior occupational risks caused by exposure to vibration were identified only for cargo handling machine operators; additional instrumental research identified such levels of occupational risks for them as well but also for blast hole drillers. Occupational risk quantification established that unacceptable (above 1•10-3) levels of occupational risk caused by vibration disease (VD) and sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) were detected in all analyzed occupational groups. The highest risk levels caused by exposure to vibration were identified for such an occupational group as ‘cargo handling machine operators’ and ranked as ‘average’ (1.37•10-2). The highest risk levels caused by exposure to noise were identified for timbermen and were also ranked as ‘average’ (1.32•10-2). Results obtained by quantification of occupational health risks for mining industry workers in the Arctic zone refine results of prior assessment can be applied in planning activities aimed at mitigating health risks for workers caused by exposure to vibroacoustic factors.

Quantitative SARS-CoV-2 exposure assessment for workers in wastewater treatment plants using Monte-Carlo simulation

Several studies on COVID-19 pandemic have shown that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) originating from human stool are detected in raw sewage for several days, leading to potential health risks for workers due to the production of bioaerosols and droplets during wastewater treatment process. In this study, data of SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in wastewater were gathered from literatures, and a quantitative microbial risk assessment with Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the daily probability of infection risk through exposure to viable infectious viral airborne particles of the workers during four seasons and under six environmental conditions. Inhalation of bioaerosols and direct ingestion of wastewater droplets were selected as exposure pathways. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used for sensitivity analysis to identify the variables with the greatest influence on the infection risk probability. It was found that the daily probability of infection risk decreased with temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) increase. The probability of direct droplet ingestion exposure pathway was higher than that of the bioaerosol inhalation pathway. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the most sensitive variable for both exposure pathways was the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in stool. So, appropriate aeration systems, covering facilities, and effective ventilation are suggested to implement in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to reduce emission concentration. Further to this, the exposure time (t) had a larger variance contribution than T and RH for the bioaerosol inhalation pathway. Implementing measures such as adding more work shifts, mandating personal protective equipment for all workers, and implementing coverage for treatment processes can significantly reduce the risk of infection among workers at WWTPs. These measures are particularly effective during environmental conditions with low temperatures and humidity levels.

Posture Risk Assessment and Workload Estimation for Material Handling by Computer Vision

Workers in material handling tasks often suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) caused by inaccurate work postures or the lifting of excessively heavy loads. Therefore, effective ergonomic assessment of workers is needed to improve worker productivity while reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. This paper proposes a noninvasive method for evaluating posture risks and load analysis in manual material handling tasks. The study focuses on three main aspects: first, using 3D pose recognition technology to extract the 3D coordinates and joint angles of the human body. Second, the REBA method was improved by using fuzzy logic theory to more effectively capture the slow transition features of continuous movement by humans without abruptly altering risk scores, as well as to increase the accuracy and consistency of posture risk evaluation. Third, joint torque and workloads were estimated using biomechanical calculations by integrating pressure insoles and 3D joint coordinate data. Experiments show that this method can effectively evaluate posture risks and workloads in manual material handling tasks, with a correlation coefficient of 0.817 ( p < 0.01 ) between fuzzy logic REBA and REBA and an error rate of 15% in estimating workloads of eight joints. This method can help reduce occupational health risks for workers and industries and improve work efficiency.

YOLO (YOU ONLY LOOK ONCE) ALGORITHM-BASED AUTOMATIC WASTE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

Our paper presents the design and implementation of an automated waste management system that utilizes the You Only Look Once (YOLO) algorithm and computer vision techniques for efficient waste sorting. The escalating global concern regarding waste management necessitates the development of automated systems to address the challenges associated with waste sorting. By leveraging YOLO’s object detection capabilities and the power of computer vision, our system accurately identifies and classifies various types of waste in real time. The YOLO algorithm’s efficiency and speed enable the swift processing of waste items, facilitating efficient sorting into predefined placements. This automated system not only improves accuracy but also reduces health risks for workers and minimizes environmental harm. Complemented by public awareness campaigns promoting proper waste separation and recycling practices, our research contributes to advancing waste management technologies and fostering sustainable practices for a healthier environment.

Гигиеническая оценка условий труда и профессиональной заболеваемости работников горнодобывающей промышленности в Арктической зоне Норильского промышленного района

The development of the Arctic zone as a strategic resource base and its rational use aimed at the economic growth acceleration is a key interest of the Russian Federation in this region. The occupational environment in mining industry is associated with unique working conditions. Underground mining makes workers’ health protection the most significant task. The aim of this study was to perform hygienic assessment of working conditions, occupational incidence and occupational health risks for workers employed in mining industry in the Arctic zone of the Norilsk industrial area. Occupational health risks were assessed using indicators outlined in the Guide R 2.2.2006-05 The Guide on Hygienic Assessment of Factors Related to Working Environment and Work Process. Exposure to occupational noise and considerable work hardness are priority factors in the analyzed industry that cause occupational diseases. Occupational diseases among workers employed in mining industry in the Norilsk industrial area belonged to six nosologies. Vibration disease, stages 1 and 2, makes the greatest contribution to the overall structure of occupational incidence since it accounts for 68.6 % in it. The second place belongs to two-sided sensorineural hearing loss, stages 1 and 2, 13.5 %. Radiculopathy occupies the third rank place accounting for 10.9 %. Unacceptable occupational health risks were identified at 76.8 % of workplaces. A high share of workplaces with unacceptable occupational health risks leads to high occupational incidence among mining workers in the Norilsk industrial area, its levels being higher than the national average.