 | |
ILO-CIS Bulletin 2007/02CIS 07-251 --- CIS 07-500 Chemical data sheets and criteria documentsCIS 07-251 Methyl ethyl ketone. (Spanish: Metil etil cetona) Consejo Colombiano de Seguridad, Cra. 20 No. 39 - 62, Bogotá D.C., Colombia, [ca 2006]. 4p. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Chemical safety data sheet for methyl ethyl ketone (butanone), The liquid and vapour of this substance are extremely flammable. Inhalation causes irritation of the nose and throat; inhalation of very high concentrations may cause depression of the central nervous system. Ingestion causes abdominal pain and aspiration into the lungs may cause severe lung damage. Contact with the skin causes irritation; the substance may be absorbed by the skin with possible systemic effects. The vapour causes eye irritation and contact with the liquid may cause painful irritation and damage to the eyes. Prolonged skin contact may cause dermatitis and prolonged exposure may result in effects on the central nervous system. Persons with pre-existing skin, eye or functional respiratory problems may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance. (106335)
CIS 07-252 Sodium hydrosulfite. (Spanish: Hidrosulfito de sodio) Consejo Colombiano de Seguridad, Cra. 20 No. 39 - 62, Bogotá D.C., Colombia, [ca 2006]. 4p. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Chemical safety data sheet for sodium hydrosulfite. The substance is a flammable solid which may ignite in the presence of humidity or air; there is a violent reaction in contact with water. Inhalation may cause severe irritation of the mucosa and upper respiratory tract; very high concentration may cause pulmonary oedema. Ingestion may cause abdominal pain, depression of the central nervous system and death. Contact with the skin causes irritation and skin burns at high concentrations. The substance causes eye irritation and may cause burns and possible eye damage. Prolonged exposure may result in allergic reactions. (106337)
Training materials and practical informationCIS 07-253 Manual of occupational health and safety. (Portuguese: Manual de higiene e segurança do trabalho) Miguel A.S.S.R., Porto Editora, Rua da Restauração 365, 4099-023 Porto, Portugal, 8th ed. 2005. 534p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 972-0-01223-4 (In Portuguese) Internet: Advanced-level textbook on OSH. Contents: ethical, social, legal and economic aspects of occupational safety; detailed discussion of the legal situation in Portugal; risk analysis; administration and organization of risk prevention in Portugal; personal protective equipment; fire prevention and protection; electric hazards; handling and storage; chemical substances (including a discussion of exposure limits); noise; vibration; the thermal environment; ionizing and non-ionizing radiation; lighting; organization and layout of workplaces. In annex: safety symbols; list of principal national legislation and standards; classification of dangerous substances; model of a material safety data sheet. Replaces CIS 95-2002. (106479)
CIS 07-254 Safety guideline for foreign workers in Korea. Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA), 25 Gineungdaehakgil, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon 403-711, Republic of Korea, 2nd ed., Apr. 2006. 128p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This safety guide in the form of a pocket book provides basic advice for foreign workers in the Rep. of Korea. It is available in English and in nine other languages for workers from Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Contents: legal status and rights of workers (payment of wages, industrial accident compensation insurance, work permits, extension of stay); safety and health at the workplace (safety and health training, medical check-up, safety checks before starting work, safety rules for the prevention of accidents, first aid procedures, use of personal protective equipment). (106485)
CIS 07-255 Safety guideline for foreign workers. Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA), 25 Gineungdaehakgil, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon 403-711, Republic of Korea, 5th ed., Apr. 2006. 174p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This safety guide provides basic advice for foreign workers in the Rep. of Korea. It is available in ten languages for workers from Bangladesh, China (includes English text), Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Contents: general safety rules; personal protective equipment; safety rules for specific machines and equipment; electrical safety; safety of hazardous substances; prevention of work-related illnesses (oxygen deficiency, noise-induced hearing loss, heat stress, organic solvents, dust, vibration disorders, heavy metals, musculoskeletal diseases); construction site safety; workmen's compensation and other legal issues. The guidelines may be downloaded at http://wish.kosha.net/foreign/foreign.html. (106486)
CIS 07-256 International health and safety seminar 2003. (French: Séminaire international prévention - sécurité 2003) Compagnie Générale des Eaux - Véolia Water, Département Prévention et Sécurité, 52 rue d'Anjou, 75384 Paris Cedex 08, France, 2003. Binder with approx. 270p (English + French) (In English, French) Internet: Materials distributed to the participants of an occupational safety and health training programme given by an international water distribution company in Paris, France, on 20-21 November 2003. Contents includes: the text of the ILO Code of Practice on the Recording and Notification of Occupational Accidents and Diseases; a questionnaire for the pre-qualification of contractors; and the text of a Norwegian standard on the evaluation of health, safety and environmental management systems used by contractors. (106410)
CIS 07-257 Napo in: Good start! The first day at the new workplace - Information and advice for the presentation. (French: Napo dans: Bon départ! Le premier jour sur le nouveau lieu de travail - Informations et conseils pour la présentation; German: Napo in: Starte sicher! Der erste Tag am neuen Arbeitsplatz - Infos und Tipps für die Vorführung; Italian: Napo in: Chi ben comincia ...lavora in sicurezza! Il primo giorno nel nuovo posto di lavoro - Informazioni e consigli utili per la proiezione) Rüegsegger R., Suva, Gesundheitsschutz, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, no date. 15p. Illus. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: This booklet is aimed at persons responsible for safety and health within the enterprise and provides guidance on the presentation of a film on the importance of safety to newly-hired workers. The film contains only images, sounds and music, and may be understood in any language. In order to improve the retention of information and reinforce the effectiveness to the training, the presenter can choose to further develop certain topics covered in the film, using additional information cited in the document. (106440)
CIS 07-258 Occupational safety and health: Programmes and materials 2007. (French: Campagnes et offres de prévention 2007; German: Prävention: Kampagnen und Angebote 2007; Italian: Prevenzione: campagne e proposte 2007) Suva, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 2006. 51p. Illus (In French, German, Italian) Internet: This booklet lists all occupational safety and health training programmes and materials available from SUVA, grouped under the following headings: occupational safety and health management systems; main causes of accidents; prevention of occupational diseases; building and construction; forestry; woodworking; ergonomics; health promotion; management of absenteeism; safety and health protection during leisure activities. (106487)
CIS 07-259 Napo and chemicals - Information and advice for presenting the film within the enterprise. (French: Napo et les produits chimiques - Informations et conseils pour la présentation du film en entreprise; German: Napo im Reich der chemischen Gefahrensymbole - Infos und Tipps für die Vorführung des Films im Betreib; Italian: Napo e le sostanze pericolose - Informazioni e consigli utili per la visione del film nelle aziende) Schibig D., Suva, Gesundheitsschutz, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 2004. 15p. Illus. 17 ref. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: This booklet is aimed at persons responsible for safety and health within the enterprise and provides guidance on the presentation of a film on safety in the use of dangerous substances in the workplace. The film contains only images, sounds and music and may be understood in any language. In order to improve the retention of information and reinforce the effectiveness to the training, the presenter can choose to further develop certain topics covered in the film, using additional information cited in the document. (106439)
CIS 07-260 Hearing protection. Training under the terms of §12 of the law on occupational safety and the regulations on the prevention of accidents. (German: Lärmschutz. Unterweisung nach §12 Arbeitsschutzgesetz und Unfallverhütungsvorschrift "Grundsätze der Prävention") Universum Verlag GmbH & Co KG, 65175 Wiesbaden, Germany, 2006. CD-ROM., ISBN 978-3-89869-163-5 (In German) Internet: This CD-ROM provides an interactive training course on noise control and hearing protection. Topics covered: characteristics of noise; the hearing function; risks and consequences of noise; recognition of hearing damage; responsibilities and obligations; medical supervision; protective measures; personal protective equipment; competent personnel. (106471)
CIS 07-261 Napo on the construction site - Information and advice for the presentation of the film. (French: Napo sur le chantier - Informations et conseils pour la présentation du film; German: Napo auf der Baustelle - Infos und Tipps für die Vorführung; Italian: Napo sul cantiere - Informazioni e suggierimenti par la proiezione) Weber C., Schibig D., Suva, Gesundheitsschutz, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 2004. 19p. Illus. 21 ref. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: This booklet is aimed at persons responsible for safety on building and construction sites and provides guidance on the presentation of a film on worker safety on site. The film contains only images, sounds and music, and may be understood in any language. In order to improve the retention of information and reinforce the effectiveness of the training, the presenter can choose to further develop certain topics covered in the film, using additional information cited in the document. (106438)
Periodicals, books, databases, audiovisualsCIS 07-262 Use of personal protective equipment (PPE). (French: L'utilisation des équipements de protection individuelle (EPI)) Feller E., Santé et Sécurité au Travail Actualités, Apr. 2006, No.89, p.5. (In French) Internet: Contents of this information sheet on personal protective equipment (PPE): definition of PPE; use of PPE; obligations of employers (supply of PPEs, ensuring their proper working order and state of hygiene, instructions for use). (106353)
CIS 07-263 Refresher training - The right to know. (French: Formation continue: le droit de savoir) Gazsi M., Mangeas G., Prévention BTP, Sep. 2006, No.88, p.37-46. Illus. (In French) Internet: Topics addressed in this special feature on refresher training in construction enterprises: legal aspects and responsibilities of employers to provide refresher training; refresher training in small enterprises; training courses available from the French building industry association; account of a construction enterprise concerning its experience with respect to training policy. (106454)
CIS 07-264 Workers' perceptions of workplace safety: An African perspective. Gyekye S.A., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 1st quarter 2006, Vol.12, No.1, p.31-42. 60 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated workers' perceptions of workplace safety in Ghanaian work places. Workers' safety perceptions were examined with the Hayes Work Safety Scale. Comparative analyses were made between high and low accident groups. Relative to their colleagues in the low accident category, workers in the high accident category exhibited negative perceptions regarding work safety, safety programmes, supervisors and co-workers. Besides, they expressed less job satisfaction and were less committed to safety management policies. Perceptions regarding management's attitude towards safety between the two groups were not of statistical significance. Implications of these findings for safety management are discussed. (106295)
CIS 07-265 Prevention of accident hazards in Uruguay. (Spanish: Prevención de riesgos de accidentes en Uruguay) Catarozzi V., Protección y seguridad, May-June 2006, Vol.52, No.307, p.24-27. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Contents of this overview of the prevention of accidents in Uruguay: Uruguayan legislation and regulations on occupational safety and hygiene and the protection of workers against occupational hazards; occupational safety and health services; training of OSH specialists; statistical trends of occupational accidents between 1996 and 2001; OSH management services; prevention of traffic accidents (third cause of mortality after cardiovascular diseases and cancer); future challenges. (106336)
CIS 07-266 Limits to the safety training of employees. (French: Les limites de la formation à la sécurité des salariés) Labbé F., Santé et Sécurité au Travail Actualités, Feb. 2006, No.87, p.6-7. Illus. (In French) Internet: Safety training of employees is an integral part of the occupational safety and health policies of all French enterprises. This article summarizes the main legal obligations with respect to safety training. Contents: purpose and content of safety training; increased training for non-regular employees; table summarizing the training programmes to be implemented (movement of vehicles and persons, hazards related to work tasks. measures to be taken in the event of an accident at the place of work, safety signalling). (106352)
CIS 07-267 Establishing a delegation of authority for hygiene and safety. (French: Etablir une délégation des pouvoirs en matière d'hygiène et de sécurité) Labbé F., Santé et Sécurité au Travail Actualités, Apr. 2006, No.89, p.6-7. Illus. (In French) Internet: With respect to occupational safety and hygiene, courts accept that the heads of enterprises may delegate their powers and corresponding responsibilities to one of their subordinates having due authority and competence together with the human, technical and material means of carrying out the mission. This article specifies the form and nature of this delegation of authority, together with the required competence, authority and means of the designated person. (106354)
CIS 07-268 Safety and inexcusable faults of employers. (French: Sécurité et faute inexcusable de l'employeur) Touchent D., Santé et Sécurité au Travail Actualités, May 2006, No.90, p.6-7. Illus. (In French) Internet: Employers are required to ensure the safety and health of their employees. Failure to do so is an inexcusable fault in cases where the employer knew of, or should have known of, the risk to which the employee was exposed and failed to implement the necessary preventive measures. Contents of this article on the inexcusable fault of the employer: what constitutes an inexcusable fault; legal liabilities of employers in cases of non-compliance with their obligations with respect to occupational safety and health; conditions of waiving liability; financial consequences in cases of employers' responsibility; period of limitation of employers' liability. (106355)
CIS 07-269 Safety climate and self-reported injury: Assessing the mediating role of employee safety control. Huang Y.H., Ho M., Smith G.S., Chen P.Y., Accident Analysis and Prevention, May 2006, Vol.38, No.3, p.425-433. Illus. 58 ref. (In English) Internet: This article proposes a model to link safety climate with self-reported injury using employees' perceived control on safety. Data were collected by means of questionnaires mailed to over 4000 employees from 18 companies across the USA. Results indicate that management commitment to safety, return-to-work policies, post-injury administration and safety training are important dimensions of safety climate. In addition, the data support the suggestion that safety climate is a critical factor in predicting the occurrence of a self-reported occupational injury, and that employee safety control mediates the relationship between safety climate and occupational injury. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating organizational factors and workers' characteristics in efforts to improve organizational safety performance. (106386)
CIS 07-270 The relationship between safety climate and injury rates across industries: The need to adjust for injury hazards. Smith G.S., Huang Y.H., Ho M., Chen P.Y., Accident Analysis and Prevention, May 2006, Vol.38, No.3, p.556-562. Illus. 48 ref. (In English) Internet: Based on data from 33 companies, this study assessed the association between safety climate and injury rates using three injury measures (claims per 100 employees, claims per 100,000h worked and claims per USD one million payroll) derived from workers' compensation injury claims. Linear regression models were used to test the predictability of safety climate on injury rates. Results were then controlled for differences in hazard across industries based on national industry-specific injury rates. In the unadjusted model, company level safety climate was negatively and significantly associated with injury rate. However, this association was no longer apparent when controlling for the hazardousness of the specific industry. These findings may be due to overadjustment of hazard risk, or the overwhelming effects of industry specific hazards relative to safety climate effects that could not be differentiated with the statistical power in the study. (106387)
CIS 07-271 Internal regulations. (French: Le règlement intérieur) Feller E., Santé et Sécurité au Travail Actualités, Feb. 2006, No.87, p.5. (In French) Internet: The internal rules of the enterprise specify the instructions for using work equipment and personal protective equipment and for working with dangerous substances and preparations. They are mandatory for all French enterprises with more than 20 employees. This information sheet covers the preparation of the rules and their content, together with the legal requirement to consult the workers' committee, to file them with the labour inspectorate, to display them in the enterprise and to distribute them to all new employees. (106351)
CIS 07-272 The use of state workers' compensation administrative data to identify injury scenarios and quantify costs of work-related traumatic brain injuries. Wrona R.M., Journal of Safety Research, 2006, Vol.37, No.1, p.75-81. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study, cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) were identified in Washington State from workers' compensation hospital billing data. There were 928 cases of TBI between 1994 and 2001 with a lifetime claim cost of USD 159 million. Sixty percent of injuries resulted in death or disability. The highest risks of TBI were concentrated in 16 industrial insurance risk classes and the highest costs in 19 industry classification codes. Scenarios of accidents giving rise to TBI were identified for nine industrial insurance risk classes. (106265)
CIS 07-273 Accounting for occupational exposures in computerized databases of the ACMS medical centres. (French: La prise en compte des expositions professionnelles dans les bases informatiques des centres médicaux de l'ACMS) Bouquet D., Dreux F., Leclercq G., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2006, Vol.46, No.2, p.163-169. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article describes the most recent release of a computer-based tool used by occupational physicians in medical and care centres in the French region of Ile-de-France. It brings together data concerning enterprises, hazards, occupations, medical inspections and work aptitude. Among data that can be extracted and published using this tool are the past exposures of each employee and the enterprise sheet, together with hazards related to occupations or sectors of activity and the list of workers exposed to a given type of hazard. (106311)
CIS 07-274 Trial by fire: A multivariate examination of the relation between job tenure and work injuries. Breslin F.C., Smith P., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2006, Vol.63, No.1, p.27-32. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: This study used workers' compensation records and labour force survey data to examine the relation between months on the job and lost-time claim rates, with a particular focus on age-related differences. It was found that claim rates declined as time on the job increased. This effect was stronger among males, in the manufacturing industries, in manual occupations, and among older workers. Findings suggest that all workers show increased risk when new on the job. Recommendations for improving this situation include earlier training, starting workers in low hazard conditions, reducing job turnover rates in firms and improved monitoring of hazard exposures that new workers encounter. (106344)
CIS 07-275 Risk of repeat accidents by economic activity in Italy. Bena A., Mamo C., Marinacci C., Pasqualini O., Tomaino A., Campo G., Costa G., Safety Science, Apr. 2006, Vol.44, No.4, p.297-312. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of work-related factors in the occurrence of repeat accidents in Italy. The data, provided by the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority refer to accidents in industry, crafts and services between 1994 and 1999. The data on accidents were selected among 633,735 persons aged between 25 and 55 years of age with a first accident in 1996-1997, and the occurrence of further accidents within two years in the same economic activity was determined taking into account job mobility and factors associated with underreporting (geographic area, age and size of the enterprise). The gender-specific relative risk was computed for each economic activity. Findings are discussed. The epidemiological pattern of repeat accidents by activity reflects that of accidents in general, however with some exceptions. (106371)
CIS 07-276 An integrated approach for improving occupational health and safety management: The voluntary protection program in Taiwan. Su T.S., Tsai W.Y., Yu Y.C., Journal of Occupational Health, 2005, Vol.47, p.270-276. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the voluntary protection programme (VPP) for occupational safety and health management implemented in Taiwan. It uses the resources of third parties and insurance providers to accredit a self-improving worksite with the benefits of waived general inspection and insurance premium reductions. A designated institute accepts the enterprise's application, performs document review and organizes the onsite inspection. After ten years, the efforts have shown a dramatic reduction in occupational injuries and illness in the worksites granted certification. VPP worksites, in comparison with all industries, had a 49% lower frequency rate in the past three years. The severity rate reduction was 80% in the same period. The results demonstrate that an employer voluntary protection programme is a promising strategy for a developing country. (106378)
CIS 07-277 Occupational safety and health in North-West Russia - ILO project. (Russian: Ohrana i bezopasnost' truda na Severo-zapade Rossii Proekt MOT) Litvyakov R., Barents - Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, 2005, Vol.8, No.2, p.45-46 (English); p.47-48 (Russian). Illus. (In English, Russian) Internet: This article describes the occupational safety and health project being implemented by the Moscow Subregional Office of the ILO in the North-Western Region of the Russian Federation. The project is funded by Finland and is carried out with the participation of Finnish OSH specialists and trade union representatives. Objectives include: identification of the scope of OSH problems in north-western Russia; promotion of social partnerships in OSH at the enterprise level; generating awareness of the economic benefits of good working conditions; development of OSH management systems at enterprises; dissemination of OSH information across the language barrier. (106380)
CIS 07-278 Occupational health and safety programmes and management. Muchiri F.K., Machida S., Makhonge P.W., Rantanen J., Rongo L.M.B., Kangethe S.K., Ghebreyohannes T., Mokdad M., Ogbe A.O., Okorare E., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Aug. 2005, Vol.15, No.2, p.27-50 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Collection of articles on occupational safety and health management of relevance to African countries. Contents: management systems approach and national programmes on occupational safety and health; challenges in the development of labour inspection systems; basic occupational health services; problems in teaching occupational safety and health in university degree courses; management perspective of workplace health and safety practices in Kenya; occupational safety and health in garages; occupational stress among Algerian teachers; exposure to acaricides in veterinary practice in Nigeria. (106417)
CIS 07-279 Laws and realities. (Spanish: Derecho y realidad) Ospina Salinas E., Instituto Salud y Trabajo (ISAT), Lloque Yupanqui N°1206, Lima 11, Peru, 1995. 160p. (In Spanish) Internet: Collection of articles on workers' rights with respect to occupational safety and health in Peru. Main topics addressed: workers' rights according to ILO conventions and recommendations; right to health specified in the constitution; aspects pertaining to the right to occupational health; privatization of social security; penalties for violations of occupational safety and health regulations; collective bargaining on occupational safety and health in the textile industry; checks, inspections and audits in the mining industry; comment on the Peruvian labour administration. (106331)
CIS 07-280 First century of the labour and social security inspectorate. (Spanish: Primer centenario de la Inspección de trabajo y seguridad social) Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales, Agustín de Bethencourt 11, 28003 Madrid, Spain, 2006. 592p. Bibl.ref., ISBN 84-7850-139-8 (In Spanish) Internet: This document was published to commemorate the centenary of the establishment of the labour and social security inspectorate in Spain. It consists of a collection of articles covering the history of this institution and the resulting social reforms, its role in the context of the administrative autonomy of the regions, the challenges of the 21st century, the right to impose penalties, issues of labour obstruction, labour inspection activities and social security preventive actions. (106333)
CIS 07-281 European occupational safety and health legislation. (French: Le droit européen de la santé et de la sécurité sur les lieux de travail) EUROGIP, 55 rue de la Fédération, 75015 Paris, France, Mar. 2006. 28p. Internet document. (In French) Internet: Following a brief overview of some of the basic aspects of Community law, this document reviews the provisions of the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC on occupational safety and health and those of the various directives that are derived from the Framework Directive. (106432)
CIS 07-282 Inventory and analysis of national systems for the notification of occupational accidents. (French: Inventaire et analyse des systèmes nationaux de déclaration des accidents du travail) Castejon Vilella E., EUROGIP, 55 rue de la Fédération, 75015 Paris, France, Oct. 2005. 4p. Internet document. (In French) Internet: The European Statistics of Accidents at Work (ESAW) project, aimed at harmonizing statistical data on occupational accidents, was launched in 1990 following the Framework Directive on occupational safety and health (89/391/EEC). Since 1993, Eurostat has compiled statistics on occupational accidents based on data provided by the responsible bodies within the Member States. This study was carried out to identify and analyse factors that could distort national data and make comparisons difficult. A questionnaire consisting of 83 items grouped under 12 topics such as notification, compensation or the treatment of statistical data was addressed to European Union Member States. Three main factors were identified as being responsible for biases in data comparisons: coverage of self-employed workers, treatment of travel and traffic accidents, and the proportion of total accidents declared. (106434)
CIS 07-283 Putting work at the heart of change. (French: Mettre le travail au cœur du changement) Agence Nationale pour l'Amélioration des Conditions de Travail (ANACT), 4, quai des Etroits, 69321 Lyon Cedex 05, France, [ca 2005]. Brochure (6p.) and 11 leaflets. Illus. (In French) Internet: Folder containing 11 information sheets explaining how the French national agency for the improvement of working conditions (ANACT) and its regional branches (ARACT) can help enterprises in the following areas: evaluation and prevention of occupational hazards; understanding and reducing absenteeism; implementing information and communication technologies; preventing musculoskeletal diseases; successfully implementing technology investment in small enterprises; overcoming recruiting difficulties; management of the ageing working population; encouraging dialogue during management changes; modernizing work organization; training of personnel; reorganizing work-time schedules. (106308)
CIS 07-284 General Don José Marvá y Mayer, founder of the labour inspection corps. (Spanish: El General de Ingenieros Don José Marvá y Mayer creador del Cuerpo de Inspección de Trabajo) Bordonado Bermejo M.J., Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales, Agustín de Bethencourt 11, 28003 Madrid, Spain, 2006. 152p. Illus. 60 ref., ISBN 84-7850-138-X (In Spanish) Internet: This biography was published to commemorate the centenary of the establishment of the labour inspectorate in Spain. It recounts the life of the founder of the institution, general Don José Marvá y Mayer, and his contribution to the social and economic development of the country. General Marvá was an ardent admirer of the German occupational safety and hygiene model and devoted himself to improving the lot of the working class. (106332)
CIS 07-285 Annual report 2005. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2005. 85p. Illus., ISBN 92-95007-91-3 (In English) Internet: The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work is in its 10th year of operation. The first part of this annual report recounts the history of the organization, its objectives, its structure and its mode of operation. Developments within the three strategic pillars of the Agency are outlined: developing an international network of partners in Europe and beyond; capitalizing on the potential of the Internet for sharing and disseminating OSH knowledge; and promoting a preventive culture. The second part addresses the specific highlights for the year 2005. Appendices include overview of focal point network activities, conferences attended, publications and their distribution to focal points, news releases, finance 2004-2005 and the programme for 2006. (106349)
CIS 07-286 Risk assessment tool. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2006. 9p. Illus. (parts I-II); 37p. Illus (parts II-IV). (In English) Internet: These documents on risk assessment define risks and hazards and explain how to carry out risk assessments (information to be collected, where to find the information, how to plan preventive measures, documenting risk assessment). They include checklists for the identification of hazards and preventive measures for specific situations (slippery floors, moving vehicles and machinery, electrical equipment, fire and explosion hazards, chemicals, noise, vibration and lighting) and sectors (office work, construction, food processing, woodworking, automobile repair, agriculture, small-scale surface mining). (106350)
CIS 07-287 The IRSST: Your research engine for 25 years - 2005 activity report. (French: L'IRSST, le moteur de votre recherche depuis 25 ans - Rapport d'activité 2005) Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2005. 26p. Illus. 237 ref., ISBN 2-89631-040-1 (fr), ISBN 2-89631-041-X (en) (In English, French) Internet: This report on activities for 2005 published for the 25th anniversary of the Robert Sauvé Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute (IRSST) of the Province of Quebec covers the following aspects: main research programmes; laboratory services and expertise; information dissemination; collaboration with industry; collaboration with research institutions; international collaborations; financial results; organizational structure; list of publications. (106357)
CIS 07-288 Occupational disease compensation fund - 2005 Annual Report. (Dutch: Fonds voor de beroepsziekten - Jaarverslag 2005; French: Fonds des maladies professionnelles - Rapport annuel 2005) Fonds des maladies professionnelles, Avenue de l'Astronomie 1, 1210 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2006. 227p. Illus. + CD-ROM. (In Dutch, French) Internet: Contents of this annual report: administrative structure of the Belgian occupational disease insurance fund; occupational disease compensation claims (by diagnosis, disease code, nationality, area of residence, gender, age, industrial sector and occupation); compensation of occupational diseases (in private and public sectors); prevention of occupational diseases; legal claims; compensation for permanent invalidity; financial data. In appendices: schedule of occupational diseases and occupation disease codes. (106360)
CIS 07-289 New scope for the Community health and safety at work strategy 2007-2012. (French: Nouvelles perspectives pour la stratégie communautaire de santé au travail 2007-2012) Vogel L., Paoli P., European Trade Union Institute for Research, Education and Health and Safety, HESA Department, 5 Boulevard du Roi Albert II, 1210 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2006. 47p. Illus. Price: EUR 10.00., ISBN 2-87452-032-2 (fr), ISBN 2-87452-033-0 (En) (In English, French) Internet: This report presents the opinions of European trade unions on the European Commission's health and safety at work strategy for 2007-2012. It reviews the strategy pursued from 2002 to 2006 and asks that a new strategy be built around practical initiatives and a definite timetable. It recommends that there be a central focus on two key risks: musculoskeletal diseases, an illness related to work organisation, and chemicals, a major cause of work-related health problems. Other issues discussed include the right of all workers to collective representation in health and safety and measures needed to address the challenges of European Union enlargement. The second part of the report summarizes the findings of surveys on the health impact of working conditions in the EU. (106406)
CIS 07-290 Working conditions in Hungary. European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, Internet document, 2006. 10p. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: In 2001, Hungary carried out its first survey on the state of occupational safety and health. The survey aimed to assess working conditions in order to promote the Hungarian national programme of occupational safety and health for improving quality of work and life, and to establish a database on working conditions that would be comparable with EU data. The results reveal that with regard to physical factors such as noise, vibration, temperature, uncomfortable working posture, heavy mental and/or physical workload, the proportion of employees affected is similar to that in the EU. However, in relation to exposure to chemicals, Hungary reports more than twice the exposure rate of the EU average. (106418)
CIS 07-291 Master plan, occupational safety, health and working environment - Years 2002-2006. Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Labour Welfare Division, Mitmaitri Road, Dindaeng District, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Mar. 2003. 46p. (In English) Internet: The master plan on occupational safety, health and working environment (OSHE) was prepared by the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (DLPW) in response to increasing numbers of work-related accidents and diseases in Thailand. This document sets out the main causes of safety and health problems, the objectives and goals of the master plan and the main elements of the plan (development of OSHE standards, a system of labour law enforcement and an OSHE organizational structure, extension of OSHE protection, human resources development, information technology development, research and development, prevention and control of occupational accidents and diseases, OSHE promotion campaign). (106419)
CIS 07-292 Report on the regional tripartite workshop on national occupational safety and heath programmes. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. 52p. (In English) Internet: Report of a workshop on national safety and health programmes held in Bangkok, Thailand, 16-19 May 2005 and organized by the ILO in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour of Thailand. The objectives were to develop a common understanding of ILO approaches to developing national programmes with a view to encouraging the launch of such programmes in the participating countries. Additionally, relevant ILO instruments such as the Occupational safety and Health Convention 155 (see CIS 82-890) and the ILO Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (ILO-OSH 2001, see CIS 02-162) were promoted as means of supporting policies, programmes and systems. (106420)
CIS 07-293 Prevention of occupational hazards: Towards European harmonization?. (French: Prévention des risques professionnels: harmonisation européenne en vue?) EUROGIP, 55 rue de la Fédération, 75015 Paris, France, May 2005. 17p. Internet document. (In French) Internet: Review of the presentations given at a conference on the management of occupational hazards and the optimization of working conditions held in Strasbourg, France, on 3 June 2004. Session topics included: musculoskeletal diseases, work-related psychological diseases; road accidents; occupational cancers due to chemicals. (106435)
CIS 07-294 EUROGIP 2005 annual report. (French: Rapport annuel EUROGIP 2005) EUROGIP, 55 rue de la Fédération, 75015 Paris, France, 2005. 15p. Illus. Internet document. (In English, French) Internet: Contents of this annual report of EUROGIP: key highlights; chairman's message; salient events in 2005; 2005 review by activity (standardization, information and communication, public relations, surveys, projects, coordination with external organizations). (106436)
CIS 07-295 Developments in occupational safety and health in Brazil. (Portuguese: Segurança e saúde no trabalho em Brasil) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Secretaria de Inspeção do Trabalho, Departamento de Segurança Saúde no Trabalho, Esplanada dos Ministérios, Bloco F, Anexo B, CEP 70059-900, Brasilia, Brazil, 2004. 106p. Bibl.ref. (In Portuguese) Internet: Report on various developments in occupational safety and health in Brazil prepared for the 291st session of the ILO Governing Body, November 2004. Topics covered include: the national policy on workers' safety and health; regulatory rule on safety and health in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture; prohibition of sandblasting; proposed regulations concerning electrical installations, telework, meat processing and supermarket checkouts. (106480)
CIS 07-296 Report on economic impact of the safety, health and welfare at work legislation. Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ireland), Indecon, Indecon House, 4 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2, Ireland, Aug. 2006. xviii, 98p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to undertake an economic assessment of the effect since 1989 of occupational safety, health and welfare law on the Irish economy, particularly on competitiveness. A wide range of research techniques was employed. Topics covered include: the estimated costs of accidents and illness in Ireland; costs and benefits of health and safety legislation; costs and benefits at company level; impact of health and safety legislation on firms in Ireland; trends in health and safety enforcement and activity; and an econometric analysis of the benefits of health and safety in Ireland. Conclusions are discussed in terms of the costs of work-related accidents and ill-health, the benefits of health and safety legislation and the impact on business costs and competitiveness. (106488)
CIS 07-297 Safe and healthy workplaces - Making decent work a reality. (French: Des lieux de travail sûrs et sains - Faire du travail décent une réalité; Spanish: Lugares de trabajo seguros y sanos - Hacer realidad el trabajo decente) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. iii, 18p. Illus. 12 ref., ISBN 978-92-2-119811-6 (En), ISBN 978-92-2-219811-5 (fr), ISBN 978-92-2-319811-4 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This report was prepared for the ILO World Day for Safety and Health at Work, 28 April 2007. The focus of the report is on the place of occupational safety and health in achieving the four strategic objectives of the Decent Work Agenda: international labour standards and fundamental principles and rights at work; decent employment; social protection for all; tripartism and social dialogue. Topics covered include: the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 187), adopted by the International Labour Conference in June 2006; the relationship between safety and health, different forms of employment and productivity; the need for a national preventative safety and heath culture; the importance of education, training and information; effective management of occupational safety and health; and corporate social responsibility. Includes the text of the Promotional Framework Convention and Recommendation (No. 197) and a list of relevant ILO Instruments. (106490)
CIS 07-298 Evaluation and control of the working environment. (Arabic: Taqayīm wa murāqaba bī'a al-(amal) Deeb. H., International Labour Office, Geneva; General Federation of Trade Unions in the Syrian Arab Republic, International Labour Office, Regional Office for the Arab States, rue Justinian, Al-Qantari, B.P. 11-408, Riad al-Sulh, 11072150 Beirut, Lebanon, 2001. 136p. Illus. 8 ref., ISBN 92-2-612671-2 (In Arabic) Internet: Topics covered in these guidelines: introduction to occupational safety and health; occupational exposure limits; investigation of manufacturing processes and understanding mechanisms of exposure; monitoring the working environment; measuring strategies and collection of samples from the working environment; direct measuring equipment; techniques for collecting air in the working environment; risk assessment in the workplace. (106475)
CIS 07-299 Control of occupational hazards. Deeb H., International Labour Office, Geneva; General Federation of Trade Unions in the Syrian Arab Republic, International Labour Office, Regional Office for the Arab States, rue Justinian, Al-Qantari, B.P. 11-408, Riad al-Sulh, 11072150 Beirut, Lebanon, 2001. 184p. Illus. 9 ref., ISBN 92-2-612672-0 (In Arabic) Internet: Topics covered in these guidelines: engineering controls; administrative controls (such as medical examinations); personal protective equipment and clothing; table of measurement units used in the book. (106477)
CIS 07-300 Training in occupational safety and health. (Arabic: Tadrīb fi al-sihha wa al-salāma al-mihniya) Skaff S., International Labour Office, Geneva; General Federation of Trade Unions in the Syrian Arab Republic, International Labour Office, Regional Office for the Arab States, rue Justinian, Al-Qantari, B.P. 11-408, Riad al-Sulh, 11072150 Beirut, Lebanon, 2001. 189p. Illus. 6 ref., ISBN 92-2-612669-0 (In Arabic) Internet: Topics covered in these guidelines: introduction (training and its importance); education in occupational safety and health; basic principles of adult education; methodology and objectives in training; methods and manners of training; audio-visual promotional methods in training; evaluation in training; characteristics of the good instructor and characteristics of trainees amenable to the training process. (106478)
CIS 07-301 Promoting health and safety in European small and medim-sized enterprises (SMEs) - SME funding scheme 2003-2004. (French: Promotion de la sécurité et de la santé dans les petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) européennes - Programme de financement des PME 2003-2004; German: Förderung des Gesundheitsschutzes und der Sicherheit in kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen (KMU) in Europa - KMU - Förderprogramm 2003-2004; Italian: Promuovere la salute e la sicurezza nelle piccole e medie imprese europee (PMI) - Piano di finanziamento PMI 2003-2004; Spanish: La promoción de la seguridad y la salud en las pequeñas y medianas empresas europeas (PYME) - Plan de financiación para las PYME 2003-2004) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2006. 94p. Illus. CD-ROM readable on Macintosh or PC. Price: EUR 15.00., ISBN 92-9191-170-4 (In English, French, German, Italian, Spanish) Internet: The European SME funding scheme was launched in 2001 with the objective of identifying and supporting activities and projects related to the management of occupational safety and health in SMEs. This CD presents summaries of 40 projects (14 transnational and 26 national) supported under the third and final round of the scheme. Funding was provided for initiatives that encouraged SMEs to adopt good occupational safety and health practice. Grants for projects were aimed at SMEs' specific needs in one of three categories: training related to the prevention of accidents and the avoidance of health risks; information and communications that promote health and safety; and identifying effective good practices that reduce dangers to health and safety. CDs for 2000-2001 and 2002-2003 are also available. (106484)
CIS 07-302 Knowledge Fair on Decent Work and the Informal Economy. (French: Forum des connaissances sur le travail décent et l'économie informelle; Spanish: Feria del Conocimiento sobre el trabajo decente y la economía informal) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. CD-ROM., ISBN 92-2-018223-8 (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This CD presents some of the resources available at the Knowledge Fair on Decent Work and the Informal Economy held at the time of the International Labour Conference in June 2005. These include an exhibit of photographs and text capturing over 30 good practices in relation to decent work and the informal economy, a Fair newspaper that reported on other current initiatives on the informal economy, an ILO video on the informal economy and videos from projects. (106481)
CIS 07-303 International Film and Multimedia Festival - Catalogue. (French: Festival international du film et du multimédia - Catalogue; German: Internationales Film- und Multimediafestival - Katalog; Spanish: Festival Internacional de Cine y Multimedia - Catalogo) ISSA Information Section, c/o PREVENT, rue Gachardstraat 88 b4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2005. CD-ROM. (In English, French, German, Spanish) Internet: Catalogue on CD-ROM of the films and multimedia products on occupational safety and health presented at the International Film and Multimedia Festival organized in Orlando, Florida in 2005 during the XVIIth World Congress on Safety and Health at Work. The catalogue includes a data sheet for each film and multimedia product with details of the main subject areas covered, the target groups and a summary of the film or application. (106482)
CIS 07-304 Risk of lung cancer from exposure to dusts and fibers in Leningrad Province, Russia. Baccarelli A., et al., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2006, Vol.49, p.460-467. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: Exposures to several dusts and fibres (DFs) have been established or suggested as aetiologic factors for lung cancer. This study was undertaken to investigate lung cancer risk in relation to exposure to DFs. 540 lung cancer cases and 582 controls were identified from the 1993-1998 autopsy records of the 88 hospitals of Leningrad Province, Russia. Lifetime job-specific exposure measurements were available for 15 organic, 15 man-made and 28 natural-inorganic agents. In male workers, increased risks were found for linen dust (odds ratio OR=3.68) and unspecified DFs (OR=1.44), after adjustment for age, smoking and place of residence. Small non-significant excess risks were observed for quartz dust (OR=1.27) and man-made vitreous fibres (OR=1.82). In female subjects, risks were non-significantly associated with paper dust (OR=1.77), and unspecified DFs (OR=1.52). (106465)
CIS 07-305 Prevention of occupational asthma - Practical implications for occupational physicians. Tarlo S.M., Liss G.M., Occupational Medicine, Dec. 2005, Vol.55, No.8, p.588-594. 65 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey was carried out to identify measures that are effective in the prevention of occupational asthma (OA). It was found that primary prevention was effective for OA related to natural rubber latex, and may have reduced the incidence of diisocyanate-induced asthma. Medical health surveillance has been effective in the detergent enzyme industry and among workers exposed to platinum salts and likely for diisocyanate workers. However until primary and secondary prevention is better understood and implemented, there will also remain a need for tertiary preventive measures. (106251)
CIS 07-306 Occupational asthma prevention and management in industry - An example of a global programme. Gannon P.F.G., Berg A.S., Gayosso R., Henderson B., Sax S.E., Willems H.M.J., Occupational Medicine, Dec. 2005, Vol.55, No.8, p.600-605. Illus. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: A global supplier of isocyanate-based automotive coatings developed a programme to address the known potential effects of isocyanates on its workers. The goals of the programme are the prevention, early detection and mitigation of asthma and dermatitis among workers exposed or potentially exposed to isocyanates and products containing isocyanates. The programme includes assessment of exposure, pre-placement questionnaires, spirometry, training of employees, regularly administered questionnaires, medical assessment for abnormal questionnaire responses, process for early reporting and investigation of symptomatic employees and incidents, data review and management reporting. These control measures are relatively inexpensive and can be applied even in small businesses. It is recommended that all employers who manufacture, handle or use isocyanate-containing products consider such a strategy. (106253)
CIS 07-307 Future advances in work-related asthma and the impact on occupational health. Malo J.L., Occupational Medicine, Dec. 2005, Vol.55, No.8, p.606-611. Illus. 55 ref. (In English) Internet: This review article discusses work related asthma (WRA) and occupational asthma (OA). WRA refers to situations in which asthma symptoms occur or worsen in the workplace. This occurs in approximately 10% of all adult onset asthma subjects. OA is a specific type of WRA that is caused by the workplace, being mediated either by an allergic process with a latency period or by a non allergic irritant-induced mechanism. Various aspects of WRA are reviewed, with an emphasis on OA and on key issues that need to be further studied and applied at workplaces that present risks. (106254)
CIS 07-308 Control chart for monitoring occupational asthma. Hayati F., Maghsoodloo S., DeVivo M.J., Carnahan B.J., Journal of Safety Research, 2006, Vol.37, No.1, p.17-26. Illus. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: The purpose of this research was to investigate whether the Shewhart control chart method is effective in the detection of occupational asthma. It involved 45 workers who were subjected to lung function testing while at work and away from work. Control charts were developed using Shewhart's method. Findings are discussed. The control chart method was found to be effective, simple and inexpensive for early intervention in workers suspected of occupational asthma. (106262)
CIS 07-309 Bladder cancer risk in sales workers: Artefact or cause for concern?. 't Mannetje A., Pearce N., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.49, No.3, p.175-186. Illus. 50 ref. (In English) Internet: A large number of epidemiological studies have reported positive associations between bladder cancer and sales occupations. This study investigated whether these findings are likely to be due to chance, confounding or publication bias, or truly involve causal associations. Studies reporting bladder cancer risk-estimates for sales occupations were reviewed. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using meta-analyses. Findings are discussed. Publication bias explained most of the reported increased bladder cancer risk, but sales-work still appeared to be associated with a small risk in women. Possible causal factors include lower frequency of urination and reduced fluid intake. (106275)
CIS 07-310 Socioeconomic and occupational risk factors for pancreatic cancer: A cohort study in Sweden. Ji J., Hemminki K., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.48, No.3, p.283-288. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to examine the associations between socio-economic and occupational factors and pancreatic cancer. The Swedish Family Cancer Database was used to calculate standardized incidence ratios for different social classes and occupational groups. Lung cancer risks were also determined. The reference group was all the economically active population of Sweden. It was found that farmers were at a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer. A slightly increased risk of pancreatic cancer, independent of lung cancer risk, was observed for male professionals and managers. In addition to smoking, contributory factors may include physical inactivity and obesity. Among women, increased risks were observed for cooks, as well as glass, ceramic and tile workers. Results show that socio-economic and occupational factors play a small role in the aetiology of pancreatic cancer. (106293)
CIS 07-311 Cancer mortality among butchers: A 24-state death certificate study. Besson H., Banks R., Boffetta P., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.48, No.3, p.289-293. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to document cancer mortality among American butchers. Death certificates collected in 24 American states were used to calculate mortality odds ratios (ORs) and their confidence intervals for 18,639 butchers. Butchers experienced an increased mortality of cancer of the oral cavity (OR 1.40), oesophagus (OR 1.19), pharynx (OR 1.22) and larynx (OR 1.19), as well as a reduced mortality from melanoma (OR 0.70), non Hodgkin lymphoma (OR 0.82) and breast cancer (OR 0.76). It is likely that occupational exposures experienced by butchers have contributed to the increased risk of cancers of the oral cavity and oesophagus. (106294)
CIS 07-312 29th National Congress on Occupational Medicine and Health - Lyon 30 May - 2 June 2006. (French: 29e Congrès national de médecine et santé au travail - Lyon 30 mai - 2 juin 2006) Bergeret A., Choasson P., eds., Archives des maladies professionnelles, May 2006, Vol.67, No.2, p.117-462 (whole issue). Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Proceedings of a conference on occupational medicine and health held in Lyon, France, from 30 May to 2 June 2006. Topics addressed: occupational medicine clinics; monitoring chemical hazards in the context of occupational mobility; management and prevention of crises; addictive behaviour at the workplace; transportation and work; role of occupational health nurses; noise and hearing; hazard evaluation in health care institutions; violence at work; genotoxicity and carcinogenicity; occupational health surveys; occupational health indicators; pluridisciplinarity; electromagnetic fields; asbestos; solvents. (106309)
CIS 07-313 Avian flu - What needs to be known today, what to tell patients, what needs to be done without further delay. (French: Grippe aviaire - Que savoir aujourd'hui, que dire aux patients, que faire dès maintenant?) Biardeau B., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2006, Vol.46, No.2, p.193-203. (In French) Internet: Review of a colloquium on avian flu held in Paris, France, on 16 March 2006. Among the topics presented: preparing for a pandemic; French prevention plan (stocks and distribution of masks, antiviral drugs and vaccines); management of the various phases (before and during a pandemic); informing the general population; role of general practitioners. An appendix includes extracts from the French governmental plan. (106314)
CIS 07-314 Doing away with bladder cancer in occupational settings. (French: En finir avec le cancer de la vessie en milieu professionnel) Héry M., Conso F., Goutet P., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2006, No.203, p79-83. Illus. 4 ref. (In French) Internet: According to various sources, between 625 and 1110 bladder cancers are attributable each year to occupational exposures in France. These levels imply that this disease ranks as the second most important occupational disease, behind lung cancer. Various aromatic amines and aromatic or polycyclic hydrocarbons have been proven aetiologically to cause bladder cancer. The role of nitrosamines and chlorinated solvents is more doubtful. Trends in the use of these substances over the last thirty years were examined. It was found that warnings (or certain regulatory measures) were effective, such as marked decreases in the use of certain aromatic amines and coal tar derivatives, and the use of better-quality cutting oils. However, some pathways to further improvement have yet to be implemented. (106320)
CIS 07-315 Avian influenza, avian flu and threat of pandemic: A new occupational health challenge. (French: Influenza aviaire, grippe aviaire et menace de pandémie: un nouvel enjeu en santé du travail) Le Bâcle C., Ducovel-Pame N., Durand E., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 2nd Quarter 2006, No.106, p.139-168. Illus. 56 ref. (In French) Internet: This medical and technical review article presents the current situation with respect to influenza viruses, avian influenza, seasonal influenza, avian flu in humans and the risk of a flu pandemic. It also discusses the issue of the risk of avian flu among exposed health care professionals. Preventive measures to be implemented in specific situations are presented. An appendix summarizes the main recommendations for hospitals issued by the French ministry of health. (106326)
CIS 07-316 Occupational non-infectious respiratory diseases due to biological agents - Farming sector and the food industry. (French: Affections respiratoires professionnelles non infectieuses dues aux agents biologiques - Secteurs agricole et agroalimentaire) Rosenberg N., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 2nd Quarter 2006, No.106, p.225-238. Illus. 77 ref. (In French) Internet: The farming sector and the food industry are the main sectors affected by respiratory diseases caused by biological agents. Since the work requires contact with soil, plants, animal-based products, food or organic dust, many tasks involve exposure to moulds, yeasts and bacteria. Diseases encountered include extrinsic allergic alveolitis, organic dust toxic syndrome, asthma and asthma-like syndromes, chronic bronchitis symptoms and obstructive chronic bronchitis. This review article discusses current understanding with respect to medical prevention, technical prevention and compensation. (106330)
CIS 07-317 Occupation and malignant lymphoma: A population based case control study in Germany. Mester B., Nieters A., Deeg E., Elsner G., Becker N., Seidler A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2006, Vol.63, No.1, p.17-26. 94 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to identify occupations suspected to be associated with malignant lymphoma. A total of 710 patients with malignant lymphoma aged 18-80 years were recruited in six study regions in Germany. For each case, a sex, region, and age matched control was drawn from the population registers. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for major occupations and industries were calculated using conditional logistic regression analysis, adjusted for smoking and alcohol consumption. Patients with specific lymphoma subentities were additionally compared with the entire control group using unconditional logistic regression analysis. Findings are discussed and industries positively associated with lymphoma are identified. The following economic and industrial sectors were positively associated with lymphoma: food products, beverages, tobacco; paper products, publishing and printing; and metals. (106343)
CIS 07-318 Occupational risk factors for nasopharyngeal cancer among female textile workers in Shanghai, China. Checkoway H., et al., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2006, Vol.63, No.1, p.39-44. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated whether occupational exposure to dusts and chemicals in the Chinese textile industry was associated with risk of nasopharyngeal cancer. 67 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cases identified during 1989-98 and a random sample of 3188 women were included in a case cohort study nested in a cohort of 267,400 women textile workers in Shanghai, China. A job exposure matrix developed by experienced industrial hygienists was used to assess exposures to specific dusts and chemicals. It was found that the risk of NPC was associated with cumulative exposure to cotton dust, with a hazard ratio of 3.6 compared with unexposed women. Trends of increasing risk were also found with increasing duration of exposure to acids and caustics, and with years worked in the dyehouse. Women who worked at least ten years in the dyehouse had a 3.6-fold excess risk of NPC. (106345)
CIS 07-319 Laboratory work and pregnancy outcomes: A study within the National Birth Cohort in Denmark. Zhu J.L., Knudsen L.E., Andersen A.M.N., Hjollund N.H., Olsen J., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2006, Vol.63, No.1, p.53-58. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: To examine pregnancy outcomes in women doing laboratory work, this prospective cohort study of 1025 female laboratory technicians and 8037 female teachers (as reference) used data from the Danish National Birth Cohort (1997-2003). Laboratory technicians were asked about laboratory work tasks during pregnancy in an interview (at around 16 weeks of gestation). Pregnancy outcomes were obtained by linking the cohort to the national registers. Hazard ratios of late foetal loss and diagnosis of congenital malformations were calculated by using Cox regression, and odds ratios of preterm birth and small for gestational age were calculated by using logistic regression. The overall results did not indicate any high risk of reproductive failures in laboratory technicians. However, risks of preterm birth and congenital malformations were observed among subgroups with high exposures to radioisotopes and organic solvents. (106346)
CIS 07-320 Occupational cancers: Improving their prevention. (French: Cancers professionnels: mieux les prévenir) Durcy M., Prévention BTP, Oct. 2006, No.89, p.54-57. Illus. 3 ref. (In French) Internet: Topics addressed in this article on the prevention of occupational cancers: risk factors; proportion of cancers that are due to occupational factors; compensation of occupational cancers; cost of occupational cancers; role of workers. (106460)
CIS 07-321 Cancer and construction: What occupational histories in a Canadian community reveal. Brophy J.T., Keith M.M., Gorey K.M., Laukkanen E., Luginaah I., Abu-Zahra H., Watterson A.E., Hellyer D.J., Reinhartz A., Park R.M., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.32-38. 111 ref. (In English) Internet: From 2000 to 2002, male patients at a Canadian cancer treatment centre with new-incident head-and-neck or oesophageal cancers were invited to participate in a population-based study. The study population included 87 cases and 172 controls. A lifetime-history questionnaire was administered. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for occupational groups with a minimum of five cases, adjusted for duration of employment, age, smoking, alcohol, education and income. A significantly increased risk was shown for construction workers (OR = 2.20; 95% CI 1.25-3.91). This investigation of a set of rare cancers over a limited time period demonstrates the feasibility of this research approach. The increased risk among construction workers supports the need for more comprehensive study of exposures in this occupational group. (106496)
CIS 07-322 Risk factors for sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders among self-employed Dutch farmers: A case-control study. Hartman E., Oude Vrielink H.H.E., Huirne R.B.M., Metz J.H.M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.49, No.3, p.204-214. Illus. 39 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this case-control study was to identify and quantify risk factors for sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders among self-employed Dutch farmers. Risk factors for sick leave claimed between 1998 and 2001 for back or neck/shoulder/upper extremity disorders from 198 and 89 subjects respectively were analysed and compared to 816 controls who did not file any claim in this period. It was concluded that the prevention of sick leave among self-employed farmers should focus on life style (obesity, smoking), reducing physical workload among older farmers and reducing long-term tractor driving. Specific attention should be paid to farmers in contact with animals and to mushroom farmers. (106277)
CIS 07-323 Latino farmworker perceptions of the risk factors for occupational skin disease. Arcury T.A., Vallejos Q.M., Marín A.J., Feldman S.R., Smith G., Quandt S.A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2006, Vol.49, p.434-442. Illus. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: Most farm workers in the United States are Latino. Skin diseases are a health problem to which farm workers are particularly vulnerable. Preventive actions must therefore be adapted to farm workers' understanding of such diseases, including their beliefs or knowledge of risk factors. This study used in-depth interviews with 30 Latino farm workers (6 women, 24 men) to determine beliefs and perceptions of the causes of common occupational skin diseases in this population. Results indicate that farm worker beliefs and perceptions of skin disease causation can be integrated into a general model in which perceived risk factors include sun and heat, chemicals, plants, insects, moisture, hygiene and contagion. Each of these factors is moderated by the individual's personal susceptibility. The model suggests that health education is the most important factor for reducing skin disease among farm workers. (106463)
CIS 07-324 Reproductive disorders and pregnancy outcomes among female flight attendants. Lauria L., Ballard T.J., Caldora M., Mazzanti C., Verdecchia A., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, May 2006, Vol.77, No.5, p.533-539. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined reproductive health among female flight attendants. A cross-sectional health survey was carried out among an occupational cohort of current and former flight attendants using a postal questionnaire including items on pregnancy outcome, menstrual characteristics and infertility. The questionnaire was sent to 3036 women with a response rate of 64% (74% for current and 48% for former flight attendants). Spontaneous abortion rates were similar for pregnancies of women in service and not (12.6 and 11.4% respectively). Induced abortion rates were lower for in-service pregnancies (7.9%) compared with pregnancies of women not in service (21.1%). Menstrual irregularities in the year preceding the survey for women aged under 40 years were more frequent among current than former flight attendants (20.6% and 10.4% respectively). Fertility problems were reported by 20.6% of respondents. An association between infertility and irregular menstrual cycles was found (odds ratio 1.6). (106367)
CIS 07-325 A cohort mortality study of leather tanners in Tuscany, Italy. Iaia T.E., et al., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2006, Vol.49, p.452-459. 57 ref. (In English) Internet: Work in leather tanning may involve exposure to a wide range of chemicals, including carcinogens or suspected carcinogens. This cohort study investigated the mortality of leather tanners in Tuscany, Italy. The cohort consisted of 4874 workers (4,150 men and 724 women) currently or previously employed in one of the 92 tanneries of the region. Men showed increases for cancer of the endocrine glands, blood diseases, mental disorders, violence and accidents. Mortality from myeloid leukaemia was increased in both men and women. The study confirms previous observations among tanners of increased mortality from lung, bladder and pancreatic cancer. Noteworthy are the increased mortality from myeloid leukaemia together with the new findings of an increased mortality from endocrine gland tumours, blood diseases, and psychiatric disorders which should however be considered with caution because of the small number of cases. (106464)
CIS 07-326 Mortality of workers employed in shoe manufacturing: An update. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2006, Vol.49, p.535-546. 60 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated the mortality of a cohort 7828 workers employed one month or more between 1940 and 1979 at one of two shoe manufacturing plants where a 1982 study revealed increased lung cancer mortality. Vital status was ascertained through December 31, 1999. An excess of lung cancer deaths persisted with additional years of follow-up (standardized mortality ratio SMR=1.36). There was no indication of a positive trend between lung cancer risk and duration of employment. Mortality from leukaemia was not significantly elevated in the updated analysis. It is concluded that there is a possible association between lung cancer mortality and exposure to chronic, low-levels of toluene. (106470)
CIS 07-327 Adverse pregnancy outcomes in offspring of fathers working in biomedical research laboratories. Magnusson L.L., Bodin L., Wennborg H., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2006, Vol.49, p.468-473. Illus. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: Laboratory work may constitute a possible health hazard for workers as well as for their offspring, and involves a wide range of exposures, such as organic solvents, carcinogenic agents, ionizing radiation and microorganisms. This study examined adverse pregnancy outcomes in the offspring of male employees of biomedical research laboratories. Pregnancy parameters of offspring to male workers employed between 1970 and 1989 at four Swedish universities were identified from birth registers. Offspring of 2281 fathers with laboratory work were considered exposed, and of 1909 non-laboratory employees unexposed. Exposure data were obtained by questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis estimated odds ratios and confidence intervals. There was no clear association between periconceptional paternal laboratory work and adverse reproductive outcomes, but use of radioactive isotopes showed increased risk of high birth weight in offspring. (106466)
CIS 07-328 Cost of occupational health. (Spanish: Los costos de la salud ocupacional) Hoyos E., Protección y seguridad, July-Aug. 2006, Vol.52, No.308, p.28-30. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: This article argues that the cost of occupational safety and health needs to be considered not as an expense but as an investment. It analyses the costs of accidents resulting from the non-adoption of preventive measures, not only for workers and enterprises, but also for insurance institutions, workers' families and the society at large. (106338)
CIS 07-329 Report of the Quebec task force on the clinical aspects of workers' spinal disorders. (French: Rapport du groupe de travail québécois sur les aspects cliniques des affections vertébrales chez les travailleurs) Spitzer W.O., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 1986. lxviii, 296p. Illus. Approx. 800 ref., ISBN 2-89631-043-6 (In French) Internet: The objective of this study was to characterize the frequency and distribution of spinal disorders among Quebec workers, propose a classification system for spinal diseases and interventions, establish intervention strategies, define diagnostic and health care quality criteria, recommend techniques by which health care could be evaluated, and identify research priorities in this field. Over 3000 medical files of workers who had received compensation for back problems were studied and over 700 scientific articles were reviewed. It was found that 7.4% of Quebec workers receiving compensation for back disorders became chronic cases, and accounted for over 70% of work absences and medical and compensation expenses in this category. (106358)
CIS 07-330 Cost and financing of occupational diseases in Europe. (French: Coût et financement des maladies professionnelles en Europe) Blandin M.C., Kieffer C., eds., EUROGIP, 55 rue de la Fédération, 75015 Paris, France, Aug. 2004. 16p. Internet document. (In French) Internet: It is suggested that it is often difficult to convince employers of the cost effectiveness of actions aimed at improving occupational hygiene within the enterprise. However, occupational diseases have a cost, firstly in human and social terms for the victims and their families, but also a financial cost for the enterprise and for society at large. It is possible to compute the amount that enterprises have to pay for occupational diseases in Europe by analysing the expenditure of the appropriate national insurance institutions. These aspects are covered in this report, which also addresses the issue of financing the insurance coverage of occupational diseases. (106431)
CIS 07-331 Musculoskeletal diseases in Europe - Definitions and statistical data. (French: Les troubles musculo-squelettiques en Europe - Définitions et données statistiques) EUROGIP, 55 rue de la Fédération, 75015 Paris, France, Mar. 2006. 10p. Internet document. (In French) Internet: This review of definitions and statistical data concerning musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) was compiled from various documents published by the European Union and its Member States. In recent years, there has been an overall increase in the number of persons suffering from MSDs in Europe. However, there are wide differences between those States that appear to have contained the phenomenon and even witnessed a significant decrease in the number of cases, and those that are currently experiencing a real epidemic. (106433)
CIS 07-332 Practical examples of the promotion of safety and health within the enterprise and psychosocial problems at the place of work, with emphasis on stress. (French: Exemples pratiques de la promotion de la santé dans l'entreprise et problèmes psychosociaux au poste de travail, en particulier le stress; German: Praxisbeispiele der betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung und psychosoziale Probleme am Arbeitsplatz, insbesondere Stress) Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft (seco), Suva, Gesundheitsschutz, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 2002. Folder containing conference materials. (In French, German) Internet: Folder containing documents distributed to the participants of a conference on psychosocial problems at work held in Berne, Switzerland, on 21 and 22 October 2002. Papers presented are included either in the form of full articles, PowerPoint presentations or abstracts. Other information includes information sheets on stress published by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, the conference programme, list of participants, biographical summaries of the speakers and details of an ILO training programme on psychosocial problems at work. (106310)
CIS 07-333 Useful tips - Balanced diet for good health. (French: Astuces pour des actions - Manger équilibré pour être en bonne santé) PREVENT, rue Gachard 88, Bte 4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2005. 2p. (In French) Internet: This information sheet is aimed at employers wishing to implement a healthy eating campaign. It covers the following aspects: advantages of a healthy eating campaign; Belgian legal requirements concerning enterprise canteens; offering a choice of healthy beverages and menus; canteen hygiene requirements; dissemination of information on hygiene and nutrition to the employees. (106323)
CIS 07-334 Technical and ethical guidelines for workers' health surveillance. (Spanish: Principios directivos técnicos y éticos relativos a la vigilancia de la salud de los trabajadores) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1998. ix, 44p. Price: CHF 15.00., ISBN 92-2-310828-4 (In Spanish) Internet: Spanish translation of the document indexed under CIS 00-1624. Topics covered: organization of the supervision of workers' health (health evaluation, biological and other investigations, follow-up of a disease, recording and notification systems, surveys and inspections)//compilation, communication and use of health data//responsibilities, rights and obligations. (106474)
CIS 07-335 Injury and time studies of working processes in fishing. Jensen O.C., Stage S., Noer P., Safety Science, Apr. 2006, Vol.44, No.4, p.349-358. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: The purpose of this study was to relate the length of the working time to the number of injuries for specific work processes in fishing in Denmark. Time measurements were performed during participation in fishing trips with four different kinds of vessels. The risk index for each work process was calculated by dividing the number of injuries within a five-year period by the total minutes used for each working process. The highest risk index values were found for embarking and disembarking the vessel, which however only take minimum time for the fishermen. High index values were also found for other work processes, especially working with the gear and nets. This approach can be used as a supplemental tool for injury prevention to highlight work processes that need high attention for prevention. The method can also be applied to other industries. (106373)
CIS 07-336 The FarmSafe programme in New Zealand: Process evaluation of year one (2003). Morgaine K., Langley J.D., McGee R.O., Safety Science, Apr. 2006, Vol.44, No.4, p.359-371. Illus. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: A national programme to raise awareness of safety issues for farm workers and reduce farm-related injuries (FarmSafe) has been implemented in New Zealand since 2002. This article describes the implementation of the first stage of this programme in 2003, presents findings from the process evaluation for the first stage, and places this evaluation in the context of a larger and longer-term evaluation programme. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key members of the five agencies responsible for the programme, with workshop facilitators and with farm workers who had participated in the first stage workshops. The process evaluation showed that the programme was successful in achieving widespread participation in a safety training programme within an industry that is predominantly one of self-employment or small businesses and where there is geographical isolation. (106374)
CIS 07-337 Evaluating the effectiveness of a logger safety training program. Bell J.L., Grushecky S.T., Journal of Safety Research, 2006, Vol.37, No.1, p.53-61. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: Logger safety training programmes are rarely, if ever, evaluated as to their effectiveness in reducing injuries. In this study, workers' compensation claim data were used to evaluate the effectiveness of a logger safety training programme in the State of West Virginia. No decline in claim rate was detected in the majority (67%) of companies that participated in all four years of the programme. Furthermore, their rate did not differ from the rest of the West Virginia logging industry. Companies with higher turnover of employees had higher claim rates. Companies using feller bunchers to harvest trees at least part of the time had a significantly lower claim rate than companies not using them. Companies that had more inspections per year had lower claim rates. It was concluded that high injury rates persist even in companies that receive safety training. Possible reasons are discussed. (106263)
CIS 07-338 Occupational fatalities among coal mine workers in Zonguldak, Turkey, 1994-2003. Kucuker H., Occupational Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.56, No.2, p.144-146. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to investigate fatalities in underground coal mining in the Zonguldak province of Turkey. It involved a retrospective study of all 164 accidental fatalities recorded from 1994 to 2003. The median age of deceased workers was 36 years. Eighty-one fatalities were due to subsidence, 33 to underground railway accidents and 18 to gas poisoning. Asphyxia was the most common cause of death (60%). The majority of fatalities (87%) occurred at the scene of the incident. The remainder occurred on the way to the hospital or in the emergency room or the intensive care unit. The underground coal mining industry in Turkey requires strategies to improve safety and reduce the number of fatalities. These strategies should focus on improved underground safety through engineering measures. (106260)
CIS 07-339 Managing contractors: Your OSH obligations. Meerman A., OHS Occupational Health and Safety Magazine, Apr.-May 2004, p.14-18. Illus. (In English) Internet: This article outlines the steps that building companies in Australia need to take in order to comply with legal requirements regarding the occupational safety and health of contractors. Contents: overall legislative context in Australia; three stages to be considered in relation to managing the safety and health of contractors (contract specification, tender evaluation stage, management issues); adopting a systematic approach. (106270)
CIS 07-340 The ABC of occupational safety and health. (French: Abécédaire de la prévention) Prévention BTP, July - Aug. 2006, No.87, p.3-66 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: This whole issue contains summaries of 66 occupational safety and health topics applicable to the construction industry, arranged in alphabetical order. Topics include harmful substances (asbestos, lead, wood dust), equipment (elevating trucks, scaffolds, ladders, hand tools), diseases (occupational cancers, musculoskeletal diseases, avian flu) as well as a variety of topics relating to hazards, prevention, regulations and work organization. (106307)
CIS 07-341 Hygiene on building sites - More progress please!. (French: Hygiène sur chantier - Encore des progrès!) Richard A.M., Prévention BTP, Oct. 2006, No.89, p.30-31. Illus. 3 réf. (In French) Internet: This article reviews the equipment required for providing hygiene and welfare facilities for workers on construction sites. This equipment ranges from equipped vehicles (trailers or vans) for short-duration construction sites to fixed blocks for longer-term construction sites. In boxes: contents of the first-aid kit; proposed layout of a construction site facility. (106457)
CIS 07-342 MSDs, scourge of the 21st century?. (French: Les TMS, fléau du XXIe siècle?) Gazsi M., Renard V., Prévention BTP, Oct. 2006, No.89, p.37-47. Illus. (In French) Internet: Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) account for two-thirds of occupational diseases in France. This special feature discusses the prevention of MSDs in the construction industry. Contents: statistical highlights concerning MSDs in the construction industry in France; implementation of prevention measures; use of elevating platforms for limiting uncomfortable postures; opinion of an occupational physician specializing in MSDs. (106459)
CIS 07-343 Global construction health and safety - What works, what does not, and why?. Watterson A., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.1-4. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: The marginalization of construction workers makes them especially vulnerable in terms of poor occupational health and safety standards and lax enforcement, with resulting disabilities. A sound research base is needed to rectify this situation. Efforts to raise awareness of construction hazards and ameliorate them are described. (106491)
CIS 07-344 Building safety - An international perspective. Murie F., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.5-11. Illus. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: International health and safety standards to protect construction workers are already in effect but are often ignored by management. Conforming to these standards and implementing other measures described by the author could substantially reduce the high incidences of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities arising from work in this industry. (106492)
CIS 07-345 Significant developments in occupational health and safety in Australia's construction industry. Fraser L., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.12-20. Illus. 31 ref, (In English) Internet: Construction is Australia's third most dangerous industry. On average, 49 building and construction workers have been killed at work each year since 1997-1998. Securing safer construction workplaces is jeopardized by an Australian government bent on removing union influence. Workers must prove their individual health and safety is at risk or face fines of up to $22,000 over work stoppages. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry view is that occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation is overly complex and biased unfairly against the employer. Significant advances in OHS achieved by construction unions working together with employers and government authorities are now at risk, to the detriment of workers. (106493)
CIS 07-346 Struggles for health and safety in the Danish construction industry. Nielsen J., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.21-26. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: An encouraging trend of reductions in accidents and fatalities in the Danish construction industry, brought about by the combined sustained efforts of unions, management, and government, is suffering a reverse. While some large construction companies have achieved excellent safety records through effective internal programs combining rewards and penalties as incentives, the overall picture is worsening as government eases pressures on small and medium-sized enterprises by relaxing occupational health and safety regulations. (106494)
CIS 07-347 Protest and survive, the U.K. Construction Safety Campaign: A case study of workers' and victims' family action and legal and regulatory inaction on construction health and safety. Holder M., O'Brien T., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.27-31. Illus. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: The U.K. Construction Safety Campaign, based on grass-roots rank-and-file trade union activity, has both a domestic agenda and a wider sphere with regard to international developments. Using organized protests and media exposure to achieve its ends, the Campaign has contributed substantially to reducing injuries and fatalities in the U.K. construction industry, as well as achieving some justice for victims of the industry's neglect of safe management practices. (106495)
CIS 07-348 Is the apparent decrease in injury and illness rates in construction the result of changes in reporting?. Welch L.S., Dong X., Carre F., Ringen K., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.39-45. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: Injury rates in all industries and in construction in particular have been declining. Inconsistencies in the information suggest some of the apparent decrease may be due to changes in the ways injuries are treated, misclassification of employees, or underreporting. Lost-time injury rates for the largest construction employers declined by as much as 92% between 1988 and 1999. Yet the rate for cases with restricted work activity actually increased from 0.7 to 1.2 per 100 full-time workers between 1990 and 2000, and fatalities among construction workers remain high. In Massachusetts, at least 14% of construction employers misclassified workers as independent contractors, with the effect that injuries to these workers are not recordable. Studies that compare OSHA logs with other data sources find that the OSHA logs do not include a significant proportion of injuries and illnesses identified elsewhere. (106497)
CIS 07-349 Workers' active involvement in the improvement of occupational safety and health in a textile enterprise - A case study. Milczarek M., Szczecinńska K., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 1st quarter 2006, Vol.12, No.1, p.69-77. Illus. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the implementation of the Polish-Swedish OSHMAN (Occupational safety and health management) project in a Polish textile and clothing plant. The aim of the project was to implement and improve effective health and safety management with the active involvement of workers at all levels of the enterprise. Training courses, workshops and various practical activities were undertaken. As expected, there were changes in work organization and improvements in the way workstations were looked after, which led to improvements in safety performance. Workers were highly committed during the project. Nevertheless it is concluded that more training should be directed at middle management. (106296)
CIS 07-350 Bakers in history and in the present day. (French: Boulangers d'hier et d'aujourd'hui) Bouchet H., Castel S., Mzabi M.I., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2006, Vol.46, No.2, p.171-181. Illus. 7 ref. (In French) Internet: Flour is the leading cause of occupational asthma in France, resulting in work aptitude problems and requiring a change of job among workers during their prime working years. Furthermore, in this sector as in many others, occupational accidents and diseases can result in multiple adverse consequences for enterprise operations. This article describes the changes that have taken place in the working conditions of bakers throughout history until the present day, and summarizes the main occupational hazards encountered in this field of activity. It also describes the role of occupational physicians in improving the safety, health and working conditions of bakers. (106312)
CIS 07-351 Job of traditional bakery worker. (French: Le boulanger artisan traditionnel) Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2006, Vol.46, No.2, 2p. Insert. (In French) Internet: Contents of this occupational information sheet on the job of traditional bakery worker: general characteristics of the job; technical and organizational characteristics; exposures and constraints; hazard evaluation techniques and methods; health effects and occupational diseases; prevention; medical supervision; regulations; criteria for evaluating work aptitude. (106315)
CIS 07-352 Identifying nursing hazards in the emergency department: A new approach to nursing job hazard analysis. Ramsay J., Denny F., Szirotnyak K., Thomas J., Corneliuson E., Paxton K.L., Journal of Safety Research, 2006, Vol.37, No.1, p.63-74. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to identify gaps in safety education both for registered nurses working in emergency departments and for nursing students. A literature review was performed to summarize the nature and scope of occupational nursing hazards. Potential safety risk factors from 29 hospitals across the USA were listed and evaluated by an expert panel of occupational health nurses. An expert panel also evaluated the degree to which nursing accreditation standards were integrated with OSHA's list of known emergency department hazards, and the degree to which current emergency department nursing position descriptions incorporated hazard recognition and control strategies. It was found that neither accreditation standards nor position descriptions adequately integrated common occupational hazard recognition and control strategies. An approach aimed at addressing these issues is proposed. (106264)
CIS 07-353 World at work: Hospital pharmacy clean-rooms. Jackson C.A., Wilson D.A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2006, Vol.63, No.1, p.68-70. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: This review article discusses the potential hazards of working in hospital pharmacy clean rooms and the corresponding protective measures. Contents: tasks of the job; hazards of the job (toxicological and musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, dehydration and urinary tract infections, social isolation, shift work); preventive measures. (106348)
CIS 07-354 Proceedings, Second International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference. Mode N.A., Wopat P., Conway G.A., eds., Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2002, USA, Apr. 2006. xvi, 386p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Proceedings of an international conference on safety and health in the fishing industry held in Sitka, Alaska, USA, on 22-24 September 2003. Topics of the sessions: overview of international fishing safety efforts; findings from recent investigations of a commercial fishing vessel mishap; risk factors for commercial fishermen; deck safety; regional approaches to fishing safety; social factors contributing to work-related injuries among commercial fishermen; vessel safety; workers in fish processing industries; new approaches to safety training; new findings in fishing safety. (106411)
CIS 07-355 The health and safety risks and regulatory strategy related to energy developments. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2006. 149p. Illus. 112 ref. (In English) Internet: This report was published in response to a request from the United Kingdom Energy Ministry for a review of the potential occupational safety and health risks that might arise from some specific energy developments. It covers safety and health issues associated with natural gas storage, carbon capture and storage, renewable energy sources, distributed generation, nuclear power stations and cleaner coal technologies. The report concludes that the existing safety and health system of the United Kingdom is flexible enough to deal with possible hazards related to energy developments and to achieve sensible risk management. (106409)
CIS 07-356 Occupational health services in higher and further education. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, July 2006. iv, 32p. Illus. 27 ref. Price: GBP 9.50., ISBN 0-7176-6194-6 (In English) Aimed at senior managers of further and higher education institutions, this guide explains the need to provide occupational health (OH) services. It advises on assessing the need for such a service, which varies according to the size and nature of the activities undertaken in each institution. Contents: definition of occupational health; occupational health in higher and further education; matching provision to needs; occupational health service provision; organization of an occupational health service; occupational health needs checklist. Appendices include the United Kingdom legal framework, an example of an OH policy, scope of an OH service, tendering, staffing and competence. (106407)
CIS 07-357 Towards a longer worklife! Ageing and the quality of worklife in the European Union. Ilmarinen J., Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, FIOH-Bookstore, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 2005. 467p. Illus. 181 ref. Price: EUR 60.00., ISBN 951-802-685-8 (In English) Internet: This book examines the challenges created by changes in the age structure of the workforce in the European Union and makes recommendations for ensuring a better and longer work life. Contents: population ageing and effects on workforces; challenges for age policies; the course of work life from starting work to retirement; age information through research (age management, maintaining work ability, economic aspects, ageing and functional capacity, education and learning); age management in everyday practice; ageing workers' health and quality of life; recommendations for developing the work life of older workers. (106412)
CIS 07-358 Study on occupations and working conditions that constitute a hazard to the health and development of minor workers in Columbia. (Spanish: Estudio sobre ocupaciones y condiciones de trabajo riesgosas para la salud y el desarrollo de los menores trabajadores en Colombia) Ministerio de la Protección social, Dirección General de Riesgos Profesionale, Cra 13 No 32-76 p. 15, Bogotá, Colombia, 2005. 65p. Illus. 25 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This publication presents the findings of a study conducted in 2004 to identify occupations and working conditions that constitute a hazard to the health and development of children and adolescents working in Columbia. A list of occupations and working conditions that are hazardous for minors was drawn up on the basis of the legislation of several countries as well as ILO recommendations. Appendices include: conditions of work that present physical, biological, chemical, psychosocial, safety-related or physical workload-related hazards for minors; classification of the dangerousness of occupations and sectors of activity that constitute hazards for minors; full text of Resolution No. 004448 of 2 December 2005 listing activities that are prohibited for children and adolescents below the age of 18. (106334)
CIS 07-359 Good practices and lessons learnt in combating hazardous work in child labour. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, no date. vi, 72p. Illus. 12 ref. (In English) Internet: This report describes the achievements of projects funded by the ILO International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) in combating exploitative and hazardous child labour in salt production, rubber plantations, and fishing and shrimp processing in Cambodia. The projects employed the following strategies: policy definition, programme planning, research and documentation, capacity building, targeted social protection and community empowerment, and community-based child labour monitoring. The report focuses on the identification and description of best practices and lessons learned. (106415)
CIS 07-360 Code of practice on safety and health in the iron and steel industry. (Bulgarian: Zdravoslovni i bezopasni uslovija na trud v čugunodobivnata i stomanodobivnata promišlenost - Vtoro izdanie) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. xix, 220p. Bibl. ref., ISBN 92-2-817535-4 (In Bulgarian) Internet: Bulgarian translation of the document indexed under CIS 06-604. This code of practice on safety and health in the iron and steel industry was drawn up at a meeting of government, employer and union experts in Geneva, 1-9 February 2005. Part I covers the national framework (responsibilities of employers, workers and others, OSH management systems). Part II describes safety measures during the various processes involved in iron- and steel-making and provides guidance on training requirements, personal protective equipment, contingency and emergency preparedness, work organization, special protection (hours of work, alcohol, drugs, smoking, HIV/AIDS) and personal hygiene. (106472)
CIS 07-361 Safety and health in the non-ferrous metals industries. (Romanian: Securitatea şi sănătatea în industria metalelor neferoase) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. 213p. Illus., ISBN 92-2-811640-4 (In Romanian) Internet: This ILO code of practice is a Romanian translation of the document indexed under CIS 03-698. It provides workers, employers and governments with practical safety and health guidelines for non-ferrous metals production, including aluminium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc. It focuses on the general principles of prevention and protection, including risk assessment and management, training, and workplace and health surveillance. The main part of the code identifies and examines a range of physical hazards that are commonly encountered during the production of non-ferrous metals such as noise, vibration, heat stress, radiation, confined spaces, dust and chemicals. Safety and health measures for working with furnaces, molten metal, alloys and recycling are also discussed. (106489)
CIS 07-362 Safety and health in construction - Code of practice. (Turkish: İnşaatta Sağlık ve Güvenlik) Türkiye İnşaat Sanayicileri İşveren Sendikasi, 4 Cadde 84 Sokak No.3 Yıldız, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey, 2005. xi, 155p. 94 ref., ISBN 975-00126-2-3 (In Turkish) Internet: Turkish translation of the document analysed under CIS 92-894. The objective of this code is to provide practical guidance on a legal, administrative, technical and educational framework for safety and health in construction. It applies to building activities, civil engineering, erection and dismantling of prefabricated buildings and structures, manufacturing and erection of oil rigs and of offshore installations while under construction on shore. Aspects covered: general duties of workers and employers; safety of workplaces; scaffolds and ladders; lifting appliances and gear; transport and earthmoving equipment; machinery and equipment; work at heights, including roof work; excavations; work in compressed air; concrete work; pile-driving; work over water; electricity; explosives; health hazards and first aid; protective equipment; welfare; information and training; reporting of accidents and diseases. (106473)
CIS 07-363 Design of sewage treatment plants - Recommendations aimed at project managers for ensuring the safety and health of operators and maintenance workers. (French: Conception des usines d'épuration des eaux résiduaires - Préconisations à l'intention des maîtres d'ouvrage en vue d'assurer la sécurité et la protection de la santé des personnels d'exploitation et de maintenance) Duchet M., Petegnief G., Galtier Y., Charvolin M., Terrier C., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, June 2006. 68p. Illus. Index. Price: EUR 8.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1359-8 (In French) Internet: The prevention of occupational hazards is more efficient and economical when taken into account from the design phase of buildings, machinery and equipment. This guide brings together understanding and recommendations that apply to new projects, extensions and modifications of sewage treatment plants. It aims to involve all persons and organizations that have an interest in the project (principals, project managers, designers, safety and health coordinators, builders, etc.) to integrate as far upstream as possible a global approach to the prevention of hazards related to hygiene, safety and working conditions. (106448)
CIS 07-364 Health effects of nanoparticles. Ostiguy C., Lapointe G., Tottier M., Ménard L., Cloutier Y., Boutin M., Antoun M., Normand C., Institut de recherche Robert Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2006. iv, 53p. Illus. 144 ref. Price: CAD 7.42. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-060-9 (In English) Internet: Quebec is very active in research in the field of nanoparticle development and nanotechnology. More than 35 production companies already exist or are in the start-up phase. It is believed that the number of Quebec workers potentially exposed will grow over the next few years. To prevent the development of occupational diseases or the occurrence of accidents, the IRSST began a review of scientific knowledge to evaluate whether there are known risks associated with this emerging sector. This report summarizes current knowledge on the toxicokinetics and effects according to the route of exposure for different types of nanoparticles, including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, organic and inorganic nanoparticles, nanocapsules, nanospheres, nanoshells and quantum dots. (106404)
CIS 07-365 Personal exposure to airborne dust and microorganisms in agricultural environments. Lee S.A., Adhikari A., Grinshpun S.A., McKay R., Shukla R., Reponen T., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Mar. 2006, Vol.3, No.3, p.118-130. Illus. 48 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study, farmers' exposure to airborne dust and microorganisms was assessed using a newly-developed personal sampling system. Particle number and size distribution were measured with an optical particle counter. Simultaneously, particles were collected on a filter and analysed for microorganisms. The field measurements were conducted in animal confinements (swine, poultry and dairy) and during grain harvesting (corn and soybean). Findings are discussed. Results indicate that the increase in the concentration of large dust particles (2-10µm) during grain harvesting was partially attributable to the increase in the concentration of the fungal spores. Overall, the combined exposure to airborne dust and microorganisms was found to be more severe during harvesting than in animal confinements. (106283)
CIS 07-366 The effects of long-term occupational exposure to dust from herbs. Golec M., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Feb. 2006, Vol.79, No.2, p.169-175. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this case-control study was to analyse the health effects of long-term occupational exposure to dust from herbs. Cases consisted of 150 workers occupationally exposed to dust from herbs, namely farmers supplying herbs to a Polish enterprise producing herb-based medicines, together with production workers of the same enterprise. Referents consisted of 50 urban dwellers not exposed to any kind of organic dust. Participants were subjected to questionnaire-based interviews, spirometry and allergological tests. 71.3% of the exposed subjects reported the occurrence of work-related symptoms. A post-shift decrease of spirometric values was observed in the exposed group. A significant relationship was found between the number of work-related symptoms and a decrease in FEV1 values, both before and after work. In allergy tests, the frequencies of positive reactions in the exposed group were significantly higher than in the reference group. (106288)
CIS 07-367 Window renovation and exposure to lead - An observational study. Mason H., Gallagher F., Sen D., Occupational Medicine, Dec. 2005, Vol.55, No.8, p.631-634. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: Renovation of windows in old houses can give rise to lead exposure. In this study, blood lead levels were compared among three cohorts: window renovation workers, all male workers monitored by the UK Health and Safety Laboratory during 1999-2001 and 63 male subjects involved in chemical paint stripping of wood. Both the window renovation and the wood stripping cohorts showed significantly higher blood lead than the "all workers" cohort. A similar pattern was also found for comparison of the prevalence of subjects above the UK suspension level of 60µg/dL under the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002. (106255)
CIS 07-368 Finnish Institute Of Occupational Health (FIOH): Prevention and detection of asbestos-related diseases, 1987-2005. Huuskonen M.S., Rantanen J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.49, No.3, p.215-220. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: Between 1987 and 1992, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health implemented the Asbestos Programme aimed at reducing asbestos-related risks. It was a cooperative effort between government authorities, labour organizations, and health care services. Several preventive actions were taken and considerable new legislation and regulations were introduced. Approximately 200,000 people in Finland have been occupationally exposed to asbestos. Through the cooperative efforts of government, labour, health care and worker protection programmes, practically all imports ceased in 2005. Regulation of asbestos removal companies has been greatly increased. The occupational exposure limit was reduced from 2.0 fibres/cm3 to the present 0.1 fibres/cm3. Asbestos-related diseases are closely monitored. However the full benefits of the Programme, which aims to reduce asbestos-related morbidity, will not be realized for many decades. (106278)
CIS 07-369 Hazardous effects of arsine: A short review. Pakulska D., Czerczak S., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 1st quarter 2006, Vol.19, No.1, p.36-44. 51 ref. (In English) Internet: This article reviews the mechanisms by which arsine exerts its toxic effects and examines conditions of occupational exposure to this gas. Occupational exposure to arsine occurs mostly in the chemical and metallurgical industries. In these industries, arsine is often a cause of unexpected serious poisoning, affecting primarily the blood and kidneys. Acute arsine poisoning results in massive damage to red blood cells through an oxidative mechanism, probably by formation of hydrogen peroxide and adducts with oxyhaemoglobin. According to another hypothesis, arsine acts on the sodium-potassium pump mechanism, producing subsequent red blood cell swelling and haemolysis. Rapid haemolysis may lead to oliguric renal failure and death. Symptoms of chronic poisoning are similar to those observed in acute poisoning. The main difference is a longer latency period. Delayed effects of chronic exposure to low levels of arsine have not been precisely identified. (106279)
CIS 07-370 Isocyanate exposure in an autobody repair and collision center. Brooks E., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Mar. 2006, Vol.3, No.3, p.D24-D27. 3 ref. (In English) Internet: This inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports on an overexposure to methylene bisphenyl isocyanate (MDI) during the spray application of a protective coating for truck beds. The inspection was conducted at an automobile body repair shop that also operated a spray-on truck bed coating operation. The investigation was initiated as a complaint inspection and was limited to the complaint allegation. The employee alleged that workers were exposed to harmful vapours during application of the truck bed liner. Site visits and sampling confirmed exposures to MDI in excess of the threshold limit value of 0.20mg/m3. A number of recommendations aimed at lowering the level of exposure were made and successfully implemented by the employer. (106281)
CIS 07-371 Case study - Airborne hexamethylene diisocyanate and particulate matter exposures during fire/rescue ladder finishing operations. Methner M.M., Achutan C., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Mar. 2006, Vol.3, No.3, p.D28-D32. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: In 2004, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a request from the management of a steel ladder fabrication plant to evaluate employee exposures to hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) during spray painting operations. Management representatives were also concerned about exposures to particulate matter and crystalline silica during spray painting and sanding operations. Personal breathing zone and general area samples were collected and analysed. Findings are discussed. All samples were within the NIOSH and ACGIH threshold limit values, although some exceeded the United Kingdom HSE limit values. Particulate matter was well within limits and crystalline silica was not detected. Recommendations were made for further reduction of exposures to HDI. (106282)
CIS 07-372 Silica exposure on construction sites: Results of an exposure monitoring data compilation project. Flanagan M.E., Seixas N., Becker P., Takacs B., Camp J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Mar. 2006, Vol.3, No.3, p.144-152. Illus. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: This study provides an interpretation of the data generated from silica monitoring programmes in the construction industry carried out by various agencies and organizations in the USA. Personal silica exposure monitoring data from 13 private, research, and regulatory groups were collected and analysed. There were 1374 personal quartz samples reported with a geometric mean of 0.13 mg/m3. The respiratory protection commonly used on construction sites was often inadequate for the levels encountered. The data variability within task was very large, with some very high exposures reported for a broad spectrum of tools. Further understanding of the conditions leading to high exposures will require more detailed documentation of the sample characteristics or systematic surveys of exposure in this complex industry. (106284)
CIS 07-373 The ototoxicity of styrene: A review of occupational investigations. Lawton B.W., Hoffmann J., Triebig G., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Feb. 2006, Vol.79, No.2, p.93-102. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: Seven occupational studies dealing with the ototoxicity of styrene were analysed. Factors assessed included the experimental design, measurement of the styrene-in-air concentration, confirmation of styrene exposure by blood or urine analysis, determination of hearing threshold levels and measurement of noise at the workplace. Findings are equivocal. Four investigations failed to find any effect of styrene on hearing thresholds. In contrast, other investigations claimed to have demonstrated styrene-induced hearing loss in industrial populations, with synergism between styrene and noise. However, these reports exhibited shortcomings of experimental design and data analysis. Considering the body of evidence as a whole, hearing deficits due to occupational exposure to styrene at low concentrations have not been demonstrated by scientifically reliable argument. (106285)
CIS 07-374 Workers' exposures and potential health risks to air toxics in a petrochemical complex by improved methodology. Chan C.C., Shie R.H., Chang T.Y., Tsai D.H., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Feb. 2006, Vol.79, No.2, p.135-142. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate potential health risks from exposure to 39 airborne toxic substances in a petrochemical complex in Taiwan. The substances included 10 chemicals with acute reference exposure levels, 19 chemicals with chronic reference exposure levels and three chemicals classified by IARC as Class 1 or 2A human carcinogens. Acute reference exposure levels were then used to calculate the hazard index of acute health effects for workers in individual plants, while the hazard index of chronic health effects and cancer risks were calculated for all workers in the entire petrochemical complex. Findings indicate that workers in the petrochemical complex might have excess cancer and non-cancer risks due to acute or chronic exposures to toxic substances in air from multiple emission sources. (106286)
CIS 07-375 Beryllium exposure: Dermal and immunological considerations. Day G.A., Stefaniak A.B., Weston A., Tinkle S.S., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Feb. 2006, Vol.79, No.2, p.161-164. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: Persons exposed to beryllium are at increased risk of developing sensitization and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). This review presents current understanding regarding the potential importance of skin exposure to beryllium. It is based on a review of the published literature, including epidemiological, immunological, genetic, and laboratory-based studies of in vivo and in vitro models. It was found that a reduction in inhalation exposure to beryllium has not resulted in a concomitant reduction in the occurrence of beryllium sensitization or CBD, suggesting that continued prevalence may be due in part to skin exposure to beryllium-containing particles. A prudent approach to worker protection is therefore to assess and minimize both skin and inhalation exposures to beryllium. (106287)
CIS 07-376 Pyrethroid insecticides: Advances and challenges in biomonitoring. Sudakin D.L., Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 2006, Vol.44, No.1, p.31-37. Illus. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: Pyrethroids are structurally diverse chemicals that are synthetically derived from naturally occurring pyrethrin insecticides. Significant advances in analytical chemistry have led to the development of biomarkers of exposure to pyrethroids, and these methods are currently being applied to study exposure in the general population. This article reviews the chemistry and toxicology of pyrethroid insecticides, with an emphasis on the development of biomarkers. Future challenges in the application of these biomarkers in epidemiological studies are explored, as is the need for improved understanding of the toxicokinetics of pyrethroids in humans. (106289)
CIS 07-377 RD50 as the criterion for setting maximum admissible levels of occupational exposure to irritants in Poland. Kupczewska-Dobecka M., Soćko R., Czerczak S., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 1st quarter 2006, Vol.12, No.1, p.95-99. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this project was to analyse Maximum Admissible Concentration (MAC) values that were proposed for irritants by the Group of Experts for Chemical Agents in Poland, based on the RD50 values (concentrations which elicits a 50% decrease in respiratory rate). Between 1994 and 2004, MAC values for irritants based on RD50 values were set for 17 chemicals. The determined MAC values were found to be within 0.01-0.09 of the RD50 values. The RD50 value was found to be a good rough criterion to set MAC values for irritants, making it possible to make a quick estimation of permissible exposure levels. However, simply setting the MAC value for an irritant at the level of 0.03 RD50 is insufficient to determine precisely the possible hazard to workers' health. Other available toxicological data, such as NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) and LOAEL (Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level) should always be considered as well. (106298)
CIS 07-378 The BG measurement system for hazardous substances (BGMG) and exposure database of hazardous substances (MEGA). Gabriel S., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 1st quarter 2006, Vol.12, No.1, p.101-104. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: German employers' insurance associations for occupational accident coverage (Berufsgenossenschafen) maintain a measurement system for hazardous substances, the so-called BGMG. The aim of the BGMG is to determine and document valid results of exposure measurements for prevention purposes. The data are collected systematically, in parallel with regular sampling within enterprises. Parameters that are expected to have an effect on exposure levels are documented. The MEGA database (documentation of measurement data relating to workplace exposure to hazardous substances) holds 1.629 million measurement values that have been compiled since 1972. The database offers a range of selection possibilities for assessments depending on the evaluation strategy. (106299)
CIS 07-379 Asbestos-related pleural mesothelioma among workers of the port of Trieste, Italy. (Italian: Mesotelioma pleurico da asbesto in lavoratori del porto di Trieste) Bianchi C., Bianchi T., Nicotra M., Grandi G., European Journal of Oncology, Dec. 2005, Vol.10, No.4, p.287-290. Illus. 13 ref. (In Italian) Internet: Twenty-three cases of pleural mesothelioma observed among dockworkers in Trieste between 1968 and 2004 were reviewed. Necropsy findings were available in 18 cases. The patients, all males, aged between 39 and 80 years (mean 61 years), had been generally employed in loading and unloading of a variety of goods, including asbestos. Of the 18 cases, 12 had begun their activity after 1950. Most had worked for more than 20 years. Latency periods between the start of exposure and tumour diagnosis ranged between 25 and 60 years (mean 38 years). Asbestos bodies were found in histological sections of lung tissue of 15 of the 17 cases examined. When compared with other occupational groups investigated in the Trieste area, port workers showed shorter latency periods and higher prevalence of asbestos bodies in routine lung sections. Findings indicate heavy exposure to asbestos. (106300)
CIS 07-380 Health impairment caused by silver and its compounds in occupational settings. (French: Atteintes à la santé causées par l'argent et ses composés dans le cadre professionnel; German: Berufliche Gefährdungen durch Silber und Silberverbindungen) Pletscher C., Informations médicales - Medizinische Mitteilungen, 2006, No.77, p.85-89. Illus. 5 ref. (In French, German) Internet: Silver and its compounds are used in prostheses, fungicides, antibacterial topical agents, the minting of coins, the electronics industry and photography. This article discusses the health hazards due to occupational exposure to silver and its compounds. Contents: industrial uses of silver and its compounds; health impairment (pigmentation disorders, diseases of the respiratory system and of internal organs); protective measures and threshold limit values at the place of work. (106302)
CIS 07-381 Asbestos and retroperitoneal fibrosis. (French: Amiante et fibrose rétropéritonéale; German: Asbest und Retroperitonealfibrose) Ineichen F., Informations médicales - Medizinische Mitteilungen, 2006, No.77, p.90-94. Illus. 7 ref. (In French, German) Internet: This article discusses one of the diseases caused by asbestos, namely retroperitoneal fibrosis, recently recognized as an occupational disease in Switzerland. Contents: description of a case; description of the disease (symptoms, clinical presentation); earlier studies (case description, case-control study); reasons leading to the disease being recognized as an occupational disease. (106303)
CIS 07-382 Chemicals - Hazards management. (French: Produits chimiques: des risques maîtrisés) Claude P., Prévention BTP, June 2006, No.86, p.37-46. Illus. (In French) Internet: Construction industry workers are among the most exposed to certain chemicals. This collection of articles on the management of hazards related to chemicals in this sector includes the following topics: findings of a French national survey on exposures of construction industry workers to chemicals; labels and pictogrammes of chemical hazards; carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances; implementing an occupational safety and health policy in compliance with regulatory requirements; French and European regulations; case study of a painting enterprise. (106304)
CIS 07-383 Occupational exposure to formaldehyde in France: Information provided by the COLCHIC database. (French: Exposition professionnelle au formaldéhyde en France: informations fournies par la base de données COLCHIC) Vincent R., Jeandel B., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2006, No.203, p.19-33. Illus. 30 ref. (In French) Internet: Formaldehyde is a chemical that is widely used as a disinfectant and as a synthesis intermediate in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. It also enters into the composition of melamine and phenolic resins, glues and varnishes. This widespread use of formaldehyde in many industrial sectors is confirmed by analysis of formaldehyde exposure measurements in the French database of occupational exposure to chemicals (COLCHIC). Exposures exceeding recommended occupational exposure limits for this chemical agent are frequently encountered in hospitals, wood panel production facilities and foundries. Combustion and thermal degradation of certain materials also represent a significant cause of formaldehyde exposure. (106317)
CIS 07-384 Occupational exposure assessment of metals. (Russian: Ocenka professional'noj vrednosti metallov) Nieboer E., Thomassen Y., Chashchin V., Odland J.Ø., Barents - Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, 2006, Vol.9, No.1, p.6-10 (English); p.12-16 (Russian). Illus. 40 ref. (In English, Russian) Internet: The main hazards resulting from occupational exposure to inorganic nickel compounds are respiratory cancers (nasal and lung) and hypersensitivity (contact dermatitis). Following a literature review of toxicological and epidemiologic studies relating to nickel and its compounds, this article describes ongoing work on the monitoring of workers' exposure to nickel in a nickel refinery in the Kola peninsula in the Murmansk region of Russia. (106341)
CIS 07-385 Lung cancer risk and talc not containing asbestiform fibres: A review of epidemiological evidence. Wild P., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2006, Vol.63, No.1, p.4-9. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey involved all epidemiological cancer studies mentioning talc as a risk factor. No excess lung cancer mortality was found for talc millers exposed to high levels of talc but without any other potential carcinogen (standardized mortality ratio SMR=0.92, 42 cases) while the mortality of talc miners exposed to quartz and/or radon was in excess (fixed effect, SMR=1.20; random effect, relative risk RR=1.85, 40 cases). Six studies in other industrial settings were identified. All reported increased lung cancer mortality among talc exposed workers but the talc exposure was confounded with other carcinogens and only one study was able to adjust for them. In conclusion, no increased lung cancer mortality was observed among talc millers despite their high exposure experience. In populations in which talc was associated with other potential carcinogens, some lung cancer excesses were observed. (106342)
CIS 07-386 Assessment of skin exposure to nickel, chromium and cobalt by acid wipe sampling and ICP-MS. Lidén C., Skare L., Lind B., Nise G., Vahter M., Contact Dermatitis, May 2006, Vol.54, No.5, p.233-238. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes a technique developed for the assessment of skin exposure to nickel, chromium and cobalt based on sampling with cellulose wipes impregnated with 1% nitric acid. Chemical analysis was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The recovery of nickel, chromium and cobalt from arms and palms was 93%. The analytical result is expressed in terms of mass per unit area (µg/cm2). The developed acid wipe sampling technique was found to be suitable for determination of nickel, chromium and cobalt deposited on the skin. The technique may be used in workplace studies, in studies of individuals in the general population, in dermatitis patients, in identification of risk groups, as well as in developing preventive strategies and in follow-up after intervention. (106362)
CIS 07-387 Contact dermatitis from methylisothiazolinone in a paint factory. Thyssen J.P., Sederberg-Olsen N., Thomsen J.F., Menné T., Contact Dermatitis, June 2006, Vol.54, No.6, p.322-324. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: The introduction of new potential contact-sensitizing chemicals have in the past led to epidemics of contact dermatitis. A new preservative containing only methyl-isothiazolinone (MI) and not methyl-chloroisothiazolinone (MCI) has recently been introduced for use in products such as paint, glue and cosmetics. This article describes an outbreak of contact allergy to MI and MCI among four out of 14 workers in a paint factory. Patch test results from all four patients showed positive reactions for MI and MCI/MI. The reactions were stronger for MI than MCI/MI indicating a primary sensitization to MI. The combination of MCI/MI remains widely used, and therefore various patterns of exposure and sensitization may be seen in the future. The data show that MI holds a potential for eliciting and probably inducing contact allergy in humans. (106365)
CIS 07-388 Ocular toxicity from pesticide exposure: A recent review. Jaga K., Dharmani C., Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, May 2006, Vol.11, No.3, p.102-107. Illus. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey reviews studies of ocular toxicity from pesticide exposure. Cholinesterase enzymes have been detected in animal ocular tissue, with evidence of organophosphate-induced inhibition. Pathological effects of pesticides have been observed in conjunctiva, cornea, lens, retina and the optic nerve. Pesticide exposure has been associated with retinopathy in agricultural workers and wives of farmers who used pesticides. Saku disease has been described in Japan among persons living in an area where organophosphates were used. Pesticide exposure is also associated with abnormal ocular movements. Progressive toxic ocular effects leading to defective vision are a serious health concern. Agricultural workers are at high risk of exposure to pesticides and associated ocular toxicity. Primary prevention should include improved eye safety and care in the workplace and effective pesticide regulation. (106370)
CIS 07-389 A study of natural rubber latex allergens in gloves used by healthcare workers in Singapore. Koh D., Ng V., Leow Y.H., Goh C.L., British Journal of Dermatology, 2005, Vol.153, p.954-959. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: The aims of this study were to quantify the levels of specific allergens in rubber gloves used in Singapore, to determine if these levels were above thresholds that may cause natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy and to compare the levels of these specific allergens in gloves used for different purposes, namely gloves used for examination purposes or for surgical procedures. Forty-nine rubber gloves were obtained from major hospitals and healthcare departments in Singapore and were analysed for their NRL allergen levels. An immunometric assay technique was used to determine the specific allergen levels in the gloves. It was found that NRL allergen levels in the majority of examination gloves used by healthcare workers in Singapore were high enough to cause NRL allergy among sensitized persons. The information can serve as evidence for a possible requirement for manufacturers to produce gloves with low NRL allergen levels and to state the allergen level in gloves in the product information. (106377)
CIS 07-390 The AETL methodology as a potential solution to current challenges associated with the development and use of acute exposure levels in Seveso II applications. Wood M., Pichard A., Gundert-Remy U., de Rooij C., Tissot S.M., Journal of Hazardous Materials, May 2006, Vol.133, No.1-3. p.8-15. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: This article analyses current trends in the development and use of acute threshold exposure levels (AETLs) in Europe for the implementation of the Seveso II Directive on the control of major-accidents hazards involving dangerous substances (Council Directive 96/82/EC, see CIS 97-1079). It also describes a new initiative to develop a European methodology for deriving acute exposure threshold levels that responds to emerging needs in this area. The ACUTEX project is an EU-funded research project aimed at furthering scientific exchange and collaboration in support of the development of acute exposure levels for toxic substances in Europe. Its goal is to develop a European methodology for deriving AETLs. In particular, it provides the possibility for a common European platform in this field. (106389)
CIS 07-391 Substance prioritisation for the development of EU acute exposure toxicity thresholds (AETLs). Trainor M.T., Ridgway P., Macbeth R.W., Wilday A.J., Balmforth H.F., Journal of Hazardous Materials, May 2006, Vol.133, No.1-3. p.16-23. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of the EU Acute Exposure project, ACUTEX, is to develop a methodology for establishing European acute exposure threshold levels (AETLs), for substances that present inhalation toxicity. The development of AETLs is initially in the context of the risks of major accidents from chemical sites and in particular their regulation through the "Seveso II" Directive (see CIS 97-1079). It is intended that AETLs can be used within Member States, where appropriate, to inform decisions on land-use planning and emergency planning. AETLs will not have a regulatory status. This paper describes the selection of 21 preliminary substances to use as case studies in the development and testing of the AETL methodology and the development of a methodology for the selection of substances to be considered in priority. (106390)
CIS 07-392 Adolescents' jobs and the course of dermatitis symptoms throughout puberty. Radon K., et al., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.32, No.2, p.132-137. Illus. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: This study evaluated the course of dermatitis symptoms throughout puberty taking into account occupational exposures. Participants enrolled in an international study of asthma and allergies in childhood in Munich and Dresden in 1995 and 1996 were sent a postal questionnaire in 2002 (age at follow-up 16-18 years). The questionnaire included items on atopy, work history, vocational training and potential confounders. Overall, data for 3785 adolescents were included in the analyses. The incidence of dermatitis symptoms during puberty among those without such symptoms at baseline was 7%. Altogether 31% of the participants reported an employment history. Those already employed were more likely to report a new onset of dermatitis symptoms. Jobs associated with a new onset of symptoms were work in the health care sector, vocational training in bakeries, and cleaning. The first nine months of exposure were particularly relevant for new cases of dermatitis symptoms (odds ratio 3.7). (106391)
CIS 07-393 Hemoglobin adducts in the assessment of potential occupational exposure to acylamides - Three case studies. Paulsson B., Larsen K.O., Törnqvist M., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.32, No.2, p.154-159. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: Workers in three types of occupations with potential exposure to acrylamide were examined by measurement of acrylamide adducts in haemoglobin. The first case concerned workers transporting acrylamide-contaminated waste soil, where no exposure was detectable. The second case included workers handling a sealing product containing acrylamide and N-methylolacrylamide, where moderate exposure was detected and where the sealant was replaced as a precautionary measure. The third case concerned a worker with observed neurotoxic symptoms, working with a sealing product containing acrylamide. This worker had an extremely high acrylamide-adduct level (23 nmol/g globin). The acrylamide product was replaced, and the adduct level substantially decreased within a year. These studies illustrate the usefulness of in vivo dose measurement using haemoglobin adducts for occupational surveillance and as a basis for the health risk assessment of electrophilically-reactive compounds. (106394)
CIS 07-394 Olfactory dysfunction and its measurement in the clinic and workplace. Doty R.L., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.79, No.4, p.268-282. Illus. 99 ref. (In English) Internet: The objectives of this literature survey were to provide an overview of practical means for quantitatively assessing the sense of smell in the clinic and workplace, to address basic measurement issues, including those of test sensitivity, specificity and reliability, and to describe factors that influence olfactory function, including airborne toxins commonly found in industrial settings. It was found that a number of well-validated practical tests are available for assessing smell function. The reliability, sensitivity and specificity of such techniques vary, being influenced by such factors as test length and type. Numerous subject factors, including age, sex, health, medications and exposure to environmental toxins, particularly heavy metals, influence the ability to smell. (106395)
CIS 07-395 Local effects in the respiratory tract: Relevance of subjectively measured irritation for setting occupational exposure limits. Arts J.H.E., de Heer C., Woutersen R.A., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.79, No.4, p.283-298. Illus. 162 ref. (In English) Internet: Chemosensory effects of stimulation by a chemical can either be irritating (trigeminal stimulation) or odorous (olfactory stimulation) or both. For odorous irritants, a clear-cut distinction between odour and irritation is difficult to make. The differences in the lowest concentration found to be irritating to the respiratory tract in humans when compared to experimental animals need to be considered in the process of setting occupational exposure limits (OELs) for such chemicals. This literature survey discusses to what extent subjectively-measured sensory irritation threshold levels can be used to establish OELs. Data on respiratory irritation of acetone, formaldehyde, furfural and sulfur dioxide were analysed. Findings are discussed. Objective measures of irritation yielded results that differed from subjective evaluations. Important factors modulating the reported levels of irritation and symptoms include the perception of odour intensity, exposure history and individual bias to report irritation on the basis of a person's prejudice or knowledge of the compound. (106396)
CIS 07-396 Setting occupational exposure limits in humans: Contributions in the field of experimental psychology. Smeets M.A.M., Kroeze J.H.A., Dalton P.H., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.79, No.4, p.299-307. Illus. 52 ref. (In English) Internet: Psychophysical methods from the field of experimental psychology are evaluated for their utility in the derivation of occupational exposure limits (OELs) for volatile chemicals based on acute sensory irritation in humans. The lateralization threshold method, which involves the localization of trigeminal vapour to the stimulated nostril, is evaluated for its underlying assumptions, reliability and validity. The whole body exposure method, which involves the controlled, ambient exposure of human subjects to the irritant for an extended period, is also discussed. It is concluded that the single-organ psychophysical method is largely resistant to response bias and is practical and economical, while whole body exposures are more prone to response bias and subject beliefs. An approach that involves the exposure of only the most sensitive organs such as the eyes and nose could facilitate the administration of odorant or irritant stimuli over a wide range of concentrations. (106397)
CIS 07-397 From chemosensory thresholds to whole-body exposures - Experimental approaches for evaluating chemosensory effects of chemicals. van Thriel C., et al., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.79, No.4, p.308-321. Illus. 44 ref. (In English) Internet: The avoidance of adverse chemosensory effects is essential at workplaces where volatile chemicals are used. In the first part of this study, the odour (OT) and irritation thresholds (IT) of 15 irritants were determined in a random sample of 144 persons stratified for gender and age. Irritants exhibiting high chemosensory potency were selected for the second psychophysical part of the study, where 48 persons, again stratified for gender and age, rated the intensity of 13 trigeminal and olfactory perceptions elicited by nine ascending concentrations of the irritants. Across the investigated chemicals, the transition from concentrations eliciting pure olfactory stimulation (OT) to trigeminal stimulation (IT) differed markedly. Gender and age had only weak impact on the chemosensory thresholds. (106398)
CIS 07-398 Olfactory toxicity: Long-term effects of occupational exposures. Gobba F., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.79, No.4, p.322-331. Illus. 55 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this literature survey was to review the results of research on olfactory function impairments related to chronic occupational exposure to industrial chemicals. The results of relevant studies are discussed. A problem in the evaluation of data is that different methods have been applied in different studies, affecting the comparability of results. To date, knowledge of the effect of chronic occupational exposure to industrial chemicals on olfactory function is largely incomplete, but supports the hypothesis that olfactory neuroepithelium is susceptible to environmental exposures to chemicals. Occupation-related olfactory impairment is usually sub-clinical, and can be only detected using adequate quantitative olfactory function testing procedures. The limited data underscore the need for further good quality research in this field. (106399)
CIS 07-399 The role of odor and irritation, as well as risk perception, in the setting of occupational exposure limits. Paustenbach D.J., Gaffney S.H., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.79, No.4, p.339-342. Illus. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey reviewed current research regarding the relationship between odour perception or irritation and setting an occupational exposure limit (OEL). Special focus was directed at those settings where a small fraction of persons report unacceptable responses to concentrations well below the OEL. It was found that for some chemicals, even when airborne concentrations were below a particular OEL, this level of exposure may not be adequate to prevent all persons from reporting an appreciable adverse response. In some cases, a worker's pre-existing belief about the source of an odour may affect his or her response to that odour. In addition, detection of odours by workers may be influenced by the person's aversion to odour in general. In both situations, it is often necessary to address these specific issues through communications dealing directly with risk perception. (106400)
CIS 07-400 Current understanding regarding solvents. (French: Actualités sur les solvants) Lafon D., Triolet J., Falcy M., Durand E., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2006, No.107, p.337-351. Illus. (In French) Internet: Review of an occupational medicine symposium on health hazards due to solvents and their prevention, held in Lyon, France, on 1 June 2006. Topics addressed: current uses of solvents; toxicity of solvents; evaluation and limitation of the hazards from solvents in a factory producing components from resins; examples of substitution; collective prevention in a construction enterprise; resources of occupational safety and health institutions. (106429)
CIS 07-401 Pulmonary function abnormalities and airway irritation symptoms of metal fumes exposure on automobile spot welders. Luo J.C.J., Hsu K.H., Shen W.S., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2006, Vol.49, p.407-416. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated the pulmonary function of automobile welders exposed to metal fumes in Taiwan. The all-male cohort consisted of 41 spot welders, 76 arc welders, 71 office workers and 59 assemblers without welding exposure. Inductivity-coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect zinc, copper and nickel levels in the post-shift urine samples. Demographic data, work history, smoking status and respiratory tract irritation symptoms were gathered by a standard self-administered questionnaire. Pulmonary function tests were also performed. Compared to non-exposed workers, there were significantly higher instances of abnormal forced vital capacity, abnormal peak expiratory flow and restrictive airway abnormalities among spot welders. There was also a significant dose-response relationship of airway irritation symptoms (cough, phlegm, chronic bronchitis) among the spot welders. (106461)
CIS 07-402 Parental exposure to lead and small for gestational age births. Chen P.C., Pan I.J., Wang J.D., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2006, Vol.49, p.417-422. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: This study was conducted to assess whether parental lead exposure was related to risks of low birth weight, preterm delivery and small for gestational age births. The cohort comprised lead-exposed workers listed in an occupational blood-lead notification database in Taiwan. Data on the birth outcomes of their offspring were obtained from the Taiwan birth registration database between 1993 and 1997. Only singleton births whose parental blood-lead concentrations were tested during pregnancy or within a one-year span before conception were included. Findings provide additional evidence of the effects of lead on adverse birth outcomes, especially for small for gestational age births. Maternal exposure to lead plays a more important role in the adverse effect on birth outcome than paternal exposure. (106462)
CIS 07-403 Concerns for asthma at pre-placement assessment and health surveillance in platinum refining - A personal approach. Linnett P.J., Occupational Medicine, Dec. 2005, Vol.55, No.8, p.595-599. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: The platinum refining process involves exposure to various irritants and allergens, which can induce asthma or aggravate pre-existing asthma. Prospective employees for platinum refining need to be assessed carefully to establish their respiratory health status. Routine medical surveillance has shown a reduction in the persistence of asthma among sensitized workers who cease exposure to platinum salts upon diagnosis. Skin prick tests using dilute platinum salt solutions can detect sensitization at an early stage and this has become the mainstay of all surveillance programmes, as it is objective, reproducible and predictive for the development of symptoms when exposure is allowed to continue. Smoking also constitutes a significant risk factor. (106252)
CIS 07-404 Toxicoepidemiology in Zimbabwe: Pesticide poisoning admissions to major hospitals. Tagwireyi D., Ball D.E., Nhachi C.F.B, Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 2006, Vol.44, No.1, p.59-66. Illus. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: All 914 cases of acute pesticide poisoning admitted to eight major referral hospitals in Zimbabwe from January 1998 to December 1999 were analysed. Almost half (49.1%) resulted from oral exposure to rodenticides and 42.2% from anticholinesterase-type pesticides, of which 90% were organophosphates. Accidental and deliberate self-poisoning (27.1% and 58.6%, respectively) accounted for most cases with only eight homicides. Organophosphates were implicated in 70.9% of all fatalities, with over 20% resulting from oral exposure to rat poison. Greater control in the sale and use of these products could help prevent significant morbidity and mortality. (106290)
CIS 07-405 Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, soft tissue sarcomas, insect repellents and phenoxyherbicides. Pahwa P., McDuffie H.H., Dosman J.A., McLaughlin J.R., Spinelli J.J., Robson D., Fincham S., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.48, No.3, p.264-274. 85 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to determine if there is an additional risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma or soft tissue sarcoma as a consequence of exposure to a combination of phenoxy herbicides, rubber gloves, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (a key ingredient of insect repellent) and sunlight compared with each of the individual risk factors. It was carried out as a population based study of men with specific cancers, with controls matched by age and province of residence. No additional risk from these combinations of exposures of developing these three types of tumour was found in contrast to non Hodgkin lymphoma. It is concluded that the mechanisms by which phenoxy herbicides contribute to the risk of non Hodgkin lymphoma and other forms of cancer may be different. (106291)
CIS 07-406 Formaldehyde in reusable protective gloves. Pontén A., Contact Dermatitis, May 2006, Vol.54, No.5, p.268-271. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: Following clinical findings in a case of hand dermatitis, formaldehyde was suspected to be present in reusable protective gloves. Nine types of gloves were investigated with the semi-quantitative chromotropic acid method. It was found that six gloves emitted some formaldehyde and that four gloves emitted ≥40µg of formaldehyde. Most of the formaldehyde was found on the inside of the gloves. To get an indication of the clinical relevance, a comparison with a protective cream containing the formaldehyde-releasing agent diazolidinyl urea was performed by comparing areas of gloves with areas of cream layers with thickness 1-2mg/cm2. The amounts of formaldehyde emitted from the gloves were in the same range as those emitted from a layer of cream. (106364)
CIS 07-407 Don't let work make you breathless. (French: Ne laissez pas le travail vous couper le souffle) Cluytmans Y., Prevent Focus, Mar. 2006, No.3, p.4-8. Illus. (In French) Internet: There are many situations in which workers cannot breathe the ambient air without risks to their health and need to wear respirators. This article discusses the selection of this equipment. Topics addressed: causes of respiratory impairment due to ambient air pollution; definitions of exposure limits, minimum protection factor, odour threshold; types of respirators; selection of the appropriate type of respirator; safe use of respirators. (106422)
CIS 07-408 Metal and non-metal miners' exposure to crystalline silica, 1998-2002. Weeks J.L., Rose C., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2006, Vol.49, p.523-534. Illus. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: Crystalline silica is a well-known of cause silicosis and other diseases. Exposure is common in the mining industry and consequently, the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regularly evaluates miners' exposure to silica to determine compliance with its exposure limit. MSHA exposure measurements were obtained for over 4000 mines between 1998 and 2002, and average exposure was calculated and classified by occupation and by mine. Evaluation criteria included whether average values exceeded MSHA's permissible exposure limit or the limit recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), whether there was a risk of exposure to freshly fractured silica, and whether there was a risk of a high rate of exposure to silica. It was found that miners in certain jobs are exposed to silica above permissible and recommended exposure limits. Some miners may also be exposed to freshly fractured silica. (106469)
CIS 07-409 Incidence of asthma among aluminum workers. Taiwo O.A., Sircar K.D., Slade M.D., Cantley L.F., Vegso S.J., Rabinowitz P.M., Fiellin M.G., Cullen M.R., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.48, No.3, p.275-282. Illus. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: Exposures to respiratory irritants encountered in the aluminium industry in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand have been suggested as the cause of "potroom asthma". This study was designed to assess whether asthma occurs excessively among potroom workers in the USA and if so, to identify possible risk factors. It was based on data for the years 1996 to 2002 from a large aluminium producer with multiple production sites. The asthma incidence ratio between potroom and non-potroom workers after adjusting for smoking was 1.40. Although bivariate analyses showed a relationship between asthma incidence and exposure to total fluoride, gaseous fluoride, particulate fluoride, sulfur dioxide and smoking, only the effects of gaseous fluoride (relative risk, RR=5.1) and smoking (RR=7.7) remained significant in the multivariate model. Potroom asthma appears to occur at the studied U.S. aluminium smelters at doses within regulatory guidelines. (106292)
CIS 07-410 Exposure to welding fumes. (French: Exposition aux fumées de soudure) Prevent Focus, Mar. 2006, No.3, p.20-22. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article summarizes the main findings of a series of measurements carried out by a Belgian industrial toxicology laboratory to determine the exposure of workers to stainless steel welding fumes. Contents: air pollutants during welding; health hazards; results of measurements; hierarchy of protective measures (substitution, isolation of the hazard, collective protection measures, personal protective equipment, exposure monitoring); recommendations. (106423)
CIS 07-411 Educational and dermatological aspects of secondary individual prevention in healthcare workers. Weisshaar E., Radulescu M., Bock M., Albrecht U., Diepgen T.L., Contact Dermatitis, May 2006, Vol.54, No.5, p.254-260. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes a skin protection programme for healthcare workers (HCWs). The 504 participants were HCWs suffering from skin diseases suspected to be caused by occupational factors. Training mainly focused on the texture and functioning of the skin, general aspects of occupational skin diseases (OSDs), general information concerning skin protection and instructions about the correct use of skin cleansing and skin protection products. Participants were also examined by a dermatologist and a precise history of their skin diseases was obtained. Participants rated the programme as good to excellent. Similar training programmes should be offered to employees of other occupations with an increased risk for OSD. (106363)
CIS 07-412 Occupational skin diseases caused by cosmetics. (French: Dermatoses professionnelles aux cosmétiques) Crépy M.N., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2006, No.107, p.367-379. Illus. 81 ref. (In French) Internet: Contents of this review of occupational skin diseases related to cosmetics: main irritants and allergens found in cosmetics; epidemiological aspects; diagnosis in occupational settings; diagnosis in specialized institutions; prognosis; prevention and treatment; compensation. (106430)
CIS 07-413 Evaluation of an exhaust gas evacuation system during propane-fuelled lift truck maintenance. (French: Evaluation d'un système d'évacuation des gaz d'échappement lors de l'entretien des chariots élévateurs au propane) Roberge B., Ménard L., Turcotte A., Beadet Y., Lazure L., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2006. iv, 37p. Illus. 7 ref. + CD-ROM. Price: CAD 7.42. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-037-1 (In French) Internet: Propane-fuelled lift truck tuning activities produce carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in the workers' breathing zone that may exceed threshold limit values. Mechanics often tune and maintain these vehicles in open area shops, which in many cases do not meet minimum ventilation requirements. During the initial site studies carried out within the scope of this project, it was noted that a mobile system of CO collection system might solve this problem. The efficiency of such a system, consisting of a collection hose used alone or coupled with a portable fan connected to a vehicle's exhaust pipe, was demonstrated. (106443)
CIS 07-414 Toxicology. Viala A., Botta A., eds., Editions Tec & Doc, 14 rue de Provigny, 94236 Cachan, France, 2nd ed., 2005. 1094p. Illus. 92 ref. Index. Price: EUR 250.00., ISBN 2-7430-0678-1 (In English) Internet: This publication describes the basic principles of toxicology by explaining the mechanisms and symptoms resulting from the presence of toxic substances in the human body. It covers more than 25 chemicals or classes of chemicals. Each chapter includes the aetiology, mechanisms of toxic action, symptoms, medical treatment, prevention and analytical toxicology. It also covers waste, air, water and soil pollution, major hazards, substance abuse, smoking, pesticides, sports doping, and chemical and bacteriological weapons. A chapter on industrial toxicology covers the main classes of chemical toxins found in industry, their toxic effects and the prevention of toxic hazards. (106321)
CIS 07-415 Practical guide - Chemical Agents Directive 98/24/EC. (French: Guide pratique - Directive agents chimiques 98/24/CE) Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2, rue Mercier, 2985 Luxembourg, Luxembourg, 2006. 282p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 92-894-9652-5 (In French) Internet: This document provides a guide to the practical implementation of Directive 98/24/EC (CIS 98-1094) on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work. It covers methods for measuring and evaluating atmospheric concentrations at the place of work for 63 chemicals with reference to occupational exposure limits specified in Directive 2000/39/EC (CIS 01-966) establishing a list of indicative occupational exposure limit values, hazard evaluation, and specific methods of prevention, protection and surveillance of the health of workers exposed to lead and its ionic derivatives. (106359)
CIS 07-416 Asbestos: Towards a worldwide ban. (Arabic: Al-asbistūs: Bitjāh fard hatir (ālamī (alaihi; Chinese: Shimian: zhengzai mianlin quanqiu jinyong; French: L'amiante: vers une interdiction mondiale; German: Asbest: Auf dem Weg zu einem weltweiten Verbot; Portuguese: Amianto: Rumo ao banimento global; Spanish: El Amianto: hacia una prohibición mundial) International Social Security Association (ISSA), ISSA Publications, Case postale 1, 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland, 2006. 36p. Illus., ISBN 92-843-1175-6 (En), ISBN 92-843-2175-1 (fr), ISBN 92-843-3175-7 (es), ISBN 92-843-6175-3 (ar), ISBN 92-843-7175-9 (de), ISBN 92-843-7175-9 (zh), ISBN 92-843-8175-4 (pt) (In Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish) Internet: This brochure by ISSA's Special Commission on Prevention highlights the need for an immediate ban on the production and use of asbestos. It seeks to alert decision-makers and all the social partners of the devastating consequences, both human and economic, which any short-term policy would bring in the decades ahead. Contents: origin, production and use of asbestos; health effects; cost of asbestos-related diseases; management of risks due to asbestos already in place; and main alternatives to traditional uses of asbestos. (106401)
CIS 07-417 Human exposure information for EU substance risk assessment of gas oil. Carter M., Margary A., Money C., Pizzella G., van Rijn R., van de Sandt P., Viinanen R., de Wilde P., Urbanus J., CONCAWE, Madouplein, 1210 Brussels, Belgium, Mar. 2006. v, 56p. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: This report presents information on inhalation and dermal exposures to gas oil for workers in manufacturing and distribution operations and for consumers. The data are for use in risk assessment according to European Union regulations. Workers outside the oil industry are also exposed to gas oils, but information on these exposures is more limited. Contents: principles of exposure estimation for risk assessment; substance characterization; activities involving exposure to gas oil; quantification of exposures. (106405)
CIS 07-418 Basic data on the toxicity of the main industrial solvents. (French: Données de base sur la toxicité des principaux solvants industriels) Université virtuelle de médecine du travail, l'Institut Interuniversitaire de Médecine du Travail de Paris Ile de France (http://www.uvmt.org). Internet document, Sep. 2002. 87p. (In French) Internet: These basic data on industrial solvents include general aspects, physical, chemical and kinetic properties, human toxicity, medical surveillance, approach to be followed in the event of an acute poisoning and compensation. The solvents considered are grouped under the following classes: aliphatic hydrocarbons; aromatic hydrocarbons; chlorinated and fluorinated solvents; alcohols; ketones; ethers; sulfur-containing compounds; amides. (106437)
CIS 07-419 Comparison of two exposure indices for diesel particulate matter. (French: Comparaison de deux indices d'exposition à la matière particulaire de diesel) Roberge B., Grenier M., Gravel R., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2006. vi, 44p. Illus. 27 ref. Price: CAD 7.00. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-057-9 (In French) Internet: In Quebec, the Regulation concerning occupational health and safety in mines includes an exposure value for diesel fumes that is based on the respirable combustible dust (RCD) measurement index. It has been suggested that the use of the elemental carbon measurement method could be a more appropriate index. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of using the elemental carbon measurement as an index of exposure to diesel particulate matter, to establish standardized sampling and analytical methods for elemental carbon and to document the work environment in two sectors of activity, namely mines and garages. (106447)
CIS 07-420 Carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic chemicals: Regulatory classification. (French: Produits chimiques cancérogènes, mutagènes, toxiques pour la reproduction. Classification réglementaire) Miraval S., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Avr. 2006. 63p. Price: EUR 8.20. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1357-1 (In French) Internet: This booklet presents the list of substances that are classified as being carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic according to European Union regulations. Substances are listed in alphabetical order and by CAS registry number. The tables are preceded by definitions and classification criteria for the different types of substances. (106449)
CIS 07-421 Occupational hygiene: Chemical safety. (Arabic: Al-tasahhuh al-mihnī: al-salāma al-kīmiyā'iya) Al-Skaff S., International Labour Office, Geneva; General Federation of Trade Unions in the Syrian Arab Republic, International Labour Office, Regional Office for the Arab States, rue Justinian, Al-Qantari, B.P. 11-408, Riad al-Sulh, 11072150 Beirut, Lebanon, 2001. 240p. Illus. 10 ref., ISBN 92-2-612670-4 (In Arabic) Internet: Topics covered in these guidelines: the principles of toxicity and exposure in occupational safety and health; chemical contaminants; particles and dusts; solvents; compressed gases; agricultural chemicals; fires and explosions; safety in the use of chemical substances; first aid measures in acute poisoning; definitions of terms. (106476)
CIS 07-422 Degreasing machines. (French: Machines à dégraisser) Boust C., Brugnot C., Gendre J.C., Goliro M., Lecler M., Quang X.L., Osternaud J.C., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, July 2006. 40p. Illus. 9 ref. Index. Price: EUR 8.20. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1323-7 (In French) Internet: Degreasing procedures are subject to increasingly-stringent regulations, often making the selection of equipment difficult. The purpose of this guide is to help enterprises select the technologies most suited to their needs from the standpoints of safety, hygiene and environmental protection. Contents: analysis of needs and constraints; degreasing techniques and products; risk analysis; risk prevention; machine design and safety measures; installation, use and maintenance of equipment. (106450)
CIS 07-423 Toxicological data sheets. Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2006. CD-ROM readable on Macintosh or PC. Price: EUR 20.00. (In English) Internet: CD-ROM including the complete collection of 261 data sheets published by the Institut national de recherche et de sécurité (INRS). These data sheets provide a technical and regulatory synthesis of information on hazards related to a product or a group of products. This electronic media allows several query modes: by product name, CAS registry number, regulatory identification number (EINECS and Index) and data sheet number. It also contains labelling pictograms in colour. Topics covered by each data sheet: uses; physical and chemical properties; methods of detection and determination in air; fire hazards; pathology and toxicology; current French occupational safety and health regulations in areas of occupational safety and hygiene, protection of the environment and transport; technical and medical recommendations. Replaces CIS 06-1430. (106483)
CIS 07-424 A survey of accidents occurring during the transport of hazardous substances by road and rail. Oggero A., Darba R.M., Muñoz M., Planas E., Casal J., Journal of Hazardous Materials, May 2006, Vol.133, No.1-3. p.1-7. Illus. 8 ref. (In English) Internet: A study of 1932 accidents that occurred during the transport of hazardous substances by road and rail from the beginning of the 20th century to July 2004 was carried out. Findings show an increase in the frequency of accidents over time. More than half of the accidents occurred on roads (63%). The most frequent accidents were releases (78%), followed by fires (28%), explosions (14%) and gas clouds (6%). The causes of the accidents, the type of substance involved and the consequences for the population (number of people killed, injured or evacuated) are discussed. Among the various measures taken to improve this situation, the training of workers involved in transportation of dangerous substances appears to be the most important. (106388)
CIS 07-425 Managing industrial risk - Having a tested and proven system to prevent and assess risk. Heller S., Journal of Hazardous Materials, Mar. 2006, Vol.130, No.1-2, p.58-63. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents the multi-criteria decision making technique for risk assessment. The approach is based on expert opinion and decision-making techniques, which are particularly suited for early stages of risk quantification. It discusses the development of a risk assessment model for making risk decisions, using a combination of a multi-criteria decision-making technique, such as the analytic hierarchy process, and a risk-scoring indexing technique. It also presents an example of the results obtained by applying the model. (106267)
CIS 07-426 Relationship of safety culture and process safety. Olive C., O'Connor T.M., Mannan M.S., Journal of Hazardous Materials, Mar. 2006, Vol.130, No.1-2, p.133-140. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: This review article discusses safety culture and its relationship with process safety. It explains how organizations, including corporations, have developed their own unique cultures derived from the diversity of their organizational interests and the background of the employees. Safety culture, a subset of organizational culture, has been a major focus in recent years. This is especially true in the chemical industry due to a series of preventable, safety related disasters that occurred in the late seventies and eighties. Some of the most notable disasters during this time period occurred at Bhopal, Flixborough and Seveso. However, current events, like the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks and the disintegration of the Columbia shuttle, have caused an assessment of safety culture in a variety of other organizations. (106268)
CIS 07-427 A global view on ARAMIS, a risk assessment methodology for industries in the framework of the Seveso II directive. Salvi O., Debray B., Journal of Hazardous Materials, Mar. 2006, Vol.130, No.3, p.187-199. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: The ARAMIS methodology was developed to answer the specific requirements of the Seveso II directive. It offers an alternative to purely deterministic and probabilistic approaches to risk assessment of process plants. It allows risk assessment for land use, emergency planning, enforcement and public decision-making. The methodology involves the following major steps: identification of major accident hazards; identification of the safety barriers and assessment of their efficiency; evaluation of safety management efficiency; identification of reference accident scenarios; assessment and mapping of the severity of reference scenarios and of the vulnerability of the plant surroundings. The methodology was tested in five case studies that provided useful information about the applicability of the method. (106269)
CIS 07-428 Safety in the electricity sector. (Spanish: Seguridad - Sector eléctrico) Forero A., Arcila J.D., Guerra P.L., Ospina F.C., Ravemark D., Normark B., Protección y seguridad, July-Aug. 2006, Vol.52, No.308, p.38-79. Illus. 14 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Contents of this collection of articles on safety in the electricity sector: activities of the Columbian commission on safety and health in the electricity sector; main hazards and causes of accidents; legislative framework; hazards related to interventions on electrical systems (electrical hazards, methods of protection against electrical hazards, evaluation of vulnerability to electrical hazards, safety of electrical installations); basic principles of electrical safety; history leading to the definition of the Technical Regulations applicable to electrical installations in Columbia (RETIE); advantages of buried electrical cables compared to overhead lines. (106339)
CIS 07-429 Work in oxygen-poor atmospheres. (French: Travaux dans des atmosphères appauvries en oxygène; German: Arbeiten in sauerstoffreduzierten Atmosphären) Jost M., Cartier B., Rüegger M., Informations médicales - Medizinische Mitteilungen, 2006, No.77, p.75-84. 7 ref. (In French, German) Internet: The technique of lowering the oxygen concentration in air from 21% to 17% by adding nitrogen is increasingly used to reduce the risk of fire in premises where a fire hazard exists. This article describes the measures to be adopted for protecting the health of workers carrying out controls, maintenance or repairs in such confined spaces. Contents: scientific background; hazards faced by workers (performance limitations and increase in the risk of accidents, risks to workers with pre-existing diseases); health protection principles (technical, organisational and personal measures); preventive medical examinations. (106301)
CIS 07-430 Analysis of the methodology for declaring machinery noise: Application to electrical grinding machines. (French: Analyse de la méthodologie de la déclaration du bruit des machines: application au cas des meuleuses électriques) Trompette N., Cafaxe M., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2006, No.203, p.7-17. Illus. 6 ref. (In French) Internet: European Directive 98/37/EC on the design of machinery (see CIS 99-29) requires manufacturers to declare acoustic emission pressure levels at the workstation and acoustic power levels (if acoustic emission pressure levels at the workstation exceed 85 dB(A)) in the machine instruction manual and technical documentation. This article describes a methodology for declaring machine noise by applying the appropriate test protocols in the case of an electrical grinding machine. The study indicates that the levels displayed are not always representative of the real acoustic power delivered by the machines and are unrelated to user exposure. (106316)
CIS 07-431 Exposure limits to infrasounds and ultrasounds - Literature survey. (French: Limites d'exposition aux infrasons et aux ultrasons - Etude bibliographique) Chatillon J., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2006, No.203, p.67-77. Illus. 42 ref. (In French) Internet: Sound whose spectrum falls partly or wholly beyond the 20Hz to 20kHz range is traditionally termed inaudible. Yet, the sensitivity of the ear extends beyond this range, even though it is much weaker for both infrasound (low frequency) and ultrasound (high frequency). Moreover, humans can perceive both infrasound and ultrasound by other means than through the auditory path. In industrial settings, there are many sources that emit sounds whose spectra fall outside the audible range. There is evidence that, at sufficiently high levels, these virtually inaudible sounds may cause harmful or unpleasant effects. Based on a literature survey, this article examines infrasound and ultrasound transmission physics, human sensitivity to the related frequencies, the physiological effects noted during exposure to high levels and possible prevention measures. Exposure limit values adopted by several countries are discussed and, in the absence of French regulations, recommendations are proposed. (106319)
CIS 07-432 Prevalence and characterization of hearing loss among workers exposed to industrial noise in the electricity turbogeneration plant of a petrochemical complex. (Spanish: Prevalencia y caracterización de la pérdida auditiva en trabajadores expuestos a ruido industrial de una planta eléctrica turbogenerada en un complejo petroquímico) Montiel-López M., Corzo-Alvarez G., Chacín-Almarza B., Rojas-González L., Quevedo A., Lubo-Palma A., Rendiles H., Investigación Clínica, June 2006, Vol.47, No.2, p.117-131. 40 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This study investigated the impact of occupational exposure to noise and its relationship with other factors that can induce hearing loss among workers in the electricity generating plant of a petrochemical complex in Venezuela. A cross-sectional study was conducted that involved medical examinations and audiometric tests on 75 workers. The equivalent noise levels (Leq) were quantified at various workplaces. It was found that most of the workers were exposed to high noise levels (>85dBA) and for more than the recommended time. All workers used hearing protectors appropriately. Although the hearing loss prevalence in workers was 16.0%, it was not possible to prove that it was noise induced. The hearing threshold registered in the audiometric tests was diminished, but remained within normal threshold values. Twelve cases of grade I conductive hearing loss were diagnosed, with no sensorial or mixed hearing losses. No relationship was found between the equivalent noise level and hearing loss. Recommendations for workers' protection are made, including the implementation of a hearing protection programme. (106340)
CIS 07-433 Communication and noise. (Russian: Obščenie i šum) Airo E., Barents - Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, 2005, Vol.8, No.2, p.38-40 (English); p.41-44 (Russian). Illus. 18 ref. (In English, Russian) Internet: The increasing amount of speech communication and its importance at work has raised new concerns that occupational health professionals need to address. This article discusses some of the main issues relating to speech communication at work. Topics addressed: speech-intensive work in low-noise environments; speech communications in noisy environments; hearing loss; hearing protection; issues related to new work environments such as call centres. (106379)
CIS 07-434 New regulations on noise at work. (French: Une nouvelle réglementation sur le bruit au travail) Canetto P., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2006, No.107, p.297-307. Illus. 16 ref. (In French) Internet: The "Noise" Directive 2003/10/EC (see CIS 06-253) is to be transposed into the national legislation of the European Union member states during 2006. The new regulations have been extended to include reference to new general principles of occupational safety and health, as well as examples of solutions for reducing noise. This article presents these new aspects together with their implications for occupational safety and health. The most significant changes include the lowering of exposure levels that require preventive actions and the introduction of threshold limit values. The role of occupational physicians is confirmed and broadened. It is suggested that lack of clarity concerning the threshold limits, the acceptable hazard evaluation methods and the methods for taking into account attenuation by personal protective equipment are expected to figure among the main potential problems in implementing the regulations. (106425)
CIS 07-435 Freeze a jolly good fellow. Ide C., Safety and Health Practitioner, May 2006, Vol.24, No.5, p.51-54. Illus. (In English) Internet: Although there is no legal minimum temperature (at least for indoor workplaces) below which employees should not work, it is important to be aware of the effects of cold on the body and to know what to provide in terms of personal protective equipment, welfare facilities and first-aid treatment. This article discusses these requirements. Topics covered: effects of cold on the body; dry cold and wet cold environments; assessing the precise nature of the environment; selection of appropriate clothing; personnel selection according to potential health problems. (106384)
CIS 07-436 Thermal environments: Work in the cold. (French: Ambiances thermiques: travailler au froid) Ganem Y., Pomian J.L., Laborde L., Brasseur G., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2006, No.107, p.279-295. Illus. 45 ref. (In French) Internet: This review article on cold workplaces provides occupational physicians with reference points for realistic, tangible and practical occupational safety and health measures that take into account individual differences and that consider the issue of workplace design or modification. Contents: effects of cold on the body; potential health hazards; first aid measures in case of hypothermia; risk factors and hazard evaluation; recommendations and preventive measures. A simple method for evaluating the thermal environment during cold spells is proposed, based on the wind-cooling index. (106424)
CIS 07-437 Neurovegetative disturbances in workers exposed to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields. Bortkiewicz A., Gadzicka E., Zmyślony M., Szymczak W., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 1st quarter 2006, Vol.19, No.1, p.53-60. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: This study was undertaken to assess autonomic function in workers occupationally exposed to 50Hz electromagnetic fields (EMFs) by analyzing the heart rate variability. The study group comprised 63 workers of switchyard substations, aged 22-67 years and a control group of 42 workers with no EMF exposure. To assess the neurovegetative regulation of the cardiac function, heart rate variability (HRV) was analysed based on 512 normal heart beats recorded at rest. The relative risk of decreased HRV, calculated with use of a logistic regression model, was significantly higher in the exposed group than in controls (odds ratio 2.8). It is concluded that occupational exposure to 50Hz EMF could influence the neurovegetative regulation of the cardiovascular system. (106280)
CIS 07-438 The health effects of low-dose ionizing radiation - New epidemiological results and perspectives. Eggermont G., de Saint-Georges L., Vanmarcke H., HESA Newsletter, Mar. 2006, No.29, p.21-25. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: This article examines the relative risk of low-level exposure to ionizing radiation. Contents: biological effects of ionizing radiation; regulation of low-dose risks and the social debate; recent epidemiological results; multi-factorial exposure and ethical concerns. (106369)
CIS 07-439 Assessment of heavy earth-moving machinery noise vis-à-vis routine maintenance. Vardhan H., Karmakar N.C., Rao Y.V., Noise Control Engineering Journal, Mar.-Apr. 2006, Vol.54, No2, p.64-78. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated the noise generation characteristics of heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM) as influenced by periodic maintenance. Detailed noise measurements were carried out in a large open pit coal mine in India. The effect of maintenance on noise production was assessed for ten dumpers and three dozers by measuring sound pressure levels after the machines had been subjected to maintenance at the end of 300 hours, 500 hours, 750 hours and 1000 hours of use. Measurements were also carried out to assess the effect on noise levels of maintaining specific HEMM components after 1000 hours of use. Major sound level reductions were observed after each periodical maintenance. The data also identified the major noise generating systems in HEMM as being air systems, exhaust systems, cooling systems and fuel systems. (106381)
CIS 07-440 Changes in ocular and nasal signs and symptoms among air crew in relation to air humidification on intercontinental flights. Norbäck D., Lindgren T., Wieslander G., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.32, No.2, p.138-144. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: This study evaluated the influence of aircraft air humidification on self-reported symptoms among aircrew. Participants comprised 71 flight staff who were examined during eight outbound flights from Stockholm to Chicago and eight return flights. The aircraft were equipped with an evaporation humidifier in the forward part of the cabin. Four of the flights had the air humidification device active on the outbound and deactivated on the inbound flights, while the other four flights had the inverse humidification sequence. The humidification increased the relative air humidity by 10% in the first row of the cabin, by 3% in the last row and by 3% in the cockpit. Air humidification increased tear-film stability and nasal patency and decreased ocular, nasal and dermal symptoms, and headache. The mean concentration of viable bacteria was low, both during the humidified and non-humidified flights. Air humidification could improve passenger and crew comfort and reduce the incidence of various symptoms. (106392)
CIS 07-441 Useful tips - Hearing, a vulnerable organ. (French: Astuces pour des actions - L'ouïe, un organe vulnérable) PREVENT, rue Gachard 88, Bte 4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2005. 2p. (In French) Internet: This information sheet is aimed at employers wishing to implement a hearing protection campaign. It covers the following aspects: advantages of a hearing protection campaign; Belgian legal requirements concerning a hearing protection; guidance on the contents of a campaign and on the dissemination of information on hearing protection to the employees. (106324)
CIS 07-442 Noise reduction in day-care centres by reducing reverberation time: Analyses and case studies. L'Espérance A., Boudreau A., Gariépy F., Bacon P., Institut de recherche Robert Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2006. iv, 61p. Illus. 11 ref. Price: CAD 7.42. + CD-ROM. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-047-0 (In English) Internet: In Quebec, more than 16,000 employees of day-care centres and close to 85,000 children are exposed daily to often excessive noise levels which can reach above 90 decibels over short periods. This report describes a project aimed at proposing effective and economical noise reduction solutions. After measuring the acoustical characteristics of some 20 day-care centres, various solutions were proposed which were implemented and validated in ten of these centres. The data collected and results obtained have served as a basis for a guide for day care centres on how to reduce noise on their premises. (106403)
CIS 07-443 Controlling hand-arm vibrations produced by the operation of vibrating portable tools: Consideration of the human interface and biodynamic behaviour. (French: Contrôle des vibrations main-bras engendrées par l'opération d'outils portatifs vibrants - Considérations de l'interface humaine et comportement biodynamique) Marcotte P., Boileau P.E., Rakheja S., Aldien Y., Boutin J., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2006. x, 55p. Illus. 48 ref. + CD-ROM. Price: CAD 10.00. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-055-5 (In French) Internet: The aim of this study was to establish the foundations for the development of models that can be used to effectively reproduce the dynamic behaviour of a vibrating hand tool and the hand-arm system by taking into account the effect of variations in the gripping and thrust forces applied to the handle, the subject's posture, the configuration of the handle and the amplitude of the vibrations. This study characterized the effect of these different parameters on the hand-arm system's biodynamic response and established mathematical relationships between the gripping and thrust forces and the contact force at the hand-handle interface. (106446)
CIS 07-444 Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection 1990. (French: Recommandations 1990 de la Commission internationale de protection radiologique) International Commission on Radiological Protection, Pergamon Press Ltd., Headington Hill Hall, Oxford OX3 0BW, United Kingdom, 1993. ix, 211p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 0-08-042275-6 (In French) Internet: Contents of these 1990 Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection: base units used in radiological protection; biological aspects of radiological protection; conceptual framework of radiological protection; protection systems for current and future practices; protection system during interventions; application of the Commission recommendations. (106441)
CIS 07-445 Stock management influence on manual materials handling in two warehouse superstores. Denis D., St-Vincent M., Imbeau D., Trudeau R., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar. 2006, Vol.36, No.3, p.191-201. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this ergonomic study was to better understand the impact of stock management practices on manual materials handling activities of warehouse superstore employees. It was carried out in two warehouse superstores of a leading company in the retail sector that specializes in office supplies. Close attention was paid to the interaction between stock volume, its movements on the sales floor and the available storage space. Results indicate that an imbalance between the amount of stock and the available storage space results in the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, increased risks of accidents and lower productivity and quality of service due to time wasted, stock losses and customer dissatisfaction. Various recommendations are made to address these issues. (106271)
CIS 07-446 Assess all areas. Mason S., Williams D., Safety and Health Practitioner, June 2006, Vol.24, No.6, p.56-58. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: This article outlines the advantages of body-mapping over other approaches for assessing the risks and managing the workloads of individuals experiencing symptoms of, or receiving treatment for, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It comments on the Health and Safety Executive's manual handling guide (see CIS 06-17) and a study undertaken by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health based on the Owaco Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS, see CIS 93-1508) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA, see CIS 95-365) survey methods. (106385)
CIS 07-447 Manual handling: Mechanization hasn't solved everything. (French: La manutention manuelle de charges: la mécanisation n'a pas tout réglé) Floury M.C., Rouxel C., Vinck L., Magaud-Camus I., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2006, No.107, p.321-328. Illus. 3 ref. (In French) Internet: This article summarizes the main findings concerning manual handling drawn from the SUMER 2002-2003 survey of all occupational exposures in France. The survey found that in France four out of ten employees handle heavy loads in the course of their work, with three out of ten exposed at least two hours a week. Construction workers, and to a lesser extent those in industry, are the most exposed, but workers in service sectors are not exempt, particularly those working in the retail sector and in health care. Manual handling is often associated with severe postural constraints and a high speed of work. (106427)
CIS 07-448 Technical solutions - Efficiency and required effort. (French: Les solutions techniques - Efficacité et efforts requis) Bourbonnière R., Chinniah Y., Travail et santé, June 2006, Vol.22, No.2, p.38-40. Illus. 2 ref. (In French) Internet: This article describes technical measures aimed at ensuring machinery safety. Topics addressed: taking safety into account during the design phase; highlighting problems and searching for solutions; hazard evaluation; safety devices; electronic guards; emergency stop devices. (106325)
CIS 07-449 Study of the mechanical resistance of personal protective equipment to very high pressure water jets. (French: Etude de la tenue mécanique des équipements de protection individuelle aux jets d'eau à très haute pression) Marchal P., Jacques M., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2006, No.203, p.35-46. Illus. 14 ref. (In French) Internet: The method of cleaning using very high pressure (VHP) water is increasingly used, resulting in an increase in the number of serious accidents. The aim of this study was to develop a test method and to test personal protective equipment (PPE) materials capable of resisting VHP water jets. Findings are discussed. Materials likely to be used for protective clothing are coated fabrics made up of high-tenacity yarns that resist within the studied pressure range. The advantage of fabric coating is that it keeps the threads together when the fabric is subjected to impact. The tests also showed that the most appropriate way to improve VHP water jet resistance is to increase the number of fabric layers in the PPE materials. (106318)
CIS 07-450 Room for manoeuvre. Hallett F., Safety and Health Practitioner, Apr. 2006, Vol.24, No.4, p.60-62. Illus. (In English) Internet: Selecting suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is often a key part of planning for work in confined spaces, but so is careful consideration of other activities that may impact on it. This article takes work at height as an example of one such activity, looking at how various types of RPE can interfere with the need to climb into, out of, or within a confined space. Different types of RPE are described and problems of interaction with other equipment such as ladders, scaffolds and safety harnesses. Design and wearability factors of RPE are also addressed. (106383)
CIS 07-451 Openings - Highly-protected passageways. (French: Trémies - Des passages hautement protégés) Richard A.M., Prévention BTP, Sep. 2006, No.88, p.26-27. Illus. (In French) Internet: In buildings under construction, openings are left in floors while awaiting the installation of equipment such as lifts or ducts. They can cause falls from heights, on the level or of objects. They should be designed ergonomically to facilitate subsequent interventions. This article discusses the design of guards and railings aimed at preventing falls through openings. (106451)
CIS 07-452 Pre-fabricated roof frames - An apparent simplicity. (French: Charpentes industrialisées - Une facilité apparente) Sagot F., Prévention BTP, Sep. 2006, No.88, p.28-30. Illus. (In French) Internet: Pre-fabricated roof frames assembled at ground level allow cost and time savings, and minimize the time spent working at height. This article describes safety measures during the transport of the frame and its unloading and installation at the site. (106452)
CIS 07-453 Ten-metre fall of a mobile crane. (French: Chute de dix mètres d'une grue mobile) Finiel J., Prévention BTP, Sep. 2006, No.88, p.35-36. Illus., ISBN Fiche accident n° C3 S 03 06 (In French) Internet: This accident information note describes the fall of a mobile crane during repair work on the supporting wall of a mountain road, analyses the causes and outlines measures that could have avoided this accident. (106453)
CIS 07-454 Prefabricated modules - Essential thinking. (French: Eléments préfabriqués - Une réflexion indispensable) Sagot F., Prévention BTP, Oct. 2006, No.89, p.28-29. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article discusses the procedures that need to be followed to ensure the safety of workers during the transport, storage, handling and mounting of prefabricated modules on building sites. Highlights the need for safety in the use of slings and anchoring devices (106456)
CIS 07-455 Fall from a roof through a skylight. (French: Chute de terrasse au travers d'un lanterneau) Parard G., Prévention BTP, Oct. 2006, No.89, p.35-36. Illus., ISBN Fiche accident n@1D F1 S 03 06 (In French) Internet: This article describes the fatal fall of a worker who walked on a skylight during roofing work. It analyses the causes of the accident and recalls the measures that could have prevented it. (106458)
CIS 07-456 Nail gun injuries in apprentice carpenters: Risk factors and control measures. Lipscomb H.J., Dement J.M., Nolan J., Patterson D., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2006, Vol.49, p.505-513. Illus. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: Surveillance data from 772 apprentice carpenters in the USA were used to document the injury risk associated with the use of nail guns and the potential impact preventive actions. Using estimates of hours of tool use, Poisson regression modelling was used to calculate adjusted rate ratios for injury associated with time in the trade, trigger mechanism on the tools and training prior to injury. Forty-five percent of these apprentices had sustained a nail gun injury. Those with less than one year in the trade and those with no training in tool use were at greatest risk compared to those with more than five years of experience (relative risks of 2.7 and 2.9 respectively). After adjusting for experience and training, the rate of injury was twice as high with tools with a contact trigger compared to those with a sequential trigger. (106468)
CIS 07-457 Detection of boulder movement by digital imaging. (French: Détection des mouvements de blocs rocheux par imagerie numérique) Payeur M., Corthésy R., Leite M.H., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2006. iii, 36p. Illus. 27 ref. Price: CAD 7.42. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-045-6 (In French) Internet: Close to half of all fatalities and more than 12% of accidents in underground mines are caused by falls of bedrock. These rock falls are usually preceded by displacements that are almost impossible to detect visually. The aim of this project was to develop an affordable system, based on existing high-resolution digital photography and image-processing software, that detects rock-wall displacements by comparing digital images of the walls of mine galleries at different times. This allows high-risk zones to be identified and appropriate preventive measures to be applied. (106442)
CIS 07-458 Planning and checking maintenance - Groundwork for efficient and safe work. (French: Planifier et surveiller la maintenance - Bases pour un travail efficace et en toute sécurité; German: Instandhaltung planen und überwachen - Voraussetzung für effizientes und sicheres Arbeiten; Italian: Pianificare e controllare la manutenzione - La premessa per lavorare con efficienza e in piena sicurezza) Suva, Gesundheitsschutz, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 2006. 11p. 6 ref. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: To work safety and efficiently, machinery and equipment need to be in perfect working order. This can only be achieved through systematic maintenance. This booklet explains how to plan, record, and control and document maintenance activities aimed at preventing occupational accidents and diseases and reducing the costs associated with lost working hours. (106322)
CIS 07-459 Occupational endotoxin-exposure and possible health effects on humans. Liebers V., Brüning T., Raulf-Heimsoth M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2006, Vol.49, p.474-491. Illus. 89 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey examines the impact of endotoxin exposure on health with particular reference to sampling at the workplace and methodological aspects of endotoxin determination. Endotoxins are commonly found at workplaces where large amounts of bioaerosols are generated. Since the German ordinance on occupational safety and health involving biological agents (Biostoff-Verordnung) became effective in 1999, threshold limit values have been the object of intense discussions. Endotoxin values are still measured with non-uniform methods and therefore values are of limited benefit for the classification of exposure groups. In Germany there is currently no threshold limit value for endotoxin. It is concluded that while the adverse health effects of endotoxins are well known, standardization of measurements is a necessity and exposure limits should be defined without further delay. (106467)
CIS 07-460 Effect of respirators equipped with particle or particle-and-gas filters during exposure in a pig confinement building. Sundblad B.M., Sahlander K., Ek A., Kumlin M., Olsson M., Larsson K., Palmberg L., Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.32, No.2, p.145-153. Illus. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: This study compared the protective effect of two respiratory protection devices during exposure in a pig confinement building. Thirty-six healthy workers were exposed for three hours in the building, 12 without any protection, 12 with a particle-filter mask and 12 with a mask filtering both particles and gases. Symptoms, body temperature, nasal lavage fluid, exhaled nitric oxide and bronchial responsiveness to methacholine were assessed before and after the exposure. Pre- and post-exposure urine and blood samples were collected. Findings indicate that wearing a respirator in a pig confinement building reduces the inflammatory reaction but does not influence bronchial responsiveness. There was no difference between the use of a particle-filter mask and a mask with a particle-gas filter combination. (106393)
CIS 07-461 Agricultural seed dust as a potential cause of organic dust toxic syndrome. Smit L.A.M., Wouters I.M., Hobo M.M., Eduard W., Doekes G., Heederik D., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2006, Vol.63, No.1, p.59-67. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: Repeated episodes of organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) in workers of a seed quality inspection laboratory prompted this study of endotoxin exposure levels. Inhalable dust and endotoxin levels were assessed in 101 samples from 57 workers who were handling mainly grass seeds as bulk product, and horticulture seeds in smaller quantities. Endotoxin concentrations in personal samples were high, with the recommended endotoxin exposure limit of 50 EU/m3 being amply exceeded in almost all personal samples. Seed mixing was associated with highest dust and endotoxin exposures. Microbial infestation was found in almost all seed samples. Most seed extracts were capable of inducing a pronounced dose dependent cytokine release. It is concluded that occupational exposure to inhalable agricultural seed dust can induce inflammatory responses, and is a potential cause of ODTS. (106347)
CIS 07-462 Needlestick and sharps injuries among a cross-section of physicians in mainland China. Smith D.R., Wei N., Zhang Y.J., Wang R.S., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.49, No.3, p.169-174. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: This study describes the prevalence, distribution and risk factors of needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs) among a cross-section of Chinese physicians. Data was obtained by an anonymous, self-reporting survey administered to all 361 physicians at a university teaching hospital. The response rate was 79%. Among them, 64% had experienced an NSI in the previous 12 months, 50% of which involved contaminated devices. A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between NSI and working in the intensive care unit (adjusted odds ratio 5.3). Future measures should consider the unique cultural beliefs of Chinese people and its effect on preventive behaviours. (106274)
CIS 07-463 The epidemiology of needle stick injuries among health care workers in a newly developed country. Shah S.F., Bener A., Al-Kaabi S., Al Khal A.L., Samson S., Safety Science, June 2006, Vol.44, No.5, p.387-394. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: The main objective of the study was to characterize the epidemiology of needle-stick injuries (NSI) occurring during 2001 among health care workers (HCWs) of a hospital group in Qatar. Of the 1274 HCWs who were approached to participate in this study, 1022 workers responded to a questionnaire that included variables on age, socio-demographic data and immunization history (response rate 80.2%). Findings are discussed. The study revealed a NSI prevalence of 21%, with the risk of blood borne virus transmission. (106375)
CIS 07-464 Risk perception and impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) on work and personal lives of healthcare workers in Singapore - What can we learn?. Koh D., et al., Medical Care, July 2005, Vol.43, No.7, p.1-7. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: This study measured risk perception and impact on personal and work life of health care workers (HCWs) from nine major healthcare institutions during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in Singapore using a self-administered questionnaire. Based on 10,511 valid questionnaires (response rate 70%), it was found that although the majority (76%) perceived a great personal risk of falling ill with SARS, most (69.5%) also accepted the risk as part of their job. Clinical staff (doctors and nurses), staff in daily contact with SARS patients and staff from SARS-affected institutions expressed significantly higher levels of anxiety. More than half reported increased work stress (56%) and work load (53%). Many experienced social stigmatization (49%) and ostracism by family members (31%). Most felt that the personal protective measures implemented were effective (96%) and that the policies and protocols were clear (93%) and timely (90%). (106376)
CIS 07-465 Code of practice on prevention and management of HIV/AIDS in the establishment. Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Labour Welfare Division, Mitmaitri Road, Dindaeng District, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, July 2005. 19p., ISBN 974-9652-76-2 (In English) Internet: This code of practice provides guidance on the establishment of effective HIV/AIDS prevention and management programmes in the workplace. It covers the development and content of an HIV/AIDS policy in the enterprise, designation of an HIV/AIDS policy officer, the role of the safety and health committee, the roles and responsibilities of employees, employers and their organizations and the role of the government competent body. In annex: relevant legislation, AIDS-response Standard Organization Certification (ASO) and prevention of HIV infection from occupational accidents. (106413)
CIS 07-466 Saving lives, protecting jobs. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, May 2006. ix, 78p. Illus. 28 ref., ISBN 92-2-118547-8 (In English) Internet: This report describes the development of the ILO/U.S. Department of Labour International HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme, now known as the Strategic HIV/AIDS Responses by Enterprises (SHARE) project. It presents case studies of experiences and achievements from more than 20 countries around the world involving some 300 enterprises and thousands of workers. Results of these projects illustrate how workplace HIV/AIDS prevention and care programmes are both essential and effective and how employers can make a contribution to fight AIDS and AIDS-related discrimination. (106414)
CIS 07-467 Course of symptoms and median nerve conduction values in workers performing repetitive jobs at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. Bonfiglioli R., Mattioli S., Spagnolo M.R., Violante F.S., Occupational Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.56, No.2, p.115-121. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in a group of workers using their hands intensively. CTS was assessed in assembly and non assembly line workers by means of clinical examinations and nerve conduction studies (NCS). An ergonomic analysis was conducted for each assembly line workstation. Prevalence of CTS was significantly higher in assembly line workers but there was a high prevalence of median nerve conduction abnormalities in both groups. Overall, there was generally poor correlation between symptoms and electrodiagnostic findings. When assembly line workers were re-examined after two years following a period of lightened work schedule, a significant proportion reported resolution of symptoms or had reverted to having normal NCS. (106259)
CIS 07-468 Ageing and strenuousness of work in the farming sector. (French: Vieillissement et pénibilité du travail en milieu agricole) Danjou P., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2006, Vol.46, No.2, p.183-191. (In French) Internet: Review of a colloquium on ageing and the strenuousness of work in the farming sector held in Tours, France, on 2 February 2006. Among the topics covered: medical effects of ageing; ageing and work aptitude; work strenuousness; extending the working life; refresher training; statistics of occupational hazards in agricultural settings by age; occupational safety and health programmes; role of insurance institutions. (106313)
CIS 07-469 Inner space. Worall I., Safety and Health Practitioner, Apr. 2006, Vol.24, No.4, p.55-58. Illus. (In English) Internet: The construction of submarines requires stringent application of safety procedures for working in confined spaces. This article explains how a United Kingdom defence contractor entered into partnership with the Health and Safety Executive to improve confined-space working practices through the operation of an intervention plan. The dangers of confined-space working are outlined and changes in the company's working practices and the benefits resulting from the intervention are described. (106382)
CIS 07-470 Delivery drivers and low-back pain: A study of the exposures to posture demands, manual materials handling and whole-body vibration. Okunribido O.O., Magnusson M., Pope M., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar. 2006, Vol.36, No.3, p.265-273. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: Drivers are exposed to risks of low-back pain from work postures, manual handling and vibration. A questionnaire was used to obtain information about driving experience, sitting posture, manual handling and health history from 64 drivers in short-haul delivery jobs. Twelve workers were also observed and videotaped during their work, and vibration measurements were obtained for three types of delivery vehicles. Results indicate that delivery vehicles generate acceptable levels of average acceleration. However, transient (lasting less than a week) low-back pain was found to be prevalent among the drivers. Systematic observation of driving activity and manual handling is necessary alongside questionnaire assessments if exposures are to be accurately characterized. (106273)
CIS 07-471 Fatigue in trans-Atlantic airline operations: Diaries and actigraphy for two- vs. three-pilot crews. Eriksen C.A., Åkerstedt T., Nilsson J.P., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, June 2006, Vol.77, No.6, p.605-612. Illus. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to compare intercontinental flights with two-pilot and three-pilot crews with respect to fatigue, sleepiness and sleep, as there is considerable economic pressure on airlines to use two-pilot crews. Twenty pilots participated. Data were collected before, during and after outbound and homebound flights using a diary and wrist actigraphy. The duration of flights was approximately 8h, and six time zones were crossed. Sleep, sleepiness, subjective performance, boredom, mood and layover sleep quality were assessed as having deteriorated in the two-pilot condition. It is suggested that time allotted to sleep in the two-pilot condition should be extended to improve alertness. (106368)
CIS 07-472 A detailed analysis of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors among Japanese nurses. Smith D.R., Mihashi M., Adachi Y., Koga H., Ishitake T., Journal of Safety Research, 2006, Vol.37, No.2, p.195-200. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: A Japanese language version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was administered to 1,162 nurses from a large teaching hospital. The response rate was 73%. The 12-month period prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) was 85.5%. Alcohol consumption, smoking, and having children were shown to be significant risk factors, with adjusted odds ratios (OR) of 1.87, 2.45 and 2.53, respectively. Workplace risk factors included manually handling patients (OR 2.07 to 11.97) and undertaking physically laborious work (OR 2.09 to 2.76). Nurses reporting pre menstrual tension were 1.66 and 1.94 times more likely to suffer from lower and upper back MSDs, respectively. High mental pressure was also identified as a significant risk factor for MSD of the neck (OR 1.53) and shoulder (OR 2.07). It is concluded that remediation strategies that focus only on manual handling are not sufficient. More emphasis needs to be placed on job satisfaction, work organization, and occupational stress. (106266)
CIS 07-473 Ergonomic intervention studies among health care personnel. (French: Etudes d'intervention ergonomique chez les soignants) Evanoff B., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 2nd Quarter 2006, No.106, p.187-194. 5 ref. (In French) Internet: This article provides a review of a seminar held in Saint-Maurice, France, in March 2005 on ergonomic intervention studies aimed at reducing occupational musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) among health care personnel. Topics addressed: methodological aspects of the design of ergonomic studies on MSDs; why the frequency of MSDs among health care personnel is high, and possible role of ergonomic interventions; brief overview of ergonomic intervention studies among health care personnel carried out in St Louis, United States, including in particular the adoption of patient lifting equipment. (106328)
CIS 07-474 Development of a short form of the workstyle measure. Feuerstein M., Nicholas R.A., Occupational Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.56, No.2, p.94-99. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: "Workstyle" or how workers respond behaviourally, cognitively and physiologically to increased or stressful work demands, has been proposed to help explain the link between ergonomic and psychosocial factors in work related upper limb disorders (WRULD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a shortened version of the original workstyle measure. It was reduced from 91 to 32 items and tested on a sample of 282 office workers by means of a questionnaire that also included measures of socio-demographics, work history, upper limb symptoms, ergonomic exposures, work stress and upper limb pain. Workstyle scores were significantly associated with pain, functional limitations and adverse mental and physical health. The short form demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties, confirming its potential utility in research on WRULD. (106257)
CIS 07-475 Evaluation of an intervention comprising a no lifting policy in Australian hospitals. Engkvist I.L., Applied Ergonomics, Mar. 2006, Vol.37, No.2, p.141-148. 52 ref. (In English) Internet: The purpose of this case-control study was to evaluate the use of transfer equipment, the number of injuries, pain symptoms and absence from work among nurses after the intervention of a "no lifting policy" at a hospital, compared with nurses at two control hospitals. A comprehensive questionnaire was used for data collection. Results show that at the hospital where the policy had been introduced, the nurses used the transfer equipment regularly. They had significantly fewer back injuries, pain symptoms and absence from work due to musculoskeletal disorders compared with nurses at the control hospitals. The study showed strong evidence for supporting the implementation of a no lifting policy. (106261)
CIS 07-476 Ergonomics in the rescue service - Ergonomic evaluation of ambulance cots. Kluth K., Strasser H., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar. 2006, Vol.36, No.3, p.247-256. Illus. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: In this comparative ergonomic study, three combinations of ambulance stretchers were tested with respect to their ergonomic quality. In addition to work analyses during the use of ambulance cots, the strain on the circulatory system of 12 ambulance workers was measured in four standardized carrying tests. Static and dynamic components of the muscle strain were determined by electromyography. Findings are discussed. One of the systems widely used in several countries was found to have marked weaknesses. Several specific recommendations are made for improving the design of ambulance cots with respect to their weight, shape, positioning of handles and mechanism of the height adjustment of the gurney. Changes in the design are also recommended in order to reduce the high strain on the ambulance workers that was measured via peripheral-physiological methods. (106272)
CIS 07-477 Safety and human factors considerations in control rooms of oil and gas pipeline systems: Conceptual issues and practical observations. Meshkati N., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 1st quarter 2006, Vol.12, No.1, p.79-93. 49 ref. (In English) Internet: Oil and gas pipeline systems are run by human controllers who use computer-based workstations in control rooms. This article reviews human factor elements that could contribute to the lack of controller success in preventing or mitigating pipeline accidents. These elements exist in the work environment (e.g. shift hours, shift length, circadian rhythms, fatigue, ergonomics, workplace distractions) and in the design and operation of the computer system. This article discusses the critical effects of human and organizational factors and highlights the role of their interactions with automation in the safe operation of complex, large-scale pipeline systems. A case study demonstrates the critical role of human organizational factors in the control room of an oil and gas pipeline system. (106297)
CIS 07-478 Working conditions of employees after a reduction in their hours of work. (French: Les conditions de travail des salariés après la réduction de leur temps de travail) Coutro T.M., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 2nd Quarter 2006, No.106, p.195-201. 8 ref. (In French) Internet: The aim of the SUMER 2003 survey was to describe the current situation with respect to occupational exposures to the main risk factors in France. It was carried out by means of questionnaires administered by occupational physicians during routine medical examinations. This article describes the results of the SUMER 2003 survey concerning the effects of the reduction in working hours. In 2002-2003, the work schedules of employees that benefited from a reduction in working hours were both more flexible and predictable than those of other employees. Half estimated that the lighter work schedule had improved their situation, while one third considered that there was no change and one in seven believed that their situation had worsened. (106329)
CIS 07-479 Layout of work premises. (French: L'aménagement de locaux de travail) Constant R., Santé et Sécurité au Travail Actualités, Jul.-Aug. 2006, No.92, p.5. (In French) Internet: French labour laws require that the design and layout of workplaces ensure the protection of the well-being, health and safety of employees. Contents of this information sheet on the layout of work premises: obligation for employers to consult employee representatives for all questions relating to the layout of workplaces; legal framework; table summarizing the main regulations currently in force. (106356)
CIS 07-480 Prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and ergonomic risk factors at a hi-tech company in Israel. Shuval K., Donchin M., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, June 2005, Vol.35, No.6, p.569-581. Illus. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between ergonomic risk factors and upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms (UEMSS) in VDT workers at a software development company, while taking into account individual and organizational factors and stress. The study population of 84 workers comprised computer programmers, managers, administrators, and marketing specialists. Data on UEMSS, individual and organizational factors and stress were derived from a questionnaire, while ergonomic data were collected through two direct observations using the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method. Results underline the need for implementing an intervention program focusing on arm/wrist posture, and for taking into account the special needs of women and of workers working 10h a day, those working 7-9h a day with a VDT and employees experiencing discomfort at workstations. (106361)
CIS 07-481 Risk factors for upper extremities when working with screens: Literature review. (French: Facteurs de risque pour le membre supérieur dans le travail sur écran: synthèse bibliographique) Cail F., Aptel M., Travail humain, July 2006, Vol. 69, No.3, p.229-268. Illus. 219 ref. (In French) Internet: This literature survey reviews studies related to work with visual display units and associated risk factors for upper limb disorders. It firstly describes the analytical model and methods used and goes on to present data on work organization, stress, psychosocial factors, biomechanical demands and the spatial layout of the workplace. These data are then summarized and the occupational safety and health implications are discussed. Risk factors include: stress, psychosocial factors, static posture, certain joint positions (particularly at the wrist and shoulder), and the frequency and duration of demands. (106421)
CIS 07-482 Postural and osteoarticular constraints at work. (French: Les contraintes posturales et articulaires au travail) Arnaudo B., Hamon-Cholet S., Waltisperger D., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2006, No.107, p.329-336. Illus. 7 ref. (In French) Internet: This article summarizes the main findings concerning postural constraints drawn from the SUMER 2002-2003 survey of all occupational exposures in France. According to the survey, 32% of workers are exposed to physically tiring situations, including frequent walking, prolonged standing postures and repetitive movements carried out at a rapid pace. Twenty-one percent are required to adopt strenuous postures, either kneeling, with arms stretched upwards or with a twisted torso, and 10% are exposed to cervical constraints. In all, one worker in two is subjected to at least one postural constraint that can be considered high. Strenuous postures concern primarily craftsmen and trades workers, but also women employed in retail or in domestic housekeeping. Physically tiring postures concern primarily male workers in industry, while women working in industry are particularly exposed to repetitive movements, and women office workers and managers suffer cervical constraints. (106428)
CIS 07-483 Time escapes me: Workaholics and time perception. Keown L.A., Canadian Social Trends, May 2007, p.28-32.Illus. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: Based on data from the 2005 General Social Survey on time use, this study examines self-reported workaholics and asks if this self-identification affects their quality of life as measured by the balance between work and family time, time pressure and general life satisfaction. Results indicate that almost one-third of employed Canadians aged 19 to 64 identify themselves as workaholics. They devote more effort to work than do non-workaholics, but they derive no more satisfaction or pleasure from it. Workaholics are dissatisfied with their work-life balance and wish they could spend more time with family and friends or alone. Perceived lack of time is a bigger stressor in their everyday lives than it is for non-workaholics. (106500)
CIS 07-484 Work ability of workers in western China: Reference data. Lin S., Wang Z., Wang M., Occupational Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.56, No.2, p.89-93. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a widely used research tool. The objective of this study was to develop reference WAI data for Chinese workers by age, gender and work content. The WAI questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 10,218 workers (including manual, professional, clerical and semi skilled workers) aged 16-69 years in western China. Findings are discussed. This study provides gender, age and work content specific WAI reference values that will help enable comparison and intervention evaluation in future studies. (106256)
CIS 07-485 The knee: A joint not to be treated roughly!. (French: Genou: une articulation à ne pas malmener!) Barruyer C., Prévention BTP, June 2006, No.86, p.56-57. Illus. (In French) Internet: Knee arthritis is more prevalent among older workers than young workers. However, working in certain sectors such as the construction industry involves a high risk of knee arthritis due to the repeated demands placed on this joint. This article reviews the precautions to be taken to prevent this disease or to delay its incidence (adopting appropriate work postures, wearing knee guards, practicing muscle-building exercises), as well as to reduce pain (injections, cold therapy, surgery, prostheses). (106306)
CIS 07-486 Exploratory study of training and learning dynamics: Task learning and the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in three companies in the poultry industry. (French: Etude exploratoire des dynamiques de formation et d'apprentissage - Apprentissage des tâches et prévention des troubles musculo-squelettiques dans trois entreprises du secteur avicole) Chatigny C., Balleux A., Martin M., Grenier J., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2006. vi, 70p. 52 ref. Price: CAD 10.00. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-049-4 (In French) Internet: The objective of this study was to examine the dynamics surrounding training and learning for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among poultry industry workers. Data were obtained from video recordings of interviews with trainers, trainees and those responsible for training. Data analysis revealed the importance of relationship dynamics and the role of trainers. The study provided an understanding of the situation in the food industry and determined the obstacles and the factors favouring the implementation of a dynamic for the promotion of safe working methods. (106444)
CIS 07-487 Good practice guidelines for the prevention of musculo-skeletal disorders within the telecommunications sector. (French: Guide de bonnes pratiques pour la prévention des troubles musculo-squelettiques dans le secteur des télécommunications; German: Verhaltenskodex zur Vorbeugung von Muskel-Skelett-Erkrankungen im Telekommunikationssektor; Portuguese: Directrizes de boas práticas para a prevenção de pertubações músculo-esqueléticas no sector das telecomunicações) UNI-Europa Telecom, Internet document, [ca 2006]. 31p. Illus. (In English, French, German, Portuguese) Internet: Contents of these guidelines for the prevention of musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) within the telecommunications sector: general principles for the prevention of MSDs; conceptual model for MSDs; work organization; manual handling; work in awkward postures; vibration; repetitive work; display screen equipment; physical and psychosocial issues; specific work activities and tasks in the telecommunications sector associated with the risk of MSDs. (106416)
CIS 07-488 Evaluation of the efficiency of an ergonomic stool for stringed instrument musicians: Analysis of postural stability and the activity of the postural muscles of the pelvis and trunk. (French: Evaluation de l'efficacité d'un tabouret ergonomique chez des instrumentistes à cordes - Analyse de la stabilité posturale et de l'activité de muscles posturaux du bassin et du tronc) Teasdale N., Simoneau M., Leclerc N., Stuber U., Berrigan F., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2006. v, 34p. Illus. 34 ref. Price: CAD 7.00. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-051-7 (In French) Internet: Since stringed instrument musicians have to maintain a static sitting posture, they frequently suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. This report describes the design and evaluation of a stool that allows a dynamic sitting posture. The postural stability and muscular activity of violinists and violists were evaluated using a standard stool and this new stool. The new stool was found to reduce the amplitude and frequency of trunk movements. It is suggested that the ergonomic stool be integrated into the regular practices of musicians so that they adopt postures that minimize excessive and inappropriate trunk movements and reduce the probability of incidence of low back pain. (106445)
CIS 07-489 Managing shift work - Health and safety guidance. HSE Booklet HSG256, Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2006. iv, 36p. Illus. 75 ref. Price: GBP 9.95. (In English) This guide on managing safety and health aspects of shift work is aimed at employers, safety representatives, trade union officials, employees and regulators. Contents: duty under the law; risks of shift work and benefits of effective management; establishing systems to manage the risks of shift work; risk assessment; action to reduce the risks (good practice guidelines for shift-work schedule design); regular review of shift-work arrangements. In appendices: legal requirements; strategies for improving workers' health and well-being; assessment tools and techniques. (106408)
CIS 07-490 MSD prevention guideline for Ontario. (French: Lignes directrices de prévention des TMS pour l'Ontario) Occupational Health and safety Council of Ontario, Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA), Centre for Health & Safety Innovation, 5110 Creekbank Road, Suite 300, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 0A1, Canada, 2007. 29p. Illus. 9 ref. PDF document. (In English, French) Internet: The primary purpose of this guide is to provide Ontario's employers and workers with information and advice on a recommended generic framework for preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the workplace. Contents: definition of MSD; MSD prevention as part of an occupational health and safety programme; creating a foundation for a successful MSD prevention programme; understanding MSD hazards (forces on the body, awkward posture, repetition); recognizing MSD hazards and related concerns; conducting an MSD risk assessment; choice and implementation of control measures; follow-up and evaluation of controls; communication of results. See CIS 07-491 for the resource manual accompanying this guide. (106498)
CIS 07-491 Resource manual for the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario. (French: Manuel de ressources des lignes directrices de prévention des TMS pour l'Ontario) Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario, Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA), Centre for Health & Safety Innovation, 5110 Creekbank Road, Suite 300, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 0A1, Canada, 2007. 71p. Illus. 33 ref. PDF document. (In English, French) Internet: The primary purpose of this resource manual is to provide Ontario's employers and workers with more detailed information and advice on how to implement the generic framework for preventing musculoskeletal disorders that is described in the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario (see CIS 07-490). Further guidance is given on each of the issues addressed in the Guideline: MSD prevention as part of an occupational health and safety programme; creating a foundation for a successful MSD prevention programme; understanding and recognition of MSD hazards; conducting an MSD risk assessment; choice and implementation of control measures; follow-up and evaluation of controls; communication of results. (106499)
CIS 07-492 HEPI: A new tool for human error probability calculation for offshore operation. Khan F.I., Amyotte P.R., DiMattia D.G., Safety Science, Apr. 2006, Vol.44, No.4, p.313-334. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: Offshore operations are particularly susceptible to human error because of the complex working environment. There is a need to provide techniques of human error quantification that can be embedded in the main framework of quantitative risk assessments. This article describes a new human error probability index (HEPI) based on the SLIM (success likelihood index methodology) approach. The application of HEPI could be used to limit the opportunities for human error occurrence and mitigate the results of such errors through changes in training, design, safety systems and procedures, resulting in a more error tolerant design and operation. Its application is illustrated through a case study of an incident in the offshore sector. (106372)
CIS 07-493 Alcohol, cannabis ... at the place of work: What's at stake in their prevention. (French: Alcool, cannabis... au travail: les enjeux de la prévention) Durcy M., Prévention BTP, June 2006, No.86, p.52-55. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article reviews the problem of psychoactive substance abuse, in particular cannabis and alcohol, among construction industry workers. Topics addressed: ethical and legal aspects of workplace screening; prevention, information and social support; case study of a construction enterprise and information campaign implemented to fight against alcohol and cannabis abuse. (106305)
CIS 07-494 Fight against smoking: Developing an effective plan within the enterprise. (French: Tabagisme: bâtir un plan de lutte efficace en entreprise) Barruyer C., Prévention BTP, Sep. 2006, No.88, p.54-57. Illus. (In French) Internet: The hazards associated with smoking on building sites are identified, highlighting the possible presence of solvents, asbestos, wood dust or welding fumes. This article discusses how to implement a smoke-free plan within the enterprise and includes an account of a small enterprise that implemented such a plan. (106455)
CIS 07-495 Air traffic controller burnout: Survey responses regarding job demands, job resources, and health. Martinussen M., Richardsen A.M., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2006, Vol.77, No.4, p.422-428. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: There are currently many changes taking place in the aviation sector that affect the work of air traffic controllers (ATCOs), and thus it was considered important to assess work-related demands and stress responses among ATCOs. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of burnout among ATCOs compared to workers in other occupations, to examine the relationship between job demands, job resources and burnout, and to examine if burnout could predict both work and health-related outcomes. A questionnaire survey was carried out among 209 Norwegian ATCOs. The overall level of burnout was lower than among journalists and police officers, and similar to that of construction workers. This could be related to selection procedures for the profession. Burnout was related to important outcome variables such as psychosomatic complaints and attitudes toward work. (106366)
CIS 07-496 Job strain and neck-shoulder symptoms: A prevalence study of women and men white-collar workers. Leroux I., Brissson C., Montreuil S., Occupational Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.56, No.2, p.102-109. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this cross sectional study of 1543 white-collar workers was to examine the association between psychosocial factors at work and the prevalence of neck and shoulder symptoms. Psychological demands and decision latitude at work were measured with Karasek's questionnaire. Workers exposed to high job strain had a higher prevalence of neck and shoulder symptoms (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.54). No effect of gender was observed in this association. The effect of job strain was stronger in workers with low social support (PR 1.84). These results suggest that primary prevention of neck and shoulder symptoms among white-collar workers should consider job strain, especially when workers have low social support at work. (106258)
CIS 07-497 Psychosocial work environment and registered absence from work: Estimating the etiological fraction. Nielsen M.L., Rugulies R., Smith-Hansen L., Christensen K.B., Kristensen T.S., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2006, Vol.49, No.3, p.187-196. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: This study of the relationship between the psychosocial work environment and sickness absenteeism involved 1919 workers (68% women) in mainly low-skilled jobs from 52 Danish workplaces. Data on psychological demands, decision authority, skill discretion, social support from colleagues or supervisor, predictability and meaning of work were assessed with questionnaires at baseline. Sickness absence was followed-up in employers' registers during a subsequent two-year period. Aetiologic fractions were calculated with the most favourable quartiles as reference: decision authority (12%), social support from supervisors (8%), psychological demands, (6%) and predictability (5%). Results suggest that improving the psychosocial work environment among the less favourable 75% may prevent substantial amounts of absence. (106276)
CIS 07-498 Stress and psychosocial risk factors: Concepts and prevention. (French: Stress et risques psychosociaux: concepts et prévention) Chouanière D., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 2nd Quarter 2006, No.106, p.169-186. Illus. 44 ref. (In French) Internet: The first part of this review article describes the current understanding of stress and psychosocial risk factors, in particular external violence (from persons external to the enterprise), internal violence (from persons within the enterprise) including bullying, suffering and ill-being at work. Chronic stress is the cause of adverse health effects, including cardiovascular diseases, mental health disorders and musculoskeletal diseases. The second part of the article is devoted to stress prevention measures and more broadly to the prevention of psychosocial risk factors. This needs to be undertaken within the broader context of hazard evaluation (compilation of the single document) and the definition of prevention plans. (106327)
CIS 07-499 Approach for the prevention of stress at work - Development of an organizational diagnosis. (French: Démarche de prévention du stress au travail - La réalisation d'un diagnostic organisationnel) François M., Liévin D., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2006, No.107, p.309-319. Illus. 22 ref. (In French) Internet: In response to requests from safety and health professionals and occupational physicians for advice on stress management within the enterprise, the INRS developed a method for the identification of groups of persons exposed to stress and the main factors likely to be the cause of stress. This article describes the development of the diagnostic method and its trial implementation in three establishments. The four stages of the method involve: project implementation, analysis of the structure and function of the enterprise, questionnaire survey of workers and presentation of results of the project. The diagnosis should be followed by the development and implementation of a plan of action. (106426)
CIS 07-500 Report of WFOT situational analysis 19-28 March 2005. Sinclair K., Thomas K., World Federation of Occupational Therapists, PO Box 30, Forrestfield, Western Australia, Australia 6058, 2005. 56p. Illus. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: In order for the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) to plan its strategic response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami, a WFOT team undertook a situational analysis in the region from 19 to 28 March 2005. This document presents the report of the WFOT onsite survey. It includes a number of recommendations for responding to the psychosocial needs of persons affected by such a disaster, including the strengthening of partnerships with occupational therapists in the affected countries, organizing workshops and holding training programmes. (106402)
[ Top of page ] Página generada a partir de la base de datos CISDOC. Fecha: 29.11.09.
|