Prevention Of Occupational Hazards Research Articles

Neural network analysis of mechanization's impact on coal miner's occupational health

In order to clarify the transmission mechanism of the impact of mechanization on the occupational health of miners and to provide empirical evidence for the development of new quality productivity in the coal industry that balances health and efficiency. In August 2022, we selected a typical coal mine, constructed a comprehensive evaluation index of miners' occupational health through a questionnaire survey based on the fully connected neural network model. A Bayesian model was used to verify the influence of mechanization level on miners' occupational health. We found that: the predicted probability of occupational diseases could be used as a comprehensive indicator of the level of occupational health, providing a basis for early intervention and prevention of occupational diseases. Mechanization could directly promote the improvement of miners' occupational health level, and also indirectly affect occupational health level by influencing hazards level and work intensity. The indirect effect of mechanization on work intensity was positive, and the indirect effect of mechanization on hazards level was positive. Presented the "inverted U-shaped" process in the mechanization breakthrough semi-mechanized level would realize the economies of scale of health protection, its impact on the prevention and control of occupational hazards would turn from negative to positive.

Knowledge and Practice of Occupational Health Hazard among Healthcare Workers in Kogi State Specialist Hospital

The study was done to investigate the knowledge and practice of occupational health hazard among two hundred and thirty two (232) healthcare workers in Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH). The healthcare workers were selected through a multistage sampling technique, and the instrument used was self-administered semi-structured, closed ended questionnaire that assessed the health workers knowledge and practice of occupational health hazard as well as the relationship and factors that influences practice of occupational health hazard. Result from the findings of the study showed that 67.7% majority of the healthcare workers had good knowledge on occupational health hazard, and 92.2% majority of the healthcare workers had good practice towards occupational health hazard. More findings from the study showed that there is a significant relationship between the healthcare workers gender (Sig. values = 0.045 < 0.05), and knowledge (Sig. values = 0.007 < 0.05) on the practice of occupational health hazard. Finally from the study, female healthcare workers [AOR = 1.932; CI = 1.456 – 2.562], those within 30 – 39 years [AOR = 1.482; CI = 2.708 – 7.150], married [AOR = 14.308; CI = 8.154 – 25.105], Christians [AOR = 1.111; CI = 2.227 – 4.143], hospital attendants [AOR = 4.450; CI = 2.740 – 7.228], and healthcare workers with good knowledge [AOR = 2.334; CI = 1.749 – 3.141] are significant likely to practice good occupational health hazard prevention compared to their counterparts.

Hierarchical fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of prevention and control level of occupational hazards in coal mines

Objective: To establish an evaluation model for occupational hazard prevention and control levels in coal mines, to explore the combination of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, to evaluate the overall situation of occupational hazard prevention and control in coal mines. Methods: In November 2021, Collect information of occupational hazards and their prevention and control status in 30 coal mines. AHP model was first constructed for the elements of occupational hazard prevention and control in coal mines. Then, the AHP and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was applied to comprehensively evaluate and grade the occupational hazard prevention and control in coal mines, using the principles of maximum membership and weighted average. Results: The hierarchical fuzzy comprehensive evaluation results for typical coal mine were basically consistent with its occupational hazard prevention and control situation. The dust prevention and control situation was good, the noise prevention and control situation is average, the occupational health monitoring situation was good, the occupational health management situation was average, and the overall level of occupational hazard prevention and control was good. Conclusion: The hierarchical fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model for occupational hazard prevention and control levels, combined with the principles of maximum membership and weighted average, can objectively evaluate and reflect the overall situation of occupational hazard prevention and control in coal mines.

Changes in serum TIM-3 and complement C3 expression in workers due to Mn exposure.

Mn (Manganese, Mn) is an essential trace element involved in various biological processes such as the regulation of immune, nervous and digestive system functions. However, excessive Mn exposure can lead to immune damage. Occupational workers in cement and ferroalloy manufacturing and other related industries are exposed to low levels of Mn for a long time. Mn exposure is one of the important occupational hazards, but the research on the effect of Mn on the immune system of the occupational population is not complete, and there is no reliable biomarker. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the immunotoxicity of Mn from the soluble immune checkpoint TIM-3 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin containing protein 3, TIM-3) and complement C3. A total of 144 Mn-exposed workers were recruited from a bus manufacturing company and a railroad company in Henan Province. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer was used to detect the concentration of RBC Mn (Red blood cell Mn, RBC Mn), and ELISA kits were used to detect serum complement C3 and TIM-3. Finally, the subjects were statistically analyzed by dividing them into low and high Mn groups based on the median RBC Mn concentration. We found that Mn exposure resulted in elevated serum TIM-3 expression and decreased complement C3 expression in workers; that serum TIM-3 and complement C3 expression showed a dose-response relationship with RBC Mn; and that the mediating effect of complement C3 between RBC Mn and TIM-3 was found to be significant. The above findings indicate that this study has a preliminary understanding of the effect of Mn exposure on the immune system of the occupational population exposed to Mn, and complement C3 and TIM-3 may be biomarkers of Mn exposure, which may provide clues for the prevention and control of Mn occupational hazards.

Using the Health Belief Model to Explore the Influencing Factors of Occupational Hazard Prevention of Indigenous Laborers in Taiwan

Using the Health Belief Model to Explore the Influencing Factors of Occupational Hazard Prevention of Indigenous Laborers in Taiwan

Assessing the impact of industrial glove use on perceived hand dexterity, function, and strength

Prevention of musculoskeletal occupational hazards is an important topic in extractive industries. This study quantifies the impact of three styles of industrial metacarpal gloves on dexterity, gripping, pinching, and torquing tasks. Results indicated that wearing metacarpal gloves duplicated the time to complete a dexterity task from an average of 57 s for bare hands to 127 s for gloved hands. The highest drop in gripping force occurred while wearing a thicker glove, while gloves with thinner palmar sides produced smaller but similar force reductions of around 6%. The highest pinching force was obtained while wearing the thinnest glove, with a rise of 15%. Self-perception of exertion while wearing gloves varied between genders. Given that dexterity, grip, and pinch strength outcomes varied based on glove materials, the authors propose a new hand safety concept model to promote a multi-factorial approach to balance the risks and benefits of prospective personal protective equipment.

The Chinese version of the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire: translation and cross-cultural adaptation

BackgroundThe Spanish version of the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q©) is a validated instrument, with good psychometric properties, to measure Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in workers using Video Display Terminals (VDTs). To date, there are no known valid instruments in Chinese for the assessment of CVS despite the high exposure to VDTs at work that this population presents. For this, the purpose of this study is to translate and cross-culturally adapt the CVS-Q© into Chinese.MethodsA study with five consecutive stages: direct translation, synthesis of translations, back translation, consolidation by a committee of experts, and pre-test. During the pre-test, a cross-sectional pilot study was conducted on VDT users (n = 44) who completed the Chinese version of the questionnaire plus an ad hoc post-test to assess the comprehensibility of the scale and to verify aspects of its applicability and feasibility. Data concerning sociodemographic information, general and ocular health, use of optical correction and varying exposure to VDTs was also collected.ResultsThe entire sample considered the Chinese version of the CVS-Q© simple, clear, and easy to understand and 95.5% also found it easy to complete. 88.7% considered that the scale did not need any improvement. The final version of the Chinese scale to measure CVS was obtained (the CVS-Q CN©). The mean age of participants was 31.3 ± 9.8 years, 47.6% were women, and 57.1% used VDTs to work for more than 8 h/day.ConclusionsThe CVS-Q CN© can be considered an easy tool to assess CVS in workers exposed to digital devices in China. This version would facilitate research, its use in clinical practice, and the prevention of occupational hazards in the workplace.

Safety of Health Care Workers A Priority for Patient Safety

Background: Worldwide healthcare workforce represents 12%, in Uganda, out of the 39000 healthcare workers (HCW), 500 have been deployed at Mbale regional referral hospital (MRRH). The deficient quality service delivery is attributed to adverse occupational health risk that are not addressed and acknowledged posing a great risk to patient safety. Study aims to investigate the unsafe acts and unsafe working conditions of health care workers at (MRRH).Methods: A quantitative observational study with a cross-section design was used using and a semi structured observation checklist for data collection among 120 health care workers of MRRH.Result: 45(37.5%) of the HCW never wore the necessary PPEs versus 75(62.5%) who wore, almost half 55(45.3%) worked over time and 65(54.6%) did not, as well the same figures represent those who over worked and those who did not over work respectively. 70% of the working places had defective working conditions for example no lighting, slippery floors and no danger signs. 75% of the wards had improper waste segregation measures.Conclusion : HCW and institutions should intervene to mitigate the hazards, strengthening occupational health, patient safety, hazard prevention and control

Assess the Knowledge Gain with Planned Teaching Programme on Prevention of Occupational Hazards among Construction Workers at Selected Places of Hyderabad

Background: Health education and early identification of an environment associated disease for a single patient may lead to primary preventive strategies affecting other similarly exposed people who have not yet developed the disease. Construction industry is notorious for its reputation as dirty, difficulty and dangerous- the 3 D’s. Many studies on occupational health hazards among construction workers revealed that the major diseases/morbidity of concern in India are respiratory diseases, accidental injuries, musculoskeletal symptoms, noise inducing hearing loss and skin problems. Methods: By quantitative research approach with pre-experimental one group pre and post-test research design. Sixty construction workers are selected by using purposive sampling technique. Results: In pre-test 90% of workers scored below average marks and rest of 10% scored average marks. In the post-test knowledge scores have improved to average (58.3%) and above average (41.7%). Computed chi-square values shows there is Significant association between knowledge on prevention of occupational hazards with sex and education of construction workers. Conclusion: The knowledge gain with planned teaching programme has been estimated by comparing pre-test mean knowledge scores (40.48%) and post-test mean knowledge scores (71.11%). The calculated ‘t’ value was 28.82 at 29 degrees of freedom with 0.05 level of significance is far higher than the table value 2.05, shows that there is a significant difference between pre-test and post-test knowledge scores. Hence, it can be concluded that the planned teaching programme has improved the knowledge of construction workers on prevention of occupational hazards.

A descriptive to assess the knowledge of industrial workers regarding prevention of selected occupational hazards in selected industries of Hukkeri taluka with a view to develop an information booklet

A Quantitative approach was used for the present study and the data were collected from 40 Industrial workers from selected Industries of Hukkeri taluka, by using convenient sampling technique. The structured observation schedule consisted section A deals with socio-demographic data, section B consist of 40 questionnaires which relates to the prevention of selected occupational hazards among industrial workers. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistical in terms of mean, frequency distribution and chi square test. The study concluded that among the sample majority of 70% of industrial workers had poor knowledge on prevention of occupational hazards, 30% of industrial workers had average knowledge on prevention of occupational hazards.

Preventive Measures among Hospital Laboratory Employees regarding Occupational Health Hazards

The practices of safety measures by the clinical laboratory workers in hospitalsare necessary for the prevention of occupational hazards.

Information management in the area of occupational health and safety for the prevention of occupational accidents in companies

Objective: to analyze the culture and control of occupational health and safety management to reduce occupational accidents among workers in companies in the city of Juliaca-Puno, 2022. Methods: a non-experimental transectional design was used, based on a quantitative, basic and descriptive methodology. The sample consisted of 200 workers to whom a questionnaire was applied. As for the statistical data analysis, SPSS V.26 software was used. Results: the predominant economic activity is commerce (59%), with activities in the administrative area (53%). In addition, safety and hygiene induction was 61.5%, knowledge of occupational hazards 57%, induction in the handling of machinery and equipment 70.5%, safe working environment 55.5%, while training on industrial safety and hygiene 61.5% and control measures or sanctions for non-compliance 46.5%, are applied some. Conclusions: The culture and control of occupational health and safety management for the prevention of occupational hazards in companies in Juliaca are insufficient, due to the lack of greater training, compliance and control to promote occupational health and safety where people are exposed to various risks.

Application status of CFD technology in occupational hazard control

In the process of occupational hazard management, computational fluid dynamics technology can be used to reflect the distribution pattern of occupational hazards in the production process, so as to quickly and accurately guide the formulation of occupational disease prevention and control programs. This paper summarizes and analyzes the current research results on the prevention and control of occupational hazards in workplaces through computational fluid dynamics technology, and describes the application of these research results in the process of occupational disease prevention and control. On this basis, this paper presents the problems and application limitations of existing research and points out the future key research directions, which are of great reference value for guiding further systematic and in-depth research on simulation, experimentation and management of occupational hazards that can cause occupational diseases.

Prevalence of needle-stick injury among nursing students: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

IntroductionNeedle-stick injuries (NSI) are a serious threat to the health of healthcare workers, nurses, and nursing students, as they can expose them to infectious diseases. Different prevalence rates have been reported for this type of injury in different studies worldwide. Therefore, this study aimedto estimate the pooled prevalence of NSI among nursing students.MethodsThis study was conducted by searching for articles in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar without time limitation using the following keywords: needle-stick, needle stick, sharp injury, and nursing student. The data were analyzed using the meta-analysis method and random-effects model. The quality of the articles was evaluated with Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). The heterogeneity of the studies was examined using the I2 index, and the collected data were analyzed using the STATA Software Version 16.ResultsInitially, 1,134 articles were retrieved, of which 32 qualified articles were included in the analysis. Nursing students reported 35% of NSI (95% CI: 28–43%) and 63% (95% CI: 51–74%) did not report their needle-stick injuries. The highest prevalence was related to studies conducted in Asia (39.7%; 95% CI: 31.7–47.7%). There was no significant correlation among NSI prevalence and age of samples, and article year of publication.ConclusionA third of nursing students reported experiencing NSI. Consequently, occupational hazard prevention training and student support measures need to be considered.

Worldwide Scientific Production on Teleworking in Scopus in Times of COVID-19

Given the impact of COVID-19, teleworking has become an alternative work modality, so it is important to evaluate the scientific activity on the subject. Thus, the objective was to analyze the global scientific production on teleworking in times of COVID-19. Retrospective and descriptive study, whose unit of analysis was the publications on teleworking in journals indexed in the Scopus database between January 2020 and December 2021. The search was performed using the fields Article Title, Abstracts, Keywords, where 24 search terms were applied: teleworking, telecommuting, work from home, teleworking, telecommuting, work from home, online work, e-work, telecommuting, teletrabajo, trabado desde casa, trabajo online, e-trabajo, trabajo a distancia, teletrabalho, trabalho a partir de casa, trabalho em linha, trabalho electrónico, trabalho à distancia, and their relation with the term Covid-19. Likewise, 995 articles were found and 75.38% of them were original manuscripts. United States is the country with the largest scientific production with 21.21%. The Università degli Studi di Torino of Italy has published 10 papers and 80% of the articles on teleworking in times of COVID-19 have been published in quartile 1 and 2 journals. Teleworking in times of COVID-19 has been studied in several countries around the world as well as in different academic disciplines, which allows us to know progress on the subject, thereby generating policies and lines of research for the prevention of occupational hazards.
 
 Received: 8 February 2022 / Accepted: 22 April 2022 / Published: 5 July 2022

Knowledge on prevention of occupational health hazards and utilization of safety measures among construction trade workers in a selected building construction site in the district of Colombo

Official publication of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka and was established in 1995. Full text articles available.Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (JCCPSL) has been recognised by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) as a publication following the ICMJE Recommendations. The journal is indexed in DOAJ.Manuscripts are only accepted online through the portal of the JCCPSL https://jccpsl.sljol.info/ . The prospective authors must read carefully the section on Author Guidelines and prepare their manuscript accordingly. To submit a manuscript or to check the status of a submission the authors must first be registered in the JCCPSL Editorial Management System using an existing or newly created username and password. Next, choose the ‘Start Submission’ link and follow the five-step article submission process which is a simple and self-guided process.

The Proportion of Occupationally Related Cholangiocarcinoma: A Tertiary Hospital Study in Northeastern Thailand.

Simple SummaryNortheastern Thailand has the world’s highest incidence rate of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), whereas a consequence, approximately 14,000 patients die annually. In most cases, the causal factors are identified, but, for some, they remain unknown. Legally imported industrial chemicals such as 1,2-dichloropropane (1,2-DCP), dichloromethane (DCM), and asbestos fibers are defined as occupational causes of CCA. An investigation into these vis-à-vis the diagnosis of occupationally related CCA in Thailand has not been conducted, but is important for understanding the potential magnitude of the problem. The current study found that the proportion of occupationally related CCA was approximately 5.5%, as well as a lower proportion of occupational history taken by treating physicians. Improving physician skills and developing an assistive tool for exploring occupational history might improve the documentation of work-related conditions.Northeastern Thailand registers the highest worldwide incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Most of the cases are associated with liver flukes, while unknown causes comprise approximately 10–30% of cases, and these could be due to occupational exposures. Our aim was to determine the magnitude of occupational causes of CCA in a tertiary hospital in northeastern Thailand. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a sample of 220 patients between March and November 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the findings. Clinical information and telephone interviews were used to explore significant occupational histories. An occupational consensus meeting was held with two occupational physicians, an industrial hygienist, and a hepatobiliary surgeon to decide on the final diagnosis. The response rate was 90.9% (200/220). Based on the medical records and telephone interviews, researchers found that 11 participants had significant exposure. After occupational consensus, it was agreed that the eleven had possible occupational causes, 5.5% (11/200)–54.5% (6/11) being due to asbestos fibers, 45.5% (5/11) due to dichloromethane, and 9.1% (1/11) due to 1,2-dichloropropane. Only 4% (8/200) had occupational histories collected by their treating physicians. Taken together, occupationally related CCA appears to have been underestimated, so improving occupational history taking is needed to properly identify and classify work-related CCA—both for patient treatment and occupational hazard prevention.

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Information, Education and Communication Package on Knowledge Regarding Occupational Health Hazards and their Prevention among Sailors

Introduction: Working on ships has its perks, but it is a well known fact that working at the sea is one of the most hazardous occupations, in regards to personal health and safety concerns of sailors. Sailors are exceptional in their profession, having to spend a large part of their lives at sea. The main objectives of the study were to prepare IEC package on prevention of occupational health hazards, to evaluate the effectiveness of IEC package on knowledge regarding occupational health hazards among sailors, and to findout association between the knowledge scores of sailors regarding occupational health hazards and its management with selected demographic variables.Methods:A quantitative (experimental) research approach was used with Solomon group four designs in the present study. The study was conducted at Anglo Eastern Maritime Training Centre, New Delhi, on 60 sailors. The tool developed and utilized for the data collection were structured knowledge questionnaire to assess the knowledge regarding occupational hazards and their prevention among sailors before and after administration of the IEC package. Findings: The mean post knowledge scores were found to be higher than the mean pretest knowledge scores after administering IEC package. IEC package was found effective at 0.05 level of significance by using paired t test which showed increase in the knowledge to prevent occupational health hazards. Religion and work experience were found to be significantly related to knowledge regarding occupational health hazards and its management.

Prevention of Occupational Hazards Due to Asbestos Exposure in Dentistry. A Proposal from a Panel of Experts.

Asbestos in all its forms is a Group 1 material agent with proven carcinogenic effects in the human being since 1977. Exposure to asbestos can be considered unsafe. The use of asbestos in the field of dentistry had a common use in the manufacture of dental prostheses in the 1960s and 1970s. Taking into account the long induction period of this agent and the plausibility for being a risk factor in dentistry, the objective of this study is to propose a plan for the prevention of occupational risks due to asbestos exposure in dentistry by means of the contribution of a panel of experts. An Expert Panel (EP) approach was used in which a group of nine experts identified and documented the use of asbestos in the dental profession. EP was created and followed the protocol in accordance with the EuropeAid Assessment Guidelines. As a result of this study, EP documented the common use and sources of asbestos in dentistry in prosthetic materials, dental dressings, and in the coating of casting cylinders. EP also created a consensus document on the priority measures for the Plan for the Prevention of Risks from Asbestos in Dentistry, based on previous reports from the European Commission Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee. The document concluded that obtainment of information, receiving specific training on the subject and performing epidemiological studies, and the proper risk assessments were the priority measures to adopt.

Occupation-Related Biological Health Hazards and Infection Control Practices among Indian Veterinarians

Veterinarians experience different types of health hazards from their occupation. Studies on the prevalence and occurrence of biological health hazards in veterinary medicine in India are scant and probably underreported. Thus, we sought to assess the biological health hazards and infection control practices (ICPs) among veterinarians from the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, India. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among veterinarians (n = 562) from Gujarat and Maharashtra states in India to identify biological health hazards and ICPs for the prevention of occupational health hazards during 2016–2017 by personally contacting them. Responses regarding a biological hazard and ICPs were recorded. Descriptive analysis was attempted, and continuous variables are presented as the mean ± SD. Categorical variables are reported as counts and percentages (%). Most of the veterinarians (49.3%) worked in the field and were continuously exposed to different types of biological health hazards, especially zoonoses, ranging from mild and self-limiting to fatal diseases (e.g., brucellosis (subclinical and clinical form) and rabies (fatal)) without common prophylactic vaccinations, such as rabies and tetanus. While inquiring medical health status of the veterinarians, only 35.8% of the total respondents underwent a routine medical health checkup within the past year, and 56.9% did not receive a routine dose of an anthelmintic for deworming. Forty-nine percent of the respondents took all necessary precautions, including wearing an apron, facemask, and gloves. In contrast, 10.2% of the respondents wore only an apron, and 8.4% of respondents did not take any precautions while performing their day-to-day work. In total, 40.2% of the respondents followed the proper method of handwashing, that is, washing hands between patient examinations. In contrast, 27.9% of the respondents washed their hands once after completing the work. The majority of the respondents (87.7%) reported an urgent need for occupational hazards and safety (OHS) training in continued veterinary education (CVE) programs. The present study demonstrates that veterinarians in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra in India pay less attention to their own health that may increase the risk of occupation-related biological health hazards. These results suggest that safety and ICPs are not prioritized, which are serious concerns. These findings may be useful for developing policies to prevent occupationally related biological health hazards among veterinarians in India.