Occupational Risk Research Articles

Seaweed Farming in Tanzania: A Study of Working Practices and Geospatial Analysis of Occupational Hazards and Adverse Health Outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective Work in seafood harvesting and processing has been associated with a range of occupational hazards and associated health problems. However, limited information exists regarding the occupational health risks among workers engaged in seaweed handling. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to map seaweed co-operatives (n = 45), assess working practices, and identify common work-related symptoms, occupational hazards, and interventions in seaweed farming sites (n = 24), across three regions of Zanzibar, Tanzania. Results Seaweed farming in Zanzibar primarily involves the cultivation of Eucheuma Spinosum, with the majority of workers being women. Common work-related symptoms identified include musculoskeletal symptoms, mainly affecting the wrist (87%), back (84%) and lower limbs (73%). Furthermore, a significant proportion of workers were reported to have skin problems (80%) as well as heat and asthma-related symptoms (51%). Walk-through hazard evaluations of work sites identified a range of occupational hazards, with ergonomic (58–68%), biological (50–63%) and chemical (55–65%) hazards obtaining higher scores across the three regions. Geospatial analysis revealed regional variations in occupational hazards and work-related symptom prevalence, with Unguja South having a statistically significant (p < .05) higher mean prevalence of skin symptoms (95%) and Mjini Magharibi region reporting a higher prevalence of lower limb pain (100%), back pain (100%), and heat-related symptoms (90%). Despite the high hazard scores, interventions were generally lacking across all regions. Conclusion Occupational health hazards and adverse health outcomes vary across seaweed farming and processing regions. Tailored interventions will be key to improving workplace health and safety of workers engaged in this sector.

Risk factors, timing and frequency of occurrence of post-COVID syndrome in workers with intensive computer workload

According to leading experts of the World Health Organization, the threat of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus remains, which will lead to a sharp increase in morbidity and mortality. The severity of complications after COVID-19 depends not only on how severe the disease was, but also on other factors: genetic predisposition, age, concomitant diseases, and working conditions. This makes it urgent to conduct further scientific research on the ranking of the factors of the production environment that accelerate the spread of COVID-19. The study aims to determine the degree of occupational risk, taking into account the timing and frequency of manifestations of post-COVID syndrome (U09.9; U10.9 according to ICD–X) in specialists with intensive computer workload. In the period 2020–2024, the researchers conducted a survey at the workplaces of Kislovodsk enterprises and examined 556 people with an intensive computer load associated with servicing the flows of mass consumers during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic period. We have studied the timing and frequency of the occurrence of post-COVID syndrome, objectified by the degree of health risk factors in various categories of workers with intensive computer workload. The timing and frequency of seven post-COVID syndrome manifestations ranked (according to the degree of occupational health risk factors) (U09.9; U10.9 according to ICD-X) that occur in workers with intensive computer workload in the first two weeks after discharge from the hospital during hospitalization for COVID-19 (occupational health risk factors category A) or arising within three to four weeks after discharge from the hospital during hospitalization for COVID-19 (occupational health risk factors of category B). Based on statistical and clinical and hygienic data obtained in the period from 2020 to 2024, post-COVID manifestations in the gradations of "high" and "moderately high" occupational health risk for employees (n=556) with intensive computer load were ranked by the timing and frequency of occurrence of the named syndrome, as well as by the degree of risk of potential COVID-19 infections of the named groups of specialists associated with servicing mass consumer flows infected with constantly mutating representatives of enveloped RNA viruses. According to the degree of occupational risk to the health of persons with intensive computer workload, six groups of specialists associated with servicing mass consumer flows, potentially infected with COVID-19 and other representatives of enveloped RNA viruses, were ranked. Limitations. Post-COVID syndromes that occur within one to two and three to four weeks after discharge from the hospital have been studied. Ethics. Scientists have conducted research in accordance with the principles of biomedical ethics and approved by the local Ethics Committee of Izmerov Research Institute of Occupation Health, Moscow (Protocol No. 4 dated 04/14/2021). Each participant of the study submitted a voluntary written informed consent signed by him after explaining to him the potential risks and benefits.

Role of the Regulation Framework in Occupational Safety in Construction Excavation Works—A Survey Analysis in Turkey

The construction sector is known to have the highest risks of occupational accidents. A rationale for this high occurrence of occupational risks can be related to legislative requirements to enforce safe construction practices within this sector. Within the context of excavation works in Turkey, this study investigates the leading risks for any compliance shortfalls and ultimately presents recommendations to mitigate occupational accidents’ occurrences during excavation works in the construction sector. Based on a quantitative methodology, a closed-ended survey consisting of 35 questions and based on legislative requirements was applied to project managers in the construction industry, such as site supervisors, occupational safety experts, auditors, and control personnel. A sample size of 277 responses was found to have stability and validity through a reliability analysis and an exploratory factor analysis, and was used for testing statistical significance via cross-tabulation analysis and chi-square tests. The findings revealed that the major deviation of safety in excavation works from legislative requirements is executing works during adverse weather conditions. Moreover, it was also noteworthy that protective curtains did not surround the excavation sites, and most of the employees encountered ground slippage during excavation work. Therefore, the findings revealed preliminary research that will contribute positively to providing incentives for a focus on and development of relevant security and technical measures. It also provided information to protect the safety and welfare of the workers involved in excavation works. Finally, though these findings may be considered context-specific, this research can be used for comparative purposes for similar studies into the safety practices of excavation works in different countries, where generalized findings can be later derived to inform academia and practice.

The evolution of new and emerging occupational health and safety risks: A qualitative review.

Work itself and occupational health and safety (OHS) have evolved through industrial revolutions and will also continue to evolve in the future. The aim of this qualitative literature review was to examine how the scientific discussion on new and emerging risks (NERs) related to OHS has evolved in recent decades in developed and newly industrialized countries. A search of the Scopus database yielded 34 articles published before 2000 and from 2020 onwards. A review of the articles identified NERs themes related to changes in work patterns, changing workforce and growth in some sectors, climate change, new materials or increased use of materials, new technology and technological development, and viruses. In both article collection periods, possible adverse OHS effects discussed included musculoskeletal disorders, exposure to toxic agents, chemical compounds and hazardous materials, increased stress, increased likelihood of errors and accidents, psychosocial problems, mental fatigue, and increases in work-related illnesses and accidents. The articles published during both periods discussed similar themes. The main differences were regarding specific time-related cases, such as climate change and COVID-19. Based on the findings of this review, points to consider in OHS management and future studies are discussed.

Relationship Between Job Satisfaction and Various Factors of the Job Demand-Control-Support Model Among Iranian Nurses: Structural Equation Modeling Modeling Study

Background: Stress at work is a significant occupational risk that diminishes performance and job satisfaction. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the relationship between job satisfaction and various factors of the job demand-control-support (JDCS) model among 840 nurses working in public hospitals affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: The Job Content Questionnaire and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire were utilized to assess various aspects of the JDCS model and job satisfaction, respectively. The structural equation model (SEM) was employed to explore the relationships between variables. A significance level of P &lt; 0.05 was considered. Results: The findings revealed that the highest average scores were for skill discretion (30.92 ± 10.34) and decision authority (30.82 ± 6.91), while the lowest mean scores were related to social support (21.37 ± 7.60) and job insecurity (7.78 ± 1.49), indicating high levels of job stress among participants. The study identified direct and positive relationships between demand and control (r = 0.58, P = 0.021), control and support (r = 0.51, P = 0.032), and demand and support (r = 0.87, P = 0.009). Social support had a positive influence on job satisfaction (standardized = 0.75, P = 0.008) and a negative effect on job insecurity (standardized = -0.56, P = 0.009). Control negatively impacted job insecurity (standardized = -0.1, P = 0.02) and positively affected job satisfaction (standardized = 0.012, P = 0.012). Additionally, "job insecurity" moderated the effect of "control" on "job satisfaction" (standardized = 0.02, P = 0.005). Conclusions: Higher job demands and control contribute to increased dissatisfaction and insecurity among nurses. Conversely, nurses who receive more social support feel more secure and satisfied. To enhance job satisfaction and reduce insecurity, efforts should focus on increasing support and managing control and demand, as these factors significantly influence job performance and satisfaction.

Zagrożenia w pracy lekarzy orzekających zgon i przyszłych koronerów. Przegląd aktualnej sytuacji w Polsce

A physician’s work involves exposure to various harmful factors, mainly biological and psychosocial. Their source can be either living or deceased patients. In connection with the upcoming reform of the post-mortem procedure, it becomes important to present the risks affecting doctors involved in the determination of death. The purpose of this paper was to emphasize the psychological burden associated with constant dealing with death, which can reveal itself as a significant problem. The current legal regulations on the determination of death in Poland are contained in acts dating as far back as 1959 and 1961. Therefore, it is expected that the law will be amended to clarify the controversial aspects of the duty to declare death. Although the aspect of exposure to biological agents in the medical profession has been regulated by law, the psychological consequences of exposure, which revolve around post-traumatic stress syndrome and occupational burnout, are not covered by adequate prevention. Various forms of prevention of these phenomena through education and multidirectional self-therapy are currently under consideration. Determining death is an activity that requires not only knowledge but also appropriate emotional training. The dangers of contact with corpses are multifaceted, indicating the need for a thorough analysis of the occupational risks of coroners.

The Relationship Between Work Position Risk and the Level of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Private Limited Company Personnel

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are abnormalities that affect the musculoskeletalsystem, triggered by various risk factors in the work environment. Commonly, MSDs occur due to non-ergonomic working conditions. It arises from chronic exposure to risk factors that can cause injury to the musculoskeletalsystem, this condition will impact on the social and economic aspects of employees. This research was conducted to determine the characteristics of employees, description of the region and the level of musculoskeletal complaints experienced, risk of work positions based on RULA assessment, and the relationship between risk of work positions and the level of musculoskeletal complaints with an analytic cross-sectional design. The study sample was 33 employees of the Engineering Section of private limited company personnel. The research instrument used was a questionnaire. The results show that the majority of the Engineering Department employees at private limited company personnel were 23 years old (36.4%) and had worked for two to three years (33.3%). As many as 48.5% of employees experienced moderate levels of musculoskeletal complaints. Of the 33 respondents, the majority of employees (63.6%) had a low-risk position, nine people (27.3%) had moderate risk, and three (9.1%) had high risk. There is a significant relationship between the risk of work position and the level of musculoskeletal complaints (P &lt; 0.05). There is a significant relationship between the risk of working position and the level of musculoskeletal complaints in personnel of limited liability companies. Keywords: employee health, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), level of occupational risk

Management System for Safety, Health and Environmental Risks at Jasa Contratistas S.A.C.

The investigation focused on establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for Safety, Health and Environment at JASA Contratistas S.A.C., based on Peruvian legislation, including Law No. 29783 and Supreme Decree No. 023-2021-MINAM. The methodology covered the initial characterization, the definition of environmental policy objectives and the evaluation of occupational risks through IPERC matrices. 122 regulatory items were identified, with 56% meeting the criteria of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (SGSST). In the environmental field, a 3.38% reduction in deforestation was evident, a 7% increase in solid waste recycling and a 5% improvement in environmental management. After the implementation of the SGSST, occupational risks decreased from 25% to 10.71%, while in the environmental aspect, deforestation reached 2.10%, solid waste treatment increased to 17.5%, and the pro-environmental attitude of employees improved by 20.8%. This system not only improved risk control and reduced accidents, but also increased productivity, ensured regulatory compliance, strengthened competitiveness and encouraged improved environmental behavior among staff.

Environmental Exposures and Cancer Risk: A Comprehensive Review

Environmental exposure is increasingly recognized as a significant cancer risk factor. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the relationship between several environmental factors and the development of cancer. The complicated interactions between genetic predispositions and environmental factors in the etiology of cancer are highlighted in this study by looking at both known and newly discovered environmental carcinogens. The review covers a broad spectrum of environmental exposures, including occupational risks, dietary and physical activity habits, and toxins in the air and water. It also explores the molecular processes by which these exposures cause cancer, with particular attention to pathways including DNA damage, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes. This review also discusses the differences in cancer risk associated with environmental exposures among various populations, highlighting the necessity of focused preventative and therapeutic measures. The results highlight how crucial it is to implement public health programs and regulatory regulations targeted at lowering environmental carcinogen levels and lessening their influence on the incidence of cancer. Considering an emphasis on developing precision medicine techniques and enhancing environmental health equality, future research directions are suggested further to clarify the complex links between the environment and cancer.

Prevalence and risk factors of low back pain in military personnel: a systematic review.

Low back pain (LBP) has a significant impact on the general population, especially on military personnel. This study aimed to systematically review the relevant literature to determine the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among military personnel from different military occupational categories. For this systematic review, we searched Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane. We performed study selection, data extraction, and assessed the quality of the evidence using the adapted risk of bias assessment tool by Hoy et al. This review process was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This study is registered on the Center for Open Science, registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/HRGE8. Out of 860 papers, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. More than 360 000 military people with lumbar pain situation were considered for inclusion in this systematic review. The 1-year prevalence of LBP could be up to 81.7% in the Army, 5.2% in the Marines, and 48.1% in the Air Force. Age (OR = 0.494-2.89), history of LBP (OR = 2.2-8.91), and sedentary position (OR = 0.55-3.63) were the most common physical, sociodemographic, and occupational risk factors, respectively. Low back pain was prevalent among military personnel. There was heterogeneity in studies and a significant difference in prevalence and incidence across various occupational categories. Physical, sociodemographic, and occupational risk factors were researched more than psychological risk factors in the military.

Occupational Health and Safety Risks Associated with Grass Trimmers in One of the Universities in Zimbabwe

Objectives: This research intends to investigate occupational health and safety risks associated with grass-trimming activities at a local university in Zimbabwe and recommend on ways to reduce the risks. Methods: A mixed-method approach was adopted and the research was based on a case study design. Data was collected using questionnaires, observations, and interviews, with a total of 27 participants involved in the study. Data was analysed using thematic analysis and ranking and scoring using a ranking matrix. Results: The findings revealed that the most prevalent risks were attributed to factors such as physical hazards which include noise, dust, solar radiation, and ergonomic issues. Among the identified causes of these risks were a lack of training, and improper use of personal protective equipment. Conclusion: The research concluded that grass-trimming operations introduce various health and safety risks that need to be effectively managed to ensure the well-being of workers and the general public. The researchers recommended the implementation of comprehensive training programs for employees, proper use of protective clothing and equipment to avoid noise and dust such as the use of earplugs, masks and regular maintenance of the grass trimming equipment and machines.

Workplace intervention among pregnant hospital employees − a cluster randomised trial evaluating sick leave

ObjectiveSick leave during pregnancy is common and associated with strenuous working conditions and multiple occupational exposures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of midwifery facilitation of sessions with pregnant employees and managers focusing on work adjustment, to reduce discomfort and occupational risks. MethodsA cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted. Hospital employees were randomised to intervention or reference. The intervention group received additional midwifery support in addition to the standard hospital pregnancy policy provided to the reference group. Outcomes were pregnancy-related sick leave and general sick leave. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed with mixed-effect models. ResultsSick leave was similar between the intervention and reference groups, and 51 % of pregnant employees did not take any days of full pregnancy related sick leave, while approximately 21 % took more than 30 days. Group differences in mean estimates for partial sick leave were −0.5 (CI −2.3;1.3) days. Differences in full sick leave was 1.2 (CI −2.9;5.2) days, and 0.6 (CI −1.0;2.1) days for general sick leave. ConclusionMidwifery support as an add-on to usual pregnancy policy did not decrease sick leave during pregnancy compared to usual practice in a study population of Danish healthcare professionals. Midwifery support tailored towards the specific work environment may perhaps provide better results.

Effects of a sedentary behaviour intervention in emergency dispatch centre phone operators: a study protocol for the SECODIS randomised controlled cross-over trial

IntroductionSedentary behaviour is a public health problem. We mainly have sedentary behaviour at work, transforming them into occupational risk. To our knowledge, there is no intervention study on the reduction...

Percutaneous Absorption of Two Bisphenol A Analogues, BPAF and TGSA: Novel In Vitro Data from Human Skin

Bisphenol AF (BPAF) and TGSA are analogues of Bisphenol A (BPA). BPAF is used in polymer synthesis, while TGSA is applied in thermal papers. The EU classifies BPAF as toxic to reproduction and TGSA as a skin sensitizer. However, TGSA's other health effects remain unclear. BPAF contamination has been noted among electronic waste workers, and TGSA exposure is documented in various professions. Despite the significance of skin contact, data on skin permeation rates for BPAF and TGSA are limited. This study aimed to generate percutaneous absorption data for BPAF and TGSA following OECD guidelines.[14C]-labelled BPAF or TGSA was applied to human skin samples in vitro using Franz diffusion cells for 20 and 40 h, respectively. Key parameters such as steady-state flux, lag time, and skin permeability coefficient (Kp) were calculated. Furthermore, the distribution of the dose across different compartments, particularly within the skin, was evaluated at the conclusion of the experiment. Sequential strippings and epidermis-dermis separation were conducted for BPAF to predict the potential absorption of the remaining dose present within the skin.The permeability coefficients for BPAF and TGSA were found to be 1.9 E-03 and 1.6 E-03 cm/h, with 22% and 23% of the applied doses absorbed, respectively. Both chemicals are classified as "fast" penetrants based on their Kp values. These findings suggest that BPAF and TGSA are absorbed through the skin, highlighting potential occupational risks through dermal exposure. The new percutaneous absorption data will enhance the assessment of the occupational risks.

Острые интоксикации в условиях химических производств и меры профилактики

Occupational diseases caused by the chemical factor, including acute intoxications, continue to be reported in enterprises of the petrochemical industry. In this regard, studying the etiological factor causing acute intoxication, as well as the circumstances and causes of its occurrence among various professional groups of employees is still urgent. A retrospective analysis of materials of the investigation of occupational diseases caused by acute intoxications that occurred within 50 years (from 1967 to 2022) at the largest petrochemical plant located in the Volga Federal District has been conducted. An in-depth analysis of acute occupational disease risk indicators at the plant has shown that for the analyzed period, 124 cases of acute occupational poisonings, both collective and with one victim were reported. The high professional risk of health disorders due to acute poisonings has been detected for employees of the main professions: operators, machinists, and process equipment repair mechanics. The most significant factors causing acute poisonings were ammonia (23.4 % of all cases), hydrogen sulfide (17.3 %), carbon monoxide (10.7 %), and aromatic hydrocarbons (9.8 %). The main areas of chemical factor risk minimization have been developed based on the analysis.

Scattered Denial: Reflections on the Occupational Hazards and Health Risks Over a 35-Year Career in Interventional Cardiology.

Scattered Denial: Reflections on the Occupational Hazards and Health Risks Over a 35-Year Career in Interventional Cardiology.

A Descriptive Study To Assess The Knowledge Of Undergraduate Students Regarding The Needle Stick Injury And Its Prevention In Smt. Lakshmi Bai Batra College Of Nursing, New Delhi

Background: A needle stick injury (NSI) is an accidental skin-penetrating stab wound from a hollow-bore needle containing another person’s blood or body fluid. Healthcare workers are at an occupational risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens following needle stick injuries and sharp injuries. Objective: To assess the knowledge of undergraduate students regarding needle stick injuries and its prevention in Smt. Lakshmi Bai Batra College of Nursing. Method and material: The research was conducted from December 22nd, 2022 on 62 students of Smt. Lakshmi Batra College of Nursing, Delhi. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample and data was collected through questionnaire for accessing the knowledge regarding needle stick injuries and its prevention. Result: 62 students of Smt. Lakshmi Bai Batra College of Nursing were taken as sample using purposive sampling technique and the finding of the study indicates that knowledge regarding needle stick injury is average among 61 students and poor among 1 student and good among 0 student. Conclusion: The study indicates that poor to average knowledge regarding needle stick injury &amp; its prevention among undergraduate students of Smt. Lakshmi Bai Batra College of Nursing

Анализ состояния охраны труда и промышленной безопасности на АО «Разрез Колыванский»

A risk-oriented approach at hazardous production facilities is a part of critical measures to maintain the safety of the production environment affecting both human health and performance during the working process and to minimize accidents and production hazards. The objective assessment of all stages of the production process is an important aspect of the enterprise's activities. Enterprises should immediately introduce and implement comprehensive measures of production safety that must simultaneously minimize threats to human health (occupational risk assessment — the development and implementation of unified criteria of accident risk assessment) and prevention of potential hazards at each workplace in particular and at the enterprise in general (establishing the industrial safety culture and awareness of personal responsibility for the workflow safety, compliance with industrial safety requirements). The latter is the key principle as it concerns cross-industry integration, i.e., the basic level of knowledge and skills obtained during the learning process and the practical experience of working with industrial equipment, and specifics of the enterprise’s operation. The article provides the analysis of outcomes of work in the sphere of occupational and industrial safety at Razrez Kolavansky JSC with the application of a risk-oriented approach. At the same time, the impact of education (qualification) on injuries of the employees of Razrez has been considered.

Kidney cancer following occupational exposure to trichloroethylene: Clinical case series and review of the literature

IntroductionThis case study describes the clinical, medical and administrative management of kidney cancer secondary to occupational exposure to trichloroethylene, a chlorinated solvent classified as a known carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. MethodData were collected from the computerized records of all patients treated by the occupational medicine department of Montpellier University Hospital for kidney cancer following occupational exposure to trichloroethylene. ResultsThe study included five patients aged between 36 and 64years. Clinical characteristics (histology, stage at diagnosis and disease course) were variable. The patients had all been exposed to trichloroethylene before the year 2000, with a mean delay to diagnosis of 31years. ConclusionKidney cancer is a frequent pathology, often discovered by chance, even at metastatic stages. Knowledge of occupational risks enables us to set up primary and secondary prevention measures (early detection), as well as a specific medical and social care pathway. Level of evidenceNot available.

Genetic Characterization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Diabetic Foot Ulcers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mysuru, South India.

Background Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are common complications in diabetes patients, often leading to sepsis and leg amputation. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in DFUs pose challenges due to methicillin resistance with mecA and mecC genes. This study aims to assess the prevalence of MRSA in clinical isolates from DFUs,analyze the antibiogram of MRSA isolates, and detect the presence of the mecA and mecC genes among MRSA isolates. Methodology The isolated S. aureus colonies were identified and antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using the Vitek-2 Compact system. Methicillin resistance was also confirmed through the disc diffusion method. Confirmed methicillin-resistant isolates were subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect mecA and mecC genes. Results A total of 474 purulent samples from DFUs yielded 541 distinct isolates, comprising 201 gram-positive and 340 gram-negative organisms. Among the gram-positive organisms, Staphylococcus species predominated, with 79 S. aureus isolates, 34 of which were methicillin-resistant. All MRSA isolates (100%) were sensitive to tetracycline, linezolid, teicoplanin, and vancomycin, and 94% were sensitive to cotrimoxazole but least susceptible to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of mecA genes in all 34 isolates and mecC genes in three isolates. Conclusions The presence of mecA in all 34 MRSA isolates underscores consistent methicillin resistance. The co-occurrence of mecA and mecC in three isolates hints at genetic diversity. Two MRSA isolates positive for mecC were isolated from rural patients involved in farming and animal husbandry, suggesting an occupational risk. The third patient was from a non-rural area, indicating potential alternative transmission pathways warranting further investigation.