Work-related Illnesses Research Articles

The influence of a noisy environment on hearing impairment and tinnitus: The hearing outcomes of 50-year-old male Japan ground self-defense force personnel

ObjectivesHearing loss is one of the biggest health problems in the world and occupational noise-induced hearing loss is recognized as the most common work-related illness. However, many factors that result in hearing loss make it difficult to define the specific factor that induces noise-induced hearing loss. To access the exact effect of occupational noise exposure on hearing, we conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of the relationship between noise exposure and hearing impairment in 50-year-old male Japanese Self-Defense Force (JSDF) personnel who work in a noisy environment. This population is ideal for the detection of noise-induced hearing impairments due to the homogeneity of genetic and social backgrounds. MethodsThe data utilized in this study were collected from a “50-year-old milestone health examination” of the JSDF from July 2013 to October 2015. One thousand sixty-seven male personnel were enrolled in the study. Pure-tone audiometry was conducted with an audiometer. A survey questionnaire asked participants to self-report occupational noise exposure. ResultsThis cohort revealed that noise-exposed personnel had a higher hearing threshold and a higher odds ratio in 1) the average threshold of 4 frequencies (500 + 1000 + 2000 + 4000 Hz / 4), 2) the average threshold of higher 3 frequencies (2000 + 4000 + 8000 Hz / 3), and 3) the threshold of 4 kHz compared to no noise-exposed control personnel. The prevalence of tinnitus was also significantly higher in the noise-exposed group. ConclusionsThis study provides specific evidence for the relationship between noise exposure and noise-induced hearing impairments.

Relationship between Nurses' Work Life Interference and Job Performance

Introduction: Many healthcare employees are dissatisfied with their job and working conditions. Frequently, their job dissatisfaction involves stressful situations that result in work-related illness, long-term absenteeism and lack of performance Aim: Assess the relationship between nurses work life interference and job performance Study design: A descriptive research design was used. Setting: The study conducted in General ICU at Assuit University Hospital. Subject and Method: The study subject consisted of (44) nurse working in General ICU at Assuit University Hospital. The data collected through self administered questionnaire which includes personal characteristics data, Work Interference with Personal Life Scale, and Observational Performance Checklist tool. Results: More than half of the studied nurses reported they are all the time put personal life on hold for work, job performance level of the studied nurses was satisfactory and there was no statistical significance difference between nurses' personal data and studied variables Conclusion: There was a significant negative correlation between nurses' work life interference and job performance. Recommendations: Formulate a team-based management and training for all departments, and nurse manager should use democratic leadership style in supervision to increase nurses' commitment.

Abstract C111: Identifying barriers to screening mammography use among low-income women in a public hospital setting in Los Angeles

Abstract Background: Mammography remains the most effective method for early detection of breast cancer. The Affordable Care Act requires that screening mammography be fully covered without any out-of-pocket expense for all patients. Still, disparities in mammography use persist, with the lowest rates reported for women of Hispanic ethnicity and those with Medicaid-based insurance coverage. The aim of this study was to administer a phone survey to better understand the barriers to mammography use among racially diverse low-income women with Medicaid coverage. Methods: All female patients age 50 to 74 at our facility that had not had a screening mammogram in the recent 24 months were identified. Data were collected from the electronic medical record (EMR) including race/ethnicity, primary language spoken, having had a PCP visit in the previous 12 months, having had a prior mammogram, history of depression, personal history of breast or other cancer, zip code (to estimate median household income), and marital status. Three attempts were made to contact these patients by phone to administer a phone survey that asked them to (1) state in their own words the primary reason for not getting a mammogram and (2) to complete a survey based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) subcategories: issues with self-efficacy (SE), perceived barriers (PBa), perceived benefits (PBe), perceived susceptibility (PS) and cues to action (CA). Barriers were assessed by race and characteristics collected from the EMR as well as survey responses. Results: There were 810 women due for mammography screening, 333(41%) of which were Hispanic, 146(18%) Black; 112(14%) Asian, 61(8%) Non-Hispanic White, and 158(20%) listed as ‘Other’. Data were collected from the EMR for all 810 women, and 339 (42%) were reached and agreed to participate in the survey. There were 320(40%) patients that did not speak English as their primary language, 441(54%) had not had a prior mammogram, 177(22%) had never visited a primary care physician in the system, and 237 (29%) had not visited one within the last 12 months. The most common self-stated reason Hispanic patients did not get a mammogram was due to lack of knowledge about insurance coverage of mammography; for Black women it was being busy with work related or personal and family illnesses; for Asian a language barrier; and for White/Non-Hispanic it was occupation with illness. The most commonly identified barrier for all races based off of the additional survey questions was limited mammography hours. Conclusion: In an underserved, predominantly Hispanic population who has Medicaid coverage, health professionals should better educate Hispanic patients on their insurance coverage, provide educational material that includes Asian languages, and consider that extended hours could help patients of all races find time to schedule a mammogram as efforts to minimize barriers will ultimately serve to decrease racial health disparities in breast cancer outcomes. Citation Format: Janell Holloway, Isabel del Canto, Kenny Morales, Gianna Ramos, Ashkan Moazzez, Griselda Gutierrez, Carmen Mendez, Junko Ozao-Choy, Christine Dauphine. Identifying barriers to screening mammography use among low-income women in a public hospital setting in Los Angeles [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C111.

Analysis of Factors that Affect Employee Work Accidents at PT. Windu Blambangan Sejati (WBS) Banyuwangi Regency 2018

Workplaces always have various hazard factors that can affect the health of the workforce or can cause work-related disorders or illnesses. Accidents, the essence is an unexpected event and certainly not expected by anyone. These unexpected events, obviously not a form of intentional and not planned in advance. Accidents arise as a result of managing potential hazards and risks to low occupational safety and health. The purpose of the study was to analyze the factors that influence employee work accidents at PT. Windu Blambangan Sejati (WBS) Banyuwangi Regency. The research design used was cross sectional. The research population is all employees of PT. Windu Blambangan Sejati (WBS) Banyuwangi Regency and a large sample of 81 people using simple random sampling. Data collection using questionnaire sheets was then analyzed using logistic regression tests. The results showed that there was an influence of skills on workplace accidents (p-value = 0.027 <0.05). There is an influence of experience on workplace accidents (p-value = 0.043 <0.05). There is an influence of discipline on workplace accidents (p-value = 0.040 <0.05). There is an influence of Technical factors (availability of equipment) on workplace accidents (p-value = 0.003 <0.05). There is no effect of lay out on work accidents (p-value = 0.420> 0.05). There is no effect of lighting on work accidents (p-value = 0.944> 0.05). There is no noise effect on work accidents (p-value = 0.084> 0.05). Based on these studies, company management pays more attention to these three factors, namely human, technical and environmental by conducting periodic and periodic maintenance

Evaluation Of The Design Of Auxiliary Equipment At The Back Printing Station With Ergonomic Approach

Ngatiyem refinery is a small and medium enterprise that produces bricks. This business was founded in 2005 which is located in Jatimulyo village, Perbaungan district, Deli Serdang regency, North Sumatra province. The process of making bricks is carried out for 8 hours every day with 12 workers and produces 15,000 bricks. The problem faced by the company is that activities at the printing station experience problems with working postures for operators who are not ergonomic so that it can cause MSDs, operators become tired quickly, complaints of work-related illnesses are high and errors often occur in work. The purpose of this research is to improve the facilities used in order to simplify and reduce existing obstacles. With the design of the tool design, it is expected to be able to overcome the problems faced by the company so that the products produced are getting better and increasing in quantity. The results of the REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) data processing show that activities at the stone molding station must be repaired as soon as possible to reduce the existing problems.

Rare occupational diseases

Rare work-related illnesses do not usually meet the requirements to be recognised and compensated as alegal occupational disease. However, common diseases (e.g. ovarian carcinoma) are sometimes caused by occupational influences (e.g. asbestos), making the occupational disease ovarian cancer caused by occupational exposure to asbestos arare disease. Since in our modern working world the occupational influences that are harmful to health are decreasing qualitatively (substitutes) and quantitatively (limit values), the diseases they cause are also becoming increasingly rare.

Design for safety implementation among design professionals in construction: The context of Palestine

Design for safety (DfS), also known as prevention through design, is a prominent means for tackling work-related illnesses and injuries in construction. However, the available DfS studies in construction have paid very limited attention to developing countries. Consequently, there is limited insight into DfS implementation in many developing countries including Palestine. This study therefore investigates DfS implementation among design professionals in the Palestinian construction industry. A questionnaire survey was used to obtain data from design professionals and the data was analysed using inferential statistics (i.e. analysis of variance and t-test) and descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the extent of engagement in DfS practices among the design professionals is very low despite a high awareness and positive attitude towards the concept of DfS. Additionally, while there is a great interest in undertaking DfS training, the designers’ participation in training is low. Additionally, awareness of DfS, DfS education and training, professional body affiliation, level of education, years of experience, and size of organisation were found to have limited association with the extent of engagement in DfS practices by the designers. These findings suggest the presence of DfS implementation barriers/challenges, which are undermining the implementation of DfS by the design professionals in Palestine. Collaborative efforts are required by the construction industry stakeholders to improve DfS implementation. Furthermore, the findings mirror the outcomes of similar studies in other developing countries and thus highlight an urgent need for additional studies within developing countries to ascertain the barriers/challenges to DfS implementation in those geographic contexts.

Risk Değerlendirme Metotlarının İnşaat Sektöründe İş Güvenliği Kapsamında Karşılaştırılması

Is sagligi ve guvenligi (ISG) is kazalarinin ve meslek hastaliklarinin en dusuk seviyeye indirgemeyi amaclayan gecmisi insanlik tarihi ile paralel olan bir kavramdir. Iscinin saglik, guvenlik ve refahi is guvenligi kapsamindadir. Insanoglu gecmisten gunumuze hayatini idame ettirebilmek adina is yapmak mecburiyetinde kalmistir. Yapilacak isler yapisi ve yerleskesi itibariyle belirli veya belirsiz riskler barindirmaktadir. ISG temelinde bu risklerin minimum seviyede kalmasi icin alinmasi gereken aksiyonlari arastirmaktadir. Mesleki tehlikelere maruz kalan iscilerin isle ilgili hastalik ve yaralanma gelistirme riski daha yuksektir. Risk degerlendirmesi calisan ve isverenin maruz kaldigi risklerin belirlenmesi ve degerlendirilmesi acisindan en onemli yapilardan birisidir. Nicel ve nitel olmak uzere iki kategoriye ayrilan risk degerlendirme metotlarinin is sagligi ve guvenligi kapsaminda karsilastirilmalari de detayli analizlerini iceren calismada metodolojiler arasindaki farkliliklar ortaya konulmus, buna bagli olarak da uygulama asamasinda yapilmasi gerekenler ortaya konulmustur. Is guvenligi risk degerlendirmesi isyerinde risk kontrolunun uygulanmasi, mesleki faaliyetler ve isci sagliginin korunmasi adina zorunlu niteliktedir. Isveren bu calismayi kendi bunyesinde yapabilecegi gibi disaridan hizmet alarak da yaptirabilir. Bu calismanin amaci; is sagligi ve guvenligi acisindan ortaya cikabilecek tehlike ve risklerin analizinde kullanilan risk degerlendirme yontemlerinin karsilastirilmasi ve sonucunda alinmasi gereken onlemlerin belirlenmesinde etkinliklerini degerlendirmektir.

BIM-based Hazard Recognition and Evaluation Methodology for Automating Construction Site Risk Assessment

Construction sites in Korea are the locus of many disasters and work-related illnesses, and construction workers are particularly likely to be exposed to serious disasters such as falls, collapses, and burial. At domestic construction sites, the concept of Design for Safety has been adopted from abroad, and current regulations are intended to secure the personnel safety at each site. However, current government guidelines and regulations are difficult to apply in the field, mainly because they do not clearly address work issues and safety management measures. The current safety review method depends too much on the subjective experience of site workers or managers. This study analyzes the step-by-step tasks required for more automated building information modeling (BIM)-based construction site safety management. An example BIM-based assessment of one specific construction site hazard, the risk of a worker fall, is carried out. In the risk analysis stage, all of the associated hazards are identified and the attendant risks are estimated and quantified. A broader risk rating methodology is derived based on the scenarios of each possible disaster at a construction site, and the hazards are extracted by defining the relationships between each building element based on the BIM information. The result is a risk rating methodology derived from a BIM-based risk assessment.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration at 50: Protecting Workers in a Changing Economy.

The passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 brought unprecedented changes in US workplaces, and the activities of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have contributed to a significant reduction in work-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses. Despite this, millions of workers are injured annually, and thousands killed.To reduce the toll, OSHA needs greater resources, a new standard-setting process, increased civil and criminal penalties, full coverage for all workers, and stronger whistleblower protections. Workers should not be injured or made sick by their jobs. To eliminate work injuries and illnesses, we must remake and modernize OSHA and restructure the relationship of employers and workers with the agency and each other.This includes changing the expectation of what employers must do to protect workers and implementing a requirement that firms have a "duty of care" to protect all people who may be harmed by their activities. Only by making major changes can we ensure that every worker leaves work as healthy as they were when their work shift began.

The burden of high workload on the health-related quality of life among home care workers in Northern Sweden.

ObjectivePrevious studies have shown that high workload affects health negatively. However, studies are lacking among home care workers. The aim of this study is to examine the burden of perceived workload on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among home care workers and to determine whether psychosocial factors modify such a relationship.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in which 1162 (58% response rate) home care workers participated. The psychosocial factors were measured by QPSnordic. HRQoL was measured by EuroQol 5 dimensions, from which responses were translated into quality-adjusted life year scores (QALY). Propensity scores were used with absolute risk differences (RD). Stratified analysis was used to test the buffer hypothesis of the demand–control–support model.ResultsPersonnel with a high workload had a statistically significant 0.035 lower QALY than personnel with a normal workload. This difference was also statistically significant for the Visual Analogue Scale (RD 5.0) and the mobility (RD 0.033) and anxiety/depression scales (RD 0.20) dimensions of EQ-5D. For QALY, the effect of a high workload compared to a normal workload was higher, with low (RD 0.045, significant) compared with high (RD 0.015, non-significant) social support; while it was similar, and non-significant results, for low and high control.ConclusionsOur study shows that lowered work burden would be beneficial for home care personnel. Furthermore, our results suggest that interventions aimed at increasing social support could reduce work-related illness.

Planejamento estratégico situacional em saúde: abordagem da saúde do trabalhador na Estratégia Saúde da Família

Estudo por métodos mistos e de abordagem construcionista social, com objetivo de analisar a condução do Planejamento Estratégico Situacional em saúde para levantamento das demandas relacionadas a saúde do trabalhador com duas equipes da Estratégia Saúde da Família, realizado em maio a junho de 2018. Realizou-se observação ativa do território, entrevista com informantes-chave, análise de dados secundários e roda de discussão. As equipes possuíam 1637 famílias cadastradas, todas as casas são de tijolo, 80,1% com tratamento da água em domicílio e 99,6% com abastecimento pela rede pública. A coleta do lixo é pública, 99,9% possui rede de esgoto e 99,5% energia elétrica. A observação ativa indicou predominância de comércio informal. Equipamentos sociais foram identificados, como igrejas, bancos, centro comunitário para prática desportiva, escolas públicas e um Centro de Referência para a Assistência Social, bem como uma universidade pública. As áreas de abrangência apresentam características de moradores de classe média baixa, com pessoas em situação de pobreza. Os informantes-chave relataram que existem atividades ocupacionais domiciliares, frequentes entre as mulheres em idade produtiva. No adoecimento relacionado ao trabalho o sofrimento mental e depressão foram apontados como recorrentes e a inexistência de ações intersetoriais. No plano de ação, optou-se o problema “Hipertensão Arterial, Diabetes Mellitus e Sofrimentos Mentais como as doenças frequentes entre os usuários trabalhadores”. O nó-crítico selecionado para a elaboração do plano de ação foi “Organização do processo de trabalho das equipes com fragilidades nas investigações/reconhecimento das condições de saúde do usuário trabalhador”. O estudo propõe o fortalecimento e construção de competências que atuem na modificação da realidade social das coletividades, em consonância ao debate atual brasileiro na proteção e promoção da saúde e, prevenção de danos à saúde do trabalhador.

Application of Risk Management Using HIRADC Method in Analytical Chemical Laboratory of University in Indonesia

The analytical chemistry laboratory is one of laboratories at Universitas Airlangga which is often used in conducting analytical chemistry practicum activities and research for lecturers and students. In this analytical chemistry laboratory there are various chemicals and activities that are at high risk of causing danger, especially the exposure to toxic chemicals that can lead to risk of poisoning in students and laboratory staff. The purpose of this study was to apply the HIRADC method as an effort to prevent the risk of accidents and work-related illness in laboratory users. This research method is observational by observing the source of danger and the control efforts that have been made. From the results of the identification of hazards that have been made it is known that there are 10 potential hazards that can cause 10 risks. After doing the risk assessment, it is known that there are 4 low risks, 2 medium risks, 2 high risk, and 2 extreme risks. Control efforts have been made to minimize any risks. The recommendations that can be given from this study are the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is in accordance with the hazards in the laboratory as well as training on how to use the PPE.

Anxiety-depressive symptoms in patients in the clinic of occupational diseases

Introduction. Depression and anxiety, observed in general medical practice, can lead to maladaptive states that reduce performance, and contributes to the manifestation of various psychosomatic disorders. Therefore, timely diagnosis of these disorders in many cases becomes an important condition for the success of medical care and the patient’s return to work. Clinical manifestations of occupational and work-related diseases are often accompanied by anxiety and depressive symptoms, which can occur as a comorbid mental disorder or be affective inclusion.The aim of the study is to explore the distribution and severity of secondary anxiety and depression in the provision of special inpatient medical care in the field of occupational pathology by conducting a screening examination and develop practical recommendations for diagnosis.Materials and methods. The hospital’s HADS anxiety and depression scale and Beck’s depression scale were used to test for indications of secondary anxiety and depression in the incoming patient stream (n=260). Correlation analysis was used to study the dependence of the severity of anxiety values on the severity of depression values and the severity of anxiety and depression on the age of patients. Using the Mann-Whitney criterion, a comparison was made between a sample of respondents with anxiety and depression values and a control group with normal indicators for all disease groups according to ICD–10. Also, in the General sample and separately for a group of men and women, three groups of diseases were compared — professional, production-related, and others.Results. In the risk group of 94 patients with severe symptoms of anxiety (10.9±2.84) and depression (10.2±1.9), 67% were women. This group has higher rates of anxiety and depression in the HADS survey compared to the group of men (33%, p<0.001). The dependence of the severity of anxiety signs on the severity of depression signs for the joint sample of men and women was 0.337 (p≤0.05). Separately, for a group of women, 0.251 (p≤0.05) and for a group of men, 0.252 (p≤0.05). This suggests that as anxiety increases, the severity of depression may also increase. The relationship between the patient’s age and the severity of his symptoms of anxiety 0.144 (p≤0.05) and depression 0.1199 (p≤0.05) confirms the trend towards this relationship. The distribution of anxiety and depression indicators among patients with occupational and work-related pathology showed a predominance of anxiety values in professional (10.5±2.4) and work-related (11.8±3.2) diseases in the group of women. The prevalence of depression in professional (10.5±2.4) and production-related (10.4±2) diseases was also detected in the group of women. Criterion for the difference between a sample of respondents with anxiety and depression values and a control group with normal indicators for all disease groups according to ICD–10 (p<0.001). Differences in depression indicators between groups of occupational and work-related diseases (p=0.08) indicate that patients with occupational diseases have more pronounced values on the depression scale. Women with occupational and work-related diseases have much higher depression values than women with other diseases (p=0.02). Thus, women with occupational and workrelated diseases have higher indicators of anxiety and depression scales than men.Conclusions. Screening examination for signs of anxiety and depression in the provision of special inpatient medical care in the profile of occupational pathology, revealed increased indicators of anxiety and depression in the group of women. As the severity of anxiety indicators increases, so does the severity of depression indicators. The dependence of anxiety and depression indicators on the age of patients confirms the tendency to this dependence. The distribution of anxiety and depression indicators among patients with occupational and work-related pathology showed the predominance of the value of anxiety in professional and work-related diseases in the group of women. The predominance of indicators of depression in occupational and work-related diseases was also found in the group of women. In the female group, patients with occupational and work-related diseases have much higher rates of depression than patients with other diseases. Thus, women with occupational and work-related illnesses are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than men. The development of practical recommendations for the diagnosis of signs of anxiety and depression is reduced to psycho-educational work to prevent negative stigmatization of issues related to mental health, conducting timely examinations with elements of bioinformatics modeling and using a system to support medical decision-making.

Examining the impact of occupational health and safety vulnerability on injury claim reporting in three Canadian provinces.

The workers' compensation system covers wages and health care costs associated with work-related injuries or illnesses. We explore if dimensions of occupational health and safety vulnerability are associated with differences in reporting work-related injuries to workers' compensation boards (WCBs). We examined data from adults reporting physical workplace injuries requiring time off or health care. We explored relationships between exposure to nine hazards, risk from inadequate policies and procedures, inadequate occupational health and safety (OHS) awareness, inadequate empowerment, and reporting to provincial WCBs. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to assess risk from dimensions of workplace vulnerability for not reporting an injury to WCBs. Of 326 participants, 64% did not report injuries to WCBs. Reporting was higher among those with hazardous workplace exposures compared to those without (40% vs 22%, P = .01), lower among those with inadequate policy and procedures and inadequate awareness protections. Inadequate OHS awareness protection was related to not reporting to WCBs in logistic regression models. Women, those working part-time, workers in education, health, and public administration, and non-unionized workers were less likely to report injuries (nonsignificant), while workers with postgraduate educations were significantly less likely to report an injury compared to referent (OR = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.57-9.62). A general lack of knowledge about OHS rights and responsibilities was associated with low levels of reporting. This suggests there is a knowledge deficit among some workers, possibly amenable to joint efforts to increase rights and responsibilities related to OHS with the dissemination of information about rights to workers' compensation.

Risk Assessment, Risk Management, and Risk Communication of Welding Work at PT Dok and Perkapalan Surabaya (Persero).

PT Dok dan Perkapalan Surabaya Is one of the manufacturing industry sectors in which operational activities can cause accidents and work-related illnesses such as the activities of joining the ship’s hull parts, namely the welding process. The risk of welding work needs to be done risk management to determine the prevention of possible work accidents through Risk Assessment activities which are then communicated to all parties. The purpose of this study is to identify hazards, conduct risk assessments and study risk control on welding work. This research is a descriptive study with an observational approach. From the results of the risk assessment of the 3 stages with 7 job descriptions, the percentage of risk categories was obtained, namely high risk 43% and medium risk 57%, and there was no low risk category Control carried out as part of risk management went well but residual risk remained so need a strong commitment from human resources or management and awareness of the workers on the use of personal protective equipment in every work. Risk communication is carried out through coaching or training, conducting safety induction, safety talk, Safety campaigns such as the activity of installing banners, posters, conducting meetings of the Health and Safety Guidance Committee at the end of each month to discuss the problems that occur and make improvements.

Work-related injuries and illnesses and their association with hour of work: Analysis of the Oregon construction industry in the US using workers' compensation accepted disabling claims, 2007-2013.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to characterize injuries and illnesses among construction workers in the State of Oregon in the US and examine the association between injury frequency and severity with hour of work by using Workers’ Compensation (WC) accepted disabling claims data in the construction industry from 2007 to 2013.MethodsInjury frequency, rate, medical cost, and lost work days were analyzed by year, demographics, employment, injury nature, and temporal factors including hour of work. Multiple linear regression models were used to quantify adjusted associations between hour of work and medical cost and lost work days (indicating injury severity).ResultsThere were a total of 12 222 disabling claims in the Oregon construction industry. The average annual injury rate was 2.21 per 100 workers. Both the count and rate of disabling claims decreased during the study period. Male workers and young workers had higher injury rates, while medical cost and lost work days increased for older workers. Injuries occurring at night were more severe. The distribution of claims frequency by hour of work was bimodal, with peaks in the 4th and 8th hour. Compared with the first hour of work, the 5th and 13th hours corresponded to significantly more severe injuries and illnesses.ConclusionsThis study identified the burden and distribution of work‐related injuries and illnesses in the Oregon construction industry. Continued intervention efforts should target certain subpopulations (eg, young workers) and certain working time periods (eg, mid‐ and end‐shift) to protect construction workers’ safety and health.

The Impact of Emergency Call Taking on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Ambulance Call-Takers: A Systematic Thematic Narrative of Qualitative Research

Background Over the past decade there has been significant focus on the mental health and wellbeing of emergency service workers in Australia, evidenced by the 2018 Senate Inquiry into the role of Commonwealth, state and territory Governments in addressing the high rates of mental health conditions experienced by first responders, emergency service workers and volunteers. Call-takers as an occupational group within this domain are at risk of cumulative and vicarious trauma, yet there is little research on their work-related mental illness. This systematic thematic narative literature review of qualitative articles reports on the mental health and wellbeing of emergency call-takers. Methods Both published peer review (2000–2018) and grey literature (2009–2018) that examined the impact of emergency work on call-takers was retrieved. Papers that focussed on call-takers’ psychological and psychosocial health were selected. Databases included Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Ovid EMcare, PsychInfo, Scopus as well as Google Scholar. Results Fourteen articles met the eligibility criteria; five peer review and nine grey literature studies. Thematic analysis identified issues around surveillance versus lack of supervision; role denial versus advocacy; and failure to acknowledge vicarious trauma. Suggestions for improvement required recognition of the stressful nature of the work, improvements in workplace culture and the provision of support and counselling services. Conclusion Workplace stressors for call-takers arise from their work in dealing with trauma related communication with the public as well workplace culture, particularly the response of management to issues such as shift work, poorly managed rosters and long hours of work with little time for recovery. Compounding these issues is the invisibility of call-taker work.

Determinants of occupational health hazards among roadside automobile mechanics in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria.

Background:Roadside automobile mechanics are in the course of their work exposed to several hazards that put them at risk of severe debilitating health challenges. This group of workers, however, is reported not to know much about such hazards and to have little or no training on workplace safety.Aim:The study aimed to identify the determinants of occupational health hazards among roadside automobile mechanics in Sokoto Metropolis.Methodology:This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, and using a two-stage sampling technique, a total of 205 roadside mechanics were recruited for the study. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used, and the data were imputed into and analyzed using IBM SPSS.Results:The mean age of the respondents was 31.10 ± 10.19 years, and over one-third of them (38.1%) were general vehicle repairers. Majority of the respondents had good knowledge of and attitude toward workplace hazards. However, a good proportion (91.0%) of the mechanics felt that their occupation was a risky one and 80.1% ate and 86.1% drank while working. Type of training and job description were the predictors of knowledge of workplace hazards. Job description was the only predictor of attitude. Burns, bruises, headache/dizziness, and cuts were the most reported work-related illnesses and injuries.Conclusion:Although most of the auto-mechanics were aware and had good knowledge of workplace hazards, they did not adhere to safety practices in the workplace, mostly due to nonavailability of protective apparels. There is, therefore, need for continuous health education under the platform of the auto-mechanics association so that they can voluntarily adopt safety practices in their workplace.

UPAYA PELESTARIAN GERABAH TRADISIONAL MELALUI IMPLEMENTASI MESIN GERABAH ERGONOMIS DI DESA KAPAL MENGWI

The business of traditional pottery, especially carat and coblong, has existed for a long time, said that since Hinduism began to be adopted by the Balinese. Carat is a ceremonial tool that has a design like a jug, only in small form, while coblong resembles a jar. In their use, both are filled with water, supplementing the fire and flowers which are usually always present at every Hindu prayer in Bali. Carat and coblong making technology is fairly traditional and has not been touched by modern technology. The manufacturing process, starting from the treatment of materials, the formation and finishing is done in a conventional way, which uses the feet and hands. The elements of skill and experience play an important role in the realization of carat and coblong pottery products. The aim of the program is to empower craftsmen by giving a touch of modern technology to work tools. The method used is socialization, provision of work tools, testing tools and data retrieval. The testing of the tool was assisted by 7 subjects who volunteered to be involved as testers. Data is taken twice, namely when the subject works using conventional work tools and when using ergonomic or modern work tools. The test results show that by using modern tools, subjects feel the reduction in pain due to work which in the long run will have implications for increasing the productive life of the craftsman and increasing productivity.  Kata Kunci : gerabah, alat kerja ergonomis, sakit akibat kerja, produktivitas The business of traditional pottery, especially carat and coblong, has existed for a long time, said that since Hinduism began to be adopted by the Balinese. Carat is a ceremonial tool that has a design like a jug, only in small form, while coblong resembles a jar. In their use, both are filled with water, supplementing the fire and flowers which are usually always present at every Hindu prayer in Bali. Carat and coblong making technology is fairly traditional and has not been touched by modern technology. The manufacturing process, starting from the treatment of materials, the formation and finishing is done in a conventional way, which uses the feet and hands. The elements of skill and experience play an important role in the realization of carat and coblong pottery products. The aim of the program is to empower craftsmen by giving a touch of modern technology to work tools. The method used is socialization, provision of work tools, testing tools and data retrieval. The testing of the tool was assisted by 7 subjects who volunteered to be involved as testers. Data is taken twice, namely when the subject works using conventional work tools and when using ergonomic or modern work tools. The test results show that by using modern tools, subjects feel the reduction in pain due to work which in the long run will have implications for increasing the productive life of the craftsman and increasing productivity.  Keywords : earthenware, ergonomic work tools, work-related illness, productivity