Occupational Hazards Research Articles

Substance Use Among Illinois Farmers

Background: People in agriculture face unique stressors and occupational hazards, and relatively little is known about substance use in this population. The purpose of this study was to describe substance use among farmers in Illinois. Methods: We conducted a mail survey of Illinois farmers that included the Brief ASSIST to assess substance use for lifetime and past three-month use of ten different substances. The survey also included questions about farming characteristics, mental health, stress, coping, social support, and demographic characteristics. We used chi-square and non-parametric tests to assess group differences. Results: Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and sedatives were most reported as used for a lifetime and in the past three months. About three-quarters of the sample had recently used alcohol. Recent tobacco use was associated with not being married, less education, and less concern about climate-related farm stress. Recent sedative use was associated with greater concern about isolation-related farm stress. People who reported multiple substance use were at a greater risk for suicide and were more likely to meet the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder. None of the participants reported recent use of cocaine, heroin, inhalants, or hallucinogens. Conclusion: Specific social and cultural aspects of farming and farm communities may contribute to substance use among people working in agriculture. Future research can help to better understand this intersection and make recommendations for programs and resources to promote adaptive coping strategies.

Application of Selected Lean Manufacturing Tools to Improve Work Safety in the Construction Industry

Shaping safe and hygienic working conditions is the basic obligation of the employer. Employers are still looking for methods, tools, and solutions to improve work safety. The study reviews the literature on solutions aimed at improving occupational safety in construction. For this purpose, bibliometric analysis was used, consisting of the exploration and analysis of scientific studies in the field of occupational health and safety, including the possibility of using the LM tool to improve working conditions on construction sites. The study presents the possibility of implementing Lean Manufacturing (LM) tools in the construction industry. Their strengths and weaknesses were identified, and the benefits and possible barriers related to their effective implementation/use were identified. The result of the analyses was a summary of benefits for the construction industry (strengths and opportunities) as well as areas requiring improvement (weaknesses and hazards) regarding the LM tools used. Based on the conducted analyses, it was found that it is possible to use the tools of the LM concept to improve work safety and organize tasks performed on construction sites. The implementation of LM tools, such as 5S/6S, Poka-Yoke, and Standardization, enables risk reduction through a direct impact on the area being analyzed, in which occupational hazards have been identified. It is also noted that there is a need to simultaneously use LM tools (VM, Gemba-Walk, DHM) as solutions aimed at reducing risk.

Financial impact of needle stick injury on a tertiary care teaching hospital

BackgroundAccidental needle stick injuries (NSIs) are an occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs). Despite the implementation of preventive measures, NSIs still continue to occur in health care settings. The cost incurred by an institute for the management of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogen is a significant economic burden.This retrospective study was aimed to estimate the prevalence, factors associated with NSIs and cost burden on hospital due to NSIs. Material and methodsRetrospective data of all reported NSIs among HCWs between January 2019 and December 2021 in a tertiary care hospital was collected and analyzed. CDC definition was used to calculate direct & indirect cost. Results& Discussion- A total 205 NSIs were reported between January 2019 and December 2021. Nurses were the most affected category of HCWs. The maximum number of NSI cases (18.54 %) occurred during handling of biomedical waste. Both the source and the affected HCWs were tested and it was found that the source was seropositive in 30(14.63 %), seronegative in 128 (62.44 %) cases and in 47(22.93 %) cases there was an unknown source resulting in NSI. A total of 13, 21,206 INR, which included both direct and indirect cost, spent by hospital in the management of NSI's, over a period of 3yrs. ConclusionSurveillance and analysis of NSI is very crucial for the planning of both preventive measures and training modules. Managing NSI generates significant cost. Hepatitis B vaccination for all healthcare workers plays major role in reducing cost of managing NSIs.

Perceptions of Occupational Health Hazards Among Jordanian Nurses: A cross-Sectional Study

Occupation health pertains to the health of employees in relation with their workplaces, and is aimed at the prevention of job-related injuries and illnesses. However, given the significance of occupational health and the possible adversarial effects of occupational hazards to the nursing team, there is paucity of evidence on the level of awareness, knowledge and attitudes of nurses towards occupational hazards in the workplace. The aim of this study is to measure levels of perceptions of occupational hazards, and to identify relationships and differences on perceptions of occupational hazards based on sociodemographic characteristics, the study employed cross-sectional, descriptive method. A valid and reliable 13-item questionnaire was used to measure perceptions of occupational hazards. Results showed that nurses had high levels of perceptions of occupational hazards. Nurses with longer lengths of work experiences had higher levels of perceptions of occupational hazards than nurses with shorter lengths of work experiences..the study concluded that hospitals should implement strategies that can support nurses in sustaining high levels of perceptions of occupational hazards, and should find ways to retain nurses within the hospital workforce. Future research can examine personal- and organizational-level factors that can impede or facilitate perceptions of occupational hazards, and explore how perceptions of occupational hazards translate to actual injuries sustained at work, quality of workplace environment, quality of work life, job performance, patient satisfaction, and other relevant organizational and clinical outcomes. Keywords: Nurse; Occupational hazards; Perceptions; Jordan

Occupational hazards in sawmill industry and its effect on sawmill output in Nigeria

Occupational hazards in sawmill industry and its effect on sawmill output in Nigeria

Risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms among U.S. Veterans from Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf War eras.

The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act expanded U.S. Veterans' health care and benefits for conditions linked to service-connected exposures (e.g., Burn Pits, Agent Orange). However, myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are not recognized as presumptive conditions for Veterans exposed to these toxic substances. This study evaluated the development of MPN among U.S. Veterans from the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf War eras. This retrospective cohort study included 65 425 Korean War era Veterans; 211 927 Vietnam War era Veterans; and 214 007 Persian Gulf War era Veterans from January 1, 2006, to January 26, 2023. Veterans with MPN, thrombosis, bleeding, and cardiovascular risk factors were identified through ICD-9 and -10 codes. Veterans from the Persian Gulf War era had the highest risk of developing MPN compared with Veterans from the Korean and Vietnam War eras, hazard ratio (HR) 4.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.20-5.75 and HR 2.49, 95% CI 2.20-2.82, both p < .0001, respectively. Vietnam War era Veterans also had a higher risk of MPN development compared with Korean War era Veterans, HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.77-2.21, p < .0001. Persian Gulf War era Veterans were diagnosed with MPN at an earlier age, had higher risks of thrombosis and bleeding, and had lower survival rates compared with Korean War and Vietnam War era Veterans. This study reinforces evidence that environmental and occupational hazards increase the risk of clonal myeloid disorders and related complications, impacting overall survival with MPN. Limitations include the inability to confirm clonality and fully verify deployment and exposure status.

Hygienic assessment of occupational conditions and schedule of railway employees

Introduction. Railway transport is one of the leading branches of the national economy, though more than 50% of the railway employees have to undergo some occupational hazards [1]. In recent years, with the introduction of new technologies, significant changes have occurred in the rolling stock. Up to date research on the hygienic assessment of occupational conditions and schedule of railway employees is needed. The purpose of the study is to investigate the occupational conditions and schedule of railway employees, and to identify the principal occupational hazards. Materials and methods. The materials of the special assessment of the occupational conditions at workplaces in the divisions of the South-Eastern Directorate of Traction, as well as the results of the proper hygienic studies, including railway employees inquiry on occupational hazards (n=300). The analysis of the occupational conditions was carried out according to Guide No. 2.2.2006–05. Results. According to the results of an objective assessment of occupational conditions of railway employees, the main occupational hazard is high work intensity. The second most important factor is noise. Profound hygienic studies show that such occupational hazards as vibration, electromagnetic field (EMF), dust, etc. should be paid more attention. Limitations. The limitations of the study are related to their volume. The data of the special assessment of the occupational conditions and production control were used for the period of 2019–2023, the sample size of the respondents was 300 employees (2022). Conclusion. According to the results of an objective assessment of occupational conditions of railway employees, the main occupational health risk factor is high work intensity accompanied by a shift work schedule. The second most important factor is noise. The results of the questionnaire are generally consistent with the results of the special assessment of occupational conditions of railway employees, but also indicate other occupational hazards the employees to undergo including vibration, gas and dust contamination, exposure to electromagnetic fields, the level of which generally meets the requirements of hygienic standards. The ranking of the railway employees was carried out, occupations at risk of developing general pathological syndromes were identified.

Occupational Hazard Exposure: Assessment of Hypogonadism and Dyslipidemia in House and Automobile Painters in Ilorin, Nigeria

Aims: To investigate the impact of human exposure to the constituents of paint on serum reproductive hormone and Lipid profile among occupationally exposed House and Automobile spray painters in Yakuba district of Ilorin East Local Government area of Kwara State. Nigeria. Study Design: Experimental./ Cross sectional. Place and Duration of Study: Yakuba district of Ilorin East Local Government area of Kwara State. Nigeria, 6months; between July 23 and January 2024. Methodology: 120 male participants were recruited for this study with the mean age 33.15±0.86 years. The participants included 40 automobile painters, 40 house painters, and male artisans who were not painters and served as the control group .Venous Blood samples were collected from both the test and control subjects for the measurement of serum lipids and testosterone using reference techniques. Results: Total Cholesterol, Triglyceride, HD and LDL cholesterol were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in the exposed automobile and house painters than the control groups. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) between the serum lipid values of the automobile and the house painters. The serum testosterone level in both group of exposed painters was statistically similar(P&gt;0.05). There was no significant correlation (P&gt;0.05) between the frequency of cars or houses painted per month and work experience with the lipid profile parameters and testosterone levels in the occupationally exposed house and automobile painters. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to some chemical constituents of paint is associated with dyslipidemia and decrease serum testosterone which may precipitate adverse ill health among the painters.

Improving Cytogenetic Surveillance in Radiology Workers Exposed to Low-Dose Radiation in Africa: A Call to Action

Radiation exposure is an occupational hazard for diagnostic and interventional radiology workers, potentially leading to chromosomal damage and increased cancer risk. This review explores the status of cytogenetic monitoring of radiation exposure among radiology workers in Africa. Monitoring of Radiation Exposure in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Workers in Ghana and Africa provides a crucial examination of radiation safety practices within the Ghanaian and Africa healthcare sector. We recovered existing literature on the cytogenetic surveillance conducted on radiology workers in Ghana and Africa stressing on the impact and/or significance of cytogenetic monitoring programmes. In these studies, mostly mathematical modeling and physical methods were used to estimate and extrapolate risks of exposure to ionizing radiation. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for implementing cytogenetic monitoring programmes in Africa particularly Ghana and provide recommendations for future research and occupational health policies. This review attempts to bridge the gap between physical and biological dosimetry in surveillance studies. It addresses the significant gap in cytogenetic monitoring among diagnostic and interventional radiology workers in Africa. It highlights the importance of cytogenetic surveillance for early detection of radiation-induced genetic damage, assesses the current practices, and provides a recommendation and a roadmap for establishing robust monitoring programmes. This work would contribute significantly to the understanding of occupational radiation safety issues in the healthcare sector of Africa. It also offers a comprehensive examination of the challenges and opportunities in implementing cytogenetic monitoring programmes.

Occupational Hazards/ Risks among Dental Staff in Afghanistan

Occupational Hazards/ Risks among Dental Staff in Afghanistan

Profile of unnatural deaths in adult females – A retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Haryana

Unnatural deaths, including unintentional and intentional events, require post-mortem examinations to rule out foul play. Women aged 18 to 30 are particularly vulnerable to mental, physical, psychological, and social challenges, including dowry-related deaths and occupational hazards. Unfortunately, female victimization is often underreported and research on the topic is limited. This study took into account 1564 post-mortem records of cases conducted in 5 years and analysed cases of unnatural deaths in adult females aged over 18 years to understand the gravity of female victimization in the region. Of the 204 identified cases, poisoning was the leading cause of death, and suicide was the most common manner of death. Accidental deaths were the second most common manner.: The study highlights the need for policies to address socio-economic and human rights deprivation, domestic violence, and mental health issues that contribute to these deaths. Measures to promote female economic independence and effective prevention and support strategies are necessary to reduce the prevalence of unnatural deaths among women in India.

A survey of workers' knowledge of occupational hazards and eye-protective device use in a bottling company

A survey of workers' knowledge of occupational hazards and eye-protective device use in a bottling company

Ecuadorian Provinces with High Morbidity and Mortality Rates Due to Asthma among the Working-Age Population: An Ecological Study to Promote Respiratory Health.

Asthma is a significant public health concern. This study identified the provinces with the highest morbidity and mortality rates due to asthma among the working-age population (15-69 years) in the Republic of Ecuador. The secondary objective was to explain the possible differences attributable to occupational exposure. This nationwide ecological study was conducted in 24 provinces between 2016 and 2019. Government databases were used as sources of information. Age-standardized rates were calculated for codes J45 and J46. The hospitalization morbidity rate for asthma decreased from 6.51 to 5.76 cases per 100,000 working-age population, and the mortality rate has consistently been low and stable from 0.14 to 0.15 deaths per 100,000 working-age population. Geographic differences between the provinces were evident. The risk of hospitalization and death due to asthma was higher in the Pacific coast (Manabí with 7.26 and 0.38, Esmeraldas with 6.24 and 0.43, Los Ríos with 4.16 and 0.40, El Oro with 7.98 and 0.21, Guayas with 4.42 and 0.17 and the Andean region (Azuay with 6.33 and 0.45, Cotopaxi (5.84 and 0.48)). The high rates observed in provinces with greater agricultural and industrial development could be national heterogeneity's main determinants and act as occupational risk factors. The contribution of occupational hazards in each province should be examined in depth through ad hoc studies. The findings presented here provide valuable information that should prompt further detailed studies, which will assist in designing public policies aimed at promoting and safeguarding the respiratory health of the population, particularly that of workers. We believe that this study will inspire the creation of regional networks for the research and surveillance of occupational health.

Socioeconomic differences in limited lung function: a cross-sectional study of middle-aged and older adults in Germany

BackgroundLimited lung function represents a serious health impairment. However, studies investigating social inequalities in limited lung function are rare. Thus, the current study investigates which socioeconomic groups are the most affected by overall limited lung function and severely limited lung function.MethodsData from the population-based German Aging Survey were used (N = 4472), with participants being 40 + years old. Lung function was assessed by the peak flow test. Education, income, and occupational prestige were used as socioeconomic indicators.ResultsWe found that overall limited lung function was highly prevalent across the whole sample, with about 33% (Women: 35%; Men: 30%) having overall limited lung function and 8% (Women: 7%; Men: 8%) having severely limited lung function. Socioeconomic differences in limited lung function emerged for all three indicators, education, income, and occupational prestige, in both men and women in single effect analyses. These differences persisted for occupational prestige and income when controlling for all indicators simultaneously.ConclusionsThus, overall and severely limited lung function are highly prevalent health conditions. Men and women with a low occupational position and those with low income are the most affected. Socioeconomic indicators cannot be used interchangeably when studying health inequalities in lung functioning. Occupational hazards and physical working conditions are likely to constitute major risks of health inequalities in limited lung functioning and should be investigated as such by future studies.

A database of chemical absorption in human skin with mechanistic modeling applications

Whether from environmental and occupational hazards or from topical pharmaceuticals, the human skin comes into contact with various chemicals every day. In vivo experiments not only require large investments of both time and money, but in vivo experiments can also be unethical due to the need to intentionally or incidentally expose humans or animals to toxic chemicals. Comparatively, in vitro experiments offer ethical and financial advantages when combined with the opportunity to selectively choose chemicals for experimentation. With in vivo experimentation being so infeasible, many scientists have chosen to make their in vitro data available publicly. Using these data, a detailed database containing 73 chemicals was created with a robust set of descriptors to be used in connection with mathematical modeling to predict diffusion, permeability, and partition coefficients. This resulting database is tailored to be easily used in various coding languages.

Radiation to Chemicals Unpacking Occupational Safety Hazards in Educational Hospital through the HOSHRA Lens

Objective: The current study evaluates occupational safety and health risks in educational hospitals using the Hoshra index by concentrating on the detection and control of frequent hazards.Methods: Using a structured approach, the HOSHRA index classifies risks in to physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and psychological domains. The framework supports targeted risk scoring, improving the efficiency with which hospitals can allocate resourcesFindings: The analysis uncovers important types of healthcare worker hazards. Biological and psychological risks appear to be particularly suboptimal, emphasizing the importance of effective infection control interventions, as well as psychological care. The study underscores the need to have a culture of safety that supports hazard reporting and management.Novelty: This is one of the first to use the HOSHRA index in many educational hospital, introducing new methods for risk analysis and assessment beyond traditional classic styles.Research Implications: The results highlight the need for adapted and risk based strategies in healthcare settings. Healthcare organizations can improve the well-being of staff and, by extension, patient care outcomes, by aligning safety protocols with the unique features of wards.

Spatial distribution, bioaccessibility, and human health implications of potentially toxic elements in mining-impacted topsoils in Obuasi Municipality of Ghana.

Potential toxic elements emanating from extracted ores during gold processing present occupational and unintentional health hazards in communities, the general populace, and the environment. This study investigated the concentrations and potential health effects of metal content in the topsoils of Obuasi municipality, which has been mined for gold over the past century. Surface topsoil samples, sieved to 250µm, were initially scanned for metals using x-ray fluorescence techniques, followed by confirmation via ICP-MS. In vitro bioaccessibility assays were conducted using standard methods. The geoaccumulation indices (Igeo) indicate high enrichment of As (Igeo = 6.28) and Cd (Igeo = 3.80) in the soils, especially in the eastern part of the municipality where illegal artisanal mining is prevalent. Additionally, the southern corridor, situated near a gold mine, exhibited significant levels of As and Mn. Results obtained for the total metal concentrations and contamination indices confirmed the elevation of the studied potential toxic elements in the Obuasi community. A hazard index value of 4.42 and 3.30 among children and adults, respectively, indicates that indigens, especially children, are susceptible to non-cancer health effects.

An Analysis of Occupational Hazards Based on the Physical Ergonomics Dimension to Improve the Occupational Health of Agricultural Workers: The Case in Mayo Valley, Mexico

The occupational health and safety of agricultural workers is a topic that has a direct impact on the agricultural sector worldwide. For this reason, investigations into ergonomic factors are relevant to the health and safety of agricultural workers. In this study, nine variables of the physical–ergonomic dimension were analyzed to determine which factors represent occupational risks for agricultural workers in Mayo Valley, Mexico. A sample of 200 people was considered. The sample was separated by gender and divided into groups according to age. A closed-ended survey was developed and validated to assess physical ergonomics variables using a five-level Likert scale. Using Principal Component Analysis, it was found that there are physical ergonomic variables that affect male agricultural workers more than female workers (the risk of carrying heavy objects, PE3, and the risk of performing repetitive movements, PE4). It was also found that certain physical ergonomic variables are not perceived as hazardous by agricultural workers (the risk of using inappropriate materials, PE9). In addition, various research findings are discussed to determine the implications and recommendations for improving the occupational health and safety of agricultural workers in Mayo Valley, Mexico.

Occupational risk management in construction supply chain

The building is historically a driver of the economy, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, moving a huge chain of suppliers of raw materials, supplies and services, besides building a country’s infrastructure and the homes of millions of people. But working conditions in this sector that is so important to the country are not the best, exposing workers to risks of work accidents and occupational diseases. Therefore, this study sought to present the main occupational hazards in the construction industry, discussing alternatives for effective risk management by reducing the rates of accidents and illness among workers. In this research, case studies were done in small and medium-sized construction sector facing the residential construction market. It was also proposed solutions for the implementation of risk management and occupational health and safety for businesses to succeed and lower the rates of accidents at work, health and safety, and quality of work life in these companies.

Association between self-assessed empathic skills, depressive symptoms and job satisfaction: A descriptive correlational study in Greek-speaking critical care nurses in Cyprus

Background: Critical care nurses face occupational hazards impacting their psychological well-being, job satisfaction, and ability to perform clinical duties effectively, including fostering empathic relationships with healthcare users. Aim: To assess in nurses employed in Emergency Departments, Cardiovascular Care, Intensive Care and Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Republic of Cyprus: a) the degree of self-assessed depressive symptoms, job satisfaction, and empathic skills, and b) the relationship between these variables, and possible correlations with demographic characteristics. Methods: A correlational, cross-sectional design was employed in 150 critical care nurses (RR: 39.68%). In 2018, a self-reported questionnaire captured socio-demographic and educational/vocational details, alongside measurement tools for depressive symptoms (CES-D), empathic skills (JES-HP), and work satisfaction (IWS-Part B) among participants. Results: Mean scores for CES-D, IWS-Part B, and JES-HP were 14.4(±9.7), 184(±18.6), and 99(±14.7). respectively. Self-assessed depressive symptoms correlated negatively with job satisfaction (r=-0.296, p&lt;0.001) and empathic skills (r=-0.270, p&lt;0.001). Neonatal ICU nurses showed 5.7 points lower depressive symptoms than ED counterparts (b=-5.7, p=0.052). ICU nurses scored 10.4 points higher on IWS-Part B than ED nurses (b=10.39, p=0.015). Participants with 4-5 years of current work experience reported 12.7 points lower on IWS-Part B compared to &lt;1 year (b=-12.7, p=0.042). Similarly, 10-13 years of experience correlated with 16.8 points lower empathic skills (b=-16.8, p=0.015). Conclusion: The relationship between depressive symptoms, job satisfaction and empathic skills was confirmed but is required in-depth qualitative and quantitative exploration for informed longitudinal and interventional studies.