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ILO-CIS Bulletin 2006/04CIS 06-751 --- CIS 06-1000Laws, regulations, directivesCIS 06-751 Federal Law of 17 Dec. 1993 on the information and consultation of workers in enterprises [Switzerland]. (French: Loi fédérale du 17 décembre 1993 sur l'information et la consultation des travailleurs dans les entreprises (Loi sur la participation) [Suisse]; German: Bundesgesetz vom 17. Dezember 1993 über die Information und Mitsprache der Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmer in den Betrieben (Mitwirkungsgesetz); Italian: Legge federale del 17 dicembre 1993 sull'informazione e la consultazione dei lavoratori nelle imprese (Legge sulla partecipazione)) Internet Document, 1993. 4p. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: This law became effective on 1 May 1994. It gives the right to workers to be informed and consulted about certain matters affecting them, including in the area of occupational safety and health. (105473)
CIS 06-752 Ordinance on the protection of the safety and health of workers in construction [Switzerland]. (French: Ordonnance sur la sécurité et la protection de la santé des travailleurs dans les travaux de construction (Ordonnance sur les travaux de construction, OTConst) [Suisse]; German: Verordnung über die Sicherheit und den Gesundheitsschutz der Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmer bei Bauarbeiten (Bauarbeitenverordnung, BauAV); Italian: Ordinanza sulla sicurezza e la protezione della salute dei lavoratori nei lavori di costruzione (Ordinanza sui lavori di costruzione, OLCostr)) Internet Document, 2005. 27p. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: Regulations concerning OSH in the construction industry. Contents: definitions; general measures (planning and organization of construction work, obligation to wear a safety helmet, rescue organization, work stations and passages, ladders, fall protection, existing installations, electrical connections, the occupational environment on construction sites, transport safety); roof work; scaffolding; trenching, shaft sinking and shoring; disassembly and demolition work; underground work; rock demolition and quarry work; work with ropes; work in pipes. The following legislation is repealed: the Ordinance of 29 March 2000 on safety and health in the construction industry (which itself repealed the Ordinance of 17 Nov. 1967 on the prevention of accidents in roofing work (CIS 92-1059) and the Ordinance of 8 Aug. 1967 on the prevention of accidents in the construction industry (CIS 92-1060)); the Ordinance of 13 Sept. 1963 on the prevention of accidents in trenching, shaft sinking and similar work (CIS 92-1064); the 1949 Ordinance on safety in construction work involving mobile-platform suspended scaffolds (CIS 92-1084); the 1952 Ordinance on safety in open-air work involving the extraction and processing of rocks, minerals, gravel, sand, clay, peat and similar materials (CIS 92-1058); and some other relevant Ordinances. (105472)
CIS 06-753 Ordinance No.22/2005 (24 June) of the Minister of Health concerning the minimum occupational health and safety requirements of employees exposed to vibration [Hungary]. (Hungarian: Az egészségügyi miniszter 22/2005. (VI. 24.) rendelete a rezgésexpozíciónak kitett munkavállalókra vonatkozó minimális egészségi és munkabiztonsági követelményekről) Magyar Közlöny, 24 June 2005, No.85, p.4280-4284. (In Hungarian) Internet: Regulation issued under the authority of Act No.93 of 1993 concerning occupational safety and health (CIS 04-5). It implements in Hungary the provisions of European Directive 2002/44/EC (CIS 02-24). Contents: definitions of hand-arm and whole-body vibration; exposure limits (hand-arm vibration: 5m/s2 for 8h daily exposure limit and 2.5m/s2 for 8h daily exposure action value; whole-body vibration: 1.15 and 0.5m/s2, respectively); obligations of employers (risk determination and assessment, provisions aimed at avoiding and reducing exposure, information and training of workers, worker consultation and participation); miscellaneous provisions (health surveillance, derogations). (105479)
CIS 06-754 Ordinance No.66/2005 (22 Dec.) of the Minister of Health concerning the minimum occupational health and safety requirements of employees exposed to noise [Hungary]. (Hungarian: Az egészségügyi miniszter 66/2005. (XII. 22.) rendelete a munkavállalókat érő zajexpozícióra vonatkozó minimális egészségi és biztonsági követelményekről) Magyar Közlöny, 22 Dec. 2005, No.166, p.10515-10524. (In Hungarian) Internet: Regulation issued under the authority of Act No.93 of 1993 concerning occupational safety and health (CIS 04-5). It implements in Hungary the provisions of European Directive 2003/10/EC (CIS 06-253). Contents: aim and scope (it lays down the minimum requirements for the protection of workers against the possible effects of noise, especially insofar as they pose a risk to hearing); definitions; exposure limit values (87dB(A) and 200Pa) and exposure action values (80-85dB(A) and 112-140Pa); obligations of employers (determination and assessment of risks, provisions aimed at avoiding and reducing exposure, personal protection, limitation of exposure, worker information and training, consultation and participation of workers); health surveillance; derogations. In annex: detailed description of noise measurement and evaluation in the workplace. (105480)
Chemical data sheets and criteria documentsCIS 06-755 Ammonia. (French: Ammoniaque) PREVENT, rue Gachard 88, Bte 4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, Dec. 2004. 2p. Illus. (In French) Internet: Gaseous ammonia and aqueous ammonia solutions are both hazardous to health, safety and the environment, and are to be used with care. Contents of this safety data sheet on ammonia: characteristics of gaseous and liquid ammonia; uses; precautions during storage; hazards (fire and explosion, chemical burns and irritation, chemical reactions); safety measures; danger symbols and risk and safety phrases; labelling; first aid. (105288)
CIS 06-756 Carbon disulfide. (Spanish: Disulfuro de carbono) Consejo Colombiano de Seguridad, Bogotá, Colombia, ca 2005. 4p. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Chemical safety data sheet on carbon disulfide. Contents: synonyms and chemical formula; exposure limit (ACGIH threshold limit value of 10ppm TWA; skin absorption); health hazards (neurotoxic effects, irritation, cardiovascular effects, skin burns, dermatitis); first aid; fire prevention; measures in the event of spills; handling and storage; control of exposures and personal protection; physical and chemical properties; stability and reactivity; toxicological and ecological data; waste disposal; transport. (105334)
CIS 06-757 Ethylene oxide. (Spanish: Oxido de etileno) Consejo Colombiano de Seguridad, Carrera 20, No.39-62, 6839 Bogotá, Colombia, 2006. 4p. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Chemical safety data sheet for ethylene oxide. The substance is an extremely flammable gas. Inhalation exposure to high concentrations may be fatal (asphyxia and pulmonary oedema). Exposure to lower concentrations may cause narcotic effects and symptoms such as vertigo, headache, nausea and loss of coordination. Effects may be delayed. The substance may also cause cyanosis and loss of the sense of smell. Contact with the eyes may cause irritation and conjunctivitis. Effects on the skin include sensitization, irritation and dermatitis. The substance can be absorbed by the skin causing effects on the nervous system. The substance is suspected of causing carcinogenic and reproductive effects in humans. ACGIH threshold limit value 1ppm (TWA). (105411)
CIS 06-758 4-nitrotoluene. (Spanish: 4-Nitrotolueno) Consejo Colombiano de Seguridad, Carrera 20, No.39-62, 6839 Bogotá, Colombia, 2005. 4p. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Chemical safety data sheet for 4-nitrotoluene. Inhalation exposure to high concentrations of 4-nitrotoluene may cause effects on the central nervous system characterized by nausea, headache, dyspnoea, unconsciousness and coma. It may cause irritation of the respiratory tract. Skin contact causes irritation and skin absorption may result in toxic effects. Contact with the eyes may cause irritation and possible burns. Long-term effects may be delayed. ACGIH threshold limit value 2ppm (plus skin notation). (105413)
Training materials and practical informationCIS 06-759 Manual handling solutions for farms. HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, Apr. 2006. 12p. Illus. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: In agriculture, back, neck and limb disorders are the most common types of ill health. Many of the injuries are caused by poor manual handling practices. This booklet describes some of the practical measures that farmers can adopt to reduce the likelihood of suffering from back or muscle disorders. Examples are provided for the following farming tasks: handling spare tractor wheels; handling bagged products; lifting chemical and oil containers; handling of animals; sheep shearing; bale handling. Replaces CIS 00-1579. (105478)
CIS 06-760 Syllabus of a series of seven training courses on repetitive strain injury. (French: Contenu d'une série de sept cours de formation sur les lésions dues ŕ des efforts répétitifs) Eurosafe Project, Internet document, ca 2005. 24p. (In French) Internet: Syllabus of a series of seven training courses on repetitive strain injury: general introduction on occupational safety and health; ergonomics and design of a workstation; study of speed of work and work quotas; hazards and their effects; notification of occupational accidents and diseases; legal aspects; practical application of occupational safety and health, environmental protection and ergonomics in the textile industry. (105282)
Periodicals, books, databases, audiovisualsCIS 06-761 CIOP-PIB - The Department of Personal Protective Equipment. (French: CIOP-PIB - Département Equipements de protection individuelle; German: CIOP-PIB - Der Fachbereich Persönliche Schutzausrüstung) Makowski K., KANBRIEF, 2005, No.3, p.19. (In English, French, German) Internet: This article briefly describes the activities of the Department of Personal Protective Equipment, part of the Polish Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB). The department conducts research into the use of PPE and the development of new materials and testing methods and is also an accredited laboratory for the testing of PPE in accordance with national and European standards. Advice and consultation is offered in the selection and use of PPE with respect to specific hazards and working conditions. (105424)
CIS 06-762 Consequence and likelihood in risk assessment: A matter of balance in UK health and safety risk estimation practice. Woodruff J.M., Safety Science, June-July 2005, Vol.43, No.5-6, p.345-353. Illus. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: This article argues that risk assessment methodologies commonly applied within United Kingdom safety and health risk assessment practice are biased towards considerations of possible consequences rather than overall risk. This is seen to be leading to a slow shift towards risk aversion in safety and health decision making. A reworking of existing risk estimation methodology is therefore proposed. Instead of seeking an explicit value for the level of risk, it is suggested that, in lower risk industrial and commercial sectors, it is sufficient to establish whether the risk is likely to fall within an intolerable, tolerable or acceptable risk zone. Once this evaluation has been completed, risks judged to fall within the tolerable zone can be prioritized using values of exposure to the hazard. The method is seen as having significant advantages over other semi-quantitative risk assessment approaches presently used. (105264)
CIS 06-763 Occupational accident investigations. (Spanish: Investigación de accidentes laborales) Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2005, No.174, p.50-57. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article describes a method for conducting accident investigations. The investigation consists of several stages: designating an investigation team; field work plan (search for evidence, photographs, video recordings or sketches, measurements, interviews of witnesses); analysis of the findings; conclusions and recommendations for improvement; investigation report (preliminary and final report, presentation of the results). (105419)
CIS 06-764 Analysis of occupational accidents in Portugal between 1992 and 2001. Macedo A.C., Silva I.L., Safety Science, June-July 2005, Vol.43, No.5-6, p.269-286. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined occupational accidents and working conditions in Portugal from 1992 to 2001. The number of occupational accidents decreased from 1992 to 1995, and then remained stabilized at a high level. Construction and manufacturing were the most important economic activities in terms of occupational accidents. The highest numbers of fatal accidents were observed in the 25-44 year age group. Traumatism with contusion was the major type of injury recorded, and multiple sites was the most frequent description of body part injured. (105262)
CIS 06-765 Description of fatal occupational injury rates in five selected European Union countries: Austria, Finland, France, Spain and Sweden. Benavides F.G., Benach J., Martínez J.M., González S., Safety Science, Oct. 2005, Vol.43, No.8, p.497-502. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes and compares trends in occupational injury rates in five European Union countries. Fatal injury crude rates per country and year for the period were calculated using data on the number of fatal injuries and total employment from the International Labour Organization database. Log-linear models were adjusted for each country, and annual change percentages were estimated. Rates showed a decrease in all selected countries. Annual crude rate changes varied from -3.7% in Spain (1988-2001) to -6.7% in Sweden (1993-2001). The observed fall of fatal occupational injury rates in all selected European Union countries, jointly with other developed countries, strengthens the hypothesis that trends could be real. (105341)
CIS 06-766 Industrial accidents: Challenges for China's economic and social development. Liu T., Zhong M., Xing J., Safety Science, Oct. 2005, Vol.43, No.8, p.503-522. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: A statistical analysis of industrial accidents in recent years in China was carried out and results were compared with those from several other countries. The relationship between the frequency of industrial accidents and economic development was also analysed. Since coal-mining accidents make up the largest percentage of industrial accidents, a specific analysis was carried out on their type and distribution. A comparative research was also made among industrial accidents, metal mining and non-metal mining accidents. The relationship between the main causes of industrial accidents and China's economic development is analysed, and the means of preventing industrial accidents are outlined. (105342)
CIS 06-767 Trusting tools. Budworth N., Cox S., Safety and Health Practitioner, July 2005, Vol.23, No.7, p.46-48. Illus. 3 ref. (In English) Internet: This article explains how safety audits can contribute towards the development of a safety culture within an enterprise. It discusses the attitudes of company senior management to audits, the use of computerized audit systems, the various audit standards such as HSG65 and OHSAS 18000, the selection of an audit tool that is adapted to the conditions of the enterprise and the importance of the resulting action plan. (105266)
CIS 06-768 The Productivity Assessment Tool: Computer-based cost benefit analysis model for the economic assessment of occupational health and safety interventions in the workplace. Oxenburgh M., Marlow P., Journal of Safety Research, 2005, Vol. 36, No. 3, p. 209-214. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the concepts behind cost benefit analysis in occupational safety and health and introduces the Productivity Assessment Tool which allows an analysis to be performed relatively easily in a service or manufacturing workplace. Such analyses highlight the important financial role of safe and efficient workplaces. By using analytical tools, the effectiveness of an intervention (workplace change) may be estimated prior to its introduction. This places occupational safety and health on the same financial footing as other proposed workplace changes and thus in a strong position to attract scarce resources. (105271)
CIS 06-769 Participation for understanding: An interactive method. Koningsveld E. A. P., Journal of Safety Research, 2005, Vol. 36, No. 3, p. 231-236. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes a participative model for evaluating the effectiveness of safety and health measures that involves interviews with workers, maintenance departments, purchasing departments and safety and health experts. Questions asked concern costs, implementation efforts, benefits and effects of prevention efforts. The end result is a cost-effectiveness calculation that is understood by all involved. Examples are provided of the use of cost-benefit analysis for a team of glaziers and, at the sector level, among paving workers. (105273)
CIS 06-770 The potential-method - An economic evaluation tool. Bergström M., Journal of Safety Research, 2005, Vol. 36, No. 3, p. 237-240. Illus. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes an economic analysis tool, the Potential method, which allows the evaluation of the economic benefits of any health and safety improvement. The method is based on a model that shows how changed working conditions influence productions costs and productivity. The method was found to be a good indicator of the effects of safety and health. A sample calculation is provided. (105274)
CIS 06-771 Net-cost model for workplace interventions. Lahiri S., Gold J., Levenstein C., Journal of Safety Research, 2005, Vol. 36, No. 3, p. 241-255. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: Few methods exist for comprehensively examining the costs and benefits of ergonomic interventions applicable to a variety of economic sectors and settings. This article presents an instrument for data collection and data analysis at the company level. In this net-cost model, intervention costs are defined by equipment and labour costs for the interventions as well as the avoided costs of lost work time, medical care, and productivity improvements. Net-cost estimates for three case studies clearly show that ergonomic interventions appropriately applied can result in substantial cost savings. (105275)
CIS 06-772 Understanding the return on health, safety and environmental investments. Linhard J. B., Journal of Safety Research, 2005, Vol. 36, No. 3, p. 257-260. (In English) Internet: This article describes how traditional financial analysis methods can be applied to health, safety and environmental (HSE) investment decisions. A procedure called "Return on Health, Safety and Environmental Investments" (ROHSEI) was developed to provide a tool for analysing HSE projects and assessing their potential financial impacts. Examples of the use of the procedure are listed. (105276)
CIS 06-773 Occupational injuries in Italy. Baldasseroni A., Chellini E., Mantero S., Giovannetti L., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2005, Vol.11, No.1, p.77-81. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: Data collected by the Italian Funds for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (INAIL) on incidence and mortality for occupational injuries in Italy during 1951-2001 are described with respect to the two main occupational sectors, industry and services, and agriculture. Comparisons with other European Union countries are included. An analysis aimed at verifying the completeness of INAIL data on occupational fatal accidents in Tuscany is reported. Linkage between the INAIL data and those registered by the Tuscan Regional Mortality Registry showed that a number of working areas were not covered by INAIL. While the INAIL data are incomplete, they remain the most reliable source of information on occupational injuries in Italy. (105298)
CIS 06-774 Late industrial development and occupational health in Southern Italy. Assennato G., Bisceglia L., De Nichilo G., Grassi M.E., Lo Izzo A., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2005, Vol.11, No.1, p.82-87. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This article discusses problems of occupational safety and health in the Apulia region, considered to be representative of the industrialization process in Southern Italy. Case studies of a steel plant, two petrochemical plants and an asbestos cement facility illustrate occupational and environmental health problems, in particular, those associated with exposure to harmful substances. Late industrialization in the region was associated with an early peak in injuries and the injury rate remains higher than that of Northern Italy. (105299)
CIS 06-775 Quantitative estimates of work-related death, disease and injury in New Zealand. 't Mannetje A., Pearce N., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Aug. 2005, Vol.31, No.4, p.266-276. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: New Zealand lacks comprehensive statistics on work-related injury and illness, and the impact of adverse work conditions on health is therefore not known. The objective of this study was to make quantitative estimates of the annual number of deaths and incident cases from work-related disease and injury in New Zealand. Wherever possible, specific data for New Zealand were used, but, where adequate national data were lacking, a combination of New Zealand data and extrapolations from other countries was used. Thus in New Zealand, about 700-1000 deaths were estimated to occur annually from work-related disease and about 100 deaths from work-related injury. About 17-20,000 new cases of work-related disease occur annually and about 200,000 work-related accidents result in claims made to the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation. (105346)
CIS 06-776 Proof positive. Abbott D., Safety and Health Practitioner, Oct. 2005, Vol.23, No.10, p.42-44. Illus. 8 ref. (In English) Internet: This article reviews some of the concepts behind cost-benefit analysis in occupational safety and health. It presents methods and tools to help practitioners demonstrate to management that good working conditions can make a significant contribution to profitability. (105349)
CIS 06-777 The challenge of change for strategies on health and safety at work in the 21st century. Walters D., Policy and Practice in Health and Safety, 2005, Vol.3, No.2, p.3-19. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: This paper discusses some of the features of the current landscape of occupational safety and health (OSH) in the United Kingdom, focusing on the nature of change and its consequences. It briefly describes the extent of work-related injury and ill-health and the regulatory policies developed to address them and goes on to discuss the effects on OSH of changes in the organization of work and labour markets and changes in societal perceptions of risk and social justice. National and international OSH policy responses are examined and contradictions identified. (105371)
CIS 06-778 Predicting progress: The use of leading indicators in occupational safety and health. Bennett J., Foster P., Policy and Practice in Health and Safety, 2005, Vol.3, No.2, p.77-90. Illus. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: Given a developing culture of compensation for the effects of occupational accidents and diseases, managers are increasingly concerned about how better to assess and hence to improve the effectiveness of occupational safety and health management. Traditional indicators such as occupational accident rate, occupational disease incidence and compensation payments only measure occupational safety and health outputs. Consequently, there is increasing interest in the use of leading indicators to enable control of the processes that lead to these events. This paper reviews work in the field, then identifies and assembles a set of practical key leading indicators. (105372)
CIS 06-779 Working together for better prevention. (French: Ensemble pour mieux prévenir) Danjou P., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2005, Vol.45, No.4, p.461-476. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article describes collaborative activities carried out in the Ile-de-France region between the occupational medical and social centres (ACMS) and the regional health insurance institution (CRAMIF), both of which share the common objective of preventing occupational accidents and diseases. Details of the two initiatives undertaken in the first two-and-a-half years are presented. Activities within the dry cleaning services sector resulted in the production of a guide for shop managers, a CD-ROM on occupational safety and health for use in the induction and periodic training of personnel and a leaflet on occupational hazards aimed at all employees. The second initiative was focused on the automobile repair sector, and resulted in the publication of a guide for persons responsible for repair shops, together with three safety sheets for workers. Copies of the guides are included. (105401)
CIS 06-780 Optimizing occupational safety and health management by means of an analysis of enterprise costs. (Spanish: Optimización de la gestión de la seguridad y salud mediante el análisis de los costes empresariales) Castells Manent J., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2005, No.174, p.6-16. Illus. 15 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article describes a standardized system for calculating the costs of investments in occupational safety and health (prevention costs) and the financial consequences of occupational accidents and diseases for the enterprise. By analysing the relationship between these two elements, the point of maximum profitability may be determined. The approach was successfully applied in several Spanish enterprises in 2004. Compared to 2003, there was a 27% reduction in the costs resulting from accidents, showing that accident rates can be lowered both efficiently and profitably for the enterprise. (105416)
CIS 06-781 Moving knowledge of global burden into preventive action. Eijkemans G.J.M., Takala J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2005, Vol.48, No.6, p.395-399. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: This paper discuses the estimation of the global burden of disease and injury due to occupational factors. The World Health Organization carried out a Comparative Risk Assessment to estimate the global burden of disease based on estimates of the risks experienced by exposed populations for 26 risk factors. Five occupational risk factors were included: risks for injuries, carcinogens, airborne particulates, ergonomic risks for back pain, noise and selected diseases they would cause. These risk factors were responsible worldwide for 37% of back pain, 16% of hearing loss, 13% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 11% of asthma, 8% of injuries, 9% of lung cancer and 2% of leukaemia. Reasons for the under-reporting of occupational injuries and diseases are discussed. The paper serves as an introduction to this special issue of the journal on the contribution of occupational risks to the global burden of disease. (105482)
CIS 06-782 Emerging issues in occupational safety and health. Schulte P.A., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.273-277. 44 ref. (In English) Internet: In developed countries, changes in the nature of work and the workforce may necessitate recalibrating the vision of occupational safety and health (OSH) researchers, practitioners and policymakers to increase the focus on the most important issues. New methods of organizing the workplace, extensive labour contracting, expansion of service and knowledge sectors, increase in small business, aging and immigrant workers, and the continued existence of traditional hazards in high-risk sectors such as construction, mining, agriculture, health care, and transportation support the need to address: 1) broader consideration of the role and impact of work, 2) relationship between work and psychological dysfunction, 3) increased surveillance basis for research and intervention, 4) overcoming barriers to the conduct and use of epidemiologic research, 5) information and knowledge transfer and application, 6) economic issues in prevention, and 7) the global interconnectedness of OSH. These issues are offered to spur thinking as new national research agendas for OSH are considered for developed countries. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105490)
CIS 06-783 Yearbook of Labour Statistics 2004 - Chapter 8: Occupational injuries. (French: Annuaire des statistiques du travail 2004 - Chapitre 8: Lésions professionnelles.; Spanish: Anuario de estadísticas del trabajo 2004 - Capítulo 8: Lesiones profesionales,) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 63rd issue, 2004, p.1159-1421. (Complete volume, xvi, 1547p. Price: CHF 250.00)., ISBN 92-2-016547-3 (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: Chapter 8 of this yearbook provides annual data on occupational injuries by country and by economic activity (based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of all Economic Activties, ISIC) from 1994 to 2003. Data include cases of injury with lost workdays, rates of occupational injuries and days lost. Includes definitions of the indicators and details of the ISIC and other classifications. (105308)
CIS 06-784 Yearbook of Labour Statistics 2005 - Chapter 8: Occupational injuries. (French: Annuaire des statistiques du travail 2005 - Chapitre 8: Lésions professionnelles.; Spanish: Anuario de estadísticas del trabajo 2005 - Capítulo 8: Lesiones profesionales,) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 64th issue, 2005, p.1145-1429. (Complete volume, xvi, 1555p. Price: CHF 275.00)., ISBN 92-2-017247-X (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: Chapter 8 of this yearbook provides annual data on occupational injuries by country and by economic activity (based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of all Economic Activties, ISIC) from 1995 to 2004. Data include cases of injury with lost workdays, rates of occupational injuries and days lost. Includes definitions of the indicators and details of the ISIC and other classifications. (105309)
CIS 06-785 Statistics of fatal injuries 2004/05. Health and Safety Commission, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2005. 27p. Illus (In English) Internet: This report provides statistics of fatal injuries to workers and members of the public in the United Kingdom, 2004-2005, with some trends from earlier years. Rates of fatal injury are expressed per 100,000 workers. Graphs and tables present data on fatal injuries by industrial sector and type of accident. The most recent rates of fatal injury to workers are also included for other European Union member states. The statistics are based on reports by employers under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR, see CIS 95-1930). See CIS 04-49 for 2003/2004 data. (105423)
CIS 06-786 Rules of the game. A brief introduction to international labour standards. (French: Les rčgles du jeu. Une brčve introduction aux normes internationales du travail; Spanish: Las reglas del juego. Una breve introducción a las normas internacionales del trabajo) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2005. 96p. Illus. 48 ref., ISBN 92-2-116648-1 (En), ISBN 92-2-216648-5 (fr), ISBN 92-2-316648-9 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This booklet provides an introduction to international labour standards (ILO Conventions and Recommendations) and discusses their importance in the global economy. It describes how the standards are created and used and outlines the provisions of the main standards in each of the subject areas covered, including occupational safety and health. These include the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) (see CIS 82-890) and its Protocol of 2002, the Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161) (CIS 86-859), Conventions relating to particular branches of economic activity and ILO Codes of Practice. Supervisory systems for the application of Conventions and Recommendations are also described. (105427)
CIS 06-787 The arduousness of work: Statistical evaluation. (French: Pénibilité du travail: évaluation statistique) Yilmaz E., Centre d'Etudes de l'Emploi, 29, Promenade Michel Simon, 93166 Noisy-le-Grand Cedex, France, 2006. 84p. Illus. 11 ref., ISBN 2-11-095788-3 (In French) Internet: This paper provides a statistical evaluation of the arduousness of work based on surveys carried out in France, in particular the SUMER survey 2002/03 (Surveillance médicale des risques professionnels - Medical surveillance of occupational hazards). Three main categories of factors contributing to arduousness were identified: physical workload, atypical hours of work and exposure to carcinogens. Different ways of evaluating arduousness are proposed corresponding to levels of exposure. Results demonstrate wide disparities among economic sectors. Exposure to at least one physical factor for 20 hours or more per week ranged from 4% of workers (in the education sector) to 47% (leather and shoe industry). While certain sectors (public administration, financial activities) had a low rate of exposure to toxic substances, some 51% of workers in the woodworking sector were exposed to carcinogens. The highest percentage of workers frequently exposed to night work (more than 200 nights per year) was 6%, in the food and agriculture sectors. (105290)
CIS 06-788 Decent work- safe work - HIV/AIDS. (French: Travail décent - travail en sécurité - VIH/SIDA; Spanish: Trabajo decente - trabajo seguro - VIH/SIDA) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2006. ii, 12p. Illus. 24 ref., ISBN 92-2-118619-9 (En), ISBN 92-2-218619-2 (fr), ISBN 92-2-318619-6 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This report was prepared for the ILO World Day for Safety and Health at Work, 28 April 2006. It describes the role of occupational safety and health in the ILO's decent work agenda and the contribution of SafeWork to this agenda. The focus of the 2006 World Day was the issue of HIV/AIDS in the workplace and this report discusses the role of employers' and workers' organizations in the response to HV/AIDS, psychosocial issues at work, HIV/AIDS and labour inspection and the need for information and education on occupational safety and health. (105301)
CIS 06-789 Occupational safety and health: Country profiles. (French: Sécurité et santé au travail: profils nationaux; Spanish: Seguridad y salud en el trabajo: perfiles nacionales) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2006. i, 20p. Illus., ISBN 92-2-118617-2 (En), ISBN 92-2-218617-6 (fr), ISBN 92-2-318617-X (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This report was prepared for the ILO World Day for Safety and Health at Work, 28 April 2006. It provides data on indicators of occupational safety and health (OSH) in 52 countries and is intended to be a baseline reference to which a country can compare its progress. Data includes ratifications of ILO OSH conventions and protocols, coverage of legal provisions on OSH, workers' compensation systems, availability of a list of occupational diseases, work-related mortality (accidents and diseases), accidents, absenteeism and provision of OSH information centres (CIS national and collaborating centres). (105302)
CIS 06-790 Unity beyond differences: The need for an integrated labour inspection system (ILIS). (French: La diversité dans l'unité: vers un systčme intégré d'inspection du travail (SIIT); German: Einheit über die Unterschiede hinaus: die Notwendigkeit eines integrierten Gewerbeaufsichts-Systems; Spanish: La diversidad en la unidad: Hacia un sistema integrado de inspección del trabajo (SIIT)) Labour and Mines Inspectorate, BP 27, 2010 Luxembourg, 2005. 34p. Illus. (In English, French, German, Spanish) Internet: Report of a conference on the promotion of an integrated labour inspection system held in collaboration with the ILO in Mondorf-les-Bains, Luxembourg, 9-11 March 2005. Topics discussed include: a holistic approach to safety, health and work; EU and ILO strategies for the establishment of a safety culture; and tripartite partnership in the changing world of work. Includes examples of good practice in the implementation of integrated labour inspection systems at the national and company level. (105303)
CIS 06-791 Comparative study of reference systems concerning occupational safety and health management for external enterprises. (French: Etude comparative des référentiels relatifs au management de la santé et de la sécurité au travail applicables aux entreprises extérieures) Kowal S., Institut national de l'environnement industriel et des risques (INERIS), Parc technologique Alata, BP 2, 60550 Verneuil-en Halatte, France, July 2006. 90p. 8 ref. (In French) Internet: This report provides a comparative study of seven reference systems concerning occupational safety and health management applicable to external contractors. These systems include guides, certification systems and reference systems developed by various organizations, including the ILO's Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (ILO-OSH) 2001 (see CIS 02-162). (105320)
CIS 06-792 Decent work in the Americas: An agenda for the Hemisphere, 2006-2015. (French: Travail décent dans les Amériques: l'agenda de l'hémisphčre 2006-2015; Spanish: Trabajo decente en las Américas: una agenda hemisférica, 2006-2015) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2006. viii, 85p. Illus. Bibl. ref., ISBN 92-2-118509-5 (En), ISBN 92-2-218509-9 (fr), ISBN 92-2-318509-2 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This report of the Director General was presented at Sixteenth American regional Meeting in Brasilia, May 2006. It describes the main challenges to decent work in the region and sets out a decent work agenda that includes the objective of making occupational safety and health a priority for social partners in the region. Appropriate policies for achieving two main targets are discussed: a 20% reduction in the incidence of occupational accidents and diseases and the extension of OSH protection to sectors that have not traditionally been covered. See CIS 06-793 for an annex to the report. (105428)
CIS 06-793 ILO activities in the Americas, 2003-2006. (French: Activités de l'OIT dans les Amériques, 2003-2006; Spanish: Actividades de la OIT en las Américas, 2003-2006) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2006. v, 62p., ISBN 92-2-118507-9(En), ISBN 92-2-218507-2 (fr), ISBN 92-2-318507-6 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This report is an annex to the report of the Director General presented at Sixteenth American regional Meeting in Brasilia, May 2006. See CIS 06-792 for the main report. It describes the progress and outcomes of the ILO's programmes in the region including activities in the area of occupational safety and health: strengthening institutions and social partners with regard to OSH; support for drawing up proposals in the area of OSH; and active policy proposals for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. (105429)
CIS 06-794 Introductory report: Decent work - Safe work. XVIIth World Congress on Safety and Health at Work (Orlando, 18-22 Sep. 2005). Takala J., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2005. 48p. Illus. 39 ref., ISBN 92-2-117750-5 (In English) Internet: This report provides an overview of the most recent estimates of occupational and work-related accidents and diseases worldwide and examines some of the causes for recent changes. Activities of the ILO and its member States for the improvement of working conditions are reviewed in the areas of: promotion, awareness raising and advocacy; development of new instruments and related guidance; technical assistance and cooperation: knowledge development, management and dissemination; and international collaboration. (105481)
CIS 06-795 Guidelines on gender issues in occupational safety and health. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2001. 26p., ISBN 983-2014-18-2 (In English) Internet: Guide to the gender aspects of occupational safety and health, particularly as they apply to the protection of women workers. (105470)
CIS 06-796 Yearbook of Labour Statistics, 64th issue, 2005. Sources and Methods: Labour Statistics, Vols. 1-10. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2005. CD-ROM. Price: CHF 185 single-user, CHF 278 multi-user. (In English) Internet: This CD-ROM version of the Yearbook of Labour Statistics contains annual data from 1969 to 2004 for over 200 countries or territories. Tables 8A, 8B and 8C provide data on cases of injury with lost workdays, rates of occupational injuries and days lost by country and by economic activity (based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of all Economic Activities, ISIC). Includes definitions of the indicators, details of the ISIC and other classifications and information on the sources and methods used in each country to compile the data. (105310)
CIS 06-797 Lower back disorders among forklift operators: An emerging occupational health problem?. Waters T., Genaidy A., Deddens J., Barriera-Viruet H., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 2005, Vol.47, No.4, p.333-340. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: Most studies focusing on the occupational hazards associated with forklift operation have examined risks of fatalities and traumatic injuries. Few studies have examined the magnitude of risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This literature survey reviews epidemiological studies conducted on forklift operators in relation to MSDs. Findings suggest that forklift operators are at increased risk of lower back pain. Further studies are needed, however, to determine the magnitude of risk both for lower back pain and for neck pain. Furthermore, a full exposure assessment of physical and non-physical factors is needed. (105393)
CIS 06-798 Relationship between chest x-ray findings and pulmonary function tests in dust workers. Tonori Y., Niitsuya M., Sato T., Sugiura Y., Miyake H., Aizawa Y., Industrial Health, Jan. 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.256-266. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: Based on a survey of pneumoconiosis carried out in Japan in 1994, this study compared age, number of years at the job and pulmonary function across various occupations, and examined the characteristics of cases in which pulmonary function was worse than expected from the chest x-ray findings. Ventilatory capacity was lower among workers exposed to silica or asbestos, and one-second forced expiratory volume appeared to be lower among silica-exposed workers. Dissociation between x-ray findings and pulmonary function tests were found in certain types of work environment. In this study, all subjects showed pneumoconiosis in their chest x-ray. A longitudinal survey on pneumoconiosis-free subjects is required to clarify the precise association of lung function tests with chest x-ray. (105260)
CIS 06-799 Wood dust exposure and the association with lung cancer risk. Barcenas C.H., Delclos G.L., El-Zein R., Tortolero-Luna G., Whitehead L.W., Spitz M.R., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 2005, Vol.47, No.4, p.349-357. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: Wood dust was designated as a human carcinogen based on increased sinus and nasal cancer rates among exposed workers. However, data on an association with lung cancer have so far been inconclusive. In this study, self-reported wood dust exposure was compared among 1,368 lung cancer patients and 1,192 cancer free adults. Epidemiological information was collected through a detailed personal interview. Significantly elevated adjusted risk estimates were consistently observed. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for combined wood dust related occupations and industries was 3.15 and for an overall summary exposure measure it was 1.60. The association was maintained when stratified by histopathological type. It is concluded that wood dust exposure is a potential risk factor for lung cancer. (105395)
CIS 06-800 Estimated effects of solvents and mineral oils on cancer incidence and mortality in a cohort of aerospace workers. Zhao Y., Krishnadasan A., Kennedy N., Morgenstern H., Ritz B., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Oct. 2005, Vol.48, No.4, p.249-258. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: A retrospective study of cancer mortality was conducted in a cohort of 6107 male workers employed at a California aerospace company between 1950 and 1993. A job-exposure matrix was used to assess exposures to hydrazine, trichloroethylene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, mineral oils and benzene. High levels of trichloroethylene exposure were associated with the incidence of bladder cancer (relative risk (RR) 1.98) and cancer of the kidney (4.90). High levels of exposure to mineral oils increased mortality and incidence of lung cancer (1.56 and 1.99) and incidence of melanoma (3.32). Mineral oil exposures contributed to incidence and mortality of oesophageal and stomach cancers and of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukaemia when adjusting for other chemical exposures. No associations were observed for benzene or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposures. (105397)
CIS 06-801 Cancer incidence and mortality in the industrial city of Sumgayit, Azerbaijan. Andruchow J.E., Soskolne C.L., Racioppi F., Senthilselvan A., Makhmudov E., Asadov A., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.234-241. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: This study, the first environmental cancer study in Azerbaijan, addressed concerns that residents of the industrial city of Sumgayit have an increased cancer burden as a consequence of intense occupational and environmental pollution from industry. Vital statistics data were used to calculate annual crude cancer incidence and mortality rates for selected cancers and regions in Azerbaijan for the years 1980-2000. Poisson regression analysis of age- and sex-specific data from 1995-2000 demonstrates an increased risk for selected cancers in Sumgayit relative to the rest of the country, as measured by adjusted rate ratios [aRR (95% CI)]: larynx 1.39 (1.04, 1.85), lung 1.67 (1.44, 1.92), bladder 2.49 (1.93, 3.22), and all sites 1.51 (1.43, 1.58). Sumgayit appears to suffer from an increased cancer burden; poor data quality and suspected underreporting, however, prevent accurate estimates of incidence or mortality rates. Construction of a modern cancer registry would be prerequisite to more detailed examinations of cancer rates in the country. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105497)
CIS 06-802 Nursing the invisible wounds. Butterfill C., Safety and Health Practitioner, Sep. 2005, Vol.23, No.9, p.56-58. Illus. 3 ref. (In English) Internet: Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) represent the most important cause of self-reported illness in the United Kingdom. In 2003-2004, approximately 1.1 million persons believed that they suffered from MSDs caused or exacerbated by their present or past work, while in the European Union, as many as 40 million workers are believed to be affected by MSDs. Topics addressed by this article on MSDs caused by occupational factors: number of persons affected and resulting costs; why MSDs occur; developing an enterprise MSD policy; risk factors; controlling the risks (job rotation, warm-up exercises for workers involved in manual handling tasks, training and instruction, role of management). (105270)
CIS 06-803 Population attributable risk for occupational cancer in Italy. Barone-Adesi F., Richardi L., Merletti F., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2005, Vol.11, No.1, p.23-31. 87 ref. (In English) Internet: Population-based studies estimating the proportion of cancers attributable to occupation (population attributable risk, PAR) in different geographical areas in Italy are reviewed. Studies listing industrial activities and occupations known or suspected to involve exposure to respiratory carcinogens gave lung cancer PARs between 5% and 36%. Those using job-exposure matrices estimated PARs of 3-53%, with most of the values ranging between 17% and 33%. For bladder cancer, PARs ranged between 4% and 24%. The uses and limitations of calculating population-based attributable risk are discussed. (105295)
CIS 06-804 Mesothelioma mortality in Great Britain from 1968 to 2001. McElvenny D.M., Darnton A.J., Price M.J., Hodgson J.T., Occupational Medicine, Mar. 2005, Vol.55, No.2, p.79-87. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: The British mesothelioma register contains all deaths from 1968 to 2001 where mesothelioma was mentioned on the death certificate. These data were used to present statistics of mesothelioma by occupation and geographical area. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) were calculated by region. Temporal trends in SMRs and PMRs were also examined. The annual number of mesothelioma deaths increased from 153 in 1968 to 1848 in 2001. The data confirm earlier findings that geographical areas and occupations associated with high asbestos exposure in the past continue to drive the mesothelioma epidemic in the United Kingdom. However, trends over time suggest a change in the balance of risk away from traditional asbestos exposure industries to occupations such as plumbers and gas fitters, carpenters and electricians where exposure could be described as secondary. (105374)
CIS 06-805 Occupational diseases in Poland, 2004. (Polish: Choroby zawodowe stwierdzone w Polsce w 2004 r.) Szeszenia-Dąbrowska N., Wilczyńska U., Szymczak W., Medycyna pracy, 2005, Vol.56, No.4, p.275-284. Illus. 7 ref. (In Polish) Internet: The results of an analysis of the epidemiology of occupational diseases in Poland in 2004 are discussed. 3790 cases of occupational disease were diagnosed during the year (41 cases per 100,000 paid employees). The highest incidence rates were noted for chronic disorders of the vocal organs, pneumoconiosis, contagious and parasitic diseases, permanent bilateral hearing loss and skin diseases. In industrial sectors, the highest incidence was reported among workers employed in the mining industry, particularly coal mining. The incidence of occupational disease in Poland continues on a downward trend. (105390)
CIS 06-806 Musculoskeletal discomfort and work-related stress in New Zealand dentists. Palliser C.R., Firth H.M., Feyer A.M., Paulin S.M., Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 2005, Vol.19, No.4, p.351-359. 49 ref. (In English) Internet: This cross-sectional questionnaire survey on stressors, psychological distress and musculoskeletal symptoms was carried out among a random sample of 413 New Zealand dentists. The average age of the dentists was 43 years, with 74% being male. The annual prevalence of symptoms was 63% for both the lower back and the neck and 49% for the shoulders. Older dentists were no more likely to suffer musculoskeletal discomfort than younger dentists. The most cited dentistry-specific stressor was "patients having a medical emergency", while "mental demands" was the most cited general work-related stressor. One-fifth of the dentists scored highly for psychological disturbance, which was very similar to the general population. Dentists with high scores for dentistry-specific work-related stressors were more likely to have evidence of psychological disturbance. (105391)
CIS 06-807 Cutaneous melanoma in Swedish women: Occupational risks by anatomic site. Pérez-Gómez B., Aragonés N., Gustavsson P., Plato N., López-Abente G., Pollán M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Oct. 2005, Vol.48, No.4, p.270-281. Illus. 52 ref. (In English) Internet: Few occupational studies have addressed melanoma in women. The aim of this study was to identify occupations with risk of cutaneous melanoma among female workers in Sweden. All employed Swedish women were followed-up from 1971 to 1989, using death and cancer registry data. Occupational risk ratios adjusted for age, period, town size and geographic zone were computed for each site. Risk patterns for different anatomic sites were then compared. Some occupations such as bank tellers, dental nurses, librarians, horticultural workers and milliners with possible exposure to arsenic and mercury displayed increased risk. Telephone operators and textile workers also had increased risk, mainly in the leg. Other occupation-specific site excesses are discussed. (105398)
CIS 06-808 Profile of occupational diseases based on medical consultations at the ISST during the year 2004. (French: Profil des maladies professionnelles ŕ travers les consultations médicales de l'ISST durant l'année 2004) Miled S., Fehri S., Kolsi M., Ben Salem F., Nouaigui H., Ben Laiba M., SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, Jan. 2006, No.36, p.22-28. Illus. 5 ref. (In French) Internet: The occupational safety and health institute (L'Institut de Santé et de Sécurité au Travail, ISST) is one of the institutions that contribute towards the notification of occupational diseases in Tunisia. This cross-sectional study aimed at characterizing the profile of occupational diseases in the country is based on the files of patients who consulted the ISST during 2004. Data are broken down by socio-demographic factor (sex, age, level of education), sector of activity, type of job, length of employment and diseases diagnosed. Results indicate that workers who consulted the ISST most often during the year were those in the construction and construction materials sector (14.1%) followed by the metallurgy sector (12.1%). The most common disorder was backache (40%). (105407)
CIS 06-809 Occupational skin disease in Sweden - A 12-year follow-up. Meding B., Lantto R., Lindahl G., Wrangsjö K., Bengtsson B., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 2005, Vol.53, No.6, p.308-313. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this project was to study the long-term prognosis of occupational skin diseases in Sweden. In 1999, a questionnaire was sent to individuals who had reported occupational skin disease to the Social Insurance Office in 1987. A total of 323 women and 194 men responded, with an overall participation rate of 83%, Among the participants, 85% reported skin symptoms after 1987, 70% during the previous year and 28% considered themselves recovered. Statistical analysis showed that skin atopy was the strongest unfavourable factor for the prognosis, followed by contact allergy and being female. Other findings are discussed. The conclusion is that occupational skin diseases have a clear tendency to end up as chronic conditions with a majority still reporting symptoms at a 12-year follow-up. The skin disease had influenced the occupational situation for the majority (82%) and for 15% it resulted in exclusion from the labour market through unemployment or disability pension. (105433)
CIS 06-810 Self-reported skin disease in hydrotherapists working in swimming pools. Lazarov A., Nevo K., Pardo A., Froom P., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 2005, Vol.53, No.6, p.327-331. Illus. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors and characteristics of self-reported skin diseases among hydrotherapists. Questionnaires were addressed to 248 hydrotherapists and 190 (76.6%) responded. Data were subjected to statistical analysis. Among respondents (75.8% women and 24.2% men), 44.4% reported the development of a skin disease for the first time after beginning employment at the swimming pool. The most common symptoms included pruritus and erythematous patches affecting mainly the extremities and trunk. Both smoking and increased exposure hours to pool water were independently associated with skin disease, suggesting a dose-response relationship. It is concluded that contact dermatitis should be recognized as an occupational disease in hydrotherapists. (105434)
CIS 06-811 Incidence of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow in repetitive work. Descatha A., Leclerc A., Chastang J.F., Roquelaure Y., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, June 2004, Vol.30, No.3, p.234-240. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: A total of 598 workers whose jobs involved repetitive work underwent examinations by their occupational health physicians and completed a self-administered questionnaire on two occasions separated by three years. Predictive factors associated with the onset of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow were studied with bivariate and multivariate analyses. The annual incidence was estimated at 0.8% per person-year, on the basis of 15 new cases during the three-year period. Holding a tool in position was the only predictive biomechanical factor (odds ratio (OR)=4.1). Obesity increased the risk of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (OR=4.3), as did the presence of medial epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome and cervicobrachial neuralgia. The associations with "holding a tool in position" and obesity were unchanged when the presence of other diagnoses was taken into account. (105441)
CIS 06-812 Shift work and the risk of diabetes mellitus among Japanese male factory workers. Morikawa Y., Nakagawa H., Miura K., Soyama Y., Ishizaki M., Kido T., Naruse Y., Suwazono Y., Nogawa K., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, June 2005, Vol.31, No.3, p.179-183. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: To study whether shift work is a risk factor for the development of diabetes mellitus, 2860 men including fixed daytime blue-collar workers, two- and three-shift blue-collar workers, and white-collar workers employed in a textile accessories factory were followed for eight years. The workers were considered to have diabetes mellitus if their glycated haemoglobin level was ≥6.1 or if the diagnosis had been made by a hospital physician. The age-adjusted incidence of diabetes mellitus was highest for the two-shift workers and lowest for the white-collar workers. Using white-collar workers as a reference group, a significantly increased risk of diabetes mellitus was found for the two-shift workers, but not for the three-shift workers or the fixed daytime blue-collar workers. Results suggest that shift work is a risk factor for the onset of diabetes mellitus and that there is a different risk associated with different shift schedules. (105442)
CIS 06-813 The global burden of disease due to occupational carcinogens. Driscoll T., Nelson D.I., Steenland K., Leigh J., Concha-Barrientos M., Fingerhut M., Prüss-Ustün A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2005, Vol.48, No.6, p.419-431. Illus. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: This paper estimates worldwide mortality and morbidity from lung cancer, leukaemia and malignant mesothelioma arising from occupational exposures to carcinogens. Assessments are based on cases reported in the year 2000 that resulted from relevant past and current exposure. Proportions of workers exposed to the carcinogens of interest and their levels of exposure were estimated using workforce data and the CAREX (CARcinogen Exposure) database. These were combined with relative or absolute risk measures to develop estimates of deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and attributable fraction (for lung cancer and leukaemia). There were an estimated 152,000 deaths (lung cancer 102,000, leukaemia 7,000 and malignant mesothelioma 43,000) and nearly 1.6 million DALYS (lung cancer 969,000, leukaemia 101,000 and malignant mesothelioma 564,000) due to exposure to occupational carcinogens. It is concluded that occupational carcinogens are an important cause of death and disability worldwide. (105483)
CIS 06-814 The global burden of non-malignant respiratory disease due to occupational airborne exposures. Driscoll T., Nelson D.I., Steenland K., Leigh J., Concha-Barrientos M., Fingerhut M., Prüss-Ustün A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2005, Vol.48, No.6, p.432-445. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: This paper assesses worldwide mortality and morbidity from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumoconioses arising from occupational exposure to airborne particulates and dusts, focusing on cases reported in the year 2000. The proportions of workers exposed and their levels of exposure were estimated using workforce data and the CAREX (CARcinogen EXposure) database. These were combined with relative or absolute risk measures to develop estimates of deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and attributable fraction (for asthma and COPD). There were an estimated 386,000 deaths (asthma 38,000, COPD 318,000, pneumoconioses 30,000) and nearly 6.6 million DALYs (asthma 1,621,000, COPD 3,733,000, pneumoconioses 1,288,000) due to exposure to occupational airborne particulates. It is concluded that occupational airborne particulates are an important cause of death and disability worldwide. (105484)
CIS 06-815 Review of estimates of the global burden of injury and illness due to occupational exposures. Driscoll T., Takala J., Steenland K., Corvalan C., Fingerhut M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2005, Vol.48, No.6, p.491-502. 35 ref., ISBN WHO (In English) Internet: Over the last decade, there have been several attempts to estimate the global burden of ill health due to work activity. In the Comparative Risk Assessment (CRA) project of the World Health Organization, published estimates of the global burden of injury and disease due to occupational factors were summarized, compared, and contrasted with the aim of identifying the most reliable and appropriate estimate for total burden due to occupational risks, and making recommendations regarding future work. The best estimate of global work-related deaths of workers is approximately two million per year, with disease responsible for the vast majority of these. This is likely to be a considerable underestimate of the true number of deaths because of shortcomings in the available data. It is concluded that the CRA estimates of burden due to individual risk factors appear appropriate for the limited number of exposures and conditions included, but are a major underestimate of the overall number of work-related deaths at a global level. (105485)
CIS 06-816 Mortality of iron-steel workers in Anshan, China: A retrospective cohort study. Hoshuyama T., Pan G., Tanaka C., Feng Y., Yu L., Liu T., Liu L., Hanaoka T., Takahashi K., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.193-202. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: Foundry workers have increased mortality and morbidity risks from numerous causes, including various cancers. A retrospective Chinese iron-steel cohort study was conducted to examine the mortality effects of exposure to foundry work. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and standardized rate ratios (SRRs) were calculated to evaluate mortality risks among male workers with exposure to 15 hazardous factors, adjusting for confounders. During 14 years of follow-up, 13,363 out of 121,846 male workers died. SMR analysis showed a healthy-worker effect in comparison with the general population. SRR analysis showed increased risks for all causes, all neoplasms, and others among the exposed workers compared with non-exposed blue-collar workers. Combined exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and two or more dusts increased the risks of lung cancer (SRR=654; 95% CI: 113-3,780) and other malignancies. Foundry work has adverse health effects, including carcinogenic risks. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105491)
CIS 06-817 Agricultural exposures and cancer. Pastides H., Doll R., Acquavella J.F., Alavanja M., eds., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 2005, Vol.31, Suppl.1, p.1-163 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Compilation of papers presented at an international conference on agricultural exposures and cancer held in Oxford, United Kingdom, 19-22 November 2002, grouped under the three following headings: epidemiology of the relationship between agricultural exposure and cancer; exposure assessment; toxicology of agricultural exposures. (105447)
CIS 06-818 Vision of welders in France. (French: La vision des soudeurs en France) Marini F., Boissin J.P., Peyresblanques J., Rollin J.P., Beaufils D., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2005, Vol.45, No.4, p.485-488. Illus. 5 ref. (In French) Internet: This case-control study on the vision of welders involved the pooling of data gathered by the medical services of 12 enterprises employing welders. The medical services also supplied data for controls other than welders, matched by age group. Altogether, the study population comprised 850 welders and 281 controls. There were no indications of more frequent visual function impairment among welders than among controls, nor any grounds to suspect any differences, despite more frequent eye injuries among welders than among controls. (105403)
CIS 06-819 Skin diseases in paper mill workers. Jungbauer F.H.W., Lensen G.J., Groothoff J.W., Coenraads P.J., Occupational Medicine, Mar. 2005, Vol.55, No.2, p.109-112. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: This cross-sectional study investigated the extent of skin problems in a paper mill and the proportion attributable to contact with allergens. It involved 80 paper mill workers with daily exposure to skin irritants and allergens. They completed a questionnaire and underwent a standard interview and a physical examination. Skin tests were conducted on workers whose history indicated possible contact allergy. Workers reported a high exposure to skin irritants, especially when carrying out tasks that caused the perspiration of hands and feet and contact with water. Atopic dermatitis was seen in 3% of the workers. Contact dermatitis was seen in 26% of the workers and 36% were diagnosed with mycosis of the feet. All cases of contact dermatitis and mycosis could be attributed to occupational exposure to skin irritants. No cases of contact allergy were observed. (105376)
CIS 06-820 International conference on occupational health services 2005. Vainio H., Lehtinen S., eds., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 2005, Suppl.1, p.1-78 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Selection of articles presented at an international conference on occupational health services held in Helsinki, Finland, 25-27 January 2005. Among the topics addressed: structure, content and objectives of occupational health services; occupational health services as an element of national occupational safety and health systems; challenges to occupational safety and health due to globalization; aspects of occupational health services in Denmark, France, Finland and Singapore; screening for alcoholism in Finland; special issues related to young workers; human resource management in occupational health services; CD-ROM-based training in hazard control. (105446)
CIS 06-821 Estimation of the number of cases of certain cancers attributable to occupational factors in France. (French: Estimation du nombre de cas de certains cancers attribuables ŕ des facteurs professionnels en France) Imbernon E., Institut de veille sanitaire, 12, rue du Val d'Osne, 94415 Saint-Maurice Cedex , France, 2003. 26p. Illus. 45 ref. (In French) Internet: Only scarce data are available to document the burden of occupational factors on the population's health in France. While numerous diseases originate, at least in part, in the working environment, it is for cancers that most data are available from the international and French scientific literature. This work aims to estimate the proportion of several cancers induced by occupational factors among the French male population. The number of lung cancers induced each year by agents in the working environment was estimated to be between 2500 and 5000, including between 2000 and 3000 attributable to asbestos. Annual cases of occupationally induced bladder cancers in men were estimated to be between 600 and 1000. Estimates are also provided for leukaemia and sino-nasal cancers. There appears to be a general tendency of under-reporting by patients and a lack of understanding about the possible occupational nature of these diseases by physicians. See also CIS 04-562. (105281)
CIS 06-822 International Agency for Research on Cancer - Biennial Report 2004/2005. (French: Centre international de recherche sur le cancer - Rapport biennal 2004-2005) International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 cours Albert-Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France, 2006. xv, 174p. Illus. Bibl. ref., ISBN 9-28321-094-8 (En), ISBN 9-28322-094-3 (fr) (In English, French) Internet: The activities of the Agency in five main areas are presented: biostatistics and epidemiology (assembly and analysis of large data collections); studies on avoidable causes of cancer; molecular carcinogenesis; genetic factors; and pathogenesis and prevention. Selected scientific highlights from 2004-2005 are also reviewed. (105430)
CIS 06-823 World cancer report. (French: Le cancer dans le monde) Stewart B.W., Kleihues P., eds., International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France, 2005. 351p. Illus. Bibl. ref. Price. USD 25.00, EUR 25.00., ISBN 92-832-0411-5 (En), ISBN 92-832-0416-6 (fr) (In English, French) Internet: This report provides a global view of cancer. Topics covered: incidence and mortality rates of different cancers worldwide; causes of cancer; mechanisms of tumour development; prevention and testing; characteristics of different types of cancer; cancer management and treatment; and international approaches to the fight against cancer. Chapters on occupational exposure examine principal carcinogens, target organs, industries with the greatest risk of exposure and methods of exposure prevention. (105311)
CIS 06-824 Guidelines on reproductive health policy & programmes at the workplace. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2002. iv, 48p. 25 ref., ISBN 983-2014-22-0 (In English) Internet: Guidance document on the prevention of reproductive hazards for both women and men in the workplace, whether due to chemical, physical or biological agents. (105465)
CIS 06-825 Guidelines on first-aid facilities in the workplace. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 1996. 16p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Safety guide. A check list is included. (105453)
CIS 06-826 Guidelines for the registration of assessors, hygiene technician and occupational health doctor. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2000. iii, 17p., ISBN 983-2014-06-9 (In English) Internet: Guidance document on the registration requirements for assessors of health hazards due to exposure to chemical hazards, occupational hygiene technicians and occupational physicians. (105460)
CIS 06-827 Guidelines on first-aid in the workplace (2nd edition). Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2nd ed., 2004. [4], 18p. Illus. 8 ref., ISBN 983-2014-43-3 (In English) Internet: Guidelines to first aid requirements in the workplace. In appendix: course contents for first aid training; recommended contents of a first-aid box; check list for components of first-aid requirements; check list for first-aid box; layout and recommended facilities of first-aid rooms. (105476)
CIS 06-828 Guidelines on occupational health services. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2005. iii, [15]p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: Guidelines on the organization of OSH services in Malaysia. (105477)
CIS 06-829 Health risk and occupation in agricultural settings in Italy. Miligi L., Aprea C., Settimi L., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2005, Vol.11, No.1, p.96-102. 52 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey reviews studies on the association between cancer and occupation in agricultural settings in Italy, focusing on exposure to pesticides. Most of the cohort studies evaluated cancer mortality in licensed pesticide users. Several case-control studies considered haematolymphopoietic malignancies, and the most recent studies observed increased risks for use of specific chemical classes of pesticides. It is suggested that a national surveillance system should be implemented to identify areas at high risk and to promote exposure control programs. (105300)
CIS 06-830 How much did cold shock and swimming failure contribute to drowning deaths in the fishing industry in British Columbia 1976-2002?. Brooks C.J., Howard K.A., Neifer S.K., Occupational Medicine, Sep. 2005, Vol.55, No.6, p.459-462. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: Eighty-nine inshore and offshore drowning accidents in the British Columbia fishing sector were analysed. Where possible, the 130 deaths were classified into one of the four following causes: cold shock; swimming failure due to numbness; hypothermia; post-rescue collapse. Other factors that led up to the drowning were also identified. It is concluded that the causes of drowning were: cold shock (5.4%), swimming failure (5.4%), hypothermia (5.4%), post-rescue collapse (0.8%), cardiac event (0.8%) and other causes (10%). In the remaining 72.2% of deaths, there was insufficient information to determine an underlying cause. All deaths occurred in water below 17.5°C and 95% were in water less than 15°C. (105358)
CIS 06-831 Safety in the floriculture sector. (Spanish: Seguridad sector floricultor) Ortega Cruz M.C., Ríos Hoyos M.L., González Villarejo P.M., Ortiz Martínez M.L., Hurtado Rincón L.F., Protección y seguridad, Oct.-Nov. 2005, Vol.51, No.303, p.50-71. Illus. 3 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: More than 94,000 persons are directly employed in the floriculture sector in Colombia, which also accounts for approximately a further 80,000 indirect jobs. This collection of articles addresses the current situation with respect to occupational safety and health in the floriculture sector. Contents: social development statistics; the Colombian floriculture sector as an example of good practice for ensuring workers' well-being; quality control and environmental management; the Florverde programme aimed at implementing an efficient environmental management system in flower production; working safely at height; personal protection programmes in the floriculture sector. (105414)
CIS 06-832 Improving occupational safety and work comfort on board fishing trawlers. (Spanish: Mejora de la seguridad y el confort laboral a bordo de los buques pesqueros) Franco J., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2005, No.174, p.18-36. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article describes the measures undertaken between 1998 and 2002 to improve occupational safety and work comfort on board coastal fishing trawlers of the Basque flotilla. This work was carried out by the Azti-Tecnalia foundation, in collaboration with various enterprises. Following a brief description of the characteristics of the Basque trawler flotilla and fishing methods, preventive measures are presented. They include: mechanization of fishing methods; protective clothing; and the development and validation of lifesaving equipment involving a radio receiver and transmitter. (105417)
CIS 06-833 Not drowning, waving! Safety management and occupational culture in an Australian commercial fishing port. Brooks B., Safety Science, Dec. 2005, Vol.43, No.10, p.795-814. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to test the utility of the ethnographic method for exploring the relationship between occupational culture, workplace social organization and safety management. The study was carried out in a small commercial lobster fishery in South Australia that appeared to have become safer in recent years. Data were collected through job observations on board fishing vessels and crew interviews. Participants had a good general understanding of workplace risks, but accepted some of these with too few defences. Wear rates of personal flotation devices were below 1%. The paper suggests that participants do not have a strong learning culture and links this to occupation-wide cultural assumptions, other external issues and safety management issues. It is concluded that assessment of the social and cultural context of safety management can offer policy makers a useful tool to guide their interventions. (105432)
CIS 06-834 A 24 year cohort study of mortality in slate workers in North Wales. Campbell M., Thomas H., Hodges N., Paul A., Williams J., Occupational Medicine, Sep. 2005, Vol.55, No.6, p.448-453. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: The mortality of a cohort of slate mining and quarrying workers in North Wales was studied, together with that of a contemporaneous control group, with follow-up from 1975 to 1998. The survey involved 726 slate workers and 529 age matched controls. A clear excess of death rate was found among slate workers compared with controls, after adjusting for age and smoking habits. Hazard ratio for all deaths was 1.24. The excess was mainly due to respiratory disease and pneumoconiosis. The hazard ratio for respiratory deaths was 1.85. It is likely that the excess of deaths in the exposed group was due to exposure to slate dust. The accuracy of pneumoconiosis as a cause of death is questionable due to the lack of confirmation from radiographic data. (105356)
CIS 06-835 Safety in the oil sector. (Spanish: Seguridad sector petrolero) Mancera Fernández M., Jaramillo M., Conde L.E., Ríos Hoyos M.L., Eastmond H., Protección y seguridad, Jan.-Feb. 2006, Vol.52, No.305, p.41-71. Illus. 8 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This collection of articles addresses the current situation and future prospects with respect to safety in the Columbian oil sector. Contents: new trends in occupational safety and health in the hydrocarbons sector; various types of fuel and their effects on the environment; development of a standard aimed at improving the safety of workers and reducing the number of fatal or injury-causing accidents; importance of integrated management systems in the oil industry. (105412)
CIS 06-836 Welding: Hazards and their prevention. (French: Le soudage: risques et prévention) Triaa R., Zekri S., Kahouach L., Daly L., Nouaigui H., SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, Jan. 2006, No.36, p.2-21. Illus. 11 ref. (In French) Internet: Contents of this special feature on hazards in welding operations and their prevention: main welding processes (arc welding, resistance welding, other processes); effects on health (vision impairment, respiratory disorders, metal fume fever, manganese poisoning, lead poisoning); other hazards (electrical hazards, noise, fire and explosion hazards); preventive measures (ventilation, masks, spectacles, personal protective equipment); protection against ultrasound exposure; and safe work in confined spaces. (105406)
CIS 06-837 Characteristics of worker accidents on NYSDOT construction projects. Mohan S., Zech W. C., Journal of Safety Research, 2005, Vol. 36, No. 4, p. 353-360. Illus. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this project was to identify cost-effective safety measures to protect construction workers in highway work zones, based on data on work area accidents and traffic accidents involving construction workers. A analysis of work zone accidents involving 36 fatalities and 3,055 severe injuries to construction workers on New York State Department of Transportation construction projects from 1990 to 2001 established that five accident types accounted for nearly 96% of the fatal accidents, nearly 63% of the hospital-level injury accidents, and nearly 91% of the total costs of USD 133.8 million. With respect to traffic accidents, statistical analyses established that five accident types accounted for nearly 86% of the fatal accidents, nearly 70% of the hospital-level injury accidents and USD 45.4 million (79. 4%) of the total accident costs. (105278)
CIS 06-838 Auxiliary materials to conduct periodic training for blue collar workers in building engineering : Part III Occupational safety manuals for machinery operation and workplace operations. (Polish: Materiały pomocnicze do prowadzenia szkoleń okresowych pracowników zatrudnionych na stanowiskach robotniczych w budownictwie : Cz. III Instrukcje bezpieczeństwa przy obsłudze urządzeń i wykonywaniu czynności na stanowiskach pracy jako materiał pomocniczy do szkolenia pracowników) Skarżycki A., Bezpieczeństwo i Higiena Pracy w Budownictwie, Gospodarce Komunalnej i Przemyśle, 2005, No.3, p.55-74. (In Polish) Internet: General principles for the development of manuals for safe work operations and the safe operation of machinery and equipment are described. Basic information that should be included in the manuals is specified and discussed. Includes examples of the content of manuals for various workplaces and equipment. (105381)
CIS 06-839 Construction workers and occupational health care. van Duivenbooden C., Frings-Dresen M.H.W., Ringen K., eds., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 2005, Vol.31, Suppl.2, p.1-116 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Collection of articles on occupational health in the construction industry. Besides general considerations of mortality and morbidity, topics include occupational diseases (musculoskeletal diseases, mesothelioma, lung cancer), conditions of work (physical workload, manual handling) and occupational accidents (invalidity, rehabilitation, safety programmes, reducing lost-time injuries). (105448)
CIS 06-840 An empirical investigation of safety climate in container terminal operations. Lu C. S., Shang K. C., Journal of Safety Research, 2005, Vol. 36, No. 3, p. 297-308. Illus. 47 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated the crucial dimensions of safety climate in a container terminal in Taiwan and classified workers into various groups according to their safety perceptions. Seven safety climate dimensions were identified: supervisor safety; job safety; co-worker safety; safety management; safety training; safety rules and special safety training; job pressure. Cluster analysis revealed that that safety training and management oriented terminal operators have the best safety performance, followed by safety management oriented terminal operators, job safety and supervisor safety oriented terminal operators, and co-worker safety oriented terminal operators. Theoretical and practical implications of the research findings are discussed. (105277)
CIS 06-841 Safety-culture in a Norwegian shipping company. Hĺvold J.I., Journal of Safety Research, 2005, Vol.36, No.5, p.441-458. Illus. 73 ref. (In English) Internet: Although there has been considerable interest in safety culture and safety climate in many industries, little attention has been given to safety culture in shipping. Using both original items and items from published research on safety culture, safety climate, and quality and management style, a 40-item safety culture questionnaire was developed and distributed to sailors onboard 20 vessels and to officers attending a safety seminar. A total of 349 questionnaires were collected (total response rate, 60%). Analysis of results confirmed previous research, showing differences in the perception of safety issues across nationalities, occupations and vessels. (105368)
CIS 06-842 Results for the period 1998-2005: Uniform registry for the evaluation of occupational safety and health and environmental protection systems for enterprises in the hydrocarbons sector. (Spanish: Resultados de la operación 1998-2005: Registro Uniforme de Evaluación de Sistema de Salud Ocupacional y medio ambiente para contratistas del sector de hidrocarburos (RUC)) Sarmiento M., Protección y seguridad, Nov.-Dec. 2005, Vol.51, No.304, p.36-39. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: This article presents an analysis of the data collected from the 688 Columbian enterprises of the hydrocarbons sector, affiliated to the uniform register for the evaluation of programmes pertaining to safety, health and environmental protection (RUC) between 1998 and 2005. Improvements planned for 2006 are also discussed. (105335)
CIS 06-843 An overview to CERSSO's self evaluation of the cost-benefit on the investment in occupational safety and health in the textile factories: "A step by step methodology". Amador-Rodezno R., Journal of Safety Research, 2005, Vol. 36, No. 3, p. 215-229. Illus. 3 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the development of a tool kit aimed at helping managers and line workers in garment factories to diagnose occupational hazards and to estimate the costs and benefits of investing in occupational safety and health (OSH) as a way to improve productivity and competitiveness. The procedures for using the tool kit and for calculating the prevention costs are described. Since July 2002, about 2400 workers, managers and officials from industry, government and training institutions in Central America and the Dominican Republic have used this instrument. They consistently found that investments in OSH were financially beneficial. (105272)
CIS 06-844 Process-related hazards in the sugar industry. (French: Accidents technologiques dans l'industrie sucričre) Enjolras P., Face au risque, Dec. 2005, No.418, p.28-31. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article describes the hazards that exist at each stage of the sugar beet transformation process. These include fire and explosion hazards, environmental pollution hazards due to the large amounts of effluents discharged, escape of carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, and proliferation of legionella bacteria in cooling towers. Brief accounts of several accidents occurring in this industry in France since 1982 are included. (105322)
CIS 06-845 Amendment to occupational safety and health requirements in the beverage industry. (Polish: Nowelizacja bioz w zakładach przemysłu napojów gazowanych) Gilewicz A., Przyjaciel przy Pracy, 2005, No.10, p.22-23. (In Polish) Internet: The Regulation of the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister of 23 June 2004 (Official Law Journal No.160, item 1669 of 14 July 2004) sets out new occupational safety and health requirements for the brewing and gaseous beverage industry. These include procedures and safety measures related to production equipment and production rooms and protective measures during the handling of glass containers. (105382)
CIS 06-846 Skin protection in the food processing industry. (Spanish: Protección de la piel en la elaboración de alimentos) Klotz A., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2005, No.174, p.58-64. Illus. 10 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: In industrialized countries, skin diseases are the most frequent occupational diseases. In the food processing industry, the main skin hazards result from wet work, frequent hand washing and disinfecting, and the use of impermeable gloves. Furthermore, skin diseases and poor skin hygiene can affect the quality of food products. The food processing industry has adopted skin protection principles that yield good results while at the same time guaranteeing the cleanliness of the food products. They involve three steps: applying skin protection creams before starting work; hand washing and disinfecting with products that are well tolerated; applying suitable skin care products after work. (105420)
CIS 06-847 Systematic radiological examination of the lungs and facial sinus of carpenters in Cotonou, Benin. (French: Examen radiologique systématique des poumons et des sinus de la face chez les menuisiers ŕ Cotonou au Bénin) Fayomi B., Tossou F., Biaou O., Revue de médecine du travail, 2000, Vol.XXVII, No.5, p.317-319. 8 ref. (In French) Internet: This study involved 32 male carpenters at a furniture manufacturing cooperative in Cotonou, Benin in 1999. Data were collected by means of interviews, clinical examinations and radiographies of the chest and sinus. Lung opacities were observed in two workers, while 25 of the 32 workers were found to have maxillary sinusitis. The study clearly highlights the insufficient nature of the preventive measures in place and the need for the medical supervision of workers. (105319)
CIS 06-848 Worker safety training in public hospitals in Costa Rica. Felknor S.A., Sequeira L.F., Weinger M., Burau K.D., De Mezerville L., Delclos G., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Oct.-Dec. 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.445-450. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: The development and implementation of a worker safety training programme for the public hospital system in Costa Rica is described. The programme was developed under a collaborative agreement between the Costa Rican Social Security System and the University of Texas School of Public Health. A national survey to assess safety in public hospitals revealed high rates of injury, under-reporting of injuries and a lack of worker safety training. A programme based on the results of the survey was implemented using a training-of-trainers model. It created opportunities for human resources development in occupational health in the hospital system, allowed for the sustainability of the training effort and reduced the dependency on external funding. Over 3,700 workers and 57 trainers were trained in the first three years of the programme. (105293)
CIS 06-849 Hotel linen maids. (French: Lingčre en hôtellerie) Delevoye A., Derieux N., Hunzinger E., Mzabi M.I., Roux F., Van Brederode A., Van Rooj B., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2005, Vol.45, No.3, 2p. Insert. (In French) Internet: The main task of hotel linen maids to ensure the proper management of linen, including the reception of clean linen, its storage and its distribution, together with the recovery and sorting of used linen. Contents of this information sheet on the job of hotel linen maid: general characteristics of the job; technical and organizational characteristics; exposures and constraints (work environment, work organization, tasks and equipment); hazard evaluation techniques; health effects and occupational pathology; prevention; medical supervision; regulations; evaluation of work aptitude. (105324)
CIS 06-850 Thanatopraxy: State of the practice and occupational hazards. (French: La thanatopraxie: état des pratiques et risques professionnels) Guez-Chailloux M., Puymeral P., Le Bâcle C., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2005, No.104, p.449-469. 57 ref. (In French) Internet: There are approximately 1000 thanatopraxy (embalming) practitioners in France. Exposures vary as a function of the state of the body and the premises in which the treatment takes place. This article provides a review of the profession and identifies occupational hazards. Contents: historical review and current state of the occupation; regulations; occupational tasks and conditions of work; occupational hazards (biological, chemical, organizational and psychosocial hazards); preventive measures (safety training, ventilation, skin and respiratory protection, safe work practices). (105325)
CIS 06-851 Call centre operator. (French: L'opérateur de centres d'appels) Boulanger G., Grabiaud M.H., Sauvagčre J., Vilaine C., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2005, Vol.45, No.4, 2p. Insert. (In French) Internet: Contents of this occupational information sheet on the job of call centre operator: definition; characteristics of the job; description of the tasks carried out; exposures and constraints; health effects; collective and individual protective measures; regulations; medical supervision. (105404)
CIS 06-852 Occupational safety and health for teleworking. (Polish: Bhp przy telepracy) Zakrzewska-Szczepańska K., Praca i Zabezpieczenie Społeczne, 2005, No.9, p.34-37. (In Polish) Internet: European Union regulations on teleworking are presented. The types of jobs for which teleworking is feasible are described and employers' obligations towards teleworkers with regard to the provision of safe and healthy working conditions are discussed. (105383)
CIS 06-853 Travelling African migrant workers: Role of occupational physicians. (French: Le migrant africain qui voyage: rôle du médecin du travail) Genty S., Ralaimazava P., Bouchaud O., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2005, Vol.45, No.4, p.477-483. Illus. 9 ref. (In French) Internet: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the prevalence of health problems among African migrant workers returning to France after a visit to their country of origin. Data were collected from three hospitals in the greater Paris region. The initial findings show that although these patients had consulted specialised medical services prior to their departure, they were affected by diarrhoea in proportions that were close to those of other travellers and by malaria in higher proportions than that of the general population, which confirms their vulnerability to these diseases. Occupational physicians should be able to alert these workers to the risks that they face, to advise on measures to take before and during the visit and to treat any potential diseases on their return. (105402)
CIS 06-854 Safety considerations for the aging workforce. Kowalski-Trakofler K.M., Steiner L.J., Schwerha D.J., Safety Science, Dec. 2005, Vol.43, No.10, p.779-793. Illus. 71 ref. (In English) Internet: This article discusses some of the psychological and physical issues of the ageing workforce based on recent literature. Descriptions of physical ageing and cognitive ageing are presented and the relationship of these factors to worker safety, especially those relevant to the mining industry, is discussed. Suggestions for the integration of this knowledge into the design of appropriate safety and health interventions for older workers are included. (105431)
CIS 06-855 Occupational injuries among young workers. Windau J., Meyer S., Monthly Labor Review, Oct. 2005, Vol.128, No.10, p.11-23. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: Despite regulations, young workers are exposed to some of the same hazards as older workers, resulting in injuries and deaths. Transportation accidents cause the most fatal occupational injuries. This article presents the salient occupational injury statistics for young workers in the USA, comparing two time periods: 1993-1997 and 1998-2002. Key safety issues concerning this population are discussed. Contents: data sources; youth employment; laws restricting child labour; occupational fatalities to youth; fatalities by event and activity; fatal injuries by industry; demographic characteristics; nonfatal injuries for 2003; data summary. (105362)
CIS 06-856 Injuries, illnesses, and fatalities among older workers. Rogers E., Wiatrowski W.J., Monthly Labor Review, Oct. 2005, Vol.128, No.10, p.24-30. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: Americans are living longer than ever before and many are staying in the workforce past the age of 55. Although older workers experience similar events leading to injury, they sustain more severe injuries than their younger counterparts and require more days away from work to recover. This article presents the salient occupational safety and health (OSH) statistics for older workers in the USA in 2003 and discusses some of the key OSH issues concerning this population. Contents: workplace injuries and illnesses; fatalities; case studies. (105363)
CIS 06-857 Occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities among women. Hoskins A.B., Monthly Labor Review, Oct. 2005, Vol.128, No.10, p.31-37. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: Women experienced fewer fatal and nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in the USA than men during the 1992-2003 period; homicide was the leading source of fatal injuries for women, and musculoskeletal disorders were the primary source of nonfatal injuries and illnesses. This article presents the salient occupational injury, illness and fatality statistics for women workers in the USA and discusses some of the key safety issues concerning this population with regard to the risk of occupational injuries. (105364)
CIS 06-858 Fatal occupational injuries to older workers in farming, 1995-2002. Meyer S., Monthly Labor Review, Oct. 2005, Vol.128, No.10, p.38-46. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: Agricultural workers aged 55 years and older are at a higher risk of fatal occupational injury than their younger counterparts. The leading causes of fatalities are transportation accidents, contact with objects or equipment and assaults, including assaults by animals. This article presents the salient occupational injury statistics concerning older farm workers in the USA and discusses some of the key safety issues concerning this population. (105365)
CIS 06-859 Fatal occupational injuries among Asian workers. Sincavage J.R., Monthly Labor Review, Oct. 2005, Vol.128, No.10, p.49-55. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: Between 1999 and 2003, 775 people of Asian descent suffered a fatal work injury; this is equal to three percent of all fatal work injuries in the USA during this period. More than half of the fatalities resulted from an assault or violent act. This article presents the salient fatal occupational injury statistics for Asian workers in the USA and discusses some of the key safety issues concerning this population. Contents: data sources; demographics; event or exposure causing fatalities; fatalities by geographic area and by industry; areas for further research. (105366)
CIS 06-860 Because we want to. Bryden R., Hudson P., Safety and Health Practitioner, July 2005, Vol.23, No.7, p.51-54. Illus. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: Many enterprises that have attempted to develop a sound safety culture admit that the biggest hurdle consists of changing workers' behaviour. This article describes how a major oil company translated human behaviour research into practice through its 'Hearts and Minds' programme. The goal was to develop a programme in which the entire workforce would become intrinsically motivated for managing health, safety and the environment as an integral part of their business. Tools and techniques designed as part of the programme are described and have been made available on the website of the Institute of Energy at www.energyinst.org.uk/heartsandminds. (105267)
CIS 06-861 Occupational hazards during pregnancy. (Spanish: Riesgos laborales durante el embarazo) Rodríguez Ortiz de Salazar B., Jardón Dato E,, Maqueda Blasco J., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Mar. 2005, Vol.LI, No.198, p.53-63. Illus. 34 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article describes the potential physical, chemical, biological and other hazards faced by pregnant women at work and examines the effects of the introduction of legislation to improve occupational safety and health for pregnant or breastfeeding workers. Measures are proposed for improving the equity of benefits for occupational risk protection during pregnancy and for informing women of the hazards they face. (105332)
CIS 06-862 Occupational health and safety for young people. Mäki L., ed., Työterveiset - Newsletter of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 2005, special issue 3, p.2-23. Illus. (In English) Internet: This special issue contains a series of articles on aspects of safety and health at work for young people. Topics covered include: the Finnish Youth and Work programme; the importance of occupational health services for young people; teaching basic principles of work safety; selection and use of protective clothing and equipment; occupational safety as part of vocational skills training; wellbeing through career management. (105425)
CIS 06-863 Adoption of an instrument to consolidate maritime labour standards. (French: Adoption d'un instrument consolidé regroupant les normes du travail maritime; Spanish: Adopción de un instrumento para refundir las normas sobre el trabajo marítimo) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2005. iii, 88p., ISBN 92-2-117915-X (En), ISBN 92-2-217915-3 (fr), ISBN 92-2-317915-7 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This report was prepared for the International Labour Conference (ILC) 94th (Maritime) Session, 7-23 February 2006. It provides an overview of the background to the proposed consolidated maritime labour Convention (see Report I (1B), CIS 06-864) and its expected impact along with detailed discussions of individual provisions. The proposed Convention would replace almost all of the more than 60 maritime Conventions and Recommendations adopted by the ILC since 1920. (105304)
CIS 06-864 Proposed consolidated maritime labour Convention. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2005. v, 104p., ISBN 92-2-117917-6 (En), ISBN 92-2-217917-X (fr), ISBN 92-2-317917-3 (es) (In English) Internet: This report provides the text of the proposed consolidated maritime labour Convention for discussion at the International Labour Conference 94th (Maritime) Session, 7-23 February 2006. It includes explanatory notes for each of the proposed regulations and formats for a Maritime Labour Certificate and for a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance. (105305)
CIS 06-865 Report of the Director-General on developments in the maritime sector. (French: Rapport du Directeur général sur l'évolution du secteur maritime; Spanish: Memoria del Director General sobre la evolución del sector marítimo) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2005. 49p. Illus., ISBN 92-2-117942-7 (En), ISBN 92-2-217942-0 (fr), ISBN 92-2-317942-4 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This report was submitted to the International Labour Conference (ILC) 94th (Maritime) Session, 7-23 February 2006 as background to discussions on the proposed consolidated maritime labour Convention. Topics covered: recent ILO activities in the maritime sector; technical cooperation and outreach activities undertaken by the ILO in connection with the promotion of maritime labour standards and decent work; ILO activities in connection with current issues and concerns in the maritime sector; and the ILO's maritime programme - a partnership for the future. (105306)
CIS 06-866 Proposed consolidated maritime labour Convention: Frequently asked questions. (French: Projet de convention du travail maritime consolidée: questions fréquentes; Spanish: Proyecto de convenio refundido sobre el trabajo marítimo: preguntas frecuentes) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2005.12p., ISBN 92-2-118207-X (En), ISBN 92-2-218207-3 (fr), ISBN 92-2-318207-7 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This brochure contains a series of questions and answers that are intended to provide a quick overview of the proposed maritime labour Convention for those unfamiliar with the new instrument. It highlights the novel features of the proposed Convention: minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship; conditions of employment; accommodation and welfare facilities; health protection and social security; and compliance and enforcement. (105307)
CIS 06-867 The end of child labour: Within reach. (Chinese: Tonggong laodong de zhongjie: Kewang keji; French: La fin du travail des enfants: un objectif ŕ notre portée; German: Das Ende der Kinderarbeit - zumgreifen nah; Russian: Prekraščenie detskogo truda: cel' blizka; Spanish: La eliminación del trabajo infantil: un objetivo a nuestro alcance) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genčve 22, Switzerland, 2006. xiii, 90p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: 35 CHF., ISBN 92-2-116603-1 (En), ISBN 92-2-216603-5 (fr), ISBN 92-2-316603-9 (es), ISBN 92-2-416603-2 (Ru), ISBN 92-2-516603-6 (Zh), ISBN 92-2-616603-X (Ar), ISBN 92-2-716603-3 (De) (In Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Russian, Spanish) Internet: This is the second Global Report on child labour under the follow-up to the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. It examines new estimates and trends of child labour by region and globally, provides examples of national action in combating child labour, highlighting the central role of employers' and workers' organisations, and explores strategic frameworks and policy initiatives that are contributing to the elimination of child labour. The report also reviews ILO action on child labour since 2002, discusses global challenges and sets out a proposed action plan. (105426)
CIS 06-868 Guidelines on occupational safety and health in agriculture. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2002. 80p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Detailed safety guide to safety and health in agricultural work. (105466)
CIS 06-869 Guidelines on occupational safety and health in fishing and aquaculture operation. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2001. 67p., ISBN 983-2014-18-2 (In English) Internet: Detailed safety guide to safety and health in fishing and aquaculture work. (105469)
CIS 06-870 Guidelines for public safety and health at construction sites. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 1994. iii, 22p. (In English) Internet: Safety guide. (105451)
CIS 06-871 Guidelines on occupational safety and health in tunnel construction. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 1998. ii, 36p., ISBN 983-2014-02-6 (In English) Internet: Safety guide. (105459)
CIS 06-872 Guidelines on occupational safety and health in the office. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 1996. 29p. Illus. 10 ref., ISBN 983-99156-0-6 (In English) Internet: Safety guide. (105452)
CIS 06-873 Guidelines on occupational safety and health in the service sector. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2004. iii, 121p., ISBN 983-2014-37-9 (In English) Internet: Safety guide to health and safety in the service sector. Contents: staff training (by risk type); kitchens (particular hazards of restaurant, catering and hotel work); work environment and welfare; public/government, financial and professional services. (105475)
CIS 06-874 Mechanisms for the protection of health of pregnant working women. (Spanish: Mecanismos para proteccion de la salud de la trabajadora gestante) Instituto Laboral Andino (ILA), Av. Paseo de la República N°3832, Oficina 502, Lima 27, Peru, Dec. 2005. 60p. Illus. (In English, Spanish) Internet: This document describes the potential health hazards for pregnant women and the unborn child arising from exposures in the workplace and examines legal measures for the protection of pregnant women workers. The role of trade unions is also investigated. (105486)
CIS 06-875 Visual display units - Health and ergonomics. (French: Ecrans de visualisation - Santé et ergonomie) Cail F., Aptel M., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, June 2005. 104p. Illus. 18 ref. Price: EUR 8.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1208-7 (In French) Internet: This guide reviews the information and methods needed to implement legislative requirements for work at screens. Part 1 examines the health effects of work at screens (visual fatigue, stress and musculoskeletal diseases). Part 2 provides guidance on preventive measures (characteristics of screen displays, workspace design, the physical environment and work organization). (105312)
CIS 06-876 Guidelines on occupational safety and health for working with video display units (vdu's). Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2003. v, 26p. Illus. 10 ref., ISBN 983-2014-27-1 (In English) Internet: Guidelines on the ergonomic and other aspects of VDU use in the workplace. (105471)
CIS 06-877 Respiratory symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among cement factory workers. Mwaiselage J., Brĺveit M., Moen B.E., Mashalla Y., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Aug. 2005, Vol.31, No.4, p.316-323. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: This case-control study assessed chronic respiratory symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among workers exposed to cement dust at a Tanzanian cement factory. Subjects included 120 exposed workers and 107 controls. Information on demographics, occupational history, chronic respiratory symptoms, smoking habits and use of respiratory protection equipment was collected by questionnaire. Ventilatory function testing and measurement of personal total dust exposure were also carried out. Exposed workers had more chronic cough, chronic sputum production, dyspnoea, shortness of breath and chronic bronchitis than the controls. These symptoms were significantly related to cumulative dust exposure. The prevalence of COPD was higher for the exposed group (18.8%) than for the controls (4.8%). The odds ratio for COPD was significantly related to cumulative dust exposure. (105348)
CIS 06-878 Pulmonary functions of wheat flour mill workers and controls in Ibadan, Nigeria. Ijadunola K.T., Erhabor G.E., Onayade A.A., Ijadunola M.Y., Fatusi A.O., Asuzu M.C., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Oct. 2005, Vol.48, No.4, p.308-317. Illus. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study of the impact of grain dust exposure on the pulmonary function of grain handlers, subjects consisted of 91 flour-millers, 30 matched controls from the maintenance unit of the same flourmill factory and 121 matched external controls. Data were collected using structured interviews, anthropometric measurements, spirometry, and area dust sampling. The flour-millers recorded significantly lower mean lung functions compared with control subjects for both FEV1 and FVC. Furthermore, 29% of flour-millers, compared with 15% of external controls and 10% of internal controls, presented with at least one abnormal test result of ventilatory function. (105400)
CIS 06-879 Combined effects of noise and mixed solvents exposure on the hearing function among workers in the aviation industry. Kim J., Park H., Ha E., Jung T., Paik N., Yang S., Industrial Health, July 2005, Vol.43, No.3, p.567-573. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated the effect of occupational exposure to noise and organic solvents on hearing loss among aircraft maintenance workers. The study population comprised 542 male workers for whom exposure and medical examination data were available. The prevalence of hearing loss found in the group exposed to noise and mixed solvents simultaneously (54.9%) was higher than those in the other groups (6.0% in the unexposed, 17.1% in the noise-only exposed, and 27.8% in the solvents-only exposed). The relative risks, adjusted for age, were estimated to be 4.3 for the noise-only group, 8.1 for the noise and solvents group, and 2.6 for the solvents-only group. These findings suggest that chronic exposure to mixed solvents had a toxic effect on the auditory system. This raises the issue of whether hearing conservation regulations should be applied to all workers exposed to solvents. (105253)
CIS 06-880 Longitudinal study to explore chronic neuropsychologic effects on solvent exposed workers. Ihrig A., Dietz M.C., Bader M., Triebig G., Industrial Health, July 2005, Vol.43, No.3, p.588-596. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated possible neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system among solvent-exposed workers. Participants included 127 workers (mainly spray painters and printers) exposed to solvent mixtures. They were subjected to medical examinations, a neuropsychological test battery, and biological and air monitoring over a two-year interval. The major component of the solvents was white spirit. Single substances were mainly toluene and xylenes in concentrations below current threshold values at the workplace. Results showed a slight increase in subjective complaints and a deterioration in the power of concentration associated with higher chronic solvent exposure. There was no evidence of solvent-associated neuropsychological dysfunctions under the exposure conditions described. (105254)
CIS 06-881 Clear the air. Horsey J., Safety and Health Practitioner, Nov. 2005, Vol. 23, No. 11, p. 55-58. Illus. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: This article provides an overview of airborne contaminants found in the workplace, the hazards they present to workers, the legislation in place to provide protection for staff and the technology available to allow employers to comply with the law. Contaminants discussed include dust and solid particles, aerosols, vapours and gases. Responsibilities of employers are explained, including their obligation to conduct exposure evaluations and to take appropriate measures including exhaust ventilation, filtration and supply of personal protective equipment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH, see CIS 00-620). (105280)
CIS 06-882 Asbestos-related diseases in Italy: Epidemiologic evidences and public health issues. Comba P., Merler E., Pasetto R., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2005, Vol.11, No.1, p.36-44. Illus. 72 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey reviews epidemiological studies of asbestos-related diseases in Italy based on mortality data, epidemiological surveillance, and analytical studies. Topics covered include: mortality from mesothelioma, environmental exposure to asbestos and asbestiform fibres, biological indicators of exposure, migration abroad for work as a risk factor, social security aspects and rulings in court cases of asbestos-related diseases. (105296)
CIS 06-883 Occupational exposures to carcinogens in Italy - An update of CAREX database. Mirabelli D., Kauppinen T., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2005, Vol.11, No.1, p.53-57. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: To update estimates of occupational exposures to carcinogens in Italy, data on 85 agents listed in an Italian carcinogens database (CAREX) were re-assessed. Exposure estimates were updated taking into account changes in exposure patterns and in numbers of employees by industrial class. Of the 21.8 million employees in Italy (19.4 in industry and services and 2.4 in agriculture), 4.2 million had exposures. Exposure prevalence was highest for environmental (passive) tobacco smoke (800,000 exposures), followed by solar radiation (700,000), diesel engine exhaust (500,000), wood dust (280,000), silica (250,000), lead and inorganic lead compounds (230,000), benzene (180,000), hexavalent chromium compounds (160,000), glass wool (140,000) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (120,000). (105297)
CIS 06-884 Exposures to carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances. (French: Exposition aux produits cancérogčnes, mutagčnes et reprotoxiques) Guignon N., Sandret N., Vincent R., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2005, No.104, p.471-483. (In French) Internet: Results of the SUMER 2003 survey of workers' exposure to occupational hazards, indicate that an estimated 2.3 million workers are exposed to carcinogens in France. Among the 83 chemicals or chemical families listed in the SUMER questionnaire, 28 are carcinogens, among which four are also classified as mutagens, and three are classified as reprotoxic. Most exposed workers are blue-collar male workers. Many women are exposed in the health and personal care sectors. During the last ten years, there has been a slight increase in exposures to carcinogens, but technical protective measures have become far more widespread. However, more than one third of the exposed workers still do not benefit from these measures. (105326)
CIS 06-885 Pulmonary berylliosis. (French: Bérylliose pulmonaire) Rosenberg N., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2005, No.104, p.513-521. 77 ref. (In French) Internet: Pulmonary berylliosis is defined by respiratory symptoms following the inhalation of dust or smoke containing beryllium particles. Workers in the beryllium smelting and metalworking industries are most at risk of exposure. Contents of this review article on berylliosis: physiopathology; prevalence and epidemiology; diagnosis of acute and chronic berylliosis; development of the disease; prevention (medical supervision, monitoring of workplace air, ventilation, personal protective equipment); compensation of occupational diseases in France. (105328)
CIS 06-886 Guide to the hazard evaluation of chemical substances during transport over land. (Spanish: Guía para evaluar el peligro de una sustancia química durante su transporte terrestre) De Fex R.L., Protección y seguridad, Nov.-Dec. 2005, Vol.51, No.304, p.52-58. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article proposes a method for calculating the chemical substance transport risk index (IRTPQ) for evaluating the hazards of dangerous substances during transportation. It is based on the hazard evaluation scales of the NFPA 704 standard (standardized system for the identification of hazards due to substances for the purposes of emergency interventions) and on three additional factors: odour intensity, complications related to the planned route and the availability of help in the event of an emergency along the route. Two examples of calculations are also included. (105337)
CIS 06-887 Globally harmonized system (GHS). (Spanish: El Sistema Globalmente Armonizado (SGA)) Bejarano Jiménez J.E., Protección y seguridad, Nov.-Dec. 2005, Vol.51, No.304, p.67-70. Illus. 3 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The main features of the globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) are presented. Contents: development of the GHS; danger symbols; pictograms; danger classes and classification criteria; elements to be shown on the product label; example of a label for a class 2 flammable product. (105339)
CIS 06-888 A proposed methodology for setting occupational exposure limits for hydrocarbon solvents. McKee R.H., Medeiros A.M., Daughtrey W.C., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Oct. 2005, Vol.2, No.10, p.524-542. 84 ref. (In English) Internet: The development of occupational exposure limits (OELs) for hydrocarbon solvents is complicated because most of these solvents have complex compositions and only a few representative constituents have been studied in detail. This article presents a proposed solution to this problem, based on grouping constituents with similar physical, chemical, and toxicological properties and assigning guidance values to each group. The guidance values are based principally on acute central nervous system depression and eye and respiratory tract irritation, effects that are the most sensitive indicators of hydrocarbon solvent exposure. A unique OEL can then be calculated for each solvent, using a reciprocal calculation procedure based on the liquid composition. This procedure follows ACGIH generic advice for complex mixtures and is recommended by the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive for OEL calculations by hydrocarbon solvent manufacturers. Sample calculations are provided. (105352)
CIS 06-889 Formaldehyde exposure in some educational hospitals of Tehran. Ghasemkhani M., Jahanpeyma F., Azam K., Industrial Health, Oct. 2005, Vol.43, No.4, p.703-707. Illus. 12 ref. (In English) Internet: Formaldehyde exposure was investigated in pathology laboratories, surgery rooms and endoscopy wards in eight large hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A total of 160 air samples were collected in various environments. It was found that the concentration levels of formaldehyde in pathology laboratories exceeded the recommended AGCIH threshold limit value of 0.3ppm. It is recommended that local exhaust ventilation be installed to minimize workers' exposure to formaldehyde. (105355)
CIS 06-890 Subjective assessments of safety, exposure to chemicals and use of personal protection equipment in seafaring. Jensen O.C., Sřrensen J.F.L., Canals M.L., Hu Y.P., Nikolic N., Bloor M., Occupational Medicine, Sep. 2005, Vol.55, No.6, p.454-458. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: A questionnaire study was carried out among seafarers in 11 countries during regular medical inspections. Data were collected on their assessments of safety on board, exposure to chemicals and use of personal protective equipment. Responses were obtained from 6461 subjects (response rate 93.7%). Eighty-two percent assessed the occupational safety on board to be very good. Fifty-five per cent of the seafarers were exposed to chemicals. Personal protective equipment for chemicals was used always or almost always among 93% of the exposed population. However, safety on board and use of personal protective equipment was assessed to be significantly different in some strata of the population and in specific work areas and types and sizes of ships. (105357)
CIS 06-891 Guidelines on the safe storage, transportation and handling of hazardous chemicals. Industrial Safety Chronicle, July-Sep. 2005, Vol.XXXVI, No.2, p.74-86. (In English) Internet: This article presents guidelines for the safe storage, transportation and handling of hazardous chemicals with reference to Indian legislation. Contents: statutory framework; standards and codes of practice; safe storage of hazardous chemicals; safety in transportation of hazardous chemicals; safe handling of hazardous chemicals. Appendices include a list of selected standards on hazardous chemicals and a summary of applicable Indian legislation. (105369)
CIS 06-892 The evaluation of chrysotile asbestos fibre levels in major chrysotile cement manufacturing companies in Zimbabwe. Mutetwa B., Chikonyora M., Dozva R., Mazibuko D., On Guard, Sep. 2005, Vol.11, No.3, p.7-11. 8 ref. (In English) Internet: Zimbabwe mines chrysotile asbestos and manufactures asbestos cement pipes and sheets, brake linings and gaskets. The objective of this study was to assess exposure levels in the chrysotile manufacturing industries. A total of 40 personal and environmental samples were collected at two manufacturing sites. Only one area was found to have fibre levels above the acceptable limit of 0.2 fibres/ml set voluntarily by the Zimbabwean industry and all samples were below the proposed threshold limit value of 0.5 fibres/ml. (105370)
CIS 06-893 Function of heart muscle in people chronically exposed to lead. Kasperczyk S., Przywara-Chowaniec B., Kasperczyk A., Rykaczewska-Czerwińska M., Wodniecki J., Birkner E., Dziwisz M., Krauze-Wielicka M., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 2005, Vol.12, No.2, p.207-210. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: The effects of lead exposure on heart function were investigated in workers potentially exposed to lead at a steelworks in the south of Poland. Blood lead concentrations were measured and echocardiograms were performed in 88 exposed workers and in a non-exposed reference group. Results indicated a decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction, enlargement of the left ventricle and raised left ventricular mass in exposed workers. These effects may be the result of raised arterial blood tension. (105384)
CIS 06-894 Hydroxypropyl acrylate - mixture of isomers: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: Akrylan hydroksypropylu - mieszanina izomerów: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Kupczewska-Dobecka M., Czerczak S., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.45, No.3, p.5-18.Illus. 34 ref. (In Polish) Internet: Hydroxypropyl acrylate (HPA) is a mixture of isomers: 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate and 2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl acrylate. HPA has been used in the manufacture of thermosetting resins for surface coatings. The substance causes moderate burns and contact allergy has been reported in exposed workers. Results of animal experiments indicate that HPA is of moderate to low toxicity. Based on indications of ocular, nasal and upper respiratory tract irritation in animals after repeated HPA inhalation, an 8-h TWA value of 2.8 mg/m3 is recommended. In order to minimize irritation symptoms, a STEL of 6 mg/m@m3 is recommended. Notations C (corrosive), S (skin absorption) and A (sensitizer) are also assigned. (105385)
CIS 06-895 Benzothiazole: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: Benzotiazol: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Zapór L., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.45, No.3, p.37-48. 21 ref. (In Polish) Internet: Benzothiazole is a yellow liquid with an unpleasant odour similar to quinoline. Occupational exposure through inhalation or dermal contact occurs mostly at rubber processing facilities and during asphalt paving. No data is available on the toxicity of benzothiazole in humans. Acute toxicity testing in laboratory animals revealed effects on the central nervous system and liver. Based on an LOAEL value of 135 mg/kg and on uncertainty factors, a MAC (TWA) value has been calculated at 20 mg/m3. A skin notation is also considered appropriate. (105386)
CIS 06-896 Diesel exhaust: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: Spaliny silnika Diesla: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Czerczak S., Szymczak W., Lebrecht G., Hanke W., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.45, No.3, p.89-133. Illus. 81 ref. (In Polish) Internet: Diesel exhaust contains products of complete combustion such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and of incomplete combustion such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, phenols and sulphur compounds, which can cause irritation to the upper respiratory tract. Diesel exhaust also produces submicron-sized particles that cause soiling and poor visibility. These particles have been regarded as presenting only a minimal health risk, however, the presence of carcinogens adsorbed on the particles has raised concerns about the potential for lung cancer from exposure to diesel exhaust. Data from studies on carcinogenic effects in laboratory animals were considered to establish MAC values for diesel exhaust. A linear model was used in assessing the risk to workers. The MAC value for diesel exhaust was calculated to be 0.5 mg/m3. (105387)
CIS 06-897 Ethyl acrylate: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: Akrylan etylu: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartosci dopuszczalnych wielkosci narazenia zawodowego) Soćko R., Czerczak S., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.44, No.2, p.5-28. Illus. 70 ref. (In Polish) Internet: Ethyl acrylate is a colourless liquid with an acrid odour. Liquid and vapour phases of ethyl acrylate are irritating to the eyes, the skin and mucous membranes. Prolonged inhalation exposure to ethyl acrylate produces drowsiness, headache and nausea. Limited data indicate the potential for ethyl acrylate to produce skin sensitization. Based on animal data for chronic irritation, a value of 20 mg/m3 was established as the maximum exposure limit value for ethyl acrylate. The suggested STEAL value is 40 mg/m3. Notations for skin absorption, irritant and sensitizer are also assigned. (105388)
CIS 06-898 4,4'-Methylenedianiline: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: 4,4'-Metylenodianilina: Dokumentacja proponowanych wartości dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Gołofit-Szymczak M., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2005, Vol.44, No.2, p.131-161. 78 ref. (In Polish) Internet: 4,4'-Methylenodianiline (MDA) exists as colourless to pale yellow crystalline flakes. Occupational exposure to MDA occurs by dermal, oral and inhalation routes. MDA is a hepatotoxic agent. Acute human exposure to MDA results in liver damage, cholangitis and centrilobular cholestasis. Chronic exposure also causes liver damage. The Expert Group has recommended a TLV of 0.8 mg/m3 for 4,4' -methylenodianiline. A skin notation and a carcinogen notation (probably carcinogenic to humans) are also assigned. (105389)
CIS 06-899 Assessment of abnormal DNA repair responses and genotoxic effects in lead exposed workers. Karakaya A.E., Ozcagli E., Ertas N., Sardas S., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 2005, Vol.47, No.4, p.358-363. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: Genotoxic effects of lead were studied in blood cell samples from 23 workers of battery manufacturing plants and 23 unexposed controls. Tests included chromosomal aberration (CA) assay and X-ray induced challenge (XRC) assay to assess DNA damage and interference with DNA repair processes after an in vitro exposure of X-ray. Cases were classified into categories according to their blood lead levels. The CA frequencies in the exposed and control groups were not significantly different by the conventional CA assay, however, the XRC assay demonstrated significantly elevated CAs. Non-significant but reduced DNA repair responses were also observed in lead exposed workers. The results suggest that lead exposure may cause reduction in DNA repair capacity. (105396)
CIS 06-900 Exposure to methyl bromide. (French: L'exposition au bromure de méthyle) Ben Mansour H., Miled S., Hidri A., Ben Laiba M., SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, Jan. 2006, No.36, p.33-35. Illus. 6 ref. (In French) Internet: Methyl bromide is a pesticide used in Tunisia as a fumigation agent for the preservation of dates. It is estimated that around 10,000 persons working in the date packaging sector are potentially exposed to this substance. This article summarizes the physical and chemical properties of methyl bromide, its metabolism and toxicity, and its effects on health (neurotoxic effects, peripheral neuropathies, hepatic disorders), together with preventive measures, medical supervision and the compensation of occupational diseases due to exposure to the substance. (105408)
CIS 06-901 Asbestos: The situation after 10 years of regulations. (French: Amiante: le point aprčs 10 ans de réglementation) Ravallec C., Brasseur G., Travail et sécurité, Feb. 2006, No.659, p.18-29. Illus. 3 ref. (In French) Internet: Although the use of asbestos was abolished in France in 1997, occupational diseases related to asbestos are currently the most costly and a large number of buildings still contain the material. Ten years after the implementation of Decree 96-98 of 7 February 1996 (see CIS 96-404) that specifies the rules for the protection of workers against risks of inhalation, this special feature reviews the current situation with respect to asbestos in France. Topics addressed: asbestos removal sites; building site inspections; insufficient compliance with regulations; legal requirements; waste management; occupations at risk. (105409)
CIS 06-902 Self-reported allergy to latex gloves among health care workers in Jordan. Khader Y., Abu-Zaghlan M., Abu-Al Rish I., Burgan S., Amarin Z., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 2005, Vol.53, No.6, p.339-343. Illus. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of natural rubber latex allergy and its associated factors among 500 health care workers using natural rubber gloves. Of the 420 subjects who responded to a self-administered questionnaire, 57 (13.6%) reported an allergy to latex gloves. The prevalence of allergy to natural rubber gloves was significantly higher for those who had allergy to certain foodstuffs (especially avocado, kiwifruits and chestnuts) or with history of eczema and hay fever. However, the prevalence of allergy to natural rubber gloves was independent of gender, age, job, family history, type of gloves, hours of use per day and number of years on the job. (105435)
CIS 06-903 Meta-analysis of silicosis and lung cancer. Lacasse Y., Martin S., Simard S., Desmeules M., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Dec. 2005, Vol.31, No.6, p.450-458. Illus. 66 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined the association between silicosis and lung cancer in 31 studies (27 cohort studies and four case-control studies) that reported a measure of association (standardized mortality ratio, relative risk or odds ratio) relating lung cancer to silicosis. Without adjustment for smoking, the analysis indicated that the common standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 2.45. When the results of the cohorts for which mortality data were adjusted for smoking were pooled, the common SMR was 1.60. In a dose-response analysis, the profusion of small and large opacities found in chest X-rays correlated with the risk of death from lung cancer. Because of biases inherent to observational studies, it is likely that the risk of lung cancer among silicosis patients is overestimated in current literature. There is nevertheless evidence that silicosis and lung cancer are associated. (105440)
CIS 06-904 Registry-based case-control studies of liver cancer and cancers of the biliary tract nested in a cohort of autoworkers exposed to metalworking fluids. Bardin J.A., Gore R.J., Wegman D.H., Kriebel D., Woskie S.R., Eisen E.A., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, June 2005, Vol.31, No.3, p.205-211. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: This study on hepatobiliary cancer (liver and biliary tract) was conducted in the form of a registry-based case-control study nested in a cohort of workers from three automobile manufacturing plants with potential exposure to metalworking fluids. 63 cases of hepatobiliary cancer were identified from the cohort by the Michigan cancer registries. Each case was matched to 10 controls. Odds ratios were estimated in conditional logistic regression models for lifetime exposure to straight mineral oils, and to soluble and synthetic metalworking fluids and fluid components. Overall, hepatobiliary cancer was not associated with exposure to metalworking fluids. However, there is limited evidence that exposure to straight metalworking fluids is associated with biliary tract cancer. Findings need to be examined further in other exposed populations. (105443)
CIS 06-905 European Union bans atrazine, while the United States negotiates continued use. Sass J.B., Colangelo A., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.260-267. 82 ref. (In English) Internet: Atrazine is a common agricultural herbicide with endocrine disruptor activity. There is evidence that it interferes with reproduction and development, and may cause cancer. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved its continued use in October 2003, that same month the European Union (EU) announced a ban on atrazine because of ubiquitous and unpreventable water contamination. The authors reviewed regulatory procedures and government documents, and report efforts by the manufacturer of atrazine, Syngenta, to influence the U.S. atrazine assessment, by submitting flawed scientific data as evidence of no harm, and by meeting repeatedly and privately with EPA to negotiate the government's regulatory approach. Many of the details of these negotiations continue to be withheld from the public, despite EPA regulations and federal open-government laws that require such decisions to be made in the open. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105488)
CIS 06-906 The past suppression of industry knowledge of the toxicity of benzene to humans and potential bias in future benzene research. Infante P.F., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.268-272. 47 ref. (In English) Internet: Petrochemical industry representatives often withhold information and misinterpret positive evidence of toxicity of benzene, even from their own research, also discouraging or delaying disclosure of findings of adverse effects to the public. They now appear to be attempting to influence study results in industry's favour by offering predetermined conclusions about study results as part of an effort to draw financial support for the studies. The American Petroleum Institute is currently raising funds for benzene research being conducted in China for which it has already announced the intended conclusions. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105489)
CIS 06-907 Sequential radiologic and functional pulmonary changes in patients with paraquat intoxication. Huh J.W., Hong S.B., Lim C.M., Do K.H., Lee J.S., Koh Y.S., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.203-208. Illus. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: The sequential changes of paraquat-induced pulmonary damage were studied using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in long-term follow-up. Among the cohort of 27 patients who had ingested paraquat, the HRCT findings showed a normal (n=14) and an abnormal group (n=13). Increased paraquat ingestion in the abnormal group was associated with more rapid and severe pulmonary changes. Ground-glass opacity on HRCT peaked on day 7 after ingestion. Between 2 weeks and 1 month, consolidation increased and pulmonary fibrosis progressed, and slow improvements were observed for up to six months. Compared with the PFT results obtained at 1 and 6.5 months, FVC, FEV1, and diffusing capacity all improved slightly. Lung changes after paraquat intoxication are functionally and radiologically reversible following treatment. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105492)
CIS 06-908 Neurocognitive screening of mercury-exposed children of Andean gold miners. Counter S.A., Buchanan L.H., Ortega F., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.209-214. Illus. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: Performance on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test of visual-spatial reasoning was used to evaluate the effects of mercury (Hg) exposure on 73 Andean children aged 5 to 11 years (mean: 8.4) living in the Nambija and Portovelo gold mining areas of Ecuador, where Hg is widely used in amalgamation. Mean levels of Hg found in blood (HgB), urine (HgU), and hair (HgH) samples were 5.1 ľg/L (SD: 2.4; range: 1-10 ľg/L), 13.3 ľg/L (SD: 25.9; range: 1-166 ľg/L), and 8.5 ľg/g (SD: 22.8; range: 1-135 ľg/g), respectively. Of the children in the Nambija area 67-84.9% had abnormal RCPM standard scores (i.e.≤ 25%tile), depending on the test norm used in the data analysis. Higher standard scores for Peruvian (t=4.77; p=<0.0001) and Puerto Rican (t=4.51; p=<0.0001) norms than for U.S. norms suggested a linguistic influence. No difference was found between Peruvian and Puerto Rican norms (t=0.832; p=<0.408), which showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.915, p=<0.0001). Children with abnormal HgB and HgH levels had significantly lower scores on the RCPM subtest B than did children with nontoxic Hg levels (t=-2.16; p=<0.034). These results suggest that a substantial number of Hg-exposed children in the Nambija study area have neurocognitive deficits in visual-spatial reasoning. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105493)
CIS 06-909 Mercury reduction in Munhena, Mozambique: Homemade solutions and the social context for change. Spiegel S.J., Savornin O., Shoko D., Veiga M.M., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.215-221. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: The health and environmental impacts of artisanal gold mining are of growing concern in Munhena, Mozambique, where more than 12,000 people are involved in such activities. Gold is extracted using mercury amalgamation, posing a considerable threat to human and environmental health. A pilot project ascertained the feasibility of reducing mercury use and emissions by promoting control measures utilizing local resources. Retorts were fabricated with local materials. Training workshops introduced the homemade retorts, and a portable mercury monitor revealed effective mercury reduction. Barriers to widespread technology adoption include poverty, lack of knowledge and trust, and the free supply of mercury from private gold buyers. Homemade retorts are inexpensive and effective, and miners could benefit by building community amalgamation centers. The government could play a greater role in gold purchasing to reduce mercury pollution. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105494)
CIS 06-910 Association between blood lead level and blood pressure in aborigines and others in central Taiwan. Kuo H.W., Lai L.H., Chou S.Y., Wu F.Y., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.222-227. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: To investigate the relationship between blood lead level (BLL) and blood pressure among aborigines and non-aborigines in central Taiwan, a community-based survey that included demographic data, medical history and blood chemistry analyses was conducted among 2,565 adults during an annual health examination. BLLs were analysed using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). There was a dose response among the non-aborigines (high BLL odds ratio = 2.97, compared with low BLL) but not among aborigines. Based on multiple linear regression models, BLLs were positively correlated with both systolic (an increase of 0.85 mm Hg/ľg/dL) and diastolic (an increase of 0.48 mm Hg/ľg/dL) blood pressures after adjusting for age, gender, ethnic group, alcohol consumption, and body mass index. BLLs were higher among aborigines than non-aborigines and were significantly correlated with blood pressure, particularly systolic pressure. The association should be considered causal. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105495)
CIS 06-911 Use of pesticides and its impact on health of farmers in South India. Chitra G.A., Muraleedharan V.R., Swaminathan T., Veeraraghavan D., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.228-233. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: The relationship between extent of pesticide use and signs and symptoms of illnesses due to exposure was assessed in a cross-sectional survey of 631 farmers (537 men and 94 women) in South India. Responses to questionnaires showed that 433 farmers (68.6%) sprayed pesticides themselves and were thus directly exposed. More than 75% used moderately or highly hazardous pesticides; 88% used no protection while handling pesticides. About 50% of sprayers mixed different brands. Retailers were the source of information about pesticides for 56%. The farmers reported excessive sweating (36.5%), burning/stinging/itching of eyes (35.7%), dry/sore throat (25.5%), and excessive salivation (14.1%), all more prevalent among sprayers. Among men, excessive sweating and eye and throat problems were significantly associated with exposure. There is a need to raise farmers' and authorities' awareness of the need to use protective gear when handling pesticides. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105496)
CIS 06-912 Development of Permissible Exposure Limits: The California experience. Cohen R., Steinmaus C., Quinlan P., Ku R., Cooper M., Roberts T., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.242-247. 3 ref. (In English) Internet: The California OSHA Airborne Contaminant Advisory Committee reviewed several hundred substances and recommended occupational exposure limits for the protection of workers and employers. The model used offers important benefits. First, by allowing open meetings, the process was transparent, and input could be offered by concerned stakeholders. Second, the process was data-driven and, therefore, less susceptible to bias and error. Third, by incorporating members with backgrounds in toxicology, epidemiology, risk assessment, occupational medicine, and industrial hygiene, the process fostered a thorough and diverse assessment of substances. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105498)
CIS 06-913 Banning asbestos in Asia: Campaigns and strategies by the Asian network for the rights of occupational accident victims (ANROAV). Pandita S., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.248-253. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: China, India, Indonesia and Thailand are among the largest consumers of asbestos. Because markets in the West are dwindling, asbestos is heavily promoted in Asia. In spite of widespread usage, asbestos-related diseases are surprisingly few and reported cases of mesothelioma are rare in Asia except in Japan, Korea, and Singapore. The problem lies in diagnosis. Most of the asbestos-related diseases are not diagnosed in Asia and thus do not appear in government statistics. This deadly substance is killing workers. Unless drastic action is taken to stop its use, Asian workers as well as the general population will pay a heavy price. The activities of ANROAV (the Asian Network for the Rights of Occupational Accident Victims) are described. [Abstract supplied by the journal] (105499)
CIS 06-914 FIOH-sponsored Newsletter misrepresents asbestos hazards in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2006, Vol.12, No.3, p.254-258. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) has received support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Office (ILO) to publish the African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety. In this letter to the editor, signed by a large number of OSH professionals, the view is expressed that the African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety should not be a medium for industry propaganda, or the source of misinformation among the workers of Africa. Instead, FIOH should provide the same level of scientific information in Africa that it does in Finland and other developed countries. (105500)
CIS 06-915 Occupational hazards and respiratory protection. (Spanish: Riesgos profesionales y la protección respiratoria) Patarroyo Montejo J.R., Protección y seguridad, Nov.-Dec. 2005, Vol.51, No.304, p.58-62. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article reviews occupational hazards for the respiratory system and provides guidance on the selection and use of respiratory protective equipment. Topics addressed: identification of occupational hazards; factors affecting the effects of contaminants; health hazards; types of respiratory protection; implementation of a respiratory protection programme; maintenance of respirators. (105338)
CIS 06-916 Suicide and exposure to organophosphate insecticides: Cause or effect?. London L., Flisher A.J., Wesseling C., Mergler D., Kromhout H., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 2005, Vol.47, No.4, p.308-321. Illus. 132 ref. (In English) Internet: A literature review was performed of mortality and morbidity studies related to suicide among pesticide-exposed populations, and of human and animal studies of central nervous system toxicity related to organophosphate (OP) pesticides. Suicide rates are high in farming populations. Animal studies link OP exposure to serotonin disturbances in the central nervous system, a mechanism that is implicated in depression and suicide in humans. Various epidemiological studies conclude that acute and chronic OP exposure is associated with affective disorders. Other studies also support a causal association between OP use and suicide. It is concluded that OPs are not only agents for suicide, but may be part of the causal pathway. (105392)
CIS 06-917 Impact of toxicological interactions on the management of multiple contaminant exposure situations. (French: Impact des interactions toxicologiques sur la gestion des situations d'exposition ŕ des contaminants multiples) Vyskocil A., et al., Institut de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2005. v, 30p. Illus. 17 ref. Price: CAD 6.42. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge (In French) Internet: Health criteria related to exposure to multiple contaminants do not usually take into account possible interactions and, therefore, possible changes in toxicity. In this project, potential interactions of workplace substances for which data were available in the literature were identified and a method was developed for estimating the health effects of specific mixtures as a function of the exposure concentration. The resulting database is accessible through the Internet on the IRSST website. While this database provides a tool for occupational hygienists and others in estimating the potential interactions and health effects of substances in the workplace, a professional judgment is needed in specific situations. (105285)
CIS 06-918 Smoking policy. (French: Politique en matičre de tabac) PREVENT, rue Gachard 88, Bte 4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, Sep. 2004. 2p. Illus. (In French) Internet: This information sheet summarizes the legal responsibilities of employers with respect to passive smoking in Belgium. Employers are required to implement the necessary measures for limiting the use of tobacco within the enterprise. The main legal provisions are highlighted and the seven steps of an anti-smoking action plan at the place of work are presented. (105286)
CIS 06-919 Organic solvents in the workplace atmosphere - Portable direct reading detectors. (French: Solvants organiques dans l'atmosphčre des lieux de travail - Les détecteurs portables ŕ lecture directe) Galland B., Courtois B., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Apr. 2005. 12p. Illus. 8 ref. Price: EUR 1.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1308-3 (In French) Internet: This guide describes various technologies available for the detection of solvents in workplace air, together with their advantages and limitations. Types of portable direct-reading detectors available include: colorimetric tubes and plates; detectors based on electrochemical cells and semiconductors; and photo-ionization and flame ionization detectors. A table compares the characteristics of each type of detector: ease of use and maintenance, cost, selectivity, sensitivity, response time and precision. (105313)
CIS 06-920 The material safety data sheet - A document rich in information and essential for the prevention of chemical hazards. (French: La fiche de données de sécurité - Un document riche d'informations, essentiel pour la prévention du risque chimique) Lebreton R., Reynier M., Triolet J., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Apr. 2005. 16p. Price: EUR 4.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1300-8 (In French) Internet: This guide proposes a systematic approach to the compilation and use of material safety data sheets (MSDSs). Contents: brief historical and regulatory overview; contents of MSDSs (product identification and composition, hazards, first aid, fire and explosion prevention, clean-up of spills, handling and storage, exposure control, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicology, ecotoxicology, waste disposal, transport, and classification and labelling); compilation procedures; legal responsibilities for the supply of MSDSs; and answers to frequently asked questions. (105315)
CIS 06-921 Powder-based paints - Composition, toxicological hazards, safety and health measures. (French: Peintures en poudre - Composition, risques toxicologiques, mesures de prévention) Lebreton R., Kolczynski C., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Apr. 2005. 12p. 22 ref. Price: EUR 2.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1309-1 (In French) Internet: This guide presents a detailed inventory of the main constituents of powder-based paints, including binders, pigments, fillers and additives, and describes their toxicological and fire and explosion hazards. Safety and health measures during the manufacture and use of powder-based paints are specified: substitution, dust control, fire and explosion prevention, supply of information (labelling, safety data sheets), information of personnel and medical supervision. (105316)
CIS 06-922 Guidelines on method of sampling and analysis for airborne lead. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 1997. iii, 16p. Illus. 16 ref., ISBN 983-99156-4-9 (In English) Internet: Description of techniques for sampling and analysis of airborne lead in compliance with legislation. It is based primarily on the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (4th ed., 1994, see CIS 98-217). (105455)
CIS 06-923 Guidelines for the formulation of a chemical safety datasheet. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 1997. ii, 42p. 6 ref., ISBN 983-99156-5-7 (In English) Internet: Detailed guidelines for the preparation of a chemical safety datasheet, including a copy of the form in Malay. (105456)
CIS 06-924 Guidelines for the classification of hazardous chemicals. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 1997. ii, 39p. 7 ref., ISBN 983-99156-6-5 (In English) Internet: Detailed guide to the classification of dangerous chemicals, in line with the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 1997 (see CIS 06-512). Contents: glossary; classification according to physicochemical properties and health effects; R phrases; how to deal with the classification of mixtures. (105457)
CIS 06-925 Guidelines for labelling of hazardous chemicals. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 1997. ii, 50p. Illus. 4 ref., ISBN 983-99156-7-3 (In English) Internet: Detailed guide to the labelling of dangerous chemicals, in line with the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 1997 (see CIS 06-512). Sample labels, as well as lists of standard Risk, Safety and First Aid Phrases are in the appendix. (105458)
CIS 06-926 Assessment of the health risks arising from use of hazardous chemicals in the workplace: A manual of recommended practice (2nd edition). Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2000. iv, 77p. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: Manual issued under the authority of the Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000 (see CIS 06-513). (105462)
CIS 06-927 Guidelines on the control of chemicals hazardous to health. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2001. vi, 23p. 8 ref., ISBN 983-2014-10-7 (In English) Internet: Guidelines issued under the authority of the Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000 (see CIS 06-513). (105463)
CIS 06-928 Guidelines on medical surveillance: Under the Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2001. 128p. Bibl.ref., ISBN 983-2104-16-6 (In English) Internet: Guidelines on medical surveillance as a tool of chemical safety. (105464)
CIS 06-929 Chemical laboratory operations - Hazards and prevention. (French: Manipulations dans les laboratoires de chimie - Risques et prévention) Triolet J., Mairesse M., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2nd ed., Mar. 2005. 18p. 12 ref. Price: EUR 4.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1299-0 (In French) Internet: Aimed at persons responsible for laboratories as well as at laboratory workers, this guide presents a range of safety and health measures applicable to work in chemistry laboratories. Contents: general organizational and technical measures; chemical hazards and their prevention (product labelling, safety data sheets, toxic substances, fire and explosion hazards, waste disposal); hazards of laboratory equipment; risks during common laboratory operations; management of accidents and incidents (fire, atmospheric contamination, first aid). Replaces CIS 01-1089. (105314)
CIS 06-930 OECD initial assessment reports for high-production volume chemicals including screening information data sets (SIDS). Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 11-13 chemin des Anémones, 1219 Châtelaine, Genčve, Switzerland, Oct. 2005. CD-ROM. (In English) Internet: This CD-ROM contains assessment reports and screening information data for high-volume production chemicals in PDF format. For each chemical, the following data are provided: general substance information; information on exposure and use; physical chemical data; environmental fate and pathways; ecotoxicity data; human health data, including experience with human exposure if available. Where relevant, data on regulatory measures are included. The web browser interface allows the substances to be searched by CAS number or by substance name. Replaces CIS 04-181. (105421)
CIS 06-931 Safety and security issues relating to low capacity storage of AN-based fertilizers. Marlair G., Kordek M. A., Journal of Hazardous Materials, Aug. 2005, Vol. 123, No. 1-3, p. 13-28. Illus. 54 ref. (In English) Internet: This article discusses safety issues associated with the storage of fertilizer grades of ammonium nitrate (AN), with a focus on low storage capacity premises. The information is based on a literature review on hazardous properties of AN and AN-based fertilizers, a review of accidents involving relatively small quantities of AN-based fertilizers, an examination of both the relevant regulatory framework and the level of hazard control achieved, and finally on an analysis of the economical, technical and organizational factors that could lead to an underestimation of the risk compared to large scale storage facilities. (105279)
CIS 06-932 NTP 399.015:2001 - Pictograms for the manual handling of dangerous substances. (Spanish: NTP 399.015:2001 - Símbolos pictóricos para manipulación de mercancía peligrosa) González Villarejo P.M., Protección y seguridad, Nov.-Dec. 2005, Vol.51, No.304, p.44-47. Illus. 1 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article comments on the Peruvian technical standard NTP 399.015:2001 concerning pictograms for the labelling of dangerous substances during manual handling. It presents the characteristics of the pictograms (symbols, shapes, background colours, explanatory notes), the classification of hazards and the Peruvian regulatory requirements with respect to danger pictograms. Examples of labels corresponding to the various danger classes are presented in tabular form. (105336)
CIS 06-933 Giving your own firework display: How to run and fire it safely. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 2nd ed. 2005. iv, 20p. Illus. 26 ref. Price: GBP 7.95., ISBN 0-7176-6162-8 (In English) Internet: The advice in this guide covers firework displays where the organizers set off the fireworks themselves and have no specialist knowledge. Contents: organization of the display; site selection and layout; contact with the police, the fire service, the local authority and other local groups; provision of site facilities; care of fireworks before the display; crowd safety; emergency plans; safety of bonfires; setting up the fireworks; firing the display; clearing up after the display; legal requirements. Replaces CIS 95-1481. (105422)
CIS 06-934 The European vibration directive. Nelson C.M., Brereton P.F., Industrial Health, July 2005, Vol.43, No.3, p.472-479. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: The European Union adopted a Directive in 2002 on minimum requirements for the health and safety of workers exposed to vibration (see CIS 02-24). It builds on existing general employers' duties to manage risks to health and safety, and introduces exposure action and limit values for both hand-arm vibration and whole-body vibration, setting minimum standards for the control of vibration risks across Europe. New Regulations on Vibration at Work were introduced in Great Britain on 6 July 2005 to implement the Directive. This article comments on the requirements of the Directive and on the implementation and potential impact of the new Regulations in the UK. (105251)
CIS 06-935 The study on hand-arm vibration syndrome in China. Lin W., Chunzhi Z., Qiang Z., Kai Z., Xiaoli Z., Industrial Health, July 2005, Vol.43, No.3, p.480-483. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: The findings of epidemiological and clinical studies on hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) in China are summarized. HAVS was reported from almost all provinces. The prevalence of vibration while finger (VWF) ranged from 2.5% to 82.8% in workers using vibrating tools and results confirmed the exposure-response relationship between prevalence of VWF and intensity and duration of exposure to hand-transmitted vibration. Diagnostic criteria of HAVS were established and implemented in 1985, and established as a national standard for occupational health in 2002. The threshold limit value of vibration exposure is 5.0m/s2 as energy equivalent frequency-weighted acceleration for a period of 4h. (105252)
CIS 06-936 Getting the measure. Turney T., Safety and Health Practitioner, Aug. 2005, Vol.23, No.8, p.36-38. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: The Noise at Work Regulations 2005 due to be implemented in April 2006 in the United Kingdom specify lower permissible noise exposure limits than the earlier Noise at Work Regulations 1989 (see CIS 90-21). If risk assessment shows that employees are likely to be exposed to noise above the action level of 87 dB(A), then measuring the noise level for these individuals is essential. This article discusses the issue of noise measurement and explains how to conduct a noise survey using sound level meters and noise dosimeters. (105268)
CIS 06-937 Notes of caution. Wright Reid A., Safety and Health Practitioner, Sep. 2005, Vol.23, No.9, p.51-54. Illus. 3 ref. (In English) Internet: The new Noise at Work Regulations 2005 due to be implemented in April 2006 in the United Kingdom apply to most industries, but the music industry has been given a further two years to comply. This article explains why the extra time is needed and discusses ways in which hearing damage among musicians can be prevented. (105269)
CIS 06-938 Medical and legal revision, and current situation with respect to the evaluation of occupational hearing loss in the Spanish social security system. (Spanish: Revisión médico-legal y estado actual de la evaluación medica de la hipoacusia profesional en el sistema espańol de la seguridad social) Sánchez Galan L., Rodríguez Ortiz de Salazar B., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Mar. 2005, Vol.LI, No.198, p.7-20. Illus. 44 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article reviews the current situation with respect to the evaluation of hearing loss in the Spanish social security system and describes a study of a representative sample of cases of permanent incapacity where the main clinical diagnosis was occupational hearing loss. It is concluded that methods for evaluating hearing loss should be standardized so as to enable the equitable application of the legal criteria that govern the right to compensation. Results also indicate that the number of workers with work-related hearing loss is higher than that evaluated and compensated by the social security system. (105331)
CIS 06-939 Long-term effect of occupational noise on the risk of coronary heart disease. Virkkunen H., Kauppinen T., Tenkanen L., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Aug. 2005, Vol.31, No.4, p.291-299. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: The effect of occupational noise exposure on coronary heart disease (CHD) was studied among 6005 randomly-selected Finnish middle-aged male industrial workers in a prospective 18-year follow-up study. Data on CHD were obtained from official Finnish hospital and death registers. The Finnish job-exposure matrix FINJEM provided estimates of the proportion of noise-exposed persons and the mean level of exposure among those exposed by occupation. The medium-term (9-year follow-up) relative risk of CHD for the combined noise (continuous noise exceeding 80dB and impulse noise) was 1.38, and the long-term (18-year follow-up) RR was 1.54. For blue-collar workers the corresponding estimates were 1.11 and 1.29. Adjustment for other risk factors did not materially change the results. Results indicate that exposure to noise, especially impulse noise, is associated with a moderate, but significant, increase in CHD risk that persists even after workers have passed retirement age. (105347)
CIS 06-940 Sound advice. Ward T., Safety and Health Practitioner, Oct. 2005, Vol.23, No.10, p.50-52. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: The new Control of Noise at Work Regulations will come into force in the United Kingdom in April 2006, replacing the current Noise at Work Regulations 1989 (see CIS 90-21). They will require employers to implement modern hazard evaluation methods and risk prevention. This article proposes a practical framework for ensuring compliance with the regulations at the enterprise level. It involves carrying out a risk assessment, reducing exposure to noise, providing workers with hearing protection, ensuring exposure limits are not exceeded, informing and training workers, and finally carrying out health surveillance. (105350)
CIS 06-941 Noise exposure, awareness, attitudes and use of hearing protection in a steel rolling mill in Nigeria. Ologe F.E., Akande T.M., Olajide T.G., Occupational Medicine, Sep. 2005, Vol.55, No.6, p.487-489. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: A questionnaire survey was carried out among 116 workers in a steel rolling mill in Nigeria to collect information on their knowledge and attitudes towards hazardous occupational noise and preventive measures. Noise mapping of the factory was also performed. Average noise levels ranged from 49dB(A) in the administrative area to 93dB(A) at the steel finishing stage. There was high awareness of noise hazards (93%) and methods of prevention (92%) but only 27% of workers possessed hearing protectors and only 28% of these stated that they used them all the time. Initiatives are required to increase the use of effective preventive measures. (105360)
CIS 06-942 Effect of tractor driving on hearing loss in farmers in India. Kumar A., Mathur N.N., Varghese M., Mohan D., Singh J.K., Mahajan P., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Apr. 2005, Vol.47, No.4, p.341-348. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: Indian tractors do not have adequate vibration and noise attenuating design features. In this cross-sectional study, 50 tractor-driving farmers and 50 non-driving farmers matched for age, sex, ethnic group, land holding, education levels and work routines were selected from two villages. Participants were interviewed for details of work routine and noise exposures, and were subjected to audiograms. Noise measurements were taken on tractors and other agricultural machines. Self-reported hearing problems were similar (four cases each) in both groups. However, audiogram analysis showed higher prevalence of high-frequency hearing loss in cases (24) when compared to controls (14). The noise levels observed on tractors in various operations were in the range of 90-110 dB(A). (105394)
CIS 06-943 Vibration: The deferred hazard. (French: Vibrations: le risque différé) Gazsi M., Roll R., Picard D., Ellart J.L., Liard A., Prévention BTP, Mar. 2006, No.83, p.37-45. Illus. (In French) Internet: For construction industry workers, exposure to vibrations constitutes a major source of occupational accidents and diseases. To limit these effects, the transposition into French legislation in July 2005 of the vibration directive 2002/44/EC (see CIS 02-24) imposes new demands on employers. They are required to carry out an exposure evaluation and assess whether permissible levels are exceeded, in which case they are required to use new equipment and implement new methods of work time organization. This special feature describes the sources and health effects of vibration in the construction industry and examines legal requirements for vibration control. (105410)
CIS 06-944 Royal Decree 1316/1989 and Directive 2003/10/EC on noise. (Spanish: Real Decreto 1316/1989 y Directiva 2003/10/CE sobre ruido) ERGA Noticias, 2005, No.90, p.4. (In Spanish) Internet: In Spain, exposure to noise is regulated by Royal Decree 1316/1989 (see CIS 90-720), soon to be superseded by the transposition of Directive 2003/10/EC on noise into national legislation. This article compares and comments on the main requirements specified by each of the two regulations. (105415)
CIS 06-945 Ultraviolet radiation exposure from UV-transilluminators. Akbar-Khanzadeh F., Jahangir-Blourchian M., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Oct. 2005, Vol.2, No.10, p.493-496. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: UV-transilluminators use ultraviolet radiation (UVR) to visualize proteins, DNA, RNA, and their precursors in a gel electrophoresis procedure. This study was initiated to evaluate exposures to UVR among university faculty members, research staff and students of a higher education institution using UV-transilluminators. Findings suggest that the use of UV-transilluminators exposes operators to levels of UVR in excess of exposure guidelines. It is recommended that special safety training be provided for the affected employees and that exposure should be controlled by one or the combination of automation, substitution, isolation, posted warning signs, shielding and personal protective equipment. (105351)
CIS 06-946 Electromagnetic fields and health effects - Epidemiologic studies of cancer, diseases of the central nervous system and arrhythmia-related heart disease. Johansen C., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 2004, Vol.30, Suppl.1, p.1-80 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: This epidemiological investigation comprised separate studies of the risk of cancer, cause-specific mortality rates, risks for neurodegenerative diseases and the risk of cardiac arrhythmia among employees exposed to extremely-low frequency (50Hz) electromagnetic fields in the Danish utility industry. The risk for cancers considered to be possibly associated with the radiofrequency fields emitted by mobile telephones was also examined in a large cohort of mobile telephone users. On the basis of these studies and of the scientific literature, it is concluded that occupational exposure to 50Hz electromagnetic fields is not associated with the overall risk of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases or cardiovascular diseases, although there is some indication that these fields (or some other unknown factor related to alternating current electricity) may be associated with the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. (105445)
CIS 06-947 Noise and chemical induced hearing loss: Special considerations for farm youth. Perry M.J., May J.J., Journal of Agromedicine, 2005, Vol.10, No.2, p.49-55. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: Farm youth face multiple risks for injury and illness in agriculture. This literature survey reviews evidence illustrating the noise and chemical exposure hearing risks that farm youth potentially face. Sources of noise and potentially toxic chemical exposures common in the farm environment are discussed. These exposures involve up to two million children in the USA and require both public and occupational health solutions. Since existing studies have not sufficiently explored potential ototoxic effects of these exposures on children and adolescents, recommendations are outlined for research characterizing both chemical and noise exposures to farm youth and their combined effects on hearing. (105367)
CIS 06-948 Hearing loss as a risk factor for agricultural injuries. Choi S.W., Peek-Asa C., Sprince N.L., Rautiainen R.H., Donham K.J., Flamme G.A., Whitten P.S., Zwerling C., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Oct. 2005, Vol.48, No.4, p.293-301. Illus. 51 ref. (In English) Internet: To assess whether hearing impairment might increase the risk of agricultural injuries, 150 farmers participating in the Iowa Certified Safe Farm Study were studied between 1998 and 2002. Injury information was collected by telephone interviews. Hearing levels were measured annually using pure tone audiometry. Adjusted risk ratios of injuries were calculated using the multivariate Poisson regression model. Hearing loss in the better ear (RR=1.62), hearing asymmetry (RR=1.67) and poor self-reported hearing (RR=1.96) were significantly associated with the risk of occupational injuries. Exposure to noise increased the risk of injuries in those farmers with hearing loss or hearing asymmetry. Furthermore, the occasional use of hearing protection was significantly associated with occupational injuries. (105399)
CIS 06-949 Guidelines on occupational vibration. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2003. 15p. Illus. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: Guide to the prevention of the harmful effects of vibration in the workplace. (105467)
CIS 06-950 Radiation protection. (French: Radioprotection) Gauron M.C., Boulay M.H., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 1st Quarter 2006, No.150, 10p. Illus. 23 ref. (In French) Internet: French regulations on radiation protection are largely based on the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the European EURATOM directives. This article describes the French system and the role of the main parties involved. Contents: organization of radiation protection (international system, European Directives, French law); occupational radiation protection (risk evaluation, collective and individual protection); supervision of individual exposure; medical supervision; interventions in radiation emergency situations. (105330)
CIS 06-951 Prevention of so-called "accidents on the level" in occupational situations: A research project. Leclercq S., Safety Science, Aug. 2005, Vol.43, No.7, p.359-371. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: Accidents on the level occurring in occupational situations are a major source of concern all over the world. The French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS) has included these accidents into its research and study program. This article proposes a definition of on the level accidents and discusses obstacles to their prevention. It goes on to describe the main factors involved in preventing these accidents and details the two main areas of the INRS research programme: systemic analysis of contexts involving falls on the level in occupational situations and the study of adjustment strategies for confronting the risk of falling or balance disturbance. Finally, the methodological tools to be used in the programme are described. (105261)
CIS 06-952 Update on ladders. (French: Le point sur les échelles) Prevent Focus, Nov. 2005, No.9, p.10-13. Illus. 12 ref. (In French) Internet: Accidents related to ladders are common and can result in serious injury or even death. It is therefore important to avoid complacency when working with ladders and to ensure that they are selected to suit the task. This information sheet summarizes the main safety rules to be followed when working with ladders, including recent changes in Belgian legislation that take into account developments in ladder design. Guidance is given on different types of ladders and their constituent materials. (105321)
CIS 06-953 Moving patients in hospitals. (Spanish: Traslado de pacientes en recintos hospitalarios) Cara Arenas Ó., Robles Martínez Y., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2005, No.174, p.38-49. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: This article describes methods for the safe movement of hospital patients. Topics covered include the job of stretcher-bearer and safe methods of patient transfer within hospital premises; relations between patient and stretcher-bearer; legal, moral and ethical responsibilities; various types of displacement (on foot, in wheelchairs, on stretchers or on beds) and advice for improving patient comfort and easing stretcher-bearer manoeuvres. (105418)
CIS 06-954 An analysis of fishing vessel accidents in fishing areas off the northeastern United States. Jin D., Thunberg E., Safety Science, Oct. 2005, Vol.43, No.8, p.523-540. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: Fishing vessel accident probability and vessel trip probability were modelled for fishing areas off the northeastern United States for the years 1981 to 2000. Fishing vessel accident probability declined over the study period. Results indicate that accident probability is affected by weather conditions, vessel locations, time of year and vessel characteristics. The probability models were found to be important for the development and quantitative assessment of management options related to fishing vessel safety. (105343)
CIS 06-955 Fatal traffic accidents in the Turkish construction industry. Müngen U., Gürcanli G.E., Safety Science, June-July 2005, Vol.43, No.5-6, p.299-322. 47 ref. (In English) Internet: Construction site injuries were identified from the occupational accident compensation records of the Turkish social insurance institution. Of the 1774 fatal accidents identified, 168 cases of traffic accidents were examined. These accidents were classified according to the way they happened, the type of construction site involved and the occupation of the victim. The study covered all types of construction sites, including highway work zones. The hazards for pedestrians, drivers, equipment operators and auxiliary personnel were identified and suggestions for improvement are made taking into account the conditions of Turkish construction industry. (105263)
CIS 06-956 Linking construction fatalities to the design for construction safety concept. Behm M., Safety Science, Oct. 2005, Vol.43, No.8, p.589-611. Illus. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: The "design for construction safety" concept is defined as the consideration of construction site safety in the design of a project. However, in he US construction industry, numerous barriers exist that preclude this approach from becoming a standard practice. This research established a clear link between construction fatalities and the design for construction safety concept. 224 fatality investigation reports were reviewed. Results show that in 42% of the cases, the associated risk that contributed to the accident would have been reduced or eliminated had the design for construction safety concept been utilized. The specific characteristics of construction projects were evaluated and those that lend themselves to the greatest risk reduction within the scope of the concept were identified. (105345)
CIS 06-957 Work-related road hazards. (French: Risques routiers au travail) Bohy M., Bianchi P., Face au risque, Nov. 2005, No.417, p.9-22. Illus. (In French) Internet: Special feature on work-related road hazards. Contents: management of hazards related to driving; integrating road hazards into the single document on the evaluation of occupational hazards; review of a seminar on safety in the road transport and logistics sector. (105405)
CIS 06-958 Ground crew injuries and fatalities in U.S. commercial aviation, 1983-2004. Grabowski J.G., Baker S.P., Li G., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Nov 2005, Vol.76, No.11, p.1007-1011. Illus. 7 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined airport ground crew injuries and fatalities involving aircraft of commuter air carriers and major airlines. Investigation reports for all ground crew injuries that occurred at U.S. airports between 1983 and 2004 were obtained from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and analysed to describe the immediate cause and pattern of the accidents. During the 22-year study period, the NTSB recorded 80 ground crew accidents involving landing, taxiing, or standing aircraft, yielding an overall rate of 0.47 ground crew related accidents per million aircraft departures. These accidents resulted in injuries to 98 ground crewmembers, including 21 fatalities. Two-thirds of the accidents took place as the aircraft was departing. Vehicular collisions with an aircraft made up 43% of accidents, 34% were caused by moving aircraft equipment such as propellers or nose gear and 11 % resulted from jet blasts or fires. (105449)
CIS 06-959 High-pressure water jet cleaning equipment. (French: Le nettoyeur ŕ haute pression) PREVENT, rue Gachard 88, Bte 4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, Oct. 2004. 2p. Illus. (In French) Internet: High-pressure water jet cleaning equipment produces a water jet that can cause serious injury if it comes into contact with the human body. This information sheet summarizes the main precautions to be taken when working with high-pressure water jet cleaning equipment, including protective equipment, first aid procedures and selection of equipment. (105287)
CIS 06-960 Slicers. (French: La trancheuse) PREVENT, rue Gachard 88, Bte 4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, Jan. 2005. 2p. Illus. (In French) Internet: This information sheet summarizes the main precautions to be taken when working with meat slicers. It describes safety measures to be taken before, during and after using the machine, correct installation, safety during cleaning operations and selection of equipment. (105289)
CIS 06-961 Accident risks and safety rules during tree felling. (French: Risques d'accidents et rčgles de sécurité lors de l'abattage des arbres; German: Unfallgefahren und Sicherheitsregeln beim Fällen von Bäumen; Italian: Pericolo d'infortunio e regole di sicurezza nell'abbattimento di alberi) Suva, Arbeitssicherheit, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 5th ed., Aug. 2005. 22p. Illus. 26 ref. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: Contents of this guide on safety rules for the prevention of accidents during tree felling: importance of proper training; specific hazards of tree felling; inspection of the tree and its surroundings; place of safe retreat and its access path; safety rules and behaviour in the felling zone and danger zone; leaning or curved trees; felling entangled trees; mechanized felling; communication between workers; felling hanging branches; directives of the Swiss Federal Commission for the Coordination of Occupational Safety (Commission fédérale de coordination pour la sécurité au travail - CFST). Replaces CIS 90-69. (105317)
CIS 06-962 Inspection of the tree and its surroundings. Selecting the safest tree felling method. (French: Examen de l'arbre et de son environnement. Choisir la méthode d'abattage la plus sűre; German: Baum- und Umgebungsbeurteilung. Damit Sie die sicherste Fällmethode wählen; Italian: Esame dell'albero e dei dintorni. Per scegliere il metodo di abbattimento piů sicuro) Suva, Arbeitssicherheit, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 4th ed., July 2005. 4p. Illus. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: This information sheet contains a checklist for choosing the safest mode of felling a tree based on an inspection of the tree and its surroundings and the choice and preparation of an access path to a place of safe retreat. (105318)
CIS 06-963 Guidelines on trenching for construction safety. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2000. 10p. Illus., ISBN 983-2014-08-5 (In English) Internet: Safety guide. (105461)
CIS 06-964 Examination syllabus for engineer's certificate of competency (steam and internal combustion engines) examination. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 1996. iv, 31p. 25 ref., ISBN 983-99156-3-0 (In English) Internet: Curriculum guide. (105454)
CIS 06-965 Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and healthcare workers. Chen-Yeung M., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Oct.-Dec. 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.421-427. Illus. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by a novel coronavirus, transmitted from human to human by aerosols or by direct contact. This article reviews how health care workers (HCWs) became infected during the outbreak of the disease in Hong Kong and describes the infection-control measures put in place. Risk factors for infection in HCWs included lack of awareness and preparedness when the disease first struck, poor institutional infection control measures, lack of training in infection control procedures, poor compliance with the use of personal protection equipment (PPE), exposure to high-risk procedures such as intubation and nebulization, and exposure to unsuspected SARS patients. Measures to prevent nosocomial infection include: establishing isolation wards for triage, SARS patients and convalescence; training and monitoring hospital staff in infection-control procedures; active and passive screening of HCWs; enforcement of droplet and contact precautions; and compliance with the use of PPE. (105291)
CIS 06-966 Heliobacter pylori infection: A global occupational risk for healthcare workers?. De Schryver A.A., Van Hooste W.L., Van Winckel M.A., Ven Sprundel M.P., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Oct.-Dec. 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.428-432. 72 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature review on the occupational risks from Helicobacter pylori, a major cause of gastroduodenal diseases, was carried out to identify the risks to specific groups of healthcare workers. The risks were found to be highest for gastroenterologists, certain categories of nurses and workers caring for persons with mental disability. Results for other groups are not conclusive. (105292)
CIS 06-967 Preventing needlestick injuries among healthcare workers: A WHO-ICN collaboration. Wilburn S.Q., Eijkemans G., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Oct.-Dec. 2004, Vol.10, No.4, p.451-456. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: Effective measures to prevent infections from occupational exposure of healthcare workers to infected blood include immunization against hepatitis B virus, eliminating unnecessary injections, implementing universal precautions, eliminating needle recapping, disposing of the sharp into a sharps container immediately after use, use of safer devices such as needles that sheath or retract after use, provision and use of personal protective equipment and training workers in the risks and prevention of transmission. Post-exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral medications can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 80%. In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN) launched a pilot project in South Africa, Tanzania and Vietnam to protect healthcare workers from needlestick injuries. The results of the pilot will be disseminated worldwide, along with best policies and practices for prevention. (105294)
CIS 06-968 An epidemic disease that could be prevented: HIV/AIDS. (Turkish: Onlenebilir bir salgin "HIV/AIDS") Tan S.E., Internet document. 8p. (In Turkish) Internet: Main topics covered in this article on HIV/AIDS: ways of becoming infected by the HIV virus; phases of the infection; diagnosis and treatment; prevention of infection; HIV/AIDS in Turkey; and HIV/AIDS in working life. It includes information on the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work. (105487)
CIS 06-969 Long workhours, work scheduling and work-related injuries among construction workers in the United States. Dong X., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Oct. 2005, Vol.31, No.5, p.329-335. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to establish whether there was a connection between working hours and occupational accidents among construction workers. The "National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979" cohort was used for the data analysis. Odds ratios were used to measure the risk of occupational accidents in different worker groups. Findings showed that construction workers started work earlier, worked longer days and fewer weeks a year, and were more likely to hold multiple jobs and change jobs than their non-construction counterparts. Long working hours and irregular work schedules were significantly associated with a higher rate of occupational accidents after control for possible confounders. The results provide evidence that overtime and irregular work scheduling have an adverse effect on worker safety. (105436)
CIS 06-970 A new bricklayers' method for use in the construction industry. Luijsterburg P.A.J., Bongers P.M., de Vroome E.M.M., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Oct. 2005, Vol.31, No.5, p.394-400. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using devices allowing raised bricklaying on physical workload, reported musculoskeletal disorders, sickness absence and job satisfaction. It was carried out in the form of a controlled intervention study with a follow-up period of 10 months among 202 bricklayers from 25 construction companies. Data were collected through video recordings and questionnaires. There was no decrease in the rate of reported musculoskeletal symptoms as a result of the adoption of raised bricklaying. However, the percentage of bricklayers in the intervention group reporting sickness absence was significantly lower than in the control group. The results also showed that, in general, the bricklayers in this study were very satisfied with the use of devices for raised bricklaying. (105438)
CIS 06-971 An epidemiologic review on occupational sleep research among Japanese workers. Doi Y., Industrial Health, Jan. 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.3-10. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: This paper reviews 24 studies on sleep disorders among the Japanese working population, 13 for non-shift and 11 for shift workers. The prevalence of insomnia and other sleep disturbances varied from 5 to 45% for non-shift and from 29 to 38% for shift workers. Poor sleep quality was related to state of health, occupational activities and social factors. Risk factors of poor sleep include hypertension, lifestyle behaviours (diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption), job-related conditions (job stress, social support, job dissatisfaction, workload, shift schedules) and depressed mood. (105255)
CIS 06-972 The nighttime nap strategies for improving night shift work in workplace. Takeyama H., Kubo T., Itani T., Industrial Health, Jan. 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.24-29. 45 ref. (In English) Internet: Several studies have shown that nighttime naps among nightshift workers have beneficial effects on working conditions, work performance and occupational safety. Nevertheless, the introduction of nighttime sleep breaks has not been widely accepted. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of nighttime napas, the effective length and timing of naps and the importance of individual differences. The use of a participatory method to improve the acceptance of nighttime naps is proposed. (105256)
CIS 06-973 Light treatment and circadian adaptation to shift work. Boivin D.V., James F.O., Industrial Health, Jan. 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.34-48. Illus. 168 ref. (In English) Internet: Work at unconventional times can have both long and short-term consequences for workers. Shift workers are often required to perform their duties at times that are not favoured by the body's endogenous clock. Night shift workers often report reductions in alertness and performance at work or difficulty in attaining recuperative sleep during the day. This article explains how shift work can affect the body's circadian rhythm and discusses how bright light technology may be used to manage shift work problems. (105257)
CIS 06-974 Sleep-related risk of occupational injuries in Japanese small and medium-scale enterprises. Nakata A., Ikeda T., Takahashi M., Haratani T., Fujioka Y., Fukui S., Swanson N.G., Hojou M., Araki S., Industrial Health, Jan. 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.89-97 50 ref. (In English) Internet: This cross-sectional study evaluated the contribution of daily sleep habits to occupational injuries. 2,903 workers aged from 16 to 83 years employed in small and medium size enterprises in Japan responded to a self-administered questionnaire on sleep, symptoms of depression, occupational injury, demographics, presence of diseases and lifestyle factors. Both sleep and injury were assessed over the previous one-year period. One-third of workers answered that they had experienced injury. Workers with sleep disturbances had a significantly higher prevalence for injury after adjusting for multiple confounders. (105258)
CIS 06-975 Sleepiness in various shift combinations of irregular shift systems. Sallinen M., Härmä M., Mutanen P., Ranta R., Virkkala J., Müller K., Industrial Health, Jan. 2005, Vol.43, No.1, p.114-122. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined the prevalence of sleepiness in various shift systems ending with a night or morning shift. Sleep and work shift diary data were collected for three weeks from 126 train drivers and 104 rail traffic controllers. The prevalence of severe sleepiness varied between 25% and 62% in the schedules ending with a night shift and between 12% and 27% in the those ending with a morning shift. Factors that affect a risk for sleepiness at work include having a child, shift length and starting time, and individual sleep need. (105259)
CIS 06-976 Influence of overtime work, sleep duration, and perceived job characteristics on the physical and mental status of software engineers. Nishikitani M., Nakao M, Karita K., Nomura K., Yano E., Industrial Health, Oct. 2005, Vol.43, No.4, p.623-629. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: To investigate the impact of overtime work, sleep duration, and perceived job characteristics on physical and mental status, this cross-sectional survey was conducted among 377 workers in an information-technology company. Data were collected by means of questionnaires, including the Job Content Questionnaire, and interviews with occupational physicians and subjected to statistical evaluation. Findings are discussed. Although overtime work was associated with physical and mental complaints, sleep duration and the job strain index seemed to be better indicators for physical and mental distress in overloaded workers. (105353)
CIS 06-977 Risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms among call center operators of a bank in Săo Paulo, Brazil. Rocha L.E., Glina D.M.R., Marinho M.F., Nakasato D., Industrial Health, Oct. 2005, Vol.43, No.4, p.637-646. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms among call centre operators. Ergonomic work analysis was carried out, involving work observation and interviews. A total of 108 employees, mainly women, submitted self-administered questionnaires. Among female operators, the prevalence of symptoms of the neck and shoulder was 43% and of the wrist and hand was 39%. Risk factors associated with wrist and hand symptoms included inadequate height of table and answering more that 140 calls day. Risk factors associated with neck and shoulder symptoms were taking fewer rest breaks and inadequate thermal comfort. (105354)
CIS 06-978 Psychological, subjective and postural loads in passenger train wagon cleaning using a conventional and redesigned cleaning tool. Kumar R., Chaikumarn M., Kumar S., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Oct. 2005, Vol.35, No.10, p.931-938. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: A cleaning process for passenger train wagons was studied and analysed using both conventional and ergonomically-redesigned cleaning tools. Results of a study of 13 cleaners performing their normal tasks showed that perceived exertion, oxygen consumption and heart rate were significantly lower when using the new tool and the postural load was also significantly less. It is concluded that the redesigned cleaning tool allowed cleaners to maintain a more upright posture when cleaning, thus reducing biomechanical load. (105373)
CIS 06-979 Ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders and computer work. Wahlström J., Occupational Medicine, May 2005, Vol.55, No.3, p.168-176. Illus. 105 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature review summarizes knowledge regarding ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders associated with computer work. A model of musculoskeletal disorders and computer work is proposed, which emphasizes the associations between work organization, psychosocial factors and mental stress on the one hand and physical demands and physical load on the other. It is hypothesized that perceived muscular tension is an early sign of musculoskeletal disorder, which arises as a result of organizational and psychosocial factors as well as from physical load and individual factors. Interventions aimed at reducing musculoskeletal disorders due to computer work should be directed at physical, ergonomic, organizational and psychosocial factors. Interventions should be carried out with management support and the active involvement of workers. (105378)
CIS 06-980 Ergonomic methods for assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. David G.C., Occupational Medicine, May 2005, Vol.55, No.3, p.190-199. 70 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature review describes the range of methods that have been developed for the assessment of exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The methods are categorized under three main headings: self-reports from workers; observational methods that include simple techniques for systematically recording workplace exposure or more advanced techniques using video recording or computer analysis; direct measurements using monitoring instruments that rely on sensors attached to the subject for the measurement of exposure variables at work. The choice of method depends on the task and the objectives of the study. (105379)
CIS 06-981 Finding ergonomic solutions - Participatory approaches. Hignett S., Wilson J.R., Morris W., Occupational Medicine, May 2005, Vol.55, No.3, p.200-207. 48 ref. (In English) Internet: Participatory ergonomic interventions include interventions at macro (organizational, systems) levels and at micro (individual) levels, where workers use their knowledge to address ergonomic problems relating to their working activities. Examples are given where a cost-effective benefit has been measured using musculoskeletal sickness absence and compensation costs. Other examples using different outcome measures also showed improvements, such as increases in productivity, improved communications between staff and management, reductions in risk factors, the development of new processes and new work environment designs. Three cases are described from Canada and Japan where participatory projects were led by occupational health teams, suggesting that occupational health practitioners can have an important role to play in participatory ergonomics projects. (105380)
CIS 06-982 Spanish version of the Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory (SOFI): Factorial replication, reliability and validity. González Gutiérrez J.L., Moreno Jiménez B., Garrosa Hernández E., López López A., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Aug. 2005, Vol.35, No.8, p.737-746. Illus. 70 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the adaptation into Spanish of the Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory (SOFI), an instrument for the evaluation of work-related fatigue. 240 full-time nurses working in eight special attention units responded to 25 items about their level of fatigue after work. The resulting adaptation of the 25-item SOFI instrument contains 15 expressions related to physiological, cognitive, motor and emotional responses through which five basic fatigue dimensions (lack of energy, lack of motivation, sleepiness, physical discomfort and physical exertion) can be measured. This adaptation to Spanish is considered to provide a promising 15-item instrument for the evaluation of work-related fatigue. (105265)
CIS 06-983 Hotel linen maids. (French: La lingčre en hôtellerie) Delevoye A., Derieux N., Hunzinger E., Mzabi M.I., Roux F., Van Brederode A., Van Rooj B., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2005, Vol.45, No.3, p.305-319. Illus. 13 ref. (In French) Internet: This study describes the various types of material flows for linen (delivery and distribution of clean linen, collection and sorting of used linen) observed in four hotels of different classes. The strenuousness of the work of linen maids was evaluated based on the estimated weight of linen carried, work posture and cardiofrequency measurements. Results indicated that this occupation involves a moderate to high physical workload, primarily due to the manual handling of the linen and the loading and unloading of carts. (105323)
CIS 06-984 Upper extremity musculoskeletal diseases - Risk factors in computer assisted design (CAD) and data entry. (French: Troubles musculosquelettiques du membre supérieur - Facteurs de risque en conception assistée par ordinateur (CAO) et en saisie) Cail F., Aptel M., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2005, No.104, p.485-491. Illus. 26 ref. (In French) Internet: This article describes the results of a study on risk factors for upper extremity musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) in two types of computer work, namely computer-assisted design (CAD) and data entry. The study involved 30 male CAD workers and 26 female data entry workers. Data were collected by ergonomic analysis of activities, a questionnaire survey of symptoms, stress and psychosocial factors and biomechanical measurements. The level of complaints concerning MSDs was similar in both groups; there were more complaints for the right upper extremity than for the left. Complaints were related to anxiety in both groups and to time pressures in the CAD group. Results indicate the importance of the work context in workers' perception of their state of health. (105327)
CIS 06-985 Malagasy workers and shift work. (French: Travailleurs malgaches et travail posté) Djomaleu T.P.C., Université d'Antananarivo, Faculté de médecine, BP 375, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar, 2005. 94p. Illus. 95 ref. (In French) Internet: Shift work has an impact on health, on the human body and on the social and family life of workers. The objective of this thesis was to develop an inventory of diseases linked to shift work in Madagascar. A survey was conducted among workers in two cities of the country in 2005. Nearly all categories of workers were found to suffer from disorders related to shift work, including neuropsychic, digestive, rheumatological and gynaecological disorders. Medical supervision of shift workers is advised. (105284)
CIS 06-986 Guidelines on occupational safety and health for seating at work. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2003. iv, 26p. Illus. 9 ref., ISBN 983-2014-25-5 (In English) Internet: Guidance document on ergonomic seating arrangements in the workplace. (105468)
CIS 06-987 Psychosocial factors at work and myocardial infarction among men in Kaunas, Lithuania. Malinauskiene V., Theorell T., Grazuleviciene R., Azaraviciene A., Obelenis V., Azelis V., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, June 2005, Vol.31, No.3, p.218-223. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: The association between job demand and job control and first nonfatal myocardial infarction was studied among the male population aged between 25 and 64 years in the city of Kaunas, Lithuania. The Swedish version of the demand-control questionnaire was filled-in by 203 men diagnosed in 2001-2002 with a first nonfatal myocardial infarction and by 287 randomly selected male controls. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for developing myocardial infarction in relation to self-reported job demand and job control after correcting for possible confounders. The adjusted ORs were 0.56 and 1.53 for demand and control, respectively. The OR for workers with low demand and low control was 1.89 compared with low demand and high control. The risk of myocardial infarction for men in passive jobs (low demand and low control) was twice that of the other respondents. (105444)
CIS 06-988 Managing violence on the railways. Dickinson C., Bevan J., Applied Ergonomics, Nov. 2005, Vol.36, No.6, p.729-738. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the findings of a series of inspections that considered the arrangements and measures for managing and preventing work-related violence in train-operating companies (TOCs). In general, TOCs manage the risk of violence to their staff in the same way as other personal risks. Hence, the inspection considered risk assessments, reporting measures and investigation reports. A number of deficiencies were identified, the most serious of which concerned the arrangements and measures in place for contract staff employed in checking tickets or in security activities. Action was taken by HM Railway Inspectorate to ensure the TOCs and the employers of the contract staff address and resolve this issue. (105450)
CIS 06-989 Violence towards mental health staff and safety in the work environment. Privitera M., Weisman R., Cerulli C., Tu X., Groman A., Occupational Medicine, Sep. 2005, Vol.55, No.6, p.480-486. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: An increasing number of violent episodes towards staff were noted at the psychiatry department of a university hospital. A multidisciplinary committee was formed to address the problem. A workplace violence survey was designed to query staff on their experiences of endangerment, threats and assaults, as well as to collect data on their age, sex, job and years in the field. Of 742 surveys distributed, 380 replies were received (response rate 51%). Forty-three percent of respondents reported being threatened and 25% assaulted. Threats and assaults increased significantly over all the time periods investigated. Work experience was a protective factor, but not a guarantee against violent events. Several practical recommendations derived from the study are proposed. (105359)
CIS 06-990 Drug addiction in occupational settings: Prevention of drugs within the enterprise. (French: Toxicomanies et milieu du travail: la prévention des drogues en entreprise) Maxence J.L., Trarieux R., Revue Toxibase, 1998, No.3, p.1-11. 20 ref. (In French) Internet: This article discusses the prevention of illegal psychotropic substance abuse in occupational settings. Occupational physicians in France are beginning to implement drug screening and medical supervision of drug-dependent patients. While workplace screening is not compulsory, it is essential in hazardous workplaces with high safety requirements. Company policies with respect to "drug risk" can only be developed through collaboration involving senior management, workers' representatives, occupational physicians and social services, as part of a global approach to the prevention of all hazards. Several examples of company policies and plans are included. (105283)
CIS 06-991 Alcohol and the prevention of alcohol-related problems at the place of work. (Spanish: Alcohol y prevención de los problemas relacionados con el consumo de alcohol en el ámbito laboral) Gómez-Talegón M.T., Álvarez González F.J., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Mar. 2005, Vol.LI, No.198, p.65-72. 27 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article examines the main workplace problems resulting from alcohol consumption, including absenteeism, higher rates of accidents, lower productivity, increased errors, increased conflict situations and more disciplinary actions and dismissals, resulting in an increase in unemployment. Economic and legal aspects are reviewed and intervention programmes are described: primary prevention (information of workers), secondary prevention (medical treatment) and tertiary prevention (rehabilitation). (105333)
CIS 06-992 Towards an ergonomic psychology of well-being and emotions: Effects of supervision in call centres. (French: Vers une psychologie ergonomique du bien-ętre et des émotions: les effets du contrôle dans les centres d'appels) Grosjean V., Ribert-Van de Weerdt C., Travail humain, Dec. 2005, Vol. 68, No.4, p.355-378. Illus. 31 ref. (In French) Internet: This study investigated the effects on workers' well-being of the emotionally-intensive work required in call centres and the reactions of operators to the constant supervision made possible by information technology. Information was collected by observation of emotions expressed during work, interviews and an analysis of the reactions and values emerging from workers. Findings highlight the need to adapt supervision to the nature of the task. They confirm that workers suffer more from the management and supervision systems perceived to be intrusive and from the difficulty in planning their work than from relations with customers, which at first sight appear to carry a high emotional load. (105340)
CIS 06-993 Errors of memory in air traffic control. Shorrock S.T., Safety Science, Oct. 2005, Vol.43, No.8, p.571-588. 49 ref. (In English) Internet: Memory is a critical factor in determining the level of air traffic controller's situation awareness. The aim of this research was to investigate the types of memory errors that occur in air traffic control. Data were gathered from interviews with 28 United Kingdom air traffic controllers and from a review of incidents involving loss of separation between aircraft. The data resulted in a set of classifications, which were used to develop a technique for the retrospective and predictive analysis of cognitive error in air traffic control. The results are discussed in terms of theory and empirical research. The potential effects of new technology and future automation on the types of errors reported in this study are considered. (105344)
CIS 06-994 Adverse psychosocial working conditions and subjective health in freelance media workers. Ertel M., Pech E., Ullsperger P., von dem Knesebeck O., Siegrist J., Work and Stress, July-Sep. 2005, Vol.19, No.3, p.293-299. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: In recent years, there has been a steady growth of non-standard work contracts, characterized by the increased flexibility of work arrangements and increased job instability, particularly in the media industry. This pilot study analysed associations of work stress with subjective health in a group of 290 German freelancers working in the media industry. The measurement of work stress was based on the effort-reward imbalance model. Results of logistic regression analyses indicate significant effects of high effort in combination with low reward (money, esteem, promotion prospects, job security) on subjective health in men and women, with the effects being higher in men. Moreover, among men a critical pattern of coping with work stress enhanced the reported effect. (105361)
CIS 06-995 Minor injuries, cognitive failures and accidents at work: Incidence and associated features. Simpson S.A., Wadsworth E.J.K., Moss S.C., Smith A.P., Occupational Medicine, Mar. 2005, Vol.55, No.2, p.99-108. 64 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examines the incidence and characteristics of minor injuries, cognitive failures and accidents at the workplace. It was carried out in the form of a postal questionnaire survey of persons selected at random from the electoral registers of two localities in the United Kingdom. 7980 questionnaires were returned. Frequent and very frequent minor injuries were reported by 9.8% of the respondents and frequent and very frequent cognitive failures (such as problems of memory, attention or action) by 10.5%. Work accidents requiring treatment were reported by 5.6% of the participants. Minor injuries, cognitive failures and occupational accidents were associated with a number of demographic and health factors. In addition, minor injuries, cognitive failures and accidents were found to be related to each other. (105375)
CIS 06-996 Stress in the Norwegian police service. Berg A.M., Hem E., Lau B., Hĺseth K., Ekeberg Ř., Occupational Medicine, Mar. 2005, Vol.55, No.2, p.113-120. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: The objectives of this study were to develop a new instrument to measure job stress in the police; to assess the most severe and frequent police stressors; to compare levels of stress according to demographic and organizational factors; and to study stress in relation to personality traits, work locus of control and coping strategies. It was carried out in the form of a comprehensive questionnaire survey of 3272 Norwegian police at all hierarchical levels. Work injuries were appraised as the most stressful but least frequent stressor and job pressure was reported the least severe but most frequent stressor. Women experienced job stressors less frequently, but appraised them as more severe than men did. Older police officers reported more job pressure severity and fewer work injuries. The police in districts with more than 50,000 inhabitants perceived the lack of support more severely than others. (105377)
CIS 06-997 Occupational risk of affective and stress-related disorders in the Danish workforce. Wieclaw J., Agerbo E., Mortensen P.B., Bonde J.P., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Oct. 2005, Vol.31, No.5, p.343-351. 51 ref. (In English) Internet: This nested case-control study was carried out to quantify the risk of affective and stress-related disorders according to occupation. All 28,971 incident hospital patients and outpatients aged 18-65 years who received a first-time-ever diagnosis of an affective disorder or stress-related condition in Denmark from 1995 to 1998 were identified in the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals for 25 occupational categories with clerical staff as the reference were calculated. Eight occupations were associated with significantly elevated risks (RR range 1.20-1.58) among the women, while eight occupations were associated with a significantly reduced risk (RR range 0.50-0.76) among the men. The risks were highest for the teaching (RR 1.58) and health (RR 1.53) professions. Both male and female social workers and professionals caring for disabled person faced an elevated risk (women RR 1.72, men RR 2.09). (105437)
CIS 06-998 The Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire - A tool for the assessment and improvement of the psychosocial work environment. Kristensen T.S., Hannerz H., Hřgh A., Borg V., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Dec. 2005, Vol.31, No.6, p.438-449. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) developed for assessing psychosocial factors at work, stress, the well-being of employees and certain personality traits. The purpose of the COPSOQ is to facilitate research and practical interventions at workplaces. The development of the questionnaire was based on a survey of a representative sample of 1858 Danish employees aged 20-59 years. Questions were tested with factor analyses, analyses of internal reliability, and analyses of response patterns. The analyses resulted in a long research version of the questionnaire, a medium-length version for work environment professionals and a short version for workplaces. The questionnaire is considered to be comprehensive and to include most of the dimensions relevant to psychosocial factors at work. (105439)
CIS 06-999 Post-traumatic stress syndrome: Clinical diagnosis and therapy. (French: Syndrome de stress post-traumatique: clinique et thérapie) Cremniter D., Laurent A., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 1st Quarter 2006, No.150, 5p. 40 ref. (In French) Internet: Post-traumatic stress syndrome is attracting increasing attention given the trend towards providing care for victims of disasters, collective accidents, hostage taking and high psychological impact incidents. The clinical picture is characterized by the repeated reliving of the trauma in intrusive memories ("flashbacks") that are specific to this syndrome, together with emotional detachment and non-specific symptoms such as psychosomatic or personality disorders. Therapeutic intervention involves immediate care on the site of the incident, post-immediate psychotherapy follow-up and in certain cases, long-term follow-up for psychotraumatism, particularly for victims of assault and violence. (105329)
CIS 06-1000 Guidelines on preventing and responding to drug and alcohol problems in the workplace. Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Aras 2, 3 dan 4, Blok D3, Parcel D, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia, 2004. iii, 30p., ISBN 983-2014-36-0 (In English) Internet: General guide on an important psychosocial issue in the workplace . (105474)
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