Global, regional, and national burden of DALYs attributable to occupational risks, 1990-2021: Trends and projections to 2030.

Introduction: The team of professionals involved in the management of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography experiences occupational and ergonomic risks, for which validation instruments are required to facilitate the identification of these risks, in order to prevent occupational diseases. Objective: To validate the instruments for identifying occupational and ergonomic risks in the management of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, using statistical methods of competence coefficient, Aiken's V and calculation of confidence intervals. Methods: Content validity was assessed using expert criteria based on Aiken's V. The study was conducted from February to April 2025. The experts' competency coefficient was taken into account. Content validation was performed using Aiken's V and its confidence intervals. Results: The instrument was comprehensively validated, with a score of 0.98 for occupational hazards (98.21%), while the ergonomic hazards instrument validation yielded an overall score of 0.99 for 98.93%, which is considered good, above 75%. The confidence intervals confirm the study's validity. Conclusions: Content validation was performed, which favors reliable research results. Specialist suggestions were taken into account based on the clarity and comprehension of the occupational risk instrument.

The experience paradox: a 12-year analysis reveals bimodal occupational exposure risk in a high-consequence infectious disease hospital.

The global climate crisis significantly impacts public health, requiring public health inspectors (PHIs) to manage evolving environmental, psychosocial, and organizational risks. This study examines PHIs’ roles in classifying and mitigating workplace hazards exacerbated by climate change, focusing on the challenges they face, the public health implications, and the necessity for effective interventions. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative analysis of PHI-reported secondary data analysis with a scoping review of risk assessment frameworks studies from 2010 to 2025. Of the 185 PHIs surveyed, 87% (n = 161) reported feeling inadequately prepared to manage climate-related hazards. Additionally, 79.42% (n = 146) highlighted a lack of updated training as a critical barrier, and 78% (n = 144) cited insufficient resources as a major challenge. This study provides evidence-based recommendations to strengthen public health policies, enhance occupational safety, and equip PHIs with the necessary tools to manage environmental challenges effectively and reduce occupational risks related to climate and public health infrastructure.

Prevalence of low back pain among Saudi radiographers.

Airborne microplastics from plastic manufacturing industry: Concentrations and characterisation using Py-GC/MS and hyperspectral analysis.

The aim of the study was to establish an evidence-based respirator selection framework mitigating occupational pneumoconiosis risks caused by poor compliance due to discomfort. This study assessed wearing comfort via two experiments on structural performance and physiological indicators. Participants wore different respirators and performed tasks (sitting/low-intensity vs simulated occupational task/medium-intensity) while parameters were measured. XGBoost-SHAP analysis method was used to identify key comfort determinants. The wearing comfort was co-regulated by multiple factors in low-intensity task, with expiratory resistance most critically influenced heart rate, and inspiratory resistance-dominated facial temperature. Expiratory resistance became the decisive burden predictor in medium-intensity task. The valved models (9501V+/9502V+) minimized physiological strain, with the earband type performing better. This SHAP-based ergonomic tool enables protocolized respirator deployment by activity intensity, reducing work-related respiratory disease risks through clinically actionable safety guidelines.

The aim of this study was to examine occupational traits and health profiles for ride-hailing drivers. Ride-hailing drivers were recruited from a major Chinese platform. Demographic characteristics, occupational data, and musculoskeletal conditions were collected via questionnaire. Health examinations included blood tests, electrocardiogram, and imaging tests. Abnormalities were classified using clinical reference ranges. Prevalence and distribution of abnormalities were analyzed across demographic and occupational groups. Among 658 enrolled drivers, predominant occupational risks were prolonged work hours, high stress, and insufficient sleep. Health examinations revealed high prevalence of the following: obesity, hypertension, hematologic abnormalities, metabolic dysregulation, urinary pathologies, cardiovascular abnormalities, and musculoskeletal pain in the neck and shoulder. Ride-hailing drivers with occupational features of extended work hours, physical inactivity, and insufficient sleep exhibited prevalent comorbidities including obesity, metabolic syndrome, musculoskeletal pain, and urinary disorders.

Non-destructive surface sampling of PFAS exposure on firefighter protective gears: Potential implications for occupational exposure.

An artificial neural network to estimate detailed active-passive spinal loads during static lifting activities for a standardized anthropometry.

Bacillus sp. S361 isolated from bioaerosols in pharmaceutical wastewater treatment plants aggravates Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced lung injury in rats by modulating the gut microbiota.

Traffic police officers represent a critical occupational group with high vulnerability to vehicular air pollution, a severe environmental health threat in rapidly urbanizing metropolises such as Addis Ababa. This cross-sectional study explored occupational exposure, protective practices, health risks, perceptions, and awareness of air-quality-associated health risks among 120 traffic police officers in Addis Ababa. The officers were mostly male (80%) and married (93.3%), with the majority (62.6%) having served for more than ten years. While vehicle emissions were consistently recognized as the main source of air pollution, critical knowledge gaps were identified, i.e., only 24.2% had received pollution-related training, fewer than half (45.8%) were aware of government policies, and just 9.2% reported collaboration with environmental authorities. Awareness of the Air Quality Index (AQI) was generally low, and regular monitoring of AQI was limited. Self-reported health symptoms were highly prevalent among participants, with cough (75.0%), eye irritation (61.7%), sneezing (58.3%), and runny nose (55.8%) being the most frequently reported. Notably, sneezing, runny nose, eye irritation, and psychological stress showed significant association with perceived pollution levels at the workplace (p < 0.05), while blood pressure, cough, difficulty concentrating, and sleep loss were not significantly associated (p > 0.05). A higher prevalence of symptoms was generally observed in groups experiencing moderate-to-very high levels of pollution. Protective measures were applied inconsistently; while 63.3% of participants reported using masks, their beliefs about the effectiveness of using masks varied. Relocation (60%) and use of face covers/glasses (13.3%) were less commonly practiced. Overall, traffic police officers are exposed to occupational air pollution, which is associated with various health symptoms. These findings highlight the need for enhanced training, clearer communication of policies, stronger institutional engagement, the provision of standardized protective masks, and the promotion of AQI utilization to reduce occupational health risks and safeguard the wellbeing of traffic police officers in Addis Ababa.

With a view to improving the management mechanisms of the healthcare system in local communities in the coal-mining region, emphasis is placed on the importance of taking into account the socio-economic conditions of life in these areas. The current state and prospects for the development of management mechanisms in the healthcare sector are analyzed, and the fundamental problems and critical challenges associated with environmental pollution, occupational risks, and limited medical infrastructure are identified. The directions for modernizing management mechanisms through the integration of environmental strategies, digital solutions, telemedicine, and information and analytical systems that form the basis for rapid response to threats to public health are substantiated. The potential for cross-sectoral interaction among local authorities, medical institutions, industrial enterprises, and the public to form a sustainable healthcare model capable of adapting to the conditions of military transformation and environmental degradation is revealed. Based on national and international experience, strategic planning tools, preventive programs, mechanisms for administrative decentralisation, and innovative forms of cooperation are proposed to improve the accessibility and quality of medical services. The importance of digitising management processes, expanding health monitoring systems, and involving communities in the formulation of health policy is emphasised, thereby strengthening social stability and enabling the effective implementation of a model of just transformation in coal regions. The role of preventive approaches and the development of medical services focused on early detection of environmentally induced and occupational diseases were summarised, as they are critically important for communities in coal-mining areas. It is emphasised that the introduction of innovative management tools and partnership models of interaction creates the preconditions for a sustainable, adaptive healthcare system capable of ensuring long-term, positive social effects. It was emphasised that the effectiveness of further transformations largely depends on local authorities' ability to integrate modern management practices and digital solutions into the strategic planning for the development of the medical sector in local communities.

This study provides an exploratory analysis of the effects of circular materials and components on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) within the construction industry. With circular economy (CE) principles increasingly integrated into construction, there is an emphasis on resource optimization through reuse, recycling, and waste minimization. These practices support sustainability and economic efficiency but simultaneously bring about unique occupational risks. The transition towards CE in construction necessitates an adaptive approach to safety protocols, ensuring both environmental benefits and worker safety are prioritized.The research evaluates how circular materials such as recycled plastics, reused steel, and innovative composites introduce non-traditional hazards that may compromise worker safety if unaddressed. Traditional OHS practices require modification as these materials may exhibit unpredictable characteristics under stress or deteriorate differently than virgin materials. The potential risks range from respiratory issues due to particulate exposure during material cutting to chemical hazards from residuals in recycled content. This research argues that proactive risk management and detailed material traceability are critical for enhancing OHS in a CE framework.The work adopts a mixed-method approach, including literature review and comparative case studies from four construction companies that integrate CE principles. Data collection incorporates interviews with project managers and OHS officers, accident report analyses, and safety audit reviews to identify safety impacts related to circular materials. Findings highlight a correlation between higher circular material usage and the need for enhanced safety measures, suggesting that comprehensive training on new material properties and risks is essential. Material traceability emerges as a pivotal factor, enabling the identification of hazardous components and facilitating the design of targeted OHS protocols.The findings indicate that CE practices, although beneficial for the environment, introduce complexities to OHS management that require regulatory updates and innovative safety measures. Addressing these challenges would ensure that the construction sector not only meets sustainability goals but also advances worker protection in line with new material technologies. Consequently, the research underscores the importance of aligning CE strategies with robust OHS frameworks, fostering a construction industry that is both resilient and responsible. This dual commitment to sustainability and safety can enhance sectoral competitiveness, particularly in light of growing environmental regulations and resource scarcity.

This study scientifically validates a tool for identifying and assessing occupational risks in the agricultural and food industry, aiming to enhance worker health and safety. Developed through a systematic literature review, the tool integrates theoretical and operational perspectives, addressing both traditional and emerging risks from digitalization - such as ergonomic, psychosocial, and managerial factors linked to technology use and automation. Validation, via comparative and statistical analyses (e.g., Gaussian distributions, Cronbach α coefficient), confirmed its reliability and applicability. The tool proves effective in supporting risk prevention strategies adapted to evolving, digitally influenced organizational environments.

Relevance: Radiation safety of medical personnel remains one of the most pressing issues in modern healthcare. With the increasing use of diagnostic imaging, improving nurses’ competencies in radiation protection becomes essential. Insufficient awareness of radiation protection principles among nurses may lead to violations of safety standards and increased occupational exposure risks. The study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the Healthcare Professional Knowledge of Radiation Protection (HPKRP) questionnaire for assessing the competencies of Kazakhstani nurses in radiation safety. Methods: The original HPKRP questionnaire was translated into Russian and Kazakh using forward–backward translation. The process of cultural adaptation was carried out in accordance with internationally recognized stages: forward and backward translation, expert evaluation, and pilot testing (30 respondents, including 15 Russian and 15 Kazakh speakers). The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. The questionnaire’s internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s α. Results: The translation of the questionnaire completely preserved the meaning of the original English version; no significant differences were identified. During the validation process, minor modifications were made to the wording of some questions to clarify them and make them easier for respondents to understand. The overall Cronbach’s α was 0.90, and the scale-level CVI (S-CVI) was 0.88. Factor analysis confirmed a three-domain structure consistent with the original tool. Conclusion: The Kazakhstani version of HPKRP demonstrated excellent reliability and content validity, supporting its use for nurses’ radiation safety competencies in diagnostic imaging departments.

Aim: To examine the specific characteristics of the industrial microclimate in steelmaking shops, analyse the heat balance of thermal units, and justify engineering solutions aimed at improving microclimatic conditions using an electric arc furnace as an example. Methodology: An analysis of existing scientific publications on occupational safety in metallurgy, occupational hy-giene, and heat engineering has been carried out. Calculations were performed to assess the thermal balance of the steelmaking furnace and the aspiration system for gas and dust extraction. Results: It has been established that in modern steelmaking shops the air temperature at workplaces during the warm season often exceeds the maximum permissible levels by 2–14 °C, reaching 31–35 °C, with reduced humidity of 33–55 % and significant thermal radiation of up to 8000 W/m². During the cold season, the temperature in certain open areas de-creases to 3–18 °C. It has been determined that 70–75 % of the total heat emission in a steelmaking shop is generated by in-frared radiation from molten metal and heated surfaces, which leads to worker overheating. The heat balance of an electric steelmaking furnace is characterised by substantial losses: only about 50–60 % of the supplied energy is retained as the heat of the produced steel, while the remainder is dissipated through slag, cooling water, refractory lining and exhaust gases. The latter carry away up to 10 % of the energy and reach temperatures of approximately 1500 °C, with dust concentrations of 1.5–8 g/m³. A comparison of ventilation schemes has been performed. Conventional shop aeration does not ensure adequate removal of excess heat or harmful emissions. A combined aspiration system for the electric furnace has been proposed, inte-grating a local hood above the furnace and an extraction duct in the furnace roof. The optimal parameters of this system have been calculated: a gas velocity in the duct of approximately 6 m/s, an exhaust gas volume of around 24 000 m³/h, and a pipeline diameter of 0.5–0.55 m. Scientific novelty: For the first time in the context of a steelmaking shop, the application of a combined aspiration method with an adjustable mobile duct has been substantiated. This solution enables effective capture of hot gases and dust while maintaining pressure beneath the furnace roof close to the regulatory level. Practical significance: The implementation of the proposed ventilation system in a steelmaking shop will reduce the air temperature in the working area, as well as dust and gas pollutant concentrations, to regulatory levels, thereby improving working conditions and reducing occupational risks for personnel.

Relevance: The expanded use of magnetic resonance imaging in clinical practice has increased the number of specialists in this field and their exposure to non-ionizing radiation. Although some side effects of non-ionizing radiation have been reported in the literature, the data are fragmentary and contain little volume. There is insufficient systematic data on medical workers exposed to non-ionizing radiation over extended periods, underscoring the need for further research. The study aimed to evaluate the health effects of occupational exposure to non-ionizing radiation among healthcare workers, using published scientific evidence. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Eligi-ble studies included original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that evaluated the health outcomes of healthcare workers exposed to non-ionizing radiation. Data on working conditions, symptoms, and diagnostic methods were collected. The survey included 21 studies that met the in-clusion criteria. Differences between studies, variations in exposure measurement methods, and reli-ance on employee self-reports are the main limitations that can affect the accuracy of the findings. Results: The studies included in this review consistently reported a high prevalence of short-term subjective complaints among healthcare personnel working with MRI, most commonly headache, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, sensory alterations, and cognitive problems. A relationship between dose and symptoms was observed, especially with high-field MRI systems (≥3T). Conclusion: Occupational exposure to non-ionizing radiation poses a significant health risk to med-ical workers. While non-ionizing radiation is primarily associated with acute subjective symptoms, these results underscore the importance of strengthening preventive measures, revising dose-limits, and implementing regular medical supervision to mitigate occupational risks.

Objective: Occupational health and safety are vital in reducing morbidity and mortality from workplace hazards. This study examines healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding occupational risks to support targeted interventions and policy development.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Baqubah General Hospital, Diyala Province, Iraq, between 11/20/2023 and 02/20/2024. 400 permanent healthcare worker —including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, technicians, and support staff—were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected via a structured, face-to-face questionnaire adapted from validated knowledge, attitudes, practices surveys. The questionnaire included 8 knowledge, 5 attitude and 8 practice items, each scored as ‘1’ for correct/positive and ‘0’ for incorrect/negative responses. Median scores were used for evaluation.Results: Most participants were aged 25–34(62%), with nearly equal gender distribution. About 38% had good knowledge of occupational hazards, higher among males (p=0.028), non-smokers (p=0.026), non-medication users (p=0.042). Only 32% exhibited a positive attitude toward safety, which was significantly associated with male gender (p=0.017) and medication use (p=0.034). Good safety practices were reported by 37%, higher in males (p=0.046), laboratory staff (p=0.006), and non-medication users (p=0.008). No significant associations with age, education or years of service.Conclusions: The study identified significant gaps in occupational hazard awareness: only one-third had good knowledge, nearly two-thirds had poor knowledge, and less than one-third showed a positive attitude toward occupational health and safety. Healthcare institutions should improve safety by ensuring continuous supply of personal protective equipment and mandatory, targeted training.

Background: Hepatitis B virus presents a major problem as an occupational risk to healthcare workers (HCWs) in Pakistan, where the vaccination coverage rates do not reach the optimal levels despite the availability of an effective vaccine. Purpose: The aim of the study is to identify the status of HCWs vaccinated against hepatitis B in three large tertiary care hospitals across Peshawar and further assess knowledge, perceptions, work-related variables, and obstacles to vaccination. Materials and Methods: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was carried out between May, 2024 to September, 2024. After conducting informed consent, actually 300 HCWs (doctors, nurses, technicians) of three tertiary hospitals of Peshawar were interviewed face to face using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were employed in the analysis of data. Findings: The average vaccination rate was 65.3 with the highest rate in nurses (76%), then doctors (64%) and technicians (44%). Threat of disease was the principal driving factor (52.3) and time shortage (48.1) was the major impediment. The level of knowledge was high (97%), and the positive attitude was present. Conclusion: Vaccination coverage is medium and decreasing, with employment differences and logistics. Policies and educational programs are required to be mandatory to enhance uptake.