Occupational Health Risks For Workers Research Articles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hygienic assessment of working conditions and occupational incidence among mining workers in the Arctic zone of the Norilsk industrial area

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

Occupational Health Risks for Workers Engaged in Copper-Nickel Ore Processing

Introduction: Despite all preventive measures constantly taken, high incidence of occupational diseases is still registered in workers of copper-nickel enterprises. Objective: To obtain new knowledge about the conditions, timing, structure and frequency of occupational diseases in order to develop methods for their more effective prevention in workers involved in pyrometallurgical copper-nickel ore processing. Materials and methods: We have analyzed incidence rates of occupational diseases in a cohort of 664 workers who processed copper-nickel ore in 2007–2020. Results: Working conditions during pyrometallurgical processing of copper-nickel ore correspond to hazard classes 3.2–3.4 with the chemical exposure being of paramount importance in the development of health disorders (45.6 % of cases). In 2007, 664 workers were examined and 158 occupational diseases were diagnosed in 65 (9.8 %) of them in the years 2008–2020, respiratory and musculoskeletal diseases being the most prevalent categories (50.6 % and 29.1 %, respectively) and chronic bronchitis and sensorineural hearing loss – the most prevalent diseases (27.8 % and 17.1 %, respectively). We established non-occupational disorders (arthralgia, osteochondrosis, early signs of hearing impairment, etc.) contributing to further development of occupational diseases. Smoking history (> 5 packs/year) was found to promote occupational diseases of the respiratory system (RR = 4.84; 95 % CI: 2.51–9.35). Crane operators (17.5 % of the workers) were found to be at highest risk of occupational diseases (366.1 cases per 10,000 workers). Conclusions: Based on data on previously registered occupational diseases, working conditions, length of service, occupation, and clinical conditions, criteria for five risk categories have been developed to predict occupational diseases by time, nosology, and severity of the course in metallurgists involved in copper-nickel ore processing.

Health disorders in workers associated with health risks at workplaces in mining industry in the Arctic (Analytical review)

The review analyzes a range and prevalence of health disorders in workers employed at mining enterprises in the Arctic and exposed to heterogeneous occupational factors. We revealed that working processes typical for basic occupations in under-ground mining involved exposure to a set of heterogeneous harmful and (or) hazardous occupational factors such as intense occupational noise; elevated vibration; aerosols with predominantly fibrogenic effects, dusts and chemicals; high hardness and intensity typical for physical work; non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. It was shown that diseases of the ear and mastoid, vibration syndrome, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory diseases and diseases of the nervous system prevailed both in the structure of general morbidity and in occupational one typical for miners. To create proper working conditions and to minimize effects of harmful and hazardous occupational factors as well as occupational health risks, it is advisable to perform comprehensive hygienic assessment of introduced equipment, machinery and mechanisms; to establish levels and doses of occupational factors. Engineering and technical, technological, medical and preventive and treatment and health-improving activities should be developed on this basis with special emphasis on such occupational groups as drift miners, drill-operators, blasters, timbermen, operators of cargo handling machinery, drilling unit operators, miners in mining outputs and faces, repairmen, and electric gas welders. It seems extremely vital to apply risk assessment methodology to assess occupational health risks for workers employed in mining operations in the Norilsk industrial region considering climatic features of the Arctic. This assessment is important for substantiating relevant activities aimed at managing such risks and protecting workers’ health.

Нарушения здоровья работников, связанные с факторами риска условий труда в горнодобывающей промышленности арктической зоны (Аналитический обзор)

The review analyzes a range and prevalence of health disorders in workers employed at mining enterprises in the Arctic and exposed to heterogeneous occupational factors. We revealed that working processes typical for basic occupations in under-ground mining involved exposure to a set of heterogeneous harmful and (or) hazardous occupational factors such as intense occupational noise; elevated vibration; aerosols with predominantly fibrogenic effects, dusts and chemicals; high hardness and intensity typical for physical work; non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. It was shown that diseases of the ear and mastoid, vibration syndrome, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory diseases and diseases of the nervous system prevailed both in the structure of general morbidity and in occupational one typical for miners. To create proper working conditions and to minimize effects of harmful and hazardous occupational factors as well as occupational health risks, it is advisable to perform comprehensive hygienic assessment of introduced equipment, machinery and mechanisms; to establish levels and doses of occupational factors. Engineering and technical, technological, medical and preventive and treatment and health-improving activities should be developed on this basis with special emphasis on such occupational groups as drift miners, drill-operators, blasters, timbermen, operators of cargo handling machinery, drilling unit operators, miners in mining outputs and faces, repairmen, and electric gas welders. It seems extremely vital to apply risk assessment methodology to assess occupational health risks for workers employed in mining operations in the Norilsk industrial region considering climatic features of the Arctic. This assessment is important for substantiating relevant activities aimed at managing such risks and protecting workers’ health.

Occupational health risk for workers from basic occupational groups employed at copper and zinc ore mining enterprises: Assessment and management

A great share of workers employed at polymetallic ores mining have to face harmful working conditions at their workplaces. To provide safe working conditions for them and to preserve their health is a vital task occupational medicine has to tackle. Polymetallic ore mining enterprises employ certain common technological processes; nevertheless, there are specific features depending on ore mining techniques and the mineralogical composition of different ores. These features determine differences both in working conditions and in occupational risks of developing occupational morbidity (OM) and work-related morbidity (WRM). By now, there have been enough studies on peculiarities of occupational health risks for workers employed at sulfide ore mines, copper-nickel ore mines and ferruginous quartzite mines. Considerably less attention has been given to assessing occupational risks for workers dealing with mining and processing copper-zinc ores. We performed complex clinical and hygienic examinations at a major copper-zinc ore mining enterprise located in the Southern Urals. The research results gave grounds for determining a category of working conditions, establishing formation peculiarities and the structure of occupational and work-related diseases among workers from various occupational groups. Occupational risks were assessed considering hygienic and medical-biological indicators. We established the highest occupational health risks for shaft sinkers, followed by drilling unit operators, timberers, excavator drivers, load haul dumper (LHD) operators and underground self-propelled machine (USPM) operators. The research results gave grounds for developing a conceptual model of assessing and managing occupational risks in the branch. The urgency of developing and implementing activities aimed at risk mitigation should be determined depending on how validated a risk is and on its rates established for specific occupational groups.

Профессиональный риск для здоровья работников основных профессий предприятий по добыче медно-цинковых руд: оценка и управление

A great share of workers employed at polymetallic ores mining have to face harmful working conditions at their workplaces. To provide safe working conditions for them and to preserve their health is a vital task occupational medicine has to tackle. Polymetallic ore mining enterprises employ certain common technological processes; nevertheless, there are specific features depending on ore mining techniques and the mineralogical composition of different ores. These features determine differences both in working conditions and in occupational risks of developing occupational morbidity (OM) and work-related morbidity (WRM). By now, there have been enough studies on peculiarities of occupational health risks for workers employed at sulfide ore mines, copper-nickel ore mines and ferruginous quartzite mines. Considerably less attention has been given to assessing occupational risks for workers dealing with mining and processing copper-zinc ores. We performed complex clinical and hygienic examinations at a major copper-zinc ore mining enterprise located in the Southern Urals. The research results gave grounds for determining a category of working conditions, establishing formation peculiarities and the structure of occupational and work-related diseases among workers from various occupational groups. Occupational risks were assessed considering hygienic and medical-biological indicators. We established the highest occupational health risks for shaft sinkers, followed by drilling unit operators, timberers, excavator drivers, load haul dumper (LHD) operators and underground self-propelled machine (USPM) operators. The research results gave grounds for developing a conceptual model of assessing and managing occupational risks in the branch. The urgency of developing and implementing activities aimed at risk mitigation should be determined depending on how validated a risk is and on its rates established for specific occupational groups.

External exposure levels and fluoride content in the urine of workers at aluminium electrolysis

Introduction. In the context of large-scale modernization and intensification of aluminium production, it becomes relevant to assess the actual fluoride loads and the main factors that determine the occupational exposure of workers to fluorides for health risk analysis. Materials and methods. Monitoring studies of the content of hydrofluoride and aerosols of fluoride salts in the air of electrolysis shops were carried out with traditional and modernized technologies for producing aluminium and fluorine in urine in 108 workers of the primary professions and 35 people in the control group. Determination of the concentration of fluorides was carried out by photometric methods, and fluorine in urine - by ionometric methods. Results. The total concentration of fluoride compounds in the air of the modernized shops was 1.4-2.1 times lower than the values in traditional shops. The fluoride content in the urine of workers in these workshops ranged from 0.8 to 4.7 mg/l, 1.1-6.7 times higher than the level of the control group and 1.1-2.3 times the limit value of the biological exposure index. The highest external and internal fluoride loads and associated health risks are found in workers who maintain electrolyzers and anodes. A closer, noticeable (r = 0.644) correlation was found between the content of fluoride in urine and the levels of gaseous hydrofluoride in the air, indicating its predominant effect on workers compared to other determinants (total concentration of fluorides, seniority and age). Conclusion. The studies’ results indicate a high additional informative value and reliability of biomonitoring of fluoride in urine, which, combined with analysis of air pollution with fluorides, provides a completely objective assessment of the risk of exposure to workers. The presence of high levels of hydrofluoride in the air of electrolysis shops creates a higher occupational health risk for workers.

VOCs Fugitive Emission Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment from Typical Plywood Industry in the Yangtze River Delta Region, China

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions from the plywood manufacturing industry in China have received concerns during recent years. A total of 115 VOCs were measured in the adhesive-making, adhesive-coating, and hot-pressing workshops of the plywood manufacturing industry to investigate fugitive emission characteristics of VOCs and assess their health risks to workers. The average concentration of total VOCs in workshops of the plywood manufacturing industry is 467 ± 359 μg/m3, whereas the value for ambient air is 81.4 μg/m3. For specific processes, the adhesive-coating and hot-pressing processes show higher VOCs concentrations (501 μg/m3–519 μg/m3) than the adhesive-making process (340 μg/m3). Formaldehyde, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane are the three most abundant VOCs in workshops, with relative contributions to total VOCs of 55.9–63.1%, 4.3–11.0%, and 1.7–4.4%, respectively. For ozone formation potential (OFP) of VOCs, formaldehyde is the largest contributor (86.1%), followed by toluene, xylenes, and propanal. The non-cancer toxic risks (HI) and cancer risks of total VOCs (T-LCR) for three processes are calculated as 2.93–3.94 and 2.86–4.17 × 10−4 using the US EPA recommended methods, both significantly higher than threshold values (1.0 for HI and 10−4 for LCR), suggesting the highly toxic and cancer risks to workers. Formaldehyde contributes 68.1–78.2% and 91.4–93.9% of HI and T-LCR, respectively. The designed risk reduction scheme of VOCs based on air ventilation suggests that air ventilation rates of formaldehyde need to reach 4–5 times in 8 h in three processes to reduce T-LCR to 10−5. These results are useful for developing VOCs control measures and evaluating VOCs occupational health risk for workers in the plywood manufacturing industry.

A software package for monitoring and managing occupational health risks for industrial workers

Abstract At the present stage of development of any state, an important aspect of occupational health and public health is undoubtedly the protection of workers' health. In view of this, we have developed an automated system and algorithm for the approach to assessing professional risks. It is proposed to implement a campaign to manage occupational health risks for workers through the automated system “Software complex for monitoring and managing occupational health risks for workers at an industrial enterprise” developed in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This complex performs the necessary actions to create the foundations for making management decisions, it consists of the following components, which were analyzed and used at the industrial enterprise Joint Stock Company ‘Kostanay Minerals' in the Republic of Kazakhstan: 1) analysis of current information based on the definition and systematization of the information bases of the enterprise. Such databases include data on employees, working conditions, cases of injuries, morbidity, medical examinations, occupational morbidity and personal protective equipment; 2) the analytical component, carried out on the basis of statistical data, mathematical methods of information processing, conducts an analysis of professional risk both for each worker and for each enterprise. The analysis of the data is presented by the system in the form of reports received by the interested person of the enterprise by specifying a sample of data in any form, with the specification of the conditions for sampling from the stored data in the database of the automated system. The developed and implemented approach to occupational risk management is aimed at the practical implementation of a comprehensive risk assessment at workplaces, allowing not only to identify risks, but also to manage them during the work shift, throughout the entire work experience, which is the basis for ensuring the safety and health of industrial workers. Key messages The introduction of new technologies in industry will lead to a sharp decrease in the intensity of production factors and occupational pathology and to conduct a correct assessment of health risks. Professional risk monitoring consists in informing employees, employers, the public, administrative authorities about the risk factors at work and the necessary and applied measures to reduce it.

Методические подходы к оценке персонального профессионального риска здоровью, обусловленного болезнями, связанными с работой, на протяжении всего периода трудовой деятельности

An increase in retirement age means that employment period is prolonged; it calls for preserving people’s working capacities for a longer period of time including those with long-term working experience. It is especially vital when it comes to adverse working conditions that might cause high health risks for workers due to work-related diseases. We suggested methodical approaches to determining individual occupational health risks; these approaches took into account occupationally induced negative responses to impacts exerted by work-related factors; pathogenetic mechanisms of health disorders occurrence; gravity of health disorders; workers’ age and working experience. To implement these approaches, we applied a set of procedures that included hygienic and epidemiologic analysis, clinical and laboratory examination of workers, mathematic modeling and prediction. We tested these approaches via assessing occupational health risks for workers employed at oil-extracting enterprises and it allowed us to determine parameters of dependence between changes in arterial hypertension predictors under exposure to occupational noise and changes in age and working experience (b0=0.1427; b1=0.007; b2=-0.372). The obtained parameters can be used in assessing risks of arterial hypertension occurrence due to exposure to occupational noise for workers employed in oil extraction. Individual occupational risk caused by arterial hypertension in people exposed to occupational noise was higher than its permissible level (1∙10-3) for 13% workers (33 people) aged from 41 to 52 and working experience from 19.8 to 33 years; the risk detected in our research amounted up to 2.4∙10-2. Maximum individual risks of work-related arterial hypertension that are predicted to occur at an age close to 59 years amount up to 4.3∙10-2 and they will be higher than permissible levels for 56.6% работников; at an age close to 65 years, up to 4.7∙10-2, and they will be higher than permissible levels for 64.8% workers.

Methodical approaches to assessing individual occupaitonl health risk caused by work-related diseases during the whole employment period

An increase in retirement age means that employment period is prolonged; it calls for preserving people’s working capacities for a longer period of time including those with long-term working experience. It is especially vital when it comes to adverse working conditions that might cause high health risks for workers due to work-related diseases. We suggested methodical approaches to determining individual occupational health risks; these approaches took into account occupationally induced negative responses to impacts exerted by work-related factors; pathogenetic mechanisms of health disorders occurrence; gravity of health disorders; workers’ age and working experience. To implement these approaches, we applied a set of procedures that included hygienic and epidemiologic analysis, clinical and laboratory examination of workers, mathematic modeling and prediction. We tested these approaches via assessing occupational health risks for workers employed at oil-extracting enterprises and it allowed us to determine parameters of dependence between changes in arterial hypertension predictors under exposure to occupational noise and changes in age and working experience (b0=0.1427; b1=0.007; b2=-0.372). The obtained parameters can be used in assessing risks of arterial hypertension occurrence due to exposure to occupational noise for workers employed in oil extraction. Individual occupational risk caused by arterial hypertension in people exposed to occupational noise was higher than its permissible level (1∙10-3) for 13% workers (33 people) aged from 41 to 52 and working experience from 19.8 to 33 years; the risk detected in our research amounted up to 2.4∙10-2. Maximum individual risks of work-related arterial hypertension that are predicted to occur at an age close to 59 years amount up to 4.3∙10-2 and they will be higher than permissible levels for 56.6% работников; at an age close to 65 years, up to 4.7∙10-2, and they will be higher than permissible levels for 64.8% workers.

Occupational risk to the health of dairy products manufacturing workers

Introduction. The preservation of the health of workers employed in harmful working conditions is one of the essential strategic tasks of the Russian Federation’s policy in the field of protecting public health. Milk processing workers are exposed to many adverse factors in the work environment and the work process that negatively affect their health. However, in previous studies, assessing and managing occupational risk to their health is not adequately addressed. Purpose of the study. Hygienic assessment of working conditions and occupational health risks for workers in the production of dairy products. Material and methods. Authors give the quantitative and qualitative assessment of occupational health risk based on our own hygienic studies results and an in-depth medical examination. Results. During the work, dairy production workers were established to be exposed to a set of factors of the occupational environment (adverse microclimate, noise, vibration, insufficient lighting) and the labor process’s hardness. It forms harmful working conditions of the first and third degrees (classes 3.1 - 3.3), which corresponds to categories of occupational risk from small (moderate) to high (intolerable). The direct moderate (r = 0.53) reliable correlation relationship between the prevalence of chronic pathology in general and female workers’ work experience was revealed. A very high degree of causal relationship between the work, diseases of the ear and mastoid process (RR = 4.3; EF = 76.7%; CI = 1.6-10,93) and a high degree of relation connection of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (RR = 2.22; EF = 55.1%; CI = 1,21-4,08). It indicates their occupational conditionality. It is necessary to develop and implement many organizational, health-improving, and treatment-and-prophylactic measures to prevent the occurrence of work-related health disorders and minimize risk factors for their development. Conclusion. Many harmful factors in occu[ational conditions that create the risk of developing a professionally caused disease characterize modern dairy production. It requires urgent measures to reduce the risk.

Occupational health risk for workers in iron ore mining

Introduction. The current negative trends in the decline of the working-age population, as well as changes in the pension legislation, raise the issue of preserving the labor potential and health of the population more sharply than ever. The aim of study is to assess the occupational health risk of employees in iron ore mining with the subsequent development of management measures. Materials and methods. Jobs of priority professions were selected: creeper, sinker, GROZ, scraper winch and drilling rig drivers. The assessment of working conditions and occupational risk was carried out in accordance with guidelines R 2.2.2006-05 and R 2.2.1766-03 on the basis of materials provided by the company, as well as its own measurement results using available predictive models for assessing occupational health risk of employees. Results. The results of the study indicate that there is a high (intolerable) occupational health risk in all professions, category of evidence 1A. Aerosols, industrial noise, vibration, and heavy labor remain the leading health risk factors. The average length of professional pathology development, depending on the nosological form, was in the range of 20-30 years. Conclusions. Based on the results of the work, recommendations were given for managing occupational health risks.

Peculiarities in assessing occupational health risks for workers who are in contact with aerosols containing fine-dispersed dust particles

In Russia there is a system for standardizing and control over aerosols with predominantly fibrogenic effects and dust particles with different structure. But at the same time there are no hygienic standards for fine-dispersed dust contents in working area air and it makes hygienic assessment of working conditions more complicated and impedes use of risk assessment methodology. Our research goal was to substantiate a concentration of aerosols containing fine-dispersed dust particles (РМ10 и РМ2.5) in working are air that were harmless for workers’ health. It was done via applying a procedure for determining dust burden and using it when calculating health risks for workers. We assessed dust content in working area air with focus on fine-dispersed dust particles РМ10 и РМ2.5 with a dust measuring device «OMPN-10.0». Chemical structure of dust particles was determined with atomic absorption procedure. Results were estimated according to HS 2.2.5.3532-18. Dust burden was calculated according to State standard GOST R 54578-2011. We established dependence between duration of working experience under exposure to fine-dispersed dust that was harmless for health and a value of excess in dust contents over the suggested concentration and work shift duration. To assess health risk for workers caused by exposure to fine-dispersed dust particles taking their chemical structure into account, we determined reference concentrations for working area air; 0.1 mg/m3 for РМ10, and 0.055 mg/m3 for РМ2.5. Use of calculated concentrations allowed suggesting models for calculating harmless duration of working experience under exposure to dusts in concentrations higher than recommended ones. The results enable substantiating organizational activities aimed at workers’ health preservation.