NIOSH Research Articles

INTEGRATING PREVENTION THROUGH DESIGN (PTD) INTO ENGINEERING CURRICULA

For many years, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and construction safety experts have advocated for implementing the Prevention through Design (PtD) concept in the United States. PtD aims to eliminate construction hazards during the design phase to prevent or reduce occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities during the construction phase. PtD is achieved by incorporating prevention considerations into all designs that may impact workers' safety. Civil and architectural engineers are considered the primary initiators of PtD in the construction industry, with the ability to educate project owners and construction practitioners about its benefits and importance. However, this group has a few, if any, educational interventions or training opportunities to develop PtD knowledge and skills in the United States. As a result, faculty members who may be willing to teach the PtD concept in their design courses (e.g., concrete, steel, foundation and traffic design courses) have limited exposure to the PtD concept and no clear guidelines to integrate PtD into their courses. This study surveys engineering department chairs in the United States to assess their perceptions about integrating PtD into the engineering curriculum. The findings showed that most participants do not favor incorporating PtD as a standalone course in the engineering curriculum. However, they expressed their support for integrating the concept as small modules within existing engineering design courses. Faculty members, teaching engineering design, should be provided the necessary resources to achieve this. This study contributes to our understanding of PtD integration strategies within engineering programs.

Comparison and analysis research on occupational exposure limits of coal dust between China and foreign countries

Objective: To study and compare the occupational exposure limits (OELs) of coal dust between China and foreign countries, understand the OEL of coal dust in China, and provide data and basis for revising the OEL of coal dust in China. Methods: In August 2023, by searching the official websites of limits setting institutions in relevant countries and regions at home and abroad, collecting and sorting out the OELs of coal dust issued by 10 limit setting institutions in 6 countries and the background information of the formulation, and conducting specific analysis on the classification, limit level and formulation principles of coal dust OEL in each country/institution. Results: In China and Japan, the total dust and respirable dust of coal dust OEL were established respectively, while in other countries, only the time-weighted average concentration (TWA) of respirable coal dust exposure was established. The TWA prescribed by China's Notional Health Commission, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) , the United States Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Australian Safety Work Bureau when the SiO(2) content was less than 5% were 5, 2.4, 2 and 3 mg/m(3) respectively. China GBZ 2.1-2019 sets the limit of 2.5 mg/m(3) for respirable coal dust with SiO(2) content less than 10%. The TWA set by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the South African Department of Mines and Energy (DME) for anthracite coal were 0.4 and 0.8 mg/m(3), respectively, and bituminous coal or lignite were 0.9 and 1.8 mg/m(3), respectively. The respirable coal dust TWA set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States was 1 mg/m(3), and the TWA set by the New Zealand Work Safety Authority was 3 mg/m(3). Conclusion: At present, the OEL of coal dust in China is at a relatively loose level, and it is suggested to further explore the possibility of revising coal dust OEL.

Bibliometric and visual analysis of pneumoconiosis based on Cite Space

Objective: Through the bibliometrics analysis and visual analysis of Chinese and English literature related to pneumoconiosis through CiteSpace, to understand the research situation, research trend and hotspots of pneumoconiosis, so as to provide reference for further research. Methods: In August 2022, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) data baseand Web of Science core collection database were used as data sources for literature retrieval. Cite Space.5.8.R3c software was used to analyze the cooperation between authors and institutions, keyword co-occurrence analysis, keyword clustering analysis and keyword emergence analysis. Results: A total of 4726 Chinese literature and 2490 English literature related to pneumoconiosis were included; The annual publication volume of Chinese literature shows a fluctuating downward trend, while the annual publication volume of English literature shows a fluctuating upward trend. The Institute of Labor Health and Occupational Disease of the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medical Sciences and the Institute of Occupational Health and Poisoning Control of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention have the highest publication volume (55 articles) in the institutional cooperation network; The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States has the highest publication volume (153 articles) in the institutional collaboration network. The results of keyword co-occurrence, clustering, and prominence analysis show that Chinese literature focuses more on clinical research on pneumoconiosis, while English literature focuses more on experimental research related to the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis. Conclusion: In the related field of pneumoconiosis research, the experimental research and clinical research on the pathogenesis are the main research hotspots.

Noise-induced hearing loss and hearing protection: Attitudes at a South African coal mine.

Negative attitudes and beliefs are major contributing factors to the rising numbers of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) cases in coal mines both locally and internationally. International literature confirms limited knowledge surrounding employees' attitudes and beliefs regarding NIHL and hearing protection devices (HPDs), hence the need for the study. To ascertain the attitudes and beliefs about NIHL and HPD use among employees at a large scale underground coal mine in Mpumalanga. A descriptive and exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on Beliefs about Hearing Protection and Hearing Loss (BHPHL). Participants (n= 241) included employees from a coal mine in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Out of 241 completed surveys, this study found that 84% were aware of when to replace earmuffs; 95% believed wearing HPDs could prevent hearing loss in noisy environments; 83% felt their hearing was impacted by loud noise. Additionally, 86% mentioned discomfort from earmuff pressure; 95% emphasised HPD importance; and 95% used HPDs around loud sounds. Moreover, 98% knew how to properly wear earplugs, while lower education levels were linked to higher susceptibility to NIHL. The study identified positive attitudes towards NIHL and HPD use, but existing NIHL cases must be acknowledged. Organisations can use the findings to develop tailored hearing conservation programmes (HCP), including education, involving employees in protection decisions and promoting diligent HPD usage.Contribution:This study contributes to the limited literature on noise perceptions, NIHL, and HPD use in mining, emphasising the impact attitude has on HPD use and assessing the effect of miners NIHL knowledge on compliance. The findings, unique to coal mining, hold significance for enhancing hearing conservation and reducing NIHL.

Evidence-based dust exposure prediction and/or control tools in occupational settings: A scoping review protocol.

Workplace atmospheric exposure monitoring is the standard method to assess and control hazardous dust exposure; however, feasibility and cost constraints often limit its application. In recent decades, evidence-based tools supporting exposure modelling and control banding have been developed to aid in predicting and/or controlling occupational exposure to various contaminants. However, there is limited information on the availability and applicability of evidence-based tools for predicting and/or controlling occupational dust exposure, as well as on the methods for evaluating these tools across different exposure scenarios. Therefore, this planned scoping review aims to identify existing evidence-based tools for dust exposure predicting and/or controlling and to present evaluation approaches. We will employ the scoping review methods developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The search will be conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, in addition to grey literature from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and advanced Google searches. Studies will be included if they report evidence-based tools for predicting and/or controlling dust exposure using quantitative or semi-quantitative designs and provide a detailed explanation of the methods used for tool development. There will be no restrictions on publication date or geographical location; however, only studies published in English will be considered. Studies focusing exclusively on dust exposure in environmental settings will be excluded. Each member of the review team will screen titles, abstracts, and full texts independently and in collaboration, based on the inclusion criteria. The extracted data will encompass details such as author, title, country, accessible platforms, method/tool names, intended users, types of dust, and occupational settings. Descriptions of the identified tools will include numerical data and narrative summaries to ensure a comprehensive overview. OSF (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/S6EZJ).

Relationship between exposure to metalworking fluids and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The relationship between metalworking fluids (MWFs) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been previously explored. We aim to investigate the relationship between occupational exposure to MWFs and the prevalence of NAFLD and to determine the cumulative exposure threshold per day. In 2020, 2079 employees were selected randomly from one computer numerical control machining factory in Wuxi for a questionnaire survey, and occupational health examinations were conducted at the affiliated branch of Wuxi Eighth People's Hospital. MWF samples were collected within the factory using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 5524 method. NAFLD was defined as having a hepatic steatosis index (HSI) ≥ 36 without significant alcohol consumption. The relationship between NAFLD and MWFs was analyzed using logistic regression, and the daily exposure threshold was calculated using R software. MWF exposure was found to be a risk factor for NAFLD in exposed workers compared to the non-exposed group. The OR for NAFLD in workers exposed to MWFs compared to controls was 1.42 (95% CI: 1.04-1.95). An increased risk of NAFLD was shown to be associated with an increasing dose. The daily exposure dose threshold to MWFs was found to be 6.54mg/m3 (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.24-3.52). An association between occupational exposure to MWFs and NAFLD was found. As the concentration of exposure rose, the prevalence of NAFLD was also escalated.

BTEX OCCURRENCE IN THE INDOOR AIR OF BEAUTY SALONS – PRELIMINARY RESEARCH

This study aimed to identify and carry out a preliminary assessment of the health exposure ofemployees working in beauty salons to selected compounds from the BTEX group. The selectedsalons were all situated in the Silesian Voivodeship, recognized as one of the most polluted regionin Poland and European hot spot area in terms of air pollution. Measurements encompassed weeklymonitoring of marked BTEX compounds in beauty salons specializing in nail styling, hairdressingand cosmetics. As an internal substrate, measurements were also taken in a children’s hairdressingsalon where no chemical products were used; also a weekly measurement was performed foroutdoor air to look for outdoor background BTEX concentrations.For BTEX determination, Tenax sorbent tubes insertion was employed. The collected samples wereanalysed using a Clarus 500 gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector (FID) connectedto a Perkin Elmer Turbo-Matrix 100 thermal desorber . Toluene concentrations were found to benotably elevated, reaching up to 73.19 μg/m in adult hairdresser salons, representing an orderof magnitude higher than that found in indoor background (children’s hairdresser) and outdoorbackground. Importantly, the concentrations of the measured BTEX compounds remained belowthe acceptable levels defined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).Among the individual BTEX compounds, nail treatment salons exhibited the highest meanconcentrations for benzene; m,p-xylene; n-propylbenzene; styrene; isopropylbenzene; and1,3,5-trimethylbenzene. Conversely, cosmetic salons registered the highest mean concentrationof ethylbenzene; o-xylene; and n-propylbenzene. The results indicate a chronic exposure ofsalon employees to the tested compounds, with heightened levels particularly noticeable amongindividuals with extensive professional experience. These findings underscore the importance ofongoing monitoring and occupational health measures in beauty salons, emphasizing the potentialrisks associated with long-term exposure to BTEX compounds.

Cryogenic Air Supply Feasibility for a Confined Space: Underground Refuge Alternative Case Study.

A breathable air source is required for a confined space such as an underground refuge alternative (RA) when it is occupied. To minimize the risk of suffocation, federal regulations require that mechanisms be provided and procedures be included so that, within the refuge alternative, the oxygen concentration is maintained at levels between 18.5% and 23% for 96 h. The regulation also requires that, during use of the RA, the concentration of carbon dioxide should not exceed 1%, and the concentration of carbon monoxide should not exceed 25 ppm. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated the cryogenic air supply's ability to provide breathable air for a refuge alternative. A propane smoker was used to simulate human breathing by burning propane gas which will consume O2 and generate CO2 and H2O. The rate of propane burned at the smoker was controlled to represent the O2 consumption rate for the breathing of a certain number of people. Two 96-h tests were conducted in a sealed shipping container, which was used as a surrogate for a refuge alternative. While burning propane gas to simulate human oxygen consumption, cryogenic air was provided to the shipping container to determine if the cryogenic air supply would keep the O2 level above 18.5% and CO2 level below 1% inside the shipping container as required by the federal regulations pertaining to refuge alternatives. Both of the 96-h tests simulated the breathing of 21 persons. The first test used the oxygen consumption rate (1.32 cu ft of pure oxygen per hour per person) specified in federal regulations, while the second test used the oxygen consumption rate specified by (Bernard et al. 2018, "Estimation of Metabolic Heat Input for Refuge Alternative Thermal Testing and Simulation," Min. Eng., 70(8), pp. 50-54) (0.67 cu ft of pure oxygen per hour per person). The test data shows that during both 96-h tests, the oxygen level was maintained within a 21-23% range, and the CO2 level was maintained below 1% (0.2-0.45%). The information in this paper could be useful when applying a cryogenic air supply as a breathable air source for an underground refuge alternative or other confined space. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4064062].

Investigation of computer numerical control wood milling parameters for occupationally safer by the minimization of produced wood dust

ABSTRACT Computer numerical control (CNC) wood machining produces wood dust, harming the operator's health. In this research, the effective parameters of the amount of produced wood dust (PM) in CNC milling are investigated. The design of the experiment was done based on the response surface method (RSM) and subsequently, 27 experimental tests were performed. The results of the analysis of variance show that the parameters of the depth of cut (ap ), step over (ae ), feed rate (vw ) and cutting speed (vc ) have a great impact on PM, respectively. Changing these machining parameters leads to severe changes in the PM (0.043–11.200 mg/m3). Also in 78% of experimental tests, the amount of PM is higher than the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) standard value (1 mg/m3). In the next step, for the reduction and minimization of PM, a quadratic regression equation was derived. After model validation, the model was minimized by the distance-based optimality method at Minitab software. Optimization result shows that by choosing the optimum parameters ap = 3 mm, vw = 50 mm/s, vc = 15,393 rpm and ae = 6.270 mm, PM is reduced to 0.011 mg/m3, which is much lower (about 89%) than the NIOSH standard value. This prediction was tested and validated by the experimental test.

A Physical Fatigue Evaluation Method for Automotive Manual Assembly: An Experiment of Cerebral Oxygenation with ARE Platform

Due to the complexity of the automobile manufacturing process, some flexible and delicate assembly work relies on manual operations. However, high-frequency and high-load repetitive operations make assembly workers prone to physical fatigue. This study proposes a method for evaluating human physical fatigue for the manual assembly of automobiles with methods: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysis System) and RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment). The cerebral oxygenation signal is selected as an objective physiological index reflecting the human fatigue level to verify the proposed physical fatigue evaluation method. Taking auto seat assembly and automobile manual assembly as an example, 18 group experiments were carried out with the ARE platform (Augmented Reality-based Ergonomic Platform). Furthermore, predictions of metabolic energy expenditure were performed for experiments in Tecnomatix Jack. Finally, it is concluded that the proposed physical fatigue evaluation method can reflect the human physical fatigue level and is more accurate than the evaluation of metabolic energy consumption in Tecnomatix Jack because of the immersion that comes with the AR devices and the precision that comes with motion capture devices.

Assessing the Usefulness of Mobile Apps for Noise Management in Occupational Health and Safety: Quantitative Measurement and Expert Elicitation Study.

Overexposure to occupational noise can lead to hearing loss. Occupational noise mapping is conventionally performed with a calibrated sound level meter (SLM). With the rise of mobile apps, there is a growing number of SLM apps available on mobile phones. However, few studies have evaluated such apps for accuracy and usefulness to guide those with occupational noise detection needs in selecting a quality app. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of SLM mobile apps to guide workplace health and safety professionals in determining these apps' suitability for assessing occupational noise exposure. The following three iOS apps were assessed: the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Sound Level Meter, Decibel X, and SoundMeter X apps. The selected apps were evaluated for their accuracy in measuring sound levels in low-, moderate-, and high-noise settings within both simulated environments and real-world environments by comparing them to a conventional SLM. The usefulness of the apps was then assessed by occupational health specialists using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). The NIOSH Sound Level Meter app accurately measured noise across a range of sound levels in both simulated settings and real-world settings. However, considerable variation was observed between readings. In comparison, the Decibel X and SoundMeter X apps showed more consistent readings but consistently underestimated noise levels, suggesting that they may pose a risk for workers. Nevertheless, none of the differences in sound measurements between the three apps and the conventional SLM were statistically significant (NIOSH Sound Level Meter: P=.78; Decibel X: P=.38; SoundMeter X: P=.40). The MARS scores for the three apps were all above 3.0, indicating the usefulness of these apps. Under the conditions of this study, the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app had equivalent accuracy to the calibrated SLM and a degree of usefulness according to the MARS. This suggests that the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app may be suitable for mapping noise levels as part of a monitoring strategy in workplaces. However, it is important to understand its limitations. Mobile apps should complement but not replace conventional SLMs when trying to assess occupational noise exposure risk. Our outcomes also suggest that the MARS tool may have limited applicability to measurement-based apps and may be more suited to information-based apps that collect, record, and store information.

Preparing the occupational safety and health workforce for future disruptions.

Despite some emerging lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence suggests the world remains largely underprepared for-and vulnerable to-similar threats in the future. In 2022, researchers at the USNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) led a team of volunteers to explore how future disruptions, such as pandemics, might impact work and the practice of occupational safety and health (OSH). This qualitative inquiry was framed as a strategic foresight project and included a series of activities designed to help better understand, prepare for, and influence the future. Findings from a thorough search for indicators of change were synthesized into nine critical uncertainties and four plausible future scenarios. Analysis of these outputs elucidated three key challenges that may impact OSH research, policy, and practice during future disruptions: (1) data access, (2) direct-to-worker communications, and (3) mis- and dis-information management. A robust strategic response is offered to address these challenges, and next steps are proposed to enhance OSH preparedness and institutionalize strategic foresight across the OSH community.

Health risk assessment of exposure to benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene in shoe industry-related workplaces.

Benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) are prevalent pollutants in shoe industry-related workplaces. The aim of this study was to assess exposure to BTEX and their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks in shoe-industry-related workplaces. This study was carried out at different shoe manufactures, small shoe workshop units, shoe markets, and shoe stores in Tabriz, Iran in 2021. Personal inhalation exposure to BTEX was measured using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 1501 method. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to inhalation exposure to BTEX were estimated by United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) method based on Mont Carlo simulation. Results showed that the concentrations of benzene and toluene were higher than the threshold limit value (TLV) in both gluing and non-gluing units of shoe manufactures. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) due to exposure to benzene and ethyl benzene was considerable in all shoe industry-related workplaces. Also, the hazard index (HI) as a non-carcinogenic index was higher than standard levels in all shoe industry-related workplaces. Therefore, shoe industry-related workers are at cancer and non-cancer risks due to exposure to BTEX. Prevention measures need to be implemented to reduce the concentration of BTEX in shoe industry-related workplaces.

Ergonomic analysis applied in aquaculture

Aquaculture plays a very important role in the current Brazilian scenario, helping the income of small families. This activity is considerably new and does not have a specific methodology developed for the fishing activity. Due to these factors, this ergonomic analysis at work (AET) study was carried out, with the purpose of identifying the causes of complaints of body pain and fatigue caused by this activity. For this analysis, the Ergolândia software was used, which is composed of several ergonomic methods. The method used in unloading was the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which deals more specifically with lifting and transporting loads, which analyzes the weight of the load, position of hands and feet, inclination of the trunk, height of the load is raised. Collected data and images were also used as assistance. After carrying out the analyzes and verifying that at all stages the Lifting Index (IL) is above the recommended level, some improvement proposals were made to alleviate or eliminate these employee posture problems. All methodologies identified risk levels that require immediate or short-term ergonomic intervention, aiming to guarantee the safety and health of workers who carry out such activity. The implementation of measures designed to eliminate or minimize risk may involve the allocation of significant human and material resources, increasingly necessary for efficient management. Considering the complexity and variability of the tasks developed, it is recommended that such a decision be preceded by a new study using more precise risk assessment methodologies.

Exploring occupational safety and health in future workscapes

Aims: The aim of this manuscript is to address the evolving dynamics of work, which are placing increasing demands on current occupational safety and health (OSH) protocols. It emphasizes the need for a more adaptable approach to ensure safe and efficient work environments. The primary objective is to introduce new frameworks capable of handling the uncertainties of the future in OSH.
 Methods: To tackle the challenges posed by the changing landscape of work, the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has adopted a strategic foresight approach. This approach is rooted in future studies and strategic planning, allowing NIOSH to anticipate future challenges in OSH. It involves creating well-structured and informed scenarios of potential futures, enabling organizations to prepare effectively for upcoming challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
 Results: This manuscript represents NIOSH's inaugural foray into strategic foresight. The results showcase the integration of strategic foresight methods to enhance institutional readiness in the realm of OSH. The study delves deep into the anticipated trajectories of OSH research and protocols, offering valuable insights into the future of OSH.
 Conclusion: In conclusion, the evolving nature of work necessitates a more adaptable approach to occupational safety and health. NIOSH's strategic foresight venture marks a significant step towards achieving this goal. By proactively preparing for future challenges and opportunities, organizations can ensure safer and more efficient work environments. This manuscript provides a foundation for enhancing institutional readiness and navigating the evolving landscape of OSH research and protocols.

Managing Safety Risks from Overlapping Construction Activities: A BIM Approach

Addressing safety risks in construction is an ongoing priority, and integrating safety considerations into construction scheduling is a crucial aspect of this effort. A notable challenge is the safety risk posed by concurrent tasks, which has received limited attention in prior research. This study aims to address this research gap by introducing a novel Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based model that assesses the increased hazardousness resulting from overlapping construction activities. Historically, research has predominantly focused on individual task safety, with less emphasis on the risks associated with overlapping activities. Our innovative approach introduces the concept of a ‘source–target’ match, which evaluates the degree of hazardousness escalation when activities overlap. Drawing on data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) fatal accident reports, we extracted 11 hazardous and 9 susceptibility attributes to build a source–target match table. This table reveals the characteristics of activities that generate hazardous conflicts when overlapping. The key contribution of this research is the assessment, prioritization, and visualization of risk levels in a BIM environment. This framework empowers safety managers to proactively address safety risks resulting from overlapping construction activities, ultimately reducing accidents in the construction industry. By shedding light on this overlooked aspect of construction safety, our research highlights the importance of integrating safety considerations into construction scheduling and provides a practical tool for mitigating risks, enhancing workplace safety, and ultimately improving project outcomes.

Filtration efficiency and breathability of selected face masks

Face masks have been used as physical barriers to stop respiratory infections for many years. Due to insufficient and low supply of certified masks, alternative face covers such as face shields, neck gaiters, and fabric reusable masks gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for these alternate face masks to fulfill their intended function, they must be effective. Additionally, the level of breathability provided by the makeshift masks must be at a certain level. The work reported in this paper was carried out to determine the relationship between filtration efficiency (FE), breathability, and important physical characteristics of mask substrates. The fiber diameter of the core filter layer was determined using a scanning electron microscope. Five types of face masks (two types of N95, two types of surgical masks, and a 100% knitted cotton fabric) were tested for their FE and breathability using moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR). The cotton knitted mask had the lowest FE (5.10%–26.47%), while the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-certified N95 mask had the highest FE values (92.10%–99.65%). However, the cotton mask outperformed the N95 in terms of the pressure drop, meaning higher comfort. In general, the N95 face mask provided the best protection against aerosolized particles. According to the regression analysis, the fiber diameter of the mask filter substrate serves as an important predictor of FE of mask substrates. In this study, it was confirmed that fiber diameter is inversely related to the filtration ability. Results show that compact structure with finer fibers will enable higher filtration efficiency. The study lends itself to developing layered face masks to obtain optimum filters with good filtration, better fit, and acceptable comfort for the wearer.

Risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in loading and unloading tasks of couriers.

The use of home delivery services has expanded due to coronavirus disease - 2019, and couriers' high level of work intensity has become a severe social issue in various nations. This study investigates the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by frequent loading and unloading actions, known to be the most demanding tasks for couriers. A self-report survey and post-hoc interview were employed to collect personal information, task frequency, and the incidence of MSDs. Frequent actions during loading and unloading packages were identified, and the Rapid Entry Body Assessment (REBA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lifting equations were assessed. Approximately 29.5% of the 44 subjects suffered from MSDs, and identify the types of actions that frequently occur during loading and unloading packages. According to the REBA survey, 60% of the responses for both loading and unloading are distributed within the risk range of 8-13 points, suggesting a high risk (mean REBA score: 8.8 (loading), 8.5 (unloading)). In every case, NIOSH determined that the lifting index (LI) was harmful (mean LI: 1.62). Thereby, the bending or twisting posture of the hands and neck, long horizontal distance between the packages and the body, and high lifting frequency were identified as major problems. The study identified a very high level of musculoskeletal risk for couriers, and the detailed working methods and body parts vulnerable to MSDs.

Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction Database, an Industry-Specific Worker Fatality Surveillance System - United States, 2014-2019.

The U.S. oil and gas extraction (OGE) industry faces unique safety and health hazards and historically elevated fatality rates. The lack of existing surveillance data and occupational safety and health research called for increased efforts to better understand factors contributing to worker fatalities in the OGE industry. This report describes the creation of the Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction (FOG) database, presents initial findings from the first 6 years of data collection (2014-2019), highlights ways that FOG data have been used, and describes the benefits and challenges of maintaining the surveillance system. 2014-2019. In 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created the FOG database, a surveillance system comprising an industry-specific worker fatality database. NIOSH researchers worked with OGE partners to establish inclusion criteria for the database and develop unique database variables to elucidate industry-specific factors related to each fatality (e.g., phase of operation, worker activity, and working alone). FOG cases are identified through various sources, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports, media reports, and notifications from professional contacts. NIOSH researchers compile source documents; OGE-specific database variables are coded by multiple researchers to ensure accuracy. Data collection ceased in 2019 because grant funding ended. During 2014-2019, a total of 470 OGE worker fatalities were identified in the FOG database. A majority of these fatalities (69.4%) were identified from OSHA reports and Google Alerts (44.7% and 24.7%, respectively). Unique database variables created to characterize fatalities in the OGE industry (i.e., phase of operation, worker activity, working alone, and working unobserved) were identified in approximately 85% of OGE worker fatality cases. The most frequent fatal events were vehicle incidents (26.8%), contact injuries (21.7%), and explosions (14.5%). The event type was unknown among 5.7% of worker fatalities. Approximately three fourths of fatalities identified through the FOG database were among contractors. Approximately 20% of cases included workers who were working alone. The FOG database is a resource for identifying safety and health trends and emerging issues among OGE workers (e.g., exposure to hydrocarbon gases and vapors and fatalities resulting from cardiac events) that might not be available in other surveillance systems. The FOG database also helps researchers better identify groups of workers that are at increased risk for injury in an already high-risk industry. Challenges exist when maintaining an industry-specific surveillance system, including labor-intensive data collection, the need for researchers with substantial knowledge of the industry, delays in access to timely data, and missing source file data. Continued surveillance of worker fatalities in the OGE industry is recommended to help identify new safety and health hazards and guide research and prevention activities. Industry, academic institutions, and government can use findings from the FOG database to identify factors contributing to fatal injuries in OGE and develop interventions to improve worker safety and health. The findings in this report also can be used by other industries with high fatality rates to support the development of worker fatality surveillance systems.

Human Factors/Ergonomics Contributions to an Equitable Personal Protective Equipment Protections Strategy

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is developing a National Strategy for Equitable Personal Protective Equipment Protections for All U.S. Workers. This paper describes several formative components of the strategy that have been completed and are ongoing. These efforts clearly indicate the need for human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) contributions to overcome current limitations and barriers to equitable PPE protection for some workers. Fundamental ergonomics approaches are needed to contribute to more equitable PPE protections for all members of the workforce for whom PPE is required. This will ensure that all workers that require PPE are adequately protected from hazards while minimizing negative consequences (e.g., discomfort, reduced perceptual capabilities, performance decrements) while also allowing workers to safely and comfortably work as productively as when not wearing PPE.