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ILO-CIS Bulletin 2004/02CIS 04-251 --- CIS 04-500 Chemical data sheets and criteria documentsCIS 04-251 tert-Butylbenzene. Advisory Committee on Existing Chemicals (BUA), S. Hirzel Verlag, Birkenwaldstrasse 44, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany, 2004. xiv, 84p. 157 ref. Price: EUR 47.00., ISBN 3-7776-1295-2 (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document which reflects the state of knowledge of June 2001: tert-butylbenzene (TBB) can be absorbed orally, dermally and by inhalation. Animal studies show severe skin irritation and weak eye irritation but no sensitization. TBB is not mutagenic in bacteria, and does not induce an increased incidence of gene conversions or chromosome aberrations. There are no studies on in vivo genotoxicity, carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity. (103251)
CIS 04-252 4-Chloro-2-nitroaniline. Advisory Committee on Existing Chemicals (BUA), S. Hirzel Verlag, Birkenwaldstrasse 44, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany, 2004. xii, 41p. 68 ref. Price: EUR 47.00., ISBN 3-7776-1296-0 (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document which reflects the state of knowledge of February 2002: animal studies show that 4-chloro-2-nitroaniline is completely adsorbed after oral administration and excreted as a sulfate conjugate in urine. It does not cause skin or mucous membrane irritation. There are no conclusive studies on sensitization. 4-Chloro-2-nitroaniline has been shown to be mutagenic in Ames tests. A carcinogenic and sensitizing effect is suspected from the existing data and the structure of the substance. Contact with 4-chloro-2-nitroaniline should be avoided by using appropriate personal protective equipment (gas masks, safety spectacles or face protection, protective gloves and protective clothing). (103252)
CIS 04-253 p-Chlorobenzyl chloride. Advisory Committee on Existing Chemicals (BUA), S. Hirzel Verlag, Birkenwaldstrasse 44, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany, 2004. xv, 32p. 58 ref. Price: EUR 36.00., ISBN 3-7776-1297-9 (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document which reflects the state of knowledge of February 2002: animal studies show that p-chlorobenzyl chloride (synonym: 1-chloro-4-(chloromethyl)-benzene) is slightly toxic after oral and dermal administration, and causes sensitization. It is strongly irritating to the respiratory tract in mice and slightly irritating to the skin and eyes in rabbits. p-Chlorobenzyl chloride is not mutagenic. There are no data on carcinogenicity, genotoxicity or reproductive toxicity. (103253)
CIS 04-254 Pentachlorophenol (No. 3). 3-Trifluoromethylaniline (No. 44). Chlorotoluidines (No. 55). 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (No. 74). Chlorinated paraffins (No. 93). 4-Chloro-2-methylphenol (No. 134). Dimethyldicykan (No. 143). Isodecanol (No. 149). Propargyl Alcohol (No 213). Advisory Committee on Existing Chemicals (BUA), S. Hirzel Verlag, Birkenwaldstrasse 44, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany, 2004. 152p. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 54.50., ISBN 3-7776-1298-7 (In English) Internet: This document comprises supplementary reports, finalized between December 1999 and June 2002, relating to nine substances evaluated in earlier BUA reports: pentachlorophenol (CIS 94-995), 3-trifluoromethylaniline (CIS 92-565), chlorotoluidines, benzothiazolethiol (CIS 97-1265), chlorinated paraffins (CIS 96-286), 4-chloro-o-cresol (CIS 95-2188), 4,4'-diamino-3,3'-dimethyldicyclohexylmethane, isodecyl alcohol (CIS 97-1269) and propargyl alcohol (CIS 02-572). The new data relate mainly to the results of ecotoxicity and animal studies carried out following recommendations made in the original reports. No new effects on humans are reported. Protective measures are recommended when handling some of these substances. (103254)
CIS 04-255 1-Chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC 124) (CAS No. 2837-89-0). European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC), Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2nd ed., Nov. 2004. 48p. Illus. 77 ref. Price: EUR 125.00. (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document: 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC 124) has low acute inhalation toxicity in experimental animals; its main effect is weak anaesthesia. It can induce cardiac sensitization at high concentrations (26,000ppm, 145,000mg/m3 and above). In long-term studies at concentrations as high as 50,000ppm (279,000mg/m3), rats and mice showed minimal toxic effects attributable to HCFC 124. There were no developmental effects at that exposure level, but there was minimal toxicity to the mother at 15,000ppm (83,700mg/m3) and above. HCFC-124 is not mutagenic in bacteria, yeast and mammalian cells in vitro or in the mouse micronucleus in vivo assay. These data together suggest that HCFC 124 is unlikely to present a carcinogenic hazard. Replaces CIS 95-668. (103497)
CIS 04-256 Glyoxal. Kielhorn J., Pohlenz-Michel C., Schmidt S., Mangelsdorf I., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), World Health Organization, Marketing and Dissemination, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2004. iv, 43p. Illus. 205 ref., ISBN 92-4-153057-X (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document on glyoxal (synonyms: ethanedial, diformyl, ethanedione, biformal, oxal): there is only limited information on effects of glyoxal on humans. Glyoxal is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes and may cause dermatitis and sensitization. It is genotoxic in vitro as well as in vivo in rats. Detailed summaries in French and Spanish are included. (103325)
CIS 04-257 Chloroform. Watts P., Long G., Meek M.E., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), World Health Organization, Marketing and Dissemination, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2004. iv, 58p. Illus. 282 ref., ISBN 92-4-153058-8 (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document on chloroform (synonyms: trichloromethane, methane trichloride, formyl trichloride): chloroform has been used in the past as an anaesthetic. Accidental splashing into the eyes may cause irritation. It can induce liver jaundice or toxic hepatitis at high exposure levels. In laboratory animals, chloroform induced liver and kidney tumours. Detailed summaries in French and Spanish are included. (103326)
CIS 04-258 Asphalt (Bitumen). Wess J.A., Olsen L.D., Haring Sweeney M., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), World Health Organization, Marketing and Dissemination, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2004. iv, 50p. Illus. 144 ref., ISBN 92-4-153059-6 (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document on asphalts (bitumens): asphalt fumes and vapours are irritating to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract and can be absorbed by the skin. Lower respiratory tract symptoms and changes in the respiratory function have also been observed. Burns can occur when hot asphalt is handled. Exposure to asphalt may be associated with lung cancer risk. Increases in bladder and stomach cancer, and leukaemia risk have also been reported, but the results are not consistent. In vitro studies indicate that paving fume condensates generated in the laboratory were mutagenic and induced DNA adducts. Detailed summaries in French and Spanish are included. (103327)
CIS 04-259 Chlorobenzenes other than hexachlorobenzene: Environmental aspects. Malcolm H.M, Howe P.D., Dobson S, Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), World Health Organization, Marketing and Dissemination, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2004. iii, 55p. Illus. 224 ref., ISBN 92-4-153060-X (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document on environmental hazards of chlorobenzenes other than hexachlorobenzenes: aquatic toxicity of chlorobenzenes generally increases with the chlorination of the benzene ring. The risk of chlorinated benzenes causing harm to aquatic organisms is low. There is no adequate data to perform a risk assessment for terrestrial species. Detailed summaries in French and Spanish are included. (103328)
CIS 04-260 Hydrogen cyanide and cyanides: Human health aspects. Petrova Simeonova F., Fishbein L., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), World Health Organization, Marketing and Dissemination, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2004. iv, 67p. Illus. 239 ref., ISBN 92-4-153061-8 (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document on hydrogen cyanide and cyanides: cyanides are well absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract and the skin, and rapidly absorbed via the respiratory tract. The primary targets of cyanide toxicity in humans and animals are the cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous systems. The endocrine system is also a potential target for long-term toxicity. The lowest reported oral lethal dose for humans is 0.54mg/kg body weight. Sequelae after severe acute intoxications may include neuropsychiatric manifestations and Parkinson-type diseases. Detailed summaries in French and Spanish are included. (103329)
CIS 04-261 ATSDR ToxProfiles 2004™ including ToxFAQs™. (Spanish: Perfiles toxicológicos 2004 de la ATSDR(tm), incluyendo las preguntas más frecuentes sobre toxicidad (ToxFAQs(tm))) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MS E-29, Atlanta GA 30333, USA, 2004. 2 CD-ROMs requiring Pentium PC with CD-ROM drive, Windows 98, NT 4.0 with Service Pack 5 or 6, 2000 or XP, 32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended) 20 MB available on hard disk. Contains files in PDF format viewable with Adobe Acrobat Reader. (In English, Spanish) Internet: The toxicological profiles published by Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's (ATSDR) succinctly characterize the toxicological and adverse health effect information for specific hazardous substances. The CD-ROMs contain 162 toxicological profiles, eight new drafts for public comment, six new finalized profiles, nine interaction profiles and a guidance manual for the assessment of joint toxic action of chemical mixtures, together with 180 fact sheets (ToxFAQs, in English and Spanish) on chemical substances addressing the most frequently asked questions. New search features are included (searching by CAS number, synonym, target organ, cancer classification, and chemical classification). The 2002 version of this CD was abstracted as CIS 03-61. (103391)
CIS 04-262 2-Butoxyethanol. Wess J., Ahlers H., Dobson S., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals ((IOMC), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 1998. iv, 29p. Illus. 109 ref., ISBN 92-4-153010-3 (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document: 2-butoxyethanol has moderate acute toxicity and is irritating to the eyes and skin; it is not a skin sensitizer. The principal effect exerted by 2-butoxyethanol and its metabolite 2-butoxyacetic acid is haematotoxicity, with the rat being the most sensitive species. In animals, adverse effects on reproduction and development have not been observed at less than toxic doses. Although there were indications of mutagenicity based on in vitro tests, the results were inconsistent. The absence of structural alerts and the negative findings of in vivo studies are sufficiently reassuring to allow the conclusion that the substance is not mutagenic. Based on the of haemolytic effects observed on pregnant rats exposed during gestation, a tolerable concentration of 13.1mg/m3 has been derived. (103418)
CIS 04-263 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluroroethane. Barker P., Cary R., Dobson S., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals ((IOMC), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 1998. iv, 18p. Illus. 48 ref., ISBN 92-4-153011-1 (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document: most available data on the toxicological properties of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluroroethane have been derived from studies conducted with laboratory animals. 1,1,1,2-tetrafluroroethane exhibits relatively low toxicity. There are indications of developmental toxicity following maternal exposure in rats and rabbits. The evidence for carcinogenicity is limited to an increased incidence of Leydig cell adenomas following exposure to 50,000ppm. The substance has not been found to be genotoxic in studies conducted to date. (103419)
CIS 04-264 Butyl benzyl phthalate. Meek M.E., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals ((IOMC), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 1999. iv, 41p. Illus. 181 ref., ISBN 92-4-153017-0 (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document: available data in humans are inadequate to serve as a basis for the assessment of the effects of long-term exposure to butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP). The acute toxicity of BBP is relatively low, with oral LD50 values in rats being greater than 2g/kg body weight. Target organs following acute exposure include the haematological and central nervous systems. Available data are inadequate to assess the irritant and sensitizing effects of BBP. On the basis on animal studies, BBP can be considered possibly carcinogenic to humans. In several studies on rats and mice, BBP has induced reduced sperm counts and shown marked developmental effects, but only at dose levels that induce significant toxicity. A tolerable daily intake of 1300µg/kg body weight has been derived for BBP. (103420)
Training materials and practical informationCIS 04-265 Teaching the principles of analysis of the causes of occupational accidents - Causal tree. (Polish: Nauczanie zasad analizy wypadków przy pracy - Drzewo przyczyn) Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2002. 82p. Illus. (Folder containing 14 leaflets) (In Polish) Internet: Training material aimed at trainers instructing safety personnel on causal trees, a method of post-accident analysis enabling the use of safety management techniques. Polish translation of a document published by the French Institute of Research and Safety (INRS ED 1500). (103286)
CIS 04-266 Manual for factory and labour inspectors and officers. Petrovic L., ILO Office in Islamabad, ILO Building, G.5/2 (Near State Bank of Pakistan), P.O. Box 1047, Islamabad, Pakistan, 1979. Typewritten manuscript (ii, 284p.) Illus. (In English) Internet: This manual is intended for factory and labour inspectors and officers who attended occupational hygiene training courses in Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar (Pakistan). It highlights the most important points that were taught during theses courses. Contents: introduction and general information; industrial aerosols and inhalable dust sampling methods; industrial poisons (sampling techniques and limitation of exposure); occupational radiation; thermal environment (heat stress); occupational noise and vibration; measurement and evaluation of lighting in industry; biological hazards; occupational skin diseases and prevention; principles of the epidemiology of occupational safety and health; industrial ventilation; principles of safety at work; personal protective devices; how to inspect a factory from the standpoint of occupational hygiene. (103330)
CIS 04-267 Guide of Best Practices on the Co-ordination of Health and Safety. (French: Guide de bonnes pratiques pour la coordination de la sécurité et de la santé; Spanish: Guía de buenas prácticas de la coordinación de la seguridad y la salud) European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC), 66 avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels, Belgium, 2003. 3 vols. (19+49+26p.) Illus. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This training guide was issued in order to help construction enterprises comply with the requirements of Directive 92/57/EEC (see CIS 93-1062). It consists of three parts: I - Legal bases of accident prevention and results of the European Social Dialogue; II - Directive 92/57/EEC on health and safety on temporary or mobile sites (observations, prevention is everyone's business, the safety and health coordinator, setting up prevention procedures during the different phases of the project, the main prevention measures to be adopted on the work site); III - Applications and a look at the Work Site (dangers for enterprises, design of projects and workstations, organization and prevention on the worksite, informing workers and increasing their awareness, look at the work site). Also available in Danish, German and Italian. (103438)
CIS 04-268 Kit on improvement of occupational safety and health in carpet weaving sector. International Labour Office (ILO), Centre for the Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment (CIWCE), Civic Centre Township (near Chandni Chowk), Lahore, Pakistan, 2003. Pack containing three training booklets 42p., 57p., 40p., three videos on CD-ROM and seven posters. (In Punjabi, Urdu) Internet: Pack containing three training booklets and three videos on: musculoskeletal problems and their prevention in carpet weaving; nutritional needs of child and adult carpet weavers; health problems and their prevention in carpet weaving. It also includes seven posters on: musculoskeletal problems and their prevention in carpet weaving; nutritional needs of child and adult carpet weavers; health problems and their prevention in carpet weaving; skin problems and their prevention in carpet weaving; eye problems and their prevention in carpet weaving; respiratory problems and their prevention in carpet weaving; rights of carpet weaver children; from carpet weaving to education. (103280)
CIS 04-269 Chemical substances and preparations - Identification and hazard evaluation. (Polish: Substancje i preparaty chemiczne - Identyfikacja i ocena zagrożeń) Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2002. 94p. Illus. (Folder containing 20 leaflets). (In Polish) Internet: Training pack consisting of a folder containing leaflets on the identification and hazard evaluation of chemical substances and preparations. It is aimed at employers and employees of SMEs producing or using chemicals. It consists of the Polish translation of a document published by the French Institute of Research and Safety (INRS ED 1504). (103285)
CIS 04-270 Implementing the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work - An education and training manual. (French: Mise en œuvre des directives pratiques du BIT sur le VIH/SIDA et le monde du travail - Manuel de formation; Spanish: Aplicación de las recomendaciones prácticas de la OIT sobre el VIH/SIDA y el mundo del trabajo - Manual de capacitación) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2004. Binder containing eight training modules; CD-ROM with documents in PDF format is included., ISBN 92-2-113462-8 (En), ISBN 92-2-213462-1 (fr), ISBN 92-2-313462-5 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: The world of work has been recognized as a key arena in which HIV/AIDS can be fought. The ILO developed a Code of Practice which contains fundamental principles for policy development and practical guidelines to be implemented at the enterprise level. This training manual has been prepared to guide the use of the Code by ILO's constituents and stakeholders. It is an education and reference document as well as a tool for training, a framework for social dialogue and a guide for action. Each module is designed to facilitate active learning through the presentation of key issues, case studies, diverse learning activities, and samples of legislation, policies and collective agreements. Contents: user guide; HIV/AIDS epidemic and its impact on the world of work; HIV/AIDS and human rights; role of employers, workers and their organizations in workplace actions through social dialogue; role of governments in setting up the legal and policy framework on HIV/AIDS in the world of work; gender aspects of HIV/AIDS and the world of work; workplace programmes for HIV/AIDS prevention; care and support; HIV/AIDS and the informal economy; guide to further information. (103500)
Periodicals, books, databases, audiovisualsCIS 04-271 Personal protective equipment. (Russian: Vybor individual'nyh zaštitnyh sredstv) Barents - Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, 2003, Vol.6, No.3, p.59-83 (whole issue). Illus. 29 ref. (In English, Russian) Internet: Collection of articles on personal protective equipment of relevance to Nordic countries and Russia. Topics covered: psychosocial factors influencing the wearing of personal protective equipment; clothing system for use in the fish farming sector; cold protective clothing. (103491)
CIS 04-272 Fatal occupational injuries among workers in Kocaeli, Turkey, 1990-1999. Etiler N., Colak B., Bicer U., Barut N., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2004, Vol.10, No.1, p.55-62. Illus. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: This study analyses occupational accidents in the province of Kocaeli, Turkey. Data on 387 deaths were derived from the social insurance registry. The rates of occupational injuries and mortality and fatalities were 5.1%, 30.6 per 100,000 workers and 6.0 (per 1000 injuries), respectively, compared with 2.8%, 35.2 per 100.000 workers and 12.7 (per 1000 injuries) in all of Turkey. Sectors with the highest rates of fatal occupational injuries were construction, transportation, metal production, metalworking, and heating with electricity, gas or steam. Of all fatal accidents, 121 (31.3%) were caused by traffic, 93 (24.1%) by falls from heights and 43 (11.1%) by electrocution. 89% occurred at workplaces, 42% of the workplaces were small, and 45.9% of the deceased workers had been working there for less than three months. (103349)
CIS 04-273 Information to the Federal Government - Report of the Federal Government concerning occupational safety and health and concerning accidents and occupational diseases in the Federal Republic of Germany in 1999. (German: Unterrichtung durch die Bundesregierung - Bericht der Bundesregierung über den Stand von Sicherheit und Gesundheit bei der Arbeit und über das Unfall- und Berufskrankheitengeschehen in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland im Jahre 1999) Deutscher Bundestag - Drucksache, 3 Jan. 2001, Drucksache 14/5058, p.1-153 (whole issue). Illus. (In German) Internet: Detailed statistics on occupational accidents and diseases in Germany during the year 1999. Breakdowns by Land, professional activity, industry, severity, cost, diseases and other factors. (103340)
CIS 04-274 Introduction to the concept of enterprise social responsibility. (Spanish: Introducción al concepto de responsabilidad social de la empresa) Fernández García R., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2004, No.170, p.6-24. Illus. 10 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The concept of enterprise social responsibility (ESR) is drawing increasing interest. It consists of the manner in which enterprises integrate business performance with social and environmental considerations. It involves voluntary measures on the part of the enterprise, aimed at contributing towards sustainable development. This article includes a definition of ESR and the tools on which it is based (ethics, codes of conduct, management system standards, social responsibility relationships, socially-responsible investments), and discusses the responsibilities facing enterprises. It describes the objectives of the European Union in this area together with the efforts already under way. (103461)
CIS 04-275 Trends in financial costs of occupational accidents in Spain during the period 1998-2001. (Spanish: La evolución de los costes económicos de los accidentes de trabajo en España durante el periodo 1998-2001) Morales Suárez-Valela M., Carrasco Sanmartín H., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Sep. 2004, Vol.L, No.196, p.31-36. Illus. 12 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This study discusses trends in the financial costs of occupational accidents in Spain between 1998 and 2001 in three major sectors: industry, construction and services. Findings show that annual losses due to occupational accidents increase year by year in all three sectors. However, the average costs of incapacitation show a decrease, which indicates a decrease in accident severity rates. (103465)
CIS 04-276 Current status of the occupational health and safety countermeasures in Beijing, China. Gao X., Sun L., Industrial Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.42, No.2, p.116-123. Illus. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: Contents of this article on occupational safety and health (OSH) in Beijing, China: current status of OSH; shift towards workplaces in high-technologies and knowledge industries; incident rates and classification of occupational diseases in Beijing between 1998 and 2003; new challenges and opportunities; measures taken by the Beijing government aimed at improving OSH performance. (103482)
CIS 04-277 Occupational health and safety situation and research priority in Thailand. Siriruttanapruk S., Anantagulnathi P., Industrial Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.42, No.2, p.135-140. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents an overview of the situation of occupational safety and health (OSH) in Thailand as well as research priorities in this field. Data from the Thai Workmen's Compensation Fund showed that the incidence rate of occupational injuries and diseases was 3-4% each year. Almost all were occupational injuries from various accidents in workplaces. Nowadays, several government agencies collaborate and develop projects and activities aimed at improving OSH performance. Research priorities include means of improving OSH management, the development of standard guidelines for health and environmental assessment, and the implementation of suitable control measures in workplaces. (103484)
CIS 04-278 Exposure assessment. Barents - Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, 2004, Vol.7, No.1, p.3-31 (whole issue). Illus. 34 ref. (In English, Russian) Internet: Collection of articles on exposure assessment and other topics of relevance to Nordic countries and Russia. Topics covered: risk assessment for cold work; Russian system of classification of workplaces according to their risk level; occupational safety and health in small enterprises in Russia; evaluating the exposure to chemicals in small enterprises; assessment of workers' exposure to wood dust in the European Union. (103492)
CIS 04-279 ILO project on occupational injuries: Development of methodologies for the collection of basic information on occupation injuries from sources other than notification systems - Report - Household component - Analysis of results 1999/2000. Federal Office of Statistics, Abuja, Nigeria, [c2001]. xxiii, 181p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This report analyses the results of the Household Survey on Occupational Injuries conducted in Nigeria in 1999 in order to determine work-related injuries and fatalities. The average of hours of work per week was 38.8h, older workers recording the highest the number of hours (40.7). Results show a geographic variation of injury and fatality rates. Agricultural workers, fishermen and workers in micro enterprises had high injury rates. Agricultural workers and fishermen had also high fatality rates. (103400)
CIS 04-280 Improving health and safety in construction: Phase 2 - Depth and breadth: Volume 2 - RIDDOR Accident Data Analysis Tool. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. vi, 41p. Illus. 12 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2852-3 (In English) Internet: This report describes the development and use of a data tool on the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR, see CIS 95-1930), along with detailed guidance notes. This tool consists of a Microsoft Excel table and charts containing the RIDDOR accident data reported to HSE between 1996/97 and 2001/02, and is intended to provide HSE with valuable insight into the accident data. The RIDDOR Data Tool table and charts are linked directly to an accident database enabling the use of the most up-to-date data set released by HSE. Analysis of the accident data can be undertaken graphically, enabling the user to analyse data in any number of combinations using the fields included in the RIDDOR system. This report is part of a series on improving health and safety in the construction sector. For the other reports, see CIS 04-386-389. (103383)
CIS 04-281 Fatal accidents 2001 - 2002 - Statistical analysis of a survey by the German Factory Inspectorate (Gewerbeaufsicht). (German: Tödliche Arbeitsunfälle 2001 - 2002 - Statistische Analyse nach einer Erhebung der Gewerbeaufsicht) Siefer A., Hermanns D., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 70p. Illus. 6 ref. Price: EUR 9.50., ISBN 3-86509-190-3 (In German) Internet: In Germany, data on fatal occupational accidents in industry are collected by means of a survey questionnaire developed by the German Factory Inspectorate (Gewerbeaufsicht) and the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA). It does not include data on non-occupational traffic and mining accidents. This report presents the results of the statistical analysis of fatal occupational accidents having occurred in 2001 and 2002. Data are presented by age, length of tenure, company size, time of the day, type of activity and accident cause. Data on accidents due to hazardous substances, workplaces with high fatal accidents rates, accidents due to falls and in-plant transport accidents are anaysed in greater detail. (103258)
CIS 04-282 Annual report 2001. National Social Security Authority, P.O. Box CY 1387, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe, 2001. 111p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Annual report of the National Social Security Authority of Zimbabwe. Contents: general aspects, organization and management; financial statements for pension and other benefits schemes for 1998-2001; financial statements for the workers' compensation insurance fund for the years 1998-2000. (103277)
CIS 04-283 Introductory guide to national occupational safety and health systems. (Spanish: Guía de introducción a los sistemas nacionales de seguridad y salud en el trabajo) Castellá J.L., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2002. vi, 81p. 51 ref., ISBN 92-2-313074-3 (es) (In English, Spanish) Internet: By adopting a "systems" approach to the analysis of occupational safety and health at the national level, the guide seeks to highlight the effective articulation, cohesion and unity of ultimate goals that must bind together all elements of such national systems. Each system component (regulations, enforcement, promotion, training, hazard evaluation, etc.) plays a key role, mutually reinforcing each other in pursuit of the common goal of controlling occupational hazards. This publication consists of a working paper primarily aimed at decision-makers at the national level. Contents: introduction; national action on occupational safety and health; organization of national action; planning of national action. (103274)
CIS 04-284 Evaluation of Reducing Risks, Protecting People. Rick J., Evans C., Barkworth R., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. ix, 44p. Illus. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2912-0 (In English) Internet: Reducing Risks, Protecting People (R2P2, see CIS 02-1198) is the document that explains the basis for HSE's decision-making processes. The objective of the investigation summarized in this report was to establish the reach of the document among the HSE's stakeholder groups and to determine the extent to which R2P2 makes its activities transparent and lays its decision-making process open to scrutiny. A multi-stage research methodology was adopted, involving a telephone survey to establish reach, and a series of more in-depth interviews and focus group sessions to gather qualitative data about the document and its impact. Findings are presented in relation to both the impact of R2P2 and ways in which HSE could enhance further dissemination in cases where it was felt to be appropriate. (103334)
CIS 04-285 Improving the "reach" of health and safety information dissemination using ICT. Selby C., Moran J., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. iv, 50p. Illus. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2860-4 (In English) Internet: It is recognized that effective dissemination of occupational safety and health (OSH) information, particularly to small companies, is difficult. The Steel Construction Institute has investigated ways of improving this dissemination, with particular focus on the potential for using emerging information and communication technologies (ICT). This feasibility study investigated an automated context-sensitive system that has vast opportunities for improving the dissemination of OSH information. Contents: user needs analysis; system specifications; relevant ICT technologies; other opportunities for the dissemination of OSH information. (103388)
CIS 04-286 Occupational safety and health - CIS Thesaurus. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1991. 490p. (In Korean) Internet: Translation into Korean of the index of terms for the retrieval of information contained in the CISDOC database (see CIS 77-300). It is addressed at safety and health professionals, government officials, employers' and workers' organizations, and documentation specialists. It includes both the main descriptors printed in the alphabetical subject index of the CIS Abstracts bulletin and the secondary descriptors in the CIS computer files. More than 10,000 descriptors and synonyms are covered, arranged in three parts: a systematic part, which lists the descriptors by facet, each with its English equivalent and its Korean translation; an alphabetical listing in Korean; an alphabetical listing in English. (103499)
CIS 04-287 How to reduce workplace accidents. (Danish: Hvordan mindsker man antallet af arbejdsulykker?; Dutch: Hoe arbeidsongevallen terug te dringen; Estonian: Kuidas vähendada õnnetusi töökohal; Finnish: Miten työtapaturmia voidaan vähentää; French: Comment réduire les accidents du travail?; German: Mittel und Wege zur Verringerung von Unfällen am Arbeitsplatz; Greek: Pôs tha meiōthoún ta atuhêmata sto hôro ergasías; Italian: Come ridurre gli infortuni sul lavoro; Portuguese: Como reduzir os acidentes no local de trabalho; Spanish: Cómo reducir los accidentes de trabajo; Swedish: Hur kan vi minska arbetsolyckorna?) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2001. 2p. Illus. 4 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Prevention of workplace accidents remains a key issue and this was the theme of the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2001. In this context, a study was carried out of accident prevention programmes in the Member States of the European Union (see CIS 02-136). The 22 cases analysed in the report cover interventions at both the national and regional level, and at a sector and enterprise level. This fact sheet summarises the results of the report. (103447)
CIS 04-288 Economic appraisal of preventing work accidents at company level. (Danish: Økonomisk vurdering af forebyggelse af arbejdsulykker på virksomhedsplan; Dutch: Economische evaluatie van de preventie van arbeidsongevallen op bedrijfsniveau; Finnish: Työtapaturmien ennaltaehkäisyn taloudellinen arviointi yritystasolla; French: Evaluation économique de la prévention des accidents au niveau de l'entreprise; German: Wirtschaftspolitische Bewertung der Verhütung von Arbeitsunfällen auf Unternehmensebene; Greek: Oikonomikê axiológēsē tēs prólēpsēs tōn ergatikôn atuhēmátōn se epípedo epiheírēsēs; Italian: Valutazione economica della prevenzione degli infortuni sul lavoro a livello aziendale; Portuguese: Avaliação económica da prevenção dos acidentes de trabalho ao nível das empresas; Spanish: Evaluación económica de la prevención de accidentes de trabajo en la empresa; Swedish: Ekonomisk bedömning av insatser för att förebygga arbetsolyckor på företagsnivå) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 4p. Illus. 5 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Improvement of safety and health at work can bring economic benefits for companies. Accidents and occupational diseases can give rise to heavy costs to the company. For small companies particularly, occupational accidents can have a major financial impact. This fact sheet describes a five-step approach to analyse the cost of accident prevention at the company level. (103455)
CIS 04-289 Work by external contractors. (French: Intervention d'entreprises extérieures) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 1st ed., Oct. 2004. 72p. Illus. Price: EUR 8.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1274-5 (In French) Internet: Working outside one's own premises where unfamiliar activities are often carried out entails additional risks. 15 out of 100 victims of fatal occupational accidents are employees of enterprises working on the premises of their clients. The aim of this booklet is to help enterprises organize the safety aspects of the preparation and follow-up of tasks carried out by external contractors and prepare a safety plan. Contents: general aspects and definitions; organization of the safety aspects of the preparation and follow-up of tasks; example of a safety plan and examples of tasks that involve risks of overlap; example of a safety protocol; jurisprudence concerning responsibilities in the event of an accident. Various appendices include examples of permits to work, extracts of labour laws and specific provisions, in particular concerning work by outside contractors in installations falling under the Seveso II Directive (see CIS 99-2016). (103473)
CIS 04-290 Workplace design - Approaches, methods and technical understanding. (Polish: Projektowanie miejsc pracy - Postępowanie, metody i wiedza techniczna) Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2002. 120p. Illus. 126 ref., ISBN 83-88703-89-7 (In Polish) Internet: This guide presents a series of useful design principles to be integrated into all projects involving work premises or workplaces. Contents: phases of a project; approaches for the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases; collecting information; layout approaches; layout and traffic; fluids, energy and heavy equipment; structures and buildings; noise, fire and explosions; machinery and workplaces; design and layout of premises; design and layout of offices; maintenance of workplaces and equipment; preparing the commissioning of the site. This document consists of the Polish translation of a document published by the French Institute of Research and Safety (INRS ED 718, CIS 02-477). (103287)
CIS 04-291 Work-related accidents in the EU - The statistical picture (1998-1999). (Danish: Arbejdsbetingede ulykker i EU - det statistiske billede (1998-1999); Dutch: Ongevallen op het werk in de EU - Statistieken (1998-1999); Finnish: Työtapaturmat EU:n alueella tilastojen valossa (1998-1999); French: Accidents du travail dans l'UE - Evolution statistique (1998-1999); German: Arbeitsunfälle in der EU ¿ die Statistik (1998-1999); Greek: Ergatiká atuhêmata stēn EE - ē statistikê eikóna (1998-1999); Italian: Infortuni connessi al lavoro nell'UE: quadro statistico (1998-1999); Portuguese: Acidentes de trabalho na União Europeia - Uma imagem estatística (1998-1999); Spanish: Accidentes de trabajo en la UE - Panorama estadístico (1998-1999); Swedish: Arbetsrelaterade olyckor inom EU - den statistika bilden (1998-1999)) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2001. 2p. Illus. 7 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: This fact sheet presents statistics from Eurostat for 1998 together with statistical trends since 1994. They reveal that work-related accidents remain at high levels. During 1998, there were 4.7 million occupational accidents leading to more than three days' absence from work. This represents an incidence rate of 4089 accidents per 100,000 persons, a reduction of 0.4% relative to 1997. The total number of accidents, including those which did not involve absence from work, amounted to 7.4 million, equivalent to 6380 per 100,000 persons. The incidence of accident-related deaths at work fell by 3% to 5.0 per 100,000 persons. Overall, 5476 persons were killed at work and 3100 in commuting accidents. Of this total of nearly 8600 work-related deaths, 59% were due to road or transport accidents. (103446)
CIS 04-292 The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. (French: L'Agence européenne pour la sécurité et la santé au travail; Spanish: La Agencia Europea para la Seguridad y la Salud en el Trabajo) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2004. 2p. Illus. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work was set up by the European Union in order to meet the increasing needs for information in the field of occupational safety and health. The Agency is located in Bilbao (Spain) with a staff of experts in safety and health, information and administration. This fact sheet describes the goals of the Agency, how it operates, and its key areas of activity (collection of information, communication of information and knowledge development). The addresses of the focal point network worldwide are also given. The fact sheet is also available in Czech, Danish, Greek, Estonian, Finnish, German, Hungarian, Italian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Maltese, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian and Swedish (see http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/). (103401)
CIS 04-293 Your link to safety and health at work. (French: Votre lien avec la sécurité et la santé au travail; Spanish: Su enlace con la seguridad y la salud en el trabajo) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2003. 2p. Illus. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This fact sheet is a step-by-step guide to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work website. It describes the contents of the website and explains how to navigate on the site. The fact sheet is also available in Danish, Greek, Finnish, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Swedish (see http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/). (103402)
CIS 04-294 New forms of contractual relationships and the implications for occupational safety and health. (Danish: Nye former for kontraktforhold og konsekvenser for arbejdsmiljøet; Dutch: Nieuwe vormen van arbeidscontracten en consequenties voor veiligheid en gezondheid op het werk; Finnish: Uudenlaisten työsopimusten vaikutukset työturvallisuuteen ja työterveyteen; French: Les nouvelles formes de relations contractuelles et leurs implications pour la santé et la sécurité au travail; German: Neue Formen von Beschäftigungsverhältnissen und die Auswirkungen auf Sicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz bei der Arbeit; Greek: Nées morfés sumbáseōn érgou kai sunépeies stēn epaggelmatikê asfáleia kai ugeía; Italian: Nuovi rapporti contrattuali e ripercussioni per la sicurezza e la salute sul luogo di lavoro; Polish: Nowe formy nawiązywania stosunku pracy i ich wpływ na bezpieczeństwo i higienę pracy; Portuguese: Novas formas de relações contratuais e respectivo significado para a Segurança e Saúde no Trabalho; Spanish: Las nuevas modalidades de relaciones contractuales y su repercusión en la seguridad y la salud en el trabajo; Swedish: Nya avtalsförhållanden och konsekvenserna för arbetsmiljön) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 2p. Illus. 3 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: This fact sheet summarizes a report on the occupational safety and health (OSH) implications of changing contractual relationships. Based on current research and expert opinion, it covers trends in contractual relationships, their implications for OSH risks, challenges for OSH prevention and implications for future research. (103452)
CIS 04-295 How to manage occupational safety and health and succeed. (Polish: Jak zarządzać bezpieczen£twem i higieną pracy i osiągnąć sukces) Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2002. 17p. Illus., ISBN 83-88703-74-9 (In Polish) Internet: This publication explains why it is worthwhile to improve safety and health management, how to manage occupational safety and health and how to test the functioning of safety and health management systems. (103290)
CIS 04-296 Maintenance system assessment: Guidance document. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. vi, 92p. Illus. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2850-7 (In English) Internet: A maintenance system can be assessed by looking at the results it achieves, or by assessing it as a process whose elements are defined and managed in accordance with standards or established procedures. Although the end result cannot be ignored as a measure of the effectiveness of a maintenance system, it is the maintenance system itself that forms the primary focus of this handbook, with other issues being regarded as inputs, outputs or sub-routines operating on that central process. This handbook gives advice and guidance on fundamental structural and organizational elements involved in a maintenance system and on methods to establish their existence and assess their degree of sophistication and effectiveness. (103387)
CIS 04-297 Successful management to prevent accidents. (French: Une gestion efficace pour la prévention des accidents; Spanish: Exito en la gestión de la prevención de accidentes) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2001. 2p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: Every year, close to five million people in the European Union suffer workplace accidents resulting in more than three days absence, amounting to around 146 million working days lost. Some effects are permanent, affecting their ability to work and their life outside work. This fact sheet defines the key elements of accident prevention which are: strong management commitment, employee involvement and a well-structured safety and health management system. It also presents a check-list for the management system's audit. The fact sheet is also available in Danish, Greek, Estonian, Finnish, German, Italian, Lithuanian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Slovenian, Slovak and Swedish (see http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/). (103403)
CIS 04-298 Future occupational safety and health research needs and priorities in the Member States of the European Union - Summary of a European study. (French: Futurs besoins et priorités de la recherche en sécurité et santé au travail dans les Etats membres de l'Union européenne - Résumé de l'enquête européenne; Spanish: Futuras necesidades y prioridades en materia de investigación sobre la seguridad y la salud en el trabajo en los Estados miembros de la Unión Europea - Resumen del estudio europeo) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2000. 2p. Illus. 1 ref. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This fact sheet gives a summary of a report of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work on the results of a study concerning future occupational safety and health research needs and priorities in the Member States of the European Union. It identifies the 10 research priorities for a majority of the Member States, as well as the research priorities within these categories. The need for cooperation at the EU level is highlighted. This fact sheet is also available in Danish, Greek, Finnish, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish and Swedish (see http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/). (103405)
CIS 04-299 Occupational safety and health in marketing and procurement - Summary of an Agency report. (French: La sécurité et la santé au travail: outils de marketing et critères d'achat de produits et de services - Résumé d'un rapport de l'Agence; Spanish: La seguridad y la salud en el trabajo en las actividades de marketing y adquisición de bienes y servicios - Resumen de un informe de la Agencia) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2000. 2p. Illus. 1 ref. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This fact sheet summarizes a report of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work on occupational safety and health in marketing and procurement which brings together 22 case studies of voluntary initiatives taken by companies, sector organizations and governments (see CIS 02-147). This fact sheet is also available in Danish, Greek, Estonian, Finnish, German, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese and Swedish (see http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/). (103409)
CIS 04-300 Occupational safety and health and employability: Programmes, practices and experiences - Summary of an Agency report. (French: Sécurité-santé au travail et employabilité: programmes, pratiques et expériences - Résumé d'un rapport de l'Agence; Spanish: Seguridad y salud en el trabajo y empleabilidad: programas, prácticas y experiencias - Resumen de un informe de la Agencia) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2001. 2p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This fact sheet summarizes a report of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work on various initiatives in the European Union Member States aimed at increasing the employability of workers by using interventions deriving from the field of occupational safety and health (see CIS 01-1667). It presents seven of the 26 initiatives described in the report. This fact sheet is also available in Danish, Greek, Estonian, Finnish, German, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese and Swedish (see http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/). (103410)
CIS 04-301 National Policy on Workers' Safety and Health: Proposal submitted for public comment. (Portuguese: Política Nacional de Segurança e Saúde do Trabalhador: Minuta para consulta pública) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego (MTE), Esplanada dos Ministérios Bloco F, CEP 70059-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil, 2004. 18p. 21 ref. (In Portuguese) Internet: White paper submitted to public comment. Outline of the proposed National Policy: introduction (including statistical context, a national working population of 75.4m workers, of whom only 41.8m can be considered, 13.9m without papers); legal bases of OSH in Brazil; proposals for a national policy; directives and strategies; management and follow-up; financial considerations. (103437)
CIS 04-302 Getting the message across: Health and safety campaigning. (Danish: At få budskabet ud: Arbejdmiljøkampagner; Dutch: Hoe informatie over te brengen: campagnes ter bevordering van veiligheid en gezondheid; Estonian: Et sõnum jõuaks pärale: töötervishoiu- ja tööohutuskampaania; Finnish: Miten viesti parhaiten perille: työterveys- ja työturvallisuuskampanjointi; French: Faire passer le message: les campagnes en matière de santé et de sécurité; German: Die Botschaft verbreiten: Kampagnen für Sicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz; Greek: Enēmérōsē mésa attó diafēmistikê ekstrateía me théma tēn ugeía kai asfáleia; Italian: Comunicare il messaggio: campagna sulla salute e sicurezza; Polish: Jak dotrzeć z przesłaniem: kampania na rzecz bezpieczeństwa i zdrowia; Portuguese: Como transmissão de uma mensagem: Uma campanha de segurança e de saúde; Slovak: Šírte vaše výzvy: kampaň o bezpečnosti a ochrane zdravia pri práci; Slovenian: Osveščanje javnosti: kampanje za varnost in zdravje pri delu; Spanish: Hacer llegar el mensaje: campañas sobre salud y seguridad; Swedish: Att få ut budskapet: arbetsmiljökampanjer) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2001. 2p. Illus. 1 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Promotional campaigns can be a very effective way to raise awareness about occupational safety and health (OSH) related issues and change workers' behaviour, provided one follows a few basic guidelines. This fact sheet covers the basic principles one needs to bear in mind when running a publicity campaign, whether at European, national or workplace level. It is based on manual published by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work and a survey of OSH campaign specialists across Europe. (103444)
CIS 04-303 Safety and health good practice online. (Danish: God arbejdsmiljøpraksis Online; Dutch: Veiligheid en gezondheid op het werk; Finnish: Online-yhteys tietoihin hyvistä käytännön työsuojeluratkaisuista; French: Bonnes pratiques de sécurité et de santé disponibles sur le web; German: Gute Praktische Lösungen für Sichere und Gesunde Arbeitsplätze - Online; Greek: Kalē praktikē asfaleias kai ugeias sto diadiktuo; Italian: Buona prassi on-line su sicurezza e salute; Portuguese: Boas práticas no domínio da segurança e da saúde prestadas em linha; Spanish: Información on-line sobre buenas prácticas en materia de seguridad y salud; Swedish: God arbetsmiljöpraxis via direktanslutning) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2003. 2p. Illus. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: This fact sheet is a step-by-step guide to accessing information on good practice in occupational safety and health on the Internet. (103448)
CIS 04-304 The use of occupational safety and health management systems in the Member States of the European Union. (Danish: Anvendelsen af arbejdsmiljøledelsessystemer i EU-medlemsstaterne; Dutch: Managementsystemen voor veiligheid en gezondheid op het werk in de lidstaten van de Europese Unie; Finnish: Työterveys- ja työturvallisuushallintajärjestelmien käyttö Euroopan unionin jäsenvaltioissa; French: Utilisation des systèmes de gestion de la sécurité et de la santé au travail dans les Etats membres de l'Union européenne; German: Die Verwendung von Managementsystemen für Sicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz bei der Arbeit in den Mitgliedstaaten der Europäischen Union; Greek: Ē Hrêsē Sustēmátōn Diaheírisēs tēs Epaggelmatikês Asfáleias kai Ugeías sta Krátē Mélē tēs Eurōpaïkês Énōsēs; Italian: L'uso dei sistemi di gestione della sicurezza e della salute sul lavoro negli Stati membri dell'Unione europea; Portuguese: A utilização de sistemas de gestão da segurança e da saúde no trabalho nos Estados-Membros da União Europeia; Spanish: Uso de los sistemas de gestión de la seguridad y la salud en el trabajo en los Estados miembros de la Unión Europea; Swedish: Användningen av arbetsmiljöledningssystem i Europeiska unionens medlemsstater) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 2p. Illus. 2 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: This fact sheet summarizes a report on occupational safety and health management systems in the Member States of the European Union, which sets out the five key building blocks of an ideal OSH management system and examines how 11 companies across the EU, who have introduced or improved their OSH management systems, measure up to these. Two case studies are also presented. (103453)
CIS 04-305 Inventory of socioeconomic costs of work accidents. (Danish: Oversigt over socioøkonomiske omkostninger ved arbejdsulykker; Dutch: Sociaal-economische kosten van arbeidsongevallen; Finnish: Työtapaturmien sosioekonomisten kustannusten arvioiminen; French: Inventaire des coûts socio-économiques des accidents du travail; German: Bestandsaufnahme zu sozioökonomischen Kosten von Arbeitsunfällen; Greek: Katagrafê tou koinōnikooikonomikoú kóstous tōn epaggelmatikôn atuhēmátōn; Italian: Inventario dei costi socioeconomici degli infortuni sul lavoro; Polish: Przegląd społeczno-ekonomicznych kosztów wypadków przy pracy; Portuguese: Custos socioeconómicos resultantes de acidentes de trabalho; Spanish: Inventario de los costes socioeconómicos de los accidentes de trabajo; Swedish: Inventering av arbetsolyckornas samhällsekonomiska kostnader) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 2p. Illus. 6 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Occupational accidents are a burden for many parties. Companies often do not bear the full costs of occupational diseases, occupational injuries or work-related illnesses. Accidents also lead to costs for other companies, individual workers and for society at large. This fact sheet presents an inventory of socioeconomic costs of occupational accidents. Topics covered: who supports the costs; benefits of accident prevention; cost factors of injuries and diseases at individual level and for society at large. (103454)
CIS 04-306 From hazard evaluation to the management of occupational safety and health. (French: De l'évaluation des risques au management de la santé et de la sécurité au travail) Aubertin G., Colson M., Drais E., Favaro M., Gey J.M., Lamour J.R., Lanrivin J.R., Monteau M., Richoux A., Saïtta D., Thomas F.X., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 1st ed., Oct. 2004. 8p. 12 ref. Illus. Price: EUR 2.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1259-1 (In French) Internet: An occupational safety and health management system (OSH-MS) may be defined as a management tool that involves individuals, policies and methods for the purpose of improving the occupational safety and health performance of an enterprise. This tool allows enterprises to better control their organization and implement continuous improvements. The implementation of an OSH-MS that is integrated within the overall management system of the enterprise is a means of achieving this goal. This booklet provides the definition of an OSH-MS, lists the prerequisites for their introduction and summarizes the main steps involved in their implementation. (103471)
CIS 04-307 Occupational injury mortality surveillance in the United States: An examination of census counts from two different surveillance systems, 1992-1997. Layne L.A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.45, No.1, p.1-13. Illus. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: This article compares occupational injury mortality data from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) surveillance system and the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) in the United States from 1992 to 1997. There were 31,643 cases according to NTOF and 37,023 from CFOI for workers 16-years and older in the United States for the 6-year period of analysis. The annual average occupational injury mortality rates were 4.5 per 100,000 workers from NTOF and 5.2 from CFOI. While NTOF provides data dating back to 1980, CFOI (established in 1992) provides a more comprehensive and detailed picture of occupational injury mortality. The overall injury mortality patterns, however, appear to be similar between the systems. (103261)
CIS 04-308 Cancer mortality among French atomic energy commission workers. Telle-Lamberton M., Bergot D., Gagneau M., Samson E., Giraud J.M., Néron M.O., Hubert P., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.45, No.1, p.34-44. 56 ref. (In English) Internet: All causes and cancer mortality of 58,320 workers employed at French Atomic Energy Commission (Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique) between 1946 and 1994 were compared with that of the general population in a retrospective cohort study. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated. Between 1968 and 1994, 4,809 deaths occurred. A healthy worker effect is observed for both men (SMR=0.57) and women (SMR=0.72). Nine sites of cancer death were found to be in statistically significant deficit among men, none among women. An excess of pleural cancers (SMR=1.79) and malignant melanoma (SMR=1.50) are observed among men, while a marginally-significant excess of breast cancer is observed among women (SMR =1.14). (103263)
CIS 04-309 Malignant mesothelioma in Italy, 1997. Nesti M., Marinaccio A., Chellini E., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.45, No.1, p.55-62. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: A total of 429 mesothelioma cases diagnosed in 1997 in five Italian regions were recorded in the Italian national mesothelioma register (ReNaM) according to the guidelines of Italian National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (ISPESL). The standardized annual incidence rate for pleural mesothelioma was 1.51 per 100,000 inhabitants (2.26 for men and 0.79 for women). Exposure was defined for 198 mesothelioma by means of a histological diagnosis: 125 (63%) involved occupational exposure, ten (5%) environmental exposure, and five (2.5%) household exposure. This epidemiological surveillance programme is currently being extended to other regions, and will enable a better assessment of the incidence of this disease, the impact of the banning of asbestos use in 1992 and the efficiency of preventive measures introduced since the mid '70s. (103265)
CIS 04-310 Retrospective exposure assessment and quality control in an international multi-centre case-control study. Tinnerberg H., Heikkilä P., Huici-Montagud A., Bernal F., Forni A., Wanders S., Welinder H., Wilhardt P., Strömberg U., Norppa H., Knudsen L., Bonassi S., Hagmar L., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Jan. 2003, Vol.47, No.1, p.37-47. Illus. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents the exposure assessment method and quality control procedure used in an international, multi-centre case-control study within a joint Nordic and Italian cohort. The study was conducted to evaluate whether occupational exposure to carcinogens influenced the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in peripheral lymphocytes, giving rise to an increased cancer risk. Occupational hygienists assessed exposures in each participating country: Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway and Sweden. An independent Spanish occupational hygienist team coordinated harmonization of the assessment criteria and the quality control procedure. Variations in exposures assessed by the different assessors are discussed, together with the implications for the consistency of exposure assessments in international retrospective case-control studies. (103294)
CIS 04-311 Triptan therapy impacts health and productivity. Weaver M.B., Mackowiak J.I., Solari P.G., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2004, Vol.46, No.8, p.812-817. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: New users of an anti-migraine drug (sumatriptan) in a California health plan were surveyed on the impact of migraine using Headache Impact Test-6. In particular, their productivity and satisfaction with migraine therapy were assessed. After sumatriptan was initiated, participants reported significantly fewer workdays missed, fewer days worked with headache, and greater productivity while headache symptoms were present. In addition, almost 50% less members used narcotic painkillers, while the frequency, duration, and severity of migraines decreased. The benefits of sumatriptan therapy also extend to employers, who see productivity increases, fewer emergency room visits, and less narcotics use in employees with migraine. (103311)
CIS 04-312 Diabetes, employment and fatigue-related complaints: A comparison between diabetic employees, "healthy" employees, and employees with other chronic diseases. Weijman I., Kant I., Swaen G.M., Ros W.J.G., Rutten G.E.H.M., Schaufeli W.B., Schabracq M.J., Winnubst J.A.M., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2004, Vol.46, No.8, p.828-836. 54 ref. (In English) Internet: Work factors and fatigue-related complaints of 141 employees with diabetes were compared with 8941 healthy employees and 1883 employees with other chronic diseases. Baseline data from a Dutch Cohort Study on Fatigue at Work were used to test differences in background variables, work factors, lifestyle factors and fatigue-related complaints. Odds ratios were calculated for prolonged fatigue, the need for recovery, burnout, and psychological distress. Results showed that employees with diabetes work more daytime hours and work less overtime than the other groups. If they have no co-morbidity (no additional chronic diseases), they are no more likely to report fatigue-related complaints than healthy employees. However, co-morbidity is associated with increased fatigue-related complaints. (103312)
CIS 04-313 Productivity cost benefit to employers of treating migraine with rizatriptan: A specific worksite analysis and model. Gerth W.C., Sarma S., Hu X.H., Silberstein S.D., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.46, No.1, p.48-54. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: Employers in the United States are probably not aware of the productivity costs of migraine or the extent to which those costs can be reduced by optimal medical treatment. An economic model was developed to enable employers to estimate the productivity costs of migraine to their company and the savings that would result if employees suffering from migraine were treated with rizatriptan. Analyses were run for a major financial services company 87,821 employees as well as for a "typical" U.S. enterprise with 10,000 employees. The financial services company was projected to lose 538 person years annually at an estimated cost of USD 23.8 million, while the typical enterprise was projected to lose 46 person years annually at an estimated cost of USD 1.94 million. If migraine were treated with rizatriptan, savings of USD 10.3 million and close to USD one million could be achieved for the financial services corporation and the typical enterprise respectively (103314)
CIS 04-314 Relationship of bone and blood lead levels to psychiatric symptoms: The normative aging study. Rhodes D., Spiro A., Aro A., Hu H., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 2003, Vol.45, No.11, p.1144-1151. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: Blood and bone lead levels were used to investigate the potential effect of lead on psychiatric symptoms among middle-aged to elderly men from the Normative Aging Study. Symptoms were assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory. Average lead concentrations were 6.3µg/dL, 21.9mgg/g and 32.1mgg/g for blood, tibia and patella lead respectively. In logistic regression models that adjusted for age, alcohol intake, employment status and education status, it was found that blood and bone lead was significantly associated with an increased risk of phobic anxiety and combined measure of psychiatric symptoms. It is concluded that cumulative lead exposure reflected by bone lead levels could be a risk factor for psychiatric symptoms even at modest levels of exposure. (103316)
CIS 04-315 Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome (WR-CTS) in Massachusetts, 1992-1997: Source of WR-CTS, outcomes, and employer intervention practices. Wellman H., Davis L., Punnett L., Dewey R., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2004, Vol.45, No.2, p.139-152. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: The notification system of the U.S. State of Massachusetts for occupational hazards receives data from reports of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome (WR-CTS) cases from workers' compensation (WC) disability claims for five or more lost work days and from physician reports (PR). 1330 WC cases and 571 PR cases from 1992 through 1997 were examined, completed with surveys to provide information on industry, occupation, attributed source of WR-CTS, outcomes and employer intervention practices. 64% of the respondents presented bilateral CTS and 61% had undertaken surgery, both of which were proportionally more frequent among WC cases. Office and business machinery was the leading source of WR-CTS (42% of classifiable sources) in every economic sector except construction, followed by hand tools (20%). Managers and professional specialty workers were the most likely to report employers' interventions and were up to four times more likely to report equipment or work environment changes than higher risk groups. (103342)
CIS 04-316 Primary osteoarthritis and occupation in the Quebec national health and social survey. Rossignol M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.61, No.9, p.729-735. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to explore the effect of various dimensions of physical demand on the relation between self reported osteoarthritis (OA) and occupation. 11,144 working adults aged 25-64 in the Province of Quebec (Canada) were surveyed. 3.1% (two females for one male) reported a problem with OA. They reported limitations in their daily activities in a proportion that was six times higher (26.8%) than the rest of the population of the same age without OA and twice as high for absence from work in the previous year (23.8%). Of the various dimensions of risks used in the survey and controlling for age, body mass index and smoking, "use of force with tools or machines" showed a statistically significant association with OA in males and females. Significant risks of OA were identified in male unskilled and workers, and in female technicians and workers in the some services sector occupations including housekeeping. (103354)
CIS 04-317 Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002): A new tool for surveying occupational skin diseases and exposure. Susitaival P., Flyvholm M.A., Meding B., Kanerva L., Lindberg M., Svensson Å., Ólafsson J.H., Contact Dermatitis, Aug. 2003, Vol.49, No.2, p.70-76. Illus. 46 ref. (In English) Internet: Questionnaire studies are often needed to collect additional data on the epidemiology of occupational skin diseases. A new tool entitled "Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire" (NOSQ-2002) for use in surveys on occupational skin diseases and exposures is described. Two NOSQ-2002 questionnaires have been compiled on the basis of existing questionnaires and practical experience. NOSQ-2002/SHORT is a ready-to-use 4-page questionnaire for screening and monitoring occupational skin diseases in a population or workplace. The long version, NOSQ-2002/LONG, contains in addition a pool of questions tailored to specific populations. In addition to the questionnaires, the NOSQ-2002 report includes a comprehensive manual for researchers on planning and conducting a questionnaire survey on hand eczema and relevant exposures. The use of NOSQ-2002 will benefit research on occupational skin diseases by providing more standardized data for comparisons between studies and countries. (103361)
CIS 04-318 Occupation and risk of meningioma and acoustic neuroma in the United States. Rajaraman P., De Roos A.J., Stewart P.A., Linet M.S., Fine H.A., Shapiro W.R., Selker R.G., Black P.M., Inskip P.D., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2004, Vol.45, No.5, p.395-407. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: In this case-control study, occupation is examined as a possible risk factor for meningioma and acoustic neuroma. A lifetime work history was obtained for 197 cases of meningioma, 96 cases of acoustic neuroma and 799 controls with non-malignant diseases enrolled from three hospitals in the United States between 1994 and 1998. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR). Elevated risk of meningioma was observed for individuals who had ever worked in the following occupational groups: auto body painters, designers and decorators, military occupations, industrial production supervisors, teachers, and managers. For acoustic neuroma, increased risk was noted for having worked as an athlete, gas station attendant, purchasing agent, sales representative and teacher. (103411)
CIS 04-319 An assessment of the effects of increased regulatory enforcement and legislative reform on occupational hearing loss workers' compensation claims: Oregon 1984-1998. McCall B.P., Horwitz I.B., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2004, Vol.45, No.5, p.417-427. Illus. 39 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to measure the outcomes of increased enforcement of regulations and legislative interventions on hearing loss compensation claims. Workers' compensation claim data from the U.S. State of Oregon were analysed for the period of 1984-1998 to examine trends and severity of hearing loss claims. In 1987 and 1990, Oregon enacted legislative reforms to improve occupational safety and health standards in the state. This study compared hearing loss claims between the periods of pre- and post-legislative reforms. It was found that hearing loss claims decreased significantly following the legislative reforms, although the average cost per claim increased. Nevertheless, hearing loss remains problematic, and continued efforts are required to further reduce this hazard. (103413)
CIS 04-320 Criteria for skin notation in different countries. Nielsen J.B., Grandjean P., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.45, No.3, p.275-280. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: Skin notation criteria are used as qualitative indicators of hazards related to dermal absorption at work. However, a quantitative measure of dermal absorption would also be desirable. For this reason, some countries have developed alternative criteria for assigning skin notations to industrial chemicals. The present analysis compares the current use of skin notations on lists of threshold limits for industrial chemicals in six countries. The criteria for assigning skin notation differ but cannot explain the substantial differences between countries that otherwise have very comparable occupational exposure limits. The increasing number of chemicals with a skin notation requires a new approach to differentiating between degrees of risk. The first step would be to examine the criteria for assigning skin notations, and the effects of penetration enhancers and mixtures. (103425)
CIS 04-321 Agreement of job-exposure matrix (JEM) assessed exposure and self-reported exposure among adult leukemia patients and controls in Shanghai. Adegoke O.J., Blair A., Shu X.O., Sanderson M., Addy C.L., Dosemeci M., Zheng W., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.45, No.3, p.281-288. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: Estimating a person's history of occupational exposure in case-control studies is often difficult. This study evaluates the agreement between self-reported occupational exposures and job-exposure matrix (JEM) exposure assessment for participants of a case-control study of 486 leukaemia subjects and 502 healthy controls in Shanghai (China). The sensitivities for self-reported exposures ranged from 0.75 to 0.98. That for pesticide exposure was 0.44 in subjects >51 years old. Variations in agreement for benzene exposure between males and females as well as between the direct interview and surrogate interview subgroups were observed. However, the overall agreement between self-reported exposures and JEM assessment was good. The levels of agreement observed in this study suggest that self-reported exposures are a suitable method for assessing occupational exposures in this population. (103426)
CIS 04-322 Treatment of Reincke's [sic] edema among different professional groups: Presentation of results. Kręcicki T., Zalesska-Kręcicka M., Pastuszek P., Rak J., Morawska-Kochman M., Zatoński M., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2nd quarter 2004, Vol.17, No.2, p.279-284. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: This research was performed on a group of 261 patients with Reinke's oedema treated in the ENT department of a Polish University Hospital between 1994 and 2000. In the study population, women were in a majority and teachers formed the largest occupational group (30%) followed by salespersons (15%). Most of the patients (86%) were tobacco smokers. All subjects underwent detailed videostroboscopic examination of the larynx and an evaluation of voice quality before and after treatment. The symmetry of vocal cords before and after treatment was found in 75 patients. Lack of symmetry before treatment, and proper symmetry after surgery was observed in 71 subjects. 50 patients showed less symmetry after treatment, and 65 patients were asymmetric before and after surgery. The assessment of voice quality, before and after treatment, revealed statistically significant post-treatment improvements. (103429)
CIS 04-323 Management of the process of work incapacitation due to contact dermatitis. (Spanish: Gestión por procesos de la incapacidad laboral en dermatitis de contacto) Lérida Arias M.T., Rodríguez Ferreiro M.B., Sanabria Pérez J.G., del Pozo Hernando L.J., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Sep. 2004, Vol.L, No.196, p.13-21. 7 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Contact dermatitis is a frequent cause of work incapacitation accounting for 90 to 95% of occupational skin diseases. This article explores the possibility of managing the process of evaluating the work capacity of patients suffering from contact dermatitis according to "business process redesign" principles. This management technique enables occupational health specialists responsible for workers suffering from contact dermatitis to adopt uniform criteria for evaluating their work capacity. (103464)
CIS 04-324 Permanent invalidity due to ophthalmological pathologies. (Spanish: Incapacidad permanente por patología oftalmológica) Herreros Portolés G., Rodriguez Ortiz de Salazar B., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Dec. 2004, Vol.L, No.197, p.27-35. Illus. 13 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this study was to determine the main ophthalmic pathologies that cause permanent incapacity to work and to identify the patient profiles. It involved 157 patients in whom ophthalmic pathologies were diagnosed during the study period (Oct. 2002 to Oct. 2003). Men accounted for 62.5% with an average age of 50.34 years. The most frequent diagnoses were retinal pathologies (strong myopia, diabetic retinopathies). In 40% of the cases, pathologies did not cause permanent invalidity, while 35% involved absolute permanent invalidity and 15% total permanent invalidity. (103468)
CIS 04-325 Osteoarthritis of the hip joint and farm work. Thelin A., Vingård E., Holmberg S., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2004, Vol.45, No.2, p.202-209. 44 ref. (In English) Internet: A group of 369 farmers with hip joint osteoarthritis were identified together with a matched control group of farmers without hip or knee problems. All were invited to an interview and physical examination. The following risk factors of osteoarthritis of the hip were found: working in larger dairy and swine operations; milking more than 40 cows daily (odds ratio OR=4.5 compared to farmers not working in dairy production); working more than five hours per day in animal barns over a long period of time (OR=13.3 compared to those who did not work with animals). However, working on large farms (>100ha) had a significantly decreased risk (OR=0.14 compared to working on smaller farms). (103346)
CIS 04-326 Quantitative exposure-response relationship for silica dust and lung cancer in Vermont granite workers. Attfield M.D., Costello J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2004, Vol.45, No.2, p.129-138. Illus. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: Exposure evaluation data for the years 1924 to 1977 were analysed in conjunction with mortality data to examine quantitative exposure-response for silica, lung cancer and other lung diseases in a cohort of granite workers in the U.S. state of Vermont. The findings indicated a clear relationship of lung cancer, tuberculosis, pneumoconiosis, non-malignant lung disease and kidney cancer with cumulative exposure. An exposure to silica of 0.05mg/m3 from age 20 to 64 was associated with a lifetime excess risk of lung cancer for white males of 27/1000. The results of this study of workers exposed almost exclusively to silica and no other major occupational confounding exposures indicate a clear exposure-response for lung cancer. (103341)
CIS 04-327 Cancer incidence among members of the Norwegian Trade Union of Insulation Workers. Ulvestad B., Kjærheim K., Martinsen J.I., Mowe G., Andersen A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.46, No.1, p.84-89. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: Insulation work is considered to be an occupation with high exposure to asbestos. A cohort of 1116 members of the Norwegian Trade Union of Insulation Workers first hired between 1930 and 1975 was established. During 2002, the cohort was linked to the Cancer Registry of Norway. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of pleural mesothelioma was 12.9. Two cases with peritoneal mesothelioma were found (SIR 14.8). The SIR of lung cancer was 3.0. Four cases of lung cancer were observed among cork insulation workers with exposure to cork dust and tar smoke (SIR 5.3), but not to asbestos. The study showed a high risk of mesothelioma and an elevated risk of lung cancer among insulation workers. (103315)
CIS 04-328 Mortality and cancer incidence among alachlor manufacturing workers 1968-99. Acquavella J.F., Delzell E., Cheng H., Lynch C.F., Johnson G., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2004, Vol.61, No.8, p.680-685. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: Alachlor is the active ingredient in herbicide formulations used widely on corn, soybeans and other crops. It has been found to cause nasal, stomach, and thyroid tumours in rodent studies, however at levels that are much higher than likely human exposures. This study was carried out to evaluate mortality rates from 1968 to 1999 and cancer incidence rates from 1969 to 1999 among workers at an alachlor manufacturing plant. Worker mortality and cancer incidence rates were compared to corresponding rates for the Iowa state general population. Analyses addressed potential intensity and duration of exposure. There were no cancers of the types found in toxicology studies and no discernible relation between cancer incidence for any site and years of alachlor exposure or time since first exposure. These findings are significant considering that these workers had chronic exposure during extended manufacturing campaigns, while use in agriculture is typically limited to a few days or weeks each year. (103359)
CIS 04-329 Quantitative assessment of lung cancer risk in men employed in the pulp and paper industry in Poland. Szymczak W., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2nd quarter 2004, Vol.17, No.2, p.263-272. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: To estimate the probability of death from lung cancer in the paper industry, a competing-risk prediction model was developed. The risk assessment was based on the data collected from a cohort of workers at a Polish paper plant. Using the model, it was possible to estimate an additional risk of lung cancer related to a specific period of occupational exposure, adjusted by age of entering the cohort. Thus in the group with first exposure at the age below 29, the risk changed from 2.25x10-7 during the first year of employment to 1.40x10-5 after 10 years, whereas in the group of workers with first exposure at the age of 50 years, the risk changed from 6.42x10-5 to 4.28x10-4. Using the risk model including elements of competing risk, it is possible to provide a more thorough characterization of the relationship between the exposure level and probability of death from lung cancer. (103428)
CIS 04-330 Prevalence of airway symptoms and total serum immunoglobulin E among hairdressers in Bergen: A four-year prospective study. Hollund B.E., Moen B.E., Egeland G.M., Florvaag E., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 2003, Vol.45, No.11, p.1201-1206. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined changes between 1995 and 1999 in the self-reported respiratory symptoms and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) among current and former hairdressers. Participants included 91 women hairdressers and a control group of 80 women office workers. Total serum IgE remained high in the hairdresser groups both in 1995 and 1999 (101 vs. 105 IU/mL). The IgE levels in the control group were low in both years. 40% of the hairdressers in 1995 had changes occupation by 1999, 5.7 times the rate of the control group. The frequency of wheezing in the past year decreased significantly among current and former hairdressers. These data suggest that hairdressers who did not change occupation were a highly selected and healthy group of workers. The decrease in the frequency of symptoms might be explained by the reduced exposure resulting from the installation of local exhaust ventilation systems. (103320)
CIS 04-331 Medical evaluation of work-related illness: Evaluations by a treating occupational medicine specialist and by independent medical examiners compared. Lax M.B., Manetti F.A., Klein R.A., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2004, Vol.10, No.1, p.1-12. Illus. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: The opinions of treating physicians at an occupational health centre (OHC) and independent medical examiners' (IMEs') opinions were compared to develop a basis for understanding the possible differences. 23 patients of an OHC who had been examined by an IME were studied. OHC and IME opinions regarding diagnosis, work-relatedness, treatment recommendations and disability assessment were categorized by degree of agreement. There was agreement on all four issues for only one patient. Opinions were most divergent with regard to disability assessment and least divergent with regard to diagnosis. Disagreement was unidirectional: IMEs made fewer diagnoses, deemed fewer illnesses work-related, made fewer treatment recommendations and assessed lower levels of disability than the OHC examiners. The results suggest that differences in opinion between the OHC and IMEs are due to differences in perspective, rather than skill or training. (103347)
CIS 04-332 The occupational health of Southeast Asians in Lowell: A descriptive study. Azaroff L.S., Levenstein C., Wegman D.H., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2004, Vol.10, No.1, p.47-54. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: To assess the occupational health of a group of vulnerable immigrant workers, 160 residents of Cambodian or Lao origin in Lowell in the U.S. State of Massachusetts were interviewed regarding working conditions, health problems and use of medical services. Over 40% reported working in electronics and computer assembly. A fourth of those currently employed held temporary jobs. Workplace hazards included soldering fumes, inadequate ventilation, prolonged sitting or standing, awkward postures, unguarded machinery, shift work, long hours and pressure to produce quickly. Common work-related health problems included sprains and strains, headache, dizziness and flu-like symptoms. Less than a third of the respondents were aware of workers' compensation. (103348)
CIS 04-333 Recent advances in occupational health research in Korea. Kang S.K., Ahn Y.S., Kim K.J., Industrial Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.42, No.2, p.91-98. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: This article reviews the development of occupational health research in the Republic of Korea during the past four decades. During the period of industrialization in the 1970s, many workers were exposed to hazardous working environments and suffered from occupational accidents and diseases. The main research topics at the time included pneumoconiosis, noise-induced hearing loss and chemical poisoning. It is only in the late 1980s that improvement in working conditions became a priority area. Currently, there is still a lot of attention given to asthma, cancer and various diseases caused by chemicals, although stress-related diseases, job stress, musculoskeletal disorders, health promotion and psychological problems from work organization appear to be the main areas of interest for future research. (103481)
CIS 04-334 Occupational health research in Taiwan. Shih T.S., Chang H.Y., Yeh W.Y., Su T.S., Huang Y.S., Chang C.P., Ho J.J., Guo Y.L., Industrial Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.42, No.2, p.124-134. Illus. 63 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents an overview of occupational safety and health in Taiwan, together with statistics of occupational injuries and health disorders, laws and regulations relevant to occupational health and research activities. Two examples of collaborative research are presented: a study on the causes of a CS2 intoxication incident and a study on exposure to 2-methoxy-ethanol. These studies involved industrial hygienists, engineers, epidemiologists and occupational physicians from universities and research institutes, governmental agencies, non-profit R&D organizations and academic associations. (103483)
CIS 04-335 Occupational health research in India. Saiyed H.N., Tiwari R.R., Industrial Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.42, No.2, p.141-148. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents an overview of the status of occupational health in India. Agriculture is the main occupation, providing employment to about 58% of the workforce. The major occupational diseases of concern in India are silicosis, musculoskeletal injuries, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, chronic obstructive lung diseases, asbestosis, byssinosis, pesticide poisoning and noise-induced hearing loss. Various government agencies and research institutes are working on issues such as asbestos and asbestos related diseases, pesticide poisoning, silica-related diseases other than silicosis and musculoskeletal disorders. However, more needs to be done in occupational health research. (103485)
CIS 04-336 Examining the associations between physical work demands and work injury rates between men and women in Ontario, 1990-2000. Smith P.M., Mustard C.A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.61, No.9, p.750-756. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to analyse the decline in injury rates between 1990 and 2000 in the Province of Ontario (Canada) by gender, within occupations stratified across three broad levels of physical demands, adjusting for industry. Records of injury compensation claims were obtained from the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Injury rates decreased across each grouping of physical demands at work for both men and women, with the largest absolute differences in manual occupational groups (high physical demands). Occupations classified as manual (high physical demands) and mixed (moderate physical demands) showed larger differences in injury rates between genders than did non-manual (low physical demands) although these differences were not always consistent across all natures of injury classification. (103356)
CIS 04-337 Perceived health as a predictor of early retirement. Karpansalo M., Manninen P., Kauhanen J., Lakka T.A., Salonen J.T., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Aug. 2004, Vol.30, No.4, p.287-292. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined the association between perceived health and early retirement. A cohort of 1748 men aged 42 to 60 years was followed from 1984 to 2000. At baseline, the participants answered a questionnaire regarding their general state of health. Pension records showed that 855 (48.9%) of the men received a disability pension and 331 (18.9%) received a non-illness-based early pension. Only 273 (15.6%) retired at the normal age, while 289 (16.5%) were still working at the end of the follow-up. After adjustment for potential confounders, workers with poor perceived health at baseline had a relative risk (RR) of 2.37 for disability pensioning; the highest risk of disability was due to mental illness (RR 3.84), followed by musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular diseases. The relative risk of receiving a non-illness-based pension was 2.94 for this group. Self-assessed poor health was found to be a strong predictor of early retirement. (103304)
CIS 04-338 Involuntary job loss as a risk factor for subsequent myocardial infarction and stroke: Findings from the health and retirement survey. Gallo W.T., Bradley E.H., Falba T.A., Dubin J.A., Cramer L.D., Bogardus T., Kasl S.V., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2004, Vol.45, No.5, p.408-416. 45 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke associated with involuntary job loss among workers nearing retirement in the United States. Multivariable analysis was applied to data from the first four waves of the national Health and Retirement Survey (HRS). The sample included 457 workers who had experienced job loss and a comparison group of 3,763 employed individuals. The findings suggest that involuntary job loss should be considered as a plausible risk factor for subsequent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular illness among older workers. (103412)
CIS 04-339 The relationship between systematic OHS management and sick leave. Mikkelsen A., Saksvik P., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Apr. 2004, Vol.20, No.2, p.169-179. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to describe the level of occupational health and safety (OHS) management system (OHSMS) implementation in the Norwegian energy sector, and to investigate whether it had any bearing on workers' health. A sample of 13 electricity companies was surveyed. Data were collected through two postal questionnaire surveys, followed by selective interviews of key personnel. Most companies had established OHSMS and had satisfactory mapping systems for sick leave and risks. However in many enterprises, there were gaps with respect to the evaluation of psychosocial factors, the systematic follow-up of OHS issues at meetings, and interventions to improve conditions. The study showed that there was a relationship between activities at the organizational level and sick leave measured at both individual and organizational levels. (103324)
CIS 04-340 Radiographic small lung opacities and pleural abnormalities in relation to occupational asbestos exposure, smoking history and living environment in Finland. Zitting A, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, FIOH-Bookstore, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 2004. 61p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 18.00., ISBN 951-802-583-5 (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities of the lungs and pleura according to the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses in the adult Finnish population, to estimate the association of past asbestos exposure, smoking history and living environment with theses abnormalities, and to analyse the intra- and inter-observer variation in the main radiographic findings. Results indicate that occupational asbestos exposure plays an important role in the aetiology of radiographic pleural and pulmonary abnormalities, and that small lung opacities produced by asbestos do not differ in size or shape from those caused by smoking. Classification of small lung opacities was subject to observer variation. (103397)
CIS 04-341 The epidemiology of asbestos-related diseases in Quebec. (French: Epidémiologie des maladies reliées à l'exposition à l'amiante au Québec) De Guire L., ed., Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 945, avenue Wolfe, Sainte-Foy, Quebec G1V 5B3, Canada, 2003 (English translation: 2004). xi, 73p. Illus. 89 ref., ISBN 2-550-41560-4 (fr), ISBN 2-550-42946-X (En) (In English, French) Internet: In 1997, Quebec's Department of health and social services set up an asbestos advisory committee. The aim of this committee was to make recommendations about appropriate measures to inform the public and to protect public health in relation to the asbestos situation in Quebec. The advisory committee then created two sub-committees: the first to document asbestos exposure and the second to examine the epidemiology of asbestos-related diseases in Quebec. The sub-committee on asbestos exposure assessed the situation in the general population, particularly in public buildings such as schools. The work of the sub-committee on epidemiology included: reviewing epidemiological studies available in Quebec on mesothelioma, pulmonary cancers, and asbestosis; evaluating the trends of these diseases; comparing data from Quebec to those of other regions; summarizing current scientific knowledge on the effects of asbestos on health. This document consists of the report of the epidemiology sub-committee. (103278)
CIS 04-342 Risk perception in relation to musculoskeletal disorders. Robertson V., Stewart T., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. iv, 82p. Illus. 25 ref. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2918-X (In English) Internet: This survey was carried out to understand how employees perceive their risk of experiencing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and where necessary how to change their perception through targeted information. Data were collected by means of literature reviews, phone interviews and focus groups. It was found that there was good overall understanding of the risks of back pain and upper limb disorders. Workers in different sectors had favoured different approaches to communicating the risks and preventive measures. For example, workers in the construction sector were far more in favour of compulsory training than the other groups. (103337)
CIS 04-343 Further update of cancer incidence and cancer mortality in a cohort of semiconductor workers. Nichols L., Sorahan T., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. vi, 27p. 7 ref. Price: GBP 10.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2891-4 (In English) Internet: This study investigated cancer mortality and morbidity of a cohort of 1807 employees from a semiconductor factory in the United Kingdom. The cohort comprised workers in employment in 1970, and workers commencing employment in the period 1970-1979. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and standardized registration ratios (SRRs) were used to assess mortality and morbidity respectively in the total cohort compared to the general population. Overall mortality was close to expectation among men (SMR 99) and below expectation among women (SMR 74). Cancer mortality (all sites) was above expectation among men (SMR 112) and below expectation in women (SMR 69). Incidence of all sites of cancer were close to expectations for both men and women. However, certain sites had significantly high incidence (rectum among men, SRR 284, pancreas and malignant mesothelioma among women, SRR 226 and 221 respectively). Follow-up to the study analysed under CIS 86-154. (103374)
CIS 04-344 Tools for the application of European directives on health at the workplace. The example of chemical risk. (French: Outils pour l'application des directives européennes sur la santé au travail. Exemple du risque chimique; German: Werkzeuge zur Umsetzung des Europäischen Richtlinien zum Gesundheitsschutz bei der Arbeit. Beispiel der chemischen Gefährdungen; Greek: Ergaleía gia tēn Efarmogê tōn Eurōpaïkôn odēgiôn ston Toméa tēs Ugeías stēn Ergasía. To Parádeigma tou Hēmikoú Kindúnou) Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, Liosion 143 and Thirsiou 6, 10445 Athēna, Greece, 2003. 640p. Illus. Bibl. ref. + CD-ROM., ISBN 960-7678-46-X (In English, French, German, Greek) Internet: Within the framework of the Hellenic presidency of the European Union, ELINYAE (the Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health and Safety), supported by the Greek Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, organized the eighth international symposium of the Research Section of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) held in Athens, Greece, from 19-21 May 2003. The theme of the symposium was "Tools for the application of European directives on health at the workplace" based on the example of chemical hazards. This document consists of the conference proceedings and includes close to 150 papers in English, Greek, German and French. The proceedings are also available in PDF format on CD-ROM (included). (103279)
CIS 04-345 Competencies of occupational physicians - The customer's perspective. Reetoo K.N., Macdonald E.B., Harrington J.M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. viii, 74p. Illus. 36 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2863-9 (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to establish the priorities of United Kingdom employers, employees and their representatives regarding the competencies required from occupational physicians. It involved a Delphi survey of employers and employees from public and enterprises of various size, safety and health specialists and trade union representatives. It was conducted by a combination of telephone interviews and postal questionnaires. A series of workshops was also organized. There was a broad consensus concerning the competencies of occupational physicians which are considered important but the priorities of employers and employees were different from those of the physicians. By order of decreasing importance, these priorities consisted of: law and ethics; occupational hazards; disability and fitness for work; communication; environmental exposures; research methods; health promotion and management. (103390)
CIS 04-346 Workplace health promotion - Practice and evaluation. Leino T., Olsson K., eds., Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, FIOH-Bookstore, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 2004. 128p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 25.00., ISBN 951-802-568-1 (In English) Internet: Well-being at work is a crucial issue for productivity and good quality. This publication brings together the points of view and experiences of researchers and practitioners on heath promotion at the workplace. It describes the aims, target groups, methods and evaluation of workplace health promotion and discusses ethical issues. Practical examples of workplace health promotion projects are also presented. (103396)
CIS 04-347 Flexible working hours. (German: Flexible Arbeitszeiten) Janßen D., Nachreiner F., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 200p. Illus. 90 ref. Price: EUR 17.00., ISBN 3-86509-194-6 (In German) Internet: Flexible work-time schedules currently represent essential elements of work organization. However until recently, they have not yet been sufficiently examined with regard to their effects on health and psychosocial well-being. There are indications based on shift-work literature, that besides the advantages of these types of work arrangements for both employers and employees, they may also have negative effects. This report presents two studies that were carried out to examine the effects of flexible work-time schedules on health and psychosocial well-being. Results of both studies consistently show that a high variability of working hours, particularly if this variability is company controlled, is correlated with increased impairments in health and well being. Based on these findings, recommendations are proposed for improvements in the design of flexible work-time schedules. (103260)
CIS 04-348 The scale and impact of psychotropic medication use by workers. Smith A., Wadsworth E., Moss S., Simpson S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. x, 94p. Illus. 86 ref. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2916-3 (In English) Internet: This project had three main aims: to establish the prevalence and characteristics of psychotropic medication use in a representative sample of the UK working population; to investigate the effects of psychotropic medication on performance efficiency and human error in a working sample; and to determine whether there was an association between the use of psychotropic medication and the prevalence of workplace accidents and cognitive failures. Data were collected by means of community-based questionnaires and by comparing a group of 26 volunteers using psychotropic medication with 161 controls not using such medication. Results showed that 9% of workers currently used or had used psychotropic medication during the previous year. Use increased with age and was higher among women. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most commonly-used medication. Finally, psychotropic drugs users were at greater risk of occupational or traffic accidents. (103336)
CIS 04-349 Silicosis - Learn the facts!. (Spanish: ¡Silicosis: Conozca los datos!) Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2002, USA, Aug. 2004. 20p. Illus. 8 ref. (In English, Spanish) Internet: This booklet presents information in an easy-to-read format describing work environments involving silica exposures, the effects of silicosis and methods of protection against silicosis. Contents: description of silicosis; jobs with risk of exposure to silica dust; persons at risk of developing silicosis; types of silicosis; symptoms; case descriptions; some facts about silicosis; what workers can do to protect themselves and their families; types of respirators to be used. (103496)
CIS 04-350 Occupational diseases - Compensation system. (French: Les maladies professionnelles - Régime général) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 3rd ed., Sep. 2004. 70p. Price: EUR 5.10. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1266-4 (In French) Internet: This legal guide presents an overview of the current regulations applicable to the schedule of occupational diseases. It includes all the schedules of compensated occupational diseases recognized under the general rules of the French social security system. Contents include: conditions governing the recognition of the occupational nature of diseases; responsibilities of employers and employees; role of medical practitioners; lists of recognized occupational diseases. Appendices include forms for medical certification, occupational disease declaration by the physician, declaration by the employee to the health insurance and the employer's declaration, as well as extracts of relevant sections of the Social Security Code. It reflects the situation of July 2004 and replaces an earlier version analysed under CIS 02-222. (103472)
CIS 04-351 Managing sickness absence and return to work - An employers' and managers' guide. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Oct. 2004. viii, 39p. Illus. 53 ref. Price: GBP 9.95., ISBN 0-7176-2882-5 (In English) Internet: Reducing the frequency of cases of long-term sickness absence (defined as an absence of four weeks or more) can bring employers significant savings by reducing sick pay, recruitment costs and the adverse effects of high workloads on the colleagues of absent workers. The longer the period of absence, the less likely is a return. It is estimated that 20% of the workers with sickness absenteeism of six weeks will remain off work and eventually leave the workforce. The Confederation of British Industry estimates that 33% of working days lost due to sickness are accounted for by long-term sickness absence, yet they involve only 5% of employees. Most tend to be not seriously ill, but suffer from depression, anxiety or musculoskeletal complaints. This guidance is aimed at employers to assist them to better manage sickness absence and hasten successful returns to work. (103338)
CIS 04-352 NIOSH spirometry training guide. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2002, USA, 2004. CD-ROM containing documents in both Adobe Acrobat and MS Word formats. (In English) Internet: This guide was prepared for use as a supplement to a NIOSH-approved course on spirometry. It is not intended to serve as a self-instructional package. It is intended for individuals who are responsible for conducting spirometry in the workplace. It is also of interest to occupational health physicians, nurses and other health professionals. Contents: overview of pulmonary anatomy and physiology; overview of spirometry; quality assurance programme; spirometric techniques; basic spirometric calculations; comparing observed and predicted normal values; comparing changes in follow-up spirogrammes; overview of standards for spirometric equipment; additional exercises. A number of reference documents and methods are included as appendices. (103494)
CIS 04-353 27th International Congress on Occupational Health - The challenge of equity in safety and health at work. (Portuguese: 27° Congresso internacional de saúde no trabalhao - O desafio de eqüidade em saúde e segurança no trabalho) ICOH Secretariat, ISPESL, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention, Via Fontana Candida 1, I-00040 Monteporzio Catone (Rome), Italy, 2003. CD-ROM + Printed summaries of papers. (In English, Portuguese) Internet: CD-ROM of proceedings of a congress on occupational safety and health held on 23-28 February 2003 at Iguassu Falls, Brazil. It contains over 1300 documents, including the 12 keynote addresses and the papers presented at the 26 round tables and the 88 working sessions. (103298)
CIS 04-354 13th Session of the joint ILO/WHO Committee on Occupational Health. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2003. CD-ROM (navigation using any Internet browser; needs Adobe Acrobat Reader for files in PDF format) (In English) Internet: This CD-ROM contains the documents and presentations (in HTML and PDF format) of the 13th session of the joint ILO/WHO committee on occupational health held in Geneva, Switzerland, 9-12 December 2003). The agenda of the meeting was as follows: integrated approach to occupational safety and health; occupational safety and health management; advice on priority fields in occupational health. Also available on the Internet. (103392)
CIS 04-355 High prevalence of silicosis among stone carvers in Brazil. dos Santos Antão V.C., Araujo Pinheiro G., Kavakama J., Terra-Filho M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2004, Vol.45, No.2, p.194-201. Illus. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: In the city of Petrópolis, Brazil, artisans carve souvenirs from a variety of silica-containing minerals. The finding of pulmonary massive fibrosis in one of the workers motivated an investigation of the prevalence of silicosis in this group. A cross-sectional study of 42 workers was carried out. Clinical and occupational histories were obtained by means of questionnaires. Tests included spirometry, lung volumes and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity measurements. Chest radiographs and high-resolution computed tomographies (HRCT) were evaluated. Personal air samples were analysed. The prevalence of silicosis was 53.7%. Silicotic lesions were better characterized by HRCT than by chest radiographs. Early coalescence of small opacities was associated with lung function impairment. The concentration of dust exceeded permissible limits in 91% of the workplaces. It is concluded that exposures to high levels of silica dust is the cause of increased prevalence of silicosis among stone carvers. (103345)
CIS 04-356 Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among wheat flour mill workers in Ibadan, Nigeria. Ijadunola K.T., Erhabor G.E., Onayade A.A., Ijadunola M.Y., Fatusi A.O., Asuzu M.C., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.45, No.3, p.251-259. Illus. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: In this case-control study, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among wheat flour mill workers in Nigeria was examined. Data were collected using structured interviews of workers in a medium-sized flour mill, work-site observations, and physical examinations. Respondents consisted of 91 flour-millers, 30 matched internal controls from the maintenance unit of the same flour mill, and 121 matched external controls. It was found that 54% of the flour-millers reported at least one respiratory symptom compared with 30% of the internal controls and 19% of the external controls. Also, most symptoms were significantly more prevalent among the flour-millers than controls, and this trend was more evident among never-smokers than ex-smokers. (103424)
CIS 04-357 Patterns of pesticide use and their determinants among wives of farmer pesticide applicators in the agricultural health study. Kirrane E.F., Hoppin J.A., Umbach D.M., Samanic C., Sandler D.P., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2004, Vol.46, No.8, p.856-865. Illus. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: Using questionnaire data from a cohort study of licensed pesticide applicators and their spouses, this study investigated patterns of pesticide use among 31,173 farmers' wives. 36% reported having never used pesticides during their lifetimes, whereas the 10% heaviest pesticide users reported lifetime use of three or more agricultural pesticides plus several commonly-used residential pesticides. Five categories were defined based on the degree of pesticide use, for which risk factors associated with each category were studied using logistic regression. Among the findings, farm women who reported the heaviest pesticide use could risk further pesticide exposure by engaging in household hygiene practices involving pesticides. (103313)
CIS 04-358 An exploratory analysis of slips, trips and falls in New Zealand dairy farming. Bentley T., Tappin D., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Apr. 2004, Vol.20, No.2, p.131-138. Illus. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: Slips, trips and falls are the leading cause of injury in the New Zealand dairy farming sector. Findings from the first phase of a major two-year project concerned with the identification of risk factors and effective interventions to reduce the risk of dairy farming slip, trip and fall injuries are presented. Data on 475 claims to the Accident Compensation Corporation were analysed in order to determine key risk areas. Slip, trip and fall injuries were most frequent in the Waikato area. They occurred during the periods of greatest dairy workload, in workers in the older age groups, and in 28% of cases, among women. Activities other than walking were being undertaken immediately before the incident in 57% of cases. Slips were by far the most common fall-initiating event, and injuries occurred most frequently on concrete, in the cowshed, in the yard, on steps or when dismounting from a farm vehicle. (103323)
CIS 04-359 Musculoskeletal symptoms among commercial fishers in North Carolina. Lipscomb H.J., Loomis D., McDonald M.A., Kucera K., Marshall S., Li L., Applied Ergonomics, Sep. 2004, Vol.35, No.5, p.417-426. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study on musculoskeletal symptoms among fishermen, 215 fishermen were followed at six-month intervals over 18 months. Exposure information was collected through field observation and in-depth interviews allowing potential ergonomic stressors to be identified and catalogued by task and stage of work. Symptoms having caused work interference in the previous 12 months were reported by 38.5% of the participants at baseline. Low back symptoms were the most common cause of work impairment (17.7%), followed equally by pain in the hands/wrists and shoulders (7%). Symptoms were more likely to be reported among individuals who did not fish full-time, possibly reflecting a healthy worker effect. A number of ergonomic stressors were identified, including the type of boat, gear, crew size and level of experience, as well as unpredictable factors such as the weather. (103352)
CIS 04-360 Empowerment in farmers' occupational health services. Heikkonen J., Louhevaara V., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.10, No.1, p.45-52. Illus. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: This study attempted to develop farmers' health and farmers' occupational health services (FOHS) by examining the feasibility of empowered farmers' teams on surveys of Finnish dairy farms. FOHS personnel of the health centre in three municipalities selected three farmer teams consisting of three or four couples for the intervention group. There were 31 farms in the intervention group and 33 similar farms in the comparison group. Site surveys in the intervention group involved FOHS personnel together with the farmer teams, while in the comparison group they involved the FOHS personnel alone. Before and after the surveys, each participating farmer couple responded to questionnaires. The initial survey was carried out in 1998-1999, and the follow-up took place in 2000-2001. During the follow-up, the FOHS personnel identified the changes made after the initial surveys on the farms. Altogether 217 changes were made, half of them to improve ergonomics. There were more changes in the work environment in the intervention group. (103363)
CIS 04-361 Plasma C3d levels of young farmers correlate with respirable dust exposure levels during normal work in swine confinement buildings. Hoffmann H.J., Iversen M., Brandslund I., Sigsgaard T., Omland Ø., Oxvig C., Holmskov U., Bjermer L., Jensenius J.C., Dahl R., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.10, No.1, p.53-60. Illus. 48 ref. (In English) Internet: Work in swine confinement buildings may lead to an inflammatory response and may be associated with increased levels of acute phase proteins. This study compared the inflammatory response of former farm workers who had previously developed respiratory symptoms of wheeze, cough, tightness of the chest during work in swine confinement buildings and had stopped work because of these symptoms, with that of age-matched former farm workers who were known not to have developed such symptoms. Both groups were subjected to an experimental exposure in a swine confinement building for three hours. Complement activation and acute phase proteins were measured in blood samples and broncho-alveolar lavage. Plasma C3d levels correlated significantly with respirable dust. There was complement activation in response to respirable dust, more so among cases than in the control group. It is concluded that acute occupational exposure to organic dust containing endotoxin leads to a weak systemic inflammatory response. (103364)
CIS 04-362 The impact of physical work exposure on musculoskeletal symptoms among farmers and rural non-farmers: A population-based study. Holmberg S., Thelin A., Stiernström E.L., Svärdsudd K., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.10, No.2, p.179-184. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: In order to evaluate the impact of physical work exposure on self-reports of musculoskeletal symptoms among Swedish farmers and controls, a cross-sectional, population-based cohort study was carried out. 1331 male farmers and 1130 matched non-farmers were invited to take part a survey in which 76% participated. The analyses were based on 657 matched pairs. Information on the lifetime incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms, work exposure, physical workload and leisure-time physical activity was collected by means of questionnaires and structured interviews. Physical work capacity and muscle strength were measured. It was found that farmers had a significant excess rate of low back and hip symptoms when compared with the controls, and a significantly lower rate of neck and shoulder problems. (103367)
CIS 04-363 Changes in working conditions and health among dairy farmers in Southern Sweden: A 14-year follow-up. Pinzke S., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.10, No.2, p.185-195. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to analyse the changes in working conditions and health among dairy farmers in southern Sweden in 2002 compared to the findings of an earlier survey carried out in 1988. The method used was a postal questionnaire. 83% of the male and 90% of the female dairy farmers reported some musculoskeletal symptoms during the 12 months prior to the 2002 questionnaire. This is an increase relative to the farmers in 1988. The most significant changes were an increase of symptoms affecting the shoulder, neck wrists and hands. Apart from the need for technical devices to facilitate the milking operation, further research is needed concerning the dairy farmers' well-being and quality of life, perceived stress and leisure time activities, as well as the relationship between these factors and musculoskeletal symptoms. Strategies for preventive and intervention measures need to consider physical workplace factors as well as personal and lifestyle characteristics. (103368)
CIS 04-364 Preliminary evaluation of occupational hearing loss among private farmers. Solecki L., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.10, No.2, p.211-215. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: The article presents a preliminary evaluation of occupational hearing loss among farmers in Poland. The study was based on data from 31 randomly-selected family farms carrying out mixed production (plant-animal), possessing 5-40ha of arable land and equipped with the basic mechanical equipment (tractors, agricultural machinery, machines for production of animal fodder, workshop machinery, saws). Polish Standard PN-ISO 1999:2000 was used to evaluate the expected hearing threshold among farmers, expected hearing loss due to noise, as well as risk of hearing impairment for male workers aged 50 and regularly exposed to noise for 30 years of occupational activity. The results of the study showed that the mean expected hearing loss associated with noise is 5.5dB, together with an age-related loss of 14.5dB. 9.4% of the population was estimated to be at risk of noise-induced hearing impairment. (103369)
CIS 04-365 Risk factors associated with sick leave due to work-related injuries in Dutch farmers: An exploratory case-control study. Hartman E., Frankena K., Oude Vrielink H.H.E., Nielen M., Metz J.H.M., Huirne R.B.M., Safety Science, Nov. 2004, Vol.42, No.9, p.807-823. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: This case-control study examines the occurrence of work-related sickness absenteeism among Dutch farmers, together with the corresponding epidemiological risk factors. It is based on absenteeism claims from 1998-2001 using data from an insurance institution. 899 cases and 3596 controls were selected. Most injuries (74%) were work-related. Bruises, sprains or stains and fractures were the most frequent injuries (63%). Multivariable logistic analysis shows that farmers working in dairy farming (OR=2.6) or pig husbandry (OR=2.7), older farmers (OR=1.48 per 10 years) and smokers (OR=1.7) were at increased risk. Contact with cows was significant factor within dairy farming (OR=1.7 per 500h) and working more than 60h per week a significant factor within pig husbandry. Possible preventive measures could include raising awareness among older farmers and smokers that they are at increased risk, and focusing on the risks associated with working with animals. (103393)
CIS 04-366 Drudgery, accidents and injuries in Indian agriculture. Nag P.K., Nag A., Industrial Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.42, No.2, p.149-162. Illus. 66 ref. (In English) Internet: Indian farming employs a workforce of 225 million. Among occupational accidents in this sector, tractor incidents (overturning, falling off tractors, etc.) were the most frequent (27.7%), followed by accidents involving threshers (14.6%), sprayer/dusters (12.2%), sugarcane crushers (8.1%) and chaff cutters (7.8%). Most fatal accidents are caused by powered machinery, with an annual fatality rate estimated at 22 per 100,000 workers. Hand tool-related injuries (8% of the total accidents) are non-fatal in nature. Proposals are made for improving occupational safety in Indian agriculture. (103486)
CIS 04-367 Ergonomic stressors and upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in automobile manufacturing: A one year follow up study. Punnett L., Gold J., Katz J.N., Gore R., Wegman D.H., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2004, Vol.61, No.8, p.668-674. Illus. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to estimate the one-year cumulative incidence and persistence of upper extremity (UE) soft tissue disorders in a cohort of 820 automotive industry manufacturing workers, and to quantify their associations with ergonomic risk factors. Cases of UE musculoskeletal disorders were determined by interviewer-administered questionnaire and standardized physical examination of the upper extremities. Among subjects without symptoms at baseline, the cumulative incidence of UE disorders was 14% by symptoms and 12% by symptoms plus examination findings. These rates increased with index of physical exposures primarily among subjects who had the same jobs at follow up as at baseline. Increased exposure during follow up increased the risk of incidence. The persistence of UE disorders from baseline to follow-up examination was nearly 60% and associated with baseline exposure index. (103358)
CIS 04-368 Study of backache in a shipyard. (Spanish: Estudio de las lumbalgias en una empresa de construcción naval) Delgado Ortega M., García García J.A., Rivas Mateos F., Almorza Daza J.M., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Sep. 2004, Vol.L, No.196, p.37-49. Illus. 18 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this study was to verify the hypothesis according to which there is a relationship between lumbar accidents and musculoskeletal pain in this location, and to formulate recommendations aimed at decreasing the rate of these accidents. The study involved 901 shipyard workers who responded to a questionnaire on their lumbar symptoms. Working conditions for various tasks were also examined and analysed with the help of graphical job profiles and check lists. Analysis shows that for most occupations, the rate of lumbar accidents is proportional to musculoskeletal pain, with high levels for welders and forgers. Among gas cutting operators, the accident/pain relationship was below average; these workers often complain of pain but have lower than average accident rates. Among electricians and pipe fitters, accident rates were high but complaints were lower than average. (103466)
CIS 04-369 Occupational fatalities of Hispanic construction workers from 1992 to 2000. Dong X., Platner J.W., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.45, No.1, p.45-54. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: The employment of Hispanic workers in the construction sector in the United States has dramatically increased, yet published data on occupational risk in this population is lacking. In this study, data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) and current population survey (CPS) were examined from 1992 to 2000. Fatality rate, relative risk (RR), and risk index were calculated using CFOI fatality data and CPS data on hours worked, adjusted to full-time-equivalents (FTE). Data between 1996 and 2000 were combined to allow reliable comparisons of age and occupational groups. In 2000, Hispanics constituted less than 16% of the construction workforce yet suffered 23.5% of fatal injuries. Hispanic construction workers were nearly twice as likely to be killed by occupational injuries than their non-Hispanic counterparts (RR=1.84). Specific relative risks were: helpers, RR=2.31; roofers, RR=1.77; carpenters, RR=1.39; construction laborers, RR=1.31. (103264)
CIS 04-370 Relationships between certain individual characteristics and occupational injuries for various jobs in the construction industry: A case-control study. Chau N., Mur J.M., Benamghar L., Siegfried C., Dangelzer J.L., Français M., Jacquin R., Sourdot A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.45, No.1, p.84-92. 44 ref. (In English) Internet: The importance of 11 individual characteristics in occupational injuries was assessed by means of a case-control study conducted on 880 male construction workers who had had at least one occupational injury during a 2-year period and 880 controls. Participants answered a questionnaire administered by an occupational physician. Data were analysed by logistic regression. Young age (<30 years), sleep disorders and being current smoker influenced all the injuries combined. Sleep disorders and young age were common risk factors for several jobs. Physical disabilities and no sporting activity had a role in masons, and five years or less the in present job in plumbers and electricians. Sleep disorders influenced both the injuries with and without hospitalization; young age, current smoker, and physical disability influenced those without hospitalization only. (103266)
CIS 04-371 Project safety as a sustainable competitive advantage. Rechenthin D., Journal of Safety Research, 2004, Vol.35, No.3, p.297-308. Illus. 45 ref. (In English) Internet: To be consistently profitable, construction enterprises must complete projects in scope, on schedule, and on budget. At the same time, the nature of the often high-risk work performed by construction companies can result in high accident rates. Clients routinely demand copies of safety plans and evidence of past results at the pre-qualification or request-for-proposal stages of the procurement process. Companies that deliver on scope, schedule, and budget have a competitive advantage. This article discusses whether it is possible for companies with low accident rates to use these results to obtain an additional competitive advantage. It concludes that even in the case of a high-risk sector such as the construction industry, an organization with a successful safety programme can effectively promote safety performance as a sustainable competitive advantage. (103306)
CIS 04-372 Injuries and illnesses from wood framing in residential construction, Washington State, 1993-1999. Shah S.M.A., Bonauto D., Silverstein B., Foley M., Kalat J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 2003, Vol.45, No.11, p.1171-1182. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This study used occupational accident and disease compensation data to describe rates of injuries and illnesses, claim rates, and claim costs associated with wood framing activities in construction in Washington State. From 1993 to 1999, there were 33,021 accepted compensation claims in the state, with direct costs of over USD 197 million. The average annual claim rate was 45 per 100 full-time equivalent. Statistically-significant downward trends were noted in claim rates for all injuries and illnesses, compensable time loss claims, eye and fall injuries. These findings can be used to orient prevention efforts and to evaluate the effectiveness of Washington State initiatives to reduce injury and illness rates in wood frame construction. (103319)
CIS 04-373 A cohort study of mortality among Ontario pipe trades workers. Finkelstein M.M., Verma D.K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.61, No.9, p.736-742. 8 ref. (In English) Internet: A cohort of 25,285 plumbing and pipe fitting workers in the United States and Canada who entered the trade after 1949 was assembled from union records. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were computed using Ontario (Canada) general population mortality rates as the reference. There were significant increases in lung cancer mortality rates (SMR 1.27). Increased lung cancer risk was observed among workers joining the union as late as the 1970s. A meta-analysis of this study and two earlier studies found significant increases in oesophageal (relative risk - RR 1.24), lung (RR 1.31), and haematological and lymphatic malignancies (RR 1.21). The mortality pattern is consistent with the effects of occupational exposure to asbestos. However, increased risk due to other respiratory carcinogens such as welding fumes cannot be excluded. (103355)
CIS 04-374 Actions to improve safety and health in construction. Magazine - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work / Agence européenne pour la sécurité et la santé au travail, 2004, No.7, p.1-32 (whole issue). Illus. (In English) Internet: Construction is one of Europe's largest industries with nearly 13 million employees in the 15 EU Member States (as of early 2004). It is also one of the most dangerous. This issue brings together articles which demonstrate actions to improve safety and health in construction at national and European levels. Topics covered: statistical portrait of safety and health in the construction industry; inspection campaign into working conditions on building sites in 2003-2004; social dialogue; achieving excellence in construction procurement; information dissemination on safety in the construction sector; promotion of actions to improve safety and health in small construction companies; recommendations for the reform of Irish construction regulations; safe maintenance of work equipment in construction; OSH website for micro-enterprises in Poland; HSE compressed air tunnelling exposure database; construction site logistics and coordination of safety and health activities. (103399)
CIS 04-375 Coordination of occupational safety and health on construction sites seen from a legal perspective. (Spanish: La coordinación preventiva en las obras de construcción desde una perspectiva jurídica) Pérez Capitán L., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2004, No.170, p.50-68. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: This article comments on the trends in Spanish regulations on the coordination of occupational safety and health on construction sites leading to the introduction of Law 54/2003 (see CIS 03-1007) and Royal Decree 171/2004, as well as the influence of these texts on the coordination of occupational safety and health. It discusses the responsibilities of owners, site managers and employers together with the penalties they face in cases of violations of their legal duties. (103463)
CIS 04-376 Work-related risk factors for the incidence and recurrence of shoulder and neck complaints among nursing-home and elderly-care workers. Luime J.J., Kuiper J.I., Koes B.W., Verhaar J.A.N., Miedema H.S., Burdorf A., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Aug. 2004, Vol.30, No.4, p.279-286. Illus. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the incidence and recurrence of shoulder and neck complaints and various work-related physical, psychosocial, and personal risk factors. A prospective cohort study was carried out among 769 workers of nursing homes and homes for the elderly. At baseline, a questionnaire was used to collect data on personal characteristics, physical workload, psychosocial workload, and the presence of shoulder and neck complaints. After one and two years, follow-up data were collected on shoulder and neck complaints. After adjustment for age and gender, shoulder complaints were found to relate strongly with obesity (odds ratio OR 2.12). Neck complaints were increased for obesity (OR 1.81), work in awkward postures (OR 1.76) and poor state of health (OR 1.53). The recurrence of both shoulder and neck complaints was associated with chronic complaints at baseline (shoulder: OR 1.91; neck: OR 1.71) but not with work-related risk factors. (103303)
CIS 04-377 Computer-based training for food services workers at a hospital. Eckerman D.A., Abrahamson K., Ammerman T., Fercho H., Rohlman D.S., Anger W.K., Journal of Safety Research, 2004, Vol.35, No.3, p.317-327. Illus. 52 ref. (In English) Internet: Interactive computer-based safety instruction (CBI) was given to 73 workers in the food services department of a university hospital. Subjects were observed at their jobs prior to, during the instruction and after the instruction. The proportion of correct answers to a computer-based test on safety improved significantly after the training (95%) as opposed to before the training (74.5%). There was in particular an increased accuracy in answers to questions that required application of knowledge to the work setting (from 46% to 79%). Improvements in work practices were seen in 79% of workers. There were important improvements in knowledge and work practices, showing that the benefits of CBI extended effectively to the workplace floor. (103307)
CIS 04-378 Evaluation of occupational hazards in hospitals based on homogenous functional groups and on the Gescesan method. (Spanish: La evaluación de los riesgos laborales en los centros hospitalarios basada en los grupos funcionales homogéneos y en el método Gescesan) Álvarez González A., Yuste Grijalba J., Sánchez-Arcillas Conejo I., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Dec. 2004, Vol.L, No.197, p.37-53. 18 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: An analysis of the advantages and drawbacks of the Gescesan hospital hazard evaluation method was carried out. This method consists of a computer-based application supplied by the Spanish National Institute for Occupational Hygiene and Safety (INHST). An example of an evaluation based on homogenous functional groups, which enables the definition of various activities within each service, is also presented. (103469)
CIS 04-379 Work-related musculoskeletal problems among women workers in the semiconductor industry in Peninsular Malaysia. Chee H.L., Rampal K.G., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2004, Vol.10, No.1, p.63-71. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: A cross-sectional study to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and work-related risk factors was conducted among 906 women semiconductor workers. Data on working conditions, work postures and body pains were collected by means of questionnaires. Logistic regression showed that lower-limb pain was significantly associated with standing, neck and shoulder pain with sitting and lifting, upper-back pain with climbing steps, low back pain with hand and wrist movements, and hand and wrist pain with lifting. Neck and shoulder pain was significantly higher for workers with shorter working durations, while lower-limb pain was significantly higher for workers with longer working durations. End-of-line assembly workers had significantly higher odds ratios for pain at all sites, while middle-of-line workers had higher odds ratios for pain in neck and shoulders and upper back. Finally, wafer-fabrication workers had higher odds ratios for low back pain and pain in the lower limbs. (103350)
CIS 04-380 An accident-risk assessment study of temporary piece rated workers. Saha A., Ramnath T., Chaudhuri R.N., Saiyed H.N., Industrial Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.42, No.2, p.240-245. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: An occupational injury surveillance study was conducted among the workers of a fertilizer plant in India to assess whether the risk of occupational accidents in temporary piece-rated workers was higher in comparison to the permanent time-rated workers. The personal details of the workers were collected by means of interviews. There were few differences in age, nature of work, level of education, experience and habits between the two worker groups. However, accident incidence rates, accident frequency rates and accident severity rates were found to be significantly higher in temporary piece-rated workers. These differences were more prominent in case of time-loss accidents than in no time-loss accidents. Relative risk varied from 2.3 to 18.0 in case of time-loss accidents. In case of no time-loss accidents, it varied from 1.1 to 2.6. When relative risk is considered after taking all accidents into account, the relative risk ranged from 1.2 to 3.5. (103488)
CIS 04-381 Effects of night work on urinary excretion rates of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, norepinephrine and estriol in pregnant women. Yamauchi H., Industrial Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.42, No.2, p.268-276. Illus. 39 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of night work on the biological functions of pregnant women. Three pregnant and six non-pregnant nurses working in shifts cooperated for the study. Urine samples were collected during the day shift, the night shift and the days off. Urinary concentrations of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and norepinephrine were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and estriol by radioimmunoassay. Excretion profiles of urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin in the pregnant and the non-pregnant women were altered on the night shift, which could be caused by the disturbance in the circadian rhythms of melatonin secretion. Among the pregnant women, urinary norepinephrine levels during the night work were considerably higher, while the effect of night work on urinary estriol level of the pregnant women remained uncertain. (103489)
CIS 04-382 Independent workers and regulations on the prevention of occupational hazards. (Spanish: El trabajo autónomo y la normativa de prevención de riesgos laborales) Sánchez Barba J.C., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2004, No.170, p.38-48. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: In Spain, independent workers represent close to 20% of the working population. Until recently however, this category of workers was not included in the scope covered by Spanish legislation on the prevention of occupational hazards. Certain improvements have recently been introduced in this area, although important gaps are still present, particularly with respect to the compensation of occupational accidents of independent workers. This article takes stock of the current situation. (103462)
CIS 04-383 Youth and work. Huuskonen M.S., Estrella-Gust D.P., Leino T., Lehmusmetsä C., Le V.T., Kalampakorn S., Lagampan S., Kaewboonchoo O., Nontasorn T., Punpeng B., Fulekar M.H., Asian-Pacific Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, July 2004, Vol.11, No.2, p.27-43 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Collection of articles on young workers of relevance to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Contents: occupational safety and health for youth in the Philippines; "youth and work" action programme of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health; occupational health and safety education at universities, colleges and technical schools in Vietnam. Other topics covered: training of workplace health promotion facilitators in Thailand; hazards in the ship-breaking industry in India; forthcoming events. (103300)
CIS 04-384 Conditions of work in the fishing sector: The constituents' views. (French: Conditions de travail dans le secteur de la pêche: Les vues des mandants; Spanish: Condiciones de trabajo en el sector pesquero: los puntos de vista de los mandantes) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2004. viii, 259p. Price: CHF 20.00., ISBN 92-2-113041-X (En), ISBN 92-2-213041-3 (fr), ISBN 92-2-313041-7 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: The International Labour Office drew up a preliminary report (see CIS 03-683) intended to serve as a basis for discussion on the fishing sector by the 2004 Labour Conference. The report gives an overview of the fishing sector and analyses the relevant legislation and practice concerning labour conditions in the sector in various ILO member States. The report, together with a questionnaire, was communicated to the governments of member States of the ILO, which were invited to send their replies and comments. This report consists of a summarized compilation of the replies and comments to the aforementioned questionnaire received by the ILO from governments, employers' and workers' organizations, and contains the essential points of their observations and brief commentaries, together with proposed conclusions with a view to a convention and a recommendation. (103267)
CIS 04-385 Work in the fishing sector. (French: Le travail dans le secteur de la pêche; Spanish: Trabajo en el sector pesquero) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2004. 34p. Price: CHF 10.00., ISBN 92-2-115369-X (En), ISBN 92-2-215369-3 (fr), ISBN 92-2-315369-7 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: During the 92nd session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva in June 2004, it was decided to include work in the fishing sector in the next ordinary session for a second discussion with a view of the adoption of a comprehensive standard (a Convention supplemented by a Recommendation). This document consists of the proposed texts prepared by the ILO submitted to governments of its Member States for possible amendments or comments. (103273)
CIS 04-386 Improving health and safety in construction: Phase 2 - Depth and breadth: Volume 1 - Summary report. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. x, 58p. Illus. 10 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2851-5 (In English) Internet: This report presents a summary of the main findings of a major investigation into the underlying causes of accidents for a range of construction activities. The work has attempted to combine hard data, including accident and ill-health evidence, with expert judgments to build up a comprehensive and balanced understanding of the human, equipment-related and external factors. Various problems were examined including: hand-arm vibration syndrome; construction transport safety; falls from heights; potential efficacy of intervention mechanisms HSE could adopt in working with the industry. This report is part of a series on improving health and safety in the construction sector. For the other reports, see CIS 04-280 and CIS 04-387-389. (103382)
CIS 04-387 Improving health and safety in construction: Phase 2 - Depth and breadth: Volume 3 - Construction transport accidents: Underlying causes and risk control. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. xvi, 196p. Illus. 29 ref. Price: GBP 35.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2853-1 (In English) Internet: This report describes a study into the underlying causes of accidents involving transport in the construction industry. Accidents investigated included accidents during roadworks, as well as during the delivery of equipment and materials at construction sites. Data were collected and analysed during a series of workshops with the participation of representatives of all major parties involved. Underlying organizational and human factors influencing accidents were identified, together with risk control measures and their potential effectiveness. The most important direct factors influencing construction transport accidents are competence, situational awareness and risk perception, information and advice, compliance and safety equipment. Among the organizational factors, process design, training, management and supervision, communications and safety culture were found to be significant. Several recommendations are made on the basis of these findings. This report is part of a series on improving health and safety in the construction sector. For the other reports, see CIS 04-280, 04-386, 04-388 and 04-389. (103384)
CIS 04-388 Improving health and safety in construction: Phase 2 - Depth and breadth: Volume 5 - Falls from height: Underlying causes and risk control in the construction industry. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. xiv, 167p. Illus. 37 ref. Price: GBP 35.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2854-X (In English) Internet: This report describes a study into the underlying causes of falls from heights in the construction industry. Data were collected and analysed during a series of workshops with the participation of representatives of all major parties involved. Underlying organizational and human factors influencing accidents were identified, together with risk control measures and their potential effectiveness. The most important direct factors influencing falls from heights are competence, situational awareness and risk perception, compliance, environmental conditions, and operational and safety equipment. Among the organizational factors, design for safe construction, training, management and supervision and safety culture were found to be significant. Several recommendations are made on the basis of these findings. This report is part of a series on improving health and safety in the construction sector. For the other reports, see CIS 04-280, 04-386, 04-387 and 04-389. (103385)
CIS 04-389 Improving health and safety in construction: Phase 2 - Depth and breadth: Volume 7 - Analysis of HSE mechanisms. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. xiv, 122p. Illus. 16 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2855-8 (In English) Internet: This report describes the development of a model to relate HSE interventions to health and safety in construction. The purpose of the model is to assist HSE in defining strategies and monitoring their effectiveness. A workshop was held with HSE construction division staff, during which the underlying organizational and human factors influencing occupational accidents and diseases were analysed. Five key control measures were identified for reducing risks in the construction industry. These include design improvements, targeting SMEs, demonstrating economic benefits, raising awareness of organizational duties and increasing risk perception and competence among workers. This report is part of a series on improving health and safety in the construction sector. For the other reports, see CIS 04-280 and CIS 04-386-388. (103386)
CIS 04-390 Systems and programmes - Achieving better safety and health in construction - Information report. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2004. 144p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 25.00., ISBN 92-9191-073-2 (In English) Internet: The purpose of this report was to obtain examples of good safety and health practice from across Europe and make them available to interested parties. It describes 16 very different cases of good practice in the construction sector. Some of the case studies are project specific or risk specific. Others describe systems that can be used to improve the management of safety and health throughout the industry. All demonstrate what can be achieved with key players taking appropriate action. The 16 cases have been grouped together in three categories: the design stage, the construction phase and the maintenance phase. (103398)
CIS 04-391 Data collection of causes and underlying factors of marine casualties. (German: Datenerfassung bei Unfallursachen und begünstigenden Faktoren für Unfälle in der Seeschifffahrt) Schröder J.U., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 203p. Illus. 88 ref. Price: EUR 17.50., ISBN 3-86509-196-2 (In German) Internet: This study examines the international efforts undertaken to investigate maritime accidents. It focuses on the approaches used to obtain structured accident data in order to form a solid statistical basis for the assessment of existing maritime safety standards and the development of new standards. A casualty investigation follow-up method was developed, based on a process model of the maritime casualty (SEMOMAP) and data scheme. It was used to obtain data on accident processes and their underlying factors. Although the number of maritime accidents was not sufficient to enable general conclusions regarding causes, it was clear that there were gaps in the reports concerning the influencing factors of crew performance. Consequently, the accident process often cannot be modelled for safety scientific purposes on the basis of casualty reports. This underlines the need for a more structured approach in future. (103256)
CIS 04-392 Mental stress in the service sector - Example of the retail sector. (German: Psychische Belastung in der Dienstleistungsbranche - am Beispiel Einzelhandel) Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 97p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 11.00., ISBN 3-86509-203-9 (In German) Internet: Proceedings of a workshop on mental stress in the retail trade held in Dresden, Germany, on 1st October 2003. Topics covered: mental stress and "sentimental work" in selling activities; conditions of work of employees in the food retail sector; new demands in sales jobs; occupational health hazards and exposure assessment methods; development of an instrument for analysing, evaluating and deriving organizational measures. (103257)
CIS 04-393 Real time evaluation of health and safety management in the National Health Service. Niven K.J.M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. xviii, 224p. Illus. 147 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2911-2 (In English) Internet: A high priority for the National Health Service (NHS) is ensuring patient safety by minimizing staff absence due to incidents and work-related illness. The aim of this project was to evaluate whether it was possible to reliably measure changes in safety and health performance after a safety and health intervention. The work involved three phases: designing a safety and health performance measurement methodology; evaluating the use of a safety and health management system workbook; designing and implementing a field study to measure changes in safety and health performance. Work involved literature reviews, questionnaire surveys and an analysis of safety and health management system records. It was concluded that the methodology could highlight changes in safety and health performance. (103335)
CIS 04-394 Recruiting safe employees for safety-critical roles. Fletcher S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. iv, 66p. Illus. 6 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2901-5 (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to develop a selection process for safety-critical employees within the rail industry in the United Kingdom. It involved the following tasks: identifying the key characteristics required for safe and effective performance in a range of safety-critical activities undertaken on the track that have not previously been analysed; selecting suitable assessment tools to measure these key characteristics; evaluating these assessment tools applicants and existing workers; validating the assessment tools by comparing where possible the performance during the tests with job performance and accident and safety behaviour records (103375)
CIS 04-395 Identification and management of risk in undergraduate construction courses. Carpenter J., Williams P., Smith N.C., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. x, 45p. Illus. 26 ref. Price: GBP 10.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2907-4 (In English) Internet: This report describes the final stage of research into the current provision of health and safety teaching in construction related undergraduate courses (covering architecture, building, engineering and surveying). It supplements Contract Research Report CRR 392/2001 (CIS 01-1660). The aim of this final stage was to ascertain whether the recommendations aimed at the academic institutions made in 392/2001 had indeed been implemented. It was found that the requirements of the accreditation bodies have been significantly enhanced since the previous report and that this is beginning to have an effect on the attention paid by academia to this subject area. However, further efforts are necessary, with continuing support from industry. (103378)
CIS 04-396 IALI conference report - Combating child labour. (French: Rapport de la conférence de l'AIIT - Lutter contre le travail des enfants; Spanish: Informe sobre la conferencia de la AIIT - Lucha contra el trabaljo infantil) International Association of Labour Inspection (IALI), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2002. 47p. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: Summary of the presentations made during the International Association of Labour Inspection (IALI) conference on child labour held 25-27 February 2002 in The Hague, Netherlands. It was organized by the Labour Inspectorate of the Netherlands with support of the International Labour Office (ILO). An appendix includes Member States' responses to a questionnaire on the current situation of child labour in their country. (103299)
CIS 04-397 Occupational health and SMEs: Focused intervention strategies. Stephens P., Hickling N., Gaskell L., Burton M., Holland D., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. viii, 34p. Illus. 115 ref. + ii, 115p. Illus. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2883-3 (In English) Internet: The study reviews the psychological models of behaviour change, organizational and social characteristics of SMEs and the potential for incentives to achieve change. The role of the manager was found to be particularly important. Additionally, direct influence on the workforce should be attempted to create an upward pressure for change. To increase the likelihood of the desired change succeeding, an effective approach should include a number of complementary interventions, where each intervention compensates for the shortcomings of others. This study includes the development of an approach aimed at helping assess a proposed intervention strategy and ensuring that effective use is made of complementary interventions. (103373)
CIS 04-398 Enterprise achievements with respect to occupational safety and health: Preparing a compilation. (French: Réalisations d'entreprise en prévention - La mise sur pied d'un répertoire) Chicoine D., Gervais M., Ledoux E., Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. v, 73p. Illus. 11 ref. Price: CAD 7.49. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22592-2 (In French) Internet: There is a lack of basic methods for the prevention of work-related injuries in the construction sector. An exploratory study conducted by the IRSST had previously demonstrated the construction sector's interest in acquiring a data base of practical solutions for use as a prevention tool. The aim of this project was to collect and edit information to be used for compiling an array of solutions. The collection focused on safe, field-tested practices, such as work methods, equipment, tools, construction techniques and equipment adaptations. It was based on available documentation and on the experience of specialists in OHS, construction techniques and the application of OHS on work sites. This data base offers a range of solutions successfully implemented on Quebec construction sites or developed by OHS organizations, in the form of visual, easy-to-access data records. (103479)
CIS 04-399 Childhood pesticide poisoning - Information for advocacy and action. World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Environment Programme, 11-13 chemin des Anémones, 1219 Châtelaine, Genève, Switzerland, May 2004. 37p. Illus. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: Pesticide poisoning is a serious health problem that disproportionately affects infants and children. Pesticides can be harmful when improperly used or stored, key risks being cancer, birth defects, damage to the nervous system and disruptions to the functioning of the endocrine system. The purpose of this booklet is to provide information on the effects of pesticide exposure on women and children and to propose appropriate preventive actions. Contents: texts of relevant international agreements; current knowledge concerning the risk of pesticide poisoning among children; what can be done to prevent pesticide poisoning among children at the local, regional, national and international levels; activities of international organizations. (103271)
CIS 04-400 Accident prevention in the construction sector. (Danish: Forebyggelse af ulykker i bygge- og anlægsbranchen; Dutch: Ongevallenpreventie in de bouwnijverheid; Estonian: Õnnetuste ärahoidmine ehitussektoris; Finnish: Tapaturmien torjunta rakennusalalla; French: Prévention des accidents dans le secteur de la construction; German: Unfallverhütung im Bausektor; Greek: Prólēpsē atuhēmátōn ston kládo tōn kataskeuōn; Italian: Prevenzione infortuni nel settore dell¿edilizia; Lithuanian: Nelaimingų atsitikimų prevencija statybos sektoriuje; Portuguese: Prevenção de acidentes no sector da construção; Slovak: Prevencia úrazov v stavebníctve; Slovenian: Preprecevanje nezgod pri delu v gradbeni¿tvu; Spanish: Prevención de accidentes en el sector de la construcción; Swedish: Förebyggande av olyckor inom byggnadssektorn) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2001. 2p. Illus. 5 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: In the European Union construction is the sector most at risk of accidents, with more than 1300 persons being killed in construction accidents every year. The costs of these accidents are immense to the individual, to the employer and to society. This fact sheet deals with accident prevention in the construction sector. Topics covered: employers' responsibilities; accident prevention by risk assessment and hazard identification; practical prevention (work at height or in excavation, handling of loads, housekeeping and safe access); training and information; personal protective equipment; checklist for safe scaffolds and ladders. (103442)
CIS 04-401 Critical evaluation of historical occupational aerosol exposure records: Applications to nickel and lead. Vincent J.H., Werner M.A., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Jan. 2003, Vol.47, No.1, p.49-59. Illus. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: This paper describes a model for evaluating individual data sets for occupational aerosol exposures in terms of their usefulness in hazard evaluation or standards setting. Reported occupational exposures to airborne nickel and lead are used as examples. It was found that published data sets are highly inconsistent in terms of the criteria by which the data were obtained, and are notably lacking in the essential details of the methods that were used. The evaluation model described in this paper provides not only a basis for the evaluation of historical exposure data but also guidelines for exposure assessments to be carried out in the future. (103295)
CIS 04-402 DREAM: A method for semi-quantitative dermal exposure assessment. Van-Wendel-de-Joode B., Brouwer D.H., Vermeulen R., Van Hemmen J.J., Heederik D., Kromhout H., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Jan. 2003, Vol.47, No.1, p.71-87. Illus. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: This paper describes a new method of structured, semi-quantitative dermal exposure assessment for chemical or biological agents (DREAM). Two examples of dermal exposure of workers of a truck manufacturer show how the method allows a characterization of the tasks and provides insight into exposure mechanisms. It supplies estimates for exposure levels on the external clothing layer and on the skin, as well as for the distribution of dermal exposure over the body. Together with the ranking of tasks and persons, it provides information for sampling strategies and helps to determine who, where and what to measure. In addition to dermal exposure assessment, the systematic description of dermal exposure pathways helps to prioritize and determine most adequate measurement strategies and methods. (103297)
CIS 04-403 Perchloroethylene in alveolar air, blood, and urine as biological indices of low-level exposure. Gobba F., Righi E., Fantuzzi G., Roccatto L., Predieri G., Aggazzotti G., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 2003, Vol.45, No.11, p.1152-1157. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: The reliability of biological indices for monitoring perchlorethylene (PCE) exposure was studied at low environmental concentrations. Environmental monitoring was performed by personal sampling and biological monitoring by measuring PCE in alveolar air (PCE-Alv), blood (PCE-B) and urine (PCE-U) in 26 low-exposed dry-cleaners. Correlation coefficients between environmental PCE and PCE-B, PCE-Alv and PCE-U were 0.94, 0.81 and 0.67 respectively. A high correlation was also found among biological indices, with values of 0.96 between PCE-B and PCE-Alv, 0.95 between PCE-B and PCE-U, and 0.87 between PCE-Alv and PCE-U. The biological indices proved sensitive enough for biological monitoring of low exposure to PCE. Furthermore, PCE-Alv offers some advantages because it correlated better with exposure and is analytically simpler. (103317)
CIS 04-404 Concentration of hydroxyproline in blood: A biological marker in occupational exposure to asbestos and its relationship with Pi*Z and Pi*S polymorphism in the alpha-1 antitrypsin gene. Mas S., Casterad X., Laso N., Lafuente M.J., Panades R., Calleja A., Hernandez S., Turuguet D., Deulofeu R., Ballesta A., Ascaso C., Lafuente A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2004, Vol.45, No.2, p.186-193. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: Hydroxyproline (OHP) is one of the most abundant amino acids in collagen and, in general, it provides a good measure of overall collagen catabolism. 85 asbestos workers suffering from asbestosis (cases), 86 asbestos exposed workers without asbestosis (exposed controls), and 122 non-exposed persons (non-exposed controls) were studied. Concentration of OHP in blood was significantly different in the three groups studied, being higher in cases (19.8±4.7µmol/L) than in exposed controls (16±12.4) and non-exposed controls (13.5±6.7). When all individuals were grouped and stratified by the Pi*S and Pi*Z polymorphisms in the α-1-antitrypsin gene, the highest OHP levels were detected in the Pi*S homozygotes, one of the asbestosis-at risk-genotypes. It is concluded that blood OHP concentration could be used for monitoring exposure to asbestos, either as a marker for occupational monitoring or as an additional clinical parameter in diagnostic exploration of asbestosis. (103344)
CIS 04-405 Lead effect on blood pressure of moderately lead-exposed male workers. Telišman S., Pizent A., Jurasović J., Cvitković P., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2004, Vol.45, No.5, p.446-454. 52 ref. (In English) Internet: The effect of lead on blood pressure was examined in 100 subjects with moderate-to-low occupational exposure to lead and 51 unexposed controls. Measurements included blood lead (BPb), activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP), blood cadmium (BCd), serum zinc (SZn), serum copper (SCu), haematocrit (Hct), body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure. There was no significant difference in blood pressure between the two groups, possibly because the reference subjects had relatively high BPb levels and significantly higher BMI than the lead workers. Among lead-exposed workers, an increase in systolic blood pressure was significantly associated with increasing EP and BMI. An increase in diastolic blood pressure was significantly associated with increasing BMI and EP and decreasing BCd. It is concluded that a cumulative long-term moderate exposure to lead may result in a significant increase blood pressure. (103415)
CIS 04-406 Mutagenic testing of workers exposed to toluene-diisocyanates during plastics production process. Bilban M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2004, Vol.45, No.5, p.468-474. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This study on the potential mutagenicity of toluene diisocyanates (TDI) involved 26 workers exposed to TDI during the production of plastics, together with 21 non-exposed controls. The concentration of TDI ranged between 0.007mg/3 and 0.016mg/3. Structural chromosome aberrations (SCA) were evaluated in 200 lymphocytes of peripheral blood, with an average occurrence of 2.6. Sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) were examined in 50 cells, the average occurrence being 8.127. Micronuclei (MN) were examined in 500 blocked cytokinesis cells, with an average occurrence of 12.07. The corresponding averages of the control group were 1.89 (SCA), 5.52 (SCE) and 4.38 (MN), respectively. The difference between the groups is of statistical significance, thus confirming the mutagenic activity of toluene diisocyanates or their metabolites. (103417)
CIS 04-407 Asbestos in brakes: Exposure and risk of disease. Lemen R.A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.45, No.3, p.229-237. 82 ref. (In English) Internet: Asbestos has been incorporated into friction products since the early 1900s. During the normal usage of brakes, thermal decomposition of asbestos into forsterite occurs, although not all asbestos is so converted. Short fibres below 5µm in length are also found in brake systems. This article discusses the toxicity of the remaining asbestos fibres and short fibres, together with the health implications of exposure to forsterite. Control methodologies, when used appropriately, have reduced exposure to asbestos during brake servicing, but have not been able to entirely eliminate exposure to asbestos. Even the so called "controlled" use of asbestos-containing brakes poses a health risk to workers, users and their families. (103421)
CIS 04-408 Toxicity of cyanoacrylate adhesives and their occupational impacts for dental staff. Leggat P.A., Kedjarune U., Smith D.R., Industrial Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.42, No.2, p.207-211. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: Cyanoacrylate (CA) and its homologues have a variety of medical, dental and industrial applications as adhesives. The increasing use of CA in dentistry, particularly as an adhesive and sealing glue, has raised concerns regarding its potential toxicity in humans. Although the reported toxicity of CA is uncommon in the dental workplace, possible effects include urticaria, contact dermatitis and other dermatoses. Dental staff using CA adhesives should avoid direct contact with CA and use appropriate personal protective measures. Furthermore, maintaining higher levels of humidity, optimizing room ventilation and using special air conditioning filters in the working environment may be useful in minimizing the toxicity of volatile CA adhesives. (103487)
CIS 04-409 Effects of cigarette smoking on diagnostic tests for work-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Data from an outbreak of lung disease in metalworkers. Dangman K.H., Storey E., Schenk P., Hodgson M.J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2004, Vol.45, No.5, p.455-467. Illus. 68 ref. (In English) Internet: Following an earlier outbreak of hypersensitivity pneumonitis among a group of metalworkers, a re-examination of data of the 61 patients seen in connection with the outbreak was carried out to explore possible effects of cigarette smoking on the clinical tests used to diagnose hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It is concluded that cigarette smoking can affect the physical examination findings, spirometry and electron spin resonance spectroscopy changes associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, making these tests less sensitive and specific, and potentially obscuring the diagnosis. Such changes may contribute to the apparent "protective" effect of smoking on the development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. (103416)
CIS 04-410 Occupational exposures to acid mists and gases and ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa. Pereira Vianna M.I., Sousa Santana V., Loomis D., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.45, No.3, p.238-245. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: To examine the hypothesis that acid mist or mixtures of acid mists and acid gases are associated with ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa, all 665 active male workers of a metal processing factory in Brazil were studied. Semi-quantitative measures of exposure were estimated from a job exposure matrix, and ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa were identified with standardized clinical dental examinations. It was found that past exposure to acid mists were positively associated with ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa but only among workers without lip sealing, that is not having the ability to keep lips closed at rest (age- and alcohol consumption-adjusted prevalence ratio PR=3.40). The evidence of a chronic rather than acute irritative process suggests a possible step involving the aetiology of oral malignancies, which however needs further investigation. (103422)
CIS 04-411 Clinicopathological features of pure mica pneumoconiosis associated with Sjögren syndrome. Kobayashi H., Ohara I., Kanoh S., Motoyoshi K., Aida S., Kohyama N., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.45, No.3, p.246-250. Illus. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: There are few reports on the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of pure mica pneumoconiosis. A case of pure mica pneumoconiosis in a rubber factory female worker in Japan is presented, together with the clinical-pathological findings. Chest HRCT demonstrated subpleural and peribronchovascular interstitial thickening. The characteristic histological features were pulmonary fibrosis accompanied by prominent histiocytic granulomas containing giant cells. It is concluded that pure mica pneumoconiosis can be identified by specific radiological and pathological observations. (103423)
CIS 04-412 Acute occupational pesticide-related illness in the US, 1998-1999: Surveillance findings from the SENSOR-pesticides program. Calvert G.M., Plate D.K., Das R., Rosales R., Shafey O., Thomsen C., Male D., Beckman J., Arvizu E., Lackovic M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.45, No.1, p.14-23. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: Survey data for the years 1998 and 1999 from the seven states that conduct acute occupational pesticide-related illness surveillance were collected and analysed. Between 1998 and 1999, 1,009 individuals with acute occupational pesticide-related illness were identified. The mean age of affected workers was 36 years, with a peak in incidence rates among 20-24 year-olds. The overall incidence rate was 1.17 per 100,000 full time equivalents (FTEs). The incidence rate among those employed in agriculture was higher (18.2/100,000 FTEs) compared to those employed in non-agricultural industries (0.53/100,000 FTEs). Most of the illnesses were of low severity (69.7%). Severity was moderate in 29.6% of the cases, and high in four cases (0.4%). Three fatalities were identified. Insecticides were responsible for 49% of all illnesses. (103262)
CIS 04-413 Determination of potential dermal and inhalation operator exposure to malathion in greenhouses with the whole body dosimetry method. Machera K., Goumenou M., Kapetanakis E., Kalamarakis A., Glass C.R., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Jan. 2003, Vol.47, No.1, p.61-70. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: This study evaluated the potential dermal and inhalation exposure of operators during the spraying of malathion on greenhouse tomatoes at low and high spraying pressures. Inhalation exposure was monitored using personal air pumps and sampling tubes. For the monitoring of hand exposure, cotton gloves were used in two trials and rubber gloves in a further three. The volumes of spray solution contaminating the body of the operator were 25.37-35.83mL/h in the case of low pressure knapsack applications and 160.76-283.45mL/h in the case of hand lance applications with tractor-generated high pressure. The potential inhalation exposures were estimated at 0.07 and 0.09mL/h in the case of low pressure knapsack applications, based on a ventilation rate of 25L/min. Both potential dermal operator exposure (excluding hands) and potential inhalation exposure were increased approximately sevenfold when the tractor-assisted application pressure was increased from 3 to 18 bar. (103296)
CIS 04-414 Personal exposures to inorganic and organic dust in manual harvest of California citrus and table grapes. Lee K., Lawson R.J., Olenchock S.A., Vallyathan V., Southard R.J., Thorne P.S., Saiki C., Schenker M.B., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Aug. 2004, Vol.1, No.8, p.505-514. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to inorganic and organic dust during manual harvest operations of citrus fruit and table grapes. Personal exposures to inhalable dust and respirable dust were measured five times over the 4-month harvesting season. Dust samples for analysed mineralogy, respirable quartz, endotoxins and microorganisms. Exposures for citrus harvest had geometric means of 39mg/m3 for inhalable dust and 1.14mg/m3 for respirable dust. These exposures were significantly higher than those for table grape operations and exceeded the threshold limit value for inhalable dust and respirable quartz. Considered independently, these exposures may be high enough to cause respiratory health effects. However, exposures for table grape operations were lower than the threshold limit value, except inhalable dust exposure during leaf pulling. (103308)
CIS 04-415 The risk of adverse reproductive and developmental disorders due to occupational pesticide exposure: An overview of current epidemiological evidence. Hanke W., Jurewicz J., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2nd quarter 2004, Vol.17, No.2, p.223-243. 80 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey examines epidemiological studies on the association between parental occupation in agriculture and the incidence of infertility, congenital malformations, miscarriage, low birthweight, small-for-gestational-age birth, pre-term delivery and stillbirth. The findings suggest the need to increase awareness of workers who are occupationally exposed to pesticides about their potential negative influence on fertility and pregnancy outcome. Furthermore, in the light of existing although still limited evidence of adverse effects of pesticide exposure on fertility during the pre-conceptual period, the exposure to pesticides should be reduced at all times. (103427)
CIS 04-416 Occupational exposure to metalworking fluid mist and sump fluid contaminants. Simpson A.T., Stear M., Groves J.A., Piney M., Bradley S.D., Stagg S., Crook B., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Jan. 2003, Vol.47, No.1, p.17-30. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: This paper summarizes the analytical and occupational hygiene findings from a recent survey of occupational exposure to metalworking fluids (MWFs) in the metalworking industry in the United Kingdom. In general, occupational exposure to mineral oil MWF mist was controlled to under 3mg/m3 (8h time-weighted average) and to under 1mg/m3 for water-mix MWF mist. Fluid management was found to be poor, with most sites failing to meet industry good practice or Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards. High levels of bacteria and endotoxins were found in sumps, and control of other factors, such as water-mix fluid concentration, was often poor. These findings will be used to develop guidance from the HSE on good practices, including indicative limits for MWF mist and sump fluid contaminants, with significant emphasis on sump fluid management (maintenance and monitoring), as well as control issues. (103292)
CIS 04-417 Flueless gas fires - Concentration of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, and particulate level produced in use. Hill R.W., Marks S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2003. viii, 34p. Illus. 5 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2567-2 (In English) Internet: Fixed flueless gas fires to supplement central heating systems are subject to certification by an independent Notified Body for compliance with the Gas Appliances Directive. The certification process includes an assessment of the manufacturer's installation instructions. Three manufacturers are currently offering a range of flueless fires. However, their installation instructions are inconsistent with one another. The objective of this project was to encourage manufacturers to develop common product and installation standards. It involved measuring the concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulates produced by the appliances in a test facility simulating a residential home. (103371)
CIS 04-418 Measurement and modelling of combustion products from flueless gas appliances. Upton S., Ross D., Pierce B., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2003. viii, 82p. Illus. 9 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2704-7 (In English) Internet: This report presents results of measurements and modelling of the combustion products emitted from flueless gas appliances. Measurements were made using wide a range of such appliances, at varying firing rates, in a controlled chamber, including simulations of conditions that would be experienced in air-tight rooms. Ventilation in the chamber was either in the form of vents in the chamber walls, or at controlled air exchange rates via a mechanical ventilation system. This enabled the prediction of the likely concentration of combustion products for a range of ventilation provisions, room sizes and potential uses of the flueless gas appliances. Concentrations of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, ultra-fine particles and aldehydes were measured, together with gas consumption. (103372)
CIS 04-419 Safety factors in the toxicologic assessment of chemicals. Advisory Committee on Existing Chemicals (BUA), S. Hirzel Verlag, Birkenwaldstrasse 44, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany, 2004. xiv, 73p. Illus. 94 ref. Price: EUR 47.00., ISBN 3-7776-1322-3 (In English) Internet: The aim of this report is to present an overview of the process of assessing the potential risk of chemicals for humans. The toxicological evaluation of chemicals is based on animal experiments, which enable the determination of limit values that can be expected to offer an adequate safety level for humans. Contents: experimental databases and their assessment; concepts of risk assessment (exposure assessment, risk characterization, derivation of NOAELs and LOAELs, determination of exposure scenarios); assessment conventions (need to bridge gaps, importance of standard factors, extrapolation); subfactors and decision-making criteria; statistical or probabilistic approaches in estimating uncertainty; critical considerations. (103255)
CIS 04-420 IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans - Volume 83: Tobacco smoke and involuntary smoking. World Health Organization (WHO), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France, 2004. xiv, 1452 pages. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: USD 40.00, ISBN 92-832-1283-5 (In English) Internet: In a previous IARC Monograph on Tobacco Smoking (Vol.38, see CIS 89-350), a certain number of cancers were identified as caused by cigarette smoking. In the present report, the studies reviewed by the Working Group show sufficient evidence for a additional association between cigarette smoking and cancers of the nasal cavities, nasal sinuses, oesophagus, stomach, liver, kidney and uterine cervix, as well as myeloid leukaemia. There is evidence of synergy between smoking and several occupational causes of lung cancer (arsenic, asbestos and radon). Secondhand tobacco smoke includes the same carcinogens and toxic substances produced by active smoking. Non-smoking spouses of smokers, as well as non-smoking workers exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke at the workplace are at a statistically-significant increased risk of lung cancer. Overall, the Working Group concludes that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke is carcinogenic in humans (Group 1). (103270)
CIS 04-421 Asbestos. (French: Amiante; German: Asbest) Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Alte Heerstrasse 111, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany, 2004. 160p. Illus. Bibl.ref. + CD-ROM., ISBN 3-00-013020-9 (print), ISBN 3-88383-666-4 (CD-ROM) (In English, French, German) Internet: Proceedings of the European Asbestos Conference held in Dresden, Germany, 3-6 June 2003. Contents: opening addresses and keynote speeches, including on the role of the ILO in the global fight against asbestos; country reports (Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, United Kingdom, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Thailand); workshop reports; role of the European Union; Dresden declaration on the ultimate worldwide ban on asbestos production and use. These proceedings are also available in PDF format on CD-ROM (included). (103276)
CIS 04-422 Nanoparticles: An occupational hygiene review. Aitken R.J., Creely K.S., Tran C.L., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. viii, 100p. Bibl.ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2908-2 (In English) Internet: Nanotechnology is a broad interdisciplinary area of research, development and industrial activity which has been growing rapidly for the past decade. Nanoparticles are the end products of a wide variety of physical, chemical and biological processes. This article reviews the following aspects of nanoparticles: potential routes for human exposure; industrial sources of occupational exposure; level of exposure; means of, and effectiveness of control measures; potential numbers exposed; ease with which gaps in knowledge could be filled; trends in the potential use of nanotechnology; views as to the likely impact of the transition from research to full-scale industrial use. (103377)
CIS 04-423 Accidents in process installations recorded and analysed with respect to occupational safety criteria. (German: Schadensfälle in verfahrenstechnischen Anlagen - erhoben und ausgewertet nach Arbeitsschutzkriterien) Lafrenz B., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 36p. Illus. 9 ref. Price: EUR 7.00., ISBN 3-86509-188-1 (In German) Internet: The objective of this report was to provide a scientific basis for generating technical rules, safety analyses and reports (including maintenance procedures), including for the purpose of enabling their use by competent authorities. It is based on an analysis of accidents having occurred in process installations. In addition, the investigation enabled the development of knowledge for preventing accident repetition. The analysis was made using an Access¿ data base in which 502 sets of data involving notified accidents according to the major accidents ordinance, fatal accidents and other safety relevant incidents in process installations were compiled. The report presents firstly a general documentation concerning the technical components, operating systems, reasons and effects of the accidents. Next, accidents are classified under the main categories of explosion, fire and release of chemicals. Finally, a specific analysis of incidents in or on pipe joint connections is presented. (103259)
CIS 04-424 Dust control in workplaces. (Polish: Ograniczanie zapylenia na stanowiskach pracy) Gliński M., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 1999. 91p. Illus. 50 ref., ISBN 83-87354-14-7 (In Polish) Internet: This publication gives advice on the selection of airborne dust control systems in the work environment. Contents: sources of dust development in various industries, as well as in the agricultural and construction sectors; health effects; technical and organizational methods for reducing dust concentrations in specific workplaces. (103281)
CIS 04-425 Guidance note on the membrane filter method for the estimation of airborne synthetic mineral fibres. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (Worksafe Australia), Australian Government Publishing Service, GPO Box 84, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia, 1989. 83-128p. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: Contents of this guide to the laboratory technique for estimating the concentration of airborne synthetic mineral fibres (SMFs): air sampling for SMF production and use; laboratory techniques and analysis (equipment, sample preparation, optical requirements, counting and sizing fibres, quality control); sampling and analytical errors. Appendices. (103431)
CIS 04-426 Guidance note for the elimination of environmental tobacco smoke in the workplace. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (Worksafe Australia), Australian Government Publishing Service, GPO Box 84, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia, 2003. x, 26p. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: This guidance document replaces the one on passive smoking issued in 1994 (see CIS 95-271). Contents: environmental tobacco smoke as a risk to OSH; elimination of environmental tobacco smoke; implementation of a workplace policy on tobacco smoking. In appendices: a model policy for a smoke-free workplace; supplementary information on health and legal matters in Australia. (103432)
CIS 04-427 National Code of Practice and Guidance note for the safe handling of timber preservatives and treated timber. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (Worksafe Australia), Australian Government Publishing Service, GPO Box 84, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia, 1989. xi, 52p. 35 ref., ISBN 0-644-09130-4 (In English) Internet: This guidance document consists of three parts: 1 - Glossary of terms. 2 - National Code of Practice: objectives and scope; employers' and workers' responsibilities; safe handling procedures. 3 - Guidance Note: data-sheet type information (description, uses, exposure standards, first aid, health hazards, medical information) on chemicals used for preserving and treating timber (creosote, copper chrome arsenic, pentachlorophenol, chlorinated cyclodyenes, boron compounds, tributyltin oxide, naphthenates, copper quinolinolate, pyrethroids). (103435)
CIS 04-428 An introduction to dangerous substances in the workplace. (Czech: Nebezpečné látky na pracovišti - úvod; Danish: En introduktion til farlige stoffer på arbejdspladsen; Dutch: Inleiding over gevaarlijke stoffen op het werk; Estonian: Töökoha keemiliste ohutegurite tutvustus; Finnish: Työpaikan vaaralliset aineet; French: Présentation des substances dangereuses sur le lieu de travail; German: Eine Einführung in das Thema Gefahrstoffe bei der Arbeit; Greek: Epikíndunes ousíes sto hôro ergasías; Hungarian: Bevezetés a munka során használt veszélyes anyagok témakörébe; Italian: Introduzione alle sostanze pericolose nel luogo di lavoro; Latvian: Iepazīšanās ar bīstamajām vielām darba vietā; Lithuanian: Pavojingos medžiagos darbo vietose - įvadas; Polish: Informacje wstępne dotyczące substancji niebezpiecznych występujących w miejscu pracy; Portuguese: Introdução às substâncias perigosas no local de trabalho; Slovak: Úvod ku nebezpečným látkam na pracovisku; Slovenian: Uvod k nevarnim snovem na delovnem mestu; Spanish: Introducción a las sustancias peligrosas en el trabajo; Swedish: En introduktion till farliga ämnen på arbetsplatsen) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2003. 2p. Illus. 13 ref. (In Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Dangerous substances are found in many workplaces. A recent survey found that 16% of workers in Europe reported handling hazardous products and 22% were exposed to toxic vapours. This fact sheet introduces the key issues relative to the prevention of risks from dangerous substances. Topics covered: legislation; prevention and control of exposure to dangerous substances (risk assessment, prevention and control, monitoring and review); occupational exposure limits; European policy (the REACH system). (103459)
CIS 04-429 Elimination and substitution of dangerous substances. (Czech: Odstranění a nahrazení nebezpečných látek; Danish: Afskaffelse og erstatning (substitution) af farlige stoffer; Dutch: Verwijderen en vervangen van gevaarlijke stoffen; Estonian: Ohtlike kemikaalide kõrvaldamine ja asendamine; Finnish: Vaarallisten aineiden käytön lopettaminen ja korvaaminen; French: Elimination et substitution des substances dangereuses sur le lieu de travail; German: Vermeidung und Ersatz von Gefahrstoffen; Greek: Katárgēsē kai upokatástasē epikíndunōn ousiôn; Hungarian: A veszélyes anyagok használatának kiküszöbölése, illetve más anyagokkal történő helyettesítése; Italian: Eliminazione e sostituzione di sostanze pericolose; Latvian: Bīstamo vielu izslēgšana un aizstāšana; Lithuanian: Pavojingų medžiagų pašalinimas ir pakeitimas; Polish: Eliminowanie i zastępowanie niebezpiecznych substancji; Portuguese: Eliminação e substituição de substâncias perigosas; Slovak: Odstránenie a nahradenie nebezpečných látok; Slovenian: Prenehanje uporabe nevarnih snovi in zamenjava z manj nevarnimi snovmi; Spanish: Eliminación y sustitución de sustancias peligrosas; Swedish: Eliminering och ersättning av farliga ämnen) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2003. 2p. Illus. 11 ref. (In Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: This fact sheet discusses the process of eliminating or substituting dangerous substances. Topics covered: legislation; elimination and substitution in the European control hierarchy; elimination and substitution in practice; how to proceed; guides for substitution. (103460)
CIS 04-430 Safety in the use of chemicals at work - An ILO Code of Practice. (Vietnamese: Sách huóng dân an toàn khi su' dung hóa chât tai noi làm viêc) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2004. 84p. (In Vietnamese) Internet: Translation into Vietnamese of an ILO Code of Practice published in 1993 (see CIS 93-1998). It provides practical guidance on the implementation of the provisions of the ILO Chemicals Convention No.170 and Recommendation No.177, both of 1990 (see CIS 91-1421). Contents: general obligations, responsibilities and duties; classification systems; labelling and marking; chemical safety data sheets; operational control measures; design and installation; work systems and practices; personal protection; information and training; maintenance of engineering control measures; monitoring in the workplace; medical and health surveillance; emergency procedures and first aid; investigation and reporting of accidents, occupational diseases and other incidents. (103498)
CIS 04-431 Design of capture devices on woodworking machinery. (Polish: Projetowanie układów wychwytujących zanieczyszcenia emitowane przez obrabiarki do drewna) Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2002. 46p. Illus. 13 ref., ISBN 83-88703-79-X (In Polish) Internet: This guide presents a methodology for the design of devices for capturing wood and shavings on woodworking machinery and describes their characteristics. It consists of a Polish translation of a document published by the French Institute of Research and Safety (INRS ED 841). (103289)
CIS 04-432 Antineoplastic agents - Occupational hazards in hospitals. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2002, USA, Sep. 2004. iii, 13p. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: The purpose of this booklet is to create awareness among health care workers of the adverse health effects of antineoplastic agents, to explain how one can be exposed to these agents, and to propose control methods and work practices to prevent or reduce exposure to these agents. Contents: health effects caused by antineoplastic agents; persons at risk of exposure to antineoplastic agents; when workers are at greatest risk of exposure; how to protect oneself from exposure; safety tips; case reports. (103495)
CIS 04-433 Industrial refrigeration using ammonia: Hazards, safety and financial auditing. (Portuguese: Refrigeração industrial por amônia: Riscos, segurança e auditoria fiscal) Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente, 710, Pinheiros, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05409-002, Brazil, 2004. 18p. Illus. (In Portuguese) Internet: Safety data sheet on industrial refrigeration systems that use ammonia. Contents: general description of such systems; data sheet on ammonia itself; hazards of refrigeration systems; safe management of refrigeration systems (installation, equipment and materials, protection methods, training of workers, relevant standards); financial auditing of safety measures; case study of an accident involving ammonia in a refrigeration plant in the city of Natal (state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil) and ensuing safety recommendations. (103436)
CIS 04-434 Temporary changes in hearing after exposure to shooting noise. Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M., Dudarewicz A., Bąk M., Fiszer M., Kotyło P., Śliwińska-Kowalska M., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2nd quarter 2004, Vol.17, No.2, p.285-294. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: The objectives of this study were to evaluate exposure to noise from small-calibre weapons, to compare the post-exposure changes in hearing measured by pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and to correlate these changes with noise parameters. The study included 18 hunters (group I) and 28 candidate policemen (group II) exposed to noise from small firearms during target practices. Group I was unprotected during shooting, whereas group II used commonly-available hearing protectors. PTA and TEOAE were performed before and 2-10 min after shooting. Noise exposure was evaluated by in situ measurements. Results show that even short-term exposure to noise from small-calibre firearms might cause temporary hearing impairment. Therefore, the use of earmuffs is strongly recommended, because most of them seem to effectively attenuate noise from small-calibre firearms. (103430)
CIS 04-435 Cold exposure during helicopter rescue operations in the Western Alps. Küpper T., Steffgen J., Jansing P., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Jan. 2003, Vol.47, No.1, p.7-16. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: The study evaluates exposure to the cold of personnel involved in helicopter rescue operations in an alpine environment. Rescue operations over a period of 15 months in the Oberwallis region (Switzerland) were analysed with special regard to the weather conditions, the altitude of the rescue site and the duration of on-site rescue operation. Mean exposure as well as the worst-case situation (based on maximum wind speed) were calculated. The results were evaluated according to various models, standards and regulations for work in cold environments. Because of the limited time of exposure during the majority of the operations, the most important danger for rescue personnel is frostbite, although hypothermia cannot be excluded in cases of prolonged operations. Special advice to avoid the specific risks must be given to the crews and an examination by an occupational physician is recommended. Recommendations for adequate clothing are also given. (103291)
CIS 04-436 Active versus passive cooling during work in warm environments while wearing firefighting protective clothing. Selkirk G.A., McLellan T.M., Wong J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Aug. 2004, Vol.1, No.8, p.521-531. Illus. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined whether active or passive cooling during intermittent work reduced the heat strain associated with wearing firefighting protective clothing (FPC) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in the heat (35°C, 50% relative humidity). Fifteen male Toronto firefighters participated in the study. Subjects walked at 4.5km/h with 0% elevation on an intermittent work (50min) and rest (30min) schedule. Work continued until rectal temperature reached 39.5°C or heart rate (HR) reached 95% of maximum or exhaustion. One of three cooling strategies, forearm submersion in water, mister, and passive cooling were employed during the rest phases. Findings suggest that there is a definite advantage when utilizing forearm submersion compared with other methods of active or passive cooling while wearing FPC and SCBA in the heat. (103309)
CIS 04-437 Noise exposure and hearing loss among sand and gravel miners. Landen D., Wilkins S., Stephenson M., McWilliams L., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Aug. 2004, Vol.1, No.8, p.532-541. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: The objectives of this study were to describe workplace noise exposures, risk factors for hearing loss and hearing levels among sand and gravel miners, and to determine whether full shift noise exposures resulted in changes in hearing thresholds from baseline values. A total of 317 sand and gravel miners were interviewed regarding medical history, leisure-time and occupational noise exposure, other occupational exposures and use of hearing protection. Audiometric tests were performed before the work shift and immediately after the work shift. Full shift noise dosimetry was conducted. It was found that overall, sand and gravel workers have excessive noise exposures and significant hearing loss, and demonstrate inadequate use of hearing protection. Well-designed hearing conservation programs, with reduction of noise exposure, are clearly needed. (103310)
CIS 04-438 Effective intervention with ergonomics, antivibration gloves, and medical surveillance to minimize hand-arm vibration hazards in the workplace. Jetzer T., Haydon P., Reynolds D., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2003, Vol.45, No.12, p.1312-1317. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: To determine and monitor the level of hand-arm vibration syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome among workers exposed to upper extremity vibration, 165 workers in eight different facilities with similar vibration exposure were given a vibration exposure questionnaire and subjected to medical examinations. Workers who had no symptoms were placed in a long-term study group and examined every two years. Workers with clinical evidence of symptoms were followed up every six to twelve months. Ergonomic intervention in the form of tools with lower vibration levels and antivibration gloves were associated with a decrease in the pathologic symptoms in these workers, while workers without such intervention were more likely to show progression of symptoms. These findings suggest that ergonomic intervention can be effective in controlling the risks due to vibrating tools. (103301)
CIS 04-439 Comfort evaluation of hearing protection. Hsu Y.L., Huang C.C., Yo C.Y., Chen C.J., Lien C.M., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, June 2004, Vol.33, No.6, p.543-551. Illus. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: Hearing protection is highly important for workers exposed to noisy environments, although the willingness of workers to wear hearing protectors depends to a large degree on their comfort. In this study, workers' experience and comfort needs for hearing protection were investigated through a questionnaire that established the comfort indices for hearing protection. An earmuff comfort tester was designed to measure the comfort indices, and an experiment was conducted to transpose workers' perceived comfort into quantitative data. These data enabled the determination of the range of these comfort indices in which workers feel comfortable. Guidelines to improve the design of current hearing protection based on these comfort indices are proposed, which may help increase workers' willingness to wear this equipment. (103380)
CIS 04-440 Occupational safety and health management - Assessment of noise emissions of machines - Requirements and methods. (Polish: Zarządzanie bezpieczenństwem i higieną pracy. Ocena emisji hałasu maszyn - Wymagania i metody) Augustyńska D., Pleban D., Mikulski W., Tadzik P., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2000. 261p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 83-88703-76-5 (In Polish) Internet: Contents of this publication on the assessment and control of noise emissions of machines: comment on the requirements concerning assessment and control of noise emissions; comment on the methods defined in 98/37/EC Directive (CIS 99-29) and in the Polish laws and regulations which are harmonized with this Directive; methods for the determination of two parameters characterizing noise emissions of machines (sound power level and sound pressure level). Appendices include: Polish version of the 98/37/EC Directive; Polish laws and regulations. (103283)
CIS 04-441 Accidental overexposure of radiotherapy patients in Białystok. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2004. 103p. Illus. 36 ref. Price: EUR 24.00. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 92-0-114203-X (In English) Internet: An accidental overexposure occurred in the Białystok oncology centre, in Poland, which affected five patients undergoing radiotherapy. This report gives an account of the event, the subsequent dose assessment and the clinical consequences to the patients. It also discusses the lessons learned from this incident and provides recommendations for preventing similar events from occurring. The report is likely to be of use to the manufacturers and users of accelerators and to national regulatory bodies. (103268)
CIS 04-442 Standards and codes of practice in medical radiation dosimetry - Proceedings of an international symposium, Vienna, 25-28 November 2002 (Vol. 1 + Vol. 2). International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2003. 483p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (Vol. 1); 497p. Illus. Bibl.ref. +CD-ROM (PDF format) (Vol. 2). Price: EUR 103.00. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 92-0-111403-6 (In English) Internet: Proceedings of a symposium on standards and codes of practice in medical radiation dosimetry held in Vienna, Austria, 25-28 November 2002. Emphasis was placed on dosimetry for therapeutic applications of radiation. However, some papers deal with dosimetry in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine. Although many dosimetry techniques are discussed, calorimetry is featured in one session exclusively. Many papers deal with dosimetry method standards, protocols and comparisons. The need for accurate dosimetry for the treatment of cancer was a common thread throughout the symposium. (103269)
CIS 04-443 Occupational safety and health management - Electromagnetic fields in the work environment. (Polish: Zarządzanie bezpieczenństwem i higieną pracy. Pola elektromagnetyczne w środowisku pracy) Gryz K., Karpowicz J., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2000. 165p. Illus. 110 ref., ISBN 83-88703-36-6 (In Polish) Internet: Contents of this publication on electromagnetic fields in the work environment: Polish laws and regulations concerning permissible exposures to electromagnetic fields; international recommendations; issues related to the measurement of electromagnetic fields; sources of electromagnetic fields; technical and organizational protective measures. Appendices include definitions and warning signs. (103282)
CIS 04-444 Application of the concepts of exclusion, exemption and clearance. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2004. 29p. 19 ref. Price: EUR 16.00., ISBN 92-0-109404-3 (In English) Internet: The objective of this safety guide is to provide guidance to national authorities, including regulatory bodies and operating organizations on the application of the concepts of exclusion, exemption and clearance as established in the International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources (CIS 96-1472). It includes specific values of activity concentration for both radionuclides of natural origin and those of artificial origin that may be used for the purpose of determining the applicability of exclusion or exemption depending on the amounts of material involved. It also elaborates on the possible application of these values to clearance. (103394)
CIS 04-445 The radiological accident in Cochabamba. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2004. 54p. Illus. 16 . Price: EUR 19.00., ISBN 92-0-107604-5 (In English) Internet: In April 2002 an accident involving an industrial radiography source containing 192Ir occurred in Bolivia. The source, which was later found not to have been fully confined, was transported 500km from Cochabamba to La Paz as cargo on a passenger bus. The bus had a full load of passengers for most of the eight hour journey. The equipment was subsequently transferred by taxi to the company's shielded facility. This report gives an account of the event, the doses received and the medical assessment. It also presents information relevant to national authorities and regulatory organizations, emergency planners and a broad range of specialists, including physicists, radiation protection officers and medical specialists, for the purpose of helping reduce the likelihood of similar accidents occurring or, were they do occur, to mitigate their consequences. (103395)
CIS 04-446 Fatal and non-fatal machine-related injuries suffered by children in Alberta, Canada, 1990-1997. Lim G.W., Belton K.L., Pickett W., Schopflocher D.P., Voaklander D.C., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2004, Vol.45, No.2, p.177-185. Illus. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: To study non-fatal and fatal farm machinery injuries among children and adolescents raised on farms in the Canadian Province of Alberta, data were collected through the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Programme. Furthermore, selected death certificates and hospital data were audited to provide enhanced information about the circumstances of injuries related to farm machinery for farm persons aged 17 years and younger. 302 farm machinery injuries were recorded for the years 1990-1997. Of these, 14 resulted in death. All-terrain vehicles were the most common cause of injury, followed by tractors, and power take-offs. The predominant injury mechanism was entanglement, followed by falls from machines and being struck by a machine. Boys had significantly longer hospital stays than girls. There were significantly more injuries reported during the summer and autumn than during the winter and spring. Finally, annual injury rates dropped significantly during the study period from 119.9/100,000 in 1990 to 50.7/100,000 in 1997. (103343)
CIS 04-447 Coal mine roadway support system handbook. Bigby D., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. vi, 67p. Illus. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2899-X (In English) Internet: The purpose of this report is to provide a useful reference for mining engineers who wish to obtain information on the more innovative support systems that have become available in Europe in recent years. It therefore does not include details of arch type supports and focuses rather on rock reinforcement systems and their related accessories. Where possible, it provides information on the history of application, results of testing and appropriate applications for the various support systems. In most cases, it includes photographs of the systems to help in identification and understanding their construction, and information on how the system's performance can be properly monitored. (103331)
CIS 04-448 Safe application of mine roadway support systems. Bigby D., Kent L., Hurt K., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. ix, 195p. Illus. 42 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2847-7 (In English) Internet: The aims of this research into the safe application of underground mine support systems were to provide a detailed technical input for development and/or revision of the appropriate approved codes of practice, guidance documents and British and European standards and to produce a Coal Mine Roadway Support System Handbook. The research was designed to improve understanding of the performance and application of recently-developed roof support and reinforcement systems, and included the development of numerical modelling techniques and geotechnical monitoring systems. A laboratory testing technique was also developed for performance measurement of support systems for incorporation into new standards. The conclusions and recommendations are included in the manual, published separately. (103381)
CIS 04-449 Rock reinforcement and testing. Bigby D., Kent L., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. viii, 150p. Illus. 10 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2859-0 (In English) Internet: Fully encapsulated tendons and rockbolts provide safe and effective reinforcement for the relatively deep coal mines in weak strata generally worked in Europe. However, once a fully grouted tendon and rockbolt system has been installed, there is no way of determining whether it remains intact. Reinforced roadways also suffer the risk of deterioration over time and gate roadway stability can be jeopardized in the area of enhanced stress near the retreating/advancing face. If rockbolting is going to fulfill its potential for transforming European coal mining, appropriate instrumentation and strategies need to be developed to overcome these problems. This report presents work leading to a proposed integrated strategy including the in situ testing of the integrity of reinforcing tendons and grout, quality management, improved instrumentation and practical risk assessment procedures. (103389)
CIS 04-450 Design of ore and waste chutes. (French: Conception des cheminées à minerai et à stérile) Hadjigeorgiou J., Lessard J.F., Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. iii, 23p. Illus. 22 ref. Price: CAD 5.35. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22559-0 (In French) Internet: Mine chimneys are steep, underground openings into which ore is poured and then hoisted to the surface from the base of the central shafts. These chimneys occasionally become blocked, mainly due to the deterioration of their walls. The miners must then unblock them so that hauling work can continue. Given the nature of the activities carried out, this activity presents serious risks to miner safety. A analysis was carried out on the 60 accidents caused by work on these structures (of which nine were fatal) which occurred between 1987 and 1999. It was concluded that accidents could be prevented by improved chimney designs that would reduce the frequency of blockages and the deterioration of walls. The purpose of this research project was to take stock of the present situation prevailing in the Province of Quebec, to develop a chimney design aimed at avoiding blockages and preventing or reducing wall deterioration, as well as to publish a guide listing safe working methods. This document consists of the general report of the project, while specific aspects are covered in the documents analysed under CIS 04-451-453. (103474)
CIS 04-451 Guide for the design of ore and waste chutes. (French: Guide de conception des cheminées à minerai et à stérile) Lessard J.F., Hadjigeorgiou J., Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. 28p. Illus. 6 ref. Price: CAD 5.35. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22560-4 (In French) Internet: Aimed at mining engineers, this document is a guide to the design of mine ore and waste chutes that avoid blockages and prevent or reduce wall deterioration. It was prepared within the scope of the overall project on the design of ore and waste chutes analysed under CIS 04-450. See also CIS 04-452-453 for reports on other aspects of this project. (103475)
CIS 04-452 Guide for the de-blocking of ore and waste chutes. (French: Guide de déblocage des cheminées à minerai et à stérile) Hadjigeorgiou J., Lessard J.F., Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. 17p. Illus. Price: CAD 5.35. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22562-0 (In French) Internet: Aimed at mining engineers, this document is a guide for the safe de-blocking of mine ore and waste chutes. It was prepared within the scope of the overall project on the design of ore and waste chutes analysed under CIS 04-450. See also CIS 04-451 and 04-453 for reports on other aspects of this project. (103476)
CIS 04-453 List of work methods related to ore and waste chute clearing and rehabilitation operations. (French: Liste des méthodes de travail reliées aux opérations de déblocage et de réhabilitation des cheminées à minerai et à stérile) Hadjigeorgiou J., Lessard J.F., Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. ix, 20p. Illus. 1 ref. Price: CAD 5.35. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22561-2 (In French) Internet: Aimed at mining engineers, this document consists of the appendix to the guide for safe de-blocking of mine ore and waste chutes (see CIS 04-452). It provides additional information on various de-blocking methods including: water jets, drilling and use of explosives. It was prepared within the scope of the overall project on the design of ore and waste chutes analysed under CIS 04-450. See also CIS 04-451 for a guide to the design of mine ore and waste chutes that avoids blockages and prevents or reduces wall deterioration. (103477)
CIS 04-454 Design of a new auscultation device for layers of shotcrete on the walls of underground mines. (French: Conception d'un nouvel appareil d'auscultation des couches de béton projeté sur les parois des galeries de mines souterraines) Hassani F.P., Momayez M., Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. ix, 72p. Illus. 51 ref. Price: CAD 7.49. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22610-4 (In French) Internet: Rock falls cause many accidents in underground mines. Sprayed concrete is commonly used to shore up gallery walls, but its application is often uncontrolled and its properties difficult to evaluate. MSR Impact-echo seismic wave analysis technology is capable of non-destructively measuring the thickness, dynamic properties and failures of concrete layers more than 300mm thick. The goal of this project was to adapt this sprayed-concrete testing technique for use with concrete layers of thickness ranging between 25 and 300mm, and to develop a, portable, commercial instrument for the mining sector requiring minimum intervention from users. This fast, accurate and practical method has helped improve mine safety. Applications in the construction sector are being considered. (103480)
CIS 04-455 Load security investigation. Pulford T., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. vi, 33p. Illus. 1 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2902-3 (In English) Internet: A leading United Kingdom producer of building materials funded this project carried out at the test driving grounds of the Motor Industries Research Association (MIRA) to assess the stability of a variety of payloads on articulated vehicles during cornering and braking. For the cornering tests, measurements were made of lateral acceleration, semi-trailer roll angle and vehicle speed. For the braking tests, measurements were made of longitudinal acceleration levels and vehicle speed. Payload behaviour during all tests was recorded using a video camera mounted to the semi-trailer. Eleven different payloads were tested, representative of the building materials producer's concrete products range and restraint techniques currently in common use. Results indicate that the stability of the payload was influenced by a number of factors including the restraint system, the materials' packaging and the positioning and orientation of the materials on the truck bed. (103332)
CIS 04-456 Safe sites: Driver's perceptions. Winkler C., Irwin J.N., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. x, 52p. Illus. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2906-6 (In English) Internet: The HSE has identified the frequency of accidents to delivery drivers on delivery or collection sites as a source of serious concern. There is a wide variation in safety procedures on sites and it is considered that it would be useful to obtain the views of drivers into what constitutes a safe site. A focused investigation was undertaken using structured interviews of 22 drivers selected from enterprises in the logistics sector, using questionnaires targeting eight key areas, complemented by discussion to elicit wider opinions. A number of recommendations is made on the basis of the findings. (103333)
CIS 04-457 Preventing work-related slips, trips and falls. (Danish: Forebyggelse af glide-, fald- og snubleulykker på arbejdspladsen; Dutch: Preventie van glij- en struikelpartijen op het werk; Estonian: Tööga seotud libisemiste, komistamiste ja kukkumiste ärahoidmine; Finnish: Työhön liittyvien liukastumisten ja kompastumisten ehkäisy; French: Prévention des glissades, des faux-pas et des chutes sur les lieux de travail; German: Prävention von Arbeitsunfällen durch Ausrutschen und Stolpern; Greek: Ē prólēpsē ston hôro ergasías óson aforá ta olisthêmata kai ta parapatêmata; Italian: Scivolamenti e cadute sul lavoro - azioni preventive; Lithuanian: Su darbu susijusių paslydimų, griuvimų ir kritimų prevencija; Polish: Zapobieganie poślizgnięciom, potknięciom i upadkom w miejscu pracy; Portuguese: Prevenção de escorregões e tropeções relacionados com o exercício de uma profissão; Slovak: Prevencia pošmyknutia, potknutia a pádov na pracovisku; Slovenian: Preprečevanje zdrsov, spotikov in padcev pri delu; Spanish: Prevención de resbalones, tropiezos y caídas en el trabajo; Swedish: Förebyggande av halk- och snubbelrisker i arbetet) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2001. 2p. Illus. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Slips, trips and falls are the largest cause of accidents in all sectors from heavy manufacturing through to office work. In the UE Member States, they have been identified as the main causes of accidents that result in more than three days of absence from work. This fact sheet deals with the prevention of work-related slips trips and falls. It defines employer's responsibilities, key actions to manage risks as well as good working practices to eliminate risks at source. A case study is also presented. (103441)
CIS 04-458 Safety of machinery and equipment - Risk analysis - Methods for eliminating and controlling risk. (Polish: Bezpieczeństwo maszyn i urządzeń produkcyjnych - Analiza ryzyka - Metody eliminacji i ograniczania ryzyka) Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2002. 21p. Illus. 11 ref., ISBN 83-88703-69-2 (In Polish) Internet: This guide presents methods for the hazard evaluation of machinery and equipment, together with methods for controlling risks during their use. It is the Polish translation of a document published by the French Institute of Research and Safety (INRS DTE 127). (103284)
CIS 04-459 Safety of machinery and work equipment - Protective guards against mechanical hazards. (Polish: Maszyny i inne urządzenia technizne - Środki ochrony przed zagrożeniami mechanicznymi) Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2002. 70p. Illus. 13 ref., ISBN 83-88703-94-3 (In Polish) Internet: This guide presents examples of methods of protection against known mechanical hazards from machinery and work equipment. Contents: applicable standards; regulatory aspects; operating principles of the various protective devices; method for selecting and implementing a protection system. This document is a Polish translation of a document published by the French Institute of Research and Safety (INRS ED 807, CIS 01-386). (103288)
CIS 04-460 Safety in the storage and handling of steel and other metal stock. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Nov. 2004. iv, 92p. Illus. 38 ref. Price: GBP 14.00., ISBN 0-7176-1986-9 (In English) Internet: Storage and handling of metal stock accounted for 284 injuries according to provisional HSE figures for the reporting year 2003/04. The majority of these were musculoskeletal injuries, slips and trips, falls from heights, being struck or crushed by moving stock or heavy lifting attachments, being struck by moving vehicles or cut by sharp edges. This guidance examines causes of injuries and fatalities, legal requirements, common hazards and how they can be assessed and managed. It also covers the provision of training and information for employees, together with the inspection and maintenance of storage and handling equipment. It is aimed at persons working or involved in training staff in organizations such as stock producers, stockholders, stock hauliers or stock users. (103339)
CIS 04-461 NIOSH Alert - Preventing falls of workers through skylights and roof and floor openings. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2002, USA, Aug. 2004. 12p. Illus. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: Fatalities caused by falls remain a serious occupational safety issue throughout the United States. Falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic injury death in the workplace, accounting for 808 of 5900 (13.7%) of such fatalities in 2001. Contents of this booklet on the prevention of serious injuries and fatalities from falls: current standards; short case reports; recommendations aimed at employers, skylight manufacturers and designers, building owners and workers. A detachable poster is included. (103275)
CIS 04-462 Preventing vehicle transport accidents at the workplace. (Danish: Forebyggelse af transportulykker på arbejdspladsen; Dutch: Preventie van transportongevallen op het werk; Estonian: Liiklusõnnetuste ärahoidmine töökohal; Finnish: Ajoneuvo-onnettomuuksien ehkäiseminen työpaikoilla; French: Prévention des accidents impliquant des véhicules de transport sur le lieu de travail; German: Vermeiden von Unfällen beim innerbetrieblichen Transport und Verkehr (ITUV); Greek: Prólēpsē ergatikôn atuhēmátōn me ohêmata metaforás; Italian: Prevenzione degli infortuni sul lavoro con mezzi di trasporto; Lithuanian: Nelaimingų atsitikimų darbe, susijusių su transporto priemonėmis, prevencija; Polish: Zapobieganie wypadkom związanym z transportem w miejscach pracy; Portuguese: Evitar acidentes com veículos de transporte no local de trabalho; Slovak: Prevencia úrazov spôsobených vozidlami na pracovisku; Slovenian: Preprečevanje nezgod pri transportu z vozili na delovnem mestu; Spanish: Prevención de accidentes con vehículos de transporte en el lugar de trabajo; Swedish: Förebyggande av fordonsolyckor på arbetsplatsen) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2001. 2p. Illus. 6 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Every year, about 5500 persons are killed in workplace accidents in the EU, of which about one third are related to transport. These accidents can be avoided by effective management and prevention measures. Topics covered by this fact sheet: employers' responsibilities; practical accident prevention by risk assessment and collective measures to eliminate risks; safe workplaces and systems of work; driving and work practices; vehicle safety; safe use of forklift tucks; drivers' checklist. (103443)
CIS 04-463 Preventing road accidents involving heavy goods vehicles. (Danish: Forebyggelse af færdselsulykker, hvor tunge godskøretøjer er impliceret; Dutch: Voorkoming van verkeersongevallen met vrachtwagens; Estonian: Raskeveomasinatega maanteeõnnetuste ärahoidmine; Finnish: Kuorma-auto-onnettomuuksien torjunta; French: Prévenir les accidents de la route impliquant des poids lourds; German: Vermeidung von Unfällen mit Lastkraftwagen; Greek: Ē prólēpsē tōn odikôn atuhmátōn pou prokaloúntai me summetohê tōn baréōn fortēgôn ohmátōn; Italian: Prevenire gli incidenti stradali in cui sono coinvolti veicoli pesanti; Lithuanian: Nelaimingų atsitikimų darbe, susijusių su transporto priemonėmis, prevencija; Polish: Zapobieganie wypadkom drogowym z udziałem ciężarówek; Portuguese: Prevenção dos acidentes rodoviários com veículos pesados de mercadorias; Slovak: Prevencia dopravných nehôd s vozidlami s t'ažkými nákladmi; Slovenian: Preprečevanje prometnih nesreč s težkimi tovornimi vozili; Spanish: Prevención de accidentes de carretera en los que estén implicados vehículos pesados de mercancías; Swedish: Att förhindra vägtrafikolyckor med tunga fordon) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2001. 2p. Illus. 3 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Road safety is a priority for the European Union's transport policy. Although it is a shared responsibility between public authorities, enterprises and the general public, enterprises and employees in the transport sector should take a leading role. This fact sheet outlines some basic good practice principles for the road transport sector. Topics covered: safety aspects of road transportoperations; promotion of road safety in business relations; partnership with local authorities; professional driving and safety; employers' good practice checklist; drivers' good practice checklist. (103445)
CIS 04-464 Endotoxin exposure and lung cancer mortality by type of farming: Is there a hidden dose-response relationship?. Lange J.H., Mastrangelo G., Fedeli U., Fadda E., Rylander R., Lee E., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.10, No.2, p.229-232. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: Previous studies have suggested that persons in occupations exposed to endotoxins have a reduced rate of lung and respiratory system cancer. In particular, an earlier investigation found a significantly reduced risk of all sites malignant neoplasms in white male crop and livestock farmers, and black male and female crop farmers. The present study provides data on lung and respiratory system cancers in the same workers. Data were obtained from occupation and industry-coded death certificates collected from 26 US states for the period 1984-1993. Cause, sex and race specific proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were calculated using a NIOSH computer program. In each sex and race group, respiratory and lung cancer PMRs were lower than unity. Pooled lung cancer PMR was 0.80 in crop farmers and 0.70 in livestock farmers. These findings, together with those of an earlier study on Californian farmers, suggest a decreasing lung cancer risk with increasing endotoxin exposure, with a possible inverse dose-response relationship. (103370)
CIS 04-465 Borrelia burgdorferi infection among forestry workers - Assessed with an immunoenzymatic method (ELISA), PCR, and correlated with the clinical state of the patients. Niścigorska J., Skotarczak B., Wodecka B., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.10, No.1, p.15-19. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: Borreliosis or Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the introduction of one of a class of spirochetes (the most common being Borrelia burgdorferi) into the blood stream. It is spread through the bite of the common European tick Ixodes ricinus. The most frequent occurrence is found among forestry workers and inhabitants of wooded areas. Diagnosis is based on immunoserologic tests. This study involved 52 forestry workers in Poland who responded to a questionnaire and were subjected to medical examinations. 61% were found to be seropositive. Possible correlations between the results of serological and polymerase chain reaction tests with the clinical state of the patients were investigated. Despite finding IgM antibodies in 10 persons tested, which would indicate recent infection, no DNA of B. burgdorferi was detected in their blood. Also, no DNA of this bacteria was present in 8 persons with IgM and IgG antibodies. The clinical data suggested past symptomatic infection, or even more often, asymptomatic infection with B. burgdorferi (103362)
CIS 04-466 Evaluation of five extraction protocols for quantification of endotoxin in metalworking fluid aerosol. Thorne P.S., Bartlett K.H., Phipps J., Kulhankova K., Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Jan. 2003, Vol.47, No.1, p.31-36. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: Occupational exposures to endotoxin-contaminated, water-based metalworking fluids (MWFs) are thought to contribute to cases of respiratory illness. The method most commonly used to quantify endotoxin is the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay and this is the basis for the ASTM method E2144-01. In this study, multiple samples with similar mass and endotoxin loading were generated in order to compare four alternative extraction methods with the ASTM method. Aerosols with three concentrations of endotoxins (4.5, 350 and 1141EU/m3) were collected simultaneously on multiple filter samples using an exposure chamber system that provides a uniform distribution of MWF mist. It was found that the ASTM method yielded comparable estimations of MWF endotoxin aerosol concentrations but with higher variability than the four other extraction methods. In particular, extraction into pyrogen-free water at 25°C was more precise and simpler than the ASTM method. (103293)
CIS 04-467 Occupational exposure to airborne fungi among rice mill workers with special reference to aflatoxin producing A. flavus strains. Desai M.R., Ghosh S.K., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.10, No.2, p.159-162. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: This study was undertaken to evaluate workers' exposure to mycoflora in rice mills in an Indian region. The airborne fungal communities were isolated and identified quantitatively. Of all the isolates, genus Aspergillus was predominant and among the Aspergillus species, A. flavus was the common isolate, irrespective of the method applied for sample collection. The number of isolates recovered from exposed workplaces was significantly greater than in control areas. The percentage of aflatoxin positive strains of A. flavus was 8%. Surface morphology of aflatoxin positive strains was studied by scanning electron microscopy. High concentrations of total and respirable dust concentrations were found in the exposed workplaces, whereas in the stores only the total dust concentration was significantly higher than in control areas. The study indicates that rice mill workers are occupationally exposed to airborne aflatoxin producing strains of A. flavus and should be equipped with protective masks. (103366)
CIS 04-468 Exposure to airborne Gram-negative bacteria, dust and endotoxin in paper factories. Prażmo Z., Dutkiewicz J., Skórska C., Sitkowska J., Cholewa G., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.10, No.1, p.93-100. Illus. 54 ref. (In English) Internet: Air samples for determination of the concentration of Gram-negative bacteria, dust and endotoxin were collected at ten sites in two large pulp and paper mills in Poland. Plant "A" was an older facility while the plant "B" was a modern, fully automated factory with an effective ventilation system. The concentrations of Gram-negative bacteria in the air of examined factories were within a range of 11.0-310.0 cfu/m3, being the highest in plant A at the initial stages of the production cycle consisting of wood chip handling and pulp production. Although Gram-negative bacteria were present in the air of paper mills at relatively low concentrations which never exceeded the value of 1000 cfu/m3 proposed as a safe level, they may have adverse effects on exposed workers, as evidenced by high concentrations of airborne endotoxin and the presence of numerous potentially pathogenic species. Thus, these microorganisms pose a potential risk of respiratory disease for the workers of pulp and paper mills, in particular for those engaged in the handling of wood chips and pulp production. (103365)
CIS 04-469 Increased risk of hepatitis E in sewage workers from India. Vaidya S.R., Tilekar B.N., Walimbe A.M., Arankalle V.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 2003, Vol.45, No.11, p.1167-1170. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: Considering faeco-oral transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV), the risk of infection was assessed among sewage workers. The study involved 147 sewage workers and age-matched controls without exposure to sewage. IgG-anti-HEV positivity in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was significantly higher among sewage workers (56.5%) than among controls (19%). Furthermore, a significant rise in anti-HEV positivity was observed among sewage workers working for over five years. Multivariate regression analysis identified contact with sewage as the independent variable associated with anti-HEV positivity. Strict adherence to good working practices must take the top priority for the protection of these workers from sewage pathogens. (103318)
CIS 04-470 Determination of serum IgG antibodies to Bacillus anthracis protective antigen in environmental sampling workers using a fluorescent covalent microsphere immunoassay. Biagini R.E., Sammons D.L., Smith J.P., Page E.H., Snawder J.E., Striley C.A.F., MacKenzie B.A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2004, Vol.61, No.8, p.703-708. Illus. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: To evaluate potential exposure to Bacillis anthracis (Ba) spores in 28 sampling and decontamination workers in the aftermath of an anthrax terror attack in October 2001, serum Ba anti-protective antigen (PA) specific IgG antibodies were determined using a newly developed fluorescent covalent microsphere immunoassay (FCMIA). Four serum samples gave positive anti-PA IgG results, from the pre-entry and follow up samples of two workers who had received their last dose of anthrax vaccine in 2000. It appears that the workers either had insufficient exposure to Ba spores to cause the production of anti-PA IgG antibodies or they were exposed to anthrax spores without producing antibody. The FCMIA appears to be a fast, sensitive, accurate and precise method for the measurement of anti-PA IgG antibodies. (103360)
CIS 04-471 Anthrax. (French: Maladie du charbon (anthrax)) Internet information note, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 135 Hunter Street East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 1M5, 2001. 3p. (In English, French) Internet: Datasheet on anthrax: definition; causes; characteristics; symptoms and diagnosis; treatment; anthrax as an occupational disease; prevention. (103439)
CIS 04-472 Clostridium difficile. (French: Clostridium difficile) Internet information note, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 135 Hunter Street East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 1M5, 2004. 2p. (In English, French) Internet: Datasheet on the bacterial disease CDAD (Clostridium difficile-associated disease), associated with diarrhoea and intestinal inflammation. The disease can spread from patients to health-care personnel who take antibiotics or who are immune-compromised. (103440)
CIS 04-473 A participatory ergonomics intervention to reduce risk factors for low-back disorders in concrete laborers. Hess J.A., Hecker S., Weinstein M., Lunger M., Applied Ergonomics, Sep. 2004, Vol.35, No.5, p.427-441. Illus. 39 ref. (In English) Internet: The goals of this project were to implement an ergonomic innovation to decrease the risk of low-back disorders (LBD) among construction labourers. Four labourers manually moving a hose delivering fresh concrete to a placement site were evaluated while wearing a lumbar motion monitor, a tri-axial electrogoniometer that records position, velocity and acceleration. The hypothesis tested was that skid plates would prevent hose joints from catching on rebar matting, and the hose would slide more easily, decreasing the need for repetitive bending and use of excessive force. Worker perceptions of the innovation utility and exertion were surveyed. When using skid plates and after implementing ergonomic modifications proposed by the workers, it was observed that low back velocity, acceleration and moments were significantly reduced. These factors are known to be associated with the risk of LBDs. (103353)
CIS 04-474 Gender differences in the relations between work-related physical and psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal complaints. Hooftman W.E., van Poppel M.N.M., van der Beek A.J., Bongers P.M., van Mechelen W., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Aug. 2004, Vol.30, No.4, p.261-278. 104 ref. (In English) Internet: A systematic literature review was conducted to examine gender differences in the relations between psychosocial risk factors and musculoskeletal complaints. Several electronic databases were searched. The strength of the evidence was determined on the basis of the methodological quality and consistency of the study results. For lifting, strong evidence was found that men have a higher risk of back complaints than women. The same was found for the relationship between hand-arm vibration and neck-shoulder complaints. For arm posture, strong evidence was found that women have a higher risk of neck-shoulder complaints than men. For social support, no evidence of a gender difference was found for either neck-shoulder or back complaints. Finally for hand-wrist and lower-extremity complaints, inconclusive evidence was found due to a lack of high-quality studies. (103302)
CIS 04-475 Shift-dependent differences in self-reporting of health symptoms among shiftworkers. Pitsopoulos C.N., Greenwood K.M., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Sep. 2004, Vol.34, No.3, p.187-193. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined self-reports of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular symptoms among shiftworkers in Australia. Modified versions of the Standard Shiftwork Index (SSI) health measures were administered to a sample of 28 rotating shiftworkers. Self-reports of night shift symptoms were greater than those of the day shift. General, non-shift-specific reports represented an approximate average of these reports. Furthermore, self-reports of symptoms varied depending on when in the shift-cycle they were reported. No differences were detected between retrospective reports of shift-dependent symptoms and reports made immediately following completion of a set of shifts. The implications of the findings are discussed. (103379)
CIS 04-476 Development of action checkpoints for comfortable computer work. Iwakiri K., Mori I., Sotoyama M., Horiguchi K., Ochiai T., Jonai H., Saito S., Industrial Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.42, No.2, p.292-301. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: A manual and a checklist for undertaking measures to prevent fatigue in visual display terminals (VDT) workers are presented. Problems related to VDT work can be recognized by using the checklist which allows self-evaluation by the workers. The manual helps the workers to consider measures for improvement by themselves. (103490)
CIS 04-477 The psychosocial work environment and musculoskeletal disorders: Design of a comprehensive interviewer-administered questionnaire. Rugulies R., Braff J., Frank J.W., Aust B., Gillen M., Yen I.H., Bhatia R., Ames G., Gordon D., Gordon D.R., Janowitz I., Oman D., Jacobs B.P., Blanc P., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2004, Vol.45, No.5, p.428-439. 104 ref. (In English) Internet: An interdisciplinary team including biomedical, behavioural and social science researchers used an iterative process to develop an interviewer-administered questionnaire assessing psychosocial workplace exposures related to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The resulting questionnaire includes measures of psychosocial workplace factors based on two theoretical models, namely the "demand-control-support" and "effort-reward imbalance" models, supplemented by the additional psychosocial and physical measures including physical workload, socio-demographic factors, anthropometric characteristics, social relations, health behaviour and physical and psychological health. (103414)
CIS 04-478 Evaluation of strain on the spine and risks of injury to tissues during industrial load lifting tasks: Role of posture. (French: Evaluation des efforts dans la colonne vertébrale et des risques de blessures des tissus au cours de tâches industrielles d'élévation de charges - Rôle de la posture) Shirazi-Adl A., Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. 39p. Illus. 167 ref. Price: CAD 5.35. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22586-8 (In French) Internet: Although lifting of heavy loads has been associated with musculoskeletal disorders of the lower back, there is little consensus on postures that are the most effective for avoiding injury. The aim of this research was to develop a kinematically- and kinetically-valid model of lifting that takes into account the relationship between active and passive spinal column systems and the effect of heavy loads on joints. The model allows to predict muscular force and sheds light on the effect and hazards of various lifting postures. It helps prevent injuries by establishing weight limits and optimal postures for lifting and providing information that improves the efficiency of therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions. (103478)
CIS 04-479 Guidance note for the prevention of occupational overuse syndrome in keyboard employment. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (Worksafe Australia), Australian Government Publishing Service, GPO Box 84, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia, 2003. vii, 94p. 120 ref., ISBN 0-644-45167-X (In English) Internet: Contents of this guidance document: introduction (description of occupational overuse syndrome, overview of strategies); strategy for prevention; strategies for case management. In appendices: human factors in computer-aided design and in counter operation; telephone operations and keyboard work; glossary. (103433)
CIS 04-480 Repetitive strain injuries in EU Member States - Summary of an Agency report. (French: Lésions résultant de l'exécution de gestes répétitifs (RSI) dans les Etats membres de l'UE - Résumé d'un rapport de l'Agence; Spanish: Lesiones por movimientos repetitivos en los Estados miembros de la UE - Resumen de un informe de la Agencia) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2000. 2p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: Repetitive strain injury (RSI) covers a range of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. These disorders can affect both upper and lower limbs including the shoulders and neck, the wrist, elbows and knees, and can be caused by work involving awkward postures and movements or of a highly repetitive or fast-paced nature. This fact sheet highlights the findings of a report of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work entitled Repetitive strain injuries in the Member States of the European Union, and is based on the results of a questionnaire survey conducted in 1999. The objective of the survey was to determine know how various European countries define and measure the RSI problem and the types of policies and actions they have in place to tackle it. This fact sheet is also available in Danish, Greek, Finnish, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish and Swedish (see http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/). (103404)
CIS 04-481 Work-related low back disorders - Summary of Agency report. (French: Les lombalgies d'origine professionnelle - Résumé d'un rapport de l'Agence; Spanish: Trastornos dorsolumbares de origen laboral - Resumen del informe de la Agencia) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2000. 2p. Illus. 11 ref. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: Work-related low back disorders, covering both low back pain and low back injuries, are a significant and increasing problem in Europe. This fact sheet highlights the key findings of a report of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work on the prevalence, origins, work-related risk factors and effective prevention strategies for low back disorders. The fact sheet is also available in Danish, Greek, Estonian, Finnish, German, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese and Swedish (see http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/). (103408)
CIS 04-482 Guidance note for the prevention of occupational overuse syndrome in the manufacturing industry. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (Worksafe Australia), Australian Government Publishing Service, GPO Box 84, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia, 2nd ed., 1996. vii, 106p. 122 ref., ISBN 0-644-45165-3 (In English) Internet: Contents of this guidance note: description of occupational overuse syndrome (also known as repetition strain injury, RSI); responsibilities in the implementation of preventive strategies; strategy for prevention (organization and design of work systems and of workplaces; training and education of workers, managers, supervisors and health and safety representatives); an occupational overuse syndrome individual work area checklist. In annex: full text of the National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Occupational Overuse Syndrome (NOHSC: 2013 (1994), see CIS 95-784), which discusses definitions, description of the syndrome, strategy for prevention (work organization, job and task design, task variation and work pauses, work adjustment periods, workplace and work environment design, technology selection, equipment and machine design, education and training, exercise programmes, health assessment), strategy for case management; social factors in work system design and redesign; glossary of terms. Previous edition: CIS 93-696. (103434)
CIS 04-483 Inventory of socio-economic information about work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the Member States of the European Union. (French: Inventaire des informations socioéconomiques concernant les troubles musculosquelettiques liés au travail dans les Etats membres de l'Union européenne; Spanish: Los trastornos musculoesqueléticos de origen laboral en los Estados miembros de la Unión Europea: inventario de factores socioeconómicos) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2000. 4p. Illus. 25 ref. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This inventory of socio-economic information with respect to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) brings together existing information from European Member States about specific cost elements related to these disorders. It aims to present basic socio-economic information that can be used in the prevention of MSDs and/or the reintegration into employment of workers with this disorder. This fact sheet is also available in German (see http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/). (103407)
CIS 04-484 Burnout and work environments of public health nurses involved in mental health care. Imai H., Nakao H., Tsuchiya M., Kuroda Y., Katoh T., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.61, No.9, p.764-768. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: In this case-control study of burnout among psychiatric nurses, cases comprised 525 public health nurses engaged in mental health services at public health centres, while the control group comprised 525 public health nurses engaged in other health services. Pines' Burnout Scale was used to measure burnout. A questionnaire was also prepared to investigate systems for supporting nurses working at public health centres and to define emergency mental health service factors contributing to burnout. Prevalence of burnout was significantly higher in the psychiatric group (59.2%) than in the control group (51.5%). Lack of job control and frequent overtime in emergency services were significantly correlated with prevalence of burnout in the psychiatric group, but not in the control group. (103357)
CIS 04-485 Investigating factors that influence individual safety behaviour at work. Mullen J., Journal of Safety Research, 2004, Vol.35, No.3, p.275-285. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: A qualitative study was conducted to investigate the factors that influence individual safety behaviour at work. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from a variety of occupations. The analysis revealed several organizational and social factors that explain why some individuals engage in unsafe work practices. The influence of organizational and social factors on safety behaviour was discussed. The results suggest that important organizational factors, in addition to job design and engineering systems, may be overlooked when identifying the causes of workplace accidents. Such factors include early socialization, and the need to portray a positive image. The implications for management are discussed. (103305)
CIS 04-486 Psychological mechanisms of coping with job loss. Makselon-Kowalska B., Polish Psychological Bulletin, 2003, Vol.34, No.2, p.73-83. Illus. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: A classification of various ways of coping with job loss is presented. The classification is based on the psychological model of coping behaviour regulation. Data obtained from a group of 400 unemployed persons who responded to a questionnaire allowed to identify four types of coping programs. These types differ firstly in terms of choices made by the unemployed persons during consecutive stages of the coping process and secondly, relative to the choices, in the amount of psychological costs involved in the process. (103321)
CIS 04-487 Contextual factors in workplace violence. Nelson L., Tonks G., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Apr. 2004, Vol.20, No.2, p.115-126. Illus. 51 ref. (In English) Internet: Workplace aggression and violence spans a continuum that ranges from homicide to discourteous behaviour. Although incidents at the lower end of this scale attract much less popular and academic attention, all forms of violence represent a significant cost to organizations and society. Research is in its infancy, with much of the literature focusing on the classification of violence, profiles of those involved, explanations of its occurrence, and suggested remedies. Generally, theory generation has been limited to the development of process models, psychological profiling and the application of various managerially based solutions. Using data gathered from two case studies, this investigation explores the workplace contexts which contribute to violence and, using these, suggests a model of violence. The behavioural spiralling effect identified by previous researchers is confirmed, suggesting that managers should take action to stop the spiral at an early stage. (103322)
CIS 04-488 Contractual relationships and bullying at the workplace: A comparative analysis. (Spanish: Relaciones contractuales y acoso psicológico en el trabajo: un análisis comparativo) Moreno-Jiménez B., Rodriguez Muñoz A., Garrosa Hernández E., Morante Benadero M.E., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Dec. 2004, Vol.L, No.197, p.19-26. Illus. 31 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this study was to analyse possible differences in the nature and extent of bullying as a function of the type of employment contract. It involved 103 public transport workers of the Urban Community of Madrid. Participants responded to a questionnaire on personal data, the type of employment contract, the extent of bullying, and organizational and leadership factors. Findings highlight significant differences between workers under temporary and permanent contracts concerning bullying and social isolation. Various hypotheses are put forward to explain the incidence of work contract flexibility on bullying at the place of work. (103467)
CIS 04-489 An occupational health problem: Occupational stress and burnout. (Spanish: Un problema de salud laboral: "estrés" laboral - burnout) Fernández Rodríguez J.L., Álvarez de Cienfuegos Gálvez I., Doménech Muñiz G., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Dec. 2004, Vol.L, No.197, p.65-78. 79 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Approximately one third of workers within the European Union report being subject to stress at work. Occupational stress is one of the main causes of health problems. It accounts for over a quarter of the cases of sickness absenteeism lasting more than two weeks. This article reviews the current situation with respect to occupational stress and burnout. Contents: epidemiology and costs; definition of stress and its various forms; triggering factors; consequences for workers and the enterprise; prevention (primary, secondary and tertiary); treatment (personal, group and organizational strategies); legal aspects. (103470)
CIS 04-490 Psychological work environment. (Russian: Psihologičeskij klimat na rabote) Barents - Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, 2004, Vol.7, No.2, p.35-51 (whole issue). Illus. 14 ref. (In English, Russian) Internet: Collection of articles on the psychological work environment and other topics of relevance to Nordic countries and Russia. Topics covered: psychological work environment and corporate social responsibility; stress at work and healthy work organization; social aspects of employment of young persons in Northern Finland; online training resources in occupational safety and health; review of a conference on toxicology held in Tampere, Finland, 11-15 July 2004. (103493)
CIS 04-491 Incorporating psychosocial issues into our conceptual models of OHS. Dollard M., Knott V., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Aug. 2004, Vol.20, No.4, p.345-358. Illus. 51 ref. (In English) Internet: This article discusses both psychosocial stressors and psychological injury as necessary components of any conceptual model of occupational safety and health (OHS). It is argued that workplace mental health is as important as workplace physical health, and that psychosocial risk control is required to achieve a healthy and safe work environment. The article specifically examines psychosocial risks in OHS, and concentrates on mental health outcomes rather than physical health outcomes as this component of OHS seems less keenly developed in conceptual models of OHS. Finally, a model of best practice in psychological injury management is presented. (103351)
CIS 04-492 The role of work stress and psychological factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Devereux J., Rydstedt L., Kelly V., Weston P., Buckle P., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. x, 139p. Illus. 79 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2903-1 (In English) Internet: This study was conducted to establish the role of stress and other psychological factors on the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders. A prospective epidemiological cohort study design was chosen. This comprised a baseline cross-sectional study of 8000 workers drawn from 20 enterprises across 11 industrial sectors in the United Kingdom, 3139 of whom were then followed for 15 months. Baseline and follow-up data were collected by means of questionnaires. Work effort, unclear role definition and verbal abuse with clients or the public were the most important factors of perceived job stress. High perceived job stress was found to be an intermediate factor between high exposure to both physical and psychosocial work risk factors and self-reported low back, upper back and hand-wrist complaints. (103376)
CIS 04-493 Drug and alcohol testing in the workplace. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1994. v, 140p., ISBN 92-2-109098-1 (In English) Internet: The ILO interregional tripartite experts meeting on drug and alcohol testing in the workplace was held on Oslo, Norway, on 10-14 May 1993 with the objective of developing an international set of guiding principles on drug and alcohol testing at the workplace. This document consists of a record of the meeting, and contains: reports of the two working groups (on policy definition and on policy implementation); guiding principles on drug and alcohol testing at the workplace; working paper summaries; position papers. (103272)
CIS 04-494 Research on work-related stress - Summary of an Agency report. (French: Stress au travail - Résumé d'un rapport de l'Agence; Spanish: Estrés en el trabajo - Resumen de un informe de la Agencia) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2000. 2p. Illus. 1 ref. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This fact sheet summarizes a report of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work on the consequences of stress at work for the health of employees and their organizations (see CIS 01-295). The causes of work-related stress are identified and a problem-solving approach is proposed to prevent and manage work-related stress. Research priorities in this field are also highlighted. This fact sheet is also available in Danish, Greek, Finnish, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Swedish (see http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/). (103406)
CIS 04-495 Work-related stress. (Danish: Arbejdsbetinget stress; Dutch: Arbeidsgebonden stress; Estonian: Tööstress; Finnish: Työperäinen stressi; French: Stress au travail; German: Arbeitsbedingter Stress; Greek: Ághos pou ofeíletai stēn ergasía; Italian: Stress legato all'attività lavorativa; Lithuanian: Stresas darbe; Portuguese: Stresse relacionado com o trabalho; Slovak: Stres pri práci; Slovenian: Stres na delovnem mestu; Spanish: El estrés relacionado con el trabajo; Swedish: Arbetsrelaterad stress) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 2p. Illus. 8 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: In the European Union, work-related stress (WRS) is the second most common work-related health problem, after back pain, affecting 28% of EU workers. This fact sheet sets out a risk assessment and prevention approach that can be applied to WRS and its causes. It is intended for those seeking to tackle WRS in the workplace. (103449)
CIS 04-496 Bullying at work. (Danish: Mobning på arbejdspladsen; Dutch: Pesten op het werk; Estonian: Tööga seotud stress; Finnish: Työpaikkakiusaaminen; French: Harcèlement moral sur le lieu de travail; German: Mobbing; Greek: Parenóhlēsē ston hôro ergasías; Italian: Il mobbing sul posto di lavoro; Lithuanian: Bauginimai darbe; Portuguese: O assédio moral no local de trabalho; Slovak: Šikanovanie na pracovisku; Slovenian: Ustrahovanje na delovnem mestu; Spanish: Acoso moral en el trabajo; Swedish: Mobbning på arbetsplatsen) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 2p. Illus. 4 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Bullying at work constitutes a significant problem in the European work force. The associated costs are considerable for both the worker and the organization. Prevention of bullying at work is one of the objectives of the European Commission' new strategy on health and safety at work. This fact sheet focuses on the use of intimidation in relationships between colleagues. Topics covered: definition of bullying; extent of the problem and persons affected; why bullying occurs; consequences; EU legislation; prevention of bullying at the workplace. (103450)
CIS 04-497 Violence at work. (Danish: Vold på arbejdspladsen; Dutch: Geweld (agressie) op de werkplek; Estonian: Töövägivald; Finnish: Työpaikalla tapahtuva häirintä ja väkivalta; French: La violence au travail; German: Gewalt bei der Arbeit; Greek: Bía stēn ergasía; Italian: La violenza sul lavoro; Lithuanian: Smurtas darbe; Portuguese: Violência no trabalho; Slovak: Násilie na pracovisku; Slovenian: Nasilje na delovnem mestu; Spanish: La violencia en el trabajo; Swedish: Våld på arbetsplatsen) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 2p. Illus. 5 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Violence at work is a significant cause of work-related stress (WRS, CIS 04-495). Prevention of violence at work is one of the objectives of the European Commission in its new strategy on safety and health at work. This fact sheet gives information and suggestions for persons seeking to take practical action to tackle violence at work. Topics covered: definition of violence; persons affected; risk factors; consequences; EU legislation; prevention of violence at the workplace. (103451)
CIS 04-498 Accessing information on stress at work from http://osha.eu.int/ew2002/. (Danish: Adgang til oplysninger om stress på arbejdspladsen fra http://osha.eu.int/ew2002/; Dutch: Informatie over stress op het werk op http://osha.eu.int/ew2002/; Finnish: Tietoa työstressistä saa osoitteesta http://osha.eu.int/ew2002/; French: Accédez à une mine d'information en ligne sur le stress au travail, à l'adresse: http://osha.eu.int/ew2002/; German: Zugang zu Informationen über Stress bei der Arbeit von der Website http://osha.eu.int/ew2002/; Greek: Prósbasē stis plēroforíes gia to ergasiakó ághos mésō tēs dieúthunsēs http://osha.eu.int/ew2002/; Italian: Lo stress sul lavoro: informazioni all'indirizzo http://osha.eu.int/ew2002/; Portuguese: Aceder a informações sobre o stresse no trabalho a partir do endereço: http://osha.eu.int/ew2002/; Spanish: Acceso a la información sobre el estrés en el trabajo desde http://osha.eu.int/ew2002/; Swedish: Information om stress på arbetsplatsen på http://osha.eu.int/ew2002/) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 2p. Illus. 1 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: More than one in four workers are affected by work-related stress in the European Union. This fact sheet explains how to access information on work-related stress and its key causes, from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work website. (103456)
CIS 04-499 Practical advice for workers on tackling work-related stress and its causes. (Danish: Praktisk vejledning til arbejdstagere om håndtering af stress og årsagerne hertil; Dutch: Praktische oplossingen voor werknemers ter bestrijding van stress op het werk en de onderliggende oorzaken; Finnish: Käytännön neuvoja työstressistä ja sen seurauksista kärsiville; French: Conseils pratiques aux travailleurs pour maîtriser le stress lié au travail et ses causes; German: Bewältigung von arbeitsbedingtem Stress und seinen Ursachen: einige praktische Tipps für Arbeitnehmer; Greek: Praktikés sumboulés pros tous ergazómenous gia tēn antimetôpisē tou ergasiakoú ághous kai tōn aitíōn tou; Italian: Consigli pratici destinati ai lavoratori su come affrontare lo stress legato all'attività lavorativa e le sue cause; Portuguese: Conselhos práticos para os trabalhadores lidarem com o stresse no trabalho e as suas causas; Slovenian: Praktični nasveti za delavce o odpravljanju stresa v zvezi z delom in njegovih vzrokov; Spanish: Consejos prácticos para los trabajadores sobre cómo abordar el estrés relacionado con el trabajo y sus causas; Swedish: Praktiska råd till anställda om hur arbetsrelaterad stress kan bekämpas och om dess orsaker) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 2p. Illus. 2 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: This fact sheet gives information and suggestions for workers on tackling work-related stress and its causes. Topics covered: definition of work-related stress; causes of stress at work; responsibilities of employers in reducing work-related stress; check-list of problems at the workplace which can induce work-related stress; how to tackle work-related stress; what to do after a stress-related illness; how to help other people suffering from work-related stress. (103457)
CIS 04-500 How to tackle psychosocial issues and reduce work-related stress. (Danish: Hvorledes håndteres psykosociale spørgsmål, og hvorledes reduceres arbejdsbetinget stress; Dutch: Aanpak van psychosociale problemen en vermindering van stress op het werk; Estonian: Kuidas lahendada psühhosotsiaalseid küsimusi ja vähendada tööstressi; Finnish: Miten psykososiaalisia kysymyksiä olisi käsiteltävä ja työperäistä stressiä vähennettävä?; French: Problèmes psychosociaux et stress au travail; German: Über den Umgang mit psychosozialen Problemen und die Reduzierung von arbeitsbedingtem Stress; Greek: Trópoi antimetôpisēs tōn psuhokoinōnikôn themátōn kai meíōsēs tou ághous pou ofeíletai stēn ergasía; Italian: Combattere la pressione psicosociale e ridurre lo stress legato al lavoro; Portuguese: Como enfrentaros riscos psicossociais e reduzir o Stresse no Trabalho; Slovak: Ako zvládnut' psychosociálne problémy a znížit pracovný stres; Spanish: Cómo abordar los problemas psicosociales y reducir el estrés laboral; Swedish: Att hantera psykosociala frågor och minska arbetsrelaterad stress) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2002. 2p. Illus. 2 ref. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: This fact sheet summarizes a report covering a number of programmes, practices and experiences across the Member States of the EU aimed at addressing psychosocial issues and preventing work-related stress. Topics covered: aims of the report; legislation and national regulations; improvements of the psychosocial work environment; reduction of stress; prevention of violence; prevention of bullying; success factors of good practice in stress prevention. (103458)
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