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Occupational ApplicationsThe coronavirus disease pandemic has changed the setting of many jobs, forcing people to switch to remote work. In turn, telework is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, as it is difficult to ensure an ergonomically correct work environment at home. Complaints of headaches, neck pain, and dizziness are reported by both young and old people. One of the reasons for such complaints might be an incorrect head position and prolonged tension in the neck muscles that is directly correlated with a spatially misaligned computer monitor and peripherals. We examined biomechanical parameters of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and found that it is possible to reduce tension in this muscle by keeping the head in an appropriate angular range to minimize potential health risks.Background With the increasing demand for faster data processing, computers and other smart devices have become an integral part of many workplaces. The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is one of the main muscles supporting the head. A review of the available literature suggested that overuse of this muscle can provoke a number of complaints among employees, including head and neck pain. This article describes effective head positioning angles to minimize SCM muscle strain.Purpose The main objective of this study was to determine how SCM muscle tension changes with head position angle. We hypothesized that the SCM muscle would demonstrate the least tension when the head is in a neutral position.Methods A total of 41 individuals (22 female, 19 male) participated. Only respondents without chronic conditions were included. SCM muscle tension was measured using a myotonometer.Results Strong positive correlations were observed between angle (head position) and SCM muscle tension (oscillation frequency) as well as between angle and SCM muscle stiffness. Negative correlations were found between head angle and SCM decrement (a measure of elasticity), and between head angle and SCM relaxation time.Conclusions Minimal tension in SCM muscle occurs when the head is positioned in flexion, at angles between -30° and -60°. Determining the angle of minimal SCM tension provides a foundation for further research and various technical solutions that may ensure such positioning (e.g., a monitor arm). However, to obtain more accurate insight into optimal positioning, simultaneous evaluation of multiple neck muscles should be completed in future work, and the neck extensor muscle group must be addressed.

Objective: A consensual definition of occupational burnout is currently lacking. We aimed to harmonize the definition of occupational burnout as a health outcome in medical research and reach a consensus on this definition within the Network on the Coordination and Harmonisation of European Occupational Cohorts (OMEGA-NET). Methods: First, we performed a systematic review in MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Embase (January 1990 to August 2018) and a semantic analysis of the available definitions. We used the definitions of burnout and burnout-related concepts from the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT) to formulate a consistent harmonized definition of the concept. Second, we sought to obtain the Delphi consensus on the proposed definition. Results: We identified 88 unique definitions of burnout and assigned each of them to 1 of the 11 original definitions. The semantic analysis yielded a first proposal, further reformulated according to SNOMED-CT and the panelists` comments as follows: "In a worker, occupational burnout or occupational physical AND emotional exhaustion state is an exhaustion due to prolonged exposure to work-related problems". A panel of 50 experts (researchers and healthcare professionals with an interest for occupational burnout) reached consensus on this proposal at the second round of the Delphi, with 82% of experts agreeing on it. Conclusion: This study resulted in a harmonized definition of occupational burnout approved by experts from 29 countries within OMEGA-NET. Future research should address the reproducibility of the Delphi consensus in a larger panel of experts, representing more countries, and examine the practicability of the definition. This study was supported by the University of Lausanne and European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Action CA 16216 "Network on the Coordination and Harmonisation of European Occupational Cohorts” (OMEGA-NET). info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Considering the multitudes of people who spend their time working indoors in public premises and workplaces, it is worth knowing what their level of exposure is to natural radioactive radon gas, the second most widespread and dangerous carcinogen for lung cancer development after cigarette smoking. This state-level study covered most of the territory of Latvia and conducted 941 radon measurements with Radtrack2, placed for 4–6 months in the premises of public companies, educational institutions, medical care institutions, etc. The study found that 94.7% of samples did not exceed the national permissible limit (200 Bq/m3), the level at which preventive measures should be initiated. The median value of average specific radioactivity of radon in these premises was 48 Bq/m3 (Q1 and Q3 being 27 and 85 Bq/m3), which is below the average of the European region. Slightly higher concentrations were observed in well-insulated premises with plastic windows and poorer air exchange, mostly in schools (59 (36, 109) Bq/m3) and kindergartens (48 (32, 79) Bq/m3). Industrial workplaces had surprisingly low radon levels (28 (16, 55) Bq/m3) due to strict requirements for air quality and proper ventilation. Public premises and workplaces in Latvia mostly have low radon concentrations in the air, but more attention should be paid to adequate ventilation and air exchange.

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is a form of sensorineural hearing loss that is caused by intensive and continuous exposure to noise. It is one of the most frequently encountered occupational diseases worldwide despite numerous available control measures. ONIHL is a preventable disease, however, once the damage to the inner ear structures has occurred no medical intervention can reverse it. Aim. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyse incidence of registered cases of ONIHL in relation to vibration disease and exposure to vibration among employees in Latvia between 2005 and 2014. Materials and methods. The data used in the study were acquired from the Latvian State Register of Patients with Occupational Diseases and afterwards analyzed with applicable statistical tests using both Excel and IBM SPSS programmes to compare epidemiological parameters between ONIHL, vibration disease (VD) and exposure to vibration and to identify the association between them. Results. In total data were obtained about 2302 patients with 2562 cases of occupational ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases. Out of them ONIHL was registered in 1699 cases (819 cases were ONIHL in combination with VD). Most of the employees with ONIHL and ONIHL simultaneously with VD were males aged 55-64. There was found statistically significant association between ONIHL and VD (p

Proportion of health care workers of those who believe that the work in progress threatens their health and safety is higher than the average in other sectors. Workers in health care facilities are especially exposed to violence in the workplace [1]. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the presence of violence at work and determination of its effect on the working ability of health care sector workers. The study included the survey of 132 emergency department employees (doctors, physician assistants, nurses) from Kurzeme Region hospitals (Latvia). Questionnaire of violence in the workplace of the health care sector workers and the work ability index assessment questionnaire were used for the data collection. It was found that medical staff of health care establishments experience mostly verbal abuse (97%), less from physical attacks (36%), and intimidation/bullying (30%). The study found that medical personnel are aware of the changes implemented in the workplace (29%), there has been no change (33%), while the impact of changes implemented by medical staff at the workplace has not been experienced (47%). For personnel who have suffered from violence in the workplace, working capacity is generally lower than for the personnel that has not experienced violence in the workplace.

Currently, nanoparticles are widely present in the environment and are being used in various industrial technologies. Nanoparticles affect immune functions, causing different immune responses. The aim of the current study was to evaluate several cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), interferon-γ, adhesive molecule sICAM-1, macrophage inhibitory protein 1a (MIP1a) and secretory immunoglobulin A, in nasal lavage fluid and in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects exposed to workplace nanoparticles. Thirty-six employees from three different environments were examined: 12 from a metalworking company, 12 from a woodworking company and 12 office workers. The nanoparticles in the different workplaces were detected in the air in the immediate vicinity of the employees. The particle number concentration and surface area values were significantly higher in the workplaces of the metal- and woodworking industries, but concentrations of mass were lower (the measurements were performed by an electrical low-pressure impactor ELPI+). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, an attachment to a high-resolution SEM) was used to provide elemental analysis or chemical characterization of the dust particles in a low-vacuum field-free mode operating at a potential of 15 kV spot 3.0. The technique used provided quantitative and spatial analyses of the distribution of elements through mapping (two to three parallel measurements) and point analysis (four to five parallel measurements). Samples from the metal industry contained more ultramicroscopic and nanometric particles, e.g. toxic metals such as Zn, Mn and Cr, and fewer microscopic dust particles. The nasal lavage and peripheral blood were taken at the beginning and the end of the working week, when immune indices were measured. Our data showed a statistically significant increased level of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in serum in both exposed groups compared with office workers as well as a higher level of TNF-α in workers from the woodworking company compared with the metalworking employees. We found an elevated level of IL-6 in the exposed groups as well as an elevated level of IL-8 in the nasal lavage in woodworking employees after work.

The aim of this study was to analyse working conditions and occupational morbidity in order to assess development of occupational health and safety (OHS) system in Latvia during the last 15 years. Analysis of database on workplace risk factor measurements (provided by Laboratory of Hygiene and Occupational diseases) from more than 7000 workplaces, carried out during 1995–2010, was also provided. The results revealed that occupational risk factor values exceeded the recommended limits for one third of the measurements. The traditional work risk factors (chemical, physical, biological, etc.) have been partly replaced by new risks (ergonomic and psychosocial factors). Results of the study indicated that the main risk group for non-compliance with legislation, regarding OHS, is comprised by small and medium companies from private and non-governmental sector and from companies working in industries, such as construction, metal processing and wood processing. The study reveals poor knowledge and evaluation of OHS issues both by employees and employers. The study also shows a direct correlation between a good working environment, and the company’s effi ciency and sustainability in general. Statistical data shows that the number of fidiagnosed occupational diseases and patients has gradually increased. The total number of fidiagnosed and registered occupational patients per 100000 employees was 11.2 in 1995 and 140.5 in 2009. The structure of occupational diseases reveals that musculoskeletal diseases (46.1%) comprise the leading group of diseases followed by diseases of the nervous system and organs of sense (29.3%), traumatic disorders and intoxications (11.7%).

Computer work is characterized by sedentary static workload with low-intensity energy metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate the dynamics of skin surface temperature in the hand during prolonged computer mouse work under different ergonomic setups. Digital infrared imaging of the right forearm and wrist was performed during three hours of continuous computer work (measured at the start and every 15 minutes thereafter) in a laboratory with controlled ambient conditions. Four people participated in the study. Three different ergonomic computer mouse setups were tested on three different days (horizontal computer mouse without mouse pad, horizontal computer mouse with mouse pad and padded wrist support, vertical computer mouse without mouse pad). The study revealed a significantly strong negative correlation between the temperature of the dorsal surface of the wrist and time spent working with a computer mouse. Hand skin temperature decreased markedly after one hour of continuous computer mouse work. Vertical computer mouse work preserved more stable and higher temperatures of the wrist (&gt, 30 °C), while continuous use of a horizontal mouse for more than two hours caused an extremely low temperature (&lt, 28 °C) in distal parts of the hand. The preliminary observational findings indicate the significant effect of the duration and ergonomics of computer mouse work on the development of hand hypothermia.

The outcome of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (CNPP) accident was that a huge number of people were exposed to ionizing radiation. Previous studies of CNPP clean-up workers from Latvia revealed a high occurrence of age-associated degenerative diseases and cancer in young adults, as well as a high mortality as a result of cardiovascular disorders at age 45–54 years. DNA tandem repeats that cap chromosome ends, known as telomeres, are sensitive to oxidative damage and exposure to ionizing radiation. Telomeres are important in aging processes and carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of protracted ionizing radiation exposure on telomere length in CNPP clean-up workers. Relative telomere length (RTL) was measured in peripheral blood leukocytes of 595 CNPP clean-up workers and 236 gender- and age-matched controls using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). Close attention was paid to participation year and tasks performed during the worker's stay in Chernobyl, health status, and RTL differences between subgroups. Telomere shortening was not found in CNPP clean-up workers; on the contrary, their RTL was slightly greater than in controls (P = 0.001). Longer telomeres were found in people who worked during 1986, in those undertaking ‘dirty’ tasks (digging and deactivation), and in people with cancer. Shorter telomeres appeared frequently in those with cataract, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, or coronary heart disease. We conclude that the longer telomeres revealed in people more heavily exposed to ionizing radiation probably indicate activation of telomerase as a chromosome healing mechanism following damage, and reflect defects in telomerase regulation that could potentiate carcinogenesis.

For Latvian society musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are becoming an urgent problem like in the majority of European countries. Physical overload is one of the most important aetiological factors for development of work-related MSDs. The aim of the study was analysis of occupational MSDs’ incidence tendencies in Latvia during the time period from 1996 till 2011. Data of Latvian State Register of Occupational Diseases about incidence of occupational MSDs according to Latvian official list of occupational disorders were used. The time period between 1996 and 2011 was analysed in detail. This current paper reports a rapid increase in number of occupational MSDs revealed for the first time every year in Latvia. At the same time, a gradual decrease of “classical” occupational diseases, such as respiratory disorders caused by dust and chemical substances was observed during the period of analysis. In most cases, more than one MSD was diagnosed for one patient. The largest part of these MSDs was chronic, disabling and had been acquired for a long time before being revealed. In 94.8% of all patients with firstly revealed occupational diseases in 2011 factor physical overload (i.e. heavy lifting, repetitive or highly differentiated movements or awkward working posture, manual handling) were mentioned as harmful working risk factors. During the last ten years MSDs have taken first place in the occupational morbidity structure of Latvia. Considering the present situation in Latvia, special attention of OH&S specialists should be paid to the early prevention of MSDs and fight against physical overload at work places.

The aim of study was to analyse work conditions and occupational morbidity in Latvia during a 15-year period for recommendations to employment policy programmes. The study included the analysis of the database of occupational risk factor measurements in more than 7000 enterprises and companies performed in period 1995–2010 by the Laboratory of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health of Riga Stradins University. The analysis of registered occupational diseases according to the data from the Latvian State Registry of Occupational diseases run by the Centre of Occupational and Radiation Medicine of Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital for the same period was performed. Occupational diseases in Latvia are diagnosed and coded in accordance with the International Classification of Diseases. Results of measurements showed that for one third of measured occupational risk factors values exceeded recommended limits. The traditional work risk factors (chemical, physical, biological etc.) have been partly replaced by new risks (ergonomic and psychosocial factors). The results of the study indicated that the following enterprises form a major risk group of non-compliance with legislation regarding occupational health and safety: small enterprises; enterprises of private and non-governmental sectors; enterprises of different industries (construction, metal processing and wood processing). The number of firstly diagnosed occupational diseases and patients has gradually increased. The total number of firstly diagnosed and registered occupational patients per 100,000 employees was 11.2 in 1995 and 140.5 in 2009. The structure of

Albumin is the most generously represented protein in human blood plasma. Therefore it is important to follow and assess the transport function of albumin in clinic researches. Disturbances in structural/functional properties of albumin play an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases and immune state in patients. Changes in albumin transformation can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic criterion in pathologies. ABM (3-aminobenzanthrone derivative developed at the Daugavpils University, Latvia) has been previously shown as a potential biomarker for determination of the immune state of patients with different pathologies. The aim of this study was to determine the several aspects of plasma albumin alterations in the group of Chernobyl clean-up workers in long term period in relation with humans having no professional contact with radioactivity. The following parameters were examined: (1) spectral characteristics of ABM in blood plasma; (2) ‘effective’ and total albumin (EA and TA) concentration in blood plasma; (3) quantitative parameters of albumin auto-fluorescence; (4) albumin binding site characteristics. Screening of the individuals with a period of 25-26 years after the work in Chernobyl revealed two groups of patients differing in structural and functional albumin properties; first on conformations of plasma albumin, and second characteristics of tryptophanyl region of the molecule. The revealed structural modifications of albumin are dependent on radiation-induced factors. Concomitant diseases such as diabetes mellitus or cardio-vascular diseases reinforce radiation-induced effects. In conclusion, ABM is a sensitive probe for albumin alterations and can be used to elucidate the changes in protein systems. Significant differences in albumin dynamics exist between control (donors) and groups of Chernobyl clean-up workers.