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ILO-CIS Bulletin 2005/02CIS 05-251 --- CIS 05-500Laws, regulations, directivesCIS 05-251 Manual of labour law [Poland]. (German: Arbeitsgesetzbuch; Polish: Kodeks pracy) Jóźwik B., Wołk-Karaczewska L., Ośrodek Doradztwa i Doskonalenia Kadr Sp. z o.o., ul. Obrońców Westerplatte 32a, 80-317 Gdańsk Oliwa, Poland, 2004. 329p., ISBN 83-7187-954-7 (In German, Polish) Internet: This publication reproduces the complete version of the Polish Labour Code of June 26, 1974, effective as of 1 January 2004, in Polish and in German. (104197)
CIS 05-252 Law on the safety of equipment and products (GPSG) - Law on the reform of the safety of technical equipment and consumer products, including ordinances [Germany]. (German: Geräte- und Produktsicherheitsgesetz - GPSG - Gesetz zur Neuordnung der Sicherheit von technischen Arbeitsmitteln und Verbrauchsprodukten einschliesslich der Verordnungen) Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 117p. Illus. Price: EUR 12.50., ISBN 3-86509-139-3 (In German) Internet: This document reproduces in its totality the law concerning the reform of the safety of technical equipment and consumer goods (GPSG) which came into effect on 9 January 2004, together with its related ordinances. This law transposes Directive 2001/95/EC into national law and repeals the law on the equipment safety (GSG) and the law product safety (ProdSG) by integrating the core elements of these two laws. Replaces CIS 95-5. (104202)
Chemical data sheets and criteria documentsCIS 05-253 Joint assessment of commodity chemicals No.34: Acrylic acid (CAS No. 79-10-7). European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC), Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Sep. 1995. 67p. 175 ref. (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document on acrylic acid (AA): no deaths or serious effects have been reported in humans exposed to acute doses of AA. The main potential exposures are through the dermal and inhalation routes. The pungent odour and the irritating properties of AA act as a deterrent. Undiluted AA is corrosive to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Exposure to industrial atmospheres containing AA may produce eye, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract irritation. Pure AA is not a skin sensitizer. Current occupational exposure limits protect workers against potential adverse health effects. (104099)
CIS 05-254 Phthalates. (French: Phtalates) Saillenfait A.M., Laudet-Hesbert A., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 1st Quarter 2005, No.146, 9p. 102 ref. (In French) Internet: Phthalic esters or organic phthalates consist of a family of chemicals that are widely used, mainly as PVC plasticizers for numerous consumer and industrial products. Their volatility and water solubility are low. This information note covers the six phthalates whose use is currently the most important. Among rodents, the main observed toxic effects concern the liver, and include liver tumours in the case of diisononyl phthalate and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. However, it is generally accepted that in view of the mode of action of these substances these effects cannot be extrapolated to humans. The effects of certain phthalates that are the cause of most concern relate to reproductive and pre-birth developmental effects: di-n-butyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate can affect the male reproductive system (both during development and among adults) and are embryotoxic and foetotoxic. (104101)
CIS 05-255 n-Butyl methacrylate (CAS No.97-88-1), isobutyl methacrylate (CAS No.97-86-9). European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Dec. 1996. 76p. Approx. 288 ref. (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document: no adverse systemic health effects of n-butyl methacrylate or isobutyl methacrylate have been reported in humans; their sensitization potential appears to be low. Animal studies indicate that the main effect is local irritation at the site of contact following inhalation exposure, the major route of occupational exposure. It is concluded that upper respiratory tract irritation is the most common effect of inhalation exposure to these substances. (104247)
CIS 05-256 Toxicological profile for synthetic vitreous fibers. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2004. xx, 275p. Illus. Approx. 720 ref. (In English) Internet: This profile has been prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects of synthetic vitreous fibres is identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; relevance to public health; health effects; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. Health hazards include: skin and eye irritation and irritation of the respiratory tract. Based on animal experiments, IARC determined that refractory ceramic fibres are possibly carcinogenic to humans (group 2B) because of their high biopersistence. (104055)
CIS 05-257 Toxicological profile for chlorine dioxide. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2004. xix, 143p. Illus. Approx. 300 ref. (In English) Internet: This profile has been prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects chlorine dioxide is identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; health effects; relevance to public health; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. Health hazards include: eye, nose and respiratory tract irritation. Animal studies show developmental effects, however at high concentrations unlikely to be encountered by humans. (104056)
CIS 05-258 Toxicological profile for ammonia (Update). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2004. xix, 223p. Illus. Approx. 650 ref. (In English) Internet: This profile has been prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects of ammonia is identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; health effects; relevance to public health; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. Health hazards include: irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, while severe exposure can cause burns of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Ingestion of concentrated ammonia solutions can produce severe burns and haemorrhage of the upper gastrointestinal tract, often leading to secondary effects such as infections and renal failure. Death has resulted from sudden accidental massive exposure to anhydrous ammonia and from ingestion of concentrated ammonia. The carcinogenic potential of ammonia has not been established. (Update of CIS 91-1258). (104057)
CIS 05-259 Toxicological profile for copper (Update). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2004. xx, 272p. Illus. Approx. 880 ref. (In English) Internet: This profile has been prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects of copper is identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; health effects; relevance to public health; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. There is little information on copper toxicity in man. Respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatic and dermal effects have been observed in factory workers following inhalation exposure and there are reports of acute gastrointestinal effects following ingestion of large amounts of copper. Long-term exposure to high levels of copper in food or water may cause liver and kidney damage, possibly leading to death. (Update of CIS 91-1263). (104058)
CIS 05-260 Toxicological profile for polybrominated biphenyls and poybrominated diphenyl ethers (Update). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2004. xx, 564p. Illus. Approx. 1150 ref. (In English) Internet: This profile has been prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects of polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and poybrominated diphenyl ethers are identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; health effects; relevance to public health; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. Health hazards include acne and hair loss. Animal experiments show PBBs to cause birth defects at high concentrations. PBBs are possible human carcinogens (IARC group 2B). (Update of CIS 97-225). (104059)
Training materials and practical informationCIS 05-261 Tractor action safety training guide. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2nd ed., Jan. 2004. iv. 28p. Illus. 19 ref., ISBN 0-7176-2712-8 (In English) Internet: On average, ten persons die and hundreds are injured each year in tractor accidents in the United Kingdom. This safety training guide presents safety procedures for users of tractors or tractor-operated machinery. It is designed for use by safety trainers, both in agricultural colleges and in workplace-based training. It includes safety checklists, case descriptions of accidents and questions for self-appraisal of the understanding of safety issues. (104036)
CIS 05-262 Integrated occupational safety and health management - Safety in laboratories - The ergonomic approach. (French: La gestion intégrée de la santé et la sécurité du travail - La sécurité dans les laboratoires - L'approche ergonomique) Mtiraoui A., ed., Institut de Santé et de Sécurité au Travail, 5 Bd Mustapha Khaznadar, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia, 1999. 121p. Illus. (Vol.1); 108p. Illus (Vol. 2). (In French) Internet: These training modules on occupational safety and health are the result of a collaboration between the Tunisian Occupational Safety and Health Institute (ISST) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Module 1 entitled "Safety in laboratories" covers practical measures to be implemented when working in chemical or biological laboratories. It discusses the organizational and technical aspects of safe work in laboratories. Module 2 entitled "The ergonomic approach" outlines the basic principles of ergonomics and describes the implementation of an ergonomic intervention in the workplace. (104069)
Periodicals, books, databases, audiovisualsCIS 05-263 A survey of OSH programs and courses offered by Australian universities. Winder C., Abdullah D., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Oct.2004, Vol.20, No.5, p.445-457. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: The purpose of this investigation was to look into the current status of OHS education in Australian tertiary institutions by analysing the scope and depth of the OHS programmes and courses being offered, as assessed from the institutions' websites. This analysis found that many universities have instituted OHS programmes that include training certificates and diplomas, bachelor degrees and research degrees at the master and doctorate level. While many OHS programmes are of a generalist type, some are designed for specific areas of OHS practice, such as occupational hygiene or occupational medicine. Furthermore, the number of universities offering OHS courses is steadily increasing because of the high demand for professional OHS practitioners. (104028)
CIS 05-264 Towards a model of safety climate measurement. Alhemood A. M., Genaidy A. M., Shell R., Gunn M., Shoaf C., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.303-318. Illus. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study, a survey instrument was developed to measure safety climate. A review of the scientific literature and consultation with an expert panel were used to determine the survey's input variables. Next, the survey was administered to employees of the City of Cincinnati Department of Public Works, first as a pilot study to 15 employees, then as a full-scale study to all 229 employees. The psychometric integrity of the survey was assessed according to validity, reliability and utility criteria. Results are presented and discussed. (104221)
CIS 05-265 The effect of rate denominator source on US fatal occupational injury rate estimates. Richardson D., Loomis D., Bailer A.J., Bena J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.46, No.3, p.261-270. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: The Current Population Survey (CPS) is often used as a source of information for analyses of US fatal occupational injury rates. However; given the relatively small sample size of the CPS, analyses that examine the cross-classification of occupation or industry with demographic or geographic characteristics may produce imprecise estimates. The Decennial Census of Population (DCP) provides an alternative source of information. This study investigates the comparability of fatal injury rates derived using these two sources of information. It is concluded that the DCP offers a reasonable source for deriving fatal injury data in situations where the CPS does not provide sufficiently precise data, although the DCP may underestimate the population-at-risk in some industries with seasonal variations in employment. (104026)
CIS 05-266 Occupational accident insurance reform and legislation in China. (French: L'assurance contre les accidents du travail en Chine: réforme et législation; German: Reform und Gesetzgebung der chinesischen Arbeitsunfallversicherung; Spanish: Reforma y legislación del seguro de accidentes del trabajo en China) Cheng Y., Darimont B., International Social Security Review - Revue internationale de sécurité sociale, Jan.-Mar. 2005, Vol.58, No.1, p.85-97. 23 ref. (In English, French, German, Spanish) Internet: The number of occupational accidents has increased in China in recent years as business privatization has led to the abandonment of state-run administrative and supervisory bodies. This paper describes the new rules on occupational accident insurance introduced in January 2004. All firms are now required to have occupational accident insurance and to pay contributions. All workers, including itinerant workers, are entitled to benefits from such insurance. However, it will take a few years to prove that these legislative improvements are really practicable, as the system still offers no effective protection of legal rights. (104161)
CIS 05-267 Management of temporary invalidity benefits with the help of artificial neural networks. (Spanish: Gestión de la prestación por incapacidad temporal mediante redes neuronales artificiales) Romay López R., Santín González D., L. de Guevara J., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Aug. 2003, Vol.XLX, No.192, p.47-65. Illus. 18 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: In Spain, temporary invalidity (TI) gave rise to approximately three billion euros of direct costs and twelve billion euros of indirect costs in 1997. Furthermore, current methods do not allow the detection of cheating. The purpose of this work was to propose a model for TI management using neural networks (artificial intelligence) to lower individual costs of TI compensation in a rational manner. The application of this model to all cases of absenteeism processed in the province of Guadalajera between 1995 and 2002 would have resulted in estimated savings of 18 million euros for all cases where absenteeism exceeded double the length of time predicted by the model. If a third of these cases involved cheating, the net savings for the period would have been six million euros. Use of this model therefore allows a rationalization of the management of cases and a control of benefits granted. (104176)
CIS 05-268 Analysis of fatal occupational accidents in Spain. (Spanish: Análisis de los accidentes de trabajo mortales en España) Fraile Cantalejo A., Tejedor Aibar M.M, de la Orden Rivera M.V., Prevención, trabajo y salud, Feb. 2005, No.34, p.24-42. Illus. 3 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this analysis was to determine the profile of fatal occupational accidents and their causes. It involved the analysis of the 529 fatal occupational accidents that occurred in Spain in 2002. The breakdown of these accidents was examined by sector of activity, occupation, type of work contract, size of enterprise, type of accident and causal agent. A classification by groups of causes was carried out, and the various causes were analysed. Finally, the occupational safety measures were listed. Results show that 46.5% of the fatal occupational accidents occurred in the construction sector. Contract type and enterprise size had an influence on accident frequency. Falls from heights, entanglements, falls of objects and strikes by objects or vehicles represented the most frequent types of accident. (104180)
CIS 05-269 The role and effectiveness of safety representatives in influencing workplace health and safety. Walters D., Nichols T., Connor J., Tasiran A.C., Cam S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. xv, 159p. 146 ref. Price: GBP 30.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-6136-9 (In English) Internet: Through a series of case studies in the chemicals and construction industries, this study examines the role of worker representation and consultation in improving health and safety performance and explores which arrangements work best and why. The study concludes that worker representation and consultation have the potential to raise safety and health awareness among both workers and managers and to effect improvements in safety and health management. Findings also suggest the effectiveness of representation and consultation is dependent on a number of preconditions, including the commitment of senior management to safety and health, competent risk evaluation and control and effective external inspection. (104240)
CIS 05-270 Health and safety statistics highlights 2003/04. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Nov. 2004. 38p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This report presents the statistics on workplace fatalities and injuries, and work-related ill health in the United Kingdom for 2003/2004. Data are presented by region and major sectors of activity. For occupational diseases, specific data are provided for musculoskeletal diseases, stress and violence, mesothelioma, asbestosis, pneumoconiosis, asthma, dermatitis, infections, hearing loss, vibration white finger and lead exposure. (104038)
CIS 05-271 HELA national picture 2004 - Health and safety in local authority enforced sectors. Health and Safety Commission, HSE Books, P.O.Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Nov. 2004. 38p. lllus. (In English) Internet: This document presents statistics of health and safety in local authority (HELA) enforced sectors during 2003-2004. Contents: summary; fatal and non-fatal injuries; occupational diseases; targets for improvement; occupational accidents and diseases in several key sectors; occupational accidents and diseases by region; inspection and enforcement activities; comparison of injury risk with inspection activity. (104039)
CIS 05-272 Injury facts. Research and Statistics Department, National Safety Council, 1121 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca, Illinois 60143, USA, 2001. vi, 170p. Illus. 15 ref. Index., ISBN 0-87912-231-5 (In English) Internet: Contents of this annual compilation of data on fatal and nonfatal injuries in the United States: all unintentional injuries; occupational accidents and diseases; motor-vehicle accidents; domestic accidents; environmental health; data by State. (104137)
CIS 05-273 Annual statistics of occupational accidents 2003. (Portuguese: Anuário estatístico de acidentes do trabalho 2003) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Esplanada dos Ministérios, CEP 700-9000, Brasilia, Brazil, 2004. 782p. Illus. (In Portuguese) Internet: This publication consists of a compilation of statistics of occupational accidents occurring in Brazil from 2001 to 2003. Tables present overall statistics by state, sector of activity, type of accident, consequences (medical treatment, duration of absenteeism and degree of disability) and accident indicators (frequency rates, severity and cost). (104171)
CIS 05-274 Design and administration of OSH information systems in nine countries. Rinehart R.D., Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ministry of Labour, Thailand, Aug. 2005. 114p. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: This report was prepared for the Thai Department of Labour Protection as part of a study to explore the possibility of revising the country's national OSH information system. It summarizes information obtained by a questionnaire survey concerning the collection, compilation and publication of statistics on work-related injuries and diseases in nine countries. The report describes the design of the questionnaire and the data collection process, defines terms related to OSH information systems used by the nine countries and proposes the structure of an OSH information system and a framework in which to summarize the diverse systems discussed in the study. (104245)
CIS 05-275 Hours of work - From fixed to flexible?. (French: Durée du travail - Vers plus de flexibilité?; Spanish: Horas de trabajo - ¿De lo fijo a lo flexible?) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. ix, 139p. Price: CHF 25.00, ISBN 92-2-115364-9 (En), ISBN 92-2-215364-2 (fr), ISBN 92-2-315364-6 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: Hours of work have always been a prime focus and a topic of vital importance for standard setting in the ILO. This is reflected by the fact that it is the subject of the first Convention of the ILO and has subsequently been the topic of a number of Conventions, General Surveys and discussions over the years. This survey discusses in turn the content of the Conventions, methods of application (by reference to legislation, arbitration awards, collective agreements and individual bargaining), statistical information on national practices, current trends in working-time schedules and impediments to ratification of the Conventions. Includes a summary of conclusions and recommendations. This document is to be presented in the framework of the 93rd International Labour Conference in 2005. (104087)
CIS 05-276 Book of questions and answers - Safety, health and welfare. National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO), A11 Calmount Park, Calmount Avenue, Ballymount, Dublin 12, Ireland, 1995 (reprinted 1999). 147p. (In English) Internet: This booklet presents over 1000 questions and answers on safety, health and welfare which can be used for occupational safety and health quizzes. Topics covered: accidents; agriculture; chemicals; cleanliness and hygiene; compressed air and gases; construction work; employment: electricity; fire; first aid; flammable liquids; good housekeeping; health; hoists; lifts and lifting tackle; industrial diseases; ladders; legislation; manual handling; noise; office; protective clothing; rules of the road; safe access; safety on machines; temperature and heating; tools; transport; ventilation; woodworking. (104091)
CIS 05-277 Rating systems - An international comparison of workers' compensation insurance. Bastiani A., Müller R., Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft, Königinstrasse 107, 80802 München, Germany, 2002. 89p. Illus. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: Contents of this international comparison of workers' compensation rating systems: general survey of rating systems; international comparison of premium calculation models (Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, United States); financing of workers' compensation systems; State control of financing. (104140)
CIS 05-278 Assessing disability - An international comparison of workers' compensation systems. Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft, Königinstrasse 107, 80802 München, Germany, 2004. 47p. Illus. 54 ref. (In English) Internet: Assessing disability is not only a medical issue. It is also a matter for policy makers, employers, employees, insurance institutions and many other organizations. This publication examines how disability is assessed in different compensation systems and includes an overview of the major types of assessment methods. The systems used in selected countries are summarized in a table. (104157)
CIS 05-279 Insurance against occupational hazards - Information technology risks - Strategy for securities trading. (German: Arbeiterunfallversicherung - IT-Risiken - Kapitalanlagestrategie) Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft, Königinstrasse 107, 80802 München, Germany, 2004. 40p. Illus. (In German) Internet: This publication discusses the insurance issues related to terrorist threats, information technology security and securities trading volatilities. Topics addressed: the special characteristics of Al-Qaida; why terrorist threats are different from other occupational hazards; dirty bombs; government responsibilities in the area of anti-terrorist security; computer hacking and viruses; insuring risks related to information technology; interdependencies in securities trading; using technology to manage large-scale crises in securities trading. (104158)
CIS 05-280 Workers' compensation - Analysis of private and public systems. von Tautphoeus M., Lauterbach A., Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft, Königinstrasse 107, 80802 München, Germany, 2000. 169p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Workers' compensation is increasingly becoming an area of business opportunities for the private insurance sector. In many countries, various developments and considerations are prompting the creation of privately-run workers' compensation schemes or the privatization of existing compensation coverage. This publication discusses some of the most important issues of workers' compensation from the vantage point of a leading private insurance provider, including national policies, globalization, interaction with other classes of insurance and tools to cope with specific risks. It includes a summary of the characteristics of systems adopted in 22 countries and three U.S. states. (104160)
CIS 05-281 Corporate social responsibility and safety and health at work. Zwetsloot G., Starren A., European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2004. 125p. Illus. 16 ref. Price. EUR 15.00 (excluding VAT); downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 92-9191-072-4 (In English) Internet: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming an increasingly important priority for companies of all sizes and types. Occupational safety and health (OSH) is an essential component of CSR, presenting managers and OSH professionals with a variety of opportunities and challenges. This report explains what CSR is and how it relates to OSH. Eleven case studies show how enterprises have integrated OSH issues into CRS. It also presents a review of global, European and national initiatives to promote CSR. (104170)
CIS 05-282 Innovative approaches for the international promotion of occupational health and safety - An analysis of the example of Bulgaria and Germany. (German: Innovative Ansätze zur internationalen Förderung des Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutzes - Eine Analyse am Beispiel Bulgariens und Deutschlands) Elsler D., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2003. 277p. Illus. 182 ref. Price: EUR 21.50., ISBN 3-86509-058-3 (In German) Internet: Based on an analysis of occupational safety and health (OSH) in Bulgaria and Germany, this study investigates the promotion and improvement of OSH within the enterprise through international cooperation. Following an introduction on international cooperation, the study proceeds with a theoretical examination of the need to define international OSH standards and to motivate, inform and train heads of enterprises; it also discusses possible economic incentives. The empirical part that follows includes a comparative analysis of the economic and political situations of Bulgaria and Germany from the OSH point of view, a survey on the motivation and behaviour of heads of enterprises with respect to OSH and a survey of experts on the possibilities of economic incentives. Conclusions include proposals for practical improvements and future research priorities. (104208)
CIS 05-283 Further development of a corporate health and safety performance management index for use by business, investors, employees, the regulator and other stakeholders: Validating the index. Walker D., Cheyne A., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. x, 64p. Illus. 16 ref. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2991-0 (In English) Internet: The Corporate Health and Safety Performance Index (CHaSPI) was developed on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission as a tool for promoting greater corporate accountability for health and safety across private, public and voluntary sectors. This report describes a project that aimed to validate the index by testing its completion and use by large and very large organisations and to establish its value to investors and other stakeholders. The research is based on interviews with 57 organisations that had completed or attempted to complete CHaSPI and 25 stakeholder organisations, particularly investors and other financial institutions, who may be users of CHaSPI data. Overall, most users found the index to be valid and useful. Based on these findings the recommendations focus on developing practical solutions to encourage use. (104213)
CIS 05-284 Promoting health and safety as a key goal of the corporate social responsibility agenda. Sowden P., Sinha S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. iii, 45p. Illus. 88 ref. Price: GBP 10.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2997-X (In English) Internet: This report explores the relevance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in promoting responsibility and accountability for occupational health and safety (OHS). Examines current attitudes amongst businesses and the CSR movement towards CSR and OHS and proposes a strategy for the Health and Safety Executive and Commission to raise the profile of OHS in the CSR agenda. The report is based on literature reviews and on interviews with HSE staff, organizations involved in the CSR movement and some businesses. (104233)
CIS 05-285 Health and Safety Commission annual report and the Health and Safety Commission/Executive accounts 2004/05. Health and Safety Commission, The Stationery Office Ltd (TSO), PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN, United Kingdom, 2005. xvi, 106p. Illus. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-10-293308-1 (In English) Internet: This report reviews the operations of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) during 2004-2005 and summarizes activities within the HSC's Strategy for workplace health and safety in Great Britain to 2010 and beyond, launched in February 2004. Includes a summary of significant events and developments within the Health and Safety Executive during 2004-2005 and a timetable of planned legislative action and progress. (104248)
CIS 05-286 Promotional framework for occupational safety and health. International Labour Conference, 93rd Session, 2005. (French: Cadre promotionnel pour la sécurité et la santé au travail. Conférence internationale du Travail, 93e session, 2005; Spanish: Marco promocional para la seguridad y salud en el trabajo. Conferencia Internacional del Trabajo, 93 reunión, 2005) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. vii, 108p. Price: CHF 20.00., ISBN 92-2-115367-3 (En), ISBN 92-2-215367-7 (Fr), ISBN 92-2-315367-0 (Es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This report consists of the replies to a questionnaire addressed to governments of ILO Member States on a proposed ILO instrument establishing a promotional framework for occupational safety and health. The report includes ILO commentary and conclusions for discussion at the 93rd Session of the International Labour Conference in 2005. (104249)
CIS 05-287 Promotional framework for occupational safety and health. International Labour Conference, 95th Session, 2006. (French: Cadre promotionnel pour la sécurité et la santé au travail. Conférence internationale du Travail, 95e session, 2006; Spanish: Marco promocional para la seguridad y salud en el trabajo. Conferencia Internacional del Trabajo, 95 reunión, 2006) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. iii, 12p. Price: CHF 10.00., ISBN 92-2-116608-2 (En), ISBN 92-2-216608-6 (Fr), ISBN 92-2-316608-X (Es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This document provides the texts of the proposed Convention and proposed Recommendation on a promotional framework for occupational safety and health for discussion at the 95th Session of the International Labour Conference in 2006. Includes a list of ILO instruments relevant to the proposed framework. (104250)
CIS 05-288 The basics of accident prevention. (Polish: Podstawy prewencji wypadkowej) Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy-Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2003. 331p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 83-7373-145-8 (In Polish) Internet: This guide on accident prevention focuses on the following issues: accident investigation and reporting; preventing accidents when operating machinery; impact of working conditions on accidents; psychological and social factors in accident prevention. (104192)
CIS 05-289 Memento 2005. (French: Mémento 2005) International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 2005. 216p. Index. Price. CHF. 56.00., ISBN 92-67-01150-2 (In English, French) Internet: Contents of the 2005 edition of the ISO memento: general information about ISO (list of member bodies, correspondent members and subscriber members, administration); list of the organization's 190 technical committees, including their scope, participating countries, subcommittees and working groups; distribution of technical secretariats; additional addresses for technical committee and subcommittee secretariats; technical committee index. (104060)
CIS 05-290 Managing sickness absence and return to work in small businesses. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Oct. 2004. 2p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: This information sheet is aimed at employers of small companies and provides guidance on how to manage sickness absenteeism and return to work of their employees. It summarizes what needs to be done in cases of short-tem and longer-term absenteeism to fulfil one's social responsibility as an employer and to ensure compliance with legal requirements, in particular with the Health and Safety Act 1974 (CIS 74-2099) and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. (104037)
CIS 05-291 Conference on health and safety culture - Sustainable development through responsible corporate citizenship/CSR. (French: Conférence sur la culture Hygiène et sécurité - Développement durable grâce à un civisme d'entreprise responsable/RSE; Spanish: Conferencia para fomentar la cultura de seguridad y salud - Desarrollo sostenible mediante el civismo empresarial responsable/CSR) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2003. 2 CD-ROMs (requires Pentium III with at least 300 MHz, 32 MB main memory). (In English, French, German, Spanish) Internet: Proceedings of a conference organized by the ILO InFocus Programme on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment (SafeWork) in cooperation with the Global Compact, Gesellschaft für Versicherungswissenschaft und - gestaltung e.V (GVG) and RWE Net. Topics covered: Introducing the Global Compact (networks, objectives and achievements); sustainable development in the field of occupational safety and health; networking and building alliances (reporting and technical cooperation); corporate social responsibility and the role of international organizations. (104241)
CIS 05-292 Impairment of lung function in asbestos-exposed workers in relation to high-resolution computed tomography. Piirilä P., Lindqvist M., Huuskonen O., Kaleva S., Koskinen H., Lehtola H., Vehmas T., Kivissari L., Sovijärvi A.R.A., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Feb. 2005, Vol.31, No.1, p.44-51. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of the study was to determine the causes of impairment of ventilatory function and diffusing capacity in 590 smoking asbestos-exposed workers showing radiological pleural thickenings or pulmonary fibrosis. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and spirometry were performed, and diffusing capacity was measured. The workers were divided into five groups based on the HRCT scoring: pleural disease (190), pulmonary fibrosis (68), emphysema (148), combined fibrosis and emphysema (74), and marked adhesions (110). Graded lung function impairment was compared among the groups. Moderate impairment of forced expiratory volume in one second (odds ratio (OR) 2.72) and forced vital capacity (OR 2.81) was associated with persons with combined fibrosis and emphysema. Marked impairment of diffusing capacity was associated with combined fibrosis and emphysema (OR 4.94) but not with pleural disease (OR 0.21) or pulmonary fibrosis (OR 0.36). For persons with combined fibrosis and emphysema, the mean fibrosis score did not differ between normal, slightly reduced, or markedly reduced diffusing capacity, but the emphysema score was significantly higher for patients with marked impairment than for those with normal diffusing capacity. The results indicate that the most important factor determining the degree of functional impairment in smoking asbestos-exposed workers is the presence of pulmonary emphysema (104124)
CIS 05-293 Dermatitis in a printed-circuit board manufacturing facility. Rischitelli G., Contact Dermatitis, Feb. 2005, Vol.52, No.2, p.78-81. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: Dermatitis complaints are frequently encountered among workers in the microelectronics industry and have been associated with a variety of physical, chemical and psychosocial causes. Employees working in the silk-screening and kiln-drying areas of a printed-circuit board manufacturer complained of recurrent itching and rashes. This report describes those symptoms and the results of a brief survey of the affected employees, which provided useful data regarding the likely aetiology. A brief epidemiological survey instrument was used to gain information regarding the pattern, duration and frequency of employee symptoms. Data from the survey were used to identify seasonal variations in symptoms that correlated with specific environmental factors in the plant. This brief epidemiological investigation using a self-reported symptom survey was an efficient tool for cataloguing the character, pattern, duration and frequency of complaints that correlated with specific environmental factors in the plant (temperature and low humidity), which were likely causes of the outbreak. (104112)
CIS 05-294 Occupational cancers. (French: Les cancers d'origine professionnelle) Ben Mansour H., Kolsi M., Fehri S., Nouaigui H., Ben Laïba M., SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, Oct. 2004, No.31, p.2-13. Illus. 19 ref. (In French) Internet: Contents of this review article on occupational cancers: definitions of cancer and carcinogens; epidemiology; classification of carcinogens; cancers recognized as being caused by occupational factors in Tunisia; several common carcinogens; medical prevention of occupational cancers (screening); technical means of prevention (local exhaust, personal protective equipment); labelling of chemicals. (104001)
CIS 05-295 Occupational exposures and inpatient hospital care for lumbar intervertebral disc disorders among Finns. Leino-Arjas P., Kaila-Kangas L., Kauppinen T., Notkola V., Keskimäki I., Mutanen P., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 2004, Vol.46, No.5, p.513-520. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined the relationship between occupational exposures and severe lumbar intervertebral disc disorders (LIDD). Information on inpatient care for LIDD in Finnish hospitals during 1996 was linked with the 1995 Population Census based on occupational title, with the Finnish Job Exposure Matrix and with the Occupational Lifestyle Matrix. There were 3,863 individuals hospitalized due to LIDD among occupationally active Finns. Poisson regression analyses were made with the total occupationally active population as reference. Among women, accident risk, job control and three-shift work were associated with hospitalization, together with age, education, personal income and body mass index. Among men, accident risk and job control were associated with hospital admissions, allowing for age, education, and income. (104020)
CIS 05-296 Prevalence of occupational asthma: Survey in four occupational sectors. (French: Prévalence de l'asthme professionnel: enquête dans quatre secteurs d'activité professionnelle) Haddar M., Kaced N., Korichi S., Alloula R., Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, Dec. 2004, Vol.65, No.7-8, p.541-550. 51 ref. (In French) Internet: Few studies exist on occupational asthma in Algeria. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of asthma in various industrial sectors considered to present risks of this ailment. A descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological design was chosen, involving a group of 508 workers recruited among manufacturing operators of four industrial units (school furniture, leather, wheat flour, cotton-based products). The investigations included: standardized questionnaires adapted to occupational asthma and clinical examinations of all workers; basic pulmonary test function and pharmacodynamic tests for persons showing symptoms of occupational asthma; spirometry; immunological tests and skin tests for workers exposed to wheat flour and wood dust. Prevalence of occupational asthma was 3.6% for the cotton production, 5.8% for wheat flour, 6.8% for wood and 11.6% for leather, respectively. Basic preventive measures are outlined. (104072)
CIS 05-297 Hypothenar hammer syndrome - Case of a floor tile layer. (French: Syndrome du marteau hypoténarien - A propos d'un cas chez un solier carreleur) Ach-Bensa D., Régnard P.J., Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, Dec. 2004, Vol.65, No.7-8, p.590-600. Illus. 40 ref. (In French) Internet: Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a vascular acrosyndrome of the upper limb occurring in persons using their hypothenar eminence (the palm of the hand) as a hammer in the course of their occupational or leisure activities. These trauma can result in ulnar artery thrombosis or aneurysm. The case of a bilateral thrombosed aneurysm of the ulnar artery in a floor tile layer is reported. Early detection, medical and technical prevention and modes of identification are problematic. The Doppler technique highlights both aneurysms and the diagnosis can be confirmed by arteriography. The prevalence of these arthropathies is probably underestimated because of the absence of specificity of the clinical signs and the inconstant character of the clinical repercussion of ulnar arterial thrombosis. The building professions are particularly exposed. During consultation, systematic Allen testing of exposed employees and more frequent Doppler arterial echography of the upper limb would be useful in the early detection of this pathology. Priority should be given to prevention and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment should become more widespread. (104074)
CIS 05-298 Occupational health dossier. (French: Dossier santé et travail) Brett Y., Bianchi P., Lognon C., Face au risque, Jan. 2005, No.409, p.5-17. Illus. (In French) Internet: Collection of four articles on occupational diseases. Topics addressed: ten-year trends in occupational disease statistics in Europe and in France; preventive approaches for musculoskeletal disorders implemented by several enterprises in France; role of independent occupational hygiene consultants in France. (104075)
CIS 05-299 Relationship between silicosis and lung function. Gamble J.F., Hessel P.A., Nicolich M., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Feb. 2004, Vol.30, No.1, p.5-20. Illus. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: This review of studies on the relationship between silicosis and lung function indicates that smoking, dust exposure, and emphysema are three important confounding factors. In general, the lung function of subjects with radiographic silicosis in category 1 was indistinguishable from those in category 0. Those in category 2 had small reductions in lung function relative to those with category 0 and little difference in the prevalence of emphysema. There were slightly greater decrements in lung function with category 3 and more significant reductions with progressive massive fibrosis. Emphysema was related to higher categories of silicosis, as well as to smoking. Silica exposure was often inadequately controlled in studies examining silicosis and lung function. A few studies suggested that emphysema is an independent risk factor associated with significant reductions in lung function. (104121)
CIS 05-300 Dose-response relations between occupational exposures to physical and psychosocial factors and the risk of low back pain. Jansen J.P., Morgenstern H., Burdorf A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2004, Vol.61, No.12, p.972-979. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: To assess dose-response relations between occupational exposures to physical and psychosocial factors and the risk of low back pain, a cohort of 523 subjects, working in nursing homes and homes for the elderly, was followed for one year. Physical load for different occupations was assessed by quantitative observations at the workplace. Information on low back pain and other factors was gathered with questionnaires administered at baseline and at one year. Two outcome measures of low back pain incidence were used: any new episode of pain lasting for at least a few hours during follow up (LBP); and any new episode of disabling pain that interfered with daily activities during follow up (LBP/D). Results indicate that the risk of LBP was not associated with physical factors, but this outcome was inversely associated with age and weakly, though imprecisely, associated with two psychosocial factors (low decision authority and high work demands). In contrast, the risk of LBP/D was positively associated with age and not associated with the psychosocial factors. Occupational exposure to trunk flexion over 45 degrees appears to be a risk factor for low back pain with disability. (104128)
CIS 05-301 The effects of neck-shoulder pain development on sensory-motor interactions among female workers in poultry and fish industries. A prospective study. Madeleine P., Lundager B., Voigt M., Arendt-Nielsen L., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Feb. 2003, Vol.76, No.1, p.39-49. Illus. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: The purpose of this prospective study was to follow newly-employed workers in the fish and poultry packaging sector and to investigate possible changes in sensory manifestations and motor performance during low load, repetitive work simulation. The study examined whether the changes were an effect of employment duration and of development of neck-shoulder complaints. Twelve newly-employed female filleting employees without any sign of neck-shoulder pain at the time of employment took part in two laboratory recording sessions within one month of employment and after six months of employment. After six months, six workers out of 12 had developed pain and/or tenderness in the neck-shoulder region. Recording sessions evaluated sensory-motor aspects. Differences in terms of sensory manifestations and motor control strategy were seen after six months of employment with or without neck-shoulder complaints. (104132)
CIS 05-302 Eye injuries: Their relationship with the world of work. (Spanish: Accidentes oculares: su relación con el mundo laboral) Morales Suárez-Varela M., Carrasco Sanmartín H., Llopis González A., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Aug. 2003, Vol.XLX, No.192, p.25-33. Illus. 37 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The aim of this retrospective epidemiological study was to determine the incidence of eye injuries and to identify the characteristics of workers most at risk. It involved 275,961 workers. The most frequent aetiologies were foreign bodies in the eye (39.55%), followed by corneal ulcers (23.3%) and corneal erosion (12.86%). Eye injuries affect mainly men (92.7%). Workers with the highest injury rates include welders and assembly workers (38.4%) and maintenance workers (27.6%). Findings indicate that the most common type of eye injury is caused by a foreign body affecting the left eye, in a male industrial worker aged between 15 and 35 and employed for less than six months within the enterprise. (104174)
CIS 05-303 Voice: Work instrument and occupational risk factor. (Spanish: La voz: instrumento de trabajo y factor de riesgo laboral) Gañet Benavente R.E., Martínez Guttiérrez M.P., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Aug. 2003, Vol.XLX, No.192, p.35-46. Illus. 45 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This review article describes the mechanism of voice production, examines the use of voice in occupational settings and identifies occupational factors which may cause voice disorders. Contents: voice production; laryngeal anatomy; histology; physiology of phonation; voice changes; diagnosis; dysphonia classification; functional dysphonia; using voice as part of one's work; prevalence and risk factors of voice changes; diagnosis methods used among persons using voice as part of their work; medical supervision and legal aspects. (104175)
CIS 05-304 Childhood visits to animal buildings and atopic diseases in adulthood: An age-dependent relationship. Radon K., Ehrenstein V., Praml G., Nowak D., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Oct. 2004, Vol.46, No.4, p.349-356. Illus. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: Several studies have reported protective effects of farming environments against atopic diseases. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural town. 3112 inhabitants aged 18-44 responded to a postal questionnaire on atopic diseases, life-time exposure to farming environments, and potential confounders. Respondents with regular childhood exposure to animals had a significantly reduced risk of nasal allergies. The greatest reduction in risk was seen for respondents starting regular visits to animal stables during the first year of life or between the ages of three and five. Participants reporting start of exposure after age of five remained at a lower risk for nasal allergies. Findings indicate that the preventive effect of animal exposure against atopic respiratory diseases continues into adulthood. (104183)
CIS 05-305 Malignant pleural mesothelioma in parts of Japan in relationship to asbestos exposure. Kishimoto T., Ozaki S., Kato K., Nishi H., Genba K., Industrial Health, Oct. 2004, Vol.42, No.4, p.435-439. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study, malignant pleural mesothelioma cases in hospitals located in a region of Japan were evaluated. A total of 106 patients (97 men, 9 women) aged between 41 and 87 years were examined, of whom 100 had occupational exposure to asbestos. There were 37 cases of epithelial, 25 biphasic and 15 sarcomatous tumours. In the remaining 23 cases, it was not possible to characterize the tumour. The mean survival rate for all cases was 9.2 months. 51 had occupational histories of shipyard work, 16 patients worked in asbestos cement piping, and the remainder were employed in miscellaneous jobs involving asbestos exposure. The mean duration of asbestos exposure was 17.2 years and the average latent period for the occurrence of malignant pleural mesothelioma was 37.0 years. 94% of malignant pleural mesothelioma were due to exposure to crocidolite and amosite, with the remainder due to chrysotile. (104190)
CIS 05-306 Occupations and exposures in the work environment as determinants for rheumatoid arthritis. Reckner Olsson Å., Skogh T., Axelson O., Wingren G., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.61, No.3, p.233-238. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: Several occupational categories have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was conducted to further evaluate these associations. Lifelong occupational history and exposure experiences were collected through a postal questionnaire answered by 293 incident cases and 1346 population based referents. Occupational determinants were evaluated through stratified and multivariate analyses. Among men, significantly increased logistic odds ratios (LORs) were seen for conductors and for freight and transport workers (LOR 17.8 and 4.7 respectively), and for farmers and farm workers (LOR 2.4 and 2.2 respectively). Among women, increased LORs were seen for printmakers and process engravers (LOR 5.5 and 3.0 respectively). Increased risks were seen for men exposed to asbestos and vibrations. Overall, the risk for RA increased with increasing duration of exposure to vibrations and mineral dust. (104199)
CIS 05-307 Effect of employee worktime control on health: A prospective cohort study. Ala-Mursula L., Vahtera J., Pentti J., Kivimäki M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.61, No.3, p.254-261. Illus. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: To investigate the health effects of employee worktime control, a prospective cohort study was carried out among 4218 permanent full time municipal employees linking questionnaire data from 1997 and 2000 with sickness absence records from 1997 and 2001. Self-rated health status, psychological distress, and medically certified periods of sickness absence were used as the health outcomes. Adjustments were made for age, baseline health status, occupational status, marital status, dependent children and behavioural health risks. In the follow up, women with a low level of worktime control had an odds ratio of 1.9 for poor self-rated health, 1.4 for psychological distress and 1.5 for medically certified sickness absences compared to women with a high level of worktime control. The health effects of worktime control were particularly evident among women with families. Among men, worktime control was not associated with self-rated health or distress, but it predicted sickness absences in two subgroups: those with dependent children and those with manual occupations. (104200)
CIS 05-308 Respiratory symptoms and lung-function changes with exposure to five substances in aluminium smelters. Fritschi L., Sim M.R., Forbes A., Abramson M.J., Benke G., Musk A.W., de Klerk N.H., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Mar. 2003, Vol.76, No.2, p.103-110. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: To determine whether occupational exposures contribute to respiratory symptoms among workers involved in the production of primary aluminium, a cross-sectional survey of 1,615 male employees of two Australian aluminium smelters was conducted. Subjects underwent spirometry and were asked about respiratory symptoms and the relationship of those symptoms to work. Their job histories were combined with a task-exposure matrix to produce individual quantitative measures of cumulative exposure to fluoride, sulphur dioxide, respirable dust, the benzene-soluble fraction of coal tar pitch volatiles (BSF) and oil mist. After adjusting for smoking and age, it was found that subjects with the highest cumulative exposure to fluoride (>0.16mg/m3 years) and respirable dust (>2.9mg/m3 years) were two to four times more likely to report work-related wheeze and chest tightness than were unexposed subjects. Lower prevalence ratios for the same symptoms were seen with sulphur dioxide and BSF. Levels of lung function decreased slightly with exposure to oil mist, but not with cumulative exposure to other substances. (104134)
CIS 05-309 Most frequent allergens in the metalworking industry. (Spanish: Alergenos más frecuentes en los trabajadores de la industria metalúrgica) Marqués Aparicio E.R., Valks R., Conde-Salazar L., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Dec. 2003, Vol.L, No.193, p.7-14. Illus. 12 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The aim of this study was to identify the allergens that most frequently cause allergic contact eczema in the metalworking industry. It involved 251 workers who had consulted an occupational dermatology service between 1999 and 2002 for cases of suspected contact dermatitis. Standard battery skin tests were carried out. 106 workers (42%) showed a positive reaction to at least one substance. The most frequent positive reactions were observed for chromium, nickel, thimerosal mix, cobalt, thiuram mix and formaldehyde. Among the 69 patients who were also subjected to patch tests with various cutting fluids, 20 (29%) showed a sensitization reaction, mainly for thimerosal mix, formaldehyde and certain biocides. Injuries affected primarily the fingers, hands and arms. (104177)
CIS 05-310 Workstation design in carpet hand-weaving operation: Guidelines for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Choobineh A., Lahmi M., Hosseini M., Shahnavaz H., Jazani R. K., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.411-424. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: Carpet weavers suffer from musculoskeletal problems mainly attributable to poor working postures and poor workstation design. This study investigated the effects of two workstation design parameters (weaving height and seat type) on postural variables and subjective experience. Guidelines were developed for workstation adjustments. At an adjustable experimental workstation, 30 professional weavers worked under nine different conditions. Working posture and weavers' perceptions were recorded. It was found that head, neck and shoulder postures were influenced by weaving height, while both weaving height and seat type influenced trunk and elbow postures. The determinant factor for weavers' perception on the neck, shoulders and elbows was found to be weaving height, and on the back and knees it was seat type. Based on the results, it was proposed that weaving height should be adjusted to 20cm above elbow height and that a 10° forward-sloping high seat should be used. (104229)
CIS 05-311 "From current issues in occupational hazards to innovation in occupational medicine and health " - 28th national congress on occupational medicine and health - Bordeaux, 8-11 June 2004. (French: "De l'actualité des risques professionnels à l'innovation en médecine et santé du travail" - 28e congrès national de médecine et santé au travail - Bordeaux, 8-11 juin 2004) Durand E., Lafon D., Pillière F., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 4nd Quarter 2004, No.100, p.509-532. (In French) Internet: Review of the 28th national occupational medicine and health congress held in Bordeaux, France, 8 -11 June 2004. Numerous thematic sessions covered diverse current topics. This review concentrates on the sessions devoted to mental health, ethics, hazard evaluation, biological monitoring and maintaining work capacity. (104006)
CIS 05-312 Web-based training in occupational medicine. Hege I., Radon K., Dugas M., Scharrer E., Nowak D., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Feb. 2003, Vol.76, No.1, p.50-54. Illus. 8 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this project was to develop and evaluate an interactive computer-based approach for the teaching of occupational medicine. The self-learning tutorial programme was integrated into the curriculum in 1999. To assess the effectiveness and acceptability of the program, students were asked to rate the program on an 18-item questionnaire. 287 students participated in the evaluation of the tutorial. The respondents were highly appreciative of the tutorial structure and had no difficulties in handling the program. This was independent of the computer experience of the students. The use of examples and in particular "virtual patients" was found to be a big factor in enhancing the interest in occupational medicine. (104133)
CIS 05-313 Handheld-assisted field data collection for occupational risk assessment. Vernez D., Poffet J. M., Besrour A., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.399-410. Illus. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: A computerized handheld procedure is described, intended as a tool for enhancing prospective risk analysis in the field of occupational health. The Pendragon Forms software (version 3.2) was used to capture data on personal digital assistants (PDAs) and to transfer the data to a desktop computer in an MS-Access format. The proposed data acquisition strategy involves the use of a systematic hazard list and semi-quantitative risk assessment scales. A set of seven modular forms was developed to cover the basic need of field audits. Despite the minor drawbacks observed, the results obtained so far show that PDAs are adequate to support field risk assessment and follow-up activities. (104228)
CIS 05-314 Risk factors to musculoskeletal disorders and anthropometric measurements of Filipino manufacturing workers. Del Prado-Lu J. L., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.349-359. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and established anthropometric measurements of Filipino workers in 29 manufacturing industries. Anthropometric measurements of 1,805 workers were taken, and 495 were surveyed by means of questionnaires. Limitation of motion was found in 0.8% of the respondents, problems in daily living activities were seen in 1.6% and 3.2% felt discomfort in the head and neck. Upper trunk pain and low back pain were experienced by 23.8%. Workers were 29 times more likely to develop low back pain when standing for 2-8 hrs a day than when sitting throughout. Anthropometry can be a useful tool for the design of workstations and work furniture. (104224)
CIS 05-315 Allergies. Jeebhay M.F., Rongo L.M.B, Lekei E.E., Mununa F.T., Uronu A.B., Afubwa S.O., Hanshi J.A., Ezeonu F.C., Musa A.O., Elhassan S.M., Hussein A.A., Ghebreyohannes T., Chithila A., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Dec. 2004, Vol.14, No.3, p.51-71 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Collection of articles on allergies and occupational safety and health of relevance to African countries. Main topics covered: occupational allergies; efficiency of information dissemination workshops in reducing allergy among small-scale industry workers in Dar es Salam; occupational allergy in the seafood processing industry in South Africa; pesticide labels and risk reduction in developing countries; occupational safety and health in the Kenyan health sector; occupational health hazards among cement industry workers in Nigeria; pollution problems from an open-air pesticide dump in Sudan. (104163)
CIS 05-316 The impact of REACH on occupational health with a focus on skin and respiratory diseases. Pickvance S., Karnon J., Peters J., El-Arifi K., European Trade Union Institute for Research, Education and Health and Safety (ETUI-REHS), Health and Safety Department, Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 1210 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2005. 88p. Illus. 133 refs. Downloadable version free of charge. (In English) Internet: Final report of a study commissioned in 2004 by the then European Trade Union Technical Bureau for Health and Safety (TUTB) and carried out at the University of Sheffield. The study examined the impact of the 2003 European Union REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) proposal on the health of the EU-25 workforce. It focused on two broad groups of occupational diseases: non-malignant diseases of the skin (dermatitis) and of the respiratory system (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The research involved an estimation of the actual number of cases of occupational skin and respiratory diseases in EU member states, development of scenarios for the number of cases reduced under REACH and a calculation of the economic benefits. (104243)
CIS 05-317 Musculoskeletal disorders. (French: Les troubles musculo-squelettiques) Institut de Santé et de Sécurité au Travail, 5 boulevard Mustapha Khaznadar, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia, 2001. 131p. (In French) Internet: Summary of the papers presented at a conference on musculoskeletal diseases held in Tunis, Tunisia, from 15-17 May 2001. Reports of two round-table sessions (on the cost of occupational safety and health and on persons holding responsibilities in the area of safety) held within the framework of the conference are also included, as are summaries of the poster sessions. Includes papers on some other occupational hazards and diseases. (104068)
CIS 05-318 Obstacles to recovery from musculoskeletal disorders in industry. Burton A.K., Bartys S., Wright I.A., Main C.J., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. viii, 73p. Illus. 104 ref. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2975-9 (In English) Internet: A four-year study on musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) was carried out in two phases: a workforce survey of a large multi-site company in the United Kingdom followed by a controlled trial of an occupational guidelines-based intervention protocol for workers with MSDs, focusing on obstacles to recovery and return-to-work. Results confirmed a general association between the psychosocial work environment and MSDs. Psychosocial risk factors predicted the likelihood of future absence, but not its duration; therefore routine psychosocial screening to predict return-to-work time may have limited value. Implementation of an early proactive occupational health protocol (psychosocial intervention and a supportive network) was a successful strategy for reducing absence due to MSDs, for both return-to-work time and future work-loss. (104212)
CIS 05-319 Factors potentially affecting the hearing of petroleum industry workers. Hoet P., Grosjean M., Somaruga C., CONCAWE, Boulevard du Souverain 165, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, June 2005. vi, 66p. 144 ref. (In English) Internet: This report outlines the physiology of hearing and the mechanisms and types of hearing loss and summarizes factors affecting hearing: age, noise exposure, diseases and chemical exposure. It focuses on the potential ototoxic effects of organic solvents and reviews results of studies of hearing loss among exposed workers in the petroleum, petrochemical and other industries. Also examines the possible synergistic effects of noise and chemical exposure on hearing loss. (104246)
CIS 05-320 Prevention of occupational diseases - Evaluation of a pilot programme. (German: Bekämpfung arbeitsbedingter Erkrankungen - Evaluation eines Modellprogramms) Elkeles T., Georg A., Juventa Verlag Weinheim und München, Ehretstr. 3, 69469 Weinheim, Germany, 2002. 359p. Illus. Approx. 350 ref., ISBN 3-7799-1429-8 (In German) Internet: This report consists of an analysis and evaluation of a pilot programme for the prevention of occupational diseases set up by the German Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Between 1993 and 2000, eight regional projects and two inter-regional projects were implemented. Ten case studies are presented, together with a meta-analysis of the overall project. Contents: description of the pilot programme; evaluation concept and methods used; evaluation of the various projects; evaluation of the overall project; experiences gained from the evaluation and proposals for the improvement of future programmes. (104210)
CIS 05-321 Managing health at work - Recording and monitoring information on sickness absence including work relatedness. Ritchie P., Cowie H., Graham M., Hutchison P., Mulholland R., Melrose A., Pilkington A., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. xiv, 237p. Illus. 12 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2958-9 (In English) Internet: The overall aim of this research and development programme was to develop and validate suitable tools for recording sickness-absence, including recording and classification systems for the systematic coding of causes of absence, and to provide guidance on their use. The work firstly involved conducting research into current methods and systems for sickness absence recording, analysis and management. The next phase consisted in the development of a computer-based sickness absence recording tool, a sickness absence cause classification scheme and guidance materials to assist in sickness absence management. The third phase involved conducting a validation test and revising the recording tool. (104048)
CIS 05-322 International code of ethics for occupational health professionals - Updated 2002. (French: Code international d'éthique pour les professionnels de la santé au travail; Japanese: Sangyō hoken senmonshoku no tame no kokusai rinri kōdo; Spanish: Código internacional de ética para los profesionales de la salud ocupacional - Actualización 2002) International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), ICOH Secretariat, ISPESL, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00040 Monteporzio Catone (Rome), Italy, 2002. vii, 19p. 38 ref. (In English, French, Japanese, Spanish) Internet: Update of the International Code of Ethics for Occupational Health Professionals (see CIS 93-114) approved by the ICOH board in March 2002. Contents: duties and obligations of occupational health professionals (aims and advisory role; knowledge and expertise; development of a policy and a programme; emphasis on prevention and on prompt action; follow-up of remedial actions; safety and health information; commercial secrets; health surveillance; information to the worker; information to the employer; danger to a third party; biological monitoring and investigations; health promotion; protection of community and environment; contribution to scientific knowledge); conditions of execution of functions (competence, integrity and impartiality; professional independence; equity, non-discrimination and communication; clause on ethics in contracts of employment; records; medical confidentiality; collective health data; relationships with health professionals; combating abuses; relationships with social partners; promoting ethics and professional audit) (104085)
CIS 05-323 Occupational diseases - Are they insurable?. Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft, Königinstrasse 107, 80802 München, Germany, 2004. 16p. Illus. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: Occupational diseases are posing an increasing challenge to workers' compensation systems in view of changing conditions in the labour market including flexible work schedules, part-time work, teleworking and workforce mobility, coupled with improvements in occupational health and safety measures and advances in medical technology. This working paper examines how these trends affect insurance systems, and proposes a model of occupational disease compensation that is sustainable over the long term. Contents: technical aspects (complexity of determining causation and making objective diagnoses, latency periods, assigning responsibilities over time, financial mechanisms); impact on workers' compensation systems (risk of uncertainty, financing and administrative risks); insurability of occupational diseases. (104138)
CIS 05-324 Occupational diseases - How are they covered under workers' compensation systems?. Lauterbach A., von Tautphoeus M., Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft, Königinstrasse 107, 80802 München, Germany, 2002. 91p. Illus. 71 ref. (In English) Internet: This publication addresses some of the issues that make occupational diseases a particular challenge in the area of compensation. It describes a wide variety of approaches for covering occupational diseases within public and private compensation systems and provides guidance on the existing options for defining the most suitable system for occupational disease coverage, while recognizing that the scope of coverage is generally defined by national legislation. (104139)
CIS 05-325 Hypersensitivity pneumopathies in occupational settings. (French: Pneumopathies d'hypersensibilité en milieu professionnel) Dalphin J.C., Reboux G., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 1st Quarter 2005, No.146, 12p. Illus. 95 ref. (In French) Internet: Hypersensitivity pneumopathies have been widely described in the literature. However, recent publications have shown these diseases in a somewhat different light. Recent findings concern the following aspects: the appearance of a large number of new aetiologies, in particular in occupational settings, and new antigens; the key role of exposure factors and environmental co-factors, which are probably largely responsible for the incidence and development of the disease; the importance of bronchial disorders and the frequency with which they evolve towards obstructive diseases, occasionally with emphysema; the contribution to diagnosis of high-resolution chest tomodensitometry, whose images are often characteristic; finally progress with respect to therapy and prognosis, where it is now possible for affected persons, particularly farmers, to continue working under certain conditions. (104102)
CIS 05-326 Occupational chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathies. (French: Bronchopneumopathies chroniques obstructives professionnelles) Ameille J., Descatha A., Pairon J.C., Dalphin J.C., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 1st Quarter 2005, No.146, 8p. 126 ref. (In French) Internet: Epidemiological studies carried out during the last thirty years among populations in both general and occupational settings show that an increasing number of chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathies (COBPs) are caused by occupational factors. Sectors of activity where the causal relationship are best documented include the mining and textile industries, cereals and foodgrains, pigsties and dairy farming. From 1988 onwards, the progressive implementation of regulatory measures enabled certain occupational COBPs to be compensated. However, the medical criteria specified in the schedule of occupational diseases are very restrictive, and many occupational aetiologies cannot currently be compensated in this framework. (104103)
CIS 05-327 MSDs among sewing machine operators: A survey in Italy. (French: TMS chez les opérateurs préposés aux machines à coudre: une enquête italienne) Paoletti A., Gioia F., Lupi A., Tobia L., Université de L'Aquila, Chaire et école de Spécialisation en Médecine du Travail, Piazza Vincenzo Rivera 1, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy, no date. CD-ROM containing a presentation in Microsoft Powerpoint format. (In French) Internet: Following an introduction covering the definition of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the most frequent MSDs and their risk factors, this presentation goes on to describe a survey carried out in a garment manufacturing enterprise in Italy. It involved 248 workers in the sewing department and 43 in the pressing department (which in total consisted of 95.6% of women). The survey involved job observations and analyses of responses to a questionnaire. Workers reporting acute symptoms were subjected to a medical examination, including echotomographic examination of the upper extremities. It was found that the upper extremities were the parts of the body that were the most affected by MSDs, notably the wrist median nerve, the outer flexor tendon, the forefinger inner flexor tendon and the shoulder rotator cuff. (104070)
CIS 05-328 Effectiveness of community health workers for promoting use of safety eyewear by Latino farm workers. Forst L., Lacey S., Chen H.Y., Jimenez R., Bauer S., Skinner S., Alvarado R., Nickels L., Zanoni J., Petrea R., Conroy L., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2004, Vol.46, No.6, p.607-613. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: To evaluate the Community Health Worker (CHW) model as a tool for reducing eye injuries in Latino farm workers, 786 workers on 34 farms were divided into three groups: group A, where CHWs provided protective eyewear and training to the farm workers; group B where CHWs provided eyewear but no training to farm workers; group C, where eyewear was distributed to farm workers with no CHW present and no training. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires demonstrated greater self-reported use of eyewear in all groups after the intervention, with group A showing the greatest change. This was supported by field observations. Group A also showed the greatest improvement in knowledge on questions related to training content. CHWs were found to be an effective tool for training farm workers in eye health and safety. (104012)
CIS 05-329 World at work: Charcoal producing industries in northeastern Brazil. Kato M., DeMarini D.M., Carvalho A.B., Rego M.A.V., Andrade A.V., Bomfim A,S.V., Loomis D., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2005, Vol.62, No.2, p.128-132. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: Brazil is the largest charcoal producer in the world. This article presents an analysis of the potential hazards in charcoal producing industries in northeastern Brazil and lists proposed preventive measures. Topics covered: description of the various steps of the charcoal producing process; hazards of the job and the workplace (hazardous situations and health consequences); proposed measures to protect workers. (104115)
CIS 05-330 Disabling and fatal occupational claim rates, risks, and costs in the Oregon construction industry 1990-1997. Horwitz I.B., McCall B.P., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Oct. 2004, Vol.1, No.10, p.688-698. Illus. 58 ref. (In English) Internet: This study estimated injury and illness rates, risk factors and costs in the construction sector in Oregon from 1990-1997 using compensation claims by the 20,680 construction employees in the State together with current population survey data of the Oregon workforce. Average annual rate of lost-time claims was 3.5 per 100 workers. More than 50% of claims were by workers under 35 years and with less than one year of tenure. 96.1% of the claimants were male. There were 52 fatalities, representing an average annual rate of 8.5 per 100,000 construction workers. Average claim cost was USD 10,084 and mean indemnity time was 57.3 days. Structural metalworkers had the highest average days of indemnity of all workers (72.1), highest average costs per claim (USD 16,472), and highest odds ratio of injury of all occupations examined. Sprains were the most frequently reported injury type, constituting 46.4% of all claims. The greatest accident risk occurred during the third hour of work. (104034)
CIS 05-331 Construction site management. (French: Recueil d'articles sur la gestion des chantiers) Guérit G., Richard A.M., Prévention BTP, Feb. 2005, No.71, p.32-42. Illus. 8 ref. (In French) Internet: Contents of this collection of articles on construction site management: approach adopted by an enterprise specializing in asbestos and lead paint removal: fibre-reinforced concrete as an alternative to steel reinforcement; hazards during paint work; occupational safety and health action plan of a company specializing in industrial electricity. (104079)
CIS 05-332 Step-by step management of construction sites. (French: Comment suivre les chantiers pas à pas) Bolot D., Prévention BTP, Mar. 2005, No.72, p.42-44. Illus. (In French) Internet: Description of a computer application (named "Oscar") for managing occupational safety and health on construction sites. It incorporates guidance on the preparation of safety documentation and provides information on techniques and modes of operation. It is an interactive tool allowing users to publish their practical experiences. It consists of four main parts: characteristics of the construction site; site management; tool chest; useful documents. (104109)
CIS 05-333 Fatal occupational injuries in the construction sector in Kocaeli, Turkey, 1990-2001. Colak B., Etiler N., Bicer U., Industrial Health, Oct. 2004, Vol.42, No.4, p.424-430. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: In Turkey, the construction sector is responsible for the largest number of work-related fatalities among all industries. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of the fatalities in the construction sector in Kocaeli Province. The study was carried out retrospectively by investigating the records of the 153 occupational fatalities that occurred in the construction sector between 1990 and 2001. The annual mortality rate was 60.4 in Kocaeli and 79.0 in Turkey per 100,000 workers over the entire time period. 69 cases (45.1%) involved falls from heights, 22 (14.4%) vehicle accidents and 22 (14.4%) electrocution. The leading causes of death have were found to be blunt-force trauma (37.9%) and head trauma (25.5%). 41% of victims had less than one year of experience in their current job. (104189)
CIS 05-334 Road haulage drivers. (French: Conducteur routier de transport de marchandises) Becret E., Leray J.M., Muqa F., Pasquier P., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2004, Vol.44, No.4, 2p. Insert. (In French) Internet: Contents of this occupational information sheet on the job of road haulage drivers: characteristics of the job; technical and occupational characteristics; exposures and constraints; health effects and occupational diseases; prevention; medical supervision; regulations; criteria for evaluating work aptitude. (104107)
CIS 05-335 Cancer at sea: A case-control study among male Finnish seafarers. Saarni H., Pentti J., Pukkala E., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2002, Vol.59, No.9, p.613-619. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examines the possible work-related reasons for the increased incidence of many cancers among seafarers. A case-control study nested in a cohort of 30,940 male seafarers who had worked on board Finnish ships for any time during the period 1960-80 was conducted. Cases of cancer of the lung, nervous system, kidney, and pancreas, leukaemia, lymphoma, and all cases histologically-defined as mesotheliomas were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry in 1967-92. The incidence of cancer among engine crew, deck officers, deck personnel on icebreakers and deck personnel on tankers was determined. Results indicate that occupational exposures of deck crews on tankers add to their risk of renal cancer, leukaemia, and possibly lymphoma. Engine crews have an asbestos related risk of mesothelioma, and the engine room conditions also seem to increase the risk of lung cancer. (104117)
CIS 05-336 Time trends in the incidence of myocardial infarction among professional drivers in Stockholm 1977-96. Bigert C., Klerdal K., Hammar N., Hallqvist J., Gustavsson P., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2004, Vol.61, No.12, p.987-991. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: This case-control study investigated time trends in the incidence of first myocardial infarction (MI) among bus, taxi, and lorry drivers in Stockholm. All first events of acute MI among men aged 40-69 between 1977 and 1996 were identified using registers of hospital discharges and deaths. Controls were selected randomly from the general population. National censuses were used for information on occupational titles. A total of 20,364 cases and 136,342 controls were included in the study. Among these, 1183 cases and 6072 controls had worked as drivers. During 1977-84, the MI incidence was higher in all three driver groups than among other manual workers. There was a decline in MI incidence among drivers as well as in the general population during the study period. The decline was greater among drivers than among other manual workers. During 1985-96 the relative risk remained increased compared to other manual workers among taxi and lorry drivers, but not among bus drivers. Despite a reduced MI incidence for professional drivers in recent years, preventive measures to reduce the risk of MI in these occupational groups, and in particular among taxi and lorry drivers, continue to be of importance. (104129)
CIS 05-337 Traumatic work-related mortality among seafarers employed in British merchant shipping, 1976-2002. Roberts S.E., Marlow P.B., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2005, Vol.62, No.3, p.172-180. Illus. 39 ref. (In English) Internet: This longitudinal study of occupational mortality was carried out to establish the causes and circumstances of all traumatic work-related deaths among seafarers employed in British merchant shipping from 1976 to 2002. Data were based on official mortality files and a population of 1,136,427 seafarer-years at risk. Of 835 traumatic work related deaths, 564 were caused by accidents, 55 by suicide, 17 by homicide and 14 by drug or alcohol poisoning. 178 seafarers disappeared at sea or were found drowned. The mortality rate for accidents that occurred at the workplace from 1976 to 2002, 46.6 per 100,000 seafarer-years, was 27.8 times higher than in the general workforce in the United Kingdom during the same time period. The fatal accident rate declined sharply after the 1970s, but the relative risk of a fatal accident remained high (16.0 times higher in the 1996-2002 period). (104187)
CIS 05-338 Respiratory findings in pharmaceutical workers. Zuskin E., Mustajbegovic J., Schachter E.N., Kern J., Deckovic-Vukres V., Pukarin-Cvetkovic J., Nola-Premec I.A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 2004, Vol.46, No.5, p.472-479. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: Pharmaceutical workers may be at risk of developing respiratory problems as a result of their work environment. This study investigated 163 female and 35 male workers employed in a pharmaceutical plant producing primarily antibiotics, in order to characterize the risk of this environment. 113 controls were selected from a food packing facility. Chronic respiratory symptoms were recorded by using the British Medical Research Council questionnaire. Acute symptoms which developed during the work shift were recorded and participants were subjected to spirometry tests. A significantly higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was recorded among pharmaceutical workers (compared to controls), the highest being for sinusitis, nasal catarrh, and dyspnoea. There was also a high prevalence of acute symptoms recorded during the work shift. The most significant risk factors for these respiratory findings were smoking and length of time worked in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in men. (104018)
CIS 05-339 Total mortality and cause-specific mortality of Swedish shift- and day workers in the pulp and paper industry in 1952-2001. Karlsson B., Alfredsson L., Knutsson A., Andersson E., Torén K., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Feb. 2005, Vol.31, No.1, p.30-35. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated the relationship between shift work and mortality, (total mortality and cause-specific mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and diabetes) in a cohort of 2354 shift workers and 3088 day workers in two pulp and paper manufacturing plants. The mortality of the cohort was monitored from 1 January 1952 to 31 December 2001 by linkage to the national Cause of Death Register. Groups of workers defined by different durations of shift work exposure were compared with day workers. Death due to any cause (total mortality) was not higher among the shift workers than among the day workers (standardized relative rate (SRR) 1.02). A longer duration of shift work was associated with an increased risk of CHD, and shift workers with >30 years of shift work had the highest risk of CHD (SRR 1.24). Diabetes was more common as the number of shift years of exposure increased. Compared with day workers, shift workers had a greater risk of death due to stroke (SRR 1.56). (104122)
CIS 05-340 Cancer in the Norwegian printing industry. Kvam B.M.N., Romundstad P.R., Boffetta P., Andersen A., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Feb. 2005, Vol.31, No.1, p.36-43. 62 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to investigate cancer risk among Norwegian workers in the printing industry, particularly lung and bladder cancer. Cancer incidence was investigated from 1953 through 1998 in a cohort of 10,549 male members of a trade union in the printing industry in Oslo and surrounding regions. Smoking data from a sample of the cohort were used for evaluating the risk of smoking-related cancers. Among the skilled workers, significantly elevated risks of cancer of the urinary bladder (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 1.47), liver (SIR 1.92), pancreas (SIR 1.46) and colon (SIR 1.27) were observed, whereas an increased risk of lung cancer in this group was confined to those born before 1910. Among the unskilled workers, there were significantly increased risks of cancer of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, larynx, lung, and all sites. However, no specific agent could be identified as an occupational carcinogen. The results did not support the hypothesis of a generally increased risk of lung cancer. The risk pattern for unskilled workers may reflect confounding by non-occupational factors. (104123)
CIS 05-341 Advice to women housekeepers. (French: Conseils aux femmes de chambre) Crestois M., Muqa M.F., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2004, Vol.44, No.4, p.473-475. (In French) Internet: This information note describes the main tasks of women housekeepers, the occupational hazards to which they are exposed and the corresponding preventive measures grouped under the following headings: back and joints; legs and feet; hands and skin; mental strain and nervous fatigue; accidents and incidents (falls, back pain, shoulder and elbow tendinitis, splashes of substances in the eyes, pricks and cuts); vaccinations. (104106)
CIS 05-342 Health of children working in small urban industrial shops. Nuwayhid I.A., Usta J., Makarem M., Khudr A., El-Zein A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2005, Vol.62, No.2, p.86-94. 43 ref. (In English) Internet: This study explored associations between work status and multidimensional health indices in a sample of urban Lebanese children. A cross-sectional survey was used to compare 78 male children (aged 10-17 years) working full time in small industrial shops with a group of 60 non-working male schoolchildren. All children lived and worked or studied in the poor neighbourhoods of three Lebanese cities. Working children reported frequent abuses. They smoked and dated more than the comparison group. They also reported a higher number of injuries and skin, eye, and ear complaints. Physical examination revealed more changes in their skin and nails, but no differences in height or weight compared to non-working group. A higher blood lead concentration was detected among working children, but no differences in haemoglobin and ferritin. Significant differences were found between working and non-working children with respect to physical and social health parameters, but differences were less with regard to mental health. Future research should focus on more sensitive and early predictors of health effects as well as on long term health effects. (104113)
CIS 05-343 Lung function over six years among professional divers. Skogstad M., Thorsen E., Haldorsen T., Kjuus H., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2002, Vol.59, No.9, p.629-633. Illus. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: This study analyses longitudinal changes in pulmonary function among professional divers and their relation with cumulative diving exposure. The study included 87 men at the start of their training as professional divers. At follow up one, three, and six years later, 83, 81, and 77 divers were reexamined. The median number of compressed air dives in the 77 divers over the follow up period was 196 (range 37-2000). A group of 64 non-smoking policemen were subjected to the examinations in parallel with the divers. Assessment of the lung function included dynamic lung volumes, maximal expiratory flow rates, and transfer factor for carbon monoxide (TICO). The individual rates of change of the lung function variables were calculated by linear regression. The annual forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expired volume in one second (FEV1), maximal expiratory flow rates at 25% and 75% of FVC expired as well as TICO were significantly reduced in divers over the follow up period when compared with policemen. The contrasts within and between groups suggest that diving has contributed to the reduction in lung function. (104118)
CIS 05-344 Occupational safety and health - Inequalities between men and women. (French: Sécurité et santé du travail - Hommes et femmes ne sont pas égaux) Travail et sécurité, Nov. 2004, No.645, Vol. I, p.16-27. Illus. (In French) Internet: This special feature article focuses on sex-linked differences with respect to occupational accidents and diseases. In general, there is a higher frequency of accidents among men and of occupational diseases among women. The following aspects are discussed: occupational accidents; musculoskeletal disorders; ergonomics; stress; risks of infection among health care personnel; respiratory disorders; cancers; hearing loss. A summary of the findings of a European survey on women health care workers is included. (104110)
CIS 05-345 Investigating practices in communication and information exchange amongst CDM duty-holders. Mulholland R.E., Sheel A.G., Groat S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. vi, 170p. Illus. 27 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2951-1 (In English) Internet: This report investigated communication and information exchange issues among duty-holders under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (CDM, see CIS 95-13). A key aim of the study was to provide guidance and recommendations on good practices. The results of the survey indicated that the introduction of CDM was felt to have raised the awareness of safety and health across the construction industry. It helped to clarify roles and responsibilities of CDM duty-holders, helped to promote good safety and health management and communications practices and highlighted the need for proper time and resource planning. The client was seen as a key driver for a positive occupational safety and health culture. (104047)
CIS 05-346 Medical salesmen - Relationship between health and work. (French: Les visiteurs médicaux - Relations santé travail) Centre Interservices de Santé et de Médecine du travail en Entreprise (CISME), 10, rue de la Rosière - 75015 Paris, France, 2004. 145p. Illus. 45 ref. Price: EUR 17.50 (including VAT)., ISBN 2-85525-357-8 (In French) Internet: There are more than 20,000 medical salesmen in France. The objective of this cross-sectional epidemiological study was to better understand the risk factors and physical and mental health problems of medical salesmen and to propose practical preventive measures. The study is also of relevance to persons responsible for salespersons in general, including occupational safety and health specialists, in view of the many common aspects that apply to these mobile workers. It was conducted in the form of a self-administered questionnaire returned by 1003 medical salesmen. Interpretation of the questionnaire by occupational physicians focused on the following aspects: hazards during driving; lifestyles and nutrition; stress, anxiety and depression. (104008)
CIS 05-347 Safety supervision in small and micro enterprises. (German: Sicherheitstechnische Betreuung in Klein- und Kleinstbetrieben) Heeg F.J., Sperga M., Morgenroth U., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 180p. Illus. 67 ref. Price: EUR 16.00., ISBN 3-86509-168-7 (In German) Internet: Within the framework of the harmonization of European legislation on occupational safety and health and under the aegis of the German Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, various models for the monitoring of occupational safety in small enterprises were developed and tested over a period of several years. This study reports on the current situation, evaluates the models tested and highlights the qualifications and experience required for undertaking these activities. (104204)
CIS 05-348 Health and safety in motor vehicle repair. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 1991 (reprinted with amendments 2002). 55p. Illus. 54 ref. Price: GBP 5.50., ISBN 0-7176-0483-7 (In English) Internet: This guidance booklet describes the hazards and precautions associated with mechanical and body vehicle repair. It provides practical advice on how to organize safety and health in garages and explains the relevant legislation. Topics covered include: servicing and mechanical repair tasks (lifting equipment, electrical safety, compressed air equipment, vehicle inspection pits, petrol fires, steam and water pressure cleaners); body repair (flame cutting and welding, noise and vibration, body filling and preparation); painting (storing and mixing paints, spray booths and curing ovens); organizing health and safety (law, safety policies, accidents and emergencies, control of exposure to toxic substances, general working environment). Replaces CIS 91-1908. (104162)
CIS 05-349 Guidance on permit-to-work systems - A guide for the petroleum, chemical and allied industries. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. vi, 29p. Illus. 26 ref. Price: GBP 8.95., ISBN 0-7176-2943-0 (In English) Internet: This document describes good practice in the use of permit-to-work systems, and as such may be useful to operators using permit-to-work systems as part of a demonstration that risks have been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). The guidance is applicable to the onshore and offshore petroleum industry, onshore chemical and allied industries and other industries where permit-to-work systems are used. Topics addressed: definition of a permit-to-work system; when permit-to-work systems are required; harmonizing roles within permit-to-work systems; responsibilities; training and competence; layout of a permit-to-work; work planning and risk assessment; monitoring, audit and review of permit-to-work systems. Appendices include relevant legal requirements and assessment and monitoring checklists. Replaces the previous edition (CIS 97-1210). (104217)
CIS 05-350 Adapt your business to the labour law. A guide for fruit and vegetable processing enterprises. (Polish: Dostosuj swój zakład do obowiązującego prawa pracy. Poradnik dla pracodawców z zakładów przetwórstwa owoców i warzyw) Tyrakowska-Skwira A., Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy, ul. Krucza 38/42, 00-926 Warszawa, Poland, ca 2004. 28p. 41 ref., ISBN 83-919337-8-4 (In Polish) Internet: This safety guide is designed to help assess working conditions and identify typical occupational hazards in the fruit and vegetable processing industry. (104191)
CIS 05-351 Fast food restaurants: Prevention of occupational hazards. (French: La restauration rapide: Prévention des risques professionnels) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Jan. 2005. 51p. Illus. 30 ref. Price: EUR 8.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1288-5 (In French) Internet: This safety guide is aimed at managers of fast-food restaurants involved in serving hamburgers, sandwiches and home delivery services. Its objective is to help restaurant managers analyse and evaluate the hazards in their premises and implement suitable preventive measures. Contents: duties and responsibilities of restaurant managers; health hazards; costs of occupational accidents and diseases; implementation of a prevention plan; persons holding responsibilities for occupational safety and health; risk factors; external contractors working on the premises; internal organization; training; personal protective equipment; first aid services, first aid staff, first aid kit. (104063)
CIS 05-352 Hazard identification and planning of preventive measures in small enterprises. (French: Détermination des dangers et planification des mesures dans les petites entreprises; German: Gefahrenermittlung und Massnahmenplanung in Kleinbetrieben; Italian: Individuazione dei pericoli e pianificazione delle misure nelle picole aziende) Suva, Gesundheitsschutz, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 2004. 15p. Illus. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: Aimed at small enterprises, this booklet explains how to identify hazards and plan the necessary preventive measures. Contents: legal requirements; four-step approach to the identification of hazards and the planning of preventive measures (segment activities; listing the inventory of substances and equipment used; identifying hazards and constraints; taking appropriate steps); basic and specialized knowledge required; monitoring the measures. Appendices include a practical example of an automobile servicing and repair shop. (104067)
CIS 05-353 Work smart - Work safe. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Toronto, Canada, no date. CD-ROM. (In English) Internet: Multimedia CD-ROM presenting occupational safety and health information for young workers. Topics covered: principles of safety and health; health and safety law; rights and responsibilities; what to do when someone gets hurt; check-lists; resources; answers to questions; presentation of cases of young workers injured at work. (104084)
CIS 05-354 Wood dust exposure in small New Zealand woodworking companies. McBride D., Nelsen K., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Oct.2004, Vol.20, No.5, p.465-472. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigates wood dust exposure in small woodworking companies in New Zealand. 58 employees of 14 companies underwent personal respirable dust sampling and completed a self-administered exposure assessment questionnaire. 26 participants had exposure levels exceeding the New Zealand recommended workplace exposure standard of 5mg/m3. Although the survey size was small, dust exposure in small workplaces appears to be greater than that in large workplaces. Preventive measures include modern local exhaust ventilation, better cleaning procedures and the use of respiratory protective equipment during high-risk processes. (104030)
CIS 05-355 A review of engineering control technology for exposures generated during abrasive blasting operations. Flynn M.R., Susi P., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Oct. 2004, Vol.1, No.10, p.680-687. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature review focused on measures for controlling worker exposure to toxic airborne contaminants generated during abrasive blasting operations occurring primarily in the construction industry. The exposures of concern include respirable crystalline silica, lead, chromates and other toxic metals. Unfortunately, silica sand continues to be widely used in the United States as an abrasive blasting medium, resulting in high exposures for operators and surrounding personnel. Recently, several alternative abrasives have emerged as potential substitutes for sand, but they seem to be underused. Some of these abrasives may pose additional metal exposure hazards. Several new and improved technologies offer promise for reducing or eliminating exposures; these include wet abrasive blasting, high-pressure water jetting, vacuum blasting, and automated systems. (104033)
CIS 05-356 Additive effect of smoking and cotton dust exposure on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function of cotton textile workers. Su Y.M., Su J.R., Sheu J.Y., Loh C.H., Liou S.H., Industrial Health, Apr. 2003, Vol.41, No.2, p.109-115. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: Two surveys to investigate the prevalence of byssinosis among cotton textile workers were conducted, the first (1991) enrolling 169 workers and second (1996) 175. The synergistic effect of smoking on cotton dust exposure was also evaluated. Although the difference in prevalence of abnormal pulmonary function between the first (38.5%) and second study (38.9%) was not statistically significant, smokers had a significantly higher frequency than nonsmokers in both surveys. A significant trend existed between cotton dust levels and the frequency of abnormal lung function. The frequency of respiratory symptoms and the prevalence of severe byssinosis in the second survey were significantly lower than in the first survey. This was due to the remodelling of this old cotton mill. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and byssinosis in smokers was significantly higher than in nonsmokers in the first survey. These results indicate that smoking potentiates the effect of cotton dust exposure. The second study reveals that a high prevalence of byssinosis still existed in this Taiwanese cotton mill, although the prevalence was declining. Smoking was found to show an additive effect on cotton dust exposure. (104126)
CIS 05-357 Engineering controls for selected silica and dust exposures in the construction industry - A review. Flynn M.R., Susi P., Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Apr. 2003, Vol.18, No.4, p.268-277. Illus. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature review summarizes engineering control technology research for dust and silica exposures associated with selected tasks in the construction industry. Of over 30 references identified and reviewed, 16 were particularly significant in providing data and analyses capable of documenting the efficacy of various engineering controls. These reports include information on generation rates and worker exposures to silica and dust during four specific tasks: cutting brick and concrete block, grinding mortar from between bricks, drilling, and grinding concrete surfaces. The major controls were wet methods and local exhaust ventilation. The studies suggest that while the methods provide substantial exposure reductions, they may sometimes not be sufficient to reduce levels below the current ACGIH threshold limit value of 0.05 mg/m3 for respirable quartz. (104186)
CIS 05-358 Discourse on the need to take stock of the situation with respect to the hazards of ultra-fine particles. (French: De la nécessité de faire un point sur les dangers des particules ultra-fines) Hervé-Bazin B., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 2004, No.197, p.53-60. 99 ref. (In French) Internet: The emergence of new technologies which use or produce ultra-fine particles or nanoparticles raises the question of the hazards encountered during occupational exposure. Although the knowledge gained in the environmental field is applicable to some extent, it does not fully cover the potential industrial hazards. There is a need for improved toxicological data and identification of the main toxicity factors. Measurement techniques and technical or health reference standards need to be improved or created to ensure that conditions of work comply with the need to protect the health of exposed persons. The diversity of existing and projected applications for ultra-fine particles represents a new challenge to the ability of our occupational safety and health systems to adapt to technological changes. (104004)
CIS 05-359 Occupational skin diseases due to dyes. (French: Dermatoses professionnelles aux colorants) Crépy M.N., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 4nd Quarter 2004, No.100, p.565-576. Illus. 82 ref. (In French) Internet: Occupational skin diseases caused by exposure to dyes affect primarily hairdressers and textile industry workers. Paraphenylene diamine and its derivatives are among the most sensitizing hair dyes, while in the textile sector, the main allergens are found among disperse dyes. The clinical diagnosis and interpretation of allergy tests often pose difficulties in cases of allergic contact eczema to textile dyes. Contents of this review article on occupational skin diseases due to dyes: uses of dyes; their classification; epidemiology of occupational skin lesions caused by dyes; diagnosis in occupational settings; diagnosis in specialized institutions; prevention; compensation. (104007)
CIS 05-360 Effects of occupational solvent exposure on reproductive hormone concentrations and fecundability in men. Luderer U., Bushley A., Stover B.D., Bremner W.J., Faustman E.M., Takaro T.K., Checkoway H., Brodkin C.A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2004, Vol.46, No.6, p.614-626. Illus. 49 ref. (In English) Internet: To assess fertility and reproductive endocrine function in solvent-exposed men, this study investigated time-to-pregnancy of in a cohort of painters and millwrights compared to a reference group of carpenters. Detailed data on occupational exposure, medical history and time-to-pregnancy were obtained by telephone interview. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone concentrations were determined by immunoassay. FSH concentrations increased significantly with increasing exposures to all solvents and to chlorinated solvents. There were no significant associations of solvent exposures with LH or testosterone levels. LH, FSH, and testosterone concentrations also did not differ by job title. Time-to-pregnancy was non-significantly longer in the painters and millwrights than the carpenters. There was no significant association between time-to-pregnancy and any of the exposures. The significant associations between FSH levels and solvent exposures suggest the potential for adverse effects of solvent exposures on reproductive function in men. (104013)
CIS 05-361 Solvent-related health effects among construction painters with decreasing exposure. Kaukiainen A., Riala R., Martikainen R., Akila R., Reijula K., Sainio M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2004, Vol.46, No.6, p.627-636. 43 ref. (In English) Internet: The prevalence of solvent-related symptoms among construction painters is unclear owing to declining exposure. A questionnaire study was conducted on 1000 male Finnish construction painters and 1000 carpenters. Symptom questions were combined with exposure parameters, medical history and health behaviour. Highly significant associations were found between cumulative intensity of long-term solvent exposure and symptoms of memory loss, poor concentration and mood. The cumulative intensity of long-term solvent exposure was a better measure of solvent exposure than the number of years as a painter. Exposure was also associated with diagnosed psychiatric disorders, hypertension and arrhythmia. Recent exposure in the 1990s had no major effect on symptoms. The results confirm earlier findings of a dose-response relationship between exposure and long-term neurotoxic effects. However, no clear association was found between recent exposure and symptoms. (104014)
CIS 05-362 The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test: Relevant issues in beryllium health surveillance. Stange A.W., Furman F.J., Hilmas D.E., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 2004, Vol.46, No.5, p.453-462. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (Be-LPT) measures beryllium-specific cellular immune response, and is useful in medical surveillance of beryllium sensitivity and chronic beryllium disease. 12,194 current and former employees of 18 United States Department of Energy sites were tested for beryllium sensitization at four laboratories with Be-LPT expertise. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of the Be-LPT were determined as was inter- and intra-laboratory agreement. False positives were calculated to be 1.09%. Be-LPTs performed on inter-laboratory blood specimens from sensitized individuals showed a false negative rate of 31.7%. The intra-laboratory repeatability of abnormal Be-LPT results ranged from 80.4-91.9%. The sensitivity of the Be-LPT was determined to be 0.683, with a specificity of 0.969. It is concluded that the Be-LPT is efficient in medical surveillance of exposed individuals, with a PPV comparable to other widely-accepted medical tests. (104017)
CIS 05-363 Screening for beryllium disease among construction trade workers at Department of Energy nuclear sites. Welch L., Ringen K., Bingham E., Dement J., Takaro T., McGowan W., Chen A., Quinn P., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.46, No.3, p.207-218. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: To determine whether current and former construction workers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) nuclear weapons facilities are at significant risk of occupational illnesses resulting from their exposure to beryllium, screening programmes were undertaken at three DOE sites. Data on medical history and exposures to beryllium were collected during interviews by industrial physicians, and a beryllium blood lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) was carried out. Stratified and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the risk of disease by age, race, sex, trade, duration of DOE employment, self-reported work in buildings where beryllium was used and time since last DOE site employment. Of the 3,842 workers included in this study, 34% reported exposure to beryllium. Overall, 2.2% of workers had at least one abnormal BeLPT test, and 1.4% were also abnormal on a second test. Regression analyses demonstrated increased risk of having at least one abnormal BeLPT to be associated with ever working in a site building where beryllium activities had taken place. (104021)
CIS 05-364 Asbestos-related pleural disease due to tremolite associated with progressive loss of lung function: Serial observations in 123 miners, family members, and residents of Libby, Montana. Whitehouse A.C., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.46, No.3, p.219-225. Illus. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: The community of Libby, Montana was recently the focus of national attention following a widespread amphibole contamination associated with vermiculite mining and processing. Patients who had occupational and non-occupational exposure to asbestos in Libby were evaluated for progressive loss of pulmonary function. Of the 123 patients evaluated, the average annual age-corrected losses were 3.2% for vital capacity, 2.3% for total lung capacity and 3.3% for carbon monoxide diffusion. All these patients had predominantly pleural changes with minimal to no interstitial disease. The study demonstrates a progressive loss of pulmonary function in patients exposed to tremolite asbestos. (104022)
CIS 05-365 Dose-dependent production of urinary naphthols among workers exposed to jet fuel (JP-8). Serdar B., Egeghy P.P., Gibson R., Rappaport S.M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.46, No.3, p.234-244. Illus. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: Jet propulsion fuel-8 (JP-8) is one of the largest sources of chemical exposures among Air Force personnel. Urinary naphthols have been suggested as biomarkers of exposure to JP-8. Multivariate linear regression models were applied to evaluate the effects of environmental and work-related factors on production of urinary naphthols among 323 Air Force personnel. Naphthalene exposure, smoking status, and their interaction, plus self-reported skin irritation explained about two-thirds of the variation in naphthol levels. The exposure-smoking interaction was consistent with induction by smoking of one or more steps in the metabolism of naphthalene and naphthalene-1,2-oxide. A supralinear dose-response relationship was observed between urinary naphthols and naphthalene exposure. (104023)
CIS 05-366 Predictors of plasma lead among lithographic print shop workers in Mexico City. Juárez-Pérez C.A., Aguilar-Madrid G., Smith D.R., Lacasaña-Navarro M., Téllez-Rojo M.M., Piacitteli G., Hu H., Hernández-Avila M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.46, No.3, p.245-252. Illus. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: Plasma lead is a biological marker that reflects the fraction of lead in blood that is toxicologically available. This study examined the relationship between plasma lead and other biomarkers of lead exposure in 69 lithographic print shop workers. Lead was measured in plasma and whole blood, in bone, in occupational air samples and in hand wipes. Personal hygiene habits at work were also surveyed. Subjects had a mean age of 47 years and 86% were men. The mean lead levels were 0.3µg/L in plasma, 11.9µg/L in blood, 46.7µg/L in patella, and 27.6µg/L in tibia. Taken together, two multivariate linear models explained 57% of variability in plasma lead levels. Predictors for the first model were lead in patella, blood, and personal hygiene habits. Predictors for the second model were lead in tibia, blood, and personal hygiene habits. (104024)
CIS 05-367 Chemical use among farmers. Rothstein D., Firth H., Herbison P., McBride D., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Oct.2004, Vol.20, No.5, p.459-464. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: This study describes chemical use patterns and effects on health among a random sample of 586 New Zealand farmers in one of four sectors (dairy, pastoral, arable and horticultural). Of the respondents, 87.4% reported using chemicals, classified into 35 categories, with glyphosates and detergents being the most commonly used. Over 50% of the chemicals were sprayed, 19.8% of farmers self-rating their exposure as medium-high. One-fifth of users reported one or more acute illnesses associated with chemical exposure, with over half of these being neurological or respiratory. Use of personal protective equipment was generally low. (104029)
CIS 05-368 Industries in the United States with airborne beryllium exposure and estimates of the number of current workers potentially exposed. Henneberger P.K., Goe S.K., Miller W.E., Doney B., Groce D.W., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Oct. 2004, Vol.1, No.10, p.648-659. Illus. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: The estimated number of workers in the United States occupationally exposed to beryllium in studies published in the 1970s and 1980s ranged from 21,000 to 800,000. The purpose of this study was to provide improved estimates of the number of current workers potentially exposed to beryllium. Workers potentially exposed to beryllium included 1500 current employees in the primary beryllium industry and 26,500 individuals currently working for the Department of Energy or the Department of Defence. A further 26,400 to 106,000 workers may be exposed in the private sector (outside the primary industry). In total, there may be as many as 134,000 current workers in government and private industry potentially exposed to beryllium in the United States. It is recommended that the results of this study be used to target at-risk audiences for hazard communications intended to prevent beryllium sensitization and chronic beryllium disease. (104032)
CIS 05-369 Allergic contact dermatitis from dicyclohexylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate. Frick M., Björkner B., Hamnerius N., Zimerson E., Contact Dermatitis, June 2003, Vol.48, No.6, p.305-309. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: From August 1999 to April 2001, there was an outbreak of severe eczema at a factory manufacturing medical equipment. A glue, mainly based on the isocyanate dicyclohexylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate (DMDI), was suspected as being the cause of the problem. 16 workers with recent episodes of eczema were patch tested with a standard series, an isocyanate series and work material. 13 patients reacted to DMDI, nine to 1,6-hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI) and four to isophoronediisocyanate (IPDI), all of which are aliphatic isocyanates. None reacted to aromatic isocyanates, diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate (MDI) or toluenediisocyanate (TDI). One explanation for this pattern could be that aromatic diisocyanates are more reactive and therefore inactivated before penetrating the skin. Five patients reacted to dicyclohexylmethane-4,4'-diamine (DMDA) and five to 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA). Concurrent reactions to DMDA and/or MDA with DMDI could be due to cross-reactivity. The positive reactions to MDA could also be a marker of MDI exposure. (104111)
CIS 05-370 Methyl isobutyl ketone and methyl ethyl ketone in urine as biological markers of occupational exposure to these solvents at low levels. Kawai T., Zhang Z.W., Takeuchi A., Miyama Y., Sakamoto K., Higashikawa K., Ikeda M., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Feb. 2003, Vol.76, No.1, p.17-23. Illus. 46 ref. (In English) Internet: To examine whether urinary methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) are useful markers of low-level occupational exposure to these solvents, 27 furniture-making workers (19 men and eight women) and 11 non-exposed controls (six men and five women) volunteered to participate in this study. Eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of solvent vapours in air were monitored by diffusive sampling. Urine samples collected at the end of the shift were subjected to gas chromatography analysis. The relationship between the solvent concentrations and the corresponding urinary levels was examined by simple as well as multiple regression analysis. Significant correlations were found for both MIBK and MEK. It is concluded that urinary concentrations are good markers of exposure to both solvents. (104131)
CIS 05-371 Heart-rate variability of carbon disulfide-poisoned subjects in Korea. Jhun H.J., Yim S.H., Kim R., Paek D., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Mar. 2003, Vol.76, No.2, p.156-160. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: Mass poisoning by carbon disulfide (CS2) occurred in a viscose factory in Korea affecting 830 employees and causing 38 fatalities. This case-control study evaluated the heart-rate variability (HRV) among CS2-poisoned subjects, to examine whether CS2 affects HRV and whether the effects persist after cessation of exposure. Cases comprised 71 retired male workers with CS2 poisoning, while controls comprised 127 public officials matched by age with no history of organic solvent exposure or cardiovascular diseases. Data on personal habits and medical and occupational histories were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. Both groups were also subjected to medical examinations, including ECG recordings. Findings suggest that CS2 may cause heart-rate impairment and that its toxic effects persist well after cessation of exposure. (104136)
CIS 05-372 Approach to the creosote problem. (Spanish: Aproximación a la problemática de la creosota) Tabasco Fernández M., Prevención, trabajo y salud, Feb. 2005, No.34, p.14-21. Illus. 12 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article describes the restrictions that apply to the use and sales of creosotes, the problems they pose and the positions adopted by various countries regarding their use. Contents: restrictions concerning the use and sales of creosotes in Spain; carcinogenic hazards, modes of absorption and permissible concentration levels for industrial uses; positions adopted by various countries (Netherlands, Germany, Denmark) with respect to the use and production of creosotes. (104179)
CIS 05-373 Differential effects of lead exposure on components of verbal memory. Bleecker M.L., Ford D.P., Lindgren K.N., Hoese V.M., Walsh K.S., Vaughan C.G., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2005, Vol.62, No.3, p.181-187. Illus. 45 ref. (In English) Internet: To determine if verbal learning and memory retention is affected by lead exposure, the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) was administered to 256 English-speaking lead smelter workers (mean age 41 years and mean employment duration 17 years). Lead exposure variables, based on up to 25 years of prior blood lead data, included a mean current blood lead of 28µg/dl, working lifetime time weighted average blood lead (TWA) of 39µg/dl, and working lifetime integrated blood lead index (IBL) of 728µg-y/dl. Associations of these chronic and recent lead exposure variables with measures from the RAVLT were modelled through multiple linear regressions after controlling for age and educational achievement. It was found that long-term lead exposure interfered with the organisation and recall of previously learned verbal material. (104188)
CIS 05-374 Toxicity of some phenolic derivatives - In vitro studies. Zapór L., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.319-331. Illus. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: The cytotoxicity of five phenolic compounds (phenol, catechol, resorcinol, hydroquinone and phloroglucinol) was tested using a mouse 3T3 fibroblast cell line. Linear regression analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to characterize the relationship between cytotoxicity expressed as IC50 and physicochemical parameters of compounds or their toxicity in vivo expressed as LD50. The studies showed that the physicochemical properties of the compounds seemed to have less influence on their cytotoxic potency than did their structural properties. The cytotoxicity of the compounds probably depends on the number of hydroxyl groups and their location in the aromatic ring more than on physicochemical properties of compounds. The best correlation was obtained for IC50 values and LD50 values determined following rabbit skin administration and experimental skin irritation score. (104222)
CIS 05-375 Selection of sorption material for tests of pesticide permeation through protective clothing fabrics. Krzemińska S., Nazimek T., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.387-397. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents the results of studies on selecting a solid sorption material for absorbing liquid crop protection agents which permeate protective clothing fabrics. The selected substances (dichlorvos, cypermethrin, 2,4-D and carbofuran) were tested with a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. The tests demonstrated that polypropylene melt-blown type nonwoven fabric had high recovery coefficients for all four active ingredients studied. The highest recovery coefficient, 0.97, was obtained for carbofuran. The recovery coefficients obtained for the three remaining substances were lower: 0.89 for cypermethrin and 2,4-D, and 0.84 for dichlorvos. (104227)
CIS 05-376 Clinical study of asbestos-related lung cancer. Kishimoto T., Ohnishi K., Saito Y., Industrial Health, Apr. 2003, Vol.41, No.2, p.94-100. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: The characteristics of 120 patients with primary lung cancer suspected to be induced by exposure to asbestos were analysed. Most patients were male and the age ranged from 47 to 87 years with a median of 70 years. No particular tendency was observed in the histological types of the lung cancer. Forty patients were heavy smokers. Most of the patients had been exposed to asbestos in shipyards, the construction industry and ironworks. The term of asbestos exposure was from two to 60 years with a median 27 years. Lung cancers appeared after 15 to 69 years with a median 43 years from the initial exposure to asbestos. Lung cancer was accompanied by asbestosis in 35 patients and by pleural plaques in 77, with 22 patients having both asbestosis and pleural plaques. The number of asbestos bodies per 5g wet lung tissue for 72 patients whose lung tissues were obtained from autopsy or surgery was more than 150. In a group of 32 patients, 14 were exposed to crocidolite fibres, ten to amosite and eight to chrysotile. (104125)
CIS 05-377 Performance determination of dust-removing respirators with standard filtration media. (French: Détermination des performances des masques anti-poussières à média filtrant classique) Martin P., Rousseau R., Brand F., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 4th Quarter 2004, No.197, p.21-29. Illus. 13 ref. (In French) Internet: The objective of this study was to develop laboratory test methods for dust-removing respirators that best reproduce true conditions of use. Three series of tests were carried out: leakage and pressure tests for ventilated devices; pressure measurements at various flow rates for supplied-air masks; leakage and pressure tests for negative pressure masks. The findings will facilitate the further development of new methods for the laboratory validation of respirators that are more representative of true conditions of use, rendering it possible to carry out a critical analysis of test methods used for their certification. (104003)
CIS 05-378 Occupational dermatitis from cutting fluids - Analysis of 32 cases. (French: Les dermatites professionnelles aux fluides de coupe - A propos de 32 cas) Goldin M., Fantoni S., Dejobert Y., Leroyer A., Frimat P., Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, Dec. 2004, Vol.65, No.7-8, p.531-540. 11 ref. (In French) Internet: This study had two objectives: firstly, to report on the current status of dermatological allergic diseases induced by cutting fluids and their components and to examine the diagnostic tools available to occupational physicians; secondly, to study occupational outcomes among these employees. It was carried out in the form of a retrospective and descriptive study, including a survey and an allergologic assessment consisting of a standard battery, a battery specific to cutting oils and a telephone questionnaire on socio-professional and medico-legal outcomes. A large proportion of the sample of 32 patients attending a hospital dermatology department were metallurgy workers and mechanics. The majority of the observed lesions consisted of eczematoid dermatitis for the allergens of the biocides/antiseptics group. There was also a strong proportion of family and personal history of atopy. Nine cases were found to be unfit for work, including five cases of dismissal in the absence of possible reclassification within the company. A reclassification or a change of workplace concerned 10 patients among the 27 that continued to practise their occupation. (104071)
CIS 05-379 Gaseous chlorine poisoning. (French: Intoxication au chlore gazeux) Payen D., Prévention BTP, Mar. 2005, No.72, p.29-30. Illus. 3 ref. (In French) Internet: This information sheet describes an accidental poisoning by gaseous chlorine in a worker involved in cleaning the sanitary facilities of a building site. The worker attempted to dilute Javel water into a container which had previously contained hydrochloric acid and in which residual amounts of acid were still present. The information sheet outlines measures for the prevention of such incidents (information and training of workers, disposal of empty containers, adequate ventilation, use of personal protective equipment). (104108)
CIS 05-380 Cancer mortality and incidence among a cohort of benzidine and dichlorobenzidine dye manufacturing workers. Rosenman K.D., Reilly M.J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 2004, Vol.46, No.5, p.505-512. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: 538 workers potentially exposed to benzidine and/or dichlorobenzidine at a chemical manufacturing facility were followed. Vital status through 2001 and cancer incidence through 2002 were determined for all employees who worked at the facility from 1960 to 1977. 22 bladder cancer cases were identified. For three individuals, bladder cancer was the underlying cause of death. Increased standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were 1.54 for all cancers, 8.34 for bladder cancer and 2.84 for lymphohaematopoietic cancer. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for bladder cancer was 6.85. Among the workers who were exposed to dichlorobenzidine only, there was a single case of bladder cancer, but an increased risk for lymphohaematopoietic cancer (SMR 6.62). This study confirms the high risk of bladder cancer among benzidine exposed workers even years after exposure has ceased, and raises suggestive evidence of increased risk of lymphohaematopoietic cancer from exposure to benzidine or dichlorobenzidine. (104019)
CIS 05-381 Estimating historical occupational exposure to airborne hexavalent chromium in a chromate production plant: 1940-1972. Proctor D.M., Panko J.P., Liebig E.W., Paustenbach D.J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Nov. 2004, Vol.1, No.11, p.752-767. Illus. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: The findings of a retrospective exposure assessment for 493 workers who were occupationally exposed to airborne hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) at a chromate production plant from 1940 to 1972 are presented. Exposure estimates were based on a job-exposure matrix that related job titles with area monitoring data from 21 industrial hygiene surveys conducted from 1943 to 1971. Former workers were interviewed to determine activity patterns in the plant by job title. This information was combined with Cr(VI) monitoring data to calculate cumulative occupational exposure for each worker. The highest monthly 8-hour average exposures for each worker ranged from 0.003 to 4.1mg/m3. These exposure estimates were combined with mortality data for this cohort to assess the lung cancer risk associated with inhaled Cr(VI). A dose-response relationship was observed for increases in lung cancer mortality with Cr(VI) exposure. (104035)
CIS 05-382 Efficiency of local exhausts - A review. Olander L., Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1994. 12p. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: This report provides a review of the literature on efficiency measures for local exhausts. It also presents a table of the various measures with definitions, explanations and comments. (104142)
CIS 05-383 Expressions and equations for different time distributions for air in ventilated rooms. Olander L., Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1994. 38p. Illus. 46 ref. (In English) Internet: This report provides a compilation of mathematical formulae used to describe the transport of air and contaminants inside rooms. Includes formulae for residence time distributions, measurements of mean values and ventilation efficiency measures. (104143)
CIS 05-384 Mixed exposures research agenda - A report by the NORA mixed exposures team. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2002, USA, Dec. 2004. x, 42p. 51 ref. (In English) Internet: Research has shown that physiological interactions from mixed exposures can lead to an increase in severity of the harmful effect. For example, dual exposure to noise and toluene results in a higher risk of hearing loss than exposure to either stressor alone. Exposure to carbon monoxide and methylene chloride produces elevated levels of carboxyhaemoglobin, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen in the body. The problem of mixed exposures is multifaceted, given the large number of combinations that occur in a variety of workplaces. This report was prepared by a team formed from experts inside and outside the public sector that examined the literature, tracked ongoing research, identified significant research gaps and set priorities for future research. (104040)
CIS 05-385 An occupational hygiene assessment of the use and control of isocyanates in the UK. Cowie H.A., Hughson G.W., Creely K.S., Graham M.K., Hutchison P.A., Aitken R.J., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. x, 238p. Illus. 31 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2959-7 (In English) Internet: Approximately 6200 motor vehicle repair (MVR) workshops in the United Kingdom use isocyanates, with around 15000 employees directly exposed. In the non-MVR sector, a further 1600 enterprises were estimated to use isocyanates, with around 7000 employees directly exposed. Enterprises carrying out work with the greatest potential for exposure were generally aware of the health hazards and had taken appropriate action to control workers' exposure. Workplace surveys confirmed that exposure levels were generally low and that it was possible to control air concentrations to below the existing exposure limits with basic exposure control measures. These results suggest that isocyanate related asthma cases could be due to momentary lapses in exposure controls rather than prolonged, high level exposure that might be attributed to ignorance of the health risks and the recommended control measures. Alternatively, it is possible that the existing exposure limits do not ensure the adequate protection of exposed workers. (104049)
CIS 05-386 The WHO recommended classification of pesticides by hazards and guidelines to classification 2004. International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), World Health Organization, Marketing and Dissemination, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2004. 56p., ISBN 92-4-154663-8 (In English) Internet: This document presents the latest WHO recommendations with respect to the classification of pesticides. Part I describes the basis of the WHO system for the classification of pesticides according to their acute risk to health. The classification is based primarily on the acute oral and dermal toxicity to the rat (LD50 values): extremely hazardous, highly hazardous, moderately hazardous and slightly hazardous. The application of the criteria for classification is explained along with the effects of classification on labelling. Part II provides lists of products in the four hazard classes and a list of pesticides considered unlikely to present acute hazard in normal use. Further tables are provided for determining the hazard class of a formulation. Update of CIS 03-360. (104088)
CIS 05-387 Existing chemicals: Literature reviews and evaluations. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, May 1994. ii, 275p. 31 ref. + 3.5" Diskette. (In English) Internet: This report presents an overview of the work done by 21 organisations involved in reviewing and evaluating data on the possible hazards posed by more than 3100 industrial chemicals. All reviews are concerned with animal toxicology and human health; some also include ecotoxicological data and environmental effects. Data are presented in the form of an alphabetical list of chemicals, with CAS numbers, dates of publication of reports and indications of those organisations that have expressed an interest in a given compound but not yet published a report. (104094)
CIS 05-388 Skin irritation and corrosion: Reference chemicals data bank. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Mar. 1995. i, 247p. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: This report consists of a data bank of the results of in vivo tests on rabbits to evaluate the irritating and/or corrosive action of 175 chemicals on the skin and to rank them according to their skin irritation potential. The chemicals represent a range of chemical classes: acids, acrylates, methacrylates, alcohols, aldehydes, alkalis, amines, amides, brominated derivatives, chlorinated solvents, esters, ethers, fatty acids, fragrance oils, halogenated aromatics, (unsaturated) hydrocarbons, inorganics, ketones, nitriles, phenolic derivatives, sulfur-containing compounds, soaps, surfactants and triglycerides. (104095)
CIS 05-389 Environmental exposure assessment. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Sep. 1994. ii, 109p. Illus. 52 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of the work presented in this report was to provide more detailed information on how to perform an assessment of environmental exposure on a regional and on a local scale. It is intended to complete the information given in an earlier report (see CIS 93-942). Main topics covered: legislation and existing hazard assessment schemes; environmental exposure assessment in relation to risk assessment; generic environmental exposure models; release estimation; degradation kinetics; illustration of calculations; conclusions and recommendations. (104096)
CIS 05-390 Reproductive and general toxicology of some inorganic borates and risk assessment for human beings. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Feb. 1995. ii, 91p. Illus. 168 ref. (In English) Internet: This report reviews the data on general toxicity and reproductive and antifertility effects of some inorganic borates: boric acid, borax pentahydrate, anhydrous borax, boric oxide, sodium perborate tetrahydrate and sodium perborate monohydrate. In animal studies, exposure to high levels of boric acid or borax has adverse effects on fertility and developmental toxicity; the precise mechanism of this action is unclear. At borate concentrations found in the environment (food, fresh waters, drinking water) risk assessment has demonstrated that exposure is not likely to cause any health hazard to human beings (104097)
CIS 05-391 The toxicology of glycol ethers and its relevance to man. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Aug. 1995. 350p. Illus. Approx. 550 ref. (In English) Internet: This report is an update of a previous ECETOC report (see CIS 85-1358). It includes a larger number of glycol ethers, presents updated relevant toxicological information in animal and man, and reviews the knowledge of mechanisms underlying the observed toxicology. Contents: haematological and testicular effects; nephrotoxicity; hepatotoxicity; lymphatic tissue and immunotoxicity; neurological effects; genotoxicity and carcinogenicity; developmental and reproductive effects; absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination; human exposure (general population and occupational exposure, air monitoring, biological monitoring); human health effects (haemotological, effects behavioural and neurological effects, reproductive effects, other effects); exposure limits; substance profiles. (104098)
CIS 05-392 The flame retardants project - A collection of reports on some flame retardants and an updated ecotoxicological summary for tetrabromobisphenol A. Kemikalieinspektionen (KEMI), Box 1384, 171 27 Solna, Sweden, 1995. 83p. Ref.bibl. (In English) Internet: This document contains a collection of reports on the toxicity and ecotoxicity of selected brominated flame retardants and an updated ecotoxicological summary for tetrabromobisphenol A. The properties and toxic effects of the following flame retardants are reviewed: decabromodiphenyl oxide; pentabromoethylbenzene, pentabromomethylbenzene, tetrabromobisphenol A, ammonium bromide, N,N'-ethylenebis(tetrabromophthalimide), hexabromocyclododecane, tetrabromophthalic anhydride. There are no data available on the effects of these flame retardants on humans. (104141)
CIS 05-393 First European intercomparison with a formaldehyde diffusive sampler. Levin J.O., Lindahl R., Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1994. 14p. Illus. 7 ref. (In English) Internet: This document presents the results of analyses performed by 22 European laboratories using a diffusive sampler at four different formaldehyde concentrations. Although the majority of the participating laboratories used this diffusive sampler for the first time, the results can be considered quite good as 42-75% performed within ±10% of the target. A second round of testing is planned within this project which aims at improving the quality of aldehyde measurements in workplace air. (104145)
CIS 05-394 Second European intercomparison on aldehyde hydrazone standard reference materials. Levin J.O., Lindahl R., Heeremans C., Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1994. 40p. Illus. 8 ref. (In English) Internet: The main goal of this project is to improve the quality of aldehyde measurements in workplace air. This includes certification of reference materials for the quality control of aldehyde analyses. A total of 24 laboratories tested three types of reference materials related to the monitoring of aldehydes in air by derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and subsequent determination of the hydrazone by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The results of these tests are discussed. (104146)
CIS 05-395 A compilation of flame retardants. Kemikalieinspektionen (KEMI), Box 1384, 171 27 Solna, Sweden, 1995. 42p. (In English) Internet: This document consists of a comprehensive list of 352 flame retardants, including their chemical name and CAS number, compiled from various sources. The products are grouped according to the following main headings: halogenated organic compounds (not containing phosphorus); non-halogenated organic compounds (not containing phosphorus); halogenated organic phosphorus compounds; non-halogented organic phosphorus compounds; inorganic compounds. (104156)
CIS 05-396 Targeted risk assessment. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Dec 2004. 223p. Illus. 155 ref. Price: EUR 125.00. (In English) Internet: One of the key challenges of the proposed European chemicals legislation (REACH) is that it envisages the registration and evaluation of approximately 30,000 chemicals by producers and importers over the next 10-15 years. Faced with such a challenge, both practically and scientifically, appropriate prioritization will be a key element of the REACH process. To facilitate such work, ECETOC has developed a step-wise approach for identifying and prioritizing scenarios where risks to human health and the environment from chemicals might reasonably be expected to be high enough to undertake a more detailed assessment of risk. The concept applies an iterative approach in which the potential risks of a chemical are based on the consideration of both hazards and exposures. (104164)
CIS 05-397 Whole effluent assessment. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Dec. 2004. 125p. Illus. 221 ref. Price: EUR 125.00. (In English) Internet: There is increasing recognition by regulators that there are limitations to the substance-specific approach for assessing and controlling the environmental fate and effects of effluents. Many regulators are seeking more holistic techniques such as whole effluent assessment to supplement existing approaches. This report provides an overview of whole effluent assessment approaches in terms of their applicability to existing regulation, the types of tests being considered (ecotoxicity tests, bioaccumulation, persistence, endocrine disruption and genetic toxicology) and how whole effluent assessment could be tailored to meet specific objectives. Case studies are also provided with recommendations made regarding the applicability of various whole effluent assessment approaches. (104165)
CIS 05-398 Occupational exposure limits for chemicals in Spain in 2005. (Spanish: Límites de exposición profesional para agentes químicos en España 2005) Ministerio de trabajo y asuntos sociales, Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2004. 216p. 13 ref., ISBN 84-7425-684-4 (In Spanish) Internet: This booklet provides a list of chemical substances and their environmental and biological exposure limits in Spain. Includes separate lists of carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals, sensitizers and exposure limits currently being revised. Also provides explanations of the different types of limits, methods of sampling and analysis and a list of risk phrases. (104172)
CIS 05-399 Potency assessment of skin sensitizing chemicals using the local lymph node assay. (German: Beurteilung der Wirkstärke hautsensibilisierender Chemikalien anhand des Local Lymph Node Assay) Akkan Z., Kalberlah F., Oltmanns J., Schneider K., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 303p. Illus. Approx. 250 ref. Price: EUR 23.50., ISBN 3-86509-110-5 (In German) Internet: The local lymph node assay (LLNA) is a relatively recent method for determining the degree of skin sensitization in mice. This study aimed at establishing correlations between results obtained by this method and those of human sensitization studies (human repeat insult patch tests and human maximization tests). For this purpose, results of LLNA tests and human tests were compared for 46 sensitizers. The degree of sensitization induced by these substances ranged through four levels of magnitude. Very good correlations were observed between LLNA tests and human tests. Four classes of classification are proposed for the degree of sensitization (low, medium, strong and very strong). (104205)
CIS 05-400 Performance of organic vapour filters: Effects of discontinuous and multiple vapour exposures. Aitken R.J., Apsley A., Hemingway M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. vi, 33p. Illus. 7 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2972-4 (In English) Internet: Organic vapour filters are extensively used in respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for providing protection against vapours present in workplace air. The filters eventually become overloaded and allow the vapour to breakthrough and expose the wearer to a toxic hazard. RPE wearers may be using filters that have passed their useful service life. Presently, there is no reliable method of assessing when breakthrough actually occurs in practical usage. The main purposes of this study were to quantify the effect of discontinuous vapour challenges on filter lifetime and to investigate the performance of filters in multiple vapour systems. A secondary objective was to determine to what extent these effects might be incorporated into models of filter behaviour. Vapours tested were isopropanol and cyclohexane. Various recommendations are made based on the findings. (104211)
CIS 05-401 EH40/2005 workplace exposure limits. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. vi, 74p. Illus. 35 ref. Price: GBP 11.50., ISBN 0-7176-2977-5 (In English) Internet: This document provides a list of Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for hazardous substances which have been approved by the Health and Safety Commission. It includes tables on approved WELs and biological monitoring guidance values and sections on the following topics: setting exposure limits; applying occupational exposure limits; calculation methods; monitoring exposure; mixed exposures. (104218)
CIS 05-402 Enhancing chemical risk control for reducing exposure in the workplace through advanced risk messaging techniques. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. ix, 125p. Illus. 64 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-6128-8 (In English) Internet: Report of a pilot study into the use of an interactive computer-based simulation game called ARM (Advanced Risk Messenger) which provides spray painters in the motor repair industry with information about their working conditions and the effects on their health. This game allows players to search for information and to manipulate their working environment to see what the effects are. The hazard explored in this study was the risk of asthma through exposure to isocyanates. In the game setting, asthma could be avoided by choosing the full-face air supplied respirator for breathing protection, a ventilated spray booth and training. The ARM programme could provide a valuable research tool for investigating how a person responds to a message and whether they intend to change their behaviour. (104237)
CIS 05-403 Allergies 1995. Arbetsmiljöfonden, The Swedish Work Environment Fund. Box 1122, 111 81 Stockholm, Sweden, 1995. 36p. Index. (In English) Internet: This catalogue presents details of research projects on allergies funded by the Work Environment Fund in 1995. A summary of each project, the duration, the budget and publications of persons responsible for the research are provided. It describes 17 research projects on respiratory tract allergies and 15 on skin allergies. (104093)
CIS 05-404 Development of a field method for the assessment of the effectiveness of barrier creams in preventing skin irritation reactions. Sadhra S., Holloway S., Jackson C.A., Foulds I., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. viii, 74p. Illus. 18 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2946-5 (In English) Internet: This report presents the findings of a study designed to develop a test method using non-invasive bioengineering skin instrumentation for evaluating the effectiveness of barrier creams against chemical skin irritants used in a typical work setting. The test protocols developed can easily be adapted to different industrial settings and may be used to evaluate other barrier creams for other substances. The instruments and test protocols showed that the barrier cream evaluated was effective in protecting the skin from a strong skin irritant and one of the two oils used on the site. Among the instruments used in factory settings, measurements of skin colour and trans-epidermal water loss provided the most reliable and stable data. (104043)
CIS 05-405 Evaluation of field and laboratory effectiveness of whole body coveralls. Glass C.R., Harrington P.M., Mathers J.J., Smith S.W., Cocker J., Akrill P., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. vi, 39p. Illus. 14 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-6114-8 (In English) Internet: This report describes a study carried out to investigate the level of protection offered against liquid penetration by two types of coveralls (type 6 PPE and polycotton workwear). The research also considered whether the choice of garment or the way in which it was used could contribute to the total potential exposure. The performance of the coveralls was investigated under laboratory and field conditions and the extent of enhanced absorption of hazardous substances through the skin was measured in volunteers doing replicated tasks with and without coveralls. (104236)
CIS 05-406 Elementary substances cycle - Monograph Volume II. (Polish: Obieg pierwiastków w przyrodzie - Monografia tom II) Gworek B., Misiaka J., eds., Instytut Ochrony Środowiska, ul. Krucza 5/11, 00-548 Warszawa, Poland, 2003. 730p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 83-85805-90-7 (In Polish) Internet: This monograph consists of a compilation of papers on the following topics: circulation and accumulation of elementary substances in various parts of the environment and assessment of accumulation; toxicity of various elements; measures for the remediation of polluted sites. Several papers are in English. (104193)
CIS 05-407 Persistent organic pollutants: Volume 1. National profile - Poland. Żurek J., Sadowski M., eds., Instytut Ochrony Środowiska, Ul. Krucza 5/11, 00-548 Warszawa, Poland, 2003. 194p. Illus., ISBN 83-85805-88-5 (In English) Internet: This report presents the results of the inventory phase of the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants in Poland. The main objective of the inventory phase was to prepare a list of hazards caused by the use of hazardous substances subject to the Stockholm Convention in Poland. The report consists of two parts: inventory of persistent organic pollutants in Poland; the state of preparedness for the implementation of the Stockholm Convention. (104194)
CIS 05-408 Use of high-temperature glass fibres. (German: Einsatz von Hochtemperaturglasfasern) Kahl-Mentschel A., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 111p. Illus. 29 ref. Price: EUR 12.00., ISBN 3-86509-104-0 (In German) Internet: The purpose of this study was to identify substitution products for carcinogenic ceramic fibres. The possibility of using high-temperature glass fibres (alkaline and alkaline earth silicate (AES) fibres) was examined. Following a literature review of the topic, several questionnaires were compiled and sent to various target groups of experts. The findings of this survey, which differ according to the target group (industry experts, users, suppliers and intermediate processors), are discussed. As far as the usefulness of AES fibres as substitution products for ceramic fibres is concerned, opinions differ and the advantages of AES fibres do not appear to be overwhelmingly clear. (104203)
CIS 05-409 Exposure limits at the workplace 2005 [Switzerland]. (French: Valeurs limites d'exposition aux postes de travail 2005 [Suisse]; German: Grenzwerte am Arbeitsplatz 2005) Suva, Arbeitsmedizin, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 2005. 144p. Illus. (In French, German) Internet: List of exposure limits at the workplace for 2005 in Switzerland. Contents: definitions of exposure limits for harmful substances; list of exposure limit values (including short-term exposure values); carcinogens and other harmful exposures (carcinogenic nitrosamines, benzo(a)pyrene and aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, passive smoking at the workplace, asbestos, mutagens, substances toxic for reproduction, artificial mineral fibres, organic peroxides, inert substances, dust and gases); definition of the biological exposure indices (BEI); biological monitoring of harmful substances; list of BEIs; BEI of carcinogens; admissible threshold values for physical agents at the workplace (ionizing radiations, non-ionizing radiations, noise and vibration, compressed air, infrared radiation). Replaces CIS 03-520. (104081)
CIS 05-410 Asbestos: The analysts' guide for sampling, analysis and clearance procedures. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Jan. 2005. iv, 100p. Illus. 71 ref. Price: GBP 16.50., ISBN 0-7176-2875-2 (In English) Internet: This guide consolidates and updates technical guidance from a number of HSE sources, including guidance notes EH 10 (CIS 02-871), MDHS 39 (CIS 96-298) and MDHS 77 (94-2043), which it now replaces. It is aimed mainly at analysts involved in licensed asbestos removal, sampling of asbestos-containing materials and site clearance certification. Contents: quality assurance and accreditation schemes; training and qualifications; asbestos sampling and analysis procedures; site assessment for reoccupation; supervisory work; personal protective equipment; decontamination procedures. (104090)
CIS 05-411 Endocrine disrupters and occupational hazards. (French: Perturbateurs endocriniens et risques professionnels) Pillière F., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 1st Quarter 2005, No.146, 8p. 27 ref. (In French) Internet: The problems posed by endocrine disrupters (EDs) are of current interest and the object of widespread research in a variety of domains. However, few studies have specifically examined the relationship between occupational exposures and potential endocrine effects among exposed workers. These effects are difficult to assess in occupational settings, in particular because of multiple exposures and the difficulty of using markers in practical conditions. It is primarily the agricultural sector, involving the handling of pesticides, and the pharmaceutical industry that have been the focus of research on the possible effects of EDs among workers. Concerning chemicals or chemical classes, studies highlighting possible ED effects have mainly focused on pesticides, metals, solvents and to some extent on xenoestrogens, however the mode of action is not fully understood. (104104)
CIS 05-412 Control of substances hazardous to health (Fifth edition) - The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended). Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 5th ed., 2005. iv, 144p. Illus. 81 ref. Price: GBP 12.50., ISBN 0-7176-2981-3 (In English) Internet: Contains the Approved Code of Practice for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 (as amended, see CIS 03-1023) with supporting guidance on the control of carcinogenic and mutagenic substances, work with biological agents and the control of substances that cause occupational asthma. Covers: the assessment of health risks; prevention or control of exposure; use and maintenance of control measures; exposure monitoring; health surveillance; provision of information and training; arrangements for dealing with accidents. Replaces the previous edition (CIS 05-185). (104219)
CIS 05-413 COSHH: A brief guide to the Regulations. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 2005. 16p. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: This booklet is written mainly for employers to help them to meet their specific duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) (COSHH, see CIS 03-1023). It is also useful to safety representatives, safety and health professionals and to all persons interested in occupational safety and health issues. Contents: why COSHH matters; substances hazardous to health under COSHH; eight steps necessary to comply with COSHH (assess the risks; decide what precautions are needed; prevent or control exposure; ensure that technical control measures are used and maintained in good working order; monitor exposure; carry out appropriate health surveillance; prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies; ensure that employees are properly informed, trained and supervised). (104220)
CIS 05-414 Respiratory protective equipment at work - A practical guide. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Jan. 2005. iv, 60p. Illus. 42 ref. Price: GBP 10.95., ISBN 0-7176-2904-X (In English) Internet: This guide, aimed at employers and the self-employed as well as persons responsible for managing staff health and safety, provides essential guidance for the correct selection and use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) in the workplace in order to comply with the law. It explains when RPE is to be used and presents a step-by-step approach for deciding on the right level of protection for a given hazardous substance and for the selection of the correct RPE for the particular wearer and the work environment. It also describes common misuses of RPE, and explains how to prevent them. Includes advice on how to ensure that the selected RPE keeps working effectively. (104089)
CIS 05-415 A national population data base for major accident hazard modelling. Smith G., Arnot C., Fairburn J., Walker G., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. x, 76p. Illus. 5 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2941-4 (In English) Internet: In order to undertake the modelling of major accident events, the HSE needs to estimate the numbers of persons potentially at risk from such events in the United Kingdom. The objective of this project was to develop a methodology for producing a national population database, drawing on multiple data sets and including populations located within residential, workplace, retail, transport and leisure land uses, as well as within communal establishments involving particularly sensitive populations (such as schools and hospitals). The resulting database has improved coverage of population types and a spatial resolution. It has a flexible and user-friendly interface, which provides for many different potential uses by HSE and other Government Bodies and Departments. (104042)
CIS 05-416 Smoke ventilation in operational fire fighting. Tuomisaari M., VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, VTT Information Service, P.O.Box 2000, 02044 VTT, Finland, 1997. 52p. Illus. 14 ref. Price: EUR 35.00 (+ 8% VAT). Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 951-38-5201-6 (In English) Internet: Ventilating a fire compartment during operational fire fighting procedures may have unpredictable consequences. In some cases the ventilation is advantageous: the hot gases are removed from the fire enclosure, the visibility improves and the enclosure cools down. In some cases the opposite happens: the burning rate accelerates, more smoke is spread around, and the temperatures rise. The most dramatic consequence is a severe explosion. The effect of ventilating the fire compartment was studied systematically by quarter-scale laboratory tests. Both natural and positive pressure ventilation (PPV) were applied. The tests revealed that when properly used, PPV clearly improves the survival probability in the compartment. (104151)
CIS 05-417 Strategy generator in computerized accident management support system. Sirola M., VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, VTT Information Service, P.O.Box 2000, 02044 VTT, Finland, 1994. 91p. Illus. 40 ref. Price: EUR 43.00 (+ 8% VAT)., ISBN 951-38-4401-3 (In English) Internet: The objective of this project was to design and develop a prototype computerized support system for the management of serious accident occurrences in nuclear power plants. It consists of a rule-based system which assists plant personnel in planning control measures and damage mitigation strategies ranging from normal operations to severe accident conditions. Future phases of the project involve accurate calculations in simulators and the building of a large database including all important information from the plant useful for strategy planning. (104152)
CIS 05-418 Severe accident assessment - Results of the reactor safety research project VHATI. Sairanen R., VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, ed., VTT Information Service, P.O.Box 2000, 02044 VTT, Finland, 1997. 93p. Illus. 74 ref. Price: EUR 43.00 (+ 8% VAT)., ISBN 951-38-5160-5 (In English) Internet: This report provides a summary of the nuclear reactor safety research project "Severe Accident Management" conducted at the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) in 1994-96. The project was divided into five work packages: thermal hydraulic validation of the Advanced Process Simulation Environment (APROS) code; core melt progression within a boiling water reactor (BWR) pressure vessel; failure mode of the BWR pressure vessel; aerosol behaviour experiments; development of a computerized severe accident training tool. (104153)
CIS 05-419 RETU - The Finnish research programme on reactor safety - Interim report 1995 - May 1997. Vanttola T., Puska E.K., VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, eds., VTT Information Service, P.O.Box 2000, 02044 VTT, Finland, 1997. 168p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 57.00 (+ 8% VAT). Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 951-38-5146-X (In English) Internet: The Finnish national research programme on nuclear reactor safety is introduced and the scientific and technical results obtained during the period 1995 - 1997 are described. The government-funded programme allows for the commissioning of impartial expertise for the regulation of nuclear power, the training of new experts, the improvement of technology transfer and the international exchange of scientific results. Emphasis was given to the search for safe limits of nuclear fuel and the reactor core, accident management methods and risk management of nuclear power plant operation. (104154)
CIS 05-420 Methods for investigating management impact to causes and consequences of specific hazards - MIMIX. Heikkilä J., Rasmussen B., Rouhiainen V., Suokas J., VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, VTT Information Service, P.O.Box 2000, 02044 VTT, Finland, 1995. 53p. Illus. 7 ref. Price: EUR 35.00 (+ 8% VAT)., ISBN 951-38-4844-2 (In English) Internet: MIMIX (Method for Investigating Management Impact to Causes and Consequences of Specific Hazards) is a new method for the identification of deficiencies in managerial means and practices used for maintaining and improving plant safety. The report includes guidelines for carrying out a MIMIX analysis, together with practical experiences, case studies and an example of the preparation of incident scenarios. The report also summarizes the first findings of a programme entitled "An Overall Knowledge-Based Methodology for Hazard Identification" (TOMHID), funded by the STEP (Science and Technology for Environmental Protection) European research programme. (104155)
CIS 05-421 Computer model for the design and validation of directed water deluge systems for the protection of plant containing pressurised flammable materials against fire. Davies G.F., Nolan P.F., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. vi, 42p. Illus. 18 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-6100-8 (In English) Internet: This report describes the development of a computer model to predict the water distribution on the surface of vessels containing pressurized flammable materials protected by directed water deluge systems. The model is intended to be an integral component of new improved guidelines for the design of such water deluge systems. The aims of the project were to extend the range of applicability of an existing basic model to a wide range of tank sizes and water deluge designs. Predictions of water distributions across the surface of storage vessels obtained using the model have been validated against measured (experimental) data and a close level of agreement to within 7% has been demonstrated. (104234)
CIS 05-422 Explosive mixtures - 1. Gases and vapours. (French: Les mélanges explosifs - 1. Gaz et vapeurs) Petit J.M., Poyard J.L., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Dec. 2004. 96p. Illus. 93 ref. Price: EUR 10.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1183-8 (In French) Internet: This booklet provides a practical guide to the prevention of hazards resulting from working with or being exposed to explosive gases on industrial sites. The implementation of safety measures requires knowledge of the combustion and explosion characteristics of gases or vapours of the substances involved. In addition to technical prevention measures, organizational measures are also necessary to lower the risks of explosions and to ensure the efficiency of the technical measures adopted. Contents: characteristics of explosive mixtures; characteristics and effects of explosions; evaluation of explosion hazards; prevention of explosions; equipment that may be used in explosive atmospheres; measures aimed at limiting the effects of explosions. (104065)
CIS 05-423 Noise mapping - A useful tool in the fight against noise. (French: La cartographie du bruit - Un outil important pour la lutte contre le bruit) Aouadi R., SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, Oct. 2004, No.31, p.14-20. Illus. 5 ref. (In French) Internet: This study on noise mapping was carried out in a workshop producing leaf springs in Tunisia, at the request of the enterprise. A sonometer capable of recording global noise levels in dB(A) within a range of frequencies between 31.5Hz and 16,000Hz was used. Noise levels recorded in various parts of the workshop sometimes exceeded the levels specified in the French standard 31.084, and many operators were exposed to levels above 85dB(A), a level likely to cause hearing damage. The following recommendations aimed at reducing the exposure to noise were proposed as a result of this intervention: equipping the exhaust fans with silencers; fitting acoustic panels to the walls and ceiling; installing screens in the workshop; supplying workers with hearing protectors; conducting periodical audiometric examinations of the workers; initiating awareness programmes for the workers; progressively replacing machines with less noisy models. (104002)
CIS 05-424 Occupational exposure to noise and the attributable burden of hearing difficulties in Great Britain. Palmer K.T., Griffin M.J., Syddall H.E., Davis A., Pannett B., Coggon D., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2002, Vol.59, No.9, p.634-639. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of self reported hearing difficulties and tinnitus among the working population in Great Britain, and to estimate the risks from occupational exposure to noise and the number of attributable cases. A questionnaire was mailed to 22,194 adults of working age selected at random. Results indicated that some 2% of subjects had severe hearing difficulties. In men, the prevalence of this outcome rose steeply with age, from below 1% in those aged 16-24 years to 8% in those aged 55-64. The pattern was similar in women, but severe hearing loss was only about half as prevalent in the oldest age band. Tinnitus was far more common in subjects with hearing difficulties. In both sexes, after adjustment for age, the risk of severe hearing difficulty and persistent tinnitus rose with years spent in a noisy job. Findings suggest that the national burden of hearing difficulties attributable to noise at work is substantial. (104119)
CIS 05-425 Raynaud's phenomenon, vibration-induced white finger, and difficulties in hearing. Palmer K.T., Griffin M.J., Syddall H.E., Pannett B., Cooper C., Coggon D., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2002, Vol.59, No.9, p.640-642. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: An association has previously been reported between finger blanching and hearing difficulties, but only in workers with exposure to noise and hand transmitted vibration (HTV). This study explores the association in a community sample, including cases who lacked occupational exposure to noise or HTV. A questionnaire was mailed to 12,606 subjects aged 35-64 years, chosen at random. Subjects were classed as having severe hearing difficulty if they used a hearing aid or found it difficult or impossible to hear conversation in a quiet room. Associations of finger blanching with hearing difficulties and tinnitus were analysed by logistic regression. Among 8193 respondents, 185 reported severe hearing difficulty and 1151 reported finger blanching. After adjustment for age and years of work in noisy jobs, hearing difficulty was about twice as common in men and women who reported finger blanching, including those who had never been importantly exposed to noise and in those never exposed to HTV. (104120)
CIS 05-426 The effect of age on cognitive performance under the impact of vibration in a driving environment. Muzammil M., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.333-348. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: The effect of age on human cognitive performance was studied under the impact of vibration in different automobile driving environments, namely city streets, rural roads and highways. Reaction time was measured in milliseconds through a human response measurement system specifically designed for the purpose. Results of the study showed that age had a significant effect in city street and rural road conditions. It was also found that the level of equivalent acceleration of vibration and a difficulty index significantly affected cognitive performance in all driving conditions. However it was found that youngsters and older persons are stressed differently in specific driving environments, suggesting that specific stress management strategies should be developed for them. (104223)
CIS 05-427 Age-related thermal strain in men while wearing radiation protective clothing during short-term exercise in the heat. Marszałek A., Smolander J., Sołtyński K., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.361-367. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to compare heat strain among different age groups of men wearing protective clothing during short-term physical work. Eight young (20-29 years), six middle-aged (41-55 years) and eight older (58-65 years) men exercised for 30 min on a cycle ergometer in two hot environments with a similar WBGT, once with minimal clothing without infrared radiation (E1), and once while wearing aluminized protective clothing under infrared radiation (E2). All subjects had sedentary jobs, but only the older subjects were physically active in their leisure-time. Body temperatures, heart rate, sweat rate and subjective feelings were determined during the tests. Higher thermal strain was observed in E2 than in E1. No age-related differences in thermal strain were observed in either experiment indicating that active older men can tolerate short work periods with protective clothing in the heat as well as younger sedentary men. (104225)
CIS 05-428 Medical practice and ionizing radiation: Information sheets to help analyse the hazards. (French: Médecine et rayonnements ionisants: des fiches d'aide à l'analyse des risques) Gauron C., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 4nd Quarter 2004, No.100, p.469-497. Illus. (In French) Internet: Following a survey on radiation protection conducted in the Ile-de-France region, a pluridisciplinary working group comprising several institutions and various experts published a series of information sheets aimed at helping analyse the hazards of conventional and interventional radiology. These sheets summarize information on radiation protection by type of activity and cover the following aspects: relevant legislation; fixed equipment in medical settings; mobile equipment in medical settings; scanography in medical settings; interventional radiology in medical settings (for short and long-tem treatment). (104005)
CIS 05-429 The effects of thermal environments on the risks associated with manual handling. Powell S., Davies A., Bunn J., Bethea D., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. x, 105p. Illus. 99 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2995-3 (In English) Internet: Manual handling injuries are a major occupational health problem. The risk factors associated with manual handling in hot and cold environments were identified as a gap in knowledge under the HSE's priority programme for musculoskeletal disorders (MDS's). At present, the manual handling guidance does not offer specific guidance regarding manual handling in non-neutral thermal environments other than to say that extremes of temperature and humidity should be avoided. Two experiments were designed to assess the effects of non-neutral thermal environments on manual handling. For the purposes of this study, a cold environment was defined as between 0-10°C (44-60% relative humidity) and a hot environment as between 29-39°C (25-72% relative humidity). The results and implications of this experimental work are discussed. (104215)
CIS 05-430 Stockholm workshop 1994 - Hand-arm vibration syndrome - Diagnostics and quantitative relationships to exposure. Gemne G., Brammer A.J., Hagberg M., Lundström R., Nilsson T., eds., Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1994. 77p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: This document contains the papers presented at a workshop on hand-arm vibration syndrome held in Stockholm, Sweden, 25-28 May 1994, mainly dedicated to diagnosis and quantitative relationships to exposure. Among the topics covered: work-related factors in the aetiology of carpal tunnel syndrome; relationship between vibration exposure and vibration-induced white finger; neurological changes in the hands of workers operating hand-held vibrating tools; vascular hazards; influence of ergonomic factors on vibration absorption; chronothermometric tests; dose-response relationships. (104148)
CIS 05-431 Noise Control '04 -Testing and measurements. Engel Z., Augustyńska D., Pleban D., eds., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy-Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2004. 216p. Illus. Bibl. ref. + CD-ROM., ISBN 83-7373-086-9 (In English) Internet: Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Noise Control held in Gdynia, Poland, 6-9 June 2004. Plenary sessions and special interest workshops focused on the requirements of European Union directives and their implementation into Poland's legislation, the direction of European standardization efforts, the results of research activities, education and specific technical solutions in the area of noise control. A CD-ROM containing the papers presented in PDF-format and an author index is also included. (104196)
CIS 05-432 ISOMAG 1.2 - Extensions and improvements. (German: ISOMAG 1.2 - Erweiterungen und Verbesserungen) Blochwitz T., Schreiber U., Ilschner M., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. CD-ROM needs Windows NT 4.0, 2000, XP (recommended), 98, ME; min. 100MB free space on hard disk; graphic card 3D; screen min. 1024x786, min. 256 colours. Price: EUR 21.50., ISBN 3-86509-131-8 (In English, German) Internet: Vibrations can be detrimental to human health and hazardous for the safety of machinery, buildings and equipment. This CD-ROM contains an update of the software application entitled ISOMAG described under CIS 02-910 and of its manual. It features a graphical user interface and is executable under MS-Windows operating systems. It enables the modelling of the vibration characteristics of mechanical elements for the purpose of designing machinery with reduced vibration. The current version 1.2 has been extended with respect to functionality and ease of use. (104209)
CIS 05-433 Vibra2002 Assessment and control of exposure to vibration - User's guide. (Portuguese: Vibra2000 Avalição e controlo da exposição às vibrações) Pontes J.A.P., Associação Nacional de Empreiteiros de Obras Públicas (ANEOP), Rua Castilho, 57, 1250-068 Lisboa, Portugal, 2002. 66p. Illus. Bibl.ref. + CD-ROM. (In English, Portuguese) Internet: This guide describes the Vibra2002 computer application for assessing and controlling exposure to vibration. The application is available on the accompanying CD-Rom and covers the phase of assessment following the collection of data on vibration levels and exposure duration. Guidance is given on the assessment of exposure to hand-arm and whole-body vibration and on the calculation of a weekly average. (104242)
CIS 05-434 Work in cold environments. Holmér I., ed., Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1994. 118p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: This document contains the text of the lectures presented during a course for safety and health professionals on the problems of cold working conditions, the assessment of health risks and the development of prevention strategies. Main topics covered: research; case studies; acclimatization to cold; heat exchange, thermal balance and temperature regulation; thermal modelling; cold-related diseases (cryopathies) and injuries; adverse effects of cooling on physical performance capacity; first aid education for outdoor workers; clothing requirements for protection against cold; evaluation of cold environments. (104144)
CIS 05-435 Free convection along a vertical wall with uniform temperature. Jin Y., Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1992. 18p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This report summarizes the results of a study of free convective flows along vertical walls with uniform temperature in a test chamber. Formulas for the prediction of maximum velocity and volume flow rate in turbulent and laminar boundary layers are proposed. Summary in Swedish. (104166)
CIS 05-436 Ionizing radiation: Institutional framework and current regulations. Prevention of hazards due to occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. (French: Les rayonnements ionisants: Paysage institutionnel et réglementation applicable. Dossier: Prévention des risques liés à l'exposition professionnelle aux rayonnements ionisants) Gauron C., Guillemy N., Servent J.P., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Nov. 2004. 73p. Price: EUR 8.00. Downloadable version free of charge. The accompanying guide is only available in the form of an Internet document (in html format)., ISBN 2-7389-1264-8 (In French) Internet: This publication describes the regulatory framework for the prevention of hazards faced by persons who may be exposed to ionizing radiation. Legal provisions contained in the Public Health Act and specific provisions applicable to workers' protection are explained. An accompanying Internet document provides information on the characteristics of ionizing radiation, natural and occupational sources of exposure, prevention principles applicable to occupational settings and several examples highlighting approaches to radiation protection. (104066)
CIS 05-437 Biological effects of low frequency electromagnetic fields. (Swedish: Biologiska effecter av lågfrekventa elektromagnetiska fält) Hansson Mild K., ed., Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1994. 41p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English, Swedish) Internet: Papers and posters presented at a workshop on biological effects of low frequency electromagnetic fields held in Umeå, Sweden, 14-15 March 1994. Main topics covered: what biologists need to know about physics and what physicists need to know about modern biology; effects of magnetic fields in animals and cell cultures (skin tumour promotion, reproduction disturbances, cell proliferation); hypersensitivity to magnetic fields; magnetic fields at the workplace and cancer; skin symptoms and electric fields from VDUs; effects on central nervous system activity. Foreword in Swedish (104150)
CIS 05-438 Laser filters for the ns- and fs regime. (German: Laserschutzfilter für den ns- und fs-Bereich) Werhahn O., Schirmacher A., Schmiedel M., Sutter E., Nevejina-Sturhan A., Lecher H., Siegner U., Ott G., Janssen M., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2003. 126p. Illus. 28 ref. Price: EUR 13.00., ISBN 3-86509-056-7 (In German) Internet: Non-linear interactions between light and matter such as induced transmission can impair the protective effect of filters against laser radiation. When these filters are exposed to short high-energy laser impulses, this effect induces a transient increase in the degree of spectral transmission, causing eye irradiation in excess of admissible levels, possibly resulting in lesions. This study examines the behaviour of filters against laser rays when exposed to intensive laser impulses of duration in the nanosecond (ns) and femtosecond (fs) orders of magnitude. The induced transmission effect was also observed for very short impulses of the order of femtoseconds. The residual protective effects of these types of filters are reviewed. The influence of filter temperature on induced transmission is also discussed. (104207)
CIS 05-439 Measurement and analysis of magnetic fields from welding processes. Melton G.B., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. vii, 40p. Illus. 21 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2996-1 (In English) Internet: This research report comprises a review of information on magnetic fields associated with arc and resistance welding processes, an analysis of the spatially varying magnetic field levels to which welders are exposed during arc and resistance welding and a tabulation of magnetic field data from a range of welding processes. Magnetic field measurements were carried out under typical operating conditions and at varying distances from the welding equipment and cables. Results indicate that the reference levels for magnetic fields issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) are likely to be exceeded for many resistance welding machines at the location where the operator would normally stand. These levels may also be exceeded for arc welding in some circumstances. (104232)
CIS 05-440 Investigation of a measurement technique to determine the apparent source size for light emitting diodes. Hall S., Crane L., Gibbs D., Ward B., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. viii, 62p. Illus. 19 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-6108-3 (In English) Internet: This report concerns the assessment of the optical hazard associated with light emitting diodes (LEDs) and more laser-like intermediate sources. It describes the results of a study that provide support for a technique proposed for the measurement of apparent source size when observed from the most hazardous viewing distance. The results of this study allow, for the first time, an estimate of the potential optical hazard of LEDs and other intermediate sources, in accordance with current safety standards. (104235)
CIS 05-441 Biological methods of remediation of the environment polluted by radionuclides. (Polish: Biologiczne metody remediacji środowiska zanieczyszczonego radionuklidami) Kondzielski I., Gworek B., Buczkowski R., Instytut Ochrony Środowiska, ul. Krucza 5/11, 00-548 Warszawa, Poland, 2003. 55p. Illus. 158 ref., ISBN 83-85805-89-3 (In Polish) Internet: This monograph is divided into three parts. The first lists the main characteristics of the most common sources of natural ionizing radiation and pollution by radionuclides, and provides a general description of contemporary methods used for the remediation of environments polluted by radionuclides. The second part provides detailed descriptions of microbiological methods of remediation of environments (groundwater, wastewater, soils and sediments) polluted by radionuclides, including biosorption, bioleaching and microbiological precipitation. The third part deals with the phytoremediation of soils and waters polluted by radionuclides, namely the use of green plants to absorb radioisotopes contained in soils. (104195)
CIS 05-442 Whole-body vibration on agricultural vehicles: Evaluation of emission and estimated exposure levels. Scarlett A.J., Price J.S., Semple D.A., Stayner R.M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. xiv, 231p. Illus. 24 ref. Price: GBP 35.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2970-8 (In English) Internet: This study was conducted to quantify estimated whole-body vibration (WBV) emissions of a range of modern agricultural vehicles (tractors, self-propelled sprayers and all-terrain vehicles), when operated in controlled conditions (on ISO vibration test tracks and performing a range of normal agricultural operations). The potential consequences of WBV operator exposure level limitations, prescribed by the European Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive 2002, on agricultural vehicle usage patterns in the United Kingdom were also considered. It was found that most of the vehicles tested result in daily exposures exceeding the exposure action values specified in the Directive, thereby requiring employers to implement measures to reduce worker vibration exposure. (104054)
CIS 05-443 Replacement of radiography by ultrasonic inspection. Goujon N.S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. vi, 119p. Illus. 25 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2947-3 (In English) Internet: One of the main disadvantages of radiographic inspection of welds is the potential hazard to health associated with ionizing radiation, which forms the basis of the method. Ultrasonic inspection does not present any inherent health hazards. However, it is important that the associated safety and economic advantages are not gained at the expense of reduced confidence in weld integrity. The objective of this project was to provide guidelines on the extent to which ultrasonic testing can replace radiography for welds where radiography is currently the preferred inspection method. The project concentrated on pulse-echo techniques. Guidelines on the extent to which ultrasonic testing can replace radiography for weld inspection are provided. (104044)
CIS 05-444 Health surveillance in noisy industries - Advice for employers. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2001. 12p. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: This leaflet gives advice to employers about health surveillance for workers in noisy industries. It explains what health surveillance in noisy industries comprises, how to decide when it is needed, how to introduce it for employees and how to use the results of audiometric tests. (104100)
CIS 05-445 Predisposal management of radioactive waste, including decommissioning. (French: Gestion des déchets radioactifs avant stockage définitif, y compris le déclassement; Spanish: Gestión previa a la disposición final de desechos radiactivos, incluida la clausura) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2000. 26p. 12 ref . Author index., ISBN 92-0-100300-5 (en), ISBN 92-0-202704-8 (fr), ISBN 92-0-310804-1 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: Contents of this safety guide on predisposal management of radioactive waste, including decommissioning: introduction; protection of human health and the environment; responsibilities associated with predisposal management of radioactive waste and decommissioning; elements of predisposal management of radioactive waste; decommissioning; safety of facilities. (104086)
CIS 05-446 Safety of transport of radioactive material. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2004. xvii, 319p. Illus. Bibl.ref . + CD-ROM., ISBN 92-0-108504-4 (In English) Internet: Proceedings of an international conference on the safety of transport of radioactive material held in Vienna, Austria, 7-11 July 2003. Topics covered: role of the airline industry, IAEA, ISO, national authorities and NGOs in the safe transport of radioactive material; liability; communication with the public and between governments; effectiveness of radiation protection in transport; compliance and quality assurance; packaging and transport of radioactive material; assessment of regulatory criteria; effectiveness of the regulatory process; adequacy of safety requirements; identifying areas for potential improvement of the regulatory regime; emergency preparedness and response. These proceedings are also available on a CD-ROM (included) in PDF format. (104168)
CIS 05-447 Work-related upper-limb amputations in Taiwan, 1999-2001. Liang H.W., Chen S.Y., Hsu J.H., Chang C.W., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2004, Vol.46, No.6, p.649-655. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: This study analyses the incidence of work-related amputations of upper limbs in Taiwan. 2,950 cases were registered in the database of workers' compensatory disability claims between 1999 and 2001. The average age of cases was 39.1 years and 23% were women. The highest percentage of cases was in the 30-49 age group. About 96% of the cases involved finger amputation and 85% of all amputations were related to common powered machines. The average annual incidence of disability claims due to occupational amputation of upper extremities was 12.5 per 100,000 workers. Claims were most prevalent among manufacturing workers and male workers. The male to female ratios ranged from 2.62 for manufacturing workers to 9.05 for transport, storage and communication workers. These results provide an epidemiological base for developing a prevention strategy. (104016)
CIS 05-448 Safety during interventions on machinery, equipment or installations. (French: Sécurité lors des interventions sur machines, appareils ou installations) Travail et sécurité, Nov. 2004, No.645, volume II, 4p. Illus. (In French) Internet: This recommendation is aimed at owners of construction enterprises whose staff may be involved in equipment maintenance, repair or modification. Contents: scope; objective of the recommendation; prevention principles; prevention measures. A table summarizing the standard equipment shutdown procedures is included. (104077)
CIS 05-449 Prevention of the risk of collapse of tower cranes due to wind. (French: Prévention du risque de renversement des grues à tour sous l'effet du vent) Travail et sécurité, Nov. 2004, No.645, vol. II, 11p. Illus. (In French) Internet: This recommendation is aimed at owners of construction enterprises whose workers operate tower cranes. Contents: scope; objective of the recommendation; prevention principles; notices and instructions provided by the manufacturer; prevention measures. Appendices include: influence of the weights and surface distribution of loads on crane stability; effects of sites on wind flux; regulations; how to consult weather forecasts; determination of wind speed to ensure crane stability. (104076)
CIS 05-450 Erection, use and dismantling of built-up scaffolds. (French: Montage, utilisation et démontage des échafaudages de pied) Travail et sécurité, Nov. 2004, No.645, volume II, 19p. Illus. (In French) Internet: This recommendation is aimed at owners of construction enterprises. Its purpose is to ensure that the best possible conditions of safety and health practice are applied during the erection, use and dismantling of built-up scaffolds. Contents: scope; objective of the recommendation; prevention principles; prevention measures. Appendices include: notices provided by the manufacturer; qualifications of persons responsible for the design, erection, reception and maintenance of built-up scaffolds; qualifications of persons working on built-up scaffolds; notice of the handover of scaffolds after their erection; inspection report; descriptive form to be filled-in by prescribers. Replaces Recommendation R 279 (CIS 87-1070). (104078)
CIS 05-451 New legal basis [Germany]. (German: Eine neue Rechtsgrundlage) Stoye A., Akzente - Magazin für Arbeitssicherheit, Gesundheitsschutz und Rehabilitation, Nov.-Dec. 2002, No.6, p.4-7. Illus. (In German) Internet: A new ordinance on the simplification of legislation applicable to the operational safety of equipment became effective in Germany on 2 October 2002. It consists of eight articles aimed at simplifying the regulations and establishing an up-to-date legislative framework that is comprehensive and irrefutable with respect to equipment safety. It transposes several European Union directives into German law and coincides with the repealing of a series of ordinances on equipment monitoring. This article reviews the changes resulting from this new legislation. (104201)
CIS 05-452 Measuring the effectiveness of competency-based education and training programmes in changing the manual handling behaviour of healthcare staff. Hignett S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. x, 70p. Illus. 49 ref. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2963-5 (In English) Internet: This study aimed to measure the impact of competency-based training on the manual handling behaviour of health care staff. Sixteen health care organizations representing both acute and primary care participated in the study. A questionnaire was developed to measure the level of compliance with the training recommendations at each participating organization. Four members of staff were also recruited at each organization and asked to perform the following patient handling tasks: sitting-to-standing transfer; repositioning in sitting; lying-to-lying transfer. Postural data were recorded and participants were interviewed. Results showed that there was a wide variation in the level of compliance. In general, a high level of compliance was found in organizations where staff had better problem-solving abilities, possibly due to higher levels of supervision and support in the workplace. (104051)
CIS 05-453 New perspective on falls from height - Identifying high profile areas for intervention. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. xix, 434p. Illus. 8 ref. Price: GBP 35.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-6129-6 (In English) Internet: This report describes a study into the risks associated with, and underlying causes of, falls from height. The data set contains details of 91,000 accidents reported under RIDDOR between 1996/97 and 2002/03. Around 54,000 of these are low-level falls, 18,000 are high-level falls, and the rest are unclassified. This set is used to identify key risks where future risk controls may best be targeted and to establish a baseline from which future improvements may be measured. The largest number of falls are reported in the service industries, followed by the construction and manufacturing industries. The highest accident rates are reported in agriculture and construction, where the injuries are also typically more severe. Key risk areas are identified as being goods drivers falling from vehicles during loading and unloading and electrical fitters falling from ladders. Risk registers contain information on the underlying causes of the key risks. (104238)
CIS 05-454 A technical guide to the selection and use of fall prevention and arrest equipment. Cameron I., Duff R, Gillan G., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. xxiii, 311p. Illus. 48 ref. Price: GBP 35.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2948-1 (In English) Internet: This report describes fall prevention and arrest equipment available to the construction industry, including trolley systems, safety decking, fall arrest mats, safety netting and cable and track fall arrest systems. When selecting appropriate safety equipment for working at height, the order of preference should be: prevention (guardrails, barriers, trolleys, safety decking); passive arrest (safety nets, fall arrest mats); active arrest (cable and track-based systems); mitigation of the consequences of an accident. The risk of a fall must, wherever possible, be eliminated at the design stage. If this is not possible, the above hierarchy must be followed in equipment selection. Good practices derived from interviews with system users, experts in selection and planning of accident protection methods, and observations of live case study sites are described. (104045)
CIS 05-455 Safer foundations by design. Skinner H., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. vi, 25p. Price: GBP 10.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2968-6 (In English) Internet: In the light of evidence that designers, through lack of information and training, are still failing to exploit the potential they have to eliminate and reduce risks on construction sites, this study was commissioned to provide simple guidance for designers of groundworks. This guidance covers the following topics: designing site investigations to provide the necessary information and to assist in identifying hazards in the ground; designing groundworks to minimize risks posed by contamination during construction; designing to facilitate the management of hazards associated ground treatment; designing to facilitate the management of hazards associated with the construction of foundations; designing to facilitate the management of underpinning. (104053)
CIS 05-456 Trojan horse construction site safety messages. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. vi, 59p. Illus. 17 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2992-9 (In English) Internet: This study was commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to assess the efficacy of a novel means of messaging that delivers safety information directly to site operatives. The method involved attaching key messages to construction components. The background to this study stemmed from the HSE Falls from Height Programme. The approach comprised an incident analysis and a selection of key messages. The design and content of the messages are discussed. The practical implementation of the messages involved significant input from the participating companies. The outcomes of the survey indicated that operatives showed a high awareness and information uptake. (104214)
CIS 05-457 Development of a method for evaluating the means for retaining trucks on transfer docks. (French: Développement d'un outil d'évaluation des mesures de retenue des camions aux quais de transbordement) Gauthier F., Giraud L., Bourbonnière R., Bournival S., Richard J.G., Daigle R., Massé S., Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. vii, 50p. Illus. 18 ref. Price: CAD 6.42 (main report) + 13 appendices. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22569-8 (R), ISBN 2-551-22570-1 (RA1), ISBN 2-551-22571-X (RA2), ISBN 2-551-22572-8 (RA3), ISBN 2-551-22573-6 (RA4), ISBN 2-551-22574-4 (RA5), ISBN 2-551-22575-2 (RA6), ISBN 2-551-22576-0 (RA7), ISBN 2-551-22577-9 (RA8), ISBN 2-551-22578-7 (RA9), ISBN 2-551-22579-5 (RA10), ISBN 2-551-22580-9 (RA11), ISBN 2-551-22582-5 (RA13), ISBN 2-551-225XX-X (RA12) (In French) Internet: During handling operations on loading docks, trucks sometimes start moving unexpectedly and cause a fall of the forklift truck and its operator. A possible means of prevention consists of installing a device for anchoring the truck to the dock. Several systems are commercially available on the market, but not all are effective and reliable. An earlier project consisted of the publication of an inventory of existing anchoring devices. In the present project, a tool for systematically evaluating the safety of systems and means of retention according to the particular context of the dock and the enterprise is developed and validated. The results are presented in the form of a research report and 13 appendices. (104010)
CIS 05-458 Dynamic tensile properties of thin sheet materials. Dutton J., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. vi, 49p. Illus. 2 ref. Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2949-X (In English) Internet: Dynamic properties of materials are particularly important in the modelling of railway vehicles to improve their crashworthiness. This report describes experimental work carried out to determine the dynamic tensile properties of six materials. Five of the materials were supplied by the European Structural Integrity Society (ESIS) and the other was from an extruded beam taken from a carriage involved in a railway accident in the United Kingdom. Test specimens were manufactured to a design developed by the Health and Safety Laboratory, along with the test apparatus and technique used. Tests were carried out at various strain rates giving a reasonable spread of data. To enable the capture of data at high strain rates, a high-speed data logger was used along with a linescan camera to measure specimen elongation. (104046)
CIS 05-459 Commuting accidents - A challenge for workers' compensation systems. Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft, Königinstrasse 107, 80802 München, Germany, 2004. 41p. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: In two thirds of the compensation systems surveyed, commuting accidents are included in the scope of workers' compensation insurance. This publication on the compensation of commuting accidents compares the systems of several countries. It discusses the differences between national and private coverage schemes and examines alternative means of financing the cost of commuting accidents, including by statutory health and pension insurance, motor liability insurance or private personal accident insurance. (104159)
CIS 05-460 Revision of body size criteria in standards - Protecting people who work at height. Haines V., Elton E., Hussey M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. xii, 159p. Illus. 27 ref. Price: GBP 30.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-6102-4 (In English) Internet: This report describes a programme of work undertaken to consider whether the body size criteria in standards which are used to test the safety of personal protective equipment (PPE) need revision. It describes the methodology used to obtain a selection of anthropometric data from a sample of 589 people who worked at height, in order to accurately establish whether the dimensions and requirements of PPE test apparatus need reviewing. Recommendations are made for the modification of some standards. (104216)
CIS 05-461 Manual for slingers. (French: Mémento de l'élingueur) Laine P., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Nov. 2004. 63p. Illus. 29 ref. Price: EUR 8.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1255-9 (In French) Internet: Rigging or slinging is an important operation for the handling of loads. It consists of connecting the load to the lifting equipment. The slinger must select the correct slinging equipment and operate it properly. The objective of this safety guide is to summarize the basic slinging techniques. Contents: causes of accidents; definitions; legal framework; types of slings; determination of the maximum operating loads; rules for safe slinging; safe moving of loads; special lifting accessories. The appendix lists relevant standards. (104062)
CIS 05-462 Road hazards - Occupational hazards that need to be controlled. (French: Le risque routier - un risque professionnel à maîtriser) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Dec. 2004. 15p. Illus. 2 ref., ISBN 2-7389-1258-3 (In French) Internet: In many enterprises, part of the staff often drive in the course of their work, even though driving does not represent their primary occupation. They face the risk of road accidents. Aimed at employers, this safety guide contains basic principles, practical examples and a summary of legislation applicable to the road hazards faced by non-professional drivers. (104061)
CIS 05-463 Partial protection by respirators on airways responses following exposure in a swine house. Palmberg L., Larsson B.M., Sundblad B.M., Larsson K., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Oct. 2004, Vol.46, No.4, p.363-370. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: Exposure to swine dust leads to intense airway inflammation and increased bronchial responsiveness. This study evaluated the effect of respirator use during exposure in a swine confinement building. 22 subjects, of whom 11 wore respirators, were exposed. Before and seven hours after exposure, symptoms and body temperature were recorded, and a nasal lavage and a bronchial methacholine challenge were performed. For exposure assessment, a nasal sampler was evaluated. The subjects wearing respirators showed an attenuated inflammatory nasal response. An increase in bronchial responsiveness was observed in both groups, significantly greater in the unprotected group. The use of respirators reduced endotoxin exposure by more than 90% (assessed by nasal samplers). (104184)
CIS 05-464 Respiratory symptoms and airway obstruction in swine veterinarians: A persistent problem. Andersen C.I., Von Essen S.G., Smith L.M., Spencer J., Jolie R., Donham K.J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Oct. 2004, Vol.46, No.4, p.386-392. 49 ref. (In English) Internet: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the American Association of Swine Veterinarians annual meeting. The 122 subjects (median age 42.5 years) completed a respiratory symptom and work history questionnaire and performed spirometry. Work-related symptoms included rhinitis (69%), cough and chest tightness (53%) and wheezing (31%). Airway obstruction was seen in 24% of participants. Veterinarians with airway obstruction reported working more hours per week in hog barns than did practitioners with normal pulmonary function. (104185)
CIS 05-465 Associations between acute symptoms and bioaerosol exposure during the collection of household waste. Heldal K.K., Eduard W., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.46, No.3, p.253-260. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: Associations between work-related symptoms and bioaerosol exposure were investigated in 22 household waste workers. Full-shift exposures to bacteria, fungal spores, endotoxins and total dust were measured. Data on symptoms experienced during work were obtained by means of a questionnaire. The median exposure levels of spherical bacteria and fungal spores were 0.4 and 0.1 x 106/m3, respectively, while exposures to rod-shaped bacteria, endotoxins and dust were low. The symptoms most often reported were unusual tiredness (24%), headache (22%), cough (15%), and irritation in eyes and nose (10 and 17%). The results suggest that acute work-related nose irritation is associated with exposure to bacteria. Exposure to rod-shaped bacteria is also associated with nose irritation and unusual tiredness. Finally, it is likely that cough is associated with fungal spores. (104025)
CIS 05-466 Occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - How can we reduce the risk?. Leszczyszyn-Pynka M., Kłys-Rachwalska M., Sacharczuk B., Boroń-Kaczmarska A., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.425-429. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to analyse occupational exposure to potentially infectious body fluids among health care workers (HCWs) in a region of Poland. Nurses were the most commonly exposed category of HCWs. Needle-sticks were responsible for 73.6% of the incidents, while recapping a needle was the cause of exposure in 6.9% of the incidents. Prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs was necessary in 22.8% of the cases. Among 189 registered nurses, 66 performed invasive procedures without any personal protective equipment. As many as 60.3% of exposures to potentially infectious material result from non-compliance with the relevant recommendations. Continuous education and training is critically needed to prevent occupational exposure to blood-borne infections among HCWs. (104230)
CIS 05-467 Blood and body fluid exposure risks among health care workers: Results of the Duke health and safety surveillance system. Dement J.M., Epling C., Østbye T., Pompeii L.A., Hunt D.L., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2004, Vol.46, No.6, p.637-648. Illus. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this research was to better define the blood and body fluids (BBF) exposure risk and risk factors among a cohort of health care workers. 24,425 health care workers were followed for BBF exposure events from 1998 to 2002. 2,730 BBF exposures were reported during the study period, corresponding to a total annual rate of 5.5 events per 100 full-time equivalents and a percutaneous exposure rate of 3.9. Higher rates were observed for males, persons employed less than four years, Hispanic employees, and persons less than 45 years of age. Even higher rates were observed for house staff, nurse anaesthetists, inpatient nurses, phlebotomists and operating room technicians. Rates of percutaneous exposures from hollow needles were found to decrease over the study period; however, exposure rates from suture needles appear to be increasing. (104015)
CIS 05-468 Evaluation of hepatitis B serology among workers exposed to biological hazards. (Spanish: Valoración de serologías de hepatitis B en trabajadores con riesgo biológico) Percaz Arrayago M.A., Ruiz Cirauqui A.M., Esquiroz Ayesa I., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Aug. 2003, Vol.XLX, No.192, p.1-7. Illus. 8 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The vaccination protocol in effect in Spain for workers exposed to hepatitis B virus calls for revaccination every five years. Since some recent studies suggest that the immunological memory may persist for at least twelve years, the serology of a group of 163 workers vaccinated since 1996-1997 was examined to establish their immunological state and to determine whether it would be possible to increase the revaccination intervals. Results indicated that more than 85% of the vaccinated workers still had protective antibody levels above 20UI/ml after five years and that it would be possible to extend the period between revaccination. (104173)
CIS 05-469 Histoplasmosis - Protecting workers at risk. Lenhart S.W., Schafer M.P., Singal M., Hajjeh R.A., Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2002, USA, Dec. 2004. Rev.ed. vi, 31p. Illus. 146 ref. (In English) Internet: This booklet is a revised edition of the document analyzed under CIS 97-2064. It describes the nature and causes of histoplasmosis, an infectious disease caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Main topics covered: definition of histoplasmosis; diagnosis; jobs and activities at risk of exposure to H. capsulatum spores; precautions to reduce exposure; selection and use of respirators; other personal protective equipment; other infectious agents to which workers could be exposed; further sources of information. (104169)
CIS 05-470 Diagnostic management of orthostatic intolerance in the workplace. Winker R., Barth A., Dorner W., Mayr O., Pilger A., Ivancsits S., Ponocny I., Heider A., Wolf C., Rüdiger H.W., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Mar. 2003, Vol.76, No.2, p.143-150. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is characterized by headache, concentration difficulties, palpitations, dizziness associated with postural tachycardia and plasma norepinephrine concentrations that are particularly high when the sufferer is in the upright posture. Until now, OI could be diagnosed only by costly tilt table examinations. This study examined the reliability and validity of a questionnaire as a screening instrument for OI. 138 young men (mean age 21.6 years) who were undergoing military service responded to a questionnaire on OI symptoms. They were also subjected to medical examinations and underwent a tilt table test including monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate and plasma catecholamines in the supine position and during 30 minutes of standing. 104 subjects showed normal tilt table test results. OI was diagnosed in 14 subjects, with other disorders being diagnosed in a further 20 subjects. The questionnaire was found to be a reliable and valid screening instrument for OI. (104135)
CIS 05-471 Physical workload, ergonomic problems, and incidence of low back injury: A 7.5 year prospective study of San Francisco transit operators. Krause N., Rugulies R., Ragland D.R., Syme S.L., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2004, Vol.46, No.6, p.570-585. 54 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study of biomechanical factors for low-back injury (LBI), baseline information on 1,233 drivers employed by the San Francisco municipal railway was gathered during medical examinations and by questionnaire. First LBI during 7.5 years of follow-up was ascertained from insurance records. Risk factors were analysed with regression models after controlling for age, sex, height, weight, ethnicity and biomechanical and psychosocial job factors. An exponential dose-response relationship was found between weekly driving hours and incidence of first LBI. Rates of severe LBI increased 39% for every 10-hr increase in weekly driving (hazard ratio (HR) 1.39). Higher risks of severe LBI were also found among operators performing heavy physical labour on cable cars (HR 2.76) or reporting more ergonomic problems at baseline. Estimates of aetiologic fractions suggest that reduction of ergonomic problems to the low level currently experienced by 25% of drivers would result in a 19% reduction of severe LBI among this population. (104011)
CIS 05-472 Collecting shopping trolleys: A manual handling injury concern. Gunatilaka A., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Oct.2004, Vol.20, No.5, p.433-440. Illus. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: Shopping trolley collection was observed at six shopping centres. These observations showed that some collectors use possibly unsafe practices in nesting and moving columns of trolleys. To assess whether these practices could lead to manual handling injuries, a series of experiments were conducted. The forces encountered in two observed methods of nesting trolleys were measured and compared. The initial and sustained push forces required to move columns of up to 10 shopping trolleys were measured on the flat asphalt surface of a shopping centre car park. The push forces required to move larger numbers of nested trolleys were estimated using regression analysis. Pushing more than 13 nested trolleys was found to exceed recommended push forces and, hence, could lead to manual handling injury. (104027)
CIS 05-473 Evaluation of the physical workload of operating theatre instrument nurses according to the OWAS method. (Spanish: Evaluación de la carga física de instrumentistas de quirófano mediante el método OWAS) Gil Borrego D., Zabala Torrecilla E., Idoate García V.M., Pollán Rufo M., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Dec. 2003, Vol.L, No.193, p.33-36. 8 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This study compares the workstations of nine operating theatre instrument nurses in different specializations of surgery including general surgery, traumatology, neurosurgery; cardiovascular surgery and ophthalmological surgery. Postural analyses of the trunk, arms and legs were carried out according to the OWAS method. Results show a high proportion of forced postures among cardiovascular surgery instrument nurses (OWAS action level 4). Practically all activities involve a physical workload corresponding to action levels 1 and 2. Physical workload is low in the case of eye surgery, since the work takes place in the sitting posture, and in arthroscopy, where the intervention is of short duration. (104178)
CIS 05-474 The concept of work compatibility: An integrated design criterion for improving workplace human performance in manufacturing systems. Abdallah S., Genaidy A., Salem O., Karwowski W., Shell R., Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing, Fall 2004, Vol.14, No.4, p.379-402. Illus. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents the concept of work compatibility as an integrated work design criterion that simultaneously improves human health and safety, productivity, and work quality in manufacturing systems. Work compatibility was modelled as a work design parameter that mathematically integrates system resources and system requirements in the work system. A mathematical equation was derived for the work compatibility matrix. Furthermore, an optimal operating zone was defined within which employees can function with a high degree of efficiency and sustainability. A practical example is provided to demonstrate the potential of work compatibility for improving productivity, work quality and worker safety and health. (104031)
CIS 05-475 Work at screens: Ergonomic recommendations to be given priority. (French: Le travail sur écran: priorité aux recommandations ergonomiques) Miled S., Hajaij K., Fehri S., Hidri A., Nouaigui H., Ben Laïba M., SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, Feb. 2005, No.32, p.2-14. Illus. 12 ref. (In French) Internet: Contents of this special feature on ergonomic recommendations applicable to work at screens: demands of work at screens; effects on health; risk factors; ergonomic design of workstations involving work at screens; ergonomic layout of ambient lighting; modes of work organization; work aptitude of persons working at screens. (104080)
CIS 05-476 Work organisation and unintentional sleep: Results of the WOLF study. Åkerstedt T., Knutsson A., Westerholm P., Theorell T., Alfredsson L., Kecklund G., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2002, Vol.59, No.9, p.595-600. 55 ref. (In English) Internet: Falling asleep at work is receiving increasing attention as a cause of work accidents. This study investigates which variables (related to work, lifestyle, or background) are related to the tendency to fall asleep unintentionally, either during work hours, or during leisure time. 5589 individuals responded to a questionnaire, and a multiple logistic regression analysis of the cross-sectional data was used to estimate the risk of falling asleep. The prevalence for falling asleep unintentionally at least once a month was 7.0% during work hours and 23.1% during leisure time. The risk of unintentional sleep at work was related to disturbed sleep, shift work, and higher socioeconomic group. Being older, a woman and a smoker were associated with a reduced risk of unintentionally falling asleep at work. Work demands, decision latitude at work, physical load, sedentary work, solitary work, extra work, and overtime work were not related to falling asleep at work. With respect to falling asleep during leisure time, disturbed sleep, snoring, high work demands, being a smoker, not exercising, and higher age (>45 years) became risk indicators. (104116)
CIS 05-477 Ergonomics improvements of the visual inspection process in a printed circuit assembly factory. Yeow P. H. P., Sen R. N., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.369-385. Illus. 39 ref. (In English) Internet: An ergonomic evaluation was conducted on the visual inspection process of a printed circuit assembly factory. The process was studied through subjective assessment and direct observation. Three problems were identified: operators' eye problems; insufficient time for inspection; ineffective visual inspection. These problems caused a yearly rejection cost of USD 298,240, poor quality, customer dissatisfaction and poor occupational health and safety. Several ergonomic recommendations were made to rectify the problems. These recommendations produced savings in rejection costs, reduced operators' eye strain, headaches and watery eyes, lowered the defect percentage at customers' sites and increased the factory's productivity. (104226)
CIS 05-478 Evaluation of the impact of the Ramadan fasting month on physical workload. (French: Evaluation de l'impact du jeûne du mois du Ramadan sur la charge physique de travail) Khalfallah T., Chaari N., Henchi M.A., Abdallah B., Ben Chikh R., Saafi M.A., Akrout M., Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, Dec. 2004, Vol.65, No.7-8, p.564-570. 30 ref. (In French) Internet: The daily habits of Muslims show important changes during the month of Ramadan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of fasting during the month of Ramadan on physical work aptitude. It involved 148 employees of a woodworking enterprise spread across 10 workshops, and was designed as a comparative study of the physical strain for two consecutive one-month periods, during and not during Ramadan. Heart rates were monitored continuously during work. The physical strain was found to be higher during the month of Ramadan. In particular, work was classified as being heavier according to the scale of strenuousness of Chamoux. It appears that an occupational hygiene strategy for the month of the Ramadan, including a suitable work rhythm organization together with nutritional and behavioral education, would be beneficial. (104073)
CIS 05-479 Study of heart rate measurements during accelerated search for leaks in sewers. (French: Etude cardiofréquencemétrique des recherches accélérées de fuites dans le travail en égout) Borel P., Giudicelli M.C., Klarsy D., Liégeois J.M., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2004, Vol.44, No.4, p.465-471. Illus. 1 ref. (In French) Internet: This study was carried out at the request of the occupational hygiene committee of a large water supply utility in the Paris region, who sought clarification on the strenuousness of the task of accelerated search for leaks in sewers during continuous working days. This task consists of walking within the sewage system according to a pre-established itinerary. The study was carried out by means of heart rate measurements among seven volunteers aged between 30 and 51 years. It was found that the relative cardiac strain was above 20% in six of the nine measurements, of which two were above 30%. Results show that this activity may cause heart strain, although possibilities for improvement through ergonomic or working procedure changes appear limited. (104105)
CIS 05-480 Occupational shoulder and neck disorders. Hagberg M. (COANT): EN/, Arbetsmiljöfonden, The Swedish Work Environment Fund. Box 1122, 111 81 Stockholm, Sweden, 1987. 72p. Illus. 142 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey gathers information on the relationship between work environments and neck and shoulder disorders. Topics covered: model for occupational shoulder and neck disorders; biomechanics and functional anatomy of the shoulder and neck; possible pathophysiological mechanisms of load in occupational shoulder and neck disorders; common disorders in the shoulder and neck; exposure-effect relationship; working posture and load on the shoulders and neck. (104092)
CIS 05-481 Evaluation of workplace back strain - Preliminary development of a method to determine the three dimensional kinematics of the human body using a minimum of video cameras. (French: Evaluation de la contrainte au dos en milieu de travail - Développement préliminaire d'une méthode visant à déterminer la cinématique tridimensionnelle du corps humain à l'aide d'un minimum de caméras vidéo) Delisle A., Plamondon A., Desjardins P., Salazar É., Gagnon D., Larivière C., Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. viii, 39p. Illus. 38 ref. Price: CAD 5.35. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22611-2 (In French) Internet: Evaluating the mechanical hazards associated with work activities is primarily based on two-dimensional means of observation, since three-dimensional means are too complex to be used in practice. In this study, a three-dimensional evaluation method based on video recordings was adapted for workplace observations using a minimum number of cameras. In particular, the feasibility of evaluating three-dimensional kinematics of the human body using a single video camera was examined. Results clearly show that by using a single video camera, it is possible to determine the three-dimensional position of an array of points, with acceptable precision. (104009)
CIS 05-482 Evaluation of manual handling tasks involving the use of carry chairs by UK ambulance personnel. Ferreira J., Stanley L., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. viii, 73p. Illus. 31 ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2962-7 (In English) Internet: The emergency carry chair is an important manual handling aid, used by ambulance services as the primary method for transporting patients up and down stairs and into the ambulance. In this ergonomic study, eight ambulance personnel performed four simulated handling tasks that commonly involved the use of the carry chairs: transporting a patient up and down stairs, lifting a patient into the back of an ambulance, wheeling a patient up a 10° ramp, and negotiating a kerb. Force, posture and anthropometric data were combined into a biomechanical model to predict the risk of injury to the low back and the physical demands imposed on operators. The risk of musculoskeletal injury related to each of the tasks is discussed. (104050)
CIS 05-483 EMG amplitude as an indicator of upper trapezius load - How do we calibrate?. Winkel J., Mathiassen S.E., Hägg G.M., eds., Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1994. 17p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: This document contains the papers presented at a symposium on methods for recording and analysing upper trapezius EMG amplitude held in Solna, Sweden, 3 February 1994, with particular emphasis on normalization procedures. The papers cover calibration procedures (in field and laboratory studies) and studies of calibration issues. (104149)
CIS 05-484 Specifying usability requirements and test criteria for interactive systems. Geis T., Dzida W., Redtenbacher W., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 63p. Illus. 47 ref. Price: EUR 9.00., ISBN 3-86509-115-6 (In English) Internet: ISO standard 9241-10 being currently under revision, this study reviews experience gained in the application of the software parts of ISO 9241 (parts 10 to 17) in the analysis, design and evaluation of the ergonomic requirements of work at visual display units. Proposals are also made for improving other parts of the standard, both in terms of their structure and their content. (104206)
CIS 05-485 Decision-making to facilitate a return to work - Exploratory study of aspects of decision-making in an interdisciplinary work rehabilitation team. (French: Décider pour faciliter le retour au travail - Etude exploratoire sur les dimensions de la prise de décision dans une équipe interdisciplinaire de réadaptation au travail) Loisel P., Durand M.J., Baril R., Langley A., Falardeau 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, 48p. Illus. 37 ref. Price: CAD 6.42. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22643-0 (In French) Internet: Therapeutic return to work, an innovative approach to the case management of workers suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, is based on interaction and consensual dialogue among many specialists, including an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, workplace stakeholders, workers themselves and attending physicians. While several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of such a global approach, the decision-making processes underlying the achievement of consensus have not been clearly established. The objective of this research project was to conduct a case study of this complex decision-making process and to identify the strategies most likely to ensure the success of therapeutic return to work. Different models of decision-making were developed and a system of ten values on which the team is based was identified, the most important one being partnership. (104083)
CIS 05-486 Further development of the usability and validity of the Quick Exposure Check (QEC). David G., Woods V., Buckle P., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. v, 36p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: GBP 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2825-6 (In English) Internet: Improvements to the QEC method for assessing the exposure of workers to musculoskeletal risk factors were made using a participatory approach with input from health and safety practitioners and ergonomics experts. Experienced users were interviewed to explore the usability, strengths and weaknesses of the QEC and an improved version of the QEC and Reference Guide was tested with practitioners. Revisions based on these trials have provided an improved QEC, Reference Guide and on-line resource. (104231)
CIS 05-487 Cleaning and disinfection. Knives that retain their cutting properties for reducing MSDs. (French: Nettoyage et désinfection. Un couteau qui garde son pouvoir de coupe pour réduire les TMS) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Dec. 2004. 19p. Illus. 10 ref. Price: EUR 4.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1262-1 (In French) Internet: The importance of knife sharpness on reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders is well known: when knives don't cut well, tasks require more time, more cuts are needed and cuts are less precise. Workers are forced to adopt gestures that are detrimental to their health. In order to maintain the cutting properties of knives over time, it is important that they be sharpened at regular intervals by suitably trained persons. However, proper sharpening is possible only if the knives are sufficiently cleaned and disinfected. This booklet explains how to ensure that the cutting properties of knives are not impaired by cleaning and disinfection operations. (104064)
CIS 05-488 Special feature on occupational stress. (French: Dossier stress au travail) Freydt C., Légeron P., Paolillo A.G., Le Généraliste, 16 Apr. 2004, No.2286, p.I-X. Illus. 6 ref. (In French) Internet: This special feature on occupational stress aimed at general practitioners describes the causes of stress at work and explains how to help patients to protect themselves. Contents: changes in working conditions; stress factors at the place of work; diagnosis (evaluation of the causes of stress, estimation of the stress reaction, identification of the patient's coping factors); teaching patients to increase their resistance to stress; helping patients that are victims of suspected bullying; role of general practitioners. (104082)
CIS 05-489 The relationship between job satisfaction and health: A meta-analysis. Faragher E.B., Cass M., Cooper C.L., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2005, Vol.62, No.2, p.105-112. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: A vast number of published studies have suggested a link between job satisfaction levels and health. The sizes of the relationships reported vary widely. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 485 studies with a combined sample size of 267,995 individuals was conducted to evaluate the research evidence linking self-report measures of job satisfaction to measures of physical and mental wellbeing. The overall correlation combined across all health measures (r) was 0.312. Job dissatisfaction was most strongly associated with mental/psychological problems; strongest relationships were found for burnout (r=0.478), self-esteem (r=0.429), depression (r=0.428) and anxiety (r=0.420). The correlation with subjective physical illness was more modest (r= 0.287). The relationships found suggest that job satisfaction level is an important factor influencing the health of workers. Organizations should include the development of stress management policies to identify and eradicate work practices that cause most job dissatisfaction as part of any exercise aimed at improving employee health. (104114)
CIS 05-490 Psychosocial work factors and dementia. Seidler A., Nienhaus A., Bernhardt T., Kauppinen T., Elo A.L., Fröhlich L., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2004, Vol.61, No.12, p.962-971. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: A case-control study was conducted to evaluate the association between psychosocial workplace factors and dementia. Patients with dementia were recruited from 23 general practices in the city of Frankfurt-on-Main, Germany, and the surrounding area in 1998-2000. Of these, 108 were suffering from possible Alzheimer's disease, 59 from possible vascular dementia, and 28 from secondary or unclassified dementia. A total of 229 control subjects was recruited from the same study region: 122 population controls and 107 dementia-free ambulatory patients. A detailed job history was elicited by next-of-kin interviews of cases. Psychosocial work exposure was assigned to cases and control subjects by linking lifetime job histories with a Finnish job-exposure matrix. Data were analysed using logistic regression. Odds ratios decreased for high challenge at work, high control possibilities at work, and high social demands at work. High risks for error at work revealed a significant positive association with the diagnosis of dementia. These results support a role for psychosocial work factors in the aetiology of dementia. As an alternative explanation, people might have chosen jobs with poor work factors due to preclinical dementia, which becomes clinically manifest decades later. (104127)
CIS 05-491 Stress and dysmenorrhoea: A population based prospective study. Wang L., Wang X., Wang W., Chen C., Ronnennberg A.G., Guang W., Huang A., Fang Z, Zang T., Xu X., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2004, Vol.61, No.12, p.1021-1026. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: Using a population based cohort of Chinese women, the independent effect of women's perceived stress in the preceding menstrual cycle on the incidence of dysmenorrhoea in the subsequent cycle was investigated. The analysis included 1160 prospectively observed menstrual cycles from 388 healthy, nulliparous, newly married women who intended to conceive. The perception of stress and the occurrence of dysmenorrhoea in each menstrual cycle were determined from daily diaries recorded by the women. After adjustment for important covariates, the risk of dysmenorrhoea was more than twice as great among women with high stress compared to those with low stress in the preceding cycle (OR=2.4). The risk of dysmenorrhoea was greatest among women with both high stress and a history of dysmenorrhoea compared to women with low stress and no history of dysmenorrhoea (OR=10.4). Stress in the follicular phase of the preceding cycles had a stronger association with dysmenorrhoea than stress in the luteal phase of the preceding cycles. (104130)
CIS 05-492 The four-dimensional symptom questionnaire (4DSQ): Measuring distress and other mental health problems in a working population. Terluin B., Ven Rhenen W., Schaufeli W.B., De Haan M., Work and Stress, July-Sep. 2004, Vol.18, No.3, p.187-207. Illus. 55 ref. (In English) Internet: In working populations, it is important to differentiate between general distress, on one hand, and the psychiatric symptoms of depression, anxiety and somatization on the other hand. The Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) is a new instrument that measures these four symptoms. This study investigated the psychometric properties of the 4DSQ in a working population. A questionnaire was addressed to all employees of a Dutch telecom company, 3852 (51%) of whom responded. The questionnaire included the 4DSQ together with a set of questions on job stress, coping style and indicators of strain. The validity of the 4DSQ was assessed using correlations with job stress, coping, and strain. As expected, the distress scale showed the strongest correlations with the indicators of strain, as well as with job stress and coping. In conclusion, the 4DSQ is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used in a working population to distinguish between stress-related symptoms and psychiatric illness. (104181)
CIS 05-493 The associations between work stress and mental health: A comparison of organizationally employed and self-employed workers. Parslow R.A., Jorm A.F., Christensen H., Rodgers B., Strazdins L., D'Souza R.M., Work and Stress, July-Sep. 2004, Vol.18, No.3, p.231-244. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined the associations between work stressors and mental health in organizationally-employed and self-employed workers. It also investigated associations between stress and the use of general practitioner (GP) services by these two groups. 2275 employed men and women aged from 40 to 44 years participated in a community survey. Participants entered responses to a questionnaire into a hand-held computer under the supervision of an interviewer. 14.2% of the group identified themselves as self-employed. Respondents also provided details of their occupation and the extent to which they experienced work stressors. 72.6% gave consent for information on their use of GP services over a 12-month period to be obtained from national insurance records. It was found that self-employed men and women reported more decision authority than the organizationally employed, while self-employed women also had more manageable job demands. However, self-employment was found to be associated with relatively few mental health benefits. (104182)
CIS 05-494 The psychosocial work environment and alcohol dependence: A prospective study. Head J., Stansfeld S.A., Siegrist J., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.61, No.3, p.219-224. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to examine whether a stressful psychosocial work environment predicts alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence of participants in a cohort of London-based civil servants examined in 1985-88 was measured in 1991-93 using the CAGE questionnaire. The psychosocial work environment was measured by responses to questions on the job demand-support-control model and on the model of effort-reward imbalance. It was found that a stressful psychosocial work environment in terms of effort-reward imbalance was a risk factor for alcohol dependence in men. Among women, low decision latitude was related to alcohol dependence to some extent, but alcohol dependence among women was more prevalent in higher occupational grades. (104198)
CIS 05-495 Modeling the economic burden of diseases imputable to stress at work. Béjean S., Sultan-Taïeb, European Journal of Health Economics, Mar. 2005, Vol.6, No.1, p.16-23. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: This study evaluated the costs of work-related stress in France. Three illnesses that may result from exposure to stress were identified (cardiovascular diseases, depression, musculoskeletal diseases/back pain) and the proportions of cases attributable to this risk factor were calculated from epidemiological studies. For the year 2000 the model shows that in a working population of 23.53 million in France some 310,000-393,400 persons (1.3 - 1.7%) were affected by illnesses attributable to work-related stress, and that 2,300 - 3,600 persons died as a result of their illness. Work-related stress costs society between EUR 1,167 million and EUR 1,975 million in France, or 14.4 - 24.2% of the total spending of the social security occupational illnesses and work injuries branch. (104244)
CIS 05-496 Musculo-skeletal disorders, mental health and the work environment. Parkes K.R., Carnell S., Farmer E., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. iv, 59p. Illus. 71 ref. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2964-3 (In English) Internet: The purpose of this study was to analyse the prevalence, severity and psychosocial risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among male employees in the oil and gas sector in the United Kingdom. 321 workers of this industry having participated in a previous survey five years earlier responded to the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. Low-back pain showed the highest 12-month prevalence (51%). Psychological distress and physical workload factors were the most significant direct predictors of MSDs, while anxiety and lack of social support were significant factors in predicting changes in the prevalence of MSDs over a five-year period. (104052)
CIS 05-497 Farmers, farm workers and work-related stress. Parry J., Barnes H., Lindsey R., Taylor R., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. xiii, 114p. Illus. 36 ref.Price: GBP 20.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-6135-0 (In English) Internet: This report describes a study involving interviews with 60 key informants and members of farming communities in five locations across England and Wales. The study explored the ways in which stress affects farming communities, how this has changed in recent years, and the extent to which work-related aspects of stress can be disaggregated from broader characteristics of the farming experience, in assessing the kinds of support interventions likely to be most useful. The holistic perspective taken by this research has enabled an examination of the effects of stress in relation to people's different roles on farms. (104239)
CIS 05-498 Case study: Establishing the business case for investing in stress prevention activities and evaluating their impact on sickness absence levels. Tasho W., Jordan J., Robertson I., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. xii, 57p. Illus. 17 ref. Price: GBP 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2938-4 (In English) Internet: This case study describes the processes and interventions introduced by a local authority in the United Kingdom (Somerset County Council) to improve the well-being and the quality of working life of their employees, in particular to reduce levels of workplace stress and sickness absence within the organisation. The approach used primarily involved conducting a series of interviews with key personnel in the human resources and other relevant departments, including social services. Through this case study, it was possible to highlight the relationship between well-being and the quality of working life on one hand, and sickness absenteeism on the other. (104041)
CIS 05-499 Working groups in Swedish industry - A critical research review from a socio-psychological perspective. Lantz A., Sconfienza C., Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1994. 29p. Illus. 109 ref. (In English) Internet: This document reviews published research in the field of working-in-groups in Swedish industry from a socio-psychological perspective. It gives an overall picture of theoretical approaches to group work designs, examines the relationships between frame conditions and intra-group interaction and investigates the effects of working-in-groups on the organization and on the individual. (104147)
CIS 05-500 Context-oriented approaches - A discussion of methods with references to the research into the psychology of organizations. (Swedish: Om context-orienterad ansats - En metoddiskussion med anknytning till organisationspsykologisk forskning) Westlander G., Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1992. 23p. Illus. 37 ref. (In English, Swedish) Internet: This document discusses methodological problems that arise where human behaviour is related to a complex external social context. Various theoretical approaches and their applications in research in organizational psychology are considered. A case study of how human conditions are affected by computerization and automation in an office environment is also presented. (104167)
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