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Important questions are emerging about potential occupational safety, toxicological, and ecotoxicological effects and occupational inhalation exposure risks to engineered aerosol nanoparticles. Although multiple avenues are available to synthesize nanoparticles, few tools are accessible to industrial hygienists and inhalation toxicologists to produce well-characterized aerosols of known aerosol size distribution and particle number concentration that are stable, simple, and robust to operate. This article describes a SiO2 aerosol nanoparticle reactor that has been developed as a tool for the study of the safety, health, and environmental consequences of exposure to nanoparticle synthesis and processing. The SiO2 aerosol nanoparticle reactor is capable of stable, long-term synthesis of amorphous SiO2 aerosol nanoparticles from d50 = 10-70 nm at particle concentrations ∼ 104-107particles/cm3 that does not produce halogen-containing byproducts and does not require daily monitoring of the particle size distribution. This reactor is designed to produce a well-characterized aerosol to enable subsequent testing with a continuous, stable supply of aerosol nanoparticles (i) to facilitate inhalation toxicology studies, (ii) to measure explosion characteristics of aerosol nanoparticles, (iii) to determine the barrier efficacy for respirator filtration, bag house exhaust, and personal protective garment media challenged with diverse aerosol nanoparticles, and (iv) to develop airborne monitoring technologies for verifying workplace safety protocols. This article details reactor design, synthesis parameters, and instruments available to characterize the resulting aerosol nanoparticle size distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on occupational physicians' perceived value of evidence-based medicine intervention in enhancing their professional performance. It evaluates how physicians in a nonclinical setting perceive the value of an intervention with multifaceted evidence-based medicine with regard to enhancing their professional performance. Focus groups and face-to-face interviews with 14 of the 48 Dutch occupational physicians who participated in the intervention.

Purpose. Describe the development of the leading by example (LBE) instrument. Methods. A total of 135 responses from employees of a private corporation working at 11 different worksites were factor analyzed in 2005. Explorat my factor analysis was used to obtain an initial factor structure. Factor validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis methods. A second sample was collected in 2006 from the same population (N = 178) and was used to confirm the factor structure via confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's α and item- total correlations provided information on the reliability of the factor subscales. Results. Four subscales were identified: business alignment with health promotion objectives, awareness of the health-productivity link, worksite support for health promotion, and leadership support for health promotion. Factor by group comparisons revealed that the initial factor structure was effective in detecting differences in organizational support for health promotion across different employee groups. Conclusions. Management support for health promotion can be assessed using the LBE, a brief, self-report questionnaire. Researchers can use the LBE to diagnose, track, and evaluate worksite health promotion programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct observation, instead of using self-administered questionnaires might give more reliable and specific information about physical work demands at the workplace. This information is of use in a population already at risk of developing low back pain (LBP) due to whole body vibration (WBV) exposure. The aims of this study are to assess the WBV exposure in an exposed population and to assess other physical work demands in two ways, by direct observation and with the use of a self-administered questionnaire. We therefore assessed the WBV magnitude and 5 WBV-related physical work demands by using the PalmTrac system and a self-administered questionnaire in a group of drivers (N=10). The main findings are 7 out of 10 drivers are exceeding the EU action value. About 50% of the drivers under-estimated the time ‘bending’, 60% the time ‘walking+standing’ and 60% over-estimated the time when ‘lifting.’ We concluded that 7 drivers from this group are at risk of developing LBP and substantial differences exists for the 5 physical work demands comparing the PalmTrac method with the questionnaire. Direct observational assessment in WBV measurements yields extra information. This is useful for preventive activities necessary as drivers are exceeding the EU action value. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background; Key measures of Siegrist's (1996) Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) Model (i.e., efforts, rewards, and overcommitment) were psychometrically tested. Purpose: To study change in organizational interventions, knowledge about the type of change underlying the instruments used is needed. Next to assessing baseline factorial validity and reliability, the factorial stability over time - known as alpha-beta-gamma change - of the ERI scales was examined. Methods: Psychometrics were tested among 383 and 267 healthcare workers from two Dutch panel surveys with different time lags. Results: Baseline results favored a five-factor model (i.e., efforts, esteem rewards, financial/career-related aspects, job security, and overcommitment) over and above a three-factor solution (i.e., efforts, composite rewards, and overcommitment). Considering changes as a whole, particularly the factor loadings of the three ERI scales were not equal over time. Findings suggest in general that moderate changes in the ERI factor structure did not affect the interpretation of mean changes over time. Conclusion: Occupational health researchers utilizing the ERI scales can feel confident that self-reported changes are more likely to be due to factors other than structural change of the ERI scales over time, which has important implications for evaluating job stress and health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors briefly review the literature on occupational health, including occupational medicine, occupational health psychology, and occupational safety, framing the current convergence of these from their scientific origins in preventive medicine and its most basic science of epidemiology, in psychology, and in engineering. They give attention to the burden of suffering, which concerns issues of morbidity and mortality within a population group, and consider both the economic and humanitarian perspectives of the burden of suffering, which may occur within a working population as a result of poor occupational health. The authors see reason for optimism for the future and identify two sets of emerging trends: one set that includes four positive advances--positive health, leadership, mood and emotions, and interventions--and one that falls under the authors' rubric of new horizons--technology, virtual work, globalization, and aging. The authors conclude with attention to zest at work, along with cardiovascular health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which evaluates the combined effects of noise intensity, heat stress, workload, and exposure duration on both noise-induced temporary threshold shift (TTS) and the recovery time by adopting Taguch's method. Results of the audiometric test on all 14 subjects without previous significant noise exposure and smoking history suggest that TTS is mainly dependent on the magnitude of the initial hearing loss, stressing that noise exposure is enhanced by heat and workload.

Methods for the identification, evaluation, and control of hazards are well recognized, whereas a method for the anticipation of hazards has eluded the field of industrial hygiene. The Emerging Technologies Team at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has developed a method for anticipating not only occupational hazards but also potential benefits of emerging technologies for occupational safety and health. This method incorporates forecasting tools with a prospective assessment step into the risk assessment model, stresses research results as an iterative driver in the assessment, and depends on inherently safer design to eliminate or reduce hazards. An iterative process that involves the occupational safety and health professional as a team member in the development of emerging technologies is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that evaluates the carcinogenic effect of Bitumen fumes produced under conditions similar to road paving after a 24-month inhalation in Wistar rats. Animal experimentations have shown that the inhalation studies in rats are a suitable experimental model for investigating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) mediated carcinogenicity and produce the same tumor rates comparable to that observed in man. Details on how the rats were being experimented along with the results are discussed in the study.

The determination of toxic metals in the biological samples of human beings is an important clinical screening procedure. This study aimed to assess the possible influence of environmental exposure on production workers (PW) and quality control workers (QCW) of a steel mill, all male subjects aged 25-55 years. In this investigation, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr were determined in biological samples (blood, urine and scalp hair samples) from these steel mill workers in relation to controlled unexposed healthy subjects of the same age group. After pre-treatment with nitric acid-hydrogen peroxide, the samples were digested via a microwave oven, and for comparison purposes, the same samples were digested by the conventional wet acid digestion method. The samples digested were subjected to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). To assess the reliability of these methods, critical factors, such as detection limit(s), calibration range(s), accuracy and precision, were studied. Quality control for these procedures was established with certified sample of human hair, urine and whole blood. The results indicate that the level of lead, cadmium and nickel in scalp hair, blood and urine samples were significantly higher in both groups of exposed workers (QW and PW) than those of the controls. The possible connection of these elements with the etiology of disease is discussed. The results also show the need for immediate improvements in workplace ventilation and industrial hygiene practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic arsenic causes cancer, and millions of people worldwide are exposed to arsenic-contaminated water. Regulatory standards for arsenic levels in drinking water generally do not apply to private domestic wells. Reverse osmosis (RO) units commonly are used by well owners to reduce arsenic concentrations, but may not always be effective. In a survey of 102 homes in Nevada, 19 used RO devices. Pre- and post-RO filtration arsenic concentrations averaged 443 μg/l and 87 μg/l, respectively. The average absolute and percent reductions in arsenic concentrations after filtration were 356 μg/l and 79%, respectively. Postfiltration concentrations were higher than 10 μg/l in 10 homes and higher than 100 μg/l in 4 homes. These findings provide evidence that RO filters do not guarantee safe drinking water and, despite regulatory standards, some people continue to be exposed to very high arsenic concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reviewed nonasbestos etiologies and diagnostic issues related to pleural plaques. Through searches of PUBMED and DIALOG using the term pleural plaques, they identified 125 articles. The authors found additional references by reviewing citations of these 125 articles. Exposure to nonasbestos agents (eg, erionite, silicates, manmade fibers) was cited as a possible factor in plaque development, although this association was based on limited data; empyema, tuberculosis, rib fractures, and hemothorax also were cited as potential etiologies. Rib companion shadows, fat, intercostal vessels, and muscles can appear as plaques; thus, radiographic diagnosis requires careful evaluation. Chest x-rays show large false negative and varying false positive rates. The terms calcification and thickening often were used as synonymous with plaques; however, these terms have different meanings. The authors concluded that plaques may be associated with nonasbestos exposures and certain medical conditions. Without a thorough exposure/medical history, plaque reports can be misleading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to indoor combustion has been associated with health effects, especially in women, in many parts of the world. The authors studied 648 nonsmoking women in nonsmoking households who measured their peak expiratory flow rate for 2 weeks, during the winter, when ambient air pollution is lower. The participants recorded any use of secondary home heating combustion sources (eg, kerosene heaters, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves). Peak expiratory flows were expressed as the variability percent mean for the 2-week measurement period. Adjusting for educational level, ethnicity, and history of allergies, the 2-week variability in peak expiratory flow was associated with a previous physician diagnosis of asthma (OR = 2.88; 95% CI = 1.59-5.21) and black or Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.27-3.22), but was not associated with use of any supplementary home combustion sources among either asthmatic or nonasthmatic women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the value to the labor force of improvements in survival and health over the years 1970 to 1999. We find that survival gains and reductions in the number of work-days missed due to poor health have added about 8 percent to the remaining labor force value of black males, and about the same to the value of 60 year-old white males. This is almost as large an effect as a full year of schooling. Gains for younger white males appear to be approximately 5%, and gains for women are around 2%. Overall, health improvements have added $1.5 trillion to the value of labor market human capital over this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the prevalence of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) polymorphism and its effects on blood lead levels (BLLs) in Thai workers, the authors performed a cross-sectional analysis of 389 Thai workers who were exposed to lead in a battery plant. The authors collected blood for BLLs and genotypic study, and they found that the allele frequencies of ALAD1 and ALAD2 were 0.98 and 0.02, respectively. They made a comparison of BLLs between genotype by dividing the levels into 2 categories of lead exposure (high and medium magnitude of exposure) and using length of employment as a covariance. Their results showed no significant difference of BLLs between the ALAD1-1 and ALAD1-2/ALAD2-2 groups in both levels of exposure. The frequency of ALAD2 in Thai workers was low; the authors found that ALAD polymorphism had a small or only modest effect on BLLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors assessed the gene polymorphisms of missense C/T polymorphism in exon 6 of the urokinase-plasminogen activator (PLAU) gene (PLAU P141L), Alu-repeat in intron 8 of the tissue-type plasminogen activator (PLAT) gene (PLAT TPA25 Alu insertion), and 4G/5G in the promoter region of the serine proteinase inhibitor, clade E (SERPINE) or plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 gene (SERPINE1 -675 4G/5G) in 153 healthy volunteers and 154 retired coal miners with coal miners' pneumoconiosis (CWP). The CWP subjects included 94 individuals with simple pneumoconiosis and 60 individuals with progressive massive fibrosis presenting with worse pulmonary function. The distributions of genotypes of these three genes did not differ between the control and CWP subjects or between subjects with simple pneumoconiosis and those with progressive massive fibrosis. However, by assessing duration of work and its interaction with genotypes by means of logistic regression, the authors found the missense C/T polymorphism in exon 6 of the PLAU gene to be an effect modifier of the association between work duration and the development of progressive massive fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors appear to be important in the etiology of testicular cancer. In this study, the authors identified some risk factors for testicular cancer, paying particular attention to prenatal and early life exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Using a questionnaire, the authors obtained information on male participants' environmental and occupational exposures during adolescence and adulthood. A multivariate logistic regression analysis of 103 cases and 215 controls showed an association between seminoma and nonseminoma and hobby activities that potentially involved the use of EDCs (eg, paints, glues, or solvents). Rural residence during adolescence was associated with all histological types of testicular cancer and with seminoma. No association was found with occupational exposures of the subjects. This study's findings also confirm previously identified risk factors, such as history of cryptorchidism and undescended testicle, high educational level, and low birth weight, and it gives some support to the hypothesis of a possible association between EDC exposures and testicular cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey gathered health and job data from a sample of the US population. Researchers collected urine samples from a subset of subjects and analyzed it for 12 pesticide residues or metabolites (ie, analytes). They investigated the relationship between the industries and jobs reported and the analytes detected in the urine samples. The authors found an association between several jobs and the concentration for one or more pesticide analytes above the 90th percentile. They applied a job exposure matrix to categorize subjects on their potential for job exposures to pesticides. For the detected analytes, the subjects with the highest potential for occupational exposures to insecticides were more likely to have an analyte concentration above the 90th percentile and to have an average analyte concentration score 30% higher than that of subjects reporting jobs with the lowest exposure potential. These findings indicate that occupational exposure may not be a major source of pesticide exposure among the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conceptual approach including measurements of materials at rest (step 1), measurements using a large rotating drum (step 2) or a Particle-FLEC (step 2) and measurements at a workplace (step 4) has been used to characterize the release of microbial components (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, endotoxin or enzymes) and particles from straw, wood chips or fungal cultures of different ages on gypsum boards. Repeated agitation or handling periods were included in step 2 and step 4. There was a low similarity between the amount of microbial components measured in step 1 and the aerosolized amount (step 2) from gypsum boards, wood chips and straw. Ratios between some microbial components measured at the workplace (step 4) and measured in step 2, showed similarities. Less than 1.3% of the total amount of microorganisms and endotoxin becomes airborne during 5 min of agitation of straw or wood chips. Most microbial components were released at higher rates during the first agitation period than during the following periods. However, differences were seen between different microbial components, and endotoxin from straw was released at the same rate in two successive agitation periods. Fungal particles smaller than spores were released from fungal colonized gypsum boards at amounts that were up to 30 times higher in the first agitation period compared with that in the following period, while fungal spores were released at amounts that were five times as high in the first period compared with that in the following period. In addition to differences between microbial components, the release patterns of microbial components were different for wood chips and straw. The time for maximum particle release to half particle release was longer for straw than for wood chips. The observation that some components, e.g. endotoxin, are released at the same rate in two successive handling steps, and that others (e.g. fungi) are mainly released initially, shows that the exposure period to different components from the same material differs in duration. The observed differences in the release patterns of different components and the differences between materials are important when preventive steps are to be taken, and it stresses the importance of applying a relevant sampling time and period in exposure assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe personal exposure to airborne hydrocarbon contaminants (oil mist and oil vapour) from 1979 to 2004 in the mud-handling areas of offshore drilling facilities operating on the Norwegian continental shelf when drilling with oil-based muds.Methods: Qualitative and quantitative information was gathered during visits to companies involved in offshore oil and gas production in Norway. Monitoring reports on oil mist and oil vapour exposure covered 37 drilling facilities. Exposure data were analysed using descriptive statistics and by constructing linear mixed-effects models.Results: Samples had been taken during the use of three generations of hydrocarbon base oils, namely diesel oils (1979–1984), low-aromatic mineral oils (1985–1997) and non-aromatic mineral oils (1998–2004). Sampling done before 1984 showed high exposure to diesel vapour (arithmetic mean, AM = 1217 mg m−3). When low-aromatic mineral oils were used, the exposure to oil mist and oil vapour was 4.3 and 36 mg m−3, and the respective AMs for non-aromatic mineral oils were reduced to 0.54 and 16 mg m−3. Downward time trends were indicated for both oil mist (6% per year) and oil vapour (8% per year) when the year of monitoring was introduced as a fixed effect in a linear mixed-effects model analysis. Rig type, technical control measures and mud temperature significantly determined exposure to oil mist. Rig type, type of base oil, viscosity of the base oil, work area, mud temperature and season significantly determined exposure to oil vapour. Major decreases in variability were found for the between-rig components.Conclusions: Exposure to oil mist and oil vapour declined over time in the mud-handling areas of offshore drilling facilities. Exposure levels were associated with rig type, mud temperature, technical control measures, base oil, viscosity of the base oil, work area and season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional epidemiological survey of 255 individuals (130 current permanent employees, 64 contract workers, 55 ex-employees and 6 scrap dealers) coupled with a retrospective cohort study of the occupational health of 290 employees (all permanent employees who ever worked in the factory over a span of 15 years) was conducted in a mercury thermometer plant at Kodaikanal in India. The cross-sectional study done in March 2001 was based on a clinical protocol developed by the US Dept. of Labor, Mines Safety and Health Administration and was supplemented by the analysis of mercury in urine (HgU) through Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometry (ICP) and relevant biochemical investigations. Group averages of HgU in this study was 23.8 μg/L and were well within WHO-recommended limits of group means (50 μg/L). Group analysis was supplemented by appropriate individual analysis. The retrospective cohort study (for the years 1988–2001) included clinical evaluation coupled with analysis of biological monitoring done through Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (CVAAS). Group averages of mercury in urine measured between 12.9 to 31.9 μg/L over the working life of the factory, and they too were supplemented by appropriate individual analysis. The protocol for epidemiological surveillance and indeed for the occupational health surveillance conducted over the life of the factory (biological monitoring, workplace environmental monitoring, shop floor health and safety practices and clinical evaluations) have been independently validated by the Netherlands-based TNO, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and the Indian Association of Occupational Health. None of the employees in this factory were found to be suffering from any ill health that could be attributed to Hg exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the main, mediating and moderating role of sense of coherence (SOC) on stress symptoms and on the association between perceived psychosocial work environment and stress symptoms. The sample includes 2053 Danish employees from 52 workplaces. Hierarchical regression models were applied for each measure of stress. The results strongly supported the presence of a main effect for SOC. People with high levels of SOC experienced fewer stress symptoms. A mediating effect of SOC was also supported. Thus, SOC in part explained the association between work environment and stress symptoms. In addition, some support for a moderating effect of SOC was found, suggesting that people with higher SOC coped more efficiently with work environmental strain that people with lower SOC. Taken together the regression models explained 11–32% of the variance in stress symptoms. The results suggest that measures of individual factors such as SOC should be included in analyses of the effects of work environmental factors on stress and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An industrial hygiene study was conducted at a primary lead smelter to determine the effective protection factors for negative pressure and powered air purifying half-mask respirators. The study involved 99 paired personal samples taken in six different work areas, in which randomly chosen subjects from the workforce wore dual sampling pumps connected to closed-face 37-mm cassettes. The cassettes were attached either to the workers' lapels for exposure measurements outside the respirator or to a ported respirator for exposure measurements inside the respirator. Samples were collected throughout the work shift and analyzed for lead according to National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Method 7082. Using particle size distribution data obtained for the same workplaces, the within-mask samples were corrected for sampling bias. The negative pressure half-mask respirators showed a mean effective protection factor of 6.5 and a mean corrected effective protection factor of 4.56, with a 5th percentile less than 0.5. Approximately 80 percent and 90 percent of the effective protection factors and the corrected effective protection factors, respectively, were equal to or less than the assigned protection factor of 10. For the powered air purifying half-mask respirators, the means for effective protection factor and corrected effective protection factor were 18.20 and 11.92, respectively, with a 5th percentile of 1.0 or less. Approximately 90 percent and 95 percent of the effective protection factors and the corrected effective protection factors, respectively, were equal to or less than the assigned protection factor of 50. The uncorrected and corrected within-mask lead concentrations for both types of respirators exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead by 19 percent to 58 percent. These results indicate that the straight application of assigned protection factors to actual workplace situations may not always be appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Key findings denote occupational health and safety, benign environmental management as well as responsible production methods as the top corporate social responsibility (CSR) priorities. Two different CSR viewpoints emerged from the factor analysis reflecting a pragmatic and a more socially responsive interpretation of corporate responsibility. Cluster analysis confirmed such contrasting perspectives, allowing the partition of data in distinctive groups according to the relative inclination on either of the identified viewpoints. Similarity measures obtained from cluster analysis also verified the different CSR positions. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study that evaluated quantitatively whether the work environments of adults with diabetes relate to the adequacy of metabolic control and/or to the individual's adaptation to diabetes and to explore qualitatively the interaction between an individual's life at work and ways of coping with diabetes. Research design and methods; Results; Conclusions.

Examines the relationship of certain demographic and injury variables to the amount of time taken in returning to work after an industrial injury. Standard Industrial Classification; Subjects from the State of Alabama; Descriptive statistics; Zero-order correlations; Regression methods; Statistical relationship between the predictor and criterion variable; Proportion of variance.

Describes a method of balancing two opposing objectives, increasing precision and decreasing the cost of personnel and laboratory analyses in industrial hygiene sampling plans. Manipulation of number and nature of industrial hygiene sample collections; Sampling schedule as the factor in precision for identical industrial hygiene measurements.

Focuses on the Adopt a Physically Active Lifestyle (PAL) Program which was designed to use self-monitoring, incentives and social support to encourage employees and their spouses in a university to adopt a physically active lifestyle. Five components; Recommended activities; Suggestion that an employer-sponsored worksite physical activity program can be successful.

This paper focuses upon conflict between professional and managerial values in an occupational health setting. Findings are presented which suggest that the guidelines issued by UK occupational health professional bodies (describing the duties and responsibilities of occupational health professionals), have been perceived by professionals as being impractical because they tend to focus on the theoretical role of the professional at the expense of the reality of the experienced role. The paper concludes that the problem does not actually lie with the guidelines, but with the perception of the guidelines. It is suggested that this problem can be addressed by empowering occupational health professionals to interpret and tailor the guidelines to suit their particular working environment. In addition, encouraging occupational health professionals to pro-actively market their role, will result in awareness raising amongst the managers for whom they work who often have inappropriate expectations of the occupational health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The media coverage given to occupational health studies in the field of ionizing radiation has, on occasion, been the cause of very real distress to radiation workers and their families. In response to this situation the Chief Medical Officers of the major UK nuclear companies developed an ethical policy for future involvement in research, based on the duty of care which researchers owe to a key customer of such studies: the worker. The policy consists of four principal elements: medical confidentiality; worker information; worker consent and the guarantee of the availability to the workers of pre-publication knowledge of the results. The policy issued in 1991/92 has achieved growing acceptance among researchers and medical journals, though the medical officers involved have been aware of some scepticism, particularly in relation to the practicalities of the dissemination of pre-publication information. The Record Linkage Study published in November 1997 marked a major piece of research work involving data from 120,000 radiation workers that had been carried out since the development of the policy. This paper reports on the successful compliance arrangements to meet the ethical requirements of that study within a single UK nuclear company, and is published to demonstrate that with commitment from researchers, the journal and occupational health staff such ethical requirements, and particularly the need for pre-publication information can be met in full. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The so-called ‘healthy worker effect’ (HWE) describes a reduced mortality rate in occupational populations. From 85 occupational cohorts of workers exposed to organic solvents, we have previously found a low weighted standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for all causes (SMR = 89.5, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] = 89.0–90.2). Characteristics of the cohorts were examined for association with the HWE. A multiple regression analysis revealed that, for overall deaths, the closer the comparison group, the smaller the HWE (ρ = 0.001); the more hazardous the potential exposures, the higher the SMR (ρ = 0.02); the higher the social class, the greater the HWE (ρ = 0.02); and the higher the rates of loss to follow up, the greater the HWE (ρ = 0.04). These results have shown that, in addition to time-related modifiers, the comparison group, type of occupational exposure, social class and rates of loss to follow-up significantly influence the size of the so-called HWE. Differences in the HWE related to gender and race were probably attributable to different rates of loss to follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study of the genotoxic effects of prolonged exposures of workers in metal industries to complex environmental working conditions. The study used chromosomal aberrations for monitoring and performed t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for statistical analysis. Results show that longterm exposures are clastogenic to human systems.

Presents a community study in which 55 Navajo uranium workers and residents from the Navajo Reservation in Arizona and New Mexico were interviewed to determine the psychosocial effects of uncompensated occupational illnesses. Literature review; Methodology; Findings; Psychosocial responses to illness; Discussion.

Examines the injury and illness experience of hotel and motel workers from 1980 to 1991 and reveals a steady rise in disabling incidents resulting in lost worktime. Overview of the industry; Frequency and severity measures; Industry groups with the largest number of occupational injuries and illnesses; Characteristics by case and worker; More.

The purpose of this study was to measure the exposure of road tanker drivers at work to gasoline and some of its components. The occupational hygiene measurements were made in two depots (one in northern Finland and the other in southern Finland) and in 11 service stations of a Finnish oil company during the loading and delivery of road tankers. Of the 21 measurements made, four were taken during top submerged loading of the road tankers and six during bottom loading at the depot. Eleven measurements were made during delivery at service stations. The duration of measurements varied from 10 to 44 min.The exposure of road tanker drivers to C3–C11 hydrocarbons of gasoline was under 300 mg m−3 during bottom loading measurements and during top loading exceeded 300 mg m−3 two measurements (50%).During delivery at service stations the exposure to C3–C11 hydrocarbons of gasoline exceeded 300 mg m−3 in four measurements (36%). The exposure of road tanker drivers during delivery depended mainly on the distance between working area and the emission point of discharging vapours from the tank, vents and wind direction.The mean exposures of road tanker drivers to benzene during loading and delivery were 1.1–18 mg m−3 in various situations. The mean exposures to n-hexane, to toluene and to xylene were 0.7–6.0, 1.4–11 and 0.8–4mg m−3, respectively. The exposures to methyl-tert-butyl ether were between 13 and 91 mg m−3. All measurements were made during the summer. However, the temperature varied between 4 and 22δC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An industry-wide pulmonary morbidity study was undertaken to evaluate the respiratory health of employees manufacturing refractory ceramic fibers at five US sites between 1987 and 1989. Refractory ceramic fibers are man-made vitreous fibers used for high temperature insulation. Of the 753 eligible current employees, 742 provided occupational histories and also completed the American Thoracic Society respiratory symptom questionnaire; 736 also performed pulmonary function tests. Exposure to refractory ceramic fibers was characterized by classifying workers as production or nonproduction employees and calculating the duration of time spent in production employment. The risk of working in the production of refractory ceramic fibers and having one or more respiratory symptoms was estimated by adjusted odds ratios and found to be 2.9 (95 percent confidence interval 1.4–6.2) for men and 2.4 (95 percent confidence interval 1.1–5.3) for women. The effect of exposure to refractory ceramic fibers on forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), the ratio of the two (FEV1/FVC), and forced expiratory flow (liters/second) between 25 percent and 75 percent of the FVC curve (FEF25-75) was evaluated by multiple regression analysis using transformed values adjusted for height, by dividing by the square of each individual's height. For men, there was a significant decline in FVC for current and past smokers of 165.4 ml (p < 0.01) and 155.5 ml (p = 0.04), respectively, per 10 years of work in the production of refractory ceramic fibers. For FEV17 the decline was significant (p < 0.01) only for current smokers at 134.9 ml. For women, the decline was greater and significant for FVC among nonsmokers, who showed a decrease of 350.3 ml (p = 0.05) per 10 years of employment in the production of refractory ceramic fibers. These findings indicate that there may be important sex differences in response to occupational and/or environmental exposure. Am J Epidemiol 1998;148:910–19. occupational exposure; occupations; respiratory function tests; sex; spirometry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute low back injuries are described in a cohort of about 31,000 material handlers employed in all Home Depot, Inc., retail stores in California from 1990 through 1994. With over 87 million work hours, incidence density rates, rate ratios, and confidence intervals are given by age, sex, length of employment, and job-lifting requirements. Injuries are further described by lost work days, activity at time of injury, work restrictions, and time frames. The unadjusted low back injury rate per million work hours was 1.6 times higher for men compared with women, and rates were highest for those less than 25 years of age, those with less than 2 years of current job experience, and employees with the greatest materials lifting and handling job requirements. These findings in unadjusted rates and rate ratios persisted when each was adjusted through a Poisson regression model, with the exception of sex. The adjusted risk ratio for males was reversed with significantly higher risk in females when the rate ratio was adjusted for age, lifting intensity, and length of job experience. Injuries were most commonly associated with lifting activities and, while injury occurrence was highest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rates were greatest during those hours when the store was closed to retail activities. Merchandise stocking that requires heavy and frequent materials handling is done during these hours. Fewer injuries than expected were reported on weekends, days with considerably less materials handling activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the attribution of cancer to occupational exposure in Great Britain in 2010. The study has used a comprehensive analysis of occupational exposures along with quantitative estimations of the cancers attributable to 107 agents. Results show that the estimated number of new cancer cases in the said year for 22 types of cancer and the expected numbers of cases because of occupational exposures.

We examined how the deregulation of South Korea's labor laws during the country's 1997 to 1998 economic crisis affected occupational safety and health. Although the economic index improved after the reforms, the total injury rate declined slowly and the incidence of occupational disease increased. The withdrawal of support for occupational safety and health is likely to have a sustained effect on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the prevalence of positive patch test reactions to sodium metabisulfate (SMB) in patients at the Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology in Sweden. It states that 1518 patients were patch tested to 2% SMB in pet from November 1998 to April 2007. The study reveals that out of 1518 patients, 51 demonstrated positive patch test reactions and 10 indicated weak reactions to SMB.

The article discusses a study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which investigated the nature and frequency of occupational exposures to antimicrobial pesticides in health care settings. Data from pesticide poisoning surveillance programs in several states, including California, Louisiana and Michigan, were analyzed by the CDC. The findings of the study which identified 401 cases of work-related illness are discussed and a CDC editorial note on the study is presented. INSET: What is already known on this topic?.

The author reflects on the growth of research regarding occupational health in the Netherlands. The author mentions that the rapid growth of occupational research that concentrates on sickness absence arouses two significant questions - what drives the research agenda in the Netherlands and if the research deals with the demands of the society and occupational health. The author discusses the research on work performance and sickness absence conducted by Dutch authors.

This plenary talk at the eighth annual Midwest Rural Agricultural Safety and Health Forum, November 2009, focused on the value of having those who can benefit from, or who will use research findings (that is, partners), being involved throughout the research process. At the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Research-to-Practice (r2p) initiative was established to ensure that NIOSH-funded research is used in the workplace to prevent disease, injury, and fatality. Central to these efforts is the commitment to involve partners and stakeholders throughout the research process, from conceptualization of the research idea through the conduct of the research to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the research. Through partnerships and scientific integrity, NIOSH strives to ensure that our research contributes to improving the lives of all workers. In this presentation, mechanisms for and examples of how to identify and include appropriate partners in research and dissemination efforts for the agriculture sector were explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify differences in risk of sickness absence between socioeconomic groups, and to examine to what extent these differences can be explained by health behaviour and work environment factors. Design, setting and participants: A cohort of 5221 employees in Denmark interviewed in 2000 regarding health behaviours and work environment were followed for 18 months in order to assess their rate of sickness absence exceeding eight consecutive weeks. Based on employment grade, job title and education respondents were classified into five socioeconomic position (SEP) groups. Executive managers and academics were the reference group. Results: For both genders a social gradient in long-term sickness absence rates was evident. In men, controlling for health behaviours and physical work environment factors reduced rate ratios by 22-57%. Controlling for health behaviours alone reduced rate ratios by 6-13%. In women, controlling for health behaviour reduced rate ratios by 5-18%, and controlling for both health behaviours and physical work environment factors reduced rate ratios by 21-44%. Introducing psychosocial factors reduced the rate ratios further, yielding a reduction of 22-53% in the fully adjusted model. In both genders, the largest reductions were seen in skilled blue-collar workers and for semi-skilled or unskilled workers (by 58-59% in men and by 41-53% in women). Conclusion: A social gradient in long-term sickness absence was found. Physical work environment explained more of this gradient than health behaviour. Also including psychosocial work environment in the model had no effect in men but a small effect among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the CDC study, "Fatalities Among Volunteer and Career Firefighters--United States, 1994-2004." The data is from the U.S. Fire Administration and the two cases were investigated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Case 1 focuses on volunteer fatality. Case 2 focuses on career fatality. The CDC editorial note comments on the causes of firefighter deaths and limitations in this research, and offers recommendations to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among firefighters.

Presents the research results for "State Smoking Restrictions for Private-Sector Worksites, Restaurants, and Bars--United States, 1998 and 2004." The categories used to define smoking restrictions that limit exposure to secondhand smoke; Use of statistics from the CDC's State Tobacco Activities Tracking and Evaluation (STATE) System database; CDC editorial note discussing the effectiveness of smoke-free policies and the four limitations in this study.