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Regarding climatic diversity in Iran and the dependence of many outdoor activities (occupational, recreational, tourism attraction, etc.) on climatic conditions, this study conducted aiming to evaluate thermal comfort fluctuations in Iran. Thermal comfort fluctuations in different climates of Iran were investigated between 1985 and 2014 using recorded meteorological data in 40 synoptic stations. The Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s Slope were used to analyse the changing trends of the Humidex and to determine the actual slope of a trend over time, respectively. In overall, the southern areas of Iran have the longest period with unfavourable and extremely unfavourable climatic conditions in this study. Conversely, in the northern half of Iran, especially in North West areas, the appropriate summer season provides the best climatic conditions for outdoor activities.

BACKGROUND: Preserving and protecting the human resources is considered as the most important capital in any economic section by industrial development. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the health, safety and environment (HSE) climate and its effects on occupational accidents in a petrochemical industry. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was performed on 354 male workers in a petrochemical industry (10 different categories of site operators). Data was collected through a questionnaire, which its validity and reliability were standardized with Cronbach’s alpha at 0.85. In this questionnaire the safety condition, workplace environment, disease symptoms were investigated in five, four and three dimensions, respectively. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 23 and LISREL version 8.8. RESULTS: According to the model values, there were significant correlation between safety condition and workplace environment r = 0.66, also between work safety condition and disease symptoms. The three hidden variables of work safety condition, work mental environment and physical workplace had significant effects on disease symptoms. Therefore, safety condition was the most effective variable on disease symptoms. Two significant predictors were work safety condition and physical workplace for work mental environment with coefficients γ= 2.29, β= –0.1, respectively. CONCLUSION: HSE condition indicators, working environment and disease symptoms reflect workers’ views on HSE issues in the workplace. It can be beneficial in rooting the factors affecting occupational accidents and performance evaluation in the organization HSE management system.

This study aimed to intervene in the organization processes based on the HSE perspective and designing the processes of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE). Methods: This study is mixed methods re...

Background and Objective: Silica dust is present in almost all mining operations and can cause various health problems such as silicosis in workers. The present study aimed to determine the total and respirable dust levels and the crystalline silica content of the soil in the breathing zone of workers in Iranian mines. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2016-2017 on six Iranian silica mines. Dust sampling was performed according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method No. 0600. The samples were collected from the respiratory zone of workers at 114 stations in different units of the mines. The silica content was measured using the standard NIOSH method No. 7601. The crystalline silica content in bulk samples collected from the soil was determined by using the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy method. Results: The highest concentration of crystalline silica dust was 2.81±0.49 mg/m3 and was observed in the air of crushing unit of mine no. 6, and the lowest was 0.08±0.208 mg/m3 and was measured in the management/administration unit of mine no.1. The mean silica content in the solid surface of the mines was 91%. The total and respirable dust levels in all units of the mines except management/administration were higher than the permissible limit. The free silica content of all collected samples was substantially higher than the permissible limits, and in some cases, it was as much as 100 times above the standard level, which reflects the extremely high risk of working in these mines. Conclusion: Exposure of workers with crystalline silica dust in all units was higher than the standard recommended limits. It is imperative to adopt immediate measures based on technical, managerial, and personal protection solutions to reduce the exposure of workers to silica.

Background and Objective: Many indices are used to assess occupational heat stress at the work environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate heat stress using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index and Discomfort Index (DI), and by measuring physiological responses in the workers of the rolling industry and comparing the appropriateness of these indices for measuring heat stress. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 90 healthy workers of a rolling industry in eastern Tehran in 2017. Physiological parameters of core body temperature (Tcr) and Heart Rate (HR) were measured during the working shift according to ISO9886 standard. At the same time, environmental variables such as the natural wet temperature (Tnw), dry temperature (Td) and globe temperature (Tg) were measured and recorded at the workstations. Then, the DI and the WBGT indices were calculated using the related formulae. Data were analyzed using SPSS v. 21, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The mean heat stress indices were significantly higher in working conditions than resting conditions, and there was a significant difference between the physiological parameters of Tcr and HR in resting and working conditions (Pcr and HR (r=0.317, P=0.002; r=0.434, P Conclusion: The results showed that WBGT is a more appropriate index for evaluating the heat stress of workers in the rolling industry. High heat stress levels at the workstations along with heavy physical activity are health risks for workers in this industry; therefore, interventions must be undertaken to reduce exposure.

Background and Objectives:Occupational exposure to silica dust has multiple consequences, including genetic complications. One of the genetic complications is Micronucleus (MN) changes; therefore, this study aims to evaluate the rate of MN formation in mouse lymphocyte cells due to exposure to silica dust.Materials and Methods:Totally 72 male mice BALB/c were selected and categorized into five exposure groups with 12 mice in exposure to the concentrations of 1.3, 3, 8, 12, and 17 mg/m3of 99% pure silica dust and a control group. The mice were exposed to silica dust in which they were exposed for 8 hours a day, 6 days a week, and for 1, 2, 3, and 4 months. Then, blood samples were taken from the mice and the rate of MN formation in their lymphocyte cells was evaluated. The results were analyzed via SPSS software version 21 (PResults:Maximum and minimum averages of dust concentration, related to boxes 1 and 5, were 17 mg/m3and 1.3 mg/m3, respectively. Maximum rate of MN formation was observed in the fourth month of exposure and in group 1 with the value of 21.6±1.15, and minimum rate of MN formation was observed in the third month of exposure and in control group with the value of 3±1. Average of MN frequencies in each of the exposure month was significant related to the control group (P=0.001). There was a direct and significant correlation between exposure concentrations of exposed group and average rate of MN formation (r=0.679).Conclusions:More than 3 months exposure to silica dust may lead to significant MN formation in lymphocytes of mice BALB/c in comparison with the control group.

BACKGROUND: In developing countries, construction is a largely manual job that imposes awkward postures on workers, thus facilitating a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomic training is known as an effective way to reduce these disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic training intervention in reducing the ergonomic risk of concrete form workers. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 144 concrete form workers employed in the construction projects of Gonbad-e Kāvus, Iran, Iran. Data was collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (at the pre-intervention stage) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) worksheet (at the pre- and post-intervention stages). Ergonomic training was provided via face-to-face educational meetings along with presenting informative pamphlets, which took place over 45 days duration of time. Data were analyzed by the use of SPSS software version 21, t-test and Wilcoxon test. Significant level was considered at P-value less than 0.05. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal disorders were observed in all limbs of the studied workers. The most prevalent disorders were the pain in the shoulder region of lift operators (86.1%) and the pain in the back area of mixer operators (77.8%). About 99.3% of all concrete form workers were exposed to a moderate level of ergonomic risk and needed posture correction. Pre- and post-training REBA scores showed a statistically significant difference (P

BACKGROUND: The general public has an important role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases by pursuing prophylactic measures. AIM: The aim of the present systematic review was to describe public perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward COVID-19. METHODS: In this review, articles were extracted from the Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed search engines. The main keywords for the search were coronavirus, COVID-19, public perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. RESULTS: The knowledge level toward novel coronavirus in different countries was generally high, and it had an increasing pattern during the pandemic phase. Furthermore, the insight self-efficacy, perceived severity of the COVID-19, and intention to meet the needs of preventive measures have increased notably. Furthermore, there are several misconceptions and unconfirmed beliefs in the general public in the case of preventive measures recommended, in particular. CONCLUSIONS: Health authorities and other disease control centers should monitor public misconceptions and perceptions continuously and manage a trusting platform to be presented to the public, especially in the case of a novel disease outbreak.

BACKGROUND:Students use a school bag to carry their school supplies which may not have the required standards and ergonomic factors. OBJECTIVE:This study was aimed to examine the ergonomic factors of schoolbags and their adaptation to the weight of elementary school students. METHODS:This cross-sectional study was carried out on 721 primary schoolchildren. To collecting data a checklist, which its final version was approved by the experts, was designed by researchers. Data were analyzed by using SPSS ver. 22 and Chi-square test, One-Way ANOVA, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS:In this study, about 90.1% of students used a backpack to carry their items and most students carried backpacks with a weight up to 10% of their body weight. In 43.5% of the students, waist width was appropriate with backpack width at the bottom, and in 96.6% shoulder width was appropriate with backpack width at the top. Multivariate logistic regression showed that girls in compared to boys were more likely tolerated ratio of backpack weight to body weight, and also had more likely proportion of waist width and the backpack width at the bottom. The grades of the first, second, and fourth used more heavy backpacks. Students who their mothers were employee compared to housewives, carried heavier backpacks and had more likely proportion of waist width and the backpack width at the bottom. As the mother’s age increased, the proportion of waist width and the backpack width at the bottom is diminished. CONCLUSION:The schoolbags weight of many students was more than the standard weight, and their schoolbags did not have the required standards. Educational interventions can increase the knowledge of students and parents about the ideal weight of a schoolbag and the criteria for choosing a proper school bag. Keywords: Children health, backpack standards, elementary school, anthropometrics

Background: Nowadays, backpack is the best and most commonly used tool for carrying books and stationery by students. There are huge evidences which confirmed that carrying method of school backpack influences on the students’ health status. The aim of this study was to determine of features of backpack carrying methods by schoolchildren.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 650 primary schoolchildren in Gonabad city (Iran) in 2017. Using both a made researcher’s questionnaire and observation, we collected the required data. The gathered data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22.0). Results: The results showedthat 85.87% of student carried their backpacks in the incorrect way. Although 83.13% of the students used both straps of his/her backpacks, there was a backpack between the two scapulae in only 55% of the students. Besides, just 31.3% of their backpacks were attached to back of the respondents. In terms of appropriateness of the size between students and backpacks, only 40.1% of the students used a suitably sized backpack with their own body structure. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that there were significant association between backpack carrying methods of the students and their age, gender, school grade type of school (governmental, non-governmental) (P

Background: Dust exposure at quarry mines is inevitable and can result in poor air quality. This research aimed to assess pulmonary symptoms and lung functions of dust-exposed workers at an iron-ore mine in eastern Iran. Methods: An environmental cross-sectional study sampled 174 dust-exposed mine workers and 93 unexposed administrative employees as the reference group. A standardized questionnaire on respiratory symptoms was completed in accordance with recommendations of the American Thoracic Society(ATS). Calibrated spirometer measured Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs). Data were analyzed via SPSS-21, integrating independent samples t-test, Chi-square and linear or logistic-regression models. Results: There was no significant variation between dust-exposed and reference groups in terms of age, weight, height, work experience and the number of smokers (P>0.05). Mean levels of exposure to inhalable and respirable mineral-dust were 15.09±2.34 and 3.45±2.57 mg/m3 respectively. Pulmonary capacities of dust-exposed group were considerably decreased as compared to others (Forced Vital Capacity [FVC] 86.55±13.77 vs. 105.05±21.5; Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second [FEV1] 88.06±16.8 vs. 105.81±21.55; FEV1/FVC 103.03±18.17 vs. 93.3±12.49; and Peak Expiratory Flow [PEF] 89.82±22.58 vs. 98.09±20.60) (PP=0.041), wheezing (P=0.032), and dyspnea (P=0.035) among formers. Age along with exposure to respirable-dust significantly reduced FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. Cigarette consumption attenuated FVC and FEV1 on an average of 5 to 9 units. Conclusion: Controlled occupational dust-exposure is a definitive pre-requisite to reduce respiratory problems among quarry workers, with an explicit consideration towards mineral- mine workers. Modifiable accomplices like smoking and non-compliance of PPEs usage should be amicably resolved.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of single versus double burr-hole for drainage of chronic subdural hematoma, keeping in consideration pertinent demographic, pre and postoperative associations. Methods: A prospective cohort study carried out in Combined Military Hospital, Multan, (December 2016-August 2018), on adults with diagnosed chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH); being segregated by randomized control trial, non-probability purposive sampling into Group-A and Group-B (who underwent single and double burr-holes for CSDH-drainage respectively). Utilizing SPSS-21, data expressed as frequencies/percentages and mean± standard deviation (SD) and cross-tabulated; p-value

Aim — Burnout is one of the major occupational hazards that precludes the efficiency and wastes human resources. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of job burnout and its related factors among the staff of a Medical University in Iran. Material and Methods — In this simple descriptive, Knowledge-Attitude-Practice educational cross-sectional study, 250 employees were enrolled randomly via non-purposive sampling technique in 2016. Standardized Maslach Job burnout Inventory (MBI) and organizational climate questionnaire were used as instruments. Data analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-2 tests. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results — Mild, moderate and severe levels of job burnout were revealed by 66.4%, 25.6% and 7.6% respectively; while 28 (11.2%), 56 (22.4%) and 166 (66.4%) endorsed weak, moderate and strong organizational climate scores. There was significant negative relation between job burnout and organizational climate level (p

Quarry workers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal complaints. The aim of this study was to evaluate the working postures and prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among quarry workers. In this cross-sectional study 78 male quarry workers were assessed using the method of Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and musculoskeletal complaints data were obtained by the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQs). Results of the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in body parts of stonemasonry workers was higher found than in the stonecutting workers. The highest prevalence rate of musculoskeletal problems in both stonemasonry and stonecutting workers was 65.7% and 54.8% respectively related to waist. The stonemasons with 62% had high level of risk and stone cutting workers with 47.6% had moderate risk level. Significant correlation was found among age, work experience, BMI, and prevalence of musculoskeletal problems. There was also a significant relationship between the wrist and lower back pain with the risk level of REBA score. The study results showed that musculoskeletal problems of workers had high prevalence and accordingly most of the work conditions and postures needed to be improved, so prioritizing the necessity of corrective actions and intervention are to be gained.

Traditionally, safety performance is assessed through statistical analyses of incident data, known as lagging indicators. Lagging indicators are not useful since the goal of founding safety management systems is the continuous improvement. In this study, a scale was established and validated to assess the elements that affect the organization safety. The fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) procedure was applied to weigh the elements and to reveal the influence of various structures for the proposed scales on the safety performance indicator. A 120-item scale was developed following the interview process to examine the factors that affect safety performance. Based on the face validity results, eight items were removed. The mean value of the instrument's validity index was 0.79. According to the FANP results, the organizational factor had the highest weight load of 0.465, whereas the environmental factor, with a weight of 0.209, had the least effect on the organization's safety performance index. An analysis of the study data showed that the designed scale can be used as an objective and simple tool to evaluate the factors that affect safety performance.

Background:To analyze prevalence of job dissatisfaction and psychological distress among doctors with exposure of significant socio-demographic aggravators.Material and Methods:This descriptive KAP-survey was conducted under the auspices of Pak Emirates Hospital Rawalpindi from Sep 2017-Apr 2018. Information was collected on a self-designed questionnaire, standardized General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS). Data analyzed via SPSS-21 and p-value (p

Background ― Workers in the mineral industries are exposed to airborne dust and its occupational exposure can cause respiratory disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the lung function and respiratory symptoms of workers exposed to mineral dust in the Eastern part of Iran. Material and Methods ― This cross-sectional study was conducted on 156 workers in kaolin mine, gold mine, quarry, and stone cutting workshops as a dust exposed group and 48 administrative personnel in these sections as an unexposed group. After the general medical examination and completion of the demographic questionnaire, workers’ pulmonary function test was performed for each person using a spirometer according to the American Thoracic Society standards. Finally, data analysis was performed using Tukey's post hoc and chi-squared tests. Results ― The mean age in the exposed group to dust and control group were 33.8±7.9 and 36.7±8.0 years (data are presented as mean with standard deviation), weight – 75.1±13.0 and 75.0±11.2 kg, height – 173.2±6.8 and 173.1±6.3 cm, and work experience – 9.1±4.6 and 8.4±5.3 years, respectively. There was no significant difference between the working groups in the kaolin, gold, quarry, and stone cutting sections and the control group on the demographic variables. The mean value of the lung function parameters was lower in different working groups than in the control group. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second parameters (P0.05). Conclusion ― The results showed the exposed groups have significantly lower pulmonary function than the control group. Two out of four main pulmonary function variables showed reduce amounts in exposed groups.

Aim ― The purpose of the study was to evaluate the biological monitoring of occupational exposure to aluminium (AL) dust in foundry workers in south of Tehran. Material and Methods ― This cross-sectional study was carried out on 63 workers in A and B foundries and 50 unexposed individuals as the control group. AL dust were sampled using Higgins-Dewell cyclone (HD) and cellulose ester membrane filter (MEC) with a flow of 2.2 l/min in the breathing zone of workers for 4 hours. Urinary samples were taken at the end of work shifts per week and were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.21 and statistical methods including t-test, one-way ANOVA and linear regression. Results ― Airborne concentration of AL aerosols differed statistically significant in occupational groups (P0.05). However, there was a significant difference between urinary concentrations of the exposed group and the control group (P0.05). Conclusion ― Determination of AL concentration in urine is not enough to serve as a biomarker. Estimation of AL nanoparticles in the air and biomarkers that determine the actual absorption rate seems to be an adequate method for occupational exposure monitoring of AL.

Background � Occupational stress antagonizes human health directly as well as by instigating behavioral adversities like smoking; though it's relation with latter is yet unveiled. This study aimed at ascertaining the relation between occupational stresses and smoking status among workers of a steel industry in Iran. Material and Methods � This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 105 workers of steel industry in Iran. Standardized Health and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool (HSE-MS IT) along with subjects' demographic features were used to assess occupational stress; while smoking status was measured by standardized methods of Otten et al (1999). Results � Response rate was 86.7 as 91 completed questionnaires were received back. Mean age of smoking and non-smoking workers 39.5±10.2 & 38.4±5.5 respectively (data presented as mean with standard deviation - M±SD), work experience of smokers and non-smokers 13±6.1 & 12.9±5.9 years respectively, while 90.4 were married. Total occupational stress scored 2.96±0.35; 13.5 staff were at high stress risk. Outcome scores were significantly different between smokers and non-smokers in stress dimensions including role, relationships, managers' support and peer support. Conclusion � Although smoking workers revealed better situation in role dimension, yet smoking employees depicted higher stress in relationships, managers' support and peer support dimensions. Inferences qualify for imperative measures to implicate smoking cessation programs, as well as regime to attenuate occupational stress at workplaces. © 2018, Fasih-Ramandi F., Nadri F., Atif K., Boghsani G.T., Nadri H. © 2018, Russian Open Medical Journal © 2019, LLC Science and Innovations, Saratov, Russia