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ILO-CIS Bulletin 2006/01CIS 06-1 --- CIS 06-250 Chemical data sheets and criteria documentsCIS 06-1 Hexafluoropropylene (CAS No.116-15-4). European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Sep. 2005. v, 67p. 99 ref. (In English) Internet: Conclusions of this criteria document: hexafluoropropylene (HFP) has a low acute toxicity; animal experiments indicate that the kidney is the principal target organ; given the chemical similarity of HFP with tetraflurorethylene, it is recommended that consideration be given to the possibility of carcinogenic effects. In general, HFP is considered to be of low potential risk and of low priority for further work. (104538)
CIS 06-2 Manganese dioxide. (Spanish: Dióxido de manganeso) Protección y seguridad, Consejo Colombiano de Seguridad, Bogotá, Colombia, 2005. 4p. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Chemical safety data sheet for manganese dioxide. Contents: synonyms (manganese (IV) oxide, manganese peroxide, black manganese oxide, cement black, manganese oxide, manganese superoxide); ACGIH threshold limit value of 0,2mg/m3 (TWA); potentially harmful health effects (irritation, effects on the central nervous system, kidneys and lungs, haematological changes); first aid; measures in the event of fires or spills; handling and storage; control of exposures and personal protection; environmental protection and waste disposal. (104749)
Training materials and practical informationCIS 06-3 A short guide to managing asbestos in premises. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 2003. 20p. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: This guidance note is aimed at owners or managers with responsibilities for non-domestic premises which may contain asbestos. It provides guidance on the prevention of risks to workers or others who may use the premises. Topics covered: why asbestos is dangerous; persons at risk; where asbestos is found in buildings; duty to manage asbestos risk; how to comply with the duty (finding out if asbestos is present, sampling, assessing the condition of the asbestos-containing material (ACM), assessing the potential risk, taking appropriate action); ACM disposal; information of workers; legal requirements; role of safety representatives. Replaces previous edition (CIS 01-1786). (104691)
CIS 06-4 Arsenic and you - Arsenic is poisonous. Are you at risk?. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 2002. 6p. 1 ref. (In English) Internet: This leaflet contains information on health hazards from exposure to dusts and fumes containing arsenic. Topics covered: sources of dusts and fumes containing arsenic; absorption routes; health hazards due to arsenic; protective measures; health checks; legal requirements and exposure limit; sources of information. (104573)
CIS 06-5 Asbestos dust kills. Keep your mask on. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Mar. 2002. 6p. Illus. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: Breathing asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos-related diseases. This leaflet, aimed at workers involved in work with asbestos-containing materials, explains why asbestos is dangerous. It gives guidance on when respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is needed, what type of RPE to wear, employers' obligations and what employees can do to protect their health. (104574)
CIS 06-6 Preventing dermatitis at work - Advice for employers and employees. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 1996 (reprinted with amendments 2004). 11 p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: This booklet explains the causes of occupational dermatitis, highlights industries with the highest risk, and describes duties of employers and employees. Precautionary measures include identification of substances likely to cause dermatitis, selection of alternative chemicals or processes, and use of protective clothing and skin creams. Legal requirements are outlined. Replaces CIS 97-598. (104697)
CIS 06-7 Selection of suitable respiratory protective equipment for work with asbestos. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, rev. ed., 2003. 25p. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: This guidance is aimed at employers and self-employed contractors in the building industry, at persons working with asbestos-containing insulation materials and at safety representatives. It provides advice on selecting the appropriate respirators and making sure they are used correctly and maintained in good condition. Contents: why respirators are necessary; when they should be provided; control measures to be applied before resorting to respirators; selection of respirators; evaluation of expected exposure concentrations; protection factors; facepiece fit testing; consulting employees; maintenance, training and supervision; common misuses of respirators when working with asbestos. Replaces CIS 03-352. (104698)
CIS 06-8 Safety in the use of chemicals for secondary school education. (Arabic: Al-salāma fī isti(māl al-mawāddal-kīmīyā'iya - dalīl muraja(ī ta@lhīmī) Wafta N., Awan S., Goodson R., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2001. 109p. Illus. 8 ref., ISBN 92-2-610896-X (In Arabic, English) Internet: Although chemicals play a crucial role in food production, the fight against diseases and the promotion of new advances in modern technology, they have the potential to cause serious harm to workers, the public and the environment if improperly handled. A safety culture aimed at the promotion of safety, health and well-being at work has therefore to be established, and school education is paramount for meeting this objective. Contents of this publication aimed at secondary education: ways of exposure of the human body to chemicals; health and safety problems caused by chemicals; environmental impact of chemicals; safety in the use of chemicals; monitoring exposure to chemicals; managing exposure to chemicals; control of major industrial accidents; legislation of chemical safety. (104502)
CIS 06-9 Is it explosive? Dangers of explosives in metal recycling. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Feb. 2002. 6p. Illus. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: This leaflet is aimed at persons who handle or process metals intended for recycling and which may contain explosive products. It explains how to determine if explosives are still present and provides guidance on the precautions that need to be taken to prevent explosives entering the metal recycling process and to avoid injury should any suspicious items be encountered. Includes a poster summarizing the general precautions to be taken if suspicious items are found. (104571)
CIS 06-10 Control back-pain risks from whole-body vibration - Advice for employers on the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, rev. ed., 2005. 14p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: This booklet provides guidance for employers on the legal requirements for managing the risk of back pain in operators exposed to whole-body vibration in off-road mobile machinery, agricultural vehicles or industrial trucks. Contents: health effects of whole-body vibration; persons at risk; legal duties of employers (vibration exposure limits); risk assessment; exposure evaluation; duties of manufacturers and suppliers; risk control; information and training; health monitoring. Replaces CIS 98-293. (104693)
CIS 06-11 Drive away bad backs - Advice for mobile machine operators and drivers. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. Folded card. (In English) Internet: This pocket card provides brief guidance to mobile machine operators and drivers on avoiding back pain caused by driving for a long time in a poorly adjusted seat, jolting and jarring from rough roads (whole-body vibration) and manual handling. (104694)
CIS 06-12 Control the risks from hand-arm vibration - Advice for employers on the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, rev. ed., 2005. 20p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: This booklet provides advice to employers on legal requirements for controlling the risks from hand-arm vibration. Contents: health effects of hand-arm vibration; jobs and tools involving a risk; legal duties; vibration exposure limits; risk assessment; estimating exposure; duties of manufacturers and suppliers; risk control; health surveillance; information and training. Replaces CIS 98-1458. (104695)
CIS 06-13 Hand-arm vibration: Advice for employees. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. Folded card. (In English) Internet: This pocket card provides advice for users of hand-held powered work equipment on controlling exposure to hand-arm vibration. It briefly describes health hazards (symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome), tools and equipment involving a risk and methods for reducing vibration. (104696)
CIS 06-14 Keep your top on: Health risks from working in the sun. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Nov. 2001. 6p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This leaflet gives advice to outdoor workers on health risks from working in the sun. Topics covered: dangers from exposure to sun; persons at risk of skin cancer; dos and don'ts to avoid the danger; appropriate clothing; sunscreens; skin checks. Replaces CIS 00-970. (104572)
CIS 06-15 Laser safety 2.0 - Training software for your safety with lasers. (German: Lasersicherheit 2.0 - Die Schulungssoftware für Ihre Lasersicherheit) Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoff- und Strahltechnik IWS, Winterbergstrasse 28, 01277 Dresden, Germany, 2001. CD-ROM (needs Pentium min. 100 MHz, Windows 95, 98, ME, NT or 2000, 64 MB RAM, CD-ROM drive min. 16x, optimal resolution 1024x768, Internet browser, Macromedia Shockwave Player, Windows Media Player or REAL Player). Price: EUR 32.50. (In German) Internet: This CD-ROM provides a tool for training in laser safety. It enables users to acquire a basic understanding of this topic, namely: principles of the functioning of lasers; risks posed by the interaction of lasers with human tissue; classes of lasers; protective measures; responsibilities of employees. A simple test enables users to determine whether they have acquired the essential knowledge concerning laser safety. The CD-ROM also contains approximately 40 Power-Point slides that can be edited to make training presentations on the topic of laser safety. (104581)
CIS 06-16 Preventing slips and trips at work. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, rev. ed., 2005. 11p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: Slips and trips are the single most common cause of injuries at work. This booklet provides simple, effective solutions for the prevention of slip and trip hazards. Topics covered: managing health and safety; examining slip and trip risks; legal requirements; good working practice; cleaning and maintenance; actions to eliminate specific hazards. Replaces previous edition (CIS 03-1112). (104692)
CIS 06-17 Getting to grips with manual handling - A short guide. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, rev. ed., 2004. 20p. Illus. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: This booklet explains the problems associated with manual handling and sets out best practice in dealing with them. Contents: overview of the problem; responsibilities of employers and employees; avoiding manual handling; assessing and reducing the risk of injury; training; good handling techniques for lifting, pushing and pulling; guidelines for carrying out a risk assessment. Replaces CIS 03-114. (104699)
CIS 06-18 Are you making the best use of lifting and handling aids?. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2004. 12p. Illus. 3 ref. (In English) Internet: This guidance is intended for managers, employees and their representatives and others involved in the selection of lifting and handling aids. It describes the health and economic benefits of controlling manual handling risks and provides brief examples of solutions using lifting and handling aids. Factors to consider when selecting lifting aids are outlined. (104700)
CIS 06-19 Prevention of tractors overturning. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Aug. 2001. 15p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: 46 persons were killed in tractor overturn accidents on farms in the United Kingdom between April 1986 and March 1995. This booklet on the prevention of tractors overturning sets out important points for using tractors safely. Topics covered: maintenance; safe working methods; training of drivers; basic precautions for safe tractor driving (driving and turning on slopes, towing equipment, braking system, parking, clutch use, using loaders and trailers); other safety precautions. Replaces CIS 98-300. (104575)
CIS 06-20 HIV/AIDS and work. Using the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work - Guidelines for the transport sector. ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (ILOAIDS), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, Dec. 2005. 21p. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: This guide provides advice for employers and workers in the transport sector on the application of the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (see CIS 03-444) and the education and training manual on the implementation of the Code (see CIS 04-270). It outlines the potential impact of HIV and AIDS on the sector, identifies specific risks for transport workers and reviews policy and workplace initiatives that have been taken to address those risks. (104703)
CIS 06-21 Joint ILO/WHO guidelines on health services and HIV/AIDS. (French: Directives conjointes OIT/OMS sur les services de santé et le VIH/SIDA; Spanish: Directrices mixtas OIT/OMS sobre los servicios de salud y el VIH/SIDA) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. xiv, 80p. Illus. Bibl. ref. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: These guidelines aim to promote the sound management of HIV/AIDS in health services. They are intended for governments, employers, workers and others concerned with the delivery of health care. Contents: key principles of the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (see CIS 03-444); legal and policy framework; the health sector as a workplace and the recognition of HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue; occupational safety and health management systems (protection against infectious pathogens, safe work practices, monitoring and evaluation); exposure incident management; treatment and support; education and training; research and development. Includes an overview of international programmes and instruments and 12 fact sheets on control measures designed to protect health workers from exposure to HIV and other infectious pathogens. (104705)
CIS 06-22 HIV/AIDS and work. Guidelines for employers - Using the ILO Code of Practice and training manual. (French: HIV/AIDS and work. Guide d'utilisation à l'intention des employeurs - Recueil de directives pratiques du BIT sur le VIH/SIDA et manuel de formation; Spanish: HIV/AIDS and work. Directrices destinadas a los empleadores - Utilización del Repertorio de recomendaciones prácticas sobre el VIH/SIDA y el mundo del trabajo y del Manual de capacitación respectivo) ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (ILOAIDS), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2004. 8p. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This guide provides advice for employers on the use of the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (see CIS 03-444) and the education and training manual on the implementation of the Code (see CIS 04-270). It outlines the potential impact of the disease on business and highlights the need for employers to develop workplace policies and programmes and to stimulate action by working with employers' organizations, trade unions, the government and others. (104701)
CIS 06-23 HIV/AIDS and work. Guidelines for trade unions - Using the ILO Code of Practice and training manual. (French: HIV/AIDS and work. Guide d'utilisation à l'intention des syndicats - Recueil de directives pratiques du BIT sur le VIH/SIDA et manuel de formation; Spanish: HIV/AIDS and work. Directrices destinadas a los sindicatos - Utilización del Repertorio de recomendaciones prácticas sobre el VIH/SIDA y el mundo del trabajo y del Manual de capacitación respectivo) ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (ILOAIDS), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2004. 8p. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This guide provides advice for trade unions on the use of the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (see CIS 03-444) and the education and training manual on the implementation of the Code (see CIS 04-270). It outlines the potential impact of the disease on trade unions and their members and highlights the need to develop a trade union policy and to stimulate action by mobilizing trade union networks and by working with employers, the government and others. (104702)
CIS 06-24 HIV/AIDS and work. A handbook on HIV/AIDS for labour and factory inspectors. ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (ILOAIDS), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. 49p. Price: CHF 20.00; USD 14.95; GBP 8.95; EUR 13.00., ISBN 92-2-117134-5 (print version), ISBN 92-2-117135-3 (web pdf version) (In English) Internet: This handbook is designed to be used primarily in training seminars and may also be used as a source of reference. It shows how HIV/AIDS concerns labour and factory inspectors and provides guidance on how to apply the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (see CIS 03-444). It examines the links between HIV/AIDS and the principles and practice of labour inspection, with particular reference to occupational safety and health. It includes a range of learning activities, case studies and samples of legislation, policies and collective agreements. (104704)
CIS 06-25 A handbook: Trade unions and HIV/AIDS. International Labour Organization, Subregional Office for South Asia, India Habitat Centre, 3rd Floor, Core 4B, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110 003, India, 2002. PDF document, 80p. Illus.10 ref., ISBN 92-2-113220-X (In English, Hindi) Internet: This handbook explains how trade unions, together with government and employers, can help in responding to the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS. It reviews the HIV/AIDS situation in India, provides basic information about the disease and examines gender issues and legal and ethical aspects. Components of an HIV/AIDS programme in both the organized and the unorganized sector are described, based on the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (see CIS 03-444), and an example of a policy by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines is included. (104709)
CIS 06-26 Trade union actions against HIV/AIDS in Uganda: A workers' education manual. Mwamadzingo M, Nassanga R, eds., ILO Area Office Pretoria, PO Box 11694, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa, 2005. xii, 116p. Illus. 21 ref., ISBN 92-2-1-114220-5 (In English) Internet: This workers' education manual was compiled jointly by the ILO Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV) and the Ugandan National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU). It is aimed at educating workers on the subject of HIV/AIDS and comprises six training modules: epidemiological issues of HIV and AIDS; communication and counselling for trade union educators; the nature and magnitude of HIV/AIDS in Uganda; HIV/AIDS and the role of trade unions; HIV/AIDS and the role of the ILO; and results of a rapid assessment survey on trade union actions to combat HIV/AIDS at the workplace in Uganda. An inventory of HIV/AIDS institutions in Uganda is included. (104710)
CIS 06-27 Mental health at work: From defining to solving the problem. (French: La santé psychologique au travail: De la définition du problème aux solutions) Chair in Occupational Health and Safety Management, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1K 7P4, Canada. 3 booklets. Bibl.ref. (In English, French) Internet: This prevention kit for work-related mental health problems aims to raise awareness of the problem and provides guidance on effective measures for handling mental health issues in the workplace. It comprises three booklets: the concept of occupational stress, the scope of the problem and the consequences for individuals and organizations; sources of workplace stress and personal vulnerability; and preventive measures (risk elimination or control, mechanisms to help reduce the negative impacts of stress and treatment, return to work and follow up). (104733)
Periodicals, books, databases, audiovisualsCIS 06-28 Assessment of indoor air problems at work with a questionnaire. Reijula K., Sundman-Digert C., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.61, No.1, p.33-38. Illus. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: Office workers' complaints and symptoms related to the indoor environment were collected from 122 workplaces in 1996-99 by means of a questionnaire. Altogether 11,154 employees took part in the survey. The most common problems were dry air (35% of the respondents), stuffy air (34%), dust or dirt in the indoor environment (25%) and draught (22%). The most common work related symptoms were irritated, stuffy, or runny nose (20%), itching, burning, or irritation of the eyes (17%) and fatigue (16%). Women reported indoor air problems and work related symptoms more often than men. Allergic persons and smokers reported indoor air problems more often and experienced work-related symptoms more often than non-allergic persons and non-smokers. (104688)
CIS 06-29 Beware of the dog. Utility workers need training and knowledge to avoid canine attacks. Naso M., Safety and Health, Sep. 2005, Vol.172, No.3, p.52-55. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: Utility workers encounter hundreds of dogs each month and are often attacked. Dog bites can cause severe physical and emotional damage. Good training and information can help reduce these incidents. This article provides basic guidance on avoiding attacks from dogs and on what to do if bitten by a dog. (104730)
CIS 06-30 From the traditional concept of safety management to safety integrated with quality. García Herrero S., Mariscal Saldaña M.A., Manzanedo del Campo M.A., Ritzel D.O., Journal of Safety Research, 2002, Vol.33, No.1, p.1-20. Illus. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: This article reviews the evolution of the concepts of safety and quality that have been used in the traditional workplace and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of traditional safety programmes. The concept of quality management is also presented. Safety management and quality management principles, phases and measurements are highlighted and the concepts of quality and safety guarantees are assessed. Total quality management concepts are reviewed and applied to safety quality and total safety management principles are discussed. Finally, the relationship between quality and safety is analysed based on data collected from a Spanish company. (104551)
CIS 06-31 Distance learning in occupational health. Forst L., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2004, Vol.10, No.3, p.326-329. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: The burden of occupational illnesses and injuries in the developing world is now enormous. Local experts in occupational health and safety are needed to address the growing worker and environmental health problems brought about by global industrial expansion, but such expertise is lacking. This article describes a 15-week, online, instructor-led course entitled "Principles of Environmental and Occupational Health" that was offered to 14 international students over two semesters. Recommendations are made with respect to the collaborative development of a real-time, online curriculum to enhance the training of professionals in occupational and environmental health. (104680)
CIS 06-32 Obligations imposed on employers with respect to the safety training of their employees. (French: Obligations faites aux employeurs en matière de formation des salariés à la sécurité) Griffet B., Revue Technique Apave, Apr.-June 2005, No.310, p.9-11. (In French) Internet: Vocational training of employees in the areas of occupational hygiene, safety and conditions of work enables enterprises to adapt to changes in regulations, technology and the requirements of trades and customers. This article summarizes the main responsibilities of employers with respect to the safety training of employees and with reference to various provisions of labour legislation. (104742)
CIS 06-33 Deindustrialisation and the long term decline in fatal occupational injuries. Loomis D., Richardson D.B., Bena J.F., Bailer A.J., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2004, Vol.61, No.7, p.616-621. Illus. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study, rates of fatal unintentional occupational injury in the USA were computed using data from death certificates and the population census. Trends were estimated using Poisson regression. Standardization and regression methods were used to adjust for the potential effects of structural change in the labour market. It was estimated that the rate of fatal occupational injury declined by 45% from 1980 to 1996. Findings further suggested that if there had been no change in the structure of the labour force over that period, the injury rate would have declined by only 38%. Expanding industries enjoyed more rapid reduction in risk than those contracted. It was concluded that while deindustrialization contributed to the decline in fatal occupational injury rates in the USA, it explained only 10-15% of the total change. (104545)
CIS 06-34 Resolution No.295/03 - Impact on the prevention of occupational hazards. (Spanish: Resolución MTEySS N° 295/03 - Impacto en la prevención de riesgos del tabajo) Riva A., Salud Ocupacional, Oct.-Dec. 2004, Vol.XXII, No.91, p.24-29. 6 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Resolution 295/03 of the Argentinian Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security provides for a greater role of industrial physicians in occupational safety and health and implies certain responsibilities for enterprises, insurance institutions and occupational health professionals. This article analyses and comments on the various aspects covered by this resolution (ergonomics, radiation, thermal stress, chemicals, noise and vibrations) by highlighting the positive aspects, gaps and some of the inconsistencies. (104517)
CIS 06-35 The law and order debate in OHS. Haines F., Hall A., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, June 2004, Vol.20, No.3, p.263-273. 67 ref. (In English) Internet: This article explores the trend towards greater criminalization of breaches of occupational safety and health (OSH) responsibilities, particularly when a death results. However, it is argued that there is no strong evidence to suggest that offences such as industrial manslaughter will act as a deterrent to those tolerating or explicitly condoning poor OSH standards. The motives behind this criminalization are analysed from a sociological and criminological perspective and elements of criminal law relevant to organizational criminal liability are discussed. (104544)
CIS 06-36 Administrative control of the labour law. (Polish: Administracyjna kontrola prawa pracy) Świątkowski A., Monitor Prawa Pracy, Nov. 2004, No.11, p.292-297. 34 ref. (In Polish) Internet: This article examines the obligation of EU member countries to create and maintain an administrative system for controlling compliance with labour regulations. This obligation is the result of the ratification of resolutions of the European Social Charter. Criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of administrative control are described. (104632)
CIS 06-37 Permanent invalidity from occupational accidents or diseases in the province of Soria: 1999-2003. (Spanish: Menoscabo permanente producido por accidente de trabajo y enfermedad profesional en Soria: 1999-2003) Arancón Viguera Á., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Mar. 2005, Vol.LI, No.198, p.41-50. Illus. 9 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this study was to determine the extent of invalidity caused by occupational accidents and diseases occurring between 1999 and 2003 in the Spanish province of Soria. The study revealed that damages caused by occupational accidents were more frequent than those due to occupational diseases, and that within the study population, annual frequency rates were higher than national averages. 50% of the accidents gave rise to fractures of the extremities and hand lesions, and more than 50% of all occupational diseases were due to mechanical factors. Invalidities caused by accidents were far more frequent among men (90.6%). The most affected groups of occupations were craftsmen and industrial workers, and more particularly workers in the wood and furniture (18.5%) and food industries (11.1%). (104514)
CIS 06-38 Special feature on an OSH conference. (French: Spécial Assises en SST) Souissi R., et al, SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, July 2002, No.22, p.2-46. Illus. (In French) Internet: Papers presented at a conference on occupational safety and health management systems (OSH-MS) held in Tunis, Tunisia, on 7-9 May 2002. Topics addressed: implementation of coherent policies within organizations; ILO guiding principles concerning OSH-MS; OSH-MS in Tunisia; role of medical services in OSH-MS in Tunisia; safety function in OSH-MS in Tunisia; situation in France with respect to OSH-MS; occupational safety and health in the agricultural sector in Tunisia; strategy pursued by the Tunisian Occupational Safety And Health Institute (ISST) with respect to the training of safety representatives. (104525)
CIS 06-39 The health and productivity cost burden of the "top 10" physical and mental health conditions affecting six large U.S. employers in 1999. Goetzel R.Z., Hawkins K., Ozminkowski R.J., Wang S., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2003, Vol.45, No.1, p.5-14. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: Data for 374,799 employees from six large employers were analysed to identify the most costly physical and mental health conditions affecting American businesses. Absence and disability losses constituted 29% of the total health and productivity related expenditures for physical health conditions and 47% for all of the mental health conditions examined. The ten most costly physical health conditions were: angina pectoris; essential hypertension; diabetes mellitus; mechanical low back pain; acute myocardial infarction; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; back disorders not specified as low back; trauma to spine and spinal cord; sinusitis; and diseases of the ear, nose and throat or mastoid process. The five most costly mental health disorders were: bipolar disorder, chronic maintenance; depression; depressive episode in bipolar disease; neurotic, personality and non-psychotic disorders; alcoholism. (104591)
CIS 06-40 The changing organization of work and the safety and health of working people: A commentary. Landsbergis P.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2003, Vol.45, No.1, p.61-72. Illus. 128 ref. (In English) Internet: Recent trends in the organization of work may affect worker health through a variety of pathways: by increasing the risk of stress-related illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological disorders, by increasing exposure to hazardous substances and violence on the job, or by affecting occupational health services and training programs. Much remains to be learned about the nature of changes in work organization, and how they affect worker health and safety. While available evidence is limited, such evidence suggests that recent trends in work organization may be increasing the risk of occupational illnesses. This article summarizes a publication on the subject by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (see CIS 03-583) and provides commentary and additional reviews of the literature. (104595)
CIS 06-41 Ten years' experience using an integrated workers' compensation management system to control workers' compensation costs. Bernacki E.J., Tsai S.P., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2003, Vol.45, No.5, p.508-516. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: Data are analysed on ten years of experience using an integrated workers' compensation claims management system that allows safety professionals, insurance institutions and selected medical and nursing providers to collaborate in a process of accident prevention. The system was instituted in 1992, servicing a population of approximately 21,000 individuals, growing to 39,000 in 2002. The frequency of lost-time and medical claims rate decreased 73% and 61% respectively, between 1992 and 2002. The number of days paid per 100 persons insured decreased by 77%, while total workers' compensation expenses including all medical, indemnity and administrative, decreased by 54%. These data suggest that workers' compensation costs can be reduced by using a small network of health care providers who address individual workers' psychological as well as physical needs, and where communication between all parties is constantly maintained. (104603)
CIS 06-42 Health-related workplace productivity measurement: General and migraine-specific recommendations from the ACOEM expert panel. Loeppke P., Hymel P.A., Lofland J.H., Pizzi L.T., Konicki D.L., Anstadt G.W., Baase C., Fortuna J., Scharf T., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2003, Vol.45, No.4, p.349-359. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study, an expert panel on productivity measurement was created and a literature search was conducted to identify health-related productivity measurement tools. Each instrument was reviewed for supporting scientific evidence, for its applicability to various occupations, diseases and level of severity of disease, for its ability to translate data into a monetary unit and for its practicality. A modified Delphi technique was used to build consensus. The expert panel recommended absenteeism, presenteeism, and employee turnover costs as key elements of workplace health-related productivity measurement. Six productivity measurement tools were reviewed. (104664)
CIS 06-43 Accidents at work in 2003. (Polish: Wypadki przy pracy w 2003 r.) Główny Urząd Statystyczny, al. Niepodległości 208, 00-925 Warszawa, Poland, 2004. 108p. Illus. (In English, Polish) Internet: This publication contains statistics on accidents at work in all sectors of the Polish economy in 2003, with some data for 2000-2002. The source and scope of data along with a glossary of key terms are provided. The main characteristics of these accidents are summarized, highlighting the increase in the number of accidents in 2003 and the demographic and occupational characteristics of the injured persons. (104635)
CIS 06-44 Guidelines on occupational safety and health management systems - ILO-OSH 2001. (Chinese: Zhiye anquan jiankang guanli tixi daoze) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2001. 36p. 37 ref. (In Chinese) Internet: Chinese translation of the ILO-OSH 2001 guidelines (see CIS 02-162). The guidelines present practical approaches and tools for assisting organizations, competent national institutions, employers, workers and other partners in establishing, implementing and improving occupational safety and health management systems, with the aim of reducing work-related injuries, ill health, diseases, incidents and deaths. They provide for the establishment of a national framework for occupational safety and health management systems, the development of voluntary arrangements to strengthen compliance with regulations and standards and the integration of OSH management system elements as an important component of overall policy and management arrangements. (104503)
CIS 06-45 National profile on occupational safety and health in the Republic of Yemen. (Arabic: Ad-dalîl al-waTanî lis-sihha wa s-salâmat il-mihniya-fi l-jumhuruyat il-yamaniya) Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, General Administration of Occupational Safety and Health, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Eastern Mediterranean, 1999. 204p. Illus. (In Arabic) Internet: National profile on occupational safety and health in the Republic of Yemen. (104505)
CIS 06-46 4th regional forum of safety and health committees - Methods and analytical tools for the management of occupational hazards. (French: 4ème forum régional des comités d'hygiène et de sécurité - Méthodes et supports d'analyse et de gestion des risques professionnels) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2002. 109p. (In French) Internet: Proceedings of the 4th regional forum of hygiene and safety committees held in Cotonou, Benin, 5 to 9 August 2002, devoted to methods and tools for the analysis and management of occupational hazards. The objective of this forum was to provide safety and health committees with a set of effective and consistent tools. Topics covered: presentation of a sub-regional project for the recording of data on occupational accidents and diseases; occupational hazard management methods; tools for the analysis and management of occupational hazards; check-list for the inspection of work premises. Appendices include development of an emergency plan, forms for the notification of accidents, safety audit reports, workplace safety data sheet. Recommendations proposed during the forum are also included. (104506)
CIS 06-47 Occupational health in Southern Africa. National Centre for Occupational Health, 25 Hospital Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa, 1994. ii, 85p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Proceedings of a conference on occupational health in Southern Africa held in Zithabiseni, South Africa, 28 August - 2 September 1994. The contents of two series of workshops, one on the industrial sector and one on occupational health policy and management are presented along with four key papers on the following themes: occupational safety and health in Zimbabwe; rehabilitation following occupational injury and disease; occupational medical surveillance; pulmonary tuberculosis in gold miners. (104508)
CIS 06-48 Practical aspects of industrial health and safety inspection. Muleta B., Banti Muleta, PO Box 62314, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1989. 111p. 7 ref. (In English) Internet: This handbook is intended for persons responsible for industrial health and safety inspection in Ethiopia. It deals with the main areas where preventive measures need to be taken to minimize industrial hazards. Topics covered: publicizing industrial safety and health; points of special consideration in safety and health; inspection principles; accident records; radiation health protection; noise; ventilation; materials handling and storage; waste disposal; lighting; safe practices; industrial fires; hot workplaces; control of environmental hazards. (104509)
CIS 06-49 Annual review of working conditions in the EU: 2004-2005. European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2985 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, 2005. vii, 66p. lllus. 98 ref. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 92-897-0914-6 (In English) Internet: This review examines four key dimensions in working conditions and quality of work and employment: career and employment, health and well-being, skills development and work-life balance. Topics covered include: EU legislative developments relating to musculoskeletal disorders, electromagnetic fields, optical radiation, carcinogens, mutagens and other chemical agents; trends in occupational illnesses and accidents, working time, work-related stress and workplace violence and bullying. (104510)
CIS 06-50 Workers' health: Contributions to a failed subject. (Spanish: La salud de los trabajadores: contribuciones para una asignatura pendiente) Rodríguez C.A., Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2005. 445p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 987-21928-1-2 (In Spanish) Internet: This publication addresses issues related to the safety and health of workers in Latin America. Chapters cover the following main topics: pathologies and hazards at the place of work (cancer, reproductive or developmental effects, endocrine effects, pesticides, methodology for the medical supervision of workers, hazards in hospital settings); benefits and gaps in social security coverage in the field of occupational safety and health; analysis of occupational safety and health issues in Latin America and actions to be undertaken; improvements in working conditions; analysis of accident causes and safety and health training; major occupational safety and health issues (globalization, inequalities and their consequences, economic aspects, codes of conduct, ethics). (104512)
CIS 06-51 Argentine Occupational Safety and Health Week - Papers presented in 2004. (Spanish: Semana argentina de la salud y seguridad en el trabajo - Presentaciones 2004) Oliva F., ed., Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2005. 658p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 987-21928-2-0 (In Spanish) Internet: Papers presented at the First Argentine Occupational Safety and Health Week held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 21 to 28 April 2004. Main topics covered: key issues in occupational safety and health (working women, job insecurity, ILO conventions and recommendations, occupational medicine, risks incurred by subcontractors, national occupational safety and health systems, pesticides, child labour, occupational hygiene and economic development, ergonomics, responsibilities of employers); safety and health in the construction industry; regional integration process; role of workers' organizations. (104513)
CIS 06-52 Reconciling work and family responsibilities: Practical ideas from global experience. Hein C., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. xv, 207p. Illus. 219 ref. Price: CHF 35.00., ISBN 92-2-115352-5 (In English) Internet: This book presents examples of what is being done in countries, communities and enterprises around the world to help workers reconcile work and family responsibilities such as caring for children and the elderly. It provides ideas for action by governments, employers' and workers' organizations and concerned civil society organizations. Includes a chapter on the implications of work schedules (effects of long hours, asocial hours, part-time work, flexibility of working time) and work location (home work, telework). Comments on relevant ILO Conventions and Recommendations. (104531)
CIS 06-53 ISO Annual report 2004. International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Case postale 56, 1211 Genève 20, Switzerland, 2005. 17p. Illus, ISBN 92-67-10406-3 (In English) Internet: Report of activities of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in 2004. Topics include global security and safety (machine safety, maritime transport), environmental challenges and social responsibility. (104548)
CIS 06-54 European Agency for Safety and Health at Work annual report 2004. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2985 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, 2005. 84p. Illus., ISBN 92-9191-022-8 (In English) Internet: Annual report of the activities of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work in 2004. Topics include: overview of the operations of the Agency and its partners; optimizing the Agency's information network and resources; providing OSH information on the Internet and in printed publications; supporting policy-making and implementation. Includes a summary of OSH highlights in 23 EU countries. (104549)
CIS 06-55 Quality management applied to health promotion and occupational safety and health - Principles, methods and requirements. (German: Qualitätsmanagement in Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention - Grundsätze, Methoden und Anforderungen) Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA), Osterheiner Str. 220, 51109 Köln, Germany, 2001. 343p. Illus. Bibl.réf.., ISBN 3-933191-57-2 (In German) Internet: This publication reports on the current situation with respect to the application of the concept of quality management in health promotion and occupational safety and health and presents practical examples. Articles are grouped under the following headings: quality management as a task in health promotion and in occupational safety and health; aspects, approaches and trends in quality management; practical examples of quality management implementation; recommendations and guidance for the implementation of quality management in health promotion and occupational safety and health. (104590)
CIS 06-56 Analysis of training needs among occupational safety and health professionals. (French: Analyse des besoins en formation des préventeurs) Garrigou A., Peissel-Cottenaz G., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2004. 187p. Illus. 50 ref. (In French) Internet: 372 occupational safety and health professionals responded to a detailed questionnaire on their needs with respect to vocational training. Responses were subjected to multidimensional statistical analysis. The study highlighted the following points: the term "safety and health professional" covers a wide variety of situations and occupations; training needs vary according to the specific activity and employment situation of these professionals; there is a lack of structure within the profession and wide inequalities with respect to the availability of means and possibilities for action and training. Several leads for further work are identified. (104738)
CIS 06-57 Guidelines on occupational safety and health management systems - ILO-OSH 2001. (Portuguese: Diretrizes sobre sistemas de Gestão da Segurança e saúde no trabalho) Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente, 710, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05409-002, Brazil, 2005. 47p. 37 ref., ISBN 85-98117-05-6 (In Portuguese) Internet: This publication is a Portuguese translation of the ILO-OSH 2001 guidelines (see CIS 02-162). The guidelines present practical approaches and tools for assisting organizations, competent national institutions, employers, workers and other partners in establishing, implementing and improving occupational safety and health management systems, with the aim of reducing work-related injuries, ill health, diseases, incidents and deaths. They provide for the establishment of a national framework for occupational safety and health management systems, the development of voluntary arrangements to strengthen compliance with regulations and standards and the integration of OSH management system elements as an important component of overall policy and management arrangements. (104541)
CIS 06-58 Guidelines on occupational safety and health management systems - ILO-OSH 2001. (Japanese: Sangyō anzen hoken manejimento shisutemu gaidorain) Rōdō-chōsa-kai (JISHA), 5-35-1, Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0014, Japan, 2005. 37p. 37 ref. (In Japanese) Internet: This publication is a Japanese translation of the ILO-OSH 2001 guidelines (see CIS 02-162). The guidelines present practical approaches and tools for assisting organizations, competent national institutions, employers, workers and other partners in establishing, implementing and improving occupational safety and health management systems, with the aim of reducing work-related injuries, ill health, diseases, incidents and deaths. They provide for the establishment of a national framework for occupational safety and health management systems, the development of voluntary arrangements to strengthen compliance with regulations and standards and the integration of OSH management system elements as an important component of overall policy and management arrangements. (104542)
CIS 06-59 Investigation in the field of occupational accidents: The causal tree method. (Spanish: Investigación de accidentes de trabajo: Método árbol de causas) Giraudo E., Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2005. CD-ROM for Pentium II, K6 II or higher (requires Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP, 64 MB RAM, hard disk min. 80 MB, video 16 MB, video resolution 800x600/16 bits)., ISBN 987-21928-0-4 (In Spanish) Internet: The causal tree method provides an understanding of how accidents occur by analysing system malfunctioning. The purpose of this interactive CD-ROM is to train users in the causal tree method and more specifically in the collection and processing of accident data and the identification of potential accident factors with a view to implementing preventive measures. (104511)
CIS 06-60 Occupational Health Department annual report 2004. Ministry of Manpower, Occupational Health Department, 18 Havelock Road, #05-01, Singapore 0569764, 2004. CD-ROM containing documents in HTML format. (In English) Internet: This report on CD-ROM provides a review of the activities of the Singapore Department of Occupational Health in 2004. Contents: trends in occupational health, exposure levels and occupational diseases; setting standards (specific programmes on medical surveillance, noise control, control of chemical hazards and confined space hazards control); promoting best practices; research and innovation. (104547)
CIS 06-61 Occupational skin diseases: A good understanding of the pathology for better prevention. (French: Les dermatoses professionnelles: une bonne connaissance de la pathologie pour une meilleure prévention) Kolsi M., Mansour H.B., Nouaigui H., Ben Laïba M., SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, Apr. 2005, No.33, p.2-23. Illus. 21 ref. (In French) Internet: Contents of this special feature on occupational skin diseases: definition; epidemiology; classification of occupational skin diseases according to the nature of the aetiological agent (chemical, physical, biological); diagnosis; preventive measures; evaluation of the degree of permanent invalidity resulting from occupational skin diseases in Tunisia. (104526)
CIS 06-62 Overview of the diseases incidence among seafarers in Japan in 1968-2000: General trends. Hisamune S., Ehara M., Muramatsu S., Sano Y., Shoda M., Kawashima H., International Maritime Health, 2004, Vol.55, No.1/4, p.31-38. Illus. 8 ref. (In English) Internet: This article analyses data on the number of diseases resulting in a loss of working time of three days or more and serious diseases resulting in death among seafarers employed on Japanese merchant ships, fishing vessels and other types of ships between 1986 and 2000. Over 50,000 such cases were recorded. Results indicate that regardless of the type of vessel, the work performed and age, the disease incidence rate decreased during the 15-year period, although the rate was still higher than in the general Japanese working population. It is recommended that preventive interventions should be directed at positive changes in seamen's lifestyle along with first aid training and the provision of basic health services on board ship. (104612)
CIS 06-63 Diseases of seafarers in Vietnam: Preliminary report. Nguyen S.T., Quynh C.T., International Maritime Health, 2004, Vol.55, No.1/4, p.53-59. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the results of a survey of the prevalence of diseases among Vietnamese seafarers in 2000-2001. Medical examinations were carried out in a group of 450 seafarers and in a control group of 650 shore workers. Noise levels were also measured on 152 ships in port and 144 ships at sea. Compared to the control group, the seafarers recorded more cases of mental and behavioural disorders and diseases of the digestive system. Shore workers recorded more cases of diseases of the eyes and of the genitourinary system. High noise levels were recorded and individual hearing protection was lacking. Noise was considered to be an important work-related exposure for these seafarers. (104613)
CIS 06-64 Occupational cancers in Poland, 1995-2003. (Polish: Nowotwory pochodzenia zawodowego w Polsce w latach 1995-2003) Wilczyńska U., Szeszenia-Dąbrowska D., Medycyna pracy, 2005, Vol.56, No.2, p.113-120. 13 ref. (In Polish) Internet: This work is based on information collected from reported cases of occupational diseases in 1995-2003 received by the Central Register of Occupational Diseases run by the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland. During that period, 1124 cases of cancer were registered. Occupational cancer was diagnosed in 125 persons per year on average. The occupational cancer cases represented 1.4% of all occupational diseases. In individual years, the contribution of occupational cancer showed an upward trend. The most frequent tumor sites were: lung (51.6%), larynx (18.9%), pleura (7.6%), urinary bladder (6.0%), lymphatic and haemopoietic tissues (3.9%) and skin (3.7%). Asbestos was specified as a causal factor in every third case (32.8% of reported cases) of occupational cancer: 38.9% of lung tumors, 25.6% of larynx tumors and all pleural mesotheliomas. Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and ionizing radiation were each responsible for 10.8% of tumours. (104654)
CIS 06-65 Contribution of occupational and non-occupational factors in the pathogenesis of carpal tunnel syndrome. (Polish: Udział czynników zawodowych i pozazawodowych w etiopatogenezie zespołu cieśni nadgarstka) Biernawska J., Niemczyk A., Pierzcha@/a K., Medycyna pracy, 2005, Vol.56, No.2, p.131-137. 13 ref. (In Polish) Internet: The aim of the study was to determine the influence of occupational and health factors on the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Clinical and neurographic investigations were carried out in a group of 271 patients (209 professionally active) with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. Almost 10% of them suffered from diabetes. A higher prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome was found in blue-collar workers and in women. In the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, Phalen's test and neurography of the median nerve are of similar value. (104656)
CIS 06-66 Work-related reactive airways dysfunction syndrome cases from surveillance in selected US States. Henneberger P.K., Derk S.J., Davis L., Tumpowsky C., Reilly M.J., Rosenman K.D., Schill D.P., Valiante D., Flattery J., Harrison R., Reinisch F., Filios M.S., Tift B., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2003, Vol.45, No.4, p.360-368. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study on work-related reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS), cases of work-related asthma (WRA) were identified in four states in the USA during 1993-1995 as part of a surveillance programme. Information gathered by interview was used to describe 123 work-related RADS cases and to compare them to 301 other WRA cases where onset of disease was associated with a known asthma inducer. RADS represented 14% of all new-onset WRA cases. RADS cases had significant adverse medical and occupational outcomes identified by follow-back interview. In particular, 89% still had breathing problems, 78% had ever sought emergency care and 39% had ever been hospitalized for work-related breathing problems, 54% had applied for worker compensation benefits and 41% had left the company where they experienced onset of asthma. (104665)
CIS 06-67 Maritime medicine in France. Jégaden D., Dewitte J.D., Loddé B., International Maritime Health, 2004, Vol.55, No.1/4. p.131-136. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the development and current organization of maritime medicine in France. It includes reviews of the functions of the Health Services of Seafarers (Service de Santé des Gens de Mer), the Army Health Service (Service de Santé des Armées), Maritime Health Centres located along the coast of France and the Centre for Maritime Medical Consultations in Toulouse, which provides assistance to ships at sea. Training and certification requirements for maritime medicine are outlined, focusing on the training curriculum of the University of Brest. Research institutes include the Laboratoire d'Ergonomie et Sécurité des Activités Maritimes). The Society of Maritime Medicine (Société Française de Médecine Maritime) aims to promote the teaching of maritime medicine. (104615)
CIS 06-68 Approach for the diagnosis of occupational diseases - Reality or utopia?. (Spanish: Aproximación al diagnóstico de la enfermedad profesional:@30realidad o utopía?) Rodríguez Guzmán J., Salud Ocupacional, Oct.-Dec. 2004, Vol.XXII, No.91, p.8-13. Illus. 8 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Following an introduction on general aspects of the working population and global working conditions, this article presents an approach to the diagnosis of occupational diseases that is similar to that of occupational accidents. The approach is based on the determination of the causal relationship. Several practical approaches for establishing the diagnosis and determining the causal link are proposed. (104515)
CIS 06-69 Psychology and psychological examinations in the opinion of occupational medicine physicians. (Polish: Psychologia i badania psychologiczne w ocenie lekarzy służby medycyny pracy) Waszkowska M., Garczarek A., Medycyna pracy, 2005, Vol.56, No.2, p.147-153. 3 ref. (In Polish) Internet: A questionnaire survey of 111 occupational physicians from all over Poland was carried out to investigate their expectations of psychologists and psychological examinations and to evaluate existing cooperation between occupational physicians and psychologists. 61% of physicians evaluated their cooperation with psychologists as good or very good. Over 72% of respondents wanted to strengthen the cooperation with psychologists in the field of occupational medicine and 79% of physicians wanted to be trained in occupational psychology. (104658)
CIS 06-70 Experts' opinion on criteria for certification of primary occupational medicine service units. (Polish: Kryteria certyfikacji jednostek podstawowych służby medycyny pracy w opiniach ekspertów) Wdówik P., Medycyna pracy, 2005, Vol.56, No.2, p.155-160. 15 ref. (In Polish) Internet: This article analyses the results of a questionnaire survey of experts in the field of occupational medicine concerning criteria for the certification of primary occupational medicine service units. Criteria for both management and quality assurance systems were considered, e.g. client orientation, improvement of qualifications, using standards and medical procedures, obligation to implement quality goals, information management. The survey highlighted the importance of the following criteria: client-patient orientation, improvement of personnel qualifications, information management and constant improvement of services. (104659)
CIS 06-71 Reproductive health: Developing partnerships in the study of reproductive hazards in the workplace. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2002, USA, Apr. 2002. 1p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This information note gives an overview of the types of studies conducted by NIOSH copncerning reproductive hazards in the workplaces. NIOSH develops partnerships to conduct three types of field studies (health hazard evaluations, industry-wide studies and technical assistance). Male reproductive health assessments include studies of the neuroendocrine function, spermatogenesis and fecundability, genetic damage to spermatozoa and sexual function. Female reproductive health assessments include studies of the neuroendocrine function, ovulation, menstrual cycle defects and luteal phase defects. (104576)
CIS 06-72 Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among female flight attendants and teachers. Whelan E.A., Lawson C.C., Grajewski B., Petersen M.R., Pinkerton L.E., Ward E.M., Schnorr T.M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2003, Vol.60, No.12, p.929-934. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: The purpose of this study was to analyse the prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms and illnesses among two populations largely confined to indoor environments, flight attendants (FAs) and schoolteachers. The prevalence of work related eye, nose, and throat symptoms, wheezing, physician diagnosed asthma, chest illness, and cold or flu were calculated and stratified by smoking status in 1824 FAs and 331 schoolteachers (all women). FAs and teachers were significantly more likely to report work related eye, nose and throat symptoms than were other working women. FAs were also significantly more likely than teachers and other working women to report chest illness during the prior three years. Both study groups were more likely to report five or more episodes of cold or flu in the past year than were other working women and both groups were more likely to report wheezing than other working women. FAs were less likely than teachers and other working women to report having been diagnosed with asthma. (104566)
CIS 06-73 Occupational medicine and occupations - the occupation of deep-sea fisherman. (German: Arbeitsmedizinische Berufskunde - Berufe der (Hoch-)Seefischerei) Neubauer B., Arbeitsmedizin - Sozialmedizin - Umweltmedizin, 2003, No.10, p.536-538. 2 réf. (In German) Internet: In 2000, there were 105 German fishing boats in action. In 2001, some 2150 people were working on board these vessels. Their jobs ranged from the use, maintenance and repair of fishing equipment to the piloting of the vessel and fish handling. Training depends on the size of the vessel and the occupation practised on board. Occupational hazards include physical hazards (weight of the fishing gear, exposure to cold, water and noise), the risk of dangerous catches (munitions) and psychological hazards (multiplicity of tasks, pressure to secure a successful catch and irregular hours of work and rest). Occupational safety measures are given in the "fishing" section of the safety directives issued by the See-BG. Details are given of personal protective equipment (helmets, clothing for protection against the cold and water, non-slip shoes with reinforced toecaps, life jackets, protective gloves, dust-control masks for maintenance work and safety goggles for welding work). (104628)
CIS 06-74 Occupational mortality in British commercial fishing, 1976-95. Roberts S.E., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.61, No.1, p.16-23. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: To establish the causes and circumstances of all work-related deaths occurring among fishermen in British commercial fishing between 1976 and 1995, a retrospective study was carried out on the basis of official mortality files involving a population of 440,355 fishermen-years at risk. Of 616 deaths, 454 (74%) were due to accidents at work, and 394 (87%) of these fishermen drowned. A total of 270 accidents were caused by casualties to vessels and 184 by personal accidents. There was no significant decline in the fatal accident rate, 103.1 per 100,000 fishermen-years, between 1976 and 1995. The fatal accident rate was 52.4 times higher than for all workers in Great Britain during the same period, and this relative risk increased through the 1980s up to 76.6 during 1991-95. The foundering of trawlers in adverse weather was the most frequent cause of mortality from casualties to vessels (115 deaths), and 82 of 145 personal accidents at sea arose during operations involving trawling nets. (104686)
CIS 06-75 Rate of occupational accidents in the mining industry since 1950 - A successful approach to prevention policy. Breuer J., Höffer E.M., Hummitzsch W., Journal of Safety Research, 2002, Vol.33, No.1, p.129-141. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: This paper discusses the decrease in occupational accident insurance claims in the German mining industry over the last five decades. It shows that this process is above all the result of a prevention policy involving collaboration between companies and the body responsible for the legal accident insurance scheme in the mining industry. A system such as the German accident insurance scheme, combining prevention, rehabilitation and compensation, enables successful and modern safety and health measures. (104555)
CIS 06-76 An attempt at the standardization of natural hazards assessment in mining. (Polish: Próba standaryzacji oceny zagrożeń naturalnych w górnictwie) Rydlewski J., WUG Bezpieczeństwo Pracy i Ochrona Środowiska w Górnictwie, 2004, Vol.123, No.11, p.14-16. 2 ref. (In Polish) Internet: This article describes a method for calculating new relative indices for assessing the occurrence of natural hazards in mining. Use of the hazard index and the hindrance index allows mines to be classified according to their potential exposure to the effects of natural hazards. On the basis of computed index values, a classification has been made of those mines in which no fatal accident was noted for the period 2001-2003. (104631)
CIS 06-77 World at work: Bricklayers and bricklayers' assistants. van der Molen H.F., Veenstra S.J., Sluiter J.K., Frings-Dresen M.H.W., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.61, No.1, p.89-93. Illus. 43 ref. (In English) Internet: This article consists of an overview of the occupational hazards faced by bricklayers and bricklayers' assistants. Contents: tasks of the job; hazards (physical workload, toxic substances, noise, vibration, climate, safety, psychosocial work demands); measures to protect workers against each of these hazards. (104690)
CIS 06-78 Protection and safety in the construction sector. (Spanish: Protección y seguridad en el sector de la construcción) González Villarejo P.M., Protección y seguridad, July-Aug. 2005, Vol.51, No.302, p.56-71. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This feature addresses protection and safety issues in the construction sector. Contents: general characteristics of the construction sector; statistical data concerning employment and affiliation to occupational hazard social protection schemes; regulatory framework and the national occupational safety and health plan for the construction sector; general occupational hazard system and current situation in the construction sector; national commission for occupational health in the sector; personal protective equipment; ergonomics; types of safety nets; applicable regulations. (104750)
CIS 06-79 The application of a job-exposure matrix in the natural gas industry. Maher N., AIHA Journal, Nov.-Dec. 2003, Vol.64, No.6, p.806-814. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the use of a job exposure matrix for the design, implementation and analysis of a questionnaire to profile jobs in natural gas pipeline operations with respect to possible hazardous exposures. The categories of chemical, physical, ergonomic, biological, and psychological hazards were surveyed. The first stage of the project was to formulate and confirm a list of hazardous agents present within the pipeline operations. The second stage involved the collection of data about whether a particular hazardous agent was present at a location, and if so, which workers were exposed to it, and at what intensity and frequency they were exposed. The final stage of the project was to critically examine and validate the data collected. Uses of the resulting database are discussed. (104558)
CIS 06-80 Offshore safety case approach and formal safety assessment of ships. Wang J., Journal of Safety Research, 2002, Vol.33, No.1, p.81-115. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: To maximize marine and offshore safety, risk modelling and decision-making tools need to be developed and applied in a practical environment. This paper describes both the offshore safety case approach and the formal safety assessment of ships with particular reference to the design aspects. Current practices and the latest developments in safety assessment in both the marine and offshore industries are described. The relationship between the offshore safety case approach and formal ship safety assessment is described and discussed. Three examples are used to demonstrate the two approaches and recommendations are made with respect to further work required. (104554)
CIS 06-81 Hazards for crews: Maritime accidents involving bulk carriers - In the shadow of spectacular tanker accidents. (German: Risiko für Besatzungen: Seeunfälle mit Bulkcarriern - im Schatten der spektakulären Tankerunfälle) Müller W., Schiff und Hafen, 2004, No.2, p. 59-60. (In German) Internet: This article reviews the causes of tanker accidents and examines serious accidents involving bulk-carriers during the last 20 years that have cost the lives of over 2000 seamen. Identified causes include the use of damaged vessels and their non-adaptation to the cargo. In the event of an accident, tankers cause primarily environmental damage while bulk-carrier accidents result in human injury. The risks for bulk-carrier crews are five times greater than on tankers. Given the accident rate in this sector, the maritime profession has lost much of its prestige and it is difficult to ensure its resurgence in the European Union. The reduction of accident hazards among seafarers should become a priority. It is essential to have seaworthy vessels and to impose a system of surveillance from the construction stage. (104627)
CIS 06-82 Combating child labour and HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Rau B., International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2002. x, 63p. 68 ref., ISBN 92-2-113288-9 (In English) Internet: This report reviews national policies and programmes, NGO projects and community-based initiatives on HIV/AIDS and child labour in three African countries - South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. A range of initiatives from broad national policies and strategic frameworks to small local efforts by committed individuals and groups are described. Lessons learned and elements of good practice are identified. (104707)
CIS 06-83 Petroleum - Health hazards and occupational safety. (Arabic: Al-bitrūl - Mahātiruhu al-sihhiya wa al-salama al-mihniya) Ads S., Egypt, c1996. 87p. 9 ref. (In Arabic) Internet: Contents of this publication on health hazards and occupational safety in the petroleum industries in Egypt: products and processes in the petroleum industries and their effects on workers' health; chemical and other hazards; hazard prevention and protective measures; first aid; protective clothing; industrial safety procedures. (104501)
CIS 06-84 Safety at sea: Policies, regulations and international law. (French: Politiques et droit de la sécurité maritime) Boisson P., Bureau Veritas, 21/23 rue des Ardennes, 75019 Paris 19, France, 1999. 536p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 2-86413-020-3 (In English, French) Internet: This reference book provides a comprehensive overview of technical and legal regulations for the prevention of accidents at sea. There are three parts: I. Sources of safety standards: the International Maritime Organization (IMO), intergovernmental organizations, maritime industry organizations, classification societies, international, national and unilateral regulations; II. Marine safety regulations: construction and equipment of merchant ships, safety of passenger ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers, cargo and dangerous goods, the human element and safety management, ship operation and manning standards, aids to navigation, rules of navigation, communication at sea; III. Control of safety: Flag State control, control procedures and methods, substandard ships, action against substandard shipping, Port State control, maritime traffic management, right of intervention, the quest for safer shipping. (104624)
CIS 06-85 Annual Report 2004. (Dutch: Jaarverslag 2004; French: Rapport annuel 2004) Service Central de Prévention pour le Secteur du Travail Intérimaire, Avenue de l'Héliport 21, Bte 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2005. 39p. Illus. (In Dutch, French) Internet: Annual report of the Belgian Central Service for Occupational Safety and Health of Temporary Workers for the year 2004. Contents: internal organization; occupational accidents among temporary workers in 2004; statistical trends of occupational accidents; awareness campaign undertaken by the Service; advice, communications and publications; studies and research; training; action plans for 2005; list of members. (104731)
CIS 06-86 Management of firearms and other weapons in productions. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Oct. 2003. 6p. 3 ref. (In English) Internet: This information note gives guidance on the management of weapons used as part of a production, including firearms, replicas and deactivated weapons. Main topics covered: legal aspects; definitions; qualifications and role of armourers; hazards associated with firearms and other weapons; risk assessment; responsibilities; precautionary measures; live and blank ammunition; training and briefing; recording and filming sequences; information of personnel; faults and misfires; noise; security and storage; notification to the police; replica and desactivated weapons; choice of weapons; safe zones; costumes. (104579)
CIS 06-87 Integration into the workforce and continued employment of handicapped persons in France. (French: Insertion et maintien dans l'emploi de personnes en situation de handicap en France) Watine P., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 3rd Quarter 2005, No.148, 18p. Illus. 42 ref. (In French) Internet: This article describes the French regulatory framework that applies to the integration into the workforce and the continued employment of handicapped persons. It examines the role of physicians, and in particular of the physician attached to the technical commission for occupational advice and redeployment in evaluating the degree of work incapacity, the physician of the social insurance services with respect to social protection and the occupational physician for estimating the medical aptitude to work at a given occupation. Contents: medical and social handicaps; historical development of regulations; concept of handicap and discrimination; evaluation of incapacity; tools for reintegration into employment; multidisciplinary network for integration into the workforce and continued employment. (104528)
CIS 06-88 Proposed consolidated maritime labour Convention 2006. (French: Projet de convention du travail maritime consolidée 2006; Spanish: Proyecto de convenio refundido sobre el trabajo marítimo 2006) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. CD-ROM., ISBN 92-2-018213-0 (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This CD-ROM provides the text of the Proposed consolidated maritime labour Convention 2006 along with an overview of the work of the ILO in the maritime sector, the reasons for changing current maritime standards and the purpose and advantages of the proposed Convention. It includes a report on the background to the proposed Convention and its expected impact, a report by the ILO Director-General on developments in the maritime sector and interviews with people involved in the development of the Convention. There are also several photographs of seafarers at work. (104621)
CIS 06-89 Working for improved conditions in the textile, garment and leather sectors. International Textile Garment and Leather Workers' Federation (ITGLWF), rue Joseph Stevens, 8B 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium, (c2005). CD-ROM. Illus. (In English) Internet: This CD-ROM explains the aims and operation of the International Textile Garment and Leather Workers' Federation (ITGLWF) and provides a series of pictures of working conditions in the textile, garment and leather sectors in a number of developing countries. (104622)
CIS 06-90 Responding to the challenge of novel technology: An industrial hygiene and safety program for antibody production in maize. Goldstein D.A., Shelton P.E., Cullen M.R., Easterday P.A., Eppard P.J., Cabanilla B.R., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2004, Vol.46, No.8, p.784-790. Illus. 32ref. (In English) Internet: This article examines the challenges to occupational hygiene and safety posed by biotechnology, in particular the production of pharmaceutical proteins in plants. These challenges include: the widely varying potential for hazard depending on the activity of the protein and the nature and location of the target organ; limited data relating to industrial routes of exposure; and the inability to obtain relevant animal data because of high species-specificity. An approach to industrial hygiene and safety in this area is proposed based on the systematic assessment of employee risk using conservative assumptions and on the management of exposure. The method is described with reference to the production of monoclonal antibodies in maize. (104618)
CIS 06-91 Changes in the world of work. (French: Mutations dans le monde du travail; German: Veränderungen in der Arbeitswelt) Jost M., Informations médicales - Medizinische Mitteilungen, 2005, No.76, p.19-30. Illus. 4 ref. (In French, German) Internet: New technologies have clearly reduced a number of constraints previously faced by workers, but have also introduced new risks. This article discusses changes at the place of work resulting from these new technologies and the resulting hazards. These include chemical, biological and physical hazards, changes in the occupational environment (growth in services at the expense of industry and agriculture, percentage of workplaces equipped with screens, ageing of the workforce) and psychosocial factors related to these changes (stress factors, psychosocial work environment). (104522)
CIS 06-92 Management of chemical hazards in occupational settings. (French: La gestion du risque chimique en milieu professionnel) Ben Laiba M., et al., SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, July 2005, No.34, p.2-36. Illus. 12 ref. (In French) Internet: Selection of papers presented at a conference on chemical hazards in occupational settings held in Tunis, Tunisia, from 24 to 26 May 2005. Topics covered: management of chemical hazards in Tunisia; identification and evaluation of chemical hazards within the enterprise; biological indicators of exposure to chemicals; quantitative evaluation of chemical hazards; management of chemical hazards in Tunisian industrial enterprises; research activities of an occupational medicine group on occupational cancer; INRS databases on chemical substances; occupational safety and health training. (104744)
CIS 06-93 Mortality of workers occupationally exposed to refractory ceramic fibers. LeMasters G.K., Lockey J.E., Yiin J.H., Hilbert T.J., Levin L.S., Rice C.H., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2003, Vol.45, No.4, p.440-450. 45 ref. (In English) Internet: Current and former male workers employed between 1952 and 2000 at two refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) manufacturing facilities were followed to investigate a possible excess in mortality. There was no excess mortality related to all deaths, all cancers, or malignancies or diseases of the respiratory system including mesothelioma, but there was a statistically significant association with cancers of the urinary organs. The quality of the data for job history, exposure, and smoking history was very high. Although the cohort was relatively small and young with an average age of 51, the mean latency period was over 21 years. Because of these limitations, the preliminary findings warrant the continuation of this mortality registry for future analyses. (104667)
CIS 06-94 Pulmonary effects of occupational exposure to Portland cement: A study from eastern Saudi Arabia. Ballal S.G., Ahmed H.O., Ali B.A., Albar A.A., Alhasan A.Y., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2004, Vol.10, No.3, p.272-277. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: A cross-sectional study was conducted among employees in a randomly-selected factory producing Portland cement in eastern Saudi Arabia to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases and chest x-ray changes consistent with pneumoconiosis. A sample of 150 exposed and 355 unexposed employees was selected. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms was completed during an interview and chest X-rays were read according to the ILO criteria for pneumoconiosis. Dust level was determined by the gravimetric method. Concentrations of personal respirable dust ranged from 2.13mg/m3 in the kilns to 59.52mg/m3 in the quarry area. Cough and phlegm were found to be related to cigarette smoking, while wheezing, shortness of breath and bronchial asthma were related to dust levels. It is recommended that engineering measures be adopted to reduce the dust level in this company, together with health monitoring of exposed employees. (104675)
CIS 06-95 Neural conduction impairment in forestry workers exposed to vibration and in lead-exposed workers. Jokić V., Borjanović S., Central European Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.9, No.1, p.13-22. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examines the effects of two different adverse factors, lead and local vibration, on the peripheral nervous system in the upper and lower limbs. Detailed neurophysiological investigations were performed in 40 chainsaw workers, 26 lead-exposed workers, and 36 healthy male controls. Among the chainsaw operators, the maximal motor conduction velocity (51.4±5.6 m/s) was significantly lowered in the right and left median nerves (in 27-45% of subjects), compared to that in controls (58.2±6.1 m/s). In the lead-exposed group, slowing sensory nerve conduction velocity (54.0±10.6 m/s) was the most frequent pathological pattern. (104561)
CIS 06-96 Ototoxic effects of occupational exposure to styrene and co-exposure to styrene and noise. Śliwińska-Kowalska M., Zamyslowska-Szmytke E., Szymczak W., Kotylo P., Fiszer M., Wesolowski W., Pawlaczyk-Luszczynska M., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2003, Vol.45, No.1, p.15-24. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: The effects on hearing of occupational exposure to styrene and of combined exposures to styrene and noise were evaluated in 290 yacht yard and plastics factory workers and in a control group of unexposed and noise-exposed workers. Subjects were assessed by means of a detailed questionnaire and audiometric examinations. There was an almost four-fold increase in the odds of developing hearing loss from styrene exposure. In cases of the combined exposures to styrene and noise, the odds ratios were two to three times higher than the respective values for styrene-only and noise-only exposed subjects. The mean hearing thresholds were significantly higher in the solvent-exposed group than in the unexposed reference group at all frequencies tested. The study provides evidence that occupational exposure to styrene is related to an increased risk of hearing loss. Combined exposures to noise and styrene seem to be more ototoxic than exposure to noise alone. (104592)
CIS 06-97 Prevalence of occupational lung diseases among workers exposed to respiratory risk factors. (Spanish: Prevalencia de enfermedades pulmonares ocupacionales en trabajadores expuestos a riesgo respiratorio) Gallego C., Marciano E., Salud Ocupacional, Oct.-Dec. 2004, Vol.XXII, No.91, p.19-23. Illus. 19 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This study evaluates the prevalence of occupational respiratory diseases in a group of 4529 workers of 241 enterprises based in an industrial suburb of Buenos Aires. 369 workers for whom the medical file indicated lung anomalies were subjected to further examinations. Two control groups were also established. The most frequent exposures involved sensitizers (53%), irritants (35%) and dust or smoke (13%). Among the workers that were subjected to further examinations, it was possible to establish 27 cases of occupational respiratory disease and 125 cases of respiratory disease unrelated to work. The most frequent occupational disease was asthma (9,15%), mainly due to exposures to flour, isocyanates and animals, as well as to cleaning tasks. Smoking and obesity were associated with respiratory diseases. Exposure to respirable substances was associated with respiratory pathway obstruction (determined by spirometry), both among smokers and non-smokers. (104516)
CIS 06-98 Seminal profile of workers exposed to cholinesterase inhibiting insecticides. (Spanish: Perfil seminal en trabajadores expuestos a plaguicidas inhibidores de la colinesterasa) Mármol-Maneiro L., Fernández-D'Pool J., Sánchez B.J., Sirit Y., Investigación Clínica, June 2003, Vol.44, No.2, p.105-117. 50 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this study was to examine the physical and chemical properties of the sperm of workers exposed to cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides and to highlight a possible relationship with the total cholinesterase level in blood. The study involved 29 subjects aged between 20 and 54 years, exposed for four hours a day during a minimum period of one year, and a control group of 30 unexposed subjects. Results of spermatograms and measurements of blood cholinesterase levels showed significant differences between exposed subjects and controls in terms of sperm concentrations and quality. Results suggest that cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides influence some sperm variables. (104519)
CIS 06-99 Current practice with respect to the recognition of occupational diseases caused by asbestos. (French: Pratique actuelle en matière de reconnaissance des maladies professionnelles causées par l'amiante; German: Aktueller Stand der Anerkennungspraxis Asbest bedingter Berufskrankheiten) Rüegger M., Informations médicales - Medizinische Mitteilungen, 2005, No.76, p.88-93. Illus. 5 ref. (In French, German) Internet: This article discusses the current situation in Switzerland with respect to the recognition of occupational diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. The following diseases are reviewed: pleural plaques; pleurisy; pleural fibrosis; pleural atelectasis; retroperitoneal fibrosis; asbestosis; bronchial carcinoma; malignant pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma; chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathy. (104524)
CIS 06-100 Exposure to the risk of silicosis. (French: Exposition au risque de la silicose) Hidri A., SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, Apr. 2005, No.33, p.30-31. Illus. (In French) Internet: Silicosis is an occupational disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust. It can be characterized as an irreversible pulmonary fibrosis. Contents of this article on risk factors of silicosis: definition; activities involving exposure to crystalline silica (mining, quarrying, stone-dressing and polishing, foundry work, abrasives industry, ceramics industry, glass industry); entry routes of silica into the body; health effects; medical supervision; threshold limit values; preventive measures (local exhaust, wet work); standards; training and information of workers. (104527)
CIS 06-101 Concawe Review 13:2. CONCAWE Review, Autumn 2004, Vol.13, No.2, p.1-24. Illus. (In English) Internet: Contents of this review of Concawe's activities: concepts of cost benefit analysis in the Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) programme; cost-effectiveness of NOx abatement in oil refineries; monitoring and reporting of CO2 emissions from oil refineries; implications of EU chemicals control legislation (REACH); gasoline volatility and ethanol effects; motor vehicle emissions and fuel specifications; downstream oil industry safety statistics. (104539)
CIS 06-102 Concawe Review 14:1. CONCAWE Review, Spring 2005, Vol.14, No.1, p.1-16. Illus. (In English) Internet: Contents of this review of Concawe's activities: development of the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC); automotive emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; impact of the European framework directive for water quality on the downstream oil industry; safety of European cross-country pipelines. (104540)
CIS 06-103 Regulating agricultural chemicals: Limitations of the status quo. Gunningham N., Healy P., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, June 2004, Vol.20, No.3, p.255-261. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: This article examines current policy and regulations concerning the occupational safety and health (OSH) aspects of agricultural chemicals in Australia. It is argued that the potential of the current regulatory framework for pesticides to promote good OSH practice is constrained by four factors: the fragmentation and complexity of the regulatory framework and institutional arrangements; the inappropriateness of the current OSH regulatory model to agriculture; the widespread reliance on ineffective training strategies; and the lack of regulatory incentives for compliance. (104543)
CIS 06-104 Sampling and analysis of aircraft engine cold start particles and demonstration of an electrostatic personal particle sampler. Armendariz A., Leith D., Boundy M., Goodman R., Smith L., Carlton G., AIHA Journal, Nov.-Dec. 2003, Vol.64, No.6, p.777-784. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: Aircraft engines emit aerosols during startup in extremely cold weather that can drift into areas occupied by ground crews. This study tested a personal sampler used to assess exposure to the aerosol particles. Area and personal samples were taken at two U.S. Air Force bases during the winter months. Small tube-and-wire electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) were mounted on a stationary stand positioned behind the engines to sample the exhaust. Other ESPs were worn by ground crews to sample breathing zone concentrations. In addition, an aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) was used to determine the size distribution of the particles. Samples collected with the ESP were solvent extracted and analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed that the aerosol consisted of up to 75mg/m3 of unburned jet fuel particles. The APS showed that nearly the entire particle mass was respirable, having median diameters less than 2µm. These tests demonstrated that the ESP could be used to assess exposure to the cold start particles. (104557)
CIS 06-105 Urine mutagenicity and lymphocyte DNA damage in fruit growers occupationally exposed to the fungicide captan. Lebailly P., Devaux A., Pottier D., De Meo M., Andre V., Baldi I., Severin F, Bernaud J., Durand B., Henry-Amar M., Gauduchon P., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2003, Vol.60, No.12, p.910-917. Illus. 39 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to determine haematological parameters, urine mutagenicity (on three Salmonella typhimurium strains), and DNA damage (using the comet assay) in mononuclear leucocytes of farmers before and after a one-day spraying period of pear and apple trees with the fungicide captan in usual conditions. A total of 19 farmers were exposed to captan during the 1998 and the 2000 spraying seasons. It was found that one-day spraying periods with captan and other pesticides does not significantly induce DNA damages in mononuclear leucocytes. In contrast, inefficient protective clothing could correlate with an increase in urine mutagenicity. (104564)
CIS 06-106 Mortality and cancer morbidity in a cohort of Canadian petroleum workers. Lewis R.J., Schnatter A.R., Drummond I., Murray N., Thompson F.S., Katz A.M., Jorgensen G., Nicolich M.J., Dahlman D., Thériault G., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2003, Vol.60, No.12, p.918-928. 64 ref. (In English) Internet: Mortality and cancer morbidity were studied in a total of 25,292 Canadian petroleum workers hired between 1964 and 1994 and linked to the Canadian tumour registry and national mortality database. Exposure-response trends were assessed for hydrocarbons (solvents, fuels and lubricants), petroleum coke/spent catalyst and hydrogen sulphide. Overall, external comparison analyses (mortality and incidence) showed deficits for all causes and all malignant neoplasms combined and were consistent with expectation for most malignant and non-malignant sites analysed. Mesothelioma incidence was increased. Statistically significant increases were observed for hydrogen sulphide exposure and a subgroup of accidental deaths as well as for petroleum coke/spent catalyst exposure and lung cancer. However, for lung cancer, the analysis did not adequately control for smoking, was based on small numbers, and exhibited a tenuous exposure-response pattern. The findings for mesothelioma suggest the need for continued attention to asbestos in the petroleum industry. Hydrogen sulphide exposure deserves a closer scrutiny in similarly exposed populations. (104565)
CIS 06-107 Respiratory symptoms and cotton dust exposure; results of a 15 year follow up observation. Wang. X.R., Eisen E.A., Zhang H.X., Sun B.X., Dai H.L., Pan L.D., Wegman D.H., Olenchock S.A., Christiani D.C., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2003, Vol.60, No.12, p.935-941. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: The respiratory health of 429 Chinese cotton textile workers (study group) and 449 silk textile workers (control group) was followed from 1981 to 1996. Byssinosis, chest tightness, and non-specific respiratory symptoms were assessed by standardized questionnaires at four time points and exposures to cotton dust and endotoxin were estimated using area samples collected at each survey. Among cotton workers, the cumulative incidence of byssinosis and chest tightness was 24% and 23% respectively. No typical byssinosis was identified among silk workers and the incidence of chest tightness was 10%. Other respiratory symptoms were also more common among cotton workers. It was concluded that chronic exposure to cotton dust is related to both work specific and non-specific respiratory symptoms; byssinosis is more strongly associated with exposure to endotoxin than to dust. Cessation of exposure may improve the respiratory health of cotton textile workers, with the improvement increasing with time since last exposure. (104567)
CIS 06-108 Occupational exposure of midwives to nitrous oxide on delivery suites. Henderson K.A., Matthews I.P., Adisesh A., Hutchings A.D., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2003, Vol.60, No.12, p.958-961. Illus. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: Occupational exposure of midwives to nitrous oxide in delivery suites was investigated using environmental and biological monitoring. Environmental samples were taken in two hospitals over a period of four hours using passive diffusion tubes and urine measurements were taken at the start of the shift and after four hours. Environmental levels exceeded the legal occupational exposure standards for nitrous oxide (100 ppm over an 8h TWA) in 35 of 46 midwife shifts monitored. There was a high correlation between personal environmental concentrations and biological uptake of nitrous oxide for those midwives with no body burden of nitrous oxide at the start of a shift, but not for others. Greater engineering control measures are needed to reduce daily exposure to midwives to below the occupational exposure standard. (104568)
CIS 06-109 Benzene and naphthalene in air and breath as indicators of exposure to jet fuel. Egeghy P.P., Hauf-Cabalo L., Gibson R., Rappaport S.M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2003, Vol.60, No.12, p.969-976. Illus. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: Benzene and naphthalene were measured in air and in the breath of 326 personnel in the US Air Force, who had been assigned a priori into low, moderate, and high exposure categories for JP-8jet fuel. In the moderate and high exposure categories, 5% and 15% of the benzene air concentrations, respectively, were above the 2002 threshold limit value (TLV) of 1.6 mg/m3. Multiple regression analyses of air and breath levels revealed prominent background sources of benzene exposure, including cigarette smoke. However, naphthalene exposure was not unduly influenced by sources other than JP-8. It is concluded that naphthalene in air and breath can serve as useful measures of exposure to JP-8 and uptake of fuel components in the body. (104569)
CIS 06-110 World at work: Hazards and controls in aluminium potrooms. Sim M., Benke G., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2003, Vol.60, No.12, p.989-992. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: Primary aluminium is produced by the electrolytic reduction of alumina in large carbon-lined steel vessels called pots. Hundreds of these pots are housed in facilities called "potrooms". This article summarizes the main occupational hazards faced by workers in potrooms, along with necessary control measures. Contents: jobs and tasks in the potroom; hazards in potrooms (coal tar pitch volatiles including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fluorides, alumina and coke dusts, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide); health hazards (cancer, respiratory diseases, asthma, bronchial hyper-responsiveness); measures to protect workers (local exhaust, work in enclosed cabins with filtered air, remote handing, personal protective equipment, regular medical supervision including spirometry). (104570)
CIS 06-111 Influence of occupational exposure to organic solvent mixtures on contrast sensitivity in printers. Boeckelmann I., Pfister E.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2003, Vol.45, No.1, p.25-33. Illus. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: This study of visual contrast sensitivity using the Vistech VCTS 6500 chart was carried out among 42 printers with low, medium or high exposure to organic solvents and among 28 control subjects. Abnormal contrast sensitivity results were recorded for the right eye in 38% of the printers and 11% of the controls and for the left eye in 38% of the printers and 7% of the controls. Reduced contrast sensitivity was observed for both eyes in all three groups exposed to solvents. It is concluded that contrast sensitivity is abnormal in workers exposed to organic solvents. The reduced contrast sensitivity in printers seems to be an indicator of visual defects induced in response to exposures to organic solvents. (104593)
CIS 06-112 Pesticide take-home pathway among children of agricultural workers: Study design, methods, and baseline findings. Thompson B., Coronado G.D., Grossman J.E., Puschel K., Solomon C.C., Islas I., Curl C.L., Shirai J.H., Kissel J.C., Fenske R.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2003, Vol.45, No.1, p.42-53. Illus. 63 ref. (In English) Internet: In this article, self-reported pesticide exposure and practices aimed at reducing the amount of pesticide residues taken home were examined among 571 farmworkers. Urine samples from a sub-sample of farmworkers and children and dust samples from households and vehicles were also used to assess pesticide exposure. Overall, 96% of respondents reported exposure to pesticides at work. Many employers did not provide resources for hand washing. Farmworkers' protective practices to keep pesticide residues out of the home were at a low level. In a subset of respondents, pesticides were detected in the urine of children and adults and in house and vehicle dust. The results support the take-home pathway of pesticide exposure and highlight the need for ways to be found to reduce this exposure among farmworkers' children. (104594)
CIS 06-113 Elevated triglyceride and decreased high density lipoprotein level in carbon disulfide workers in Taiwan. Luo J.C.J., Chang H.Y., Chang S.J., Chou T.C., Chen C.J., Shih T.S., Huang C.C., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2003, Vol.45, No.1, p.73-78. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: The aims of this study were to examine the dose-response relationship of carbon disulfide (CS2) exposure and triglyceride and lipoprotein levels in 132 exposed workers recruited from two viscose rayon plants. Air sampling was performed to determine the CS2 exposure of workers. Demographic data and work history were gathered by self-administered questionnaires. Lipid profile tests were performed by routine methods. The average CS2 exposure concentration was 50.6±25.6ppm in the high-exposure group, 12.9±5ppm in the mid-exposure group, and 3.5±1.2ppm in the low-exposure group. In the high, medium and low exposure groups, elevated triglyceride levels were found in 21 out of 33 workers, 27 out of 64 workers and 14 out of 35 workers, respectively. There was a lower prevalence of elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) level in high CS2 exposure workers versus low-exposure workers (15.2% vs. 31.4%). This study suggests that elevated triglyceride level and decreased HDL level are associated with CS2 exposure. The study also suggests that exposure to CS2 concentrations of above 23.2ppm are significantly associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. (104596)
CIS 06-114 Neurophysiological anomalies in brainstem responses of mercury-exposed children of Andean gold miners. Counter S.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2003, Vol.45, No.1, p.87-95. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: Brainstem auditory-evoked responses (BAER) were measured as biomarkers of mercury-induced neurological impairment in children of Andean gold miners living in the Ecuadorian gold mining settlement of Nambija, where mercury (Hg) exposure is prevalent. Thirty-one children in the study group were found to have a mean blood mercury (HgB) level of 23.0µg/L, which was significantly higher than the mean HgB level of a reference group of 21 Ecuadorian children (4.5µg/L) and in excess of the health-based biological limits for the U.S. (10µg/L). Brainstem neural conduction times suggested that some of the Hg-intoxicated children in the study group have subtle neuro-physiological anomalies that may be more manifest at higher BAER stimulus rates, and that the Hg-exposed children of gold miners are at risk for neuro-developmental disabilities. (104597)
CIS 06-115 Vinyl chloride and liver and brain cancer at a polymer production plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Lewis R., Rempala G., Dell L.D., Mundt K.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2003, Vol.45, No.5, p.533-537. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: Various cohort studies in the United States have shown an excess mortality from brain cancer among workers exposed to vinyl chloride (VC). One plant located in Louisville, Kentucky, is included in many of these earlier reports. In this study, this plant was separated from the large US cohort and the mortality data were re-analyzed. It was found that Louisville experienced significantly elevated liver cancer mortality (standardized mortality analyses (SMR) = 400) and brain cancer mortality (SMR = 229). When Louisville was removed from the larger cohort, liver cancer mortality remained significantly elevated in the remaining cohort (SMR = 344) while brain cancer mortality was markedly reduced (SMR = 112). In contrast to liver cancer, a preliminary review of work assignments did not suggest that the brain cancer excess was related to VC exposure. The Louisville brain cancer cluster has had a significant impact on the reported literature. Although unrelated to VC, the cause of this cluster remains uncertain. (104604)
CIS 06-116 A case-cohort study of angiosarcoma of the liver and brain cancer at a polymer production plant. Lewis R., Rempala G., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2003, Vol.45, No.5, p.538-545. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: Past studies have reported excesses of angiosarcoma of the liver and brain cancer at a polymer production plant in Louisville, Kentucky. Although angiosarcoma has clearly been linked to vinyl chloride exposure, the cause of the brain cancer excess has been uncertain. Case-cohort and case-control studies of both conditions were conducted in relation to chemicals used in the production of polyvinyl chloride and nitrile rubber. Angiosarcoma was strongly associated with vinyl chloride exposure but not with other chemicals used in production. Brain cancer was highest in workers hired prior to 1950 but was not associated with vinyl chloride or other specific exposures or production processes. This brain cancer cluster is similar to those reported in other industries in this generation of workers, the specific cause remaining unknown. (104605)
CIS 06-117 Occurrence of lead-related symptoms below the current Occupational Safety and Health Act allowable blood lead levels. Rosenman K.D., Sims A., Luo Z., Gardiner J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2003, Vol.45, No.5, p.546-555. Illus. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: To determine the occurrence of symptoms of lead toxicity at levels below the current allowable OSHA blood lead level of 50µg/dL, standardized telephone interviews were conducted among individuals participating in a statewide laboratory-based surveillance system. Four hundred and ninety-seven individuals, 75% of the eligible participants, were interviewed. Gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and nervous system symptoms increased with increasing blood lead levels. All symptoms were reported to increase among individuals with blood lead between 30 and 39µg/dL and possibly at levels as low as 25-30µg/dL for nervous system symptoms. The results of this study are consistent with and provide added weight to previous results showing subclinical changes in the neurological and renal systems and in sperm counts at blood lead levels currently allowed by OSHA. (104606)
CIS 06-118 Cleaning products and work-related asthma. Rosenman K.D., Reilly M.J., Schill D.P., Valiante D., Flattery J., Harrison R., Reinisch F., Pechter E., Davis L., Tumpowsky C.M., Filios M., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2003, Vol.45, No.5, p.556-563. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: Data from four state-based surveillance systems of work-related asthma were used to identify cases associated with exposure to cleaning products. From 1993 to 1997, 236 (12%) of the 1915 confirmed cases of work-related asthma were associated with exposure to cleaning products. Eighty percent of the reports were of new-onset asthma and 20% were work-aggravated asthma. Among the new-onset cases, 22% were consistent with reactive airways dysfunction syndrome. Individuals identified were generally women (75%), white non-Hispanic (68%), and 45 years or older (64%). Their most likely exposure had been in medical settings (39%), schools (13%), or hotels (6%). Cleaning products contain a diverse group of chemicals that are used in a wide range of industries and occupations as well as in the home. Their potential to cause or aggravate asthma has recently been recognized. Further work to characterize the specific agents and the circumstances of their use associated with asthma is needed. (104607)
CIS 06-119 Mortality of mental disorders in relation to potential pesticide exposure. van Wijngaarden E., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2003, Vol.45, No.5, p.564-568. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: Some studies have suggested a role of pesticide exposure in the development of neurobehavioural disorders. This case-control study examined the association between mortality from mental disorders and occupational exposure to pesticides. The study population consisted of 7756 deaths and 330,452 eligible controls identified from United States death certificate files for the years 1988 through 1992. Exposure assignment was based on job title reported on the death certificates. Employment in jobs potentially involving pesticide exposure was weakly associated with the risk of death from mental disorders (odds ratio, OR=1.46). This association was stronger among women (OR=2.65), in particular for deaths from neurotic disorders (OR=4.32). These results must be interpreted with caution, however, because the impact of social and work-related factors other than pesticide exposure is not known. (104608)
CIS 06-120 Pesticides and human rights. Dinham B., Malik S., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2003, Vol.9, No.1, p.40-52. 99 ref. (In English) Internet: Many nations including developing countries have in place statutes and regulations to protect the rights to life, health and livelihoods of their people. This article describes some of these efforts to protect human rights and identifies specific instances where the protection they were intended to offer has been ineffective. Common problems and conditions of pesticide use in developing countries are discussed and it is argued that national legislation should be strengthened to effectively protect workers. Specific cases of pesticide poisoning with endosulfan or dibromochloropropane among cotton growers in Benin, banana workers in Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua) and cashew growers in India are presented. (104609)
CIS 06-121 Influence of long-term occupational exposures to cadmium on lung function test results. Jakubowski M., Abramowska-Guzik A, Szymczak W., Trzcinka-Ochocka M., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 3rd quarter 2004, Vol.17, No.3, p.361-368. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: Pulmonary function was assessed in 79 workers previously exposed to cadmium in a battery plant. The unexposed control group of 159 workers was selected among the inhabitants of the same town. Among battery workers, measurements of blood cadmium concentrations had been performed regularly since 1983. The data on cadmium concentrations in the air were obtained from the plant's files covering the period of 1981-1999. Subjects were divided into four groups according to their cumulative cadmium exposure indices as indicated by determinations in air (Cd-A) or blood (Cd-B). Results were subjected to statistical analysis. Only the group with the highest Cd-B exposure level had a significantly decreased lung function values compared to the group with the lowest Cd-B exposure. The highest Cd-A exposure group showed a significantly decreased maximum midexpiratory flow rate (MEF) at 50% together with decreased FEV1, however statistically not significant. (104610)
CIS 06-122 Cyclohexyl isocyanate - determination method. (Polish: Izocyjanian cykloheksylu - metoda oznaczania) Brzeźnicki S., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.5-11. (In Polish) Internet: A method for the determination of cyclohexyl isocyanate in air is described. Air samples are collected by drawing a known volume of air through glass fibre filters impregnated with a solution of l-(2-pyridyl)piperazine. The filters are transferred into 4 ml vials and extracted in a shaker with 2 ml of acetonitrile:dimethylsulfoxide (9:1) mixture. The obtained extracts are analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet or spectrofluorimetric detection. The working range of the analytical method is from 0.1 to 8.0 µg/ml (0.0013 ÷ 0.106 mg/m3 for a 150 l air sample). (104641)
CIS 06-123 Isophorone diisocyanate - determination method. (Polish: Izocyjanian 3-izocyjanianometylo-3,5,5-trimetylocykloheksylu - metoda oznaczania) Brzeźnicki S., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.13-18. (In Polish) Internet: A method for the determination of isophorone diisocyanate in air is described. Air samples are collected by drawing a known volume of air through glass fibre filters impregnated with a solution of l-(2-pyridyl)piperazine. The filters are transferred into 4 ml vials and extracted in a shaker with 2 ml of the acetonitrile: dimethylsuloxide (9:1) mixture. The obtained extracts are analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography using ultraviolet or spectrofluorimetric detection. The working range of the analytical method is from 0.1 to 8.0 µg/ml (0.0013 to 0.106 mg/m3 for a 150 l air sample). (104642)
CIS 06-124 2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethanol - determination method. (Polish: 2-(2-Metoksyetoksy)-etanol - metoda oznaczania) Wesołowski W., Kucharska M., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.19-25. (In Polish) Internet: A method for the determination of 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol vapour in air is described. The method is based on the adsorption of 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol on charcoal, desorption with a 5% solution of methanol in dichloromethane and a gas chromatographic analysis of the resulting solution. The determination limit of the method is 10 mg/m3. (104643)
CIS 06-125 4,4'-Methylenodianiline - determination method. (Polish: 4,4'-Metylenodianilina - metoda oznaczania) Wróblewska-Jakubowska K., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.27-32. (In Polish) Internet: A method for the determination of 4,4'-methylenodianiline in air is described. Air samples are collected by drawing a known volume of air through polypropylene filters. The filters are transferred into vials and the substance is extracted with 2 ml of a chloroform-methanol (4:1) mixture. The obtained extracts are analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The working range of the analytical method is 0.2 ÷ 2.4 µg/ml (0.02 ÷ 0.24 mg/m3 for 20 l of air sample). (104644)
CIS 06-126 Nitrous oxide - determination method. (Polish: Tlenek diazotu - metoda oznaczania) Kucharska M., Wesołowski W., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.33-37. (In Polish) Internet: A method for the determination of nitrous oxide in air is described. The method is based on the collection of air samples in Tedlar bags and direct gas chromatographic determination with mass detection. The determination limit of the method is 18 mg/m3. (104645)
CIS 06-127 Trichloronaphthalene - determination method. (Polish: Trichloronaftalen - metoda oznaczania) Romanowicz B., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p. 39-45. (In Polish) Internet: A method for the determination of trichloronaphtalene vapour and aerosol concentrations in air is described. This method is based on a simultaneous collection of vapors and aerosols of trichloronaphtalene in sampling tubes containing a glass fibre filter in a series with amberlite XAD-2. Samples are desorbed with l ml of acetone or toluene and analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The determination limit of the method is 0.5 mg/m3. (104646)
CIS 06-128 Chloroacetone: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: Chloroaceton: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Czerczak S., Lebrecht G., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.47-55. 11 ref. (In Polish) Internet: Chloroacetone is a colourless to amber liquid with a pungent odour. The acute toxicity of chloroacetone for laboratory animals is high by all routes of administration. The subcutaneous LD50 for the rabbit is 141 mg/kg, and the oral LD50 for the rat is 100 mg/kg. The liquid and vapour phases of chloroacetone are irritating to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Based on the human exposure data of an acute irritation study, a ceiling value of 4 mg/m3 has been established. Because chloroacetone has been shown to penetrate the skin in amounts sufficient to induce systemic toxicity, a skin notation is considered appropriate. According to the irritant effect of chloroacetone an additional determination with the letter I has been suggested. (104647)
CIS 06-129 1,1-Dichloro-l-nitroethane: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: 1,1-Dichloro-1-nitroetan: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Starek A., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.57-65. 8 ref. (In Polish) Internet: 1,1-Dichloro-l-nitroethane (DCNE) is a colourless liquid with an unpleasant odour. It is toxic in laboratory animals. Irritation of the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract have been observed. DCNE exerts systemic toxic action on parenchymal organs (lung, liver, kidney, heart) and is mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium. On the basis of the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for irritation of the upper respiratory tract from animal experiments and the appropriate uncertainty factor, the maximum admissible concentration (TWA) was set at 30 mg/m3. A short-term exposure limit of 60 mg/m3 and irritant (I) notation are recommended. (104648)
CIS 06-130 Dinitrophenol - mixture of isomers: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: Dinitrofenol - mieszanina izomerów: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Gralewicz S., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.67-89. 86 ref. (In Polish) Internet: Dinitrophenol (DNP) is a mixture of 2,4-DNP and smaller amounts of 2,3-DNP and 2,6-DNP. It is a yellow, crystalline solid. Short-term exposure to DNP may affect metabolism resulting in hyperthermia. High-level exposure may be fatal. The existing data concerning the health effects of 2,4-DNP oral exposure in humans indicate that the characteristic effects of 2,4-DNP for this route are: increased basal metabolic rate and perspiration, weight loss, a sensation of warmth and, at higher dosage, increased heart and respiratory rate, and increased body temperature. Taking into account the results obtained in clinical studies on people ingesting 2,4-DNP (LOAEL for metabolic effects was 1.2 mg/kg/day), a concentration of 0.5 mg of dinitrophenol/m3 is proposed as a maximum exposure limit (maximum admissible concentration) with a skin notation. (104649)
CIS 06-131 (2-Methoxymethylethoxy)propanol: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: (2-Metoksymetyloetoksy)-propanol: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Starek A., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.91-101. 16 ref. (In Polish) Internet: (2-Methoxymethylethoxy)-propanol (dipropylene glycol methyl ether, DGME) is a colourless liquid with low vapour pressure, an ethereal odour and bitter taste. It has relatively low toxicity in humans and laboratory animals. Irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract as well as depression of the central nervous system are recognised as critical effects. No embryotoxic, foetotoxic or teratogenic effects have been found in toxicological studies. On the basis of the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for irritation obtained from experiments on rats and the appropriate uncertainty factor, the maximum admissible concentration was set at 240 mg/m3. A short-term exposure limit of 480 mg/m3 and irritant (I) notation are recommended. (104650)
CIS 06-132 N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: 1-Metylo-2-pirolidon: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Sitarek K., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.103-115. 26 ref. (In Polish) Internet: N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (methylpyrrolidinone, NMP) is an industrial solvent. It can be absorbed through the skin. The substance is not mutagenic, genotoxic or carcinogenic but it is embryotoxic, foetotoxic and teratogenic at doses which are non-toxic to the mothers. On the basis that it disturbs prenatal development in more than one animal species, in the Scandinavian countries NMP has been classified in the IB group, which comprises substances probably harmful to human reproduction. Based on the NOAEL value obtained in an experimental study (500 mg/m3) and appropriate uncertainty factors, a TLV of 120 mg/m3 and a short-term exposure level of 240 mg/m3 have been proposed. In addition, notations are suggested for irritation, foetotoxicity and skin absorption. (104651)
CIS 06-133 Bromine pentafluoride: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: Pentafluorek bromu: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Rydzyński K., Kuchowicz E., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.117-127. 10 ref. (In Polish) Internet: Bromine pentafluoride is a colourless or light yellow liquid. The material has a chemical reactivity similar to that of elemental fluorine. At temperatures above its boiling point, it is a colourless, pungent, and corrosive gas. Contact of the liquid or vapour with the skin or eyes causes painful, deep- seated, long-lasting burns. Relatively short exposures at high concentrations cause serious lung injury similar to that seen in phosgene-exposed individuals (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, atelectasis, bronchitis); lower concentrations cause watering of the eyes and difficulty in breathing within a few minutes. Based on the toxicological analogy of bromine pentafluoride with hydrogen fluoride, the maximum exposure limit (maximum admissible concentration) for bromine pentafluoride has been established at 0.5 mg/m3. Based on the results obtained from clinical studies of human exposure to hydrogen fluoride, a short-term exposure limit of 1 mg/m3 is proposed. (104652)
CIS 06-134 Sulfur tetrafluoride: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: Tetrafluorek siarki: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Rydzyński K., Gromadzińska J., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.129-138. 14 ref. (In Polish) Internet: Sulfur tetrafluoride (SF4) is a colourless, nonflammable gas, very active and corrosive with a sulphur-dioxide-like odour. It is used in many technological processes and is a degradation product of sulfur hexafluoride: a substance used as an isolation material in condensers, cables and transformers. SF4 causes irritation of the respiratory tract. A TLV value of 0.5 mg/m3 and a short-term exposure limit of 1.0 mg/m3 are proposed. (104653)
CIS 06-135 Allergy to α-amylase in apprentice bakers - prevalence, incidence, risk factors and clinical symptoms. (Polish: Uczulenie na α-amylazę u uczniów szkół piekarskich - zapadalność, czynniki ryzyka i obraz kliniczny) Walusiak J., Wiszniewska M., Krawczyk-Adamus P., Nieścierenko E., Pałczyński C., Medycyna pracy, 2005, Vol.56, No.2, p.121-130. 17 ref. (In Polish) Internet: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence, incidence and risk factors of hypersensitivity to α-amylase and to identify allergy-related clinical symptoms in apprentice bakers. A group of 287 apprentice bakers was examined by questionnaire, skin prick tests to common and occupational allergens and evaluation of total serum IgE level, specific anti-flour and α-amylase IgE. Tests were carried out before the onset of vocational training and one and two years later. Respiratory disease was diagnosed by spirometry and inhalation challenge tests. 28 apprentices (9.8%) showed hypersensitivity to α-amylase after two years of exposure. Of those, 17 had allergic rhinitis and 15 had asthma. Results indicate that the incidence of allergy to α-amylase increases with increasing duration of exposure. Hypersensitivity to common allergens, especially moulds, is a risk factor for occupational allergy to α-amylase. It is recommended that skin prick tests to common allergens, particularly moulds, should be performed in bakers before starting occupational exposure to identify high-risk groups. (104655)
CIS 06-136 Distribution of conduction velocity in the ulnar nerve among lead exposed workers. (Polish: Rozkład prędkości przewodzenia we włóknach nerwu lokciowego u osób zawodowo narażonych na działanie ołowiu) Bilińska M., Antonowicz-Juchniewicz J., Koszewicz M., Kaczmarek-Wdowiak B., Kreczyńska B., Medycyna pracy, 2005, Vol.56, No.2, p.139-146. 22 ref. (In Polish) Internet: Clinical and neurophysiological assessments of the peripheral nervous system were carried out in 34 lead-exposed workers and 20 healthy controls. None of the workers showed clinical signs of neuropathy or abnormalities in routine neurographic examination. Compared with controls, a significantly lowered conduction in slow-conducting motor fibres and neurogenic changes in EMG were observed in workers with a blood lead concentration over 400 µg/1 and in workers with free erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels over 70 µg/100 ml. It is concluded that the neurotoxic effect of lead on peripheral nerves is manifested by the damage of slow-conducting motor nerve fibres when overt neuropathy is not yet visible. (104657)
CIS 06-137 Occupational exposure to carcinogenic metals and metalloids in refining of heavy metals. (Polish: Narażenie zawodowe na rakotwórcze metale i metaloidy w procesach rafinacji metali ciężkich) Gawęda E., Medycyna pracy, 2005, Vol.56, No.2, p.161-165. 8 ref. (In Polish) Internet: Concentrations of carcinogenic metals (cadmium, nickel) and metalloids (arsenic) were measured in workplace air during heavy metals refining processes. The tests were conducted in two large Polish plants, a copper smelter and a non-ferrous metals smelter, at workstations for the refining of copper, zinc, cadmium, lead and silver and the production of nickel sulfate and selenium. The presence of arsenic in the workplace air was found in both plants. Exposure to cadmium occurred only in the non-ferrous metals smelter. The highest exposure was found at workstations in the lead and cadmium refining processes. The presence of nickel was found only at workstations with nickel sulfate production. The results highlight the need for routine measurements of arsenic concentrations at all workstations in the production of metals with a high degree of purity. (104660)
CIS 06-138 Prostate cancer risk in California farm workers. Mills P.K., Yang R., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2003, Vol.45, No.3, p.249-258. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: A nested case-control study of prostate cancer was conducted within a large cohort of predominantly Hispanic unionized farm workers in California. 222 newly-diagnosed cases of prostate cancer were identified for the years 1988 through 1999, and 1110 age-matched controls were randomly selected from the remainder of the cancer-free cohort. It was found that the risk of prostate cancer was not associated with any particular crop. Increasing duration of union affiliation was associated with decreasing prostate cancer risk. Although risk was not associated with total pounds of pesticides applied in the years and regions where farm workers were employed, risk increased with specific chemicals, including simazine, lindane, and heptachlor, and suggestive increases were observed with dichlorvos and methyl bromide. Farm workers exposed to higher levels of these compounds had an elevated risk of prostate cancer compared to workers with lower levels of exposure. (104661)
CIS 06-139 Occupational exposures and gastrointestinal cancers among Finnish women. Weiderpass I., Vainio H., Kauppinen T., Vasama-Neuvonen K., Partanen T., Pukkala E., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2003, Vol.45, No.3, p.305-315. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: Incident cases of cancer of the gastrointestinal tract from 1971 to 1995 were explored in a cohort of 413,877 female workers born in Finland between 1906 and 1945. Job titles in census records were converted to exposures to 31 occupational agents through a job-exposure matrix. For each agent, exposure probabilities were subdivided into three categories: zero, low and medium to high. Relative risks (RR) were estimated for each agent, after adjustment for alcohol consumption and smoking. Colon cancer risk (2009 cases) was positively associated with sedentary work (RR 1.3) and negatively associated with perceived workload. For stomach cancer (1881 cases), associations with exposure to electromagnetic fields (RR 1.44) and man-made vitreous fibres were observed. Rectal cancer (1323 cases) showed an association with chromium (RR 1.9) and oil mist (RR 2.0). For pancreatic cancer (1302 cases), associations were found with exposure to chromium (RR 1.8), electromagnetic fields (RR 1.8) and sedentary work (RR 1.3). (104663)
CIS 06-140 Colour vision of workers in the plastic industry. Kaur S., Mursyid A., Ariffin A.E., Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Jan. 2004, Vol.1, No.1, p.3-8. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: This study was undertaken to determine the effect of polyethylene and polystyrene used in the manufacture of plastic items on colour perception. Colour vision was assessed using the Ishihara plates, panel 015 test and the Farnsworth Munsell 100-Hue test. Factory A used polyethylene in pellet form in the manufacturing of plastic containers while factory B used polystyrene to make plastic bags. A total of 39 healthy employees from factory A and 40 healthy employees from factory B were recruited, together with a control group of 27 healthy subjects with no occupational involvement with petroleum derivatives. All control subjects passed all of the colour vision tests whilst some employees of factories A and B failed the 015 and FM 100 Hue tests. It is concluded that employees of plastics processing factories may be at a higher risk of acquiring colour vision defects. (104668)
CIS 06-141 Urinary hexane diamine to assess respiratory exposure to hexamethylene diisocyanate aerosol: A human inhalation study. Liu Y., Berode M., Stowe M.H., Holm C.T., Walsh F.X., Slade M.D., Boeniger M.F., Redlich C.A., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2004, Vol.10, No.3, p.262-271. Illus. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: The use of urinary hexane diamine (HDA) as a biomarker to assess respiratory exposure to hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) aerosol was evaluated. Twenty-three auto body shop workers were exposed for two hours to HDI biuret aerosol. HDI exposures were quantified. Urine samples were collected at baseline, immediately post exposure, and every 4-5 hours up to 20 hours and analyzed for HDA using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Mean urinary HDA (mgg/g creatinine) increased sharply from the baseline value of 0.7 to 18.1 post exposure and decreased rapidly to 4.7, 1.9 and 1.1, respectively, at 4, 9 and 18 hours post exposure. Considerable individual variability was found. Urinary HDA can assess acute respiratory exposure to HDI aerosol but may however have limited use as a biomarker of exposure in the workplace. (104674)
CIS 06-142 Radiologic abnormalities in South African mica millers: A survey of a mica milling plant in the Limpopo Province. Venter E., Nyantumbu B., Solomon A., Rees D., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2004, Vol.10, No.3, p.278-283. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: All 73 workers at a South African mica milling plant were surveyed for radiographic evidence of abnormalities related to dust exposures at work. Chest x-rays were taken and questionnaires administered to determine occupational and environmental exposure histories. Dust levels to which workers were exposed were measured. All but one of 12 airborne inhalable and respirable dust levels measured were below the occupational exposure limits (OEL) of 10 mg/m3 and 5mg/3 respectively. The mica concentrations were below the OEL of 1mg/3 for respirable mica. Nineteen workers had changes resulting from their exposures to asbestos, mica, silica, or combinations. Of these, four showed additional radiographic changes corresponding to tuberculous lung scarring. Six had evidence of lung changes consistent with past tuberculosis alone. Rates of radiologic abnormalities were higher in older workers and those with longer service. Finally, six workers had radiological changes consistent with pneumoconiosis attributable to mica or the combination of mica and silica. (104676)
CIS 06-143 Organophosphate pesticide exposures of traditional and integrated pest management farmers from working air conditions: A case study in Thailand. Jirachaiyabhas V., Visuthismajarn P, Hore P., Robson M.G., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2004, Vol.10, No.3, p.289-295. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: Concentrations of organophosphate pesticides, including chlorpyrifos and methyl parathion, were measured in ambient air breathed by farmers in a region of Thailand. Exposure levels were assessed and a comparison was made between the levels of pesticide exposure of traditional and integrated pest management (IPM) farmers. Thirty-three air samples were collected during pesticide spraying. Traditional farmers were exposed to higher levels of the pesticides, with an average concentration of 0.19mg/m3, compared with 0.037mg/m3 for the IPM farmers. It was estimated that farmers would be exposed to 81-12,261mg of the organophosphate pesticides via inhalation throughout their lifetime. Moreover, traditional farmers absorbed more pesticides via inhalation than did IPM farmers. (104677)
CIS 06-144 Fluoride exposure and respiratory symptoms in welders. Sjögren B., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2004, Vol.10, No.3, p.310-312. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: Welders inhale gases and respirable particles. To investigate the relationship between fluoride exposure and respiratory symptoms in welders using basic electrodes containing calcium fluoride, 63 railroad track welders were interviewed. Fluoride was measured in post-shift urine samples. Seventeen welders reported respiratory symptoms related to welding fume exposures. Respiratory symptoms were somewhat more common with increasing concentrations of fluoride in urine. The association between welding fume exposure and respiratory symptoms seems related more to fluorides than to other particles among welders using basic electrodes. (104679)
CIS 06-145 Review of respiratory morbidity from occupational exposure to oil mists. Bukowski J.A., Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Nov. 2003, Vol.18, No.11, p.828-837. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: A review of the literature suggests that machinists may have a slightly higher prevalence of common respiratory symptoms and mild and reversible changes in pulmonary function. However, the inconsistency in this body of literature argues against drawing definitive conclusions. There is also no evidence that any of these effects lead to permanent disease or impairment. The most likely causal agents for respiratory effects are microbial contaminants in water-based metalworking fluids, not straight mineral oils. This is consistent with the epidemic outbreaks of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, bronchitis and asthma reported at some work sites using water-based metalworking fluids. This highlights the importance of frequent cleaning and fluid changes for metalworking fluid reservoirs. A dramatic drop in the threshold limit values for mineral oil mists would not resolve this problem. (104681)
CIS 06-146 Controlling health risks from workplace exposure to metalworking fluids in the United Kingdom engineering industry. Stear M.A., Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Nov. 2003, Vol.18, No.11, p.877-882. Illus. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: In 2002, the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive launched new guidance for the engineering industry, aimed at reducing health risks from metalworking fluids (MWFs). This guidance was the culmination of many years of work on the subject. The existing exposure limit for neat mineral oil mists was reviewed, and the development of a new exposure limit for water-mix MWFs was considered. This led to the development of new air-sampling methods, a comprehensive survey and the development of new good practice guidance in the place of statutory exposure limits. The guidance is based on a holistic approach, including ventilation, fluid selection, fluid delivery and fluid management. It demonstrates the business benefits from managing MWFs effectively by reducing the incidence of ill health, reducing fluid and disposal costs, increasing tool life and improving machining performance. (104683)
CIS 06-147 Epidemiologic evidence on the carcinogenicity of metalworking fluids. Savitz D.A., Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Nov. 2003, Vol.18, No.11, p.913-920. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: The purpose of this literature review was to evaluate epidemiological evidence regarding the potential carcinogenicity of metalworking fluids. A key challenge to addressing the issue is the diversity of metalworking fluids, additives and by-products produced in use, along with the notable changes in the composition and use of such agents over time. The most significant associations, based on precision, magnitude and evidence for increasing risk with increasing exposure were found between straight metalworking fluids and both rectal and laryngeal cancer, as well as between soluble metalworking fluids and laryngeal cancer. Further progress will require additional studies as well as a more systematic approach to integrating information from toxicology and industrial hygiene into the interpretation of the epidemiological literature. (104684)
CIS 06-148 Mortality analyses in a cohort of 18,235 ethylene oxide exposed workers: Follow up extended from 1987 to 1998. Steenland K., Stayner L., Deddens J., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.61, No.1, p.2-7. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: This cohort mortality study involved 18,235 men and women exposed to ethylene oxide. There were 2852 deaths between 1987 and 1998, compared with 1177 in an earlier follow-up in 1997. There was little evidence of any excess cancer mortality for the cohort as a whole, with the exception of bone cancer based on small numbers. Positive exposure-response trends for lymphoid tumours were found for males only. Reasons for the sex specificity of this effect are not known. There was also some evidence of a positive exposure-response for breast cancer mortality. (104685)
CIS 06-149 Dimethyl sulphate; a hidden problem in occupational medicine. Schettgen T., Broding H.C., Angerer J., Drexler H., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.61, No.1, p.73-75. Illus. 12 ref. (In English) Internet: IARC has classified dimethyl sulfate as a group 2A carcinogen (probably carcinogenic to humans). Blood levels of N-methylvaline were monitored in sixty-two workers with potential exposure to dimethyl sulfate in a chemical plant producing surfactants for the textile industry. Controls consisted of ten laboratory workers without exposure to methylating agents. While 52 of the 62 workers showed N-methylvaline levels similar to those of the control group, a large exposure to dimethyl sulfate was seen in a group of ten employees working in an area where the substance was processed. These workers exceeded the German exposure equivalent value for dimethyl sulfate (40µg/L blood) by up to four times. In contrast, dimethyl sulfate was not detectable in workplace air in this area. Skin contact was therefore considered to be the main route of uptake for this substance. (104689)
CIS 06-150 Relationship between muscular diseases and exposures to paints and solvents among building painters. (French: Relation entre les pathologies musculaires et exposition aux peintures et solvants chez les peintres en bâtiment) Bodenes A., Verhelst C., Dewitte J.D., Choucroun P., Revue de médecine du travail, Mar.-Apr. 2003, Vol.XXX, No.2, p.60-65. Illus. (In French) Internet: Following two cases of myalgia associated with an increase in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) enzymes in two building painters, a survey was carried out to study the possible relationship between exposure to paints and solvents and muscular diseases. A questionnaire survey was carried out among 265 building painters and 267 unexposed controls. They also underwent clinical examinations and blood CPK determinations during their annual medical checks. There was no increase in CPK among painters, but they presented significantly higher frequencies of muscular pain, muscular fatigue and loss of muscular strength. Aetiological investigations did not provide evidence of a clear relationship between these muscular symptoms and specific exposures. (104748)
CIS 06-151 Correlation between quantitative fit factors and workplace protection factors measured in actual workplace environments at a steel foundry. Zhuang Z., Coffey C.C., Jensen P.A., Campbell D.L., Lawrence R.B., Myers W.R., AIHA Journal, Nov.-Dec. 2003, Vol.64, No.6, p.730-738. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated the protective effect of good and poor-fitting half-facepiece, air-purifying respirators at a steel foundry and examined the correlation between workplace protection factors (WPFs) and quantitative fit factors (FFs). Fifteen volunteers participated in the study. Each subject was fit-tested with two respirator models in three sizes. Each worker wore the respirator twice per day (at the beginning of the shift and following the lunch break) for two days. WPFs were measured by collecting ambient and in-facepiece air samples simultaneously. WPF values were significantly correlated with the FFs. Respirator fit-factor was shown to be a meaningful indicator of respirator performance in actual workplace environments. (104556)
CIS 06-152 Health care workers: Risk factors for nonlatex and latex gloves during surgery. Korniewicz D.M., Garzon L., Plitcha S., AIHA Journal, Nov.-Dec. 2003, Vol.64, No.6, p.851-855. 43 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined glove failure factors in both non-latex and latex surgical gloves after routine use. Surgical gloves were collected from persons directly involved in surgical procedures. A total of 11,118 surgical gloves were examined in the laboratory for visual defects and barrier integrity. The overall defect rate was 7.8%; non-latex gloves were significantly more likely to fail (8.4%) than latex gloves (6.9%). Latex and non-latex gloves fail under different conditions. Latex gloves fail primarily due to length of use, whereas non-latex gloves are more sensitive to conditions of us (e.g. type of health care worker and type of surgery). Users can help guard against glove defects by double gloving and by changing gloves often, especially when using non-latex gloves in higher-risk surgeries. (104560)
CIS 06-153 Genetically modified cotton and farmers' health in China. Hossain F., Pray C.E., Lu Y., Huang J., Fan C., Hu R., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2004, Vol.10, No.3, p.296-303. Illus. 8 ref. (In English) Internet: This study provides the first evidence of a direct link between the adoption of a genetically modified crop and improvements in human health. Estimation of the impact of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton adoption on pesticide use from a survey of cotton farmers in northern China, 1999-2001, showed that Bt cotton adoption reduced pesticide use. Assessment of a health-production function showed that predicted pesticide use had a positive impact on poisoning incidence. Taken together, these results indicate that the adoption of Bt cotton can substantially reduce the risk and the incidence of poisonings. (104678)
CIS 06-154 Summary of the findings from exposure assessments for metalworking fluid mortality and morbidity studies. Woskie S.R., Virji M.A., Hallock M., Smith T.J., Hammond S.K., Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Nov. 2003, Vol.18, No.11, p.855-864. Illus. 65 ref. (In English) Internet: Since 1985, a number of studies have evaluated the association between worker exposure to metalworking fluids (MWFs) and cancer mortality or respiratory morbidity. The studies have used different methods to measure the MWF aerosol concentration and to evaluate the exposures to the specific components of the MWF aerosol (bacteria, endotoxin, elements, metals, ethanolamines, polyaromatic hydrocarbons). This article summarizes the exposures measured in these epidemiological studies by estimating their thoracic and inhalable MWF particulate levels. In addition, the issues that must be resolved before a universal sampling and analysis method for MWF can be recommended are reviewed. Finally, recommendations for future directions in MWF exposure assessment and control are suggested. (104682)
CIS 06-155 An exploratory investigation of suicide and occupational exposure. van Wijngaarden E., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2003, Vol.45, No.1, p.96-101. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This exploratory study evaluated the association between suicide and occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields, pesticides and hydrocarbon solvents. The study population comprised 11,707 suicide deaths and 132,771 eligible controls identified from United States death certificate files for the years 1991 and 1992. Exposure assignment was based on job title reported on the death certificates. Exposure to electromagnetic fields and pesticides was weakly associated with suicide risk, while little evidence for an increased risk was seen for hydrocarbon solvents. The association for electromagnetic field exposure was highest for suicide between the ages 20 and 35 (odds ratio, OR=1.5), while the highest risk of suicide for pesticide exposure was seen between the ages of 35 and 49 years (OR=1.5). Further investigation to replicate these findings seems warranted, using higher quality occupational data. (104598)
CIS 06-156 Dusty dawn - Dust at workplace and workers' nightmares. Jaitli H., Kumar A., eds., ISociety for Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), 42 Tuglakabad Institutional Area, New Dehli-110 062, India, 1996. v, 130p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Dust-related respiratory disorders are among the major causes of disability and death among Indian workers. This document presents a collection of articles on dust-related health problems in India. Topics covered: occupational safety, health and workers' awareness; environmental pollution; dust and occupational diseases in India; toxicants in the environment; lung function in rubber factories; epidemiology of air pollution; steel manufacturing industry; spinning and dyeing industry; sponge iron manufacturing industry; iron ore mining in Goa; cement manufacturing industry; bronchial contamination with toxic metals in mineral-based industries; lung function status of workers exposed to coke dust. (104507)
CIS 06-157 Measurement and evaluation of the concentration of chemicals and dust in the work environment. Guidelines and recommendations. (Polish: Pomiary i ocena stężeń czynników chemicznych i pyłów w środowisku pracy. Wytyczne i zalecenia) Gromiec J. P., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2004. 56p. 14 ref., ISBN 83-7373-126-1 (In Polish) Internet: These guidelines describe the principles of the measurement and evaluation of the concentration of chemicals and dust in the work environment based on the following standards: PN-Z-04008-7 : 2002 and PN-EN 689 : 2002. (104637)
CIS 06-158 Health effects of occupational exposure to organic solvents and paint compounds. Kaukiainen A., Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, FIOH-Bookstore, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 2005. 143p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 951-802-630-0 (In English) Internet: This report describes a questionnaire survey of construction painters and carpenters in Finland to assess the effects of past and recent solvent exposure on neurotoxic symptoms and to evaluate the prevalence of work-related respiratory disorders and hand dermatitis among painters. Two clinical experiments were also carried out to evaluate tests for the screening and evaluation of suspected solvent-induced disorders. Significant associations were found between cumulative intensity of long-term solvent exposure and symptoms of memory, concentration and mood. Solvent exposure in painters was also associated with previously diagnosed psychiatric disorders, hypertension and arrhythmia. Painters reported more asthma-like, rhinitis, laryngeal and eye symptoms than the carpenters and they also had more symptoms of hand dermatitis and chronic bronchitis. An approach for the screening and evaluation of solvent-related nervous system disorders is proposed. (104533)
CIS 06-159 National programme for the elimination of silicosis. Moshelanoka L., Kisting S., Rees D., Sekudu D., Doyle B., Department of Labour, Private Bag X 117, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, ca 2004. 10p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This booklet outlines the activities of the South African government in its efforts to significantly reduce the prevalence of silicosis by 2015 and totally eliminate silicosis in the workplace by 2030, in line with the ILO/WHO Global Programme for the Elimination of Silicosis. Describes the magnitude of the problem of silica exposure and silicosis, the identification of target groups at risk, the definition of a preventative strategy, the institutional framework and principal partners, programme implementation and operations, programme monitoring and implementation, national standards and links with international standards. (104536)
CIS 06-160 Effective protection of the respiratory system against organic vapours and gases. (Polish: Efektywna ochrona układu oddechowego przed parami i gazami organicznymi) Pietrowski P., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2004. 54p. Illus., ISBN 83-7373-121-0 (In Polish) Internet: This handbook examines the use of air-purifying respirators for protection against organic vapours and gases. It also describes the characteristics of porous solids used for air cleaning and the principles of vapour absorption. (104636)
CIS 06-161 The reliability of the results of measurements of chemicals in workplace air. (Polish: Wiarygodność wyników pomiarów czynników chemicznych w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy) Benczek K. M., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2004. 44p. Illus. 14 ref., ISBN 83-7373066-4 (In Polish) Internet: This document describes control standards for equipment used in chemical air pollution measurement. Polish standards and projected European standards are listed. Requirements for the equipment and methods used in evaluating the exposure risk of employees to chemicals contained in the air are examined. (104639)
CIS 06-162 The effect of stack height, stack location and rooftop structures on air intake contamination - A laboratory and full-scale study. (French: Influence de la hauteur et de l'emplacement des cheminées et des édicules sur la contamination des prises d'air neuf - Etude en laboratoire et in situ) Stathopoulos T., Lazure L., Saathoff P., Gupta A., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2004. xii, 125p. Illus. 22 ref. Price: CAD 8.56. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22628-7 (fr), ISBN 2-551-22629-5 (En) (In English, French) Internet: The position of air intakes on the roof of a building is a determining factor for indoor air quality owing to the possible reintroduction of contamination from the neighbouring exhaust stacks. Ventilation system designers currently use tools such as mathematical models and wind tunnel simulations to estimate the dilution between the source and the air intake. Using field tests and boundary layer wind tunnel modelling, this study investigated the dilution phenomenon and impact of certain parameters (wind direction, stack height and location, roof irregularities, turbulence, air exhaust velocity) to refine the models used. This project resulted in the development of guidelines intended for ventilation engineers. The results are also of interest to professional associations and standardization organizations. (104739)
CIS 06-163 The provision, use and maintenance of hygiene facilities for work with asbestos insulation, asbestos coating and asbestos insulating board. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 2002. 8p. 16 ref. Price: GBP 5.00., ISBN 0-7176-2299-1 (In English) Internet: Contents of this guidance note: United Kingdom legislation; general design, construction and arrangement of a hygiene facility, including clean area, shower compartment and dirty area; extract ventilation; construction features to enable easy and effective cleaning; positioning of the facility; transit facilities for partial contamination; procedures for using hygiene facilities; transit procedure; maintenance; connection to electric, water and drainage services; communication and training. Replaces previous edition (CIS 91-580). (104534)
CIS 06-164 Asbestos: Medical guidance note. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 4th ed., 2005. 8p. 10 ref. Price: GBP 7.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 0-7176-2952-X (In English) Internet: Guidance note aimed at doctors and other health professionals with responsibility for medical surveillance of employees exposed to asbestos. Includes information on action levels and exposure limits, health effects, appointment of doctors to conduct medical examinations, medical surveillance and the role of chest x-rays, notification of asbestos-related diseases and Social Security benefits. Asbestos properties, legislation and past uses are briefly described. Replaces previous edition (CIS 00-501). (104535)
CIS 06-165 Ventilated cabins for stone dressing work. (French: Cabines ventilées pour le travail de la pierre) Callet F., Leroy D., Marteau E., Monneuse J.Y., Dessagne J.M., Régnier R., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, July 2005. 9p. Illus. 5 ref. Price: EUR 2.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1329-6 (In French) Internet: This guide proposes a general approach for the selection and installation of open ventilated cabins for stone dressing work. Ventilated cabins should ensure proper containment so as to protect the other workers present in the workshop, to offer protection to the operator and to remove pollutants. However, current cabin designs do not always fulfil these requirements. Contents: understanding the hazards; specifying the needs; existing solutions; selection of the most suitable solution; guidance on installation and initial operation. (104734)
CIS 06-166 Rodenticides. (French: Rodenticides) Gamelin L., Harry P., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 3rd Quarter 2005, No.148, 7p. Illus. 32 ref. (In French) Internet: Rodenticides belong to a number of different chemical families, products exhibiting anticoagulant properties being the most widespread. Their mode of action consists of blocking the vitamin K cycle, thereby slowing down the synthesis of coagulation factors and giving rise to hypocoagulability and the risk of major haemorrhagic complications. Most rodenticides intended for domestic use are subject to strict regulations, however, the possible misuse of products strictly reserved for professionals can give rise to poisoning. Vitamin K1 is the specific antidote for haemostatic disorders caused by anticoagulant rodenticides. Uses and toxic effects of eight rodenticides are reviewed. (104529)
CIS 06-167 Threshold limit values for occupational exposure to chemicals in France. (French: Valeurs limites d'exposition professionnelle aux agents chimiques en France) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité (INRS), 30, rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2005. 21p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Downloadable version free of charge. (In French) Internet: This article presents a table listing all substances, including carcinogenic substances, for which the ministry in charge of Labour has published occupational exposure limit values (VLEPs), whether they are guidance values (VLs) or mandatory (VRs). Includes an introductory section on monitoring of workplace atmospheres (sampling and analysis, aerosols), permitted values (definitions and objectives, additivity convention, elements and compounds, limitations of occupational exposure values, carcinogens), mandatory values and values recommended by the health insurance fund (CNAM). (104550)
CIS 06-168 Danger on board. (German: Gefahr an Bord) Böcker T., Ruhnke G., Gefährliche Ladung, 2004, No.5, p.10-11. Illus. (In German) Internet: In order to prevent damage to goods and injury to people on board ships, the implementation of the IMDG code for the transport of dangerous goods by sea has been made mandatory as from 1January 2004. The transport of dangerous substances on roll-on roll-off ships in the Baltic Sea is regulated by the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) (Riga 2002 version), a multilateral agreement among countries bordering the Baltic Sea. Details are given of the differences between these two texts in provisions relating to the storage and separation of dangerous substances. It is questioned whether it is relevant, from the point of view of maritime safety, to continue to apply the provisions of the MoU to roll-on roll-off ships transporting dangerous substances in the Baltic region. (104626)
CIS 06-169 Emergency response programme in a petrochemical company in Malaysia. Bahrin J.S., Sajahan M.H., Hamad M.N., Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Jan. 2004, Vol.1, No.1, p.33-38. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: The control of hazards posed by the petrochemical industry in Malaysia is covered by both the Malaysian Occupational Safety and Health (Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards) Regulations 1996 and the Responsible Care initiative of the chemical industry. This paper describes elements to be considered in an emergency response programme for industry, such as emergency management, organization, duties and responsibilities, emergency systems, training and mutual aid plans and agreements. Examples based on the practices adopted by a multinational petrochemical company are included. (104669)
CIS 06-170 SEVESO II Directive. Legal status for 2004. (Polish: Dyrektywa Seveso II. Stan prawny w 2004 r.) Michalik J. S. ed., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2004. 117p., ISBN 83-7373-096-6 (In Polish) Internet: European Union regulations relating to the prevention of industrial disasters are presented and Polish regulations on the issue are listed. Includes the Polish text of Council Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances. (104634)
CIS 06-171 NIOSH Alert - Preventing injuries and deaths of fire fighters due to truss system failures. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998, USA, May 2005. 25p. Illus. 35ref (In English) Internet: This safety guide outlines different types of truss construction methods and describes cases involving injuries to fire fighters operating at fires involving truss roof and floor systems. Makes recommendations for fire departments, fire fighters, building owners and managers to minimize the risks of injury and death. (104537)
CIS 06-172 Occupational electrical injuries in the United States, 1992-1998, and recommendations for safety research. Cawley J.C., Homce G.T., Journal of Safety Research, 2003, Vol.34, No.3, p.241-248. Illus. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: Data show that 2,287 U.S. workers died and 32,807 workers sustained days away from work owing to electric shock or electrical burn injuries between 1992 and 1998. The accident description, work activity, job title, source of injury, location and industry for each fatal electrical accident were examined. A primary causal factor was identified for each fatality. Electrical fatalities were categorized into five major groups. Contact with overhead power lines caused 41% of all electrical fatalities. Electric shock caused 99% of fatal and 62% of nonfatal electrical accidents. Comprising about 7% of the U.S. workforce, construction workers sustained 44% of electrical fatalities. Power line contact by mobile equipment occurs in many industries and should be the subject of focused research. Other problem areas are identified and opportunities for research are proposed. (104599)
CIS 06-173 Noise exposure and hearing loss in agriculture: A survey of farmers and farm workers in the Southland region of New Zealand. McBride D.I., Firth H.M., Herbison G.P., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2003, Vol.45, No.12, p.1281-1288. Illus. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: This study involved a questionnaire survey and audiometric testing of 586 farmers and farm workers and noise level measurements on 60 farms. Noise levels ranged from 84.8 to 86.8 dB(A) and hearing losses were consistent with this level of exposure. Age, driving tractors without cabs and working with metal were important risk factors. Reported compliance with hearing protection was higher than that actually observed. While the majority of farmers had a moderate risk of hearing loss, a significant minority were at high risk. Elimination and isolation of noise sources are the control methods of choice. (104629)
CIS 06-174 Effects of occupational noise exposure on blood pressure. Chang T.Y., Jain R.M., Wang C.S., Chan C.C., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2003, Vol.45, No.12, p.1289-1296. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: In a study of 20 workers in an automobile manufacturing company, 24-hour blood pressure and 16-hour noise exposure were measured continuously. Occupational noise levels ranged from 85±8dBA for high-exposure workers to 59±4dBA for low-exposure workers. The systolic blood pressure of the high-exposure workers was significantly higher than that of the low-exposure workers during the working period and the sleep period. Diastolic blood pressure was higher in the high-exposure workers over 24 hours and over the working period. Results indicate that occupational noise exposure has both transient and sustained effects on workers' systolic blood pressure. (104630)
CIS 06-175 Whole-body vibration transmitted to the framesaw operator. Goglia V., Grbac I, Applied Ergonomics, Jan. 2005, Vol.36, No.1, p.43-48. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: This article analyzes the results of measurements of whole-body vibration transmitted to framesaw operators during ordinary working days at one sawmill in Croatia. For all measurements, frequency spectra were obtained and represented according to the recommendations of ISO standard 2631-1-1986. The duration of each single framesaw operation was measured and the accelerations and energy-equivalent vibration levels were calculated. Results showed that framesaw operators are exposed to vibration levels in excess of the daily exposure limits established in the ISO standard. (104721)
CIS 06-176 Vascular and nerve damage in workers exposed to vibrating tools. The importance of objective measurements of exposure time. Gerhardsson L., Balogh I., Hambert P.A., Hjortsberg U., Karlsson J.E., Applied Ergonomics, Jan. 2005, Vol.36, No.1, p.55-60. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to compare the development of vibration white finger (VWF) in workers in relation to different methods of exposure estimation. Nineteen male grinding machine operators completed a questionnaire and were subjected to a structured interview on their estimated hand-held vibration exposure. Neurophysiological tests were carried out to determine fractionated nerve conduction velocity in hands and arms, vibrotactile perception thresholds and temperature thresholds. The subjective estimation of the mean daily exposure-time to vibrating tools was 192 min (range 18-480 min). The estimated mean exposure time calculated from the consumption of grinding wheels was 42min (range 18-60min). Results indicate that objective measurements of the exposure time generally provide a more reliable basis for exposure estimation than self-assessments of exposure. (104722)
CIS 06-177 Noise on construction sites. (French: Le bruit des chantiers) Revue de médecine du travail, Mar.-Apr. 2003, Vol.XXX, No.2, p.52-55. Illus. 6 ref. (In French) Internet: Faced with the dual obligation to protect the health of workers and to take precautions to limit undesirable levels of noise emissions in the neighbourhood, it is in the interests of construction enterprises to adopt noise management methods. However, their adoption largely depends on the willingness of the enterprises. This feature on noise management consists of two articles. The first recalls the main components of an approach founded on good practice (informing the neighbours, managing noise at the construction site, responsibilities of the contracting authority), while the second deals with regulatory issues. (104747)
CIS 06-178 Chromosome alterations in workers exposed to ionizing radiation. (Spanish: Alteraciones cromosómicas en trabajadores expuestos a radiaciones ionizantes) Díaz-Valecillos M., Fernández J., Rojas A., Valecillos J., Cañizales J., Investigación Clínica, Sep. 2004, Vol.45, No.3, p.197-211. 39 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this study was to examine and characterize chromosome alterations and their relationship with radiation doses, length of occupational exposure and length of weekly exposure. It involved 18 Venezuelan petroleum industry workers exposed to ionizing radiation for at least one year and a control group of randomly selected non-exposed workers. For the exposed group, average age was 46.1 years, duration of employment was 17.5 years and weekly exposure was 4.3 hours. Chromosomal anomalies consisted of simple fragilities (66%) and combined fragilities with chromosome breaks, deletions and polyploidies (22%). Among controls, chromosome alterations consisted of simple fragilities in 55% of cases. Among radiologists, 88.8% of the chromosome alterations were found for doses below permissible levels. 88% of the radiologists showing anomalies had been exposed for over 10 years. The results indicate that, depending on the duration of employment and weekly exposures, chronic exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation may cause chromosome alterations. (104518)
CIS 06-179 Chromosomal aberrations in workers occupationally exposed to chronic low-level ionizing radiation. Zakeri F., Assaei R., Varzegar R., Central European Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.9, No.1, p.33-38. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: To determine whether prolonged or repeated low-level exposure to ionizing radiation can induce chromosomal aberrations (CAs), a large-scale cytogenetic study of 450 radiation-exposed workers (industrial radiographers and personnel from nuclear research, medical X-ray diagnostic and nuclear medicine centres) was undertaken using the yield of CAs analysed in peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures. The results were compared with those of a control group consisting of healthy persons with no history of occupational exposure to radiation. The findings showed that the incidence of all types of CAs was significantly higher in all exposed groups than in the controls. The highest rate of aberrations was found among industrial radiographers and the lowest was obtained in the personnel of medical X-ray diagnostic centres. Although the mean frequency of CAs among male workers was slightly higher than among females, no obvious trend of increased aberrations as a function of either duration of employment or age was observed. The results suggest that education and retraining of staff concerning radiation safety guidelines and regulations and the use of up-to-date equipment are major considerations in reducing the workers' radiation exposure. (104563)
CIS 06-180 Delayed treatment of bubble related illness in diving - Review of standard protocol. Kot J., Sićko Z., International Maritime Health, 2004, Vol.55, No.1/4, p.103-120. 93 ref. (In English) Internet: This article reviews the literature concerning the existing standard treatment of decompression illness. The effects on prognosis of a delay in receiving recompression treatment are examined and therapeutic options are reviewed: recompression, hyperbaric or normobaric oxygen therapy, choice of fluids for rehydration, drug therapy. It is concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that the existing recommendations for the treatment of decompression illness should be changed. (104614)
CIS 06-181 Determining the sound power of machines - Systematic errors. (German: Bestimmung der Schallleistung von Maschinen - systematische Fehler) Hübner G., Kandelaki D., Kraus M., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 216p. Illus. 51 ref. Price: EUR 18.00., ISBN 3-86509-141-5 (In German) Internet: Acoustic power characterizes the overall level of noise emitted by machinery and equipment. Different countries have adopted different measurement methods. However, these methods often result in conflicting readings for the same machine. Currently, the most frequently used method consists of measuring acoustic pressure, with correction for what is termed near-field error. This report presents the current state of understanding of near-field error together with research findings applicable to various sources. (104584)
CIS 06-182 The use of lasers in the workplace - A practical guide. (Arabic: Istihdām al-līzar fī makan al-(amal) International Non-Ionizing Radiation Committee, International Radiation Protection Association, ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1996. 155p. Illus. 33 ref. (In Arabic) Internet: Arabic translation of an ILO publication abstracted under CIS 94-703. This document is one of a series of practical guides on occupational hazards arising from non-ionizing radiation providing basic knowledge of issues concerning the use of lasers in the workplace. The following topics are covered: characteristics of laser radiation; the biological and health effects; occupationally related exposure type and effects; hazard evaluation; instrumentation and measurement techniques; occupational exposure limits and safety standards; control of and protection from exposure to laser radiation; and the principles of an administrative structure needed to ensure laser safety in workplaces (104504)
CIS 06-183 Workplace design guidelines for asymptomatic vs. low-back-injured workers. Ferguson S.A., Marras W.S., Burr D., Applied Ergonomics, Jan. 2005, Vol.36, No.1, p.85-95. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: A study comparing the spine loads of low back pain patients and asymptomatic controls during material handling tasks was conducted. Subjects lifted weights varying from 4.5-11.4kg under conditions representing common industrial lifting situations. Spine loading was calculated using a validated EMG-assisted biomechanical model. Spine loads observed during lifting tasks were compared to spine tolerance values believed to initiate low back injuries. In addition, the percentage of patients successfully performing the lift was noted and used as an indication of the willingness of the subject to perform the task. These evaluations were summarized in a series of three lifting guidelines indicating safe, medium risk and high risk lifting tasks for low back patients as well as asymptomatic workers. Adherence to these guidelines can minimize the risk of recurrent low back disorders due to occupational lifting. (104723)
CIS 06-184 An evaluation of methods assessing the physical demands of manual lifting in scaffolding. van der Beek A.J., Mathiassen S.E., Windhorst J., Burdorf A., Applied Ergonomics, Mar. 2005, Vol.36, No.2, p.213-222. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: The physical demands of manual lifting during three distinct scaffolding tasks (transport, erection, dismantlement) were compared and ranked using the revised NIOSH lifting equation (NIOSH method), lifting guidelines for the Dutch construction industry (Arbouw method), rapid appraisal of the NIOSH lifting equation (practitioners' method) and systematic observations. For the first three methods, the same dataset was used, while observations took place in a different setting within the same enterprise. All methods indicated that ergonomic interventions are required to protect scaffolders from an increased risk for low back pain. The NIOSH, Arbouw and practitioners' method resulted in a similar ranking order of tasks (transport > erection > dismantlement). In contrast, the observational method gave transport the lowest ranking. The underlying cause was probably that the observational method is more sensitive to durations of tasks and lifting within tasks than the three other methods. (104727)
CIS 06-185 Safety recommendations: Lifeboat launching devices. (German: Sicherheitsempfehlung: Aussetzvorrichtung Rescue Boot) Schiff und Hafen, 2004, No.9, p. 61-62. Illus. (In German) Internet: A seaman carrying out maintenance work on the launching device of a lifeboat on board a container ship was the victim of a fatal accident caused by the failure of the blocking system on the launching mechanism. Following the accident, the BSU (Bundesstelle für Seeunfalluntersuchung - the Federal agency for the investigation of maritime accidents) sent a safety recommendation to the manufacturers of this type of equipment in order to avoid similar accidents in the future. (104625)
CIS 06-186 Maintenance: hazardous activities. (French: Maintenance: des activités à risque) Barbat L., Blaise J.C., Bonnaud C., Caillet J.P., Grusenmeyer C., Pomian J.L., Tierno O., Travail et sécurité, Sep. 2005, No.654, insert 4p. Illus. 1 ref. (In French) Internet: The aim of this practical information sheet is to review basic principles for improving safety and health during the maintenance and repair of machinery. Contents: levels of maintenance; organization of maintenance activities; hazard evaluation; analysis of accidents and incidents. (104745)
CIS 06-187 Understanding felling safety in the New Zealand forest industry. Bentley T.A., Parker R.J., Ashby L., Applied Ergonomics, Mar. 2005, Vol.36, No.2, p.165-175. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: This article reports findings from a safety analysis of the chainsaw tree felling task in New Zealand, together with data from the New Zealand Accident Reporting Scheme for logging injuries for 1996-2000. Key safety factors were determined from the task and job safety analysis, along with possible adverse consequences and potential solutions for reducing injury risk. The analysis of 351 reported felling injury cases allowed the identification of high-risk task elements, common injury initiating events and temporal and logger population injury patterns. The potential risk associated with inexperienced employees, who incurred a high proportion of felling injuries, and the need for good judgment and decision-making for various aspects of the felling task were particularly noted. (104725)
CIS 06-188 Development of an image analysis system for characterizing rock masses. (French: Développement d'un système d'analyse d'images pour la caractérisation des massifs rocheux) Hadjigeorgiou J., Lemy F., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2005. iii, 46p. Illus. 45 ref. + CD-ROM. Price: CAD 6.42. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-551-22727-5 (In French) Internet: The collection of reliable information for improving the design of underground excavations is a major problem in underground mines where boulders that detach from the rock mass can cause serious injuries. This report describes an image analysis system adapted to the conditions in underground mines. Compared to the traditional method of discontinuity surveys, this technique offers many advantages: the time necessary for data acquisition is greatly reduced; the large amount of data collected increases the quality of the information available for characterizing the rock mass; it allows the creation of a permanent database; it is simple to implement; and mainly, it avoids the operator's direct exposure to falling boulders. (104740)
CIS 06-189 Safety in window cleaning using suspended and powered access equipment. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 2003. 4p. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: For every window cleaning job, the choice of access equipment is determined by the height of the building, site conditions, duration and extent of work and frequency of access. Cradles and mobile elevating work platforms are an ideal form of access for external window cleaning for many larger buildings. This information note, aimed at window cleaning businesses, provides a series of checklists to reduce the risks as far as possible. (104577)
CIS 06-190 Slips and trips in the health services. X, Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 2003. 8p. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: This information note provides practical advice on preventing slips and trips in the health services. Topics covered: importance of tackling the risks of slips and trips; main causes of slips and trips and how they can be controlled (adequate floor surface, managing the control of slips and trip risks); legal requirements. Two tables present the main causative factors of slips and trips and the corresponding risk control measures. (104578)
CIS 06-191 Safe erection, use and dismantling of falsework. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2003. 4p. Illus. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: Failure of falsework may lead to the collapse of the permanent structures it supports. Investigations of falsework collapses have identified a lack of coordination between the various trades and suppliers of falsework as a major cause. This information note gives guidance on the safe erection, use and dismantling of falsework . Topics covered: statutory responsibilities; management; planning; design; materials; erecting the falsework; inspection; striking and dismantling; training of personnel; legal requirements. (104580)
CIS 06-192 Personnel detection by means of radiofrequency waves on non-metallic conveyors. (French: Détection de personnes par ondes radioélectriques sur les convoyeurs de matières non métalliques) Klein R., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, July 2005. 7p. Illus. 8 ref. Price: EUR 2.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1317-2 (In French) Internet: This guide explains a method for the detection of persons on non-metallic conveyor belts leading to scrap baling machines. The system involves the emission and detection of a radiofrequency wave from an electromagnetic badge worn by the person to be protected and from a radio beacon on the conveyor. Principles for ensuring the proper implementation of this safety device are described and the main technical and regulatory requirements are highlighted. (104735)
CIS 06-193 Delivery of beverages for non-domestic consumption. Prevention of occupational hazards. (French: La distribution de boissons en consommation hors domicile. Prévention des risques professionnels) Ballue C., Lavergne G., Vernois G., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2003. 64p. Illus. 53 ref. Price: EUR 8.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1101-3 (In French) Internet: This guide is intended for managers of enterprises that deliver beverages to sectors other than retail outlets, such as restaurants, hotels, canteens, hospitals, etc. It provides guidance on the analysis and assessment of hazards and the adoption of preventive measures and is the result of collaboration between several trade federations in the beverages and hotel sectors. Contents: responsibilities of management; health hazards in this sector of activity; managing the risks; occupational accidents in this sector, conclusions. (104737)
CIS 06-194 Operation of ski slope maintenance equipment. (German: Betrieb von Pistenpflegegeräten) Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Carl Heymanns Verlag KG, Luxemburgerstrasse 449, 50939 Köln, Germany, Jan. 2004. 14p. (In German) Internet: Contents of these guidelines of the German Mutual Occupational Accident Insurance Association on ski slope maintenance equipment: scope; definitions; preventive measures against health hazards and dangerous work-related situations (operating the equipment in compliance with service instructions, demands on drivers, danger zones, driving the equipment, use in specific situations, transport of passengers on the loading deck, transport of loads, use of winches, maintenance, checks). (104587)
CIS 06-195 Use of protective clothing against laceration and piercing caused by knives. (German: Benutzung von Stechschutzbekleidung) Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Carl Heymanns Verlag KG, Luxemburgerstrasse 449, 50939 Köln, Germany, Oct. 2003. 34p. Illus. (In German) Internet: This Directive of the German Mutual Occupational Accident Insurance Association applies to the selection and use of protective clothing against laceration and piercing caused by knives that employers are required to provide to their employees according to the provisions of the law on occupational safety and health. It describes the various types of clothing (aprons, waistcoats, shirts, hoods, trousers) and the criteria for selecting the suitable type of clothing, together, with rules for their use, hygiene, maintenance, repair and storage. (104585)
CIS 06-196 Use of protective gloves and gauntlets against laceration and piercing caused by knives. (German: Benutzung von Stechschutzhandschuhen und Armschützern) Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Carl Heymanns Verlag KG, Luxemburgerstrasse 449, 50939 Köln, Germany, Apr. 2003. 28p. Illus. (In German) Internet: This Directive of the German Mutual Occupational Accident Insurance Association applies to the selection and use of protective gloves and gauntlets against laceration and piercing caused by knives that employers are required to provide to their employees according to the provisions of the law on occupational safety and health. It defines the various types of protection of the upper extremities (short- or long-cuff gloves, gauntlet gloves, thumb protectors), criteria for selecting a suitable type of glove and rules for their use, hygiene, maintenance, repair and storage. (104586)
CIS 06-197 Cold metalworking presses: Improving the safety of presses in service and undergoing renovation - Guide for users and safety professionals. (French: Presses pour le travail à froid dans les métaux. Amélioration de la sécurité sur les presses en service dans le cadre de leur rénovation. Guide à l'usage des utilisateurs et des préventeurs) Le Roy de Présalé M., Lubineau M., Bert M., Boucard M., Darves-Bornoz M., Gillot M., Hue M., Baudoin M., Bello M., Lupin M., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, rev. ed. 2003. 34p. Illus. 12 ref. Price: EUR 6.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-0326-6 (In French) Internet: This safety guide describes procedures for assessing and improving the safety of cold metalworking presses while taking into account production constraints. Key-clutch, friction-clutch and hydraulic presses are treated separately. The safety principles and corresponding protection devices applicable to each of these categories are described. Technical specifications for the implementation of the selected safety measures are dealt with in INRS guides ED 782 (CIS 05-229) for mechanical presses and ED 882 (CIS 06-198) for hydraulic presses. This guide replaces the previous edition (CIS 96-1071). (104736)
CIS 06-198 Cold metalworking hydraulic presses: Improving the safety of presses in service and undergoing renovation. Technical specifications for safety specialists and overhaul contractors. (French: Presses hydrauliques pour le travail à froid des métaux. Amélioration de la sécurité sur les presses en service dans le cadre de leur rénovation. Spécifications techniques à l'usage des préventeurs et des rénovateurs) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2002. 56p. Illus. 14 ref. Price: EUR 8.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1092-0 (In French) Internet: These technical specifications complement the safety guide intended for safety specialists and users of cold metalworking hydraulic presses (INRS ED 783, see CIS 06-197). They describe the implementation of safety measures selected with the help of the above-mentioned guide. Technical specifications for mechanical presses are dealt with in the INRS guide ED 782 (see CIS 05-220). (104743)
CIS 06-199 Point-of-sale glass bottle recycling: Indoor airborne exposures and symptoms among employees. Kennedy S.M., Copes R., Bartlett K.H., Brauer M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2004, Vol.61, No.7, p.628-635. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: Airborne exposures and both chronic and acute respiratory and somatic symptoms were surveyed among 226 employees at 36 randomly selected liquor stores with bottle recycling and in-house glass breaking. Rates of chronic symptoms were compared to an external, unexposed control population. Exposure levels were estimated for inhalable particulate matter (0.18 mg/m3), endotoxin (3.6 EU/m3) and viable fungi (1064 CFU/m3). Fungal levels were associated with visibly mouldy bottles being broken, outdoor fungal counts and uncovered glass bins. Compared to controls, employees reported more work related chest tightness and chronic nasal symptoms. Acute chest symptoms were associated with breaking visibly mouldy bottles, but not with measured fungal counts; inhalable particulate matter levels >0.2 mg/m3 were associated with acute upper airway irritation. Results suggest that this type of recycling programme may generate fungal exposures sufficient to elicit upper airway and chest symptoms. (104546)
CIS 06-200 Adverse human health effects associated with molds in the indoor environment. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2003, Vol.45, No.5, p.470-478. 83 ref. (In English) Internet: Review article on adverse effects associated with moulds in the indoor environment. Contents: allergy and hypersensitivity reactions (hypersensitivity pneumonitis, uncommon allergic syndromes); fungal infections; mycotoxins; recommendations on minimizing exposure to moulds among persons with allergic airway disease, on sampling and analysing, on cleaning indoor fabrics contaminated with moulds and on medical examinations. (104601)
CIS 06-201 Paternal laboratory work and congenital malformations. Magnusson L.L., Bonde J.P., Olsen J., Möller L., Bingefors K., Wennborg H., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2004, Vol.46, No.8, p.761-767. Illus. 43 ref. (In English) Internet: A study was carried out on male employees of biological and biomedical institutions in Swedish universities from 1970 to 1989. A control group comprised workers in non-biological departments of the same universities. Female partners were linked to the Swedish Medical Birth register. The total number of pregnancies available for study was 4170. The relationship between major malformations and exposure to laboratory work and to specific laboratory agents or techniques before the third trimester of pregnancy was analysed using logistic regression. There were a total of 81 births with at least one major malformation: 44 among those exposed to paternal laboratory work and 37 among the reference group. It was concluded that while the prevalence of congenital malformations was not increased in the offspring of male laboratory workers in general, paternal work with agents such as carcinogens could be of concern. (104617)
CIS 06-202 Management guidelines for laboratory exposures to agents of bioterrorism. Rusnak J.M., Kortepeter M.G., Hawley R.J., Boudreau E., Aldis J., Pittman P.R., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2004, Vol.46, No.8, p.791-800. Illus. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: This article examines measures for preventing exposure to potential bioterrorism agents in biodefence research laboratories. Guidelines issued by the Special Immunizations Program at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) are described. These include general safety measures and policies for vaccination and exposure evaluation. Results of evaluations of exposure to bacterial agents, viral agents and toxins are also analysed. It is concluded that a multifaceted policy of safety training, laboratory practices and procedures, personal protective measures, vaccination and early assessment of potential exposure with initiation of postexposure prophylaxis has been successful in minimizing the risk of disease in laboratory workers. Algorithms for evaluating and managing potential exposure are presented to provide guidance to other agencies. (104619)
CIS 06-203 Experience in the medical management of potential laboratory exposures to agents of bioterrorism on the basis of risk assessment at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). Rusnak J.M., Kortepeter M.G., Aldis J., Boudreau E., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2004, Vol.46, No.8, p.801-811. Illus. 44 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes a review of potential exposures to infectious agents of bioterrorism (bacterial, viral, or rickettsial agents) at the research laboratories of the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) from 1989 to 2002. The evaluation of 234 persons (78% vaccinated) for exposure to 289 infectious agents revealed five confirmed infections. Postexposure antibiotic prophylaxis was given for most moderate- or high-risk bacterial exposures, most unvaccinated minimal-risk exposures and some vaccinated minimal-risk exposures. It was concluded that a multifaceted policy of personal protective measures, vaccination, early assessment and postexposure antibiotic prophylaxis was effective in minimizing morbidity and mortality in at-risk workers. (104620)
CIS 06-204 Occupational lung disease related to Cytophaga endotoxin exposure in a nylon plant. Nordness M.E., Zacharisen M.C., Schlueter D.P., Fink J.N., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2003, Vol.45, No.4, p.385-392. Illus. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: Workers at a nylon plant developed pulmonary disease with systemic symptoms. Cytophaga, an endotoxin-producing bacteria, was isolated from the plant air-conditioning system. Several workers underwent lung biopsies, demonstrating hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Inhalation challenges with purified Cytophaga endotoxin were performed on three groups of subjects: employees with clinical features and biopsy consistent with HP (group 1); asymptomatic exposed workers with precipitins (group 2); and non-exposed healthy individuals (group 3). All subjects had fever and leukocytosis after inhalation challenge. Acute and/or late pulmonary function changes occurred in groups 1 and 2. Group 3 only had acute and transient pulmonary function changes. It is concluded that the Cytophaga bacterial endotoxin is capable of inducing HP as well as humidifier fever. (104666)
CIS 06-205 Beyond the biomedical and behavioural: Towards an integrated approach to HIV Prevention in the Southern African mining industry. Campbell C., Williams B., Social Science and Medicine, June 1999, Vol. 48, No.11, p.1625-1639. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: This paper examines limitations in the response of key players in the gold mining industry in countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to the problem of HIV/AIDS. It is argued that attention was given to biomedical or behavioural prevention programmes or to human rights issues rather than to the social and developmental dimensions of HIV-transmission. A case study highlights some of the social, economic and political factors which make southern African migrant workers susceptible to HIV infection and describes an intervention in a mining community in South Africa which seeks to develop a more holistic approach to HIV/AIDS management in an industrial setting. (104716)
CIS 06-206 Dealing with gastrointestinal illness on a cruise ship - Part 1: Description of sanitation measures. Part 2: An isolation study. Dahl E., International Maritime Health, 2004, Vol.55, No.1/4. p.19-29. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: Reports of outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness (GI) during 17 cruises of a ship with an average of 590 passengers and 611 crew per day were reviewed. During a 250-day period, there were 78 reportable GI cases among the passengers and 49 among the crew; a total of 207 people were isolated. Sanitation measures are described, including the isolation of GI cases and their asymptomatic contacts. It was concluded that a detailed operational directive concerning all aspects of sanitation should be made available for the prevention and control of GI outbreaks on ships. (104611)
CIS 06-207 Risk of occupational blood exposure in a cohort of 24,000 hospital healthcare workers: Position and environment analysis over three years. Denis M.A., Ecochard R., Bernadet A., Forissier M.F., Porst J.M., Robert O., Volckmann C., Bergeret A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2003, Vol.45, No.3, p.283-288. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: Early and efficient prevention of occupational blood exposure at hospitals requires knowledge of exposures and risks according to staff characteristics, as well as calculation of annual exposure rates and relative rates. For this purpose, a three-year cohort study involving 24,000 healthcare workers was carried out in a group of 21 health centres in Lyon, France. The overall annual incidence of blood exposure was 3.5 per 100 workers per year, with a maximum for nurses and midwives (6.5) and a minimum for cleaners and paramedics (0.6). Exposures affected mainly nurses (57.81% of accidents, 12.12% of the cohort) and occurred mostly in the surgical and the medical departments (26.34% and 25.20% of accidents respectively). Emergency and intensive care staff had the highest relative rates (4.27 and 3.05 respectively) compared with maintenance staff. Nurses and laboratory staff were more exposed than physicians (relative rates of 3.76 and 2.30 respectively). (104662)
CIS 06-208 Hand hygiene during health care activities. Recommendations established in 2002 by the French Society of Hospital Hygiene. (French: L'hygiène des mains dans l'exercice des soins. Recommandations établies en 2002 par la Société française d'hygiène hospitalière) Revue de médecine du travail, Mar.-Apr. 2003, Vol.XXX, No.2, p.44-51. (In French) Internet: This article presents the recommendations of the French Society of Hospital Hygiene with respect to hand hygiene during the provision of health care, a key aspect in the prevention of nosocomial infections. Various methods of hand washing and disinfection are described and recommendations are given for procedures, products and equipment to be used according to the level of risk. (104746)
CIS 06-209 HIV/AIDS and work. Technical cooperation - A means to implement the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work. ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (ILOAIDS), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2004. 40p. 17.ref., ISBN 92-2-115826-8 (In English) Internet: This report provides an overview of the role of technical cooperation in achieving the objectives of the ILO's Global Programme on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work (ILO/AIDS). Key areas of technical cooperation are outlined, based on the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (see CIS 03-444). The implementation and achievements of selected projects in a range of countries and sectors are described to illustrate the different approaches used. Lessons learned from these projects are summarized and priority areas for future work are identified. ILO collaboration with intergovernmental organizations is also discussed. (104706)
CIS 06-210 The private sector responds to the epidemic: Debswana - a global benchmark. (French: La riposte du secteur privé à l'épidémie: Debswana - une référence mondiale) Barnett T., Fantan T., Mbakile B., Whiteside A., Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 20 avenue Appia, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, Sep. 2002. 48p. Illus. 11 ref., ISBN 92-9173-217-6 (En), ISBN 92-9173-218-4 (Fr) (In English, French) Internet: This case study describes the development of an HIV/AIDS management policy in the Debswana diamond mining company in Botswana. An institutional audit of the susceptibility and vulnerability of the company to HIV/AIDS was carried out and the findings were used as the basis for the development of an effective HIV/AIDS strategy. Key issues identified in the audit included the identification of critical posts, a review of employee benefits, the provision of antiretroviral drugs, pre- and post-employment testing strategies and a revision of the management information system to take into account HIV/AIDS. (104711)
CIS 06-211 The faces, voices and skills behind the GIPA Workplace Model in South Africa. (French: Des visages, des voix, des compétences - Le Modèle GIPA sur le lieu de travail en Afrique du Sud) Simon-Meyer J, Odallo D., Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), 20 avenue Appia, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, June 2002. 56p. Illus. 10 ref., ISBN 92-9173-196-X (En), ISBN 92-9173-197-8 (Fr) (In English, French) Internet: This case study describes the development and operation of the GIPA (Greater involvement of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS) Workplace Model, developed with the support of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its aim was to place trained fieldworkers, living openly with HIV/AIDS, in selected partner organizations to set up or renew workplace policies and programmes in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The experiences of 11 fieldworkers are described and elements of best practice are identified. (104712)
CIS 06-212 Workplace action on HIV/AIDS: Identifying and sharing best practice. Background report for Tripartite Interregional Meeting on Best Practices in HIV/AIDS Workplace Policies and Programmes, 15-17 December 2003, ILO, Geneva. ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (ILOAIDS), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2003. x, 62p., ISBN 92-2-115157-3 (In English) Internet: This report reviews the economic and social impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic worldwide, in particular in the world of work, and describes the ILO's involvement in the global response. The identification and use of best practices in tackling HIV/AIDS in the workplace is discussed and examples of the implementation of best practice in key areas are examined: policy and legal frameworks; workplace policies and programmes for prevention, care, support and treatment; links beyond the formal workplace (informal economy, community, vulnerable groups); and knowledge and evidence (data analysis, monitoring and feedback). (104713)
CIS 06-213 Tripartite Interregional Meeting on Best Practices in HIV/AIDS Workplace Policies and Programmes, Geneva, 15-17 December 2003: Consensus Statement. (French: Réunion interrégionale tripartite sur les bonnes pratiques dans le domaine des politiques et des programmes VIH/SIDA en milieu de travail, 15-17 décembre 2003: Déclaration consensuelle; Spanish: Reunión tripartita interregional sobre las prácticas óptimas y enseñanzas extraídas de las políticas y los programas relativos al VIH/SIDA en el lugar de trabajo Ginebra, 15 al 17 de diciembre de 2003: Declaración de consenso) ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (ILOAIDS), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2003. 9p. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This consensus statement defines principles for workplace action on HIV/AIDS using a good practice approach. It sets out criteria for identifying good practice and for adapting a practice for replication and describes factors which are common to good practices in HIV/AIDS workplace policies and programmes. Areas where further action is required are also identified. These recommendations serve as a guideline for the development of workplace HIV/AIDS programmes. (104714)
CIS 06-214 Enterprises and HIV/AIDS in India. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2002. Resource package. Illus., ISBN 92-2-113221-8 (In English) Internet: This resource package comprises a compilation of case studies of HIV/AIDS programmes in eight enterprises in India, a manual providing guidelines for implementing a response to HIV/AIDS in the workplace, a copy of the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (see CIS 03-444) and a CD-ROM on the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the world of work. The case studies document the key experiences and lessons learned in the areas of social initiatives, prevention and care activities at the workplace, advocacy and partnerships. The manual provides a six-step approach for developing a workplace programme. (104715)
CIS 06-215 Workplace HIV/AIDS programs: An Action guide for managers. Rau B., Family Health International (FIH), 2101 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 700, Arlington VA 22201, USA, 2002. 102p. Illus., ISBN 1-931547-04-1 (In English) Internet: This guide provides practical steps for developing and implementing workplace prevention and care programmes to serve both employees and managers. Contents: HIV/AIDS issues in the workplace; assessing the risks and impact of HIV/AIDS on companies; workplace HIV/AIDS policies and prevention and care programmes; managing the impact of HIV/AIDS on a company; company leadership in HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Includes sample workplace HIV/AIDS policies and case studies. (104717)
CIS 06-216 Indicators to monitor the implementation and impact of HIV/AIDS workplace policies and programmes in the UN System. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2004. 11p., ISBN 92-2-116496-9 (In English) Internet: This document summarizes the findings of a review of UN personnel policy on HIV/AIDS with reference to the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (see CIS 03-444). Workplace indicators on HIV/AIDS are presented along with suggested tools for measurement. It is recommended that indicators should be measured at regular intervals to monitor the implementation of an HIV/AIDS policy. Implementation benchmarks for use in the UN workplace are also listed. (104718)
CIS 06-217 Workshop for employers' organizations in East and Southern Africa on a time-bound action plan to combat HIV/AIDS, Mombasa, Kenya, 26-27 November 2001. ILO Programme on HIV/AIDS and the world of work (ILOAIDS), ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2002. 17p., ISBN 92-2-112960-8 (In English) Internet: This report presents an overview of the range of activities undertaken by employers in East and Southern Africa to combat HIV/AIDS and provides a guide to the development of policies and programmes in the world of work. An action plan is set out which aims to reduce the rate of HIV/AIDS infections through workplace-based education and prevention programmes and to improve the workplace environment for workers living with HIV/AIDS. (104719)
CIS 06-218 Code of practice on the management of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis at workplaces. WorkSafe Western Australia, 1260 Hay Street, West Perth, WA 6005, Australia, rev. ed. Sep. 2000. 46p. Illus. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: This revised code of practice provides practical guidance for the management of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and hepatitis C in the workplace. It describes the nature and means of transmission of the diseases and presents guidance on risk management: sources of infection; hazardous activities and occupations; control measures; personal hygiene; sharp instruments; cleaning and disinfection; spills; waste management; vaccination; personal protective equipment; information and training; monitoring and evaluation. Replaces CIS 99-1353. (104720)
CIS 06-219 HIV/AIDS and world of work: A collection of relevant information. International Labour Organization, Subregional Office for South Asia, India Habitat Centre, 3rd Floor, Core 4B, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110 003, India, 2002. CD-ROM. (In English) Internet: This CD-ROM was prepared by the ILO-AIDS Programme in India in collaboration with the V.V. Giri National Labour Institute. It contains abstracts of nearly 300 publications from existing studies, training manuals, statistics, legislation, policies, community programmes and enterprise initiatives (at regional, national, state and enterprise levels) on HIV/AIDS in the world of work. The collection is classified into eight sections: behavioural surveys and studies; community initiatives; legislation and policies; impact of HIV/AIDS on labour, employment and the economy; migration and the spread of HIV/AIDS; stigma and discrimination; women and HIV/AIDS; workplace initiatives. (104708)
CIS 06-220 Facial dimensions and predictors of fit for half-mask respirators in Koreans. Han D.H., Choi K.L., AIHA Journal, Nov.-Dec. 2003, Vol.64, No.6, p.815-822. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated the relationship between facial dimensions and the fit of half-mask respirators using fit factors and selected good facial dimension predictors of fit for designing respirators for Korean workers. Three different brands of half-mask respirators were fit-tested on 112 men and 38 women. Before fit-testing, 10 facial dimensions were measured. Data were analyzed and facial dimensions to be preferentially considered when designing a half-mask respirator for Korean workers were identified. (104559)
CIS 06-221 A survey of forest workers in New Zealand - Do hours of work, rest and recovery play a role in accidents and injury?. Lilley R., Feyer A.M., Kirk P., Gander P., Journal of Safety Research, 2002, Vol.33, No.1, p.53-71. Illus. 44 ref. (In English) Internet: This study explored the relationship between fatigue and accidents in a group of 367 forestry industry workers in New Zealand. Data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Fatigue was commonly experienced at work, with 78% of workers reporting that they experienced fatigue at least "sometimes." Certain groups of workers reported long working hours, reduced sleep, compromised recovery time, and intensely paced work. Logistic regression analysis showed that recent sleep, number of breaks taken during the workday, and specific tasks were independently associated with reporting of high fatigue levels at work. Near-miss events were significantly more common among those reporting a high level of fatigue at work. Accidents and lost-time injury were associated with length of time at work, ethnicity, and having had near-miss injury events. These results suggest that fatigue is associated with compromised safety for forest workers. (104553)
CIS 06-222 Are pilots at risk of accidents due to fatigue?. Goode J.H., Journal of Safety Research, 2003, Vol.34, No.3, p.309-313. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: There is concern in the aviation community that pilot schedules can lead to fatigue and increased chance of an aviation accident. Yet despite this concern, there is little empirical analysis showing the relationship between pilot schedules and commercial aviation accidents. This study attempts to demonstrate an empirical relationship between pilot schedules and aviation accidents. Data for human factors-related accidents and pilot work patterns were identified. The distribution of pilot work schedule parameters for the accidents was compared to that for all pilots using a chi-square test to determine if the proportions of accidents and length of duty exposure were the same. It was found that there is a discernible pattern of increased probability of an accident as duty time increases for commercial aircraft pilots in the United States. The analysis suggests that establishing limits on duty time for commercial pilots would reduce risk. (104600)
CIS 06-223 Development of an ergonomics guideline for the furniture manufacturing industry. Mirka G.A., Applied Ergonomics, Mar. 2005, Vol.36, No.2, p.241-247. Illus. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: The American Furniture Manufacturers Association has developed ergonomic guidelines for its members in the form of a document that includes basic information as well as a compilation of best practices submitted by members of the furniture manufacturing community. This voluntary guidance was developed through an industry-research-government partnership and made strategic use of the unique attributes that each sector brought to this effort. This article outlines some of the characteristics of the partnership including the roles played by each, the different motivations for pursuing the guidelines, the challenges faced during the development of the document, the successes experienced in this process and a proposed outline for measuring the effectiveness of this effort. (104729)
CIS 06-224 Early workplace intervention for employees with musculoskeletal-related absenteeism: A prospective controlled intervention study. Arnetz B.B., Sjögren B., Rydéhn B., Meisel R., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2003, Vol.45, No.5, p.499-506. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study, the effects on sickness absenteeism of a more proactive role for insurance case managers as well as workplace ergonomic interventions were compared with that of traditional case management. Patients with physician-diagnosed musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) were randomized either to the intervention group or the reference group that was offered the traditional case management routines. Participants filled out a comprehensive questionnaire at the start of the study and after six months. In addition, administrative data were collected at 0, 6, and 12 months after the start of the project. For the entire 12-month period, the total mean number of sick days for the intervention group was 144.9 days/person as compared to 197.9 days in the reference group. The odds ratio for returning to work in the intervention group was 2.5 as compared with the reference group. The direct cost savings were USD 1195 per case, yielding a direct benefit-to-cost ratio of 6.8. (104602)
CIS 06-225 Direction of shift rotation among three-shift workers in relation to psychological health and work-family conflict. van Amelsvoort L.G.M.P., Jansen N.W.H., Swaen G.M.H., van den Brandt P.A.., Kant I., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.30, No.2, p.149-156. 49 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated whether the direction of shift rotation was related to the need for recovery, fatigue, sleep quality, work-family conflict, and leisure time among three-shift workers. Data for 95 workers in forward-rotating three-shift work and 681 workers in backward-rotating three-shift work were analysed over a period of 32 months. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were carried out. A backward rotation schedule was related to an increased need for recovery (relative risk RR=2.88) and poor general health (RR=3.21), as compared with a forward rotation schedule. Furthermore, a forward rotation schedule was related to less work-family conflict and better sleep quality over the 32 months of follow-up. Finally, high levels of fatigue, need for recovery, poor sleep quality, poor general health, insufficient leisure time and work-family conflict were associated with an increased risk of leaving shift-work during the follow-up. (104673)
CIS 06-226 Reviewing ambulance design for clinical efficiency and paramedic safety. Ferreira J., Hignett S., Applied Ergonomics, Jan. 2005, Vol.36, No.1, p.97-105. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: This study aimed to review the layout of the patient compartment in a United Kingdom ambulance with respect to paramedic efficiency and safety. Link analysis and postural analysis were used. Paramedics were observed over 16 shifts (130h). The most frequently-occurring clinical tasks were checking blood oxygen saturation, oxygen administration, monitoring the heart and checking blood pressure. Access to the equipment and consumables to support these tasks had been designed for the attendant seat (head end of the stretcher), however, a link analysis found that paramedics preferred to sit alongside the stretcher which resulted in increased reach distances. The higher-frequency tasks were found to include over 40% of working postures that required corrective measures. It was concluded that future ambulance design should be based on an ergonomics analysis of clinical activities. (104724)
CIS 06-227 QDF: A methodological tool for integration of ergonomics at the design stage. Marsot J., Applied Ergonomics, Mar. 2005, Vol.36, No.2, p.185-192. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: Following a marked increase in the number of musculoskeletal disorders observed in many industrialized countries and more specifically in companies that require the use of hand tools, the French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS) launched a research program in 1999 on the topic of integrating ergonomics into hand tool design. This article briefly reviews the problems of integrating ergonomics at the design stage and shows how the "Quality Function Deployment" method was applied to the design of a boning knife, highlighting some of the difficulties encountered. Finally, it shows how this method can be used as a methodological tool for the integration of ergonomics into product design. (104726)
CIS 06-228 Paddling upstream: A contextual analysis of implementation of a workplace ergonomic policy at a large newspaper. Polanyi M.F., Cole D.C., Ferrier S.E., Facey M., Applied Ergonomics, Mar. 2005, Vol.36, No.2, p.231-239. Illus. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: Efforts to implement workplace ergonomic programs aimed at reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) have to address multiple physical and psychosocial aspects of work environments, yet contextual factors often limit their success. This article describes the processes involved in an ergonomic program to reduce neck and upper limb WMSDs at a large Canadian newspaper. Using qualitative data collection and analysis methods, the impacts of key contextual characteristics are illustrated, including those relating to the programme (management commitment, union involvement, experience and skill of programme leaders, researcher involvement), the organization (drive for productivity, management control, organizational culture) and the broader social context (economic climate, nature of newspaper work, technology and nature of WMSD). (104728)
CIS 06-229 Job study of an accompanying pianist highlighting the usefulness and limitations of occupational health services. (French: Etude du poste de pianiste accompagnatrice ou utilité et limites du service de santé au travail) Lacombe A.M., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2005, Vol.45, No.2, p.175-178. 4 ref. (In French) Internet: A female accompanying pianist employed in a music school developed a tingling sensation in her right hand, followed by a loss of strength and sensitivity in the hand and arm. She was diagnosed with a disc hernia for which she was operated. She recovered and resumed her occupation. She later developed the same symptoms and a disc hernia was again diagnosed. Not willing to undergo a second operation, she applied for occupational disease compensation, which was rejected. She appealed against the decision and contacted an occupational physician who carried out a detailed job study, as a result of which the occupational nature of her disorder was recognized. Details of the ergonomic evaluation are outlined. (104741)
CIS 06-230 Low back pain among female infirmary workers in Venezuela. (Spanish: Lumbalgia ocupacional en enfermeras venezolanas) Borges A., Maizlish N., Loreto V., Salud de los Trabajadores, Jan. 2004, Vol.12, No.1, p.19-32. 28 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: A questionnaire survey of 302 female workers was carried out in two hospitals in Venezuela. Subjective assessments of low-back pain were examined in relation to observed occupational risk factors. The prevalence of current low-back pain was 28% and prevalence of frequent pain during the previous year was 48%. Significant associations were found between low-back pain and tasks involving uncomfortable positions of the trunk and the lifting of loads and with the intensity of work. Menstruation and smoking were significant non-occupational risk factors. (104520)
CIS 06-231 Working conditions, visual fatigue, and mental health among systems analysts in Saõ Paulo, Brazil. Rocha L.E., Debert-Ribeiro M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2004, Vol.61, No.1, p.24-32. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: To evaluate the association between working conditions, visual fatigue and mental health among systems analysts in Sao Paulo, Brazil, a cross sectional study was carried out by a multidisciplinary team. It included ergonomic analysis of work, individual and group interviews and 553 self-administered questionnaires in two enterprises. The comparison population consisted of 136 workers employed in various other occupations. Among subjects, visual fatigue was associated with mental workload, inadequate equipment and workstation, low level of worker participation, being a woman and the subject's attitude to computer work. Mental health was associated with mental workload and with inadequate equipment, work environment and tools. Continuing education and leisure activities were protective factors. (104687)
CIS 06-232 Compilation of anthropometric measurements for the updating of DIN 33402 - Part 2. (German: Erhebung anthropometrischer Masse zur Aktualisierung der DIN 33 402 - Teil 2) Jürgens H.W., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 86p. Illus. Price: EUR 10.50., ISBN 3-86509-189-X (In German) Internet: The current DIN standard 33402, part 2, is based on anthropometric measurements that are no longer valid. This report presents the results of anthropometric measurements for the 41-55 year age group, which complement those of the 18-40 year age group collected earlier, in order to allow an updating of the standard. The results include more than 69 measures (as against 57 in the current version of the standard) which are broken down by age group and sex. (104582)
CIS 06-233 Work schedules based on trust - New development of social working time structures. (German: Vertrauensarbeitszeit - Neue Entwicklung gesellschaftlicher Arbeitszeitstrukturen) Wingen S., Hohmann T., Bensch U., Plum W., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 270p. Illus. 163 ref. Price: EUR 21.00., ISBN 3-86509-200-4 (In German) Internet: This report discusses the concept of "work schedules based on trust", according to which working hours are neither fixed nor controlled, with the employee being given objectives to fulfil and freedom of action and decision. It defines the scope of the concept, examines its degree of adoption and how it has been implemented in enterprises, and analyses practical experiences, with emphasis on the effects on employees' health. A reference model has been developed which provides criteria and design requirements for the successful introduction of a trust-based work schedule system that improves productivity while taking into account the capacities and needs of the workers. Checklists aimed at facilitating the adoption of such a system within the enterprise are included. (104583)
CIS 06-234 We need teams that are ready for the Olympics - Flexible work schedules and occupational safety and health. (German: Olympiareife Mannschaften gesucht? Flexible Arbeitszeiten und Arbeitsschutz) Beermann B., Klenner C., ed., Hans Böckler Stiftung, Bertha-von-Suttner-Platz 1, 40227 Düsseldorf, Germany, 2001. 101p. Price: DEM 20.00., ISBN 3-935145-15-2 (In German) Internet: Proceedings of a workshop on flexible work schedules and their effects on health held in Dortmund, Germany, 22 September 1999. Increasing work schedule flexibility generally entails longer workdays (10-hour days or 6-day weeks), and requires greater levels of performance and flexibility on the part of workers. The workshop addressed health hazards as well as the positive effects of health that may be expected from these types of work schedules. Risks and opportunities for workers were discussed and gaps in research were highlighted. Examples of flexible work schedules suited to older workers and to workers with dependants were also presented. (104588)
CIS 06-235 Endless work - New working conditions and trade union policy. (German: Arbeiten ohne Ende - Neue Arbeitsverhältnisse und gewerkschaftliche Arbeitspolitik) Pickshaus K., Schmitthenner H., Urban H.J., eds., VSA-Verlag, St. Georgs Kirchhof 6, 20099 Hamburg, Germany, 2001. 256p. Illus.Bibl.ref. Includes CD-ROM. Price: EUR 17.80., ISBN 3-87975-833-6 (In German) Internet: In this publication, sociologists, occupational psychologists and labour union members analyse and comment on "endless work" (flexible work without limits). Articles are grouped under the following headings: reasons behind the adoption of endless work and health hazards; duration of work and performance levels required; practical experiences and action support tools; policy strategies. A CD-ROM by IG Metall containing guidance, practical help, presentations, legislation, addresses and useful links is also included. (104589)
CIS 06-236 Technical equipment for occupational rehabilitation of disabled persons. (Polish: Pomoce techniczne w rehabilitacji zawodowej osób niepełnosprawnych) Kurkus-Rozowska B., Serafin R., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2004. 36p. 13 ref., ISBN 83-7373-056-7 (In Polish) Internet: This booklet describes equipment for the occupational rehabilitation of handicapped workers and examines the principles of workplace design for handicapped workers. Includes classification systems of technical equipment provided in standard PN-EN ISO 9999 : 2002. (104640)
CIS 06-237 First French-speaking congress on upper extremity MSDs. (French: 1er congrès francophone sur les TMS du membre supérieur) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2005. CD-ROM. (In French) Internet: Proceedings of a conference on upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) held in Nancy, France, 30-31 May 2005. The objective of the programme was to describe the current state of scientific progress and research prospects on the subject. Topics addressed: enterprise surveillance methods; the role of work organization; return to work of persons with MSDs; body mechanics; psychosocial factors; identification of successful interventions; recent methods and tools for prevention; research in other countries; economic aspects. (104732)
CIS 06-238 Disease of civilization: historical and systematic review of a paradigm of stress-related disorders. (French: Maladie de civilisation: historique et systématique d'un paradigme des affections liées au stress; German: Zivilisationskrankheit: Historisches und Systematisches zu einem Paradigma der Stress-Erkrankungen) Roelcke V., Informations médicales - Medizinische Mitteilungen, 2005, No.76, p.31-42. 21 ref. (In French, German) Internet: This article addresses the question of whether modern societies cause ill health. Considers whether working conditions in a world subject to a globalisation process cause specific diseases and whether the consequences of stress on health therefore constitute a form of disease of civilization. Contents: disease models and the concept of disease of civilization; historical development of the concept of neurasthenia; stress as a form of disease of civilization. (104523)
CIS 06-239 Perceived safety climate, job demands, and coworker support among union and nonunion injured construction workers. Gillen M., Baltz D., Gassel M., Kirsch L., Vaccaro D., Journal of Safety Research, 2002, Vol.33, No.1, p.33-51. 60 ref. (In English) Internet: This study evaluated perceptions of workplace safety climate, psychological job demands, decision latitude and coworker support among 255 injured construction workers and examined the relationship of these variables to the severity of the injury. Injury severity was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and worker perceptions of workplace variables were determined by the Safety Climate Measure for Construction Sites and the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). The overall model explained 23% of the variance in injury severity, with significant contributions provided by union status, the safety climate score and psychological job demands. A positive significant correlation was also found between injury severity and the Safety Climate Scores and between the Safety Climate Scores and union status. (104552)
CIS 06-240 Psychosocial hazards and seafarer health: Priorities for research and practice. Leka S., International Maritime Health, 2004, Vol.55, No.1/4, p.137-153. 73 ref. (In English) Internet: This article explores the changing nature of work and the emergence and prevalence of psychosocial hazards. Effects on worker health are examined, focusing on the issue of work-related stress, and the effects of these hazards on seafarer health are investigated in the light of current working conditions in the maritime sector. Recommendations are made for future research and practice. (104616)
CIS 06-241 Work as a mental health factor. (French: Le travail comme facteur de santé psychique; German: Die Arbeit als Faktor der psychischen Gesundheit) Guillemin M., Informations médicales - Medizinische Mitteilungen, 2005, No.76, p.5-8. (In French, German) Internet: Despite developments in occupational heath in recent decades, the usual approach consists of waiting for a problem to emerge before searching for solutions for its control. This article shows how more proactive policies are emerging whereby problems are pre-empted before their effects are felt. Psychological and psycho-physiological factors that are favourable to health in occupational settings are discussed. Contents: general scope and objectives; evidence (survey of job satisfaction in Switzerland, insurance statistics showing a general trend towards a decline in occupational accidents and diseases in Switzerland, adverse effects of unemployment on mental and physical health); current trends (integrated management of occupational safety and health, quality and environmental protection within the enterprise). (104521)
CIS 06-242 Stress markers of health status of bank employees. Salah Ibrahim K., Bechir Ahmed S., Central European Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2003, Vol.9, No.1, p.23-32. 46 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of chronic professional stress on the cellular humoral and immune systems in bank employees. On the basis of a job stress questionnaire, 100 male subjects were selected according to high or low scores of professional stress. Blood samples were taken to count white cells, CD4 and CD8 marked lymphocytes and natural killer cells and to determine the concentration of immunoglobulins (A, M and G), cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and neoptrin. Chronic professional stress appeared to be associated with immune dysfunction including signs of immune activation (increased serum concentrations of IgG and IgA) and immune suppression (decreased number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells). The shifts were more pronounced in the group with higher job stress. Serum cortisol, CRP and neoptrin showed no significant differences between the groups. It is supposed that in the presence of chronic stress, distinct psychological mechanisms are associated with specific immune dysfunctions. (104562)
CIS 06-243 Preventive measures against harassment, sexual harassment and mobbing. (Polish: Zbieg środków ochronnych przed molestowaniem, molestowaniem seksualnym i mobbingiem) Dörre-Nowak D., Praca i Zabezpieczenie Społeczne, Nov. 2004, No.11, p.8-15. 11 ref. (In Polish) Internet: By an amended Act of November 14, 2003 the notions of harassment, sexual harassment and mobbing have been introduced to the Labour Code in Poland. Issues relating to the protection of personal rights and relations between the provisions of Labour Code and the provisions of the Civil Code are discussed. (104633)
CIS 06-244 Behavioral health: Integrating research and application in support of exploration missions. Harrison A.A., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, June 2005, Vol.76, No.6, Section II, Suppl., p.B3-B12. 88 ref. (In English) Internet: This article addresses the concept of behavioural health in space, a concept that covers psychological, interpersonal, and cultural adaptation. It provides an overview of the rationale and findings of a NASA-funded workshop entitled "New directions in behavioural health: Integrating research and application", held at the University of California, Davis, USA, on 2-3 December 2003. The purpose of the workshop was to promote fruitful dialogue between researchers and operational personnel in the interests of expanding our understanding of behavioural health on future space exploration missions. Topics discussed include the critical role of behavioural health in space, behaviour and performance, research strategies and obstacles to progress in space-related behavioural health research and application. (104670)
CIS 06-245 Is job strain a major source of cardiovascular risk?. Belkic K.L., Landsbergis P.A., Schnall P.L., Baker D., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.30, No.2, p.85-128. 181 ref. (In English) Internet: Empirical studies on job strain and cardiovascular disease (CVD), their internal validity, and the likely direction of biases were examined. The 17 longitudinal studies had the highest validity ratings. In all but two, biases towards the null dominated. Eight, including several of the largest, showed significant positive results; three had positive, nonsignificant findings. Six of nine case-control studies had significant positive findings; recall bias leading to overestimation appears to be fairly minimal. Four of eight cross-sectional studies had significant positive results. Men showed strong, consistent evidence of an association between exposure to job strain and CVD. The data for women were more sparse and less consistent, but, as for the men, most of the studies probably underestimated existing effects. Other elements of causal inference, particularly biological plausibility, corroborated that job strain is a major CVD risk factor. (104671)
CIS 06-246 Urinary catecholamines and salivary cortisol on workdays and days off in relation to job strain among female health care providers. Fujiwara K., Tsukishima E., Kasai S., Masuchi A., Tsutsumi A., Kawakami N., Miyake H., Kishi R., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 2004, Vol.30, No.2, p.129-138. Illus. 45 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined the effects of psychosocial job strain on the excretion of neuroendocrine stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol) on workdays and days off. 16 Japanese female health care providers filled out Karasek's job content questionnaire and had their neuroendocrine excretions (ie, urinary catecholamines and salivary cortisol) measured on a day off and on two workdays (one day shift and one night shift). Noradrenaline excretion was significantly greater over time in the high-strain group than in the low-strain group, and that of the high-demand group was significantly greater over time than that of the low-demand group. Adrenaline excretion did not significantly differ as a function of strain or demand, but was significantly higher in the group with high supervisory support than the group with low supervisory support. The concentration of salivary cortisol on a dayshift was significantly lower in the high-strain group than in the low-strain group. The implications of these findings are discussed. (104672)
CIS 06-247 Psychosocial determinants of sickness absence: A longitudinal study of Finnish men and women. Väänänen A., Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, FIOH-Bookstore, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 2005. 197p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 951-802-610-6 (In English) Internet: This report describes a total of four prospective and cross-sectional studies in the public and private sectors in Finland. Participants' responses to psychosocial questionnaires were combined with sickness absence data. Results are discussed in terms of the impact of specific factors on sickness absence: job characteristics, sources of social support, organizational characteristics, work-family characteristics and reciprocity of social exchange in relationships. (104532)
CIS 06-248 Counteracting employment discrimination. How to put in practice the fight against mobbing and other forms of discrimination. (Polish: Przeciwdziałanie dyskryminacji w zatrudnieniu. Jak w praktyce zwalczać mobbing i inne formy dyskryminacji) Marciniak J., Wydawnictwa Profesjonalne ALPHA pro Sp. z o.o., ul. Kilińskiego 29, 07-410 Ostrołęka, Poland, 2004. 179p. ref., ISBN 83-919761-1-4 (In Polish) Internet: This publication examines different forms of mobbing and sexual harassment in the workplace and describes measures to enable both employers and employees to avoid the harmful results of persecution at work. (104638)
CIS 06-249 Occupational psychopathologies and psychodynamics. (French: Psychopathologie et psychodynamique du travail) Guiho-Bailly M.P., Guillet D., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 3rd Quarter 2005, No.148, 9p. 56 ref. (In French) Internet: This literature survey describes the concepts of occupational psychodynamics and psychopathology (including psychotraumatology). Contents: links between psyche, work and health; historical review of occupational psychopathology; concepts of occupational psychodynamics; occupational psychopathology and clinical psychiatry; substance addiction and work; burnout; psychosomatics and work; occupational psychotraumatology; collective approaches to psychotraumatology and psychodynamics at work. (104530)
CIS 06-250 Social delegates: A trade union self-help network. (French: Les délégués sociaux et les déléguées sociales: Un réseau d'entraide syndical) Quebec Workers' Federation, 565, boulevard Crémazie Est, bureau 12100, Montréal (Québec), H2M 2W3, Canada, (c2005). Leaflet. (In French) Internet: This leaflet outlines the services offered by trade union social delegates to workers with personal problems. These include problems related to drug abuse, family life, mental health, debt, etc. Training activities available for social delegates are also outlined. (104623)
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