CIS 07-501 Instructions for labour inspectors concerning the regulatory framework and the unity of the service [Spain]. (Spanish: Instrucciones á los inspectores del trabajo para el régimen y unidad del servicio [España]) Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales, Agustín de Bethencourt 11, 28003 Madrid, Spain, 1909. 47p. (In Spanish)

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This document consists of the full text of regulations concerning labour inspectors dating back to 1909. The regulations specify the mode of operation of inspectors and presents examples of the various documents to be completed by them. (106602)

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CIS 07-502 Sodium dichromate. (Spanish: Dicromato de sodio) Consejo Colombiano de Seguridad, Cra. 20 No. 39 - 62, Bogotá D.C., Colombia, [ca 2006]. 4p. Illus. (In Spanish)

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Chemical safety data sheet for carbon dichromate. The substance is corrosive by all routes of exposure and causes severe burns on contact; inhalation may cause pulmonary sensitization or allergic asthma; high levels of exposure may cause pulmonary oedema; contact with the eyes may cause corneal lesions or blindness; skin contact may cause ulceration; skin absorption may result in systemic effects and may affect renal function; may be fatal if ingested; the substance is carcinogenic to humans. (106510)

CIS 07-503 IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans - Cobalt in hard metals and cobalt sulfate, gallium arsenide, indium phosphide and vanadium pentoxide. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France 2006. xiv, 330p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: USD 40.00., ISBN 92-832-1286-X (In English)

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Most of the compounds whose carcinogenicity is evaluated in this volume are poorly soluble solid materials. They are deposited in particulate form in the lung where they may be retained for a long period of time while exerting their toxic properties. Workers in the hard-metal industry may be exposed to cobalt in hard metals (with or without tungsten carbide); gallium arsenide and indium phosphide are used in the semi-conductor industry and vanadium pentoxide is mainly used in the production of metal alloys. Conclusions of this monograph: cobalt metal without tungsten carbide, cobalt sulfate and other soluble cobalt(II) salts are possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B); gallium arsenide is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1); indium phosphide is probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A); vanadium pentoxide is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). (106552)

CIS 07-504 Transgenic animal mutagenicity assays. Wahnschaffe U., Kielhorn J., Bitsch A., Mangelsdorf I., International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2006. xxv, 298p. Illus. Approx. 450 ref., ISBN 978-92-4-157233-7 (In English)

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http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/ehc/ehc233.pdf

Transgenic animals carry foreign DNA integrated into their DNA, which is present in all their cells. This document provides an introduction to the field of transgenic animal mutagenicity assays and assesses their possible role in toxicology testing and in research into the mechanisms of mutation. The first part of the document gives an overview of in vivo genotoxicity testing, while the second part discusses published data on chemicals tested using transgenic models and compares these with data available from conventional evaluation systems. It includes a glossary and detailed summaries in French and Spanish. (106553)

CIS 07-505 Selected alkoxyethanols - 2-Butoxyethanol. Copestake P., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2005. iv, 51p. Illus. Approx. 180 ref., ISBN 92-4-153067-7 (In English)

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http://www.who.int/entity/ipcs/publications/cicad/cicad_67_2_butoxyethanol.pdf

This criteria document on 2-butoxyethanol is an update of the earlier edition published in 1998 (see CIS 04-262). Human health aspects have been extensively revised on the basis of recent data on carcinogenicity and modes of action. 2-Butoxyethanol has moderate acute toxicity and is irritating to the eyes and skin; it is not a skin sensitizer. The main effect exerted by 2-butoxyethanol and its metabolite 2-butoxyacetic acid is haematotoxicity, with the rat being the most sensitive species. In animals, adverse effects on reproduction and development have not been observed at less than toxic doses. Long-term studies in laboratory animals show some evidence of carcinogenicity in mice. Based on the haemolytic effects observed on pregnant rats exposed during gestation, a revised tolerable concentration of 11.0mg/m³ has been derived. Detailed summaries in French and Spanish are included. (106555)

CIS 07-506 Tetrachloroethene. Watts P., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2006. v, 115p. Illus. Approx. 500 ref., ISBN 978-92-4-153068-2 (In English)

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http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/cicad/cicad68.pdf

Conclusions of this criteria document on tetrachloroethene (tetrachloroethylene): the product is irritating to human and rabbit skin. Vapours were found to be irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract of exposed volunteers. In laboratory animals, acute inhalation and oral toxicities were low. There are reports of central nervous system depression, dizziness, fatigue, loss of coordination, coma and liver damage in humans accidentally exposed to high concentrations by inhalation. The product is clearly carcinogenic in laboratory animals, causing liver tumours in mice. However, it does not appear to be genotoxic or mutagenic. Data on reprotoxic effects are insufficient and inconclusive. A tolerable concentration of 0.2mg/m³ and a tolerable daily intake of 50µg/kg of body weight were derived based on neurotoxicity. Detailed summaries in French and Spanish are included. (106556)

CIS 07-507 Heptachlor. Kielhorn J., Schmidt S., Mangelsdorf I., Howe P., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2006. v, 74p. Illus. Approx. 330 ref., ISBN 978-92-4-153070-5 (In English)

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http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/cicad/cicad70.pdf

This criteria document on heptachlor is an update of an earlier edition published in 1984 (see CIS 86-221). Heptachlor is a persistent chemical and accumulates in the food chain. It was widely used as an insecticide. Although banned in many countries since the 1980s, it is still detected as a contaminant in some food commodities. Heptachlor is readily absorbed following ingestion and skin contact. Animal studies have shown the product to be neurotoxic. It is carcinogenic in mice but not in rats. A tolerable daily intake of 0.1µg/kg of body weight has been derived from experimental studies. Detailed summaries in French and Spanish are included. (106557)

CIS 07-508 Cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds. Kim J.H., Gibb H.J., Howe P.D., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2006. iv, 88p. Illus. Approx. 450 ref., ISBN 978-92-4-153069-9 (In English)

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http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/cicad/cicad69%20.pdf

Conclusions of this criteria document on cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds: rats and mice exposed to cobalt salts by ingestion exhibited a number of effects including necrosis and inflammation of the respiratory tract epithelium, cardiac damage, testicular atrophy and kidney damage. Lung tumours were found in rats and mice exposed to cobalt oxide fumes. Many cobalt salts are genotoxic to mammals. Cobalt has been found to have reproductive and developmental effects in animals. There are reports of skin sensitization in humans following dermal exposure. There is an excess of cancer deaths among workers in the hard metal industry, but the role of cobalt as opposed to other substances has not been proven. An inhalation tolerable concentration of 0.1µg/m³ has been derived based on a cross-sectional study of lung function decrement among diamond polishers. Detailed summaries in French and Spanish are included. (106558)

CIS 07-509 Resorcinol. Hahn S., Kielhorn J., Koppenhöfer J., Wibbertmann A., Mangelsdorf I., Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), WHO Press, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2006. vi, 72p. Illus. 252 ref., ISBN 978-92-4-153071-2 (In English)

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http://www.who.int/entity/ipcs/publications/cicad/cicad71.pdf

Conclusions of this criteria document on resorcinol: in humans, dermal exposure to resorcinol has been reported to be associated with thyroid effects, CNS disturbances, red blood cell changes and a low incidence of skin sensitization; the substance does not appear to be irritating to the skin in the concentrations reported; in animal studies, the reported toxicological effects include thyroid dysfunction, irritation to skin and eyes, CNS effects and altered adrenal gland weights. Abstracts in French and Spanish. (106683)

CIS 07-510 Synthetic amorphous silica (CAS No. 7631-86-9). European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC), Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Sep. 2006. 231p. Illus. Approx. 500 ref. (In English)

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Conclusions of this criteria document: in humans, synthetic amorphous silica is essentially non-toxic by mouth, skin or eyes and by inhalation; epidemiologic studies show little evidence of adverse health effects; repeated exposure (without personal protection) may cause mechanical irritation of the eye and drying or cracking of the skin; there is no evidence of cancer or other long-term respiratory health effects in workers employed in the manufacture of the substance. (106685)

CIS 07-511 Trifluoroethane (HFC-143a) (CAS No. 420-46-2). European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC), Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Oct. 2006. 52p. 59 ref. (In English)

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Conclusions of this criteria document: a preliminary report on a human volunteer toxicokinetic study did not indicate any adverse effect in individuals exposed to 500 ppm for 2 hours; animal experiments indicate a low acute toxicity. In the USA an occupational exposure limit (8hr time-weighted average) of 1,000 ppm is recommended by the American Industrial hygiene Association. (106686)

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CIS 07-512 Workers' magazine: PPRA. (Portuguese: Revista do trabalhador: PPRA) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, [ca 2004]. Videotape (VHS format), 14min. (In Portuguese)

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This videotape examines how to implement the requirements of a programme for the protection of workers and of the environment and natural resources (Programa de Prevenção de Riscos Ambientais, PPRA). (106712)

CIS 07-513 Occupational safety and health - Training package for managers. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2001. Boxed set of three training manuals (151p. Illus.; 162p. Illus; 41p. Illus). (In English)

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This ILO training package consists of a practical guide to the principles and practice of occupational safety and health aimed at managers of small enterprises. Contents: basic training manual (planning the training workshops, course curriculum); training transparencies; examples of low-cost or no-cost measures for accident prevention, hazard mitigation and workplace improvement. (106570)

CIS 07-514 A look at work 1906-2006. (Spanish: Una mirada al trabajo 1906-2006) Viloria A., Garner L., Orús Á., Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales, Agustín de Bethencourt 11, 28003 Madrid, Spain, 2006. DVD 26min. (In Spanish)

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This DVD presents a short historical overview of the Spanish labour and social security inspection administration and examines the most important events that occurred since its foundation in 1906. Each of the four sections covers a different historical period: the monarchy of Alfonso III from 1906 to 1931; the second republic from 1931 to1939; the dictatorship of General Franco from 1939 to 1975; the current constitutional monarchy. (106601)

CIS 07-515 FEDUSA health and safety training manual. The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA), 10 Kingfisher Street, Horizon Park 1725, Johannesburg, South Africa, [ca 2006]. 173p. Illus. (In English)

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This manual provides the syllabus for a 5-day introductory workshop on occupational safety and health. The programme covers: identification of the range of OSH problems facing trade union representatives; understanding the trade union approach to OSH; legal framework; use of ILO and other resource material; role of the health and safety representative; practical follow-up and support mechanisms. (106690)

CIS 07-516 Tackling hazardous child labour in agriculture - Guidance on policy and practice. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2006. 291p. Illus. + CD-ROM., ISBN 92-2-118933-3 (In English)

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http://www.ilo.org/ipecinfo/product/viewProduct.do?productId=2799

This training package comprises a user guide and five guidebooks on a CD-ROM. It is aimed at policy makers to help them plan, formulate and implement programmes to tackle hazardous child labour in agriculture. Contents: background policy information; overview of child labour in agriculture; eliminating hazardous forms of child labour in agriculture; initiatives to tackle hazardous child labour in agriculture; training resources for the guidebooks. (106567)

CIS 07-517 Workers' magazine: PCMAT - Living quarters. (Portuguese: Revista do trabalhador: PCMAT - Áreas de vivência) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, [ca 2004]. Two videotapes (VHS format), 16min and 10min. (In Portuguese)

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The first of these two videotapes explains the requirements for construction companies with more than 20 workers to implement a programme for the management of workplace hazards (Programa de Condições e Meio Ambiente de Trabalho, PCMAT). The second highlights the requirement to provide construction workers with adequate welfare facilities and living quarters during a construction project. (106711)

CIS 07-518 Work improvement for safe home - Action manual for improving safety, health and working conditions of home workers. Kawakami T., Arphorn S., Ujita Y., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2006. 87p. Illus., ISBN 92-2-119080-3 (In English)

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http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/bangkok/library/download/pub06-22.pdf

This WISH (Work Improvement for Safe Home) manual responds to the need of home workers for practical, easy-to-implement ideas to improve their safety, health and working conditions. These improvements will also contribute to higher productivity and efficiency of their work and promote active participation and cooperation of home workers in the same workplace or in the same community. The manual reflects the practical experiences in home worker training in Cambodia, Mongolia, and Thailand carried out within the framework of the ILO's Informal Economy, Poverty and Employment Project. Contents: good practices illustrated in the form of "before" and "after" photographs; check lists; guide to good practices in materials storage and handling, machine safety, workstations, physical environment, welfare facilities and work organization. Also available in Thai (see CIS 03-1107), Khmer and Mongolian. (106568)

CIS 07-519 Napo in: Safe start!. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2006, DVD., ISBN 92-9191-129-1 (In English)

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http://ew2006.osha.europa.eu/napo06.wmv

This DVD uses animation and the universal language of Napo in a training programme suitable for a young audience and for all new entrants to the labour market, including migrant and temporary workers. The role of Napo and his friends is to provide an introduction to occupational safety and health through engaging characters, amusing story lines, humour and a light-hearted approach. (106741)

CIS 07-520 Workers' magazine: Pollution in closed garages. (Portuguese: Revista do trabalhador: Poluição em garagens fechadas) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, [ca 2004]. Videotape (VHS format), 11min. (In Portuguese)

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This videotape explains how workers in closed garages are exposed to high concentrations of carbon monoxide gas from car exhausts and describes measures for minimizing risks to workers' health. (106715)

CIS 07-521 Workers' magazine: Calibration of personal sampling equipment. (Portuguese: Revista do trabalhador: Calibração de bombas) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, [ca 2004]. Videotape (VHS format), 12min. (In Portuguese)

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This videotape explains how to calibrate equipment used for the personal sampling of chemicals in workplace air. (106717)

CIS 07-522 Workers' magazine: Temporary electrical installations. (Portuguese: Revista do trabalhador: Instalações elétricas provisórias) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, [ca 2004]. Videotape (VHS format), 13min. (In Portuguese)

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This videotape shows how construction industry workers are at risk of serious injury from temporary electrical installations and describes preventive measures. (106714)

CIS 07-523 Workers' magazine: Traditional measurement of heat exposure. (Portuguese: Revista do trabalhador: Conjunto convencional para calor) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, [ca 2004]. Videotape (VHS format), 12min. (In Portuguese)

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This videotape describes the health hazards for workers exposed to excessive heat and shows how to install traditional equipment for evaluating worker's exposure to heat by determining Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). (106719)

CIS 07-524 Workers' magazine: NR-29 Hoisting operations. (Portuguese: Revista do trabalhador: NR-29 Operações de guindar) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, [ca 2004]. Videotape (VHS format), 12min. (In Portuguese)

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This videotape identifies the hazards associated with hoisting operations and describes safety measures. (106718)

CIS 07-525 Workers' magazine: Dough moulders. (Portuguese: Revista do trabalhador: Cilindros de massa) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, [ca 2004]. Videotape (VHS format), 12min. (In Portuguese)

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This videotape describes the hazards associated with the use of rolling machines for the treatment of bread dough in the bakery products industry and provides guidance on their safe operation. (106720)

CIS 07-526 Workers' magazine: industrial piping. (Portuguese: Revista do trabalhador: Tubulações industriais) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, [ca 2004]. Videotape (VHS format), 17min. (In Portuguese)

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This videotape shows how planning errors and the lack maintenance of industrial piping often lead to serious accidents. Potential problems are identified and guidance is given on preventive measures. (106716)

CIS 07-527 Know more about HIV/AIDS: A toolkit for workers in the informal economy. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2006. 46p. Illus., ISBN 978-92-2-118429-4 (En), ISBN 978-92-2-818429-7 (Khmer) (In English, Khmer)

Internet:
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/bangkok/library/download/pub06-27.pdf

This toolkit provides easy-to-use materials on HIV and AIDS for the benefit of workers in the informal economy. It is based on the ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work which sets out fundamental principles for policy development and practical guidelines for action in the following key areas: prevention of HIV and AIDS; management and mitigation of the impact of HIV and AIDS on the world of work; care and support of workers infected and affected by HIV and AIDS; elimination of stigma and discrimination on the basis of HIV status. The three sections of the toolkit cover: information and exercises on understanding HIV and AIDS and their consequences; rights, responsibilities, stigma and discrimination; and AIDS-related services for prevention, care and support. (106681)

CIS 07-528 Workers' magazine: RSI and the world of work. (Portuguese: Revista do trabalhador: LER e o mundo do trabalho) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, [ca 2004]. Videotape (VHS format), 15min. (In Portuguese)

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This videotape examines the increase in repetitive strain injuries (RSI) among certain groups of professional workers and explains how the condition may be aggravated by mental stress. Causes of RSI are identified and methods of prevention are described. (106713)

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CIS 07-529 Safety management - Convergence of information technology and physical safety technologies. (Spanish: Gestión de la seguridad - Convergencia de la tecnología de la información y la seguridad física) Schieffelin R.R., Protección Integral y Contra Incendios, 3rd Quarter 2006, Vol.18, p.27-29. Illus. (In Spanish)

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By adopting appropriate methods of safety management, enterprises can considerably reduce their risks and operating costs. This article addresses the convergence of information and physical safety technologies. The Open Security Exchange is an interdisciplinary forum that seeks to bring together the various technologies that constitute the current safety infrastructure in order to optimize the operating safety and efficiency of organizations without affecting their functioning. The main features of the Open Security Exchange are described. (106596)

CIS 07-530 Towards a safety and health culture?. (Spanish: @30Hacia una cultura de la prevención?) Laborda Coronil A., Vallés López I., Prevención, Apr.-June 2006, No.176, p.28-40. Illus. (In Spanish)

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This article discusses the findings of a survey on the beliefs and behaviours of workers with respect to occupational safety and health. The survey entitled Barómetro Mutua Egara was conducted by a Spanish mutual accident insurance institution in 500 enterprises. It provides an indicator of the level of safety as perceived by workers. It was found that close to 50% of workers do not apply or only partially apply the safety rules recommended by the enterprise. To encourage workers to adopt safety measures, they should be properly informed of the risks they face and receive suitable training. (106598)

CIS 07-531 Occupational and commuting accidents in 2004: A sharp reduction in fatal accidents. (German: Arbeits- und Wegeunfälle 2004: besonders starker Rückgang bei tödlichen Unfällen) Basi Infoprint, Summer 2005, No.2, p.12, 17. Illus. (In German)

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http://www.basi.de/pages/d/infoprint/IP-2-05-web.pdf

In 2004 in Germany, there was an overall decrease in occupational accidents (-5.2%) and commuting accidents (-4.4%), with an even further decrease in fatal accidents (-12% and -18% respectively). There was also a decrease in the number of diseases suspected to be caused by occupational factors (-1.5% with respect to 2003). However, confirmed cases increased by 0.5%, while the number of deaths from occupational diseases was slightly lower than in 2003 (-0.3%). (106504)

CIS 07-532 Occupational accidents and diseases in 2004. (French: Accidents et maladies professionnelles en 2004) Talia J., Face au risque, Sep. 2006, No.425, p.21-22. Illus. (In French)

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This article presents the salient statistics of occupational accidents and diseases in France and in Europe for the year 2004. Despite continuous improvements in the rate of occupational accidents since the 1950s, their severity is increasing. Concerning occupational diseases, the upward trend is essentially due to improvements in their notification, recognition and compensation. (106574)

CIS 07-533 Changes to the occupational safety and health regulations on safety audits introduced by Royal Decree 604/2006. (Spanish: Modificaciones introducidas por el Real Decreto 604/2006 en el reglamento de los servicios de prevención, en lo que respecta a las auditorias reglamentarias) Rubio Romero J.C., Moreno Ortiz F.M., Prevención, Apr.-June 2006, No.176, p.42-50. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish)

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This article reviews and comments on the changes to the occupational safety and health regulations on safety audits introduced by Spanish Royal Decree 604/2006. These changes concern in particular the frequency of these audits, the content and methodology applied and the action plan needed to address the gaps identified. (106599)

CIS 07-534 Improving the provision of OHS support in Australia. Bluff L., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, June 2006, Vol.22, No.3, p.227-236. 43 ref. (In English)

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This article examines the need for Australian workplaces to have access to occupational safety and health (OSH) knowledge, capability and specialized services to be able to fulfil their legal responsibilities and to effectively protect the safety, health and welfare of people at work. Drawing from international experience in seven European countries, the article discusses the importance of providing OSH know-how and expertise together with the role of legislation to underpin the objectives, function, organization, funding, professional competence, quality and effectiveness of OSH support. (106521)

CIS 07-535 Globalization of occupational health: China's development and reform. Garrosa Hernández E., Moreno Jiménez B., Lanstätter F., Liang Y., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Mar. 2006, Vol.LII, No.202, p.39-44. 8 ref. (In English)

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http://www.isciii.es/htdocs/centros/medicinadeltrabajo/revistamedicinatrabajo/Me…
   …dicina_y_Seguridad_del_Trabajo_202.pdf

This article reviews trends in occupational diseases and accidents in China since the 1950s, describes the development of occupational health services and examines whether modernization accelerates and improves the process. It compares the situation in China with that of Europe. (106593)

CIS 07-536 Occupational hazards from a gender perspective: Literature survey. (Spanish: Riesgos laborales de la perspectiva de género: revisión de la literatura) Delgado Páez D.L., Rodríguez Ortiz de Salazar B., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Mar. 2006, Vol.LII, No.202, p.47-58. Illus. 32 ref. (In Spanish)

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http://www.isciii.es/htdocs/centros/medicinadeltrabajo/revistamedicinatrabajo/Me…
   …dicina_y_Seguridad_del_Trabajo_202.pdf

Based on the findings of a literature survey, this article analyses the elements and factors that influence occupational health and working conditions in Spain. It examines the differences between occupational hazards faced by men and women, as well as the health effects they cause. (106594)

CIS 07-537 Occupational safety and health: An expense, a transfer of costs or simply stated, a tax?. (Spanish: Prevención de riesgos laborales: ¿gasto, inversión o simplemente un impuesto?) Castejón Vilella E., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, July 2006, No.38, p.12-19. Illus. 6 ref. (In Spanish)

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http://www.mtas.es/insht/revista/A_38_ST01.htm

The prevention of occupational hazards is a legal obligation for enterprises involving important costs but whose benefits are only apparent in the long term. This article raises the question as to whether the prevention of occupational hazards constitutes an expense, a transfer of costs or simply a tax, and advances the hypothesis that prevention activities constitute a tax given that they consist of mandatory payments made by individual organizations that benefit society at large. (106606)

CIS 07-538 Integrated prevention - Efficient prevention. (Spanish: Prevención integrada: prevención eficaz) Teixidó Campàs P., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, July 2006, No.38, p.20-28. Illus. (In Spanish)

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http://www.mtas.es/insht/revista/A_38_ST02.htm

While efficient occupational safety and health measures improve working conditions and increase the reliability of manufacturing processes, they also require properly-trained workers. Their purpose is to reduce the rates of occupational accidents and diseases. This article describes the seven pillars of an efficient occupational safety and health system and explains how their integration improves the efficiency of the measures. (106607)

CIS 07-539 Findings of the survey on working conditions. (Spanish: Resultados de la encuesta de condiciones de trabajo) Almodóvar Molina A., Nogareda Cuixart C., Fraile Cantalejo A., Pinilla García F.J., Villar Fernández M.F., de la Orden Rivera M.V., Zimmermann Verdejo M., Lara Mendaza J.M., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, July 2006, No.38, p.30-45. Illus. (In Spanish)

Internet:

http://www.mtas.es/insht/revista/A_38_DSST.htm

This article presents the findings of a survey carried out in 2004 and 2005 on working conditions and the prevention of occupational hazards. The same methodology as that of the 5th national survey was used, except that workers were interviewed at their home instead of at their place of work. Contents: survey concept; comparison of the data with that of the 5th national survey on working conditions; occupational safety and health organization; occupational safety and health activities; safety conditions; work environment; workplace design; physical workload; mental workload; psychosocial factors; health hazards; subjective assessment of working conditions. The survey found that by interviewing workers at their homes, the sample population was somewhat different from that encountered at the place of work (workers with sickness absenteeism, workers without work contracts, etc.) and furthermore the responses showed significant differences. (106608)

CIS 07-540 Evaluating workplace inspections. Lindblom L., Hansson S.O., Policy and Practice in Health and Safety, 2004, Vol.2, No.2, p.77-91. Illus. 50 ref. (In English)

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This article introduces a theoretical framework for the evaluation of workplace inspections with respect to their effects on working conditions. The choice of a concept of efficiency is discussed, and its relation to criteria for a good working environment is clarified. It is concluded that in order to obtain reliable information on the effects of different inspection methods, it is necessary to perform controlled comparative studies in which different methods are used in different workplaces. The studies that are available provide sufficient evidence that inspections can increase compliance with regulations and that they can also increase workplace safety, but not much can be concluded about the relative efficiency of different inspection methods. (106613)

CIS 07-541 Use of a national reporting system for occupational injuries in Costa Rica. Buchanan S., Krantz A., Klempner S., Alvarado R., Wesseling C., Fernández E., Forst L., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr.-June 2006, Vol.12, No.2, p.142-146. 19 ref. (In English)

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Occupational injury surveillance in developing countries may be hindered by the lack of health data infrastructure as well by the relative importance of the informal sector. This study examined occupational injuries in a district of Costa Rica using data collected between 1998 and 2002 through the national workers social security system. There were 184 injuries reported during the five-year period. Occupations with the highest number of injuries included production, building and grounds maintenance, agriculture, forestry and fishing. Descriptive data showed that prevention efforts in this rural region should target food manufacturing, hotels and construction. (106644)

CIS 07-542 Best behaviour. Francis S., Paddon F., Safety and Health Practitioner, July 2006, Vol.24, No.7, p.32-34. Illus. 3 ref. (In English)

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This article provides guidance for safety and health professionals in the United Kingdom on ethical issues related to workplace accident investigations. Topics addressed: professional conduct; professional obligations; conflicts of interest; role of safety inspectors; dealing with accusations of obstruction; balancing conflicting obligations; dealing with a personal conflict of interest. (106650)

CIS 07-543 Industry influence on occupational and environmental public health. Huff J., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.107-117. 201 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.ijoeh.com/pfds/IJOEH_1301_Huff.pdf

Traditional covert influence of industry on occupational and environmental health (OEH) policies has become much more visible in recent years. More than ever before the OEH community is witnessing the perverse influence and increasing control by industry interests. It is proposed that scientists and clinicians unite scientifically, politically and practically for the betterment of public health and common good. Working together is the only way public health professionals can achieve more results. (106655)

CIS 07-544 New approaches to integrated occupational safety and health and environmental protection. (German: Neue Wege zum integrierten Arbeits- und Umweltschutz) Bieneck H.J., Sicherheitsingenieur, 2006, Vol.37, No.7, p.12-15. (In German)

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The ties between occupational safety and health and environmental protection have always been close ones. For example, risk evaluations of chemical substances in the European Union include the study of their effects on health and the environment. In many companies, safety officers need to cooperate with those in charge of environmental concerns. Increasingly, more companies integrate occupational safety and health as well as environmental protection into the company management system because studies confirm that staff, company and society benefit from such integrated management systems. Sustainable protection measures which go beyond legal requirements are increasingly selected in companies and examples of such good practices are being published in the hope that these integrated approaches to occupational safety and health and environmental protection will quickly spread to a large number of companies. (106693)

CIS 07-545 Characterizing the burden of occupational injury and disease. Schulte P.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2005, Vol.47, No.6, p.607-622. Illus. 131 ref. (In English)

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The objective of this literature survey was to characterize the cost burden of occupational disease and injury in the USA. Literature from 1990 to the present was evaluated. Thirty-eight studies illustrative of the burden of occupational disease were reviewed for findings, methodology, strengths and limitations. Recent estimates of occupational mortality and morbidity include approximately 55,000 deaths (eighth leading cause) and 3.8 million disabling injuries per year, respectively. Estimates of costs related to these diseases and injuries range between USD 128 billion and 155 billion per year. Despite these significant indicators, the magnitude of occupational disease and injury burden is underestimated. There is a need for an integrated approach to address these underestimates. (106732)

CIS 07-546 Occupational safety and health: Employer's guide. (Polish: Bezpieczeństwo i higiena pracy: Poradnik dla pracodawcy) Główny Inspektorat Pracy, ul. Krucza 38/42,00-926 Warszawa, Poland, [ca 2005]. 72p. 25 ref. (In Polish)

Internet:

http://www.pip.gov.pl/html/pl/doc/07040020.pdf

This booklet presents basic information on occupational safety and health. It covers the rights and obligations of employers and workers with regard to OSH and explains the safety requirements for machinery, technical equipment and the workplace. Problems related to occupational accidents and diseases and OSH regulations are discussed. (106726)

CIS 07-547 Resolution of the Mongolian Government No.75. (Mongolian: Khödölmöriyn ayuulgüy azhillagaa, erüül akhuyn orchniig sayzhruulakh ündesniy khötölbör) Republic of Mongolia, Ministry of Social Welfare and Labour, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 2005. p.3-24 (Mongolian); p.25-44 (English). (In English, Mongolian)

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This booklet contains the full text of Resolution No.75 of the Mongolian Government concerning the National Programme on improving occupational safety and health and the working environment. Contents: justification; goal of the programme; implementation period and financial resources; activities; work plan for the first phase (2005-2007) of the programme. (106569)

CIS 07-548 Annual report 2005. Workplace safety and health - a new framework. Occupational Safety and Health Division. Ministry of Manpower, Occupational Health Department, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764, Republic of Singapore, 2005. CD-ROM. (In English)

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Annual report of the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Singapore Ministry of Manpower, 2005. Contents includes: the new OSH framework aimed at halving occupational fatalities by 2015; regulatory framework and enforcement; safety and health training; promoting best practices; information services; statistics on occupational accidents and diseases. (106661)

CIS 07-549 The Social Security Corporation. Annual report 2002. The Social Security Corporation, P.O.Box: 926031, Amman - 11110, Jordan, 2002. 168p. Illus. (In English)

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Annual report of Jordan's Social Security Corporation, 2002. Contents includes statistics on work injuries and occupational diseases by economic activity. (106662)

CIS 07-550 Labor administration 2005. Ministry of Labour, Government Complex-Gwacheon, Kyunggi-Do, 427-718, Republic of Korea, 2005. 112p. Illus. (In English)

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Report of activities of the Korean Ministry of Labour in 2005. Includes chapters on: labour standards and employee welfare; industrial safety and health (trends in industrial accidents, creation of healthy and pleasant workplaces, enhancement of safety awareness); and industrial accident compensation insurance. (106665)

CIS 07-551 Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency - Annual report 2004. Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA), 34-4, Gusan-dong, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, 403-711, Republic of Korea, 2004. 62p. Illus. (In English)

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Report of the activities of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) in 2004. Reviews the major projects undertaken during the year and includes statistics on occupational accidents and diseases. (106666)

CIS 07-552 Annual report JISHA - 2005 Edition. Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association, 5-35-1, Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-014, Japan, 2005. 45p. Illus. (In English)

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Report of the activities of the Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association (JISHA) in 2004-2005. Includes details of: assistance to small enterprises; technical services; research and surveys; total health promotion; promotion of comfortable workplaces; education and training; publications; international cooperation. (106667)

CIS 07-553 Annual report of activities 2004 - Centre for the Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment (CIWCE) Lahore. Centre for the Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment (CIWCE), Civic Centre Township (near Chandni Chowk), Lahore, Pakistan, 2004. v, 59p. Illus. (In English)

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Annual report of activities of the Centre for the Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment, the Industrial Relations Institute, 2004. Contents includes: introduction to the organization and functions of the Centre; publications received; training kit on OSH in carpet weaving communities; outline of other specialized training courses; activities of the Child Labour Resource Centre and of the Industrial Relations Institute. (106668)

CIS 07-554 Kingdom of Swaziland - Department of Labour - Annual report 2003. Department of Labour, P.O. Box 198, Mbabane, Swaziland, 2003. 118p. Illus. (In English)

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Annual report of the Department of Labour, Swaziland for 2003. Contents includes: workmen's compensation and statistics on occupational accidents and injuries; activities of the Factories Inspectorate; industrial and vocational training. (106669)

CIS 07-555 Kingdom of Swaziland - Department of Labour - Annual report 2004. Department of Labour, P.O. Box 198, Mbabane, Swaziland, 2004. xi, 112p. Illus. (In English)

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Annual report of the Department of Labour, Swaziland for 2004. Contents includes: workmen's compensation and statistics on occupational accidents and injuries; activities of the Factories Inspectorate; industrial and vocational training; (106670)

CIS 07-556 Worklife in the Netherlands. Smulders P.G.W., ed., TNO Work & Employment, Polarisavenue 151, Postbox 718, 2130 AS Hoofdorp, The Netherlands, 2006. 182p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 21.00 plus VAT., ISBN 978-90-5986-210-4 (In English)

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This book consists of a collection of research publications on aspects of work life including trends in work and health according to age, gender and sectors of activity. It focuses on working hours and overtime, computer work and working at home. It describes the labour and social security legislation of the Netherlands and examines how the Netherlands relates to other European countries with respect to work and health. It draws heavily on representative datasets developed in agreement with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment to monitor work and health in the Netherlands since the year 2000. (106551)

CIS 07-557 Activities and achievements 1996-2000. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Hegaz Square, P.O.Box 2208, Nozha, Heliopolis, Egypt, no date. 42p. Illus. (In English)

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This document reviews the five years' of activity (1996-2000) of the Egyptian National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Following a short summary of the history of the institute, it presents the activities of the research sector, the field services department and the general training department. (106561)

CIS 07-558 National profile on occupational safety and health [Philippines]. Department of Labor and Employment, Occupational Safety and Health Center, North Avenue corner Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, 2006. 80p. Illus. 35 ref. (In English)

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This report reviews the current situation regarding occupational safety and health (OSH) in the Philippines. Contents: OSH trends, including statistics on occupational accidents and diseases; legal framework; national OSH system and network; national action and achievements under the strategic plan 1998-2004; emerging OSH concerns (chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards); special categories of vulnerable workers; medium term OSH challenges; overview of the strategic plan 2006-2010. Annexes include: ILO Conventions ratified; training courses; research projects 1998-2005. (106688)

CIS 07-559 Good practices in safety, health and working conditions. Kawakami T., ed., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2006. 20p. Illus., ISBN 978-92-2-119168-1 (In English)

Internet:
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/bangkok/library/download/pub06-24.pdf

This booklet comprises a collection of photographs showing best practices in safety, health and working conditions implemented by home workers, farmers and construction workers and managers in Cambodia, Mongolia, and Thailand. Workers attended participatory training workshops and implemented improvements using locally available low-cost materials. (106689)

CIS 07-560 CE labelling - What you should know. (Polish: Co należy wiedzieć o oznakowaniu CE) Jędrzejewska M., Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy, ul. Krucza 38/42, 00-926 Warszawa, Poland, 2005. 30p. 5 ref. (In Polish)

Internet:

http://www.pip.gov.pl/html/pl/doc/07040045.pdf

The legal requirements for the labelling of products in Poland according to CE specifications are explained, including the rules covering legal responsibility when products are not labelled. Includes lists of current regulations and products that require labelling. (106727)

CIS 07-561 Adapt your company to the labour law in force: Checklist with comments. (Polish: Dostosuj swój zakład do obowiązującego prawa pracy: Lista kontrolna z komentarzem) Staszewski S., Główny Inspektorat Pracy, ul. Krucza 38/42, 00-926 Warszawa, Poland, 2005. 72p. 34 ref. (In Polish)

Internet:

http://www.pip.gov.pl/html/pl/doc/07040042.pdf

This checklist provides help for employers in Poland in assessing compliance with occupational safety and health regulations and standards in their enterprises. It includes guidance on preventive measures for the reduction of hazards and lists of relevant regulations and standards. (106729)

CIS 07-562 2005 Annual review - Evolving the face of healthy workplaces. Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA), Centre for Health & Safety Innovation, 5110 Creekbank Road, Suite 300, Mississauga, Ontario L4W 0A1, Canada, 2005. 24p. Illus. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.iapa.ca/documents/2005_Annual_Review1.pdf
http://www.iapa.ca/documents/2005_Annual_Review2.pdf
http://www.iapa.ca/documents/2005_Annual_Review3.pdf
http://www.iapa.ca/documents/2005_Annual_Review4.pdf

This annual report of the Industrial Accident Prevention Association of the Canadian Province of Ontario presents a review of the organization's successes in 2005 in helping member enterprises reduce injury rates and act on opportunities to create healthy, productive, and sustainable workplaces. It also includes a summary of the financial statements for the year. (106745)

CIS 07-563 Positive - Report of pilot project on participatory OSH improvements by local initiative for factories in southern China. Hong Kong Workers' Health Centre, Room 1429, 14/F Beverley Commercial Centre, 87-105 Chatham Road South, Hong Kong, SAR, China, ca 2006. 24p. Illus. 6 ref., ISBN 962-85552-9-4 (In Chinese, English)

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In this booklet, staff from the Hong Kong Workers' Health Centre describe their experiences in participatory occupational safety and health training in six factories in southern China, involved in leather, shoes, jewellery and garment industries, working closely with twelve volunteers from these factories. (106746)

CIS 07-564 Annual report 2005. Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, 34-4 Gusan-dong, Bupyung-gu, Incheon 403-711, Republic of Korea, 2005. 33p. Illus. (In English)

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Contents of this annual report of the Korean Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) for the year 2005: message from the President; introduction to KOSHA; aims and directions of projects for the prevention of industrial accidents in 2005; statistics of accidents and occupational diseases in 2005; organization chart; number of employees; contact information. (106750)

CIS 07-565 Personal protective equipment - Labelling, ordering and standards. (Dutch: Persoonlijke beschermingsmiddelen - Markering, bestelling en normen; French: Equipements de protection individuelle - Marquage, commande et normes) PREVENT, rue Gachard 88, bte 4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, rev. ed., 2006. 26p. Illus. 6 ref. (In Dutch, French)

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Belgian legislation requires that all personal protective equipment (PPE) placed on sale after 1 July 1995 should carry the EC label. This document provides information for manufacturers and users on the implications of this legislation. It explains procedures for the marking and ordering of PPE and the requirements for accompanying documentation. Standards, levels of protection, number codes and safety pictogrammes are given for each PPE category: safety clothing, foot protection, hand protection, face and eye protection, respiratory protection, hearing protection, head protection, protection against falling, protection against drowning and electrical protection. Replaces CIS 01-414. (106748)

CIS 07-566 Safety training - Regulatory requirements. (French: Formation à la sécurité - Obligations réglementaires) Le Roy A., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 6th ed., Nov. 2006. 26p. Price: EUR 4.10. Downloadable version free of charge, ISBN 2-7389-1313-X (In French)

Internet:
http://www.inrs.fr/INRS-PUB/inrs01.nsf/inrs01_search_view_view/B81E2049FE15F88DC…
   …1256E9200562C35/$FILE/ed832.pdf

Safety training for employees is one of the legal duties of enterprise managers and is an integral part of the prevention policy that they are required to implement. The first part of this document concerns the general safety training requirements laid down in Article L. 231-3-1 of the French Labour Code. The second part describes training requirements for specific workplaces, materials or equipment and for members of occupational safety and health committees. Replaces CIS 06-1084. (106680)

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CIS 07-567 New recommendations for the evaluation of occupational skin diseases. (German: Neue Begutachtungsempfehlungen für beruflich verursachte Hauterkrankungen) Blome O., Diepgen T.L., Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, Aug. 2004, Vol.54, No.8, p.278-291. Illus. 20 ref. (In German)

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During 2002, 17,848 cases of occupational skin disease were registered by the German mutual occupational accident insurance associations. German occupational disease legislation requires insurance providers to carry out an investigation to determine whether a disease is caused by occupational factors. In order to improve the quality of these evaluations and the transparency of decisions concerning skin diseases, recommendations were published in the form of a document known as the "Bamberg notice" (Bamberger Merkblatt). These recommendations were approved by all parties concerned. This article presents the various aspects that need to be taken into account according to the notice when conducting a medical evaluation aimed at establishing the occupational nature of a skin disease. (106502)

CIS 07-568 Long-term longitudinal study on the relationship between alternating shift work and the onset of diabetes mellitus in male Japanese workers. Suwazono Y., et al., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2006, Vol.48, No.5, p.455-461. 36 ref. (In English)

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This longitudinal study involving Japanese workers investigated the effect of alternating shift work (ASW) on the onset of diabetes mellitus compared with onset in day-shift work (DSW). It was carried out on a DSW group of 3203 workers and an ASW group of 2426 workers of a steel company and was based on annual check-up data from 1991 to 2001. The association between job schedule type and onset of diabetes mellitus (glycated haemoglobin Alc≥6.0% or medication) was investigated by multivariate logistic regression. The odds ratio for the development of diabetes mellitus in the ASW group compared with the DSW group was 1.35. The study revealed that ASW is an independent risk factor for the onset of diabetes mellitus. (106522)

CIS 07-569 Hearing loss in migrant agricultural workers. Rabinowitz P.M., Sircar K.D., Tarabar S., Galusha D., Slade M.D., Journal of Agromedicine, 2005, Vol.10, No.4, p.9-17. Illus. 20 ref. (In English)

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This cross-sectional survey of 150 migrant agricultural workers was conducted to assess the prevalence and impact of hearing loss in this population, using a bilingual questionnaire. Pure tone audiometry and tympanometry were performed in a mobile testing van. More than half the subjects had some degree of hearing loss, especially in the higher frequencies. Hispanic males in the sample had significantly greater prevalence of high-frequency hearing loss compared to those in the national Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES). More than 35% of respondents complained of subjective difficulty hearing or understanding speech. Even after adjusting for measured hearing loss, Hispanic farm workers were more likely than their English-speaking counterparts to complain of difficulty hearing or understanding speech, suggesting that language barriers could worsen the impact of hearing loss. Risk factors for hearing loss included age, abnormal tympanometry, and exposures to noise and pesticides. The use of hearing protection was rare. (106529)

CIS 07-570 The reported incidence of work-related ill health in Scotland (2002-2003). Chen Y., Turner S., McNamee R., Ramsay C.N., Agius R.M., Occupational Medicine, June 2005, Vol.55, No.4, p.252-261. 32 ref. (In English)

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The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence of work-related ill health in Scotland in 2002-2003 using data supplied by physicians participating in a UK wide reporting scheme. During this period, there were 4043 estimated cases of work-related ill health in Scotland. Mental ill-health was most frequently reported (41%); followed by musculoskeletal disorders (31%), skin disorders (16%), respiratory diseases (10%), hearing disorders (2%) and infection (1%). The average annual incidence rate per 100,000 employees for all work-related ill-health was 86.0. The highest rate for mental ill-health was found for employees in public administration and defence (76.7 per 100,000), and health and social work (72.3 per 100,000). The construction industry had the highest rate of musculoskeletal disorders (41.6 per 100,000), while hairdressers appeared at most risk of developing occupational contact dermatitis (86.4 per 100,000). (106533)

CIS 07-571 A study of work-related musculoskeletal case reports to the Health and Occupation Reporting Network (THOR) from 2002 to 2003. Chen Y., Turner S., Hussey L., Agius R., Occupational Medicine, June 2005, Vol.55, No.4, p.268-274. 17 ref. (In English)

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Occupational musculoskeletal disorders are frequently seen by occupational physicians and rheumatologists, and there are well-established schemes in the United Kingdom for reporting these conditions. An apparent fall in case reporting for work-related musculoskeletal disorders to The Health and Occupation Reporting network (THOR) and the Musculoskeletal Occupational Surveillance Scheme (MOSS) was observed from 2002 to 2003. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons for these changes. It is concluded that the fall in occupational musculoskeletal case reporting between 2002 and 2003 cannot be explained by internal factors within the reporting system, and further investigation is required to understand the reasons behind this fall in case reporting. (106535)

CIS 07-572 Work-related infectious disease reported to the Occupational Disease Intelligence Network and the Health and Occupation Reporting Network in the UK (2000-2003). Turner S., Lines S., Chen Y., Hussey L., Agius R., Occupational Medicine, June 2005, Vol.55, No.4, p.275-281. Illus. 22 ref. (In English)

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The objective of this study was to examine the reporting of infectious diseases by physicians participating in schemes for collecting data on occupational ill-health in the United Kingdom. Cases of infectious disease reported to the Occupational Disease Intelligence Network (ODIN) and The Health and Occupation Reporting network (THOR) from 2000 to 2003 were analysed by reporting patterns, diagnosis, single case or outbreak reporting and industry. The total number of cases of infectious disease reported to ODIN and THOR from 2000 to 2003 was 5606. 74.9% cases were diarrhoeal disease and 11.1% were scabies. The most frequently-reported sectors were social care (39.5%) and health (29.4%) while the manufacture of chemicals contributed 4.3% overall. Despite limitations related to underreporting, these schemes provide data that may be used to look at patterns of case reporting for occupational ill-health, including infectious disease. (106536)

CIS 07-573 Reported occupational respiratory diseases in Catalonia. Orriols R., Costa R., Albanell M., Alberti C., Castejon J., Monso E., Panades R., Rubira N., Zock J.P., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2006, Vol.63, No.4, p.255-260. 26 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://oem.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/63/4/255.pdf

Occupational physicians, chest physicians and other specialists in the Spanish Province of Catalonia were invited to report newly-diagnosed cases of occupational respiratory diseases during the year 2002. These data were then compared with official statistics supplied by occupational accident and disease insurance funds. It was found that the official scheme for reporting occupational lung diseases is seriously underreporting in Catalonia. A surveillance programme based on voluntary reporting by physicians may provide better understanding of the incidence and characteristics of these diseases. Persulfates, cleaning products and isocyanates were the most reported causes of occupational asthma, with metal industries and cleaning services being the most frequently involved sectors. (106543)

CIS 07-574 The triad of shift work, occupational noise, and physical workload and the risk of coronary heart disease. Virkkunen H., Härmä M., Kauppinen T., Tenkanen L., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2006, Vol.63, No.6, p.378-386. Illus. 41 ref. (In English)

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This study was undertaken to evaluate the short and long term effects of shift work, noise and physical workload on the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and to estimate the joint effects of these factors. It was carried out in the form of a 13-year follow-up of 1804 middle-aged industrially employed men. The CHD end points were obtained from official Finnish registers. The Finnish job-exposure matrix FINJEM provided information on occupational exposures. Relative risks of CHD for the exposures were estimated using Cox's proportional hazard models adjusting for classical risk factors of CHD. Findings are discussed. Shift work and continuous noise entailed an excess risk for CHD in the shortest follow up with only a few retired workers but a decreasing risk during the longer follow up. For physical workload and impulse noise the trend was opposite: the CHD risk was increasing with increasing follow up time despite increasing numbers of retired workers. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed. (106545)

CIS 07-575 The French national mesothelioma surveillance program. Goldberg M., et al., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2006, Vol.63, No.6, p.390-395. Illus. 24 ref. (In English)

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This article describes the French national mesothelioma surveillance programme. Its objectives are to estimate trends in mesothelioma incidence and the proportion attributable to occupational asbestos exposure, to help improve its pathological diagnosis, to assess its compensation as an occupational disease and to contribute to research. The programme records incident pleural tumours in 21 French Departments that cover a population of approximately 16 million people (a quarter of the French population). A standardized procedure of pathological and clinical diagnosis is used. Among men, the industries with the highest risks of mesothelioma are construction and ship repair, the asbestos industry and the manufacture of metal construction materials; the occupations at highest risk are plumbers, pipe-fitters, and sheet-metal workers. The attributable risk fraction for occupational asbestos exposure in men was 83.2%. (106547)

CIS 07-576 The risk of lung cancer with increasing time since ceasing exposure to asbestos and quitting smoking. Reid A., de Klerk N.H., Ambrosini G.L., Berry G., Musk A.W., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2006, Vol.63, No.8, p.509-512. 23 ref. (In English)

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The objective of this study was to examine whether the risk of lung cancer declines with increasing time since ceasing exposure to asbestos and quitting smoking, and to determine the relative asbestos effect between non-smokers and current smokers. It was conducted in the form of a cohort study of 2935 former workers of an Australian asbestos mine and mill who responded to a questionnaire on smoking first issued in 1979 and for whom quantitative estimates of asbestos exposure were known. Conditional logistic regression was used to relate asbestos exposure, smoking category and risk of lung cancer. Findings are discussed. Persons exposed to asbestos and tobacco but who subsequently quit remain at an increased risk for lung cancer up to 20 years later. This study emphasizes the importance of smoking prevention programmes among these workers at high risk of lung cancer. (106617)

CIS 07-577 The frequency of workplace exacerbation among health maintenance organisation members with asthma. Henneberger P.K., Derk S.J., Sama S.R., Boylstein R.J., Hoffman C.D., Preusse P.A., Rosiello R.A., Milton D.K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2006, Vol.63, No.8, p.551-557. Illus. 33 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The objective of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of workplace exacerbation of asthma (WEA). Members of a health maintenance organization with asthma aged 18-44 were enrolled into the baseline survey of a longitudinal study. Diagnosis and treatment were confirmed by a review of medical records. A work related symptom score was assigned to each participant based on responses to questions about work-related asthma symptoms, medication use and symptom triggers. Blinded to participants' answers to these questions, two researchers independently reviewed the self-reported work histories and assigned exposure ratings. A final exposure score was then calculated. Participants with sufficient evidence for work related symptoms and exposure were classified as having WEA. Of the 598 participants with complete data, 557 were working, and 136 fulfilled the criteria for WEA. Those with WEA were more likely to be male and to report that they had been bothered by asthma symptoms during the past seven days. (106620)

CIS 07-578 Musculoskeletal complaints and psychosocial risk factors among physicians in mainland China. Smith D.R., Wei N., Zhang Y.J., Wang R.S., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, June 2006, Vol.36, No.6, p.599-603.13 ref. (In English)

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The aim of this study was to investigate musculoskeletal complaints (MSC) among a cross-section of physicians in China. A total of 361 doctors were surveyed, with MSC categories focusing on the neck, shoulder, upper back and lower back regions. The 12-month MSC period-prevalence at any region was 67.5%. Complaints were most commonly reported at the lower back (43.7%), followed by the neck (42.3%), shoulder (37.8%) and upper back (29%). Female gender was associated with an increased likelihood of MSC at any region (odds ratio, OR 3.05). Working in the internal medicine department was associated with an increased likelihood of MSC at the neck (OR 1.85), shoulder (OR 2.06), upper back (OR 2.19) and any region (OR 2.85). Psychosocial risk factors were also identified as follows: too much overtime (OR 2.04-2.65), high mental pressure (OR 2.28), inadequate work support (OR 3.62) and inadequate work discussion (OR 3.07). (106623)

CIS 07-579 Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among workers in industries of South Tehran, Iran. Ghasemkhani M., Kumashiro M., Rezaei M., Anvari A.R., Mazloumi A., Sadeghipour H.R., Industrial Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.44, No.2, p.218-224. 27 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.jniosh.go.jp/old/niih/en/indu_hel/2006/pdf/indhealth_44_2_218.pdf

The aim this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms resulting from occupational lung hazards among workers in industries of South Tehran, Iran. Data on demographic characteristics, cigarette smoking, occupational history and respiratory symptoms were collected from workers through multistage sampling. Among the 880 workers studied, 252 were smokers. Also, it was observed that workers were exposed to pollutants such as dust, gas and fume pollutants. The prevalent respiratory symptoms were cough (20.7%), phlegm (41.6%), dyspnoea (41.7%), chest tightness (27.4%) and nose irritation (23.5%). It is concluded that occupational exposures among workers in industries of South Tehran may cause respiratory symptoms and disorders. Various engineering controls and industrial hygiene measures are recommended. (106645)

CIS 07-580 About occupational risk factors for lung cancer. (Polish: O zawodowych czynnikach ryzyka raka płuca) Świątkowska B., Prewencja i Rehabilitacja, 2006, No.1, p.7-14. 25 ref. (In Polish)

Internet:
http://www.zus.pl/files/PR012006.pdf

The major occupational risk factors for lung cancer are discussed. The types of activities and occupations that are considered to increase risk of the disease are listed and suspected casual factors for the origin of cancers are examined. The characteristics of some carcinogenic substances are presented. (106722)

CIS 07-581 Tumor necrosis factor alpha and pulmonary function in Saskatchewan grain handlers. McDuffie H.H., et al., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2006, Vol.48, No.5, p.505-511. 50 ref. (In English)

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This study investigated the potential relationship to pulmonary function of factors related to lifestyle (smoking) and inherited susceptibility/resistance (TNF-308 alpha genotype) among grain handlers in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada. 157 male grain handlers provided occupational and respiratory symptom information, pulmonary function measurements and DNA for genotyping. Findings highlight the complexity of determining which workers will develop acute and chronic adverse pulmonary conditions in response to exposure to grain dust and toxins in cigarette smoke. (106523)

CIS 07-582 Methemoglobinemia: An industrial outbreak among rubber molding workers. Linz A.J., Greenham R.K., Fallon L.F., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, May 2006, Vol.48, No.5, p.523-528. 24 ref. (In English)

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This article describes the investigation of an occupational outbreak of methaemoglobinaemia among five steam press operators at a rubber plant. Investigative findings identified the cause as repeated exposure (through manual handling) to an adhesive containing dinitrobenzene. The workers presented with yellow-stained hands and a variety of clinical manifestations. Methaemoglobinaemia levels obtained in the emergency room ranged from 3.8% to 41.2%. Methylene blue rapidly reversed the cyanosis and alleviated associated symptoms in the rubber moulding workers requiring treatment. (106524)

CIS 07-583 Cancer mortality in German carbon black workers 1976-98. Wellmann J., Weiland S.K., Neiteler G., Klein G., Straif K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2006, Vol.63, No.8, p.513-521. Illus. 21 ref. (In English)

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This study explores the mortality of a cohort of 1535 male German blue-collar workers employed at a carbon black manufacturing plant for at least one year between 1960 and 1998. Vital status and cause of death were ascertained from death certificates for the period 1976-1998. Occupational histories and information on smoking were obtained from company records. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and Poisson regression models were calculated. All cause mortality (SMR 120) and mortality from lung cancer (SMR 218) were increased using national rates as reference. Comparisons to regional rates gave SMRs of 120 and 183, respectively. However, there was no apparent dose response relationship between lung cancer mortality and several indicators of occupational exposure, including years of employment and carbon black exposure. (106618)

CIS 07-584 Respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, and markers of inflammation among bar workers before and after a legislative ban on smoking in public places. Menzies D., et al., Journal of the American Medical Association, Oct. 2006, Vol. 296, No.14, p.1742-1748. Illus. 36 ref. (In English)

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Scotland prohibited smoking in confined public places on March 26, 2006. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of smoke-free legislation with symptoms, pulmonary function and markers of inflammation of bar workers. It was conducted in Tayside, Scotland from February-June 2006. 195 non-asthmatic and asthmatic non-smoking bar workers were initially enrolled, of whom 77 completed the study. Respiratory and sensory symptoms, spirometry measurements, serum cotinine levels, peripheral inflammatory cell count, asthma quality-of-life scores and exhaled nitric oxide levels were evaluated before and after introduction of the smoking ban. Findings are discussed. Smoke-free legislation was associated with significant early improvements in symptoms, spirometry measurements, and systemic inflammation of bar workers. Asthmatic bar workers also had reduced airway inflammation and improved quality of life. (106527)

CIS 07-585 The incidence of work-related illness in the UK health and social work sector: The Health and Occupation Reporting network 2002-2003. Walsh L., Turner S., Lines S., Hussey L., Chen Y., Agius R., Occupational Medicine, June 2005, Vol.55, No.4, p.262-267. Illus. 16 ref. (In English)

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In the United Kingdom, The Health and Occupation Reporting network (THOR) collects incidence data on work-related illness. This study analyses the most recent data for the health and social work sector, from 2002 to 2003. In this period, 23% of all reported cases in THOR were in health and social work sector employees. Based on United Kingdom Labour Force Survey data, the annual average incidence rates among these workers per 100 000 were 51.2 for mental illness, 35.9 for musculoskeletal disorders and 10.4 for skin disease. The high incidence of mental illness (compared with musculoskeletal and skin disorders) in this employment sector merits further investigation. (106534)

CIS 07-586 Building health: An epidemiological study of "sick building syndrome" in the Whitehall II study. Marmot A.F., Eley J., Stafford M., Stansfeld S.A., Warwick E., Marmot M.G., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2006, Vol.63, No.4, p.283-289. Illus. 53 ref. (In English)

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Sick building syndrome (SBS) is described as a group of symptoms attributed to the physical environment of specific buildings. This study explores the relative roles of the physical and psychosocial work environment in explaining SBS. Cross-sectional data on the physical environment of a selection of buildings were added to an ongoing health survey of office-based civil servants in the United Kingdom. A self-report questionnaire was used to capture 10 symptoms of SBS and psychosocial work stress. In total, 4052 participants aged 42-62 years working in 44 buildings were included in this study. Findings are discussed. Only psychosocial work characteristics and control over the physical environment were independently associated with symptoms in the multivariate analysis. The physical environment of office buildings appears less important than the psychosocial work environment in explaining differences in the prevalence of SBS symptoms. (106544)

CIS 07-587 The occupational medicine agenda: Routes and standards of specialization in occupational medicine in Europe. Cashman C., Slovak A., Occupational Medicine, June 2005, Vol.55, No.4, p.308-311. 10 ref. (In English)

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This study examines the nature of specialist training in occupational medicine (OM) in Europe based on a survey of representatives of 14 European countries from the Occupational Medicine section of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). There are marked differences in postgraduate training in OM from one country to another across Europe. The variation between postgraduate training programmes is not consistent with UEMS charter requirements and presents a barrier to the movement of migrant professionals within Europe. These findings serve as a focus for further research into training routes and standards of specialization in OM in Europe. (106538)

CIS 07-588 A successful workplace program for voluntary counseling and testing and treatment of HIV/AIDS at Heineken, Rwanda. Collier A.C., Richards S.C., Van der Borght F.M., Rinke de Wit T.F., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.99-106. Illus. 17 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.ijoeh.com/pfds/IJOEH_1301_Feeley.pdf

Heineken Breweries launched a workplace HIV/AIDS programme at its Rwanda subsidiary in September 2001. By January 25, 2005, 736/2,595 eligible individuals had reported for counselling and HIV testing: 380/521 employees (72.9%), 254/412 spouses (61.7%), 99/1,517 children (6.5%) and 3/145 retired (2.0%). As a result, 109 HIV+ individuals were identified: 62 employees, 34 spouses, 12 children and 1 retired. In September 2003 an anonymous HIV seroprevalence survey was performed with participation rates of 69.4% for employees, 58.2% for spouses and 79.7% for adolescents. Using the survey result, the expected number of HIV+ employees was 71, which implies a programme uptake of 87.1% (62/71) in this group. Of the identified 109 HIV+ beneficiaries, 42 were on highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). In November 2003 a qualitative study of awareness and health-seeking behaviour of the Heineken Rwanda beneficiaries identified key principles contributing to the success of this programme. (106654)

CIS 07-589 Against anti-health epidemiology: Corporate obstruction of public health via manipulation of epidemiology. Egilman D., Howe S., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.118-124. Illus. 38 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.ijoeh.com/pfds/IJOEH_1301_EgilmanHowe.pdf

In response to several articles on corporate corruption of science that appeared earlier in this journal, a critic outlined an epistemological model based on an unsupported assertion that epidemiologic evidence is always required to support cause-effect relationships. This model, if adopted, would eliminate compensation to victims of toxic exposures and impede regulation of accepted hazards. Epidemiology is only one element in support of cause-effect determinations. The critic's proposal of an anti-health epidemiology was initially developed by corporations with the goal of providing defense in litigation, and is based not on science but on a corporate need to enhance profits at the expense of public health. (106656)

CIS 07-590 Health in the world of work. Hämäläinen R.M., Lindström K., In: Health in All Policies: Prospects and Potentials, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, rue de l'Autonomie 4, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2006, p.65-92. Illus. 87 ref., ISBN 952-00-1964-2 (In English)

Internet:
http://www.euro.who.int/document/E89260.pdf

This paper discusses how to maintain and improve workers' health and the organization of work in a changing labour market. It provides an overview of workers' health problems and risk factors in the workplace, examines the role of occupational health services and looks at European Union actions on safety and health at work. Other topics addressed include changes in working populations, workplaces and the characteristics of work, the promotion of healthy organizations and the role of the social partners. (106742)

CIS 07-591 Survey of workplace absence sickness and (ill) health (SWASH) - 2005. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, July 2006. PDF document. 7p. Illus. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/sicknessabsence/swash2005.pdf

The Survey on Workplace Absence, Sickness and (Ill) Health (SWASH) 2005 in the United Kingdom indicates that differences in public and private sector sickness absence rates are small, an average of approximately 0.3 days per employee, when account is taken of the size of an organization and differences in the age and gender profiles. Based on 10,000 interviews, the survey confirmed that levels of absence were higher in organizations with more than 250 employees. Almost all public sector organizations employ more than 250 employees, while the majority of private sector employees work in small or medium sized organizations. Reports of work related stress are more prevalent among persons who work face-to-face with the public. While stress was reported more widely among public than private sector respondents, more public sector workers work face-to-face with the public than their private sector counterparts. Other findings are discussed. (106743)

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CIS 07-592 Cost of compensated injuries and occupational diseases in agriculture in Finland. Rautiainen R.H., et al., Journal of Agromedicine, 2005, Vol.10, No.3, p.21-29. Illus. 29 ref. (In English)

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This study aimed to determine the costs of occupational injuries and diseases in Finnish agriculture based on compensation records. The incidence rates in 1996 were 7.4/100 for injuries and 0.61/100 for occupational diseases. Men had a higher risk of injury (relative risk RR=1.89), but a lower risk of an occupational disease (RR=0.68), compared to women. Costs per person were EUR 75 in 1983, increasing to EUR 215 in 1999. Total costs in 1996 were EUR 23.5 million consisting of medical care (16%), compensation within one year from the incident (37%), compensation after one year from the incident (23%), survivors' pension (3%), impairment allowance (7%), rehabilitation (6%), and other costs (9%). Costs were 0.7% of the national gross farm income and 2.2% of the net farm income. Mean costs of 1996 cases were EUR 1340 for injuries and EUR 6636 for occupational diseases. Injuries represented 92% of the claims and 71% of the total costs, while occupational diseases represented the rest. (106528)

CIS 07-593 Injuries to youth living on U.S. farms in 2001 with comparison to 1998. Hendricks K.J., Layne L.A., Goldcamp E.M., Myers J.R., Journal of Agromedicine, 2005, Vol.10, No.4, p.19-26. 12 ref. (In English)

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To obtain sustained injury surveillance data for youth on farms in the USA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed the Childhood Agricultural Injury Survey (CAIS) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The first survey collected data for youth less than 20 years of age in 1998 through a regionally stratified telephone survey of 50,000 farm households. A second survey for 2001 was conducted using the same methodology. In 2001, there were approximately 1.2 million youth living on farms in the United States. These youth suffered an estimated 19,397 injuries (15.7/1,000 household youth). Approximately 60% (11,571) of the household youth injuries were to males. For all household youth, 10-15 year olds experienced the most injuries (49%). In addition to providing estimates of demographics, injuries and injury rates for household youth from the 2001 survey, this article provides a comparison with results from 1998. The comparison shows a decrease of household youth injuries on farms by almost 30% but an increase in the number of injuries to young females. (106530)

CIS 07-594 Safety on construction worksites and managing multiculturalism. (Italian: Sicurezza nei cantieri e gestione della multiculturalità) Antonietti V., et al., Prevenzione oggi, Apr.-June 2005, Vol.1, No.2, p.1-37. Illus. 13 ref. (In English, Italian)

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This study examined a possible correlation between workers in Italy from countries that are not members of the EU and risk perception in the construction sector. The focus was on workers with valid work permits employed on large construction sites. Although no direct correlation was found, the study did show a positive correlation between attitude towards safety and the role of the building site manager, company safety culture and legality of residence and work. As a result of this project, a training kit for managing multicultural aspects aimed at persons responsible for human resources on construction sites and an information manual in six languages aimed at foreign workers were developed. A guide for the facilitator of building site safety training sessions is included as an appendix. (106507)

CIS 07-595 Under the Polish flag: Occupational safety and health in sea transport. (Polish: Pod polską banderą: Bhp w transporcie morskim) Wojciechowska D., Inspektor Pracy, 2006, No.3, p.17-19. Illus. (In Polish)

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Polish legal regulations concerning occupational safety on seagoing ships are examined and EU directives already implemented are listed. The need for further regulations is also discussed. (106730)

CIS 07-596 Work organization in sand core manufacturing for health and productivity. Gangopadhyay S., Das T., Ghoshal G., Ghosh T., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Oct. 2006, Vol.36, No.10, p.915-920. Illus. 7 ref. (In English)

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Sand core making is a manual process, in which workers often work in awkward postures and suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, primarily affecting the low-back region. In this study, an attempt was made to organize the sand core making operation for enhancing productivity. The existing processes of sand core making were found to involve some unnecessary steps, which hamper the rate of work and productivity. The modified process eliminates these steps involving awkward postures and the overall productivity in carbon dioxide sand core making and chemical sand core making increased by 8.5% and 30%, respectively. (106630)

CIS 07-597 Chambermaids - Safety and health in hotels. (French: Femmes de chambre - La prévention s'invite dans les hôtels) Brasseur G., Travail et sécurité, Sep. 2006, No.665, p.18-26. Illus. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.travail-et-securite.fr/ArchivesTS/ArchivesTS.nsf/(allDocParRef)/TS665…
   …page19_1/$File/TS665page19.pdf?OpenElement

This article describes the occupation of hotel chambermaid and examines the efforts undertaken by three Paris hotels to improve the ergonomics and working conditions of these workers. Measures involved the participation of the workers themselves and support from the occupational accident and disease insurance fund for the Ile-de-France region and the French National Occupational Safety and Health Institute (INRS). Improvements include ergonomic layouts of rooms, beds that can be raised by using a pedal, lighter bedding, lighter service carts and vacuum cleaners and the supply of ergonomically-designed cleaning accessories. (106571)

CIS 07-598 The single document in hospitals. (French: Document unique à l'hôpital) Telliez N., Face au risque, Sep. 2006, No.425, p.15-16. Illus. (In French)

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This article describes the implementation of an approach to the evaluation of safety and health hazards in a large teaching hospital in France as required by law. Topics addressed: project preparation and planning; pilot-scale hazard evaluation involving several units; extending the hazard evaluation to all 50 units; highlighting the hazards requiring corrective actions. (106572)

CIS 07-599 Work environment and occupational health of dental hygienists: A qualitative assessment. Crawford L., Gutierrez G., Harber P., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2005, Vol.47, No.6, p.623-632. 40 ref. (In English)

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This study sought to characterize the work environment and identify factors that influence the occupational health of dental hygienists. A qualitative analysis of dental hygiene work based on five national focus groups was conducted. It was found that musculoskeletal symptoms were common, particularly after 10 years of occupation. Hygienists expressed concerns about the design of instruments and chairs. Important non-physical workplace problems included role ambiguity, inadequate recognition, role identity, role conflict and social isolation. Work organizational factors impede the remediation of ergonomics and other problems. Job flexibility encourages hygienists to change work hours or location rather than deal with work conditions. Occupational hygiene interventions should address social environment and work organization. (106733)

CIS 07-600 Work environment of dental hygienists. Yee T., Crawford L., Harber P., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2005, Vol.47, No.6, p.633-639. Illus. 41 ref. (In English)

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This study sought to evaluate how musculoskeletal disorders and workplace psychosocial factors affect dental hygienists' work hours and productivity. A survey was mailed to dental hygienists in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California. It was found that musculoskeletal pain caused 27% of hygienists to decrease work hours and 8.7% to change work locations. Hand/wrist pain caused the most missed workdays. Conversely, conflicts with the dentist caused 28.2 % of dental hygienists to change jobs and 12.7% to decrease work hours, while conflicts with staff caused 17.1% to change work locations but only 7.0% to decrease work hours. This pattern was confirmed with multiple logistic regression analyses. It is concluded that musculoskeletal and psychosocial factors affect dental hygienists differently. Musculoskeletal discomfort is more likely to cause dental hygienists to decrease their working hours, whereas professional and social conflicts are more likely to lead to a change in work location. (106734)

CIS 07-601 Safe start!. (French: Débute en sécurité!) Magazine - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work / Agence européenne pour la sécurité et la santé au travail, 2006, No.9, p.1-57 (full issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English, French)

Internet:
http://osha.europa.eu/publications/magazine/9/full_publication_en.pdf

http://osha.europa.eu/publications/magazine/9/full_publication_fr.pdf

This special issue describes initiatives in Europe and elsewhere aimed at the protection of young people at work. Articles include: mainstreaming OSH into education; statistics on occupational accidents; European network for education and training in OSH; integrating OSH into vocational training; hazardous child labour; trade union involvement in pre-work education; new approaches to engaging young people in OSH; causes of job insecurity and job stress in Spanish young people. (106674)

CIS 07-602 Working conditions adapted to age. (French: Conditions de travail adaptées à l'âge) Meier P., Communications de la CFST, June 2005, No. 59, p.14-16. Illus. 1 ref. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.ekas.ch/communication-fr.php?download=789&1166195952

This article addresses the need to adapt working conditions to the changing work capacity and productivity of employees aged over 50. Contents: opportunity for enterprises to profit from the experience of older workers; need to adapt work processes and work organization to different age groups; balance between generations as a strategy for human resource departments; method for implementing a human resources policy that takes ageing of the workforce into account. (106590)

CIS 07-603 Low-back disorder risk in automotive parts distribution. Lavender S.A., Oleske D.M., Andersson G.B.J., Morrissey Kwasny M.J., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Sep. 2006, Vol.36, No.9, p.755-760. Illus. 11 ref. (In English)

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This descriptive study analyzed 53 jobs at seven automotive distribution centres in the northern USA. Data were collected using the Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM) and analyzed using the LMM LBD risk model. Results indicate that, on average, the jobs in automotive parts distribution are moderately high risk; however, nearly half the sample had LMM LBD risk probability values greater than the 60% mark that has been used as a cut point in defining ''high'' risk. Many of the jobs contain trunk motions that are associated with high LBD risk; however, many of these same jobs had relatively low lifting frequencies which moderated the risk estimates. (106658)

CIS 07-604 Occupational violence risk for precariously employed adolescents: Multiple vulnerabilities to multiple risk factors. Mayhew C., Policy and Practice in Health and Safety, 2004, Vol.2, No.2, p.5-24. 107 ref. (In English)

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This article discusses the risk of exposure to violence at work among adolescent workers in developed countries. The probability of experiencing violence is increased when workers are adolescent, precariously employed, inexperienced in the workforce and employed in service sector jobs that require significant amounts of face-to-face contact with customers, particularly if these job tasks require the exchange of money for goods and services. If adolescents are working illegally, informally in family businesses or formally in casual positions that are very precarious, occupational violence is unlikely to be reported or recorded, and hence preventive interventions are unlikely. Measures aimed at reducing the risk of occupational violence are discussed. (106611)

CIS 07-605 Leave due to occupational hazards during pregnancy in Madrid 2000-2004. (Spanish: Prestación por riesgos laborales durante el embarazo en Madrid 2000-2004) Rodríguez Ortiz de Salazar B., Martínez Herrera J.A., Álvarez Collado L., Silva Mato A., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Mar. 2006, Vol.LII, No.202, p.15-28. Illus. 29 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:
http://www.isciii.es/htdocs/centros/medicinadeltrabajo/revistamedicinatrabajo/Me…
   …dicina_y_Seguridad_del_Trabajo_202.pdf

The objective of this study was to describe the risks to which pregnant women are exposed and for which they are granted leave, to identify the occupations of the beneficiaries of this leave and to define the gestation period at which this leave is granted. During the year 2004, 825 applications for this type of benefit were made in Madrid, of which 97% were granted. 95.3% of pregnant women apply for these benefits for reasons of unsatisfactory working conditions or physical hazards. The average gestation period at the time of application for these benefits was 16.16 weeks. There was a significant increase in the number of applications made between 2000 and 2004. (106591)

CIS 07-606 Occupational hazards in building engineering. (Polish: Ryzyko zawodowe w budownictwie) Słomka A., Główny Inspektorat Pracy, ul. Krucza 38/42,00-926 Warszawa, Poland, 2005. 39p. Illus. 10 ref. (In Polish)

Internet:
http://www.pip.gov.pl/html/pl/doc/07040032.pdf

Employers' obligations with regard to occupational hazard assessment are listed and an algorithm for hazard assessment is discussed in detail. Methods of assessment documentation of results are also described. (106723)

CIS 07-607 Adapt the company to labour law provisions: Commentary on the occupational safety and health checklist for a building site. (Polish: Dostosuj zakład do przepisów prawa pracy: Komentarz do listy kontrolnej bhp na budowie) Wiącek W., Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy, ul. Krucza 38/42, 00-926 Warszawa, Poland, 2005. 64p. 37 ref. (In Polish)

Internet:
http://www.pip.gov.pl/html/pl/doc/07040054_a.pdf
http://www.pip.gov.pl/html/pl/doc/07040054_b.pdf
http://www.pip.gov.pl/html/pl/doc/07040054_c.pdf
http://www.pip.gov.pl/html/pl/doc/07040054_d.pdf

A procedure and checklist for ensuring safe working conditions on a building site are presented with explanations and information relating to individual checklist items. (106725)

CIS 07-608 Occupational safety and health checklist for employers on building sites: Occupational hazards in building engineering: Examples. (Polish: Lista kontrolna bhp na budowie dla pracodawców: Ryzyko zawodowe w budownictwie: Przykłady) Główny Inspektorat Pracy, ul. Krucza 38/42, 00-926 Warszawa, Poland, 2005. 50p. (In Polish)

Internet:
http://www.pip.gov.pl/html/pl/doc/07040035.pdf

This booklet provides a checklist for employers on construction site hazards. Specific hazards at individual workplaces on the building site are identified and guidance is given on hazard assessment. Includes examples of survey forms. (106728)

CIS 07-609 Safe use of electric kilns in craft and education. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Aug. 2003. 4p. 20 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ceis3.pdf

This information note gives advice on the safe use of electric kilns in the craft and education sectors. Topics covered: legal requirements; hazards from electrical kilns; requirements for the location and installation of the kiln; electrical safety; safe operation; kiln maintenance; precautions to be taken with refractory ceramic fibre linings (carcinogens); control of fumes; manual handling of the ware being fired. (106520)

CIS 07-610 Automatic production of hollow glass. (German: Maschinelle Hohlglasherstellung) Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften, Fachausschuss "Glas und Keramik" der Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Zentrale für Sicherheit und Gesundheit (BGZ), Carl Heymanns Verlag KG, Luxemburger Straße 449, 50939 Köln, Germany, Jan. 2006. 51p. Price: EUR 7.80. (In German)

Internet:
http://www.arbeitssicherheit.de/servlet/PB/show/1224530/bgr230.pdf

This code of practice addresses the hazard evaluation procedure and provides a list of hazards encountered at the feeder, press or blow machine used in the production of hollow glass and at the conveyor belts for the transport of the hot hollow glass products. Included in the hazard list are mechanical, physical and electrical hazards, hazards caused by the exposure to harmful substances and fire and explosion hazards. Protective measures against the mentioned hazards are specified. (106709)

CIS 07-611 Maintenance of ropes courses. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2002. 2p. 3 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/etis15.pdf

Ropes courses are built structures of pole and steel which may incorporate natural features such as trees and are designed to challenge participants in activities above ground level. This information sheet gives advice on the maintenance of ropes courses. Topics covered: responsibilities with respect to safety; risks associated with the maintenance of rope courses; frequently asked questions on inspection and maintenance; inspection regime. (106514)

CIS 07-612 Supervision of ropes courses. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2002. 2p. 3 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/etis14.pdf

Ropes courses are built structures of pole and steel which may incorporate natural features such as trees and are designed to challenge participants in activities above ground level. This information sheet gives advice on the competencies needed to lead an activity using a ropes course. Topics covered: responsibilities with respect to safety; supervision of activities; leader competence; identification of group competence; medical condition and/or disabilities requiring special attention; group sizes; briefings; supervision between activities; normal operation procedures; technical advice; first aid; emergency action plan. (106515)

CIS 07-613 Effective safety briefings for drivers at karting circuits. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Jan. 2003. 2p. 4 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/etis21.pdf

This information note explains how to give briefings to drivers on karting circuits. Topics covered: appropriate surroundings for the briefing; how to deliver the briefing; testing the knowledge of the drivers; briefing order; demonstrations and observation of other drivers; familiarisation with the kart and the track. A check-list of the aspects that a driver briefing should mention is included. (106519)

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CIS 07-614 Work with visual display units: Long-term health effects of high and downward line-of-sight in ordinary office environments. Fostervold K.I., Aarås A., Lie I., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Apr. 2006, Vol.36, No.4, p.331-343. Illus. 55 ref. (In English)

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This study investigated the long-term effects of vertical monitor placement in office workplaces. Random assignment was used in creating a high line-of-sight (HLS) group and a downward line-of-sight (DLS) group, each including 75 subjects. The line-of-sight to the midpoint of the screen was 15° below horizontal for the HLS-group and 30° for the DLS-group. Measurements were taken at set-up and again 12 months later. Significant differences, favouring the DLS-group compared to HLS-group, were found for subjective symptoms, oculomotor capacity and self-reported sick leave. The DLS-group exhibited flexion of both the neck and back about 5° more than the HLS-group. However, no differences were found for diagnosed work-related disorders, clinical symptoms or electromyographic activity. The results correspond with previous laboratory findings and give additional empirical support from real work environments on the beneficial effects of DLS in visual display unit work. (106615)

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CIS 07-615 Exposure to airborne dust in the quarrying industry in Lazio. (Italian: Indagine sull'esposizione a polveri aerodisperse nel comparto estrattativo del Lazio) Lega D., Antonelli B.M., Campopiano A., del Gaudio M., Fioravanti F., Incocciati E., Ramires D., Prevenzione oggi, Apr.-June 2005, Vol.1, No.2, p.95-105. Illus. 8 ref. (In English, Italian)

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The aim of this study was to evaluate exposure to respirable dust during quarry work. It involved twelve enterprises in the Lazio region of Italy extracting various types of materials found in the area. Personal air samples were taken and data were grouped according to the task being carried out. Results show that workers assigned to certain tasks, in particular rotohammer and vertical cut operators were exposed to dust levels in excess of permissible values, requiring the use of personal protective equipment. Various measures are proposed for lowering dust levels: constant wetting of the piece being worked, the use of enclosures and the installation of appropriate ventilation systems. (106509)

CIS 07-616 Dioxins and heavy metals - Potential hazards in collected dusts. (German: Dioxine und Schwermetalle - Gefahrenpotenzial in Filterstäuben) Jorg E., Pahlmann W., Klein G., Technische Überwachung, Apr. 2006, Vol.47, No.4, p.47-52. Illus. 15 ref. (In German)

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This study was carried out in ten metal-producing and metalworking plants in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, where collected dusts are recycled. The classification and labelling of the dusts with regard to their composition and the data sheets supplied with the dusts destined for recycling were examined. In 28 dusts collected in steel and zinc producing plants and in foundries, the concentrations of polychlorinated dioxins, polychlorinated furans and heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, nickel and zinc were determined. Almost all analysed dusts were found to pose a hazard to the environment but were not labelled as such. Little was known about the composition of dusts collected in zinc smelters and heavy metal foundries so that no adequate protective measures were taken during handling and recycling. (106705)

CIS 07-617 Acute respiratory syndrome after inhalation of waterproofing sprays: A posteriori exposure-response assessment in 102 cases. Vernez D., Bruzzi R., Kupferschmidt H., De-Batz A., Droz P., Lazor R., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, May 2006, Vol.3, No.5, p.250-261. Illus. 26 ref. (In English)

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Waterproofing agents are widely used to protect leather and textiles in both domestic and occupational activities. An outbreak of acute respiratory syndrome following exposure to waterproofing sprays occurred during the winter 2002-2003 in Switzerland. Results of a retrospective analysis found no dose-response relationship between exposure indicators and health effects indicators. There was also a large variation in individual response. It is suggested that improvements in exposure conditions may not be sufficient to prevent adverse health effects and that more efficient prevention measures are required before product marketing and distribution, taking into account the range of particle sizes that could be generated during spraying. (106540)

CIS 07-618 DNA damage in outdoor workers occupationally exposed to environmental air pollutants. Tovalin H., Valverde M., Morandi M.T., Blanco S., Whitehead L., Rojas E., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2006, Vol.63, No.4, p.230-236. Illus. 40 ref. (In English)

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Health concerns about exposure to genotoxic and carcinogenic agents in the air are particularly significant for outdoor workers in cities of developing countries where air pollution levels are high. This study was undertaken to evaluate the association between personal exposure to volatile organic compounds, particulate matter with mass mean diameter ≥2.5µm (PM2.5) and ozone, and the severity of DNA damage in outdoor workers from two Mexican cities. DNA damage (comet assay) and personal exposure were investigated in 55 outdoor and indoor workers from Mexico City and Puebla. Outdoor workers had greater DNA damage, reflected by a longer tail length, than indoor workers. DNA damage magnitude was positively correlated with PM2.5 and ozone exposure. Workers with ≥60% of highly damaged cells had significantly higher exposures to PM2.5, ozone and certain volatile organic compounds, namely 1-ethyl-2-methyl benzene. (106541)

CIS 07-619 Comparison of direct (X-ray diffraction and infrared spectrophotometry) and indirect (infrared spectrophotometry) methods for the analysis of airborne α-quartz. (French: Comparaison de méthodes directes (diffraction des rayons X et spectrométrie infrarouge) et indirectes (spectrophotométrie infrarouge) pour le dosage du quartz α en suspension dans l'air) Kauffer E., Masson A., Moulut J.C., Lecaque T., Protois J.C., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, Sep. 2006, No.204, p.7-20. Illus. 25 ref. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.hst.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/ND%202251…
   …/$File/ND2251.pdf

This study compares various methods for the determination of α-quartz in air. It examines the agreements and variations in the results obtained using these methods, explains the possible reasons behind the biases and proposes the most suitable methods for specific situations, in particular the number of samples to be analysed and the size of the samples available. (106575)

CIS 07-620 Speciation issues when evaluating occupational exposure to chemicals. (French: Les problèmes de spéciation en évaluation de l'exposition professionnelle aux agents chimiques) Sandino J.P., Demange M., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, Sep. 2006, No.204, p.33-39. Illus. 23 ref. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.hst.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/ND%202253…
   …/$File/ND2253.pdf

Threshold limit values are set for molecules or chemical forms specified according to their toxicity. Pollutant quantification for inorganic substances is very often performed using elemental analytical techniques, but the need for speciation analysis of the different chemical forms is increasingly felt, despite the fact that the required methods are not always available. This article explains the meaning of speciation (determination of the chemical form in which an element is present in a given sample), provides examples of potential problems (e.g. in the areas of galvanization, and exposure to silver and chromium compounds) and proposes a prevention approach in cases for which there are no analytical methods. (106577)

CIS 07-621 REACH, a forthcoming regulatory framework for chemicals. (French: REACH, futur dispositif réglementaire européen pour les substances chimiques) Reynier M., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, Sep. 2006, No.204, p.61-68. Illus. 3 ref. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.hst.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/PR%2024/$…
   …File/PR24.pdf

In October 2003, the European Commission proposed a new regulatory framework entitled REACH, introducing a comprehensive system for the control of chemicals. These regulations involve three processes: registration, evaluation and, in some cases, the approval or restrictions to the use certain substances. A European agency for chemicals will be set up, which is expected to play a key role in the process. This article presents the essential steps of the new framework, including the registration of substances (contents of the registration dossier, report on chemical safety); evaluation of dossiers and substances by the relevant authorities; authorization and restriction; inventory of classifications and labelling. Benefits for worker safety are outlined. (106580)

CIS 07-622 Exposure limit values at the place of work - Possibilities, limits, novelties. (French: Valeurs limites d'exposition aux postes de travail - Possibilités, limites, innovations) Pletscher C., Jost M., Communications de la CFST, June 2005, No. 59, p.3-8. Illus. 9 ref. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.ekas.ch/communication-fr.php?download=789&1166195952

A new edition of threshold limit values for exposures at the place of work was published in Switzerland in 2005. In addition to a number of substances appearing for the first time and changes in some of the values, the list now includes the classification of CMRs (carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic) substances. This article explains the concept of threshold limit values at the place of work as well as the CMR classification. (106588)

CIS 07-623 The new law on chemicals comes into force on 1 August 2005. (French: La nouvelle loi sur les produits chimiques entre en vigueur le 1er août 2005) Rüegg C., Communications de la CFST, June 2005, No. 59, p.9-13. Illus. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.ekas.ch/communication-fr.php?download=789&1166195952

The new Swiss law (dated 15 Dec. 2000) on chemicals came into force on 1 August 2005. By adopting this legislation, Switzerland joins the European system on chemical safety. This article comments on the most important implications of the changes in this law for manufacturers, importers and distributors of chemicals in Switzerland. (106589)

CIS 07-624 Lichenoid contact dermatitis due to film developers. (Spanish: Dermatitis de contacto liquenoide por reveladores fotográficos) Aboín González S., Herras Mendaza F., Díaz Ley B., Alvárez Collado L., Casado Fariñas I., Alonso Martín M.J., Conde-Salazar Gómez L., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Mar. 2006, Vol.LII, No.202, p.29-37. Illus. 28 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:
http://www.isciii.es/htdocs/centros/medicinadeltrabajo/revistamedicinatrabajo/Me…
   …dicina_y_Seguridad_del_Trabajo_202.pdf

This article describes the case of a 29 year old man who had been working for 4.5 years in a photographic film development workshop and was occasionally involved in machine repair. He developed a prurient eruption on the fingers, arms and forearms, five days after having been in contact with a developer. Injuries were of the lichenoid type, and skin tests showed a positive reaction to CD-2 (N,N-diethyl-2-methyl-1,4-phenylene-diamine hydrochloride). The particular aspect of this case was that there was a dissemination of the lesions in locations where there had been no contact with the developer. After ceasing all contact with the developer, the lesions disappeared progressively. (106592)

CIS 07-625 Emergency plan for responding to chemical accidents. (Spanish: Plan de emergencia para responder a accidentes químicos) Rodríguez Serpa R., Protección Integral y Contra Incendios, 3rd Quarter 2006, Vol.18, p.17-19. Illus. 3 ref. (In Spanish)

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This article describes the objectives of an emergency intervention plan in the event of a chemical accident and specifies the various aspects that it needs to address together with the actions to be undertaken in case such an accident were to occur. It emphasizes the importance of periodically updating information and re-evaluating procedures. (106595)

CIS 07-626 European Union policy with respect to chemical products and preparations. (Spanish: La política de la Unión europea en materia de sustancias y preparados químicos) Fernández García R., Prevención, Apr.-June 2006, No.176, p.6-26. Illus. 7 ref. (In Spanish)

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This article describes the current status of the European Union strategy with respect to chemicals. It presents more specifically the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) project and the consequences of these new regulations on industry, together with the time frame applicable to the registration of existing substances. (106597)

CIS 07-627 Smoking in the enterprise. (Spanish: El tabaco en los centros de trabajo) Sánchez Barba J.C., Prevención, Apr.-June 2006, No.176, p.52-64. Illus. (In Spanish)

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In Spain, smoking causes more than 46,000 deaths per year and generates heath costs estimated at more than EUR 1.5 billion. This article examines Spanish legislation on smoking at the place of work and highlights problems in implementing the regulations in cases where workers refuse to comply with the imposed measures. (106600)

CIS 07-628 Effects of mercury poisoning. (Spanish: Efectos de la intoxicación por mercurio) Varona M., Díaz S., Toro G., Salud, Trabajo y Ambiente, 3rd Quarter 2006, Vol.13, No.49, p.8-12. Illus. 18 ref. (In Spanish)

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This article presents the findings of a study on health impairment caused by exposure to mercury. Main topics addressed: classification of mercury compounds; physical and chemical properties; modes of entry; clinical symptoms at low concentrations; acute poisoning; diagnosis. (106609)

CIS 07-629 Regulation by stealth: Reducing the OSH impact of pesticides. Gunningham N., Healy P., Policy and Practice in Health and Safety, 2004, Vol.2, No.2, p.25-42. 49 ref. (In English)

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Exposure to pesticides poses a serious threat to the health of agricultural workers worldwide. Regulatory reforms at the national level may somewhat mitigate the problem. However, this article argues that greater opportunities for improving pesticide safety lie outside the boundaries of the traditional regulatory system, through harnessing the potential of new agricultural and pest control technology, the market forces driving global food production and the powerful forces within civil society capable of changing attitudes to risk and safety. These instruments are most successful when they form part of an integrated strategy underpinned by regulation and state intervention. Governments nonetheless have a pivotal role in harnessing and shaping these forces to improve pesticide safety. (106612)

CIS 07-630 Adverse reproductive outcomes among male painters with occupational exposure to organic solvents. Hooiveld M., Haveman W., Roskes K., Bretveld R, Burstyn I., Roeleveld N., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2006, Vol.63, No.8, p.538-544. 31 ref. (In English)

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The objective of this study was to assess the risk of reproductive disorders and birth defects in offspring of male painters exposed to organic solvents. Information on reproductive outcomes, occupational exposures and lifestyle habits was obtained through self-administered questionnaires filled in by 398 painters exposed in the period of three months before pregnancy and 302 carpenters with little or no exposure to solvents, both groups being selected at random among Dutch unionized construction workers. There was an increased risk of congenital malformations in the offspring of painters (odds ratio 6.2) compared to carpenters. There was a positive exposure-response trend based on estimated exposure to organic solvents and some indication of an increased risk of functional developmental disorders in offspring among painters with intermediate and high predicted exposure. There was also an indication of increased risk of low birth weight among the offspring of painters. (106619)

CIS 07-631 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)

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This literature survey discusses toxic effects on eyes resulting from exposure to pesticides via inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact and ocular exposure. Exposure of unprotected eyes to pesticides results in the absorption in ocular tissue and potential ocular toxicity. Ocular toxicity from pesticide exposure, including the dose-response relationship, has been studied in different animal species. Cholinesterase enzymes have been detected in animal ocular tissue, with evidence of organophosphorus-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 in people living in an area where organophosphorus compounds were used. Pesticide exposure is also associated with abnormal ocular movements. (106621)

CIS 07-632 Asbestos exposures during reprocessing of automobile brakes and clutches. Sakai K., Hisanaga N., Shibata E., Ono Y., Takeuchi Y., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr.-June 2006, Vol.12, No.2, p.95-105. Illus. 29 ref. (In English)

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This study investigated asbestos exposures of workers in three small factories reprocessing automobile brakes and clutches in Japan. Airborne asbestos was collected on a membrane filter using an air sampler. Asbestos counting was performed on 295 samples using phase contrast microscopy. Only chrysotile asbestos was detected. Workers who reprocessed automobile brakes and clutches were exposed to asbestos concentrations of between 0.025 and 76.4 fibres/cm³. Geometric mean asbestos concentrations during attaching linings to brake shoes and attaching facings to clutch disks were 0.859 and 0.780 fibres/cm³, respectively. Concentrations during stripping worn brake linings and clutch facings were 0.484 and 0.382 fibres/cm³, respectively. Machine grinding and levelling of new brake lining surfaces represent potential sources of heavy asbestos exposures, unless enclosures and local ventilation are efficient. (106641)

CIS 07-633 Indoor glutaraldehyde levels in the endoscope disinfecting room and subjective symptoms among workers. Katagiri H., Suzuki T., Aizawa Y., Kadowaki T., Industrial Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.44, No.2, p.225-229. Illus. 8 ref. (In English)

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http://www.jniosh.go.jp/old/niih/en/indu_hel/2006/pdf/indhealth_44_2_225.pdf

This study measured glutaraldehyde (GA) levels in the work environment during the disinfection of endoscopes and also investigated the subjective symptoms of the workers engaged in that work. Eight rooms for cleaning and disinfecting endoscopy equipment were surveyed at six hospitals in the Tokyo and Kanagawa area. The geometric mean environmental GA levels in the eight rooms were 1.3 to 19.6ppb. The personal exposure levels at the time of replacing the antiseptic solution containing GA in two of the disinfecting rooms were 94.2 and 84.9ppb. Subjective symptoms such as ophthalmic, nasal, respiratory and pharyngeal symptoms and nausea were more prevalent among workers than controls as evidenced from the questionnaire survey. (106646)

CIS 07-634 Relationship of blood lead levels to blood pressure in exhaust battery storage workers. Fenga C., Cacciola A., Martino L.B., Calderaro S.R., Di Nola C., Verzera A., Trimarchi G., Germanò D., Industrial Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.44, No.2, p.304-309. 18 ref. (In English)

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http://www.jniosh.go.jp/old/niih/en/indu_hel/2006/pdf/indhealth_44_2_304.pdf

This study examined the relationship between occupational lead exposure and elevated blood pressure among a group of 27 workers of a lead battery plant in Italy aged between 27 to 62 years. Measurements were taken of blood lead concentration, blood biomarkers of lead exposure, body mass index and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The results showed that long-term occupational exposure was related to a slight increase of systolic and diastolic blood pressure among workers who had been exposed to higher levels of lead compared to those exposed to lower levels. Furthermore, blood lead concentration was higher among workers exposed to higher levels of ambient lead, while in the same group of workers ALAD (aminolevulinic acid dehydratase) activity was reduced. It is concluded that long term cumulative lead exposure can significantly increase blood pressure in workers exposed to low levels of lead. (106647)

CIS 07-635 Exposure to organic solvents among handicraft car painters: A pilot study in Italy. Vitali M., Ensabella F., Stella D., Guidotti M., Industrial Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.44, No.2, p.310-317. 49 ref. (In English)

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http://www.jniosh.go.jp/old/niih/en/indu_hel/2006/pdf/indhealth_44_2_310.pdf

This study evaluated exposure to solvents in eight Italian car painting workshops using environmental sampling and personal sampling with charcoal samplers, and urinary determination of unmetabolized solvents. A simple regression analysis was performed to evaluate relationships between the three series of data. The solvents analysed were toluene, ethylbenzene, 1,2-dichloropropane, n-butylacetate, n-amylacetate, xylene isomers, ethylacetate and benzene. Benzene was found in all shops, at levels around or higher than the 8h time-weighted average limit (8h TWA). Other solvents were found at various levels, from 10^-2 to 10^-1 times the 8h TWA. Air concentrations of toluene, n-butylacetate, xylenes, and benzene were positively correlated with their urinary levels, while a negative correlation was found for ethylbenzene. The health implications of these exposure levels are discussed. (106648)

CIS 07-636 Cross-sectional analysis of blood lead level of entire Korean lead workers. Kim K.R., Lee S.W., Paik N.W., Industrial Health, Apr. 2006, Vol.44, No.2, p.318-327. Illus. 24 ref. (In English)

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http://www.jniosh.go.jp/old/niih/en/indu_hel/2006/pdf/indhealth_44_2_318.pdf

This study analysed blood lead (PbB) levels from the 2003 health surveillance results of 13,043 lead workers from 1217 lead industries to evaluate the importance of low level lead intoxication in Korea. The geometric mean PbB was 6.08µg/dl. 56.6% and 7.9% of total lead workers had PbB level over than 5µg/dl and 25µg/dl, respectively. Male workers showed relatively higher PbB levels compared to women, but in the electronics industries, more women than men were at risk of low level lead exposure. While conventional industries such as battery manufacturing and metallurgy remained in the high-risk group for lead exposure, there were high risks in other industries such as plastics, chemicals and parts manufacturing. Non-production tasks such as fork-lift truck driving, maintenance, laboratory testing and various supporting functions also showed risks of high blood lead levels. (106649)

CIS 07-637 The Rochdale asbestos cancer studies and the politics of epidemiology: What you see depends on where you sit. Tweedale G., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.70-79. 82 ref. (In English)

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http://www.ijoeh.com/pfds/IJOEH_1301_Tweedale.pdf

The history of the exploitation of epidemiology by the U.K. asbestos industry and the subsequent obscuring of the disastrous results of exposures is presented, exploring in particular the roles of Sir Richard Doll and his colleagues. Epidemiology, often regarded as a neutral science, is susceptible to socio-political influences. (106651)

CIS 07-638 Ban on asbestos diaphragms in the chlorine-related chemical industry and efforts toward a worldwide ban. Giannasi F., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.80-84. Illus. 12 ref. (In English)

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http://www.ijoeh.com/pfds/IJOEH_1301_Giannasi.pdf

The EU Directive 1999/77/EC (see CIS 99-1767), prohibiting new applications of chrysotile, exempted diaphragms used in electrolysis to produce chlorine and caustic soda in existing chlor-alkali plants until they reach the end of their service life, or until suitable asbestos-free substitutes become available, whichever is sooner. There is no technical justification for extending this exemption after January 2008, when it is scheduled for review. Economic interests should not take precedence over the social and environmental costs imposed by the asbestos production required for this industry. The EU Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment should not further delay the necessary decision on a total and immediate worldwide ban of the mining, manufacturing, and all uses of asbestos. (106652)

CIS 07-639 Popcorn-worker lung caused by corporate and regulatory negligence: An avoidable tragedy. Egilman D., Mailloux C., Valentin C., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.85-98. Illus. 98 ref. (In English)

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http://www.ijoeh.com/pfds/IJOEH_1301_Egilman.pdf

Diacetyl-containing butter flavour was identified as the cause of an outbreak of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) and other lung diseases in popcorn-plant workers. Litigation documents show that the outbreak was both predictable and preventable. The industry trade organization was aware of BO cases in workers at butter-flavouring and popcorn-manufacturing plants but often failed to implement industrial hygiene improvements and actively hid pertinent warning information. Due to weaknesses in the organization and mandates of regulatory bodies, organizations such as NIOSH, OSHA, the FDA, particularly the "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) system, and the EPA failed to detect and prevent the outbreak, which highlights the need for systemic changes in food-product regulation, including the need for corporations to act responsibly, for stronger regulations with active enforcement, for a restructuring of the GRAS system, and for criminal penalties against corporations and professionals who knowingly hide information relevant to worker protection. (106653)

CIS 07-640 JETOC information sheet. Japan Chemical Industry Ecology-Toxicology and Information Center, JETOC Information Sheet, Apr.-Sep. 2006, No.56, p.1-79 (whole issue). (In English)

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This information sheet summarizes new laws, regulations and related matters concerning the control of chemical substances in Japan, the USA, the European Union, Canada, Australia and some Asian countries. It includes details of substances which JETOC has classified under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). (106676)

CIS 07-641 Diesel engine emissions in tunnel construction and in enclosed spaces. (German: Dieselmotoremissionen im Tunnelbau und in geschlossenen Räumen) Chromy W., Tiefbau, Fachzeitschrift der Berufsgenossenschaft der Bauwirtschaft, 2006, Vol.118, No.9, p.498-501. Illus. 3 ref. (In German)

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Locomotives, bulldozers and loaders used in tunnel construction are powered by diesel engines. In Germany they are required to be replaced, if possible, by less polluting equipment or, if this is not feasible, particle filters should be installed in the diesel engines. Measurements of diesel engine emissions during work at various tunnel construction sites identified large variations in emissions depending on the construction site and the type of work performed. There was evidence of a downward trend in emissions through increased use and efficiency of particle filters. In order to comply with the requirements of Directive 2004/26/EC for further reductions in diesel engine emissions by 2012, the replacement of diesel engines by less polluting equipment should be stepped up and the particle filters for diesel engines further improved. (106700)

CIS 07-642 Arsenic diseases of wine-growers and medical importance of environmental arsenic exposure. (German: Die Arsenerkrankungen der Winzer und umweltmedizinische Bedeutung der Arsenbelastung) Böcher A., Müller M., Buchter A., Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, 2006, Vol.56, No.3, p.58-67. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In German)

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Five cases of arsenic diseases have recently been identified among elderly wine growers who had been occupationally exposed in the 1930s and 1940s to arsenic-containing pesticides and who had consumed arsenic-containing home made wine. The exposure circumstances in these cases and the diagnosed arsenic-related diseases are described. In all cases the latency period between termination of exposure and first diagnosis of an arsenic-related disease was extremely long, ranging from 40 to 60 years. In two cases a urinary transitional cell carcinoma was diagnosed in addition to typical skin diseases caused by arsenic. Based on epidemiologic data from Asian and South American countries that provided evidence of a significantly increased risk of urinary transitional cell carcinoma following long-term arsenic exposure, it is recommended that this cancer should be recognized as an occupational disease in patients with skin diseases caused by occupational arsenic exposure. (106702)

CIS 07-643 Basic principles for testing for the presence of harmful substances in hearing protectors. (German: Grundlagen für die Prüfung von Gehörschützern auf ihren Gehalt an Gefahrstoffen) Lichtenstein N., Jaschke M., Nies E., Möller A., Gefahrstoffe Reinhaltung der Luft, Apr. 2006, Vol.66, No.4, p.135-141. Illus. 25 ref. (In German)

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Hearing protectors marketed in Germany may be awarded a certificate by the statutory accident insurance carrier (Berufsgenossenschaft) to indicate that they contain low concentrations of harmful substances such as arsenic, antimony, lead, tin, tin-organic compounds and phthalates. Suitable analytical procedures for the identification of these substances were selected and standardized by round-robin tests. Concentration limits were derived from current knowledge of the availability of the substances and their dermal absorption. For example the concentrations of arsenic, antimony and lead in hearing protectors may not exceed 25 mg/kg. The certificate was introduced in response to a report on the harmful substances contained in hearing protectors that caused many noise-exposed workers not to use them. (106706)

CIS 07-644 2-Methylnaphthalene: Documentation of maximum admissible values for occupational exposure. (Polish: 2-Metylonaftalen: Dokumentacja dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego) Skowroń J., Podstawy i Metody Oceny Środowiska Pracy, 2006, Vol.47, No.1, p.185-204. Illus. 31 ref. (In Polish)

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2-Methylnaphthalene (2-MN) is a white solid that evaporates easily. It is used with 1-methylnaphthalene to make other chemicals such as dyes, resins, leather tanning agents and insecticides. It is also a component of many commonly used commercial solvent mixtures. 2-MN can enter the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion. The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and mucous membranes. In animal experiments, the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) was set at 87.5 mg/kg and a maximum exposure limit (MAC) for humans was established as 25 mg/m³. Because of the irritant effect, the MAC-STEL value was established at 50 mg/m³. The notations I (irritation) and Sk (skin absorption) should also be included. (106721)

CIS 07-645 Lead exposure and spine bone mineral density. Potula V., Kleinbaum D., Kaye W., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2006, Vol.48, No.6, p.556-564. 58 ref. (In English)

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The purpose of this study was to assess changes in spine bone mineral density (BMD) over time in relation to changes in bone and blood lead levels and other risk factors among female former smelter workers. Spine BMD was measured using an X-ray bone densitometer and tibia bone lead content was estimated using an X-ray fluorescence system. Blood lead levels were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption with Zeeman effect background correction. Information about risk factors was obtained through a questionnaire. After controlling for baseline BMD, baseline blood lead measured in 1994 and time since menopause, spine bone density in 2000 decreased with increasing blood lead levels in 2000 in all women, especially if they worked in technical jobs most of the time at the plant. (106735)

CIS 07-646 Acute effects of exposure to hexanal vapors in humans. Ernstgård L., Iregren A., Sjögren B., Svedberg U., Johanson G., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2006, Vol.48, No.6, p.573-580. Illus. 24 ref. (In English)

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n-Hexanal is a major component in emissions from stored wood pellets. The production and use of wood pellets as a source of renewable energy is increasing rapidly. The aim of this study was to evaluate acute health effects of n-hexanal vapours. Twelve healthy volunteers were exposed to 0, 2 and 10ppm n-hexanal for two hours at rest. Ratings of discomfort in the eyes and nose, solvent smell and headache increased significantly with the level of exposure. Frequency of blinking was significantly increased at 10ppm. No effects on pulmonary function and nasal swelling were detected, except a non-significant tendency to increased nasal obstruction at 10ppm. No clear effects on plasma inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6) were observed. It is concluded that two hours of exposure to n-hexanal results in mild irritation at 10ppm, with no apparent adversity at 2ppm. (106736)

CIS 07-647 Skin absorption of inorganic lead (PbO) and the effect of skin cleansers. Filon F.L., Boeniger M., Maina G., Adami G., Spinelli P., Damian A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2006, Vol.48, No.7, p.692-699. Illus. 40 ref. (In English)

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The aim of this study was to investigate the percutaneous penetration of lead oxide (PbO) powder and the effect of two different detergents on the speed of skin decontamination. Franz cells were used to study in vitro PbO skin penetration during a 24h period. The tests were performed without or with decontamination using either a common brand of liquid soap or a new experimental cleanser 30 minutes after the start of exposure. It was confirmed that PbO can pass through the skin with a median penetration of 2.9ng/cm². The cleaning procedure using the liquid soap significantly increased skin penetration with a median value of 23.6ng/cm², whereas the new experimental cleanser only marginally increased penetration (7.1ng/cm²). The results indicate that it is necessary to prevent skin contamination from occurring in the first place because a short contact can increase skin penetration even if quickly followed by washing. (106737)

CIS 07-648 Cyanide: Understanding the risk, enhancing preparedness. Clinical Toxicology, 2006, Vol.44, Suppl.1, p.47-63. Illus. 13 ref. (In English)

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This research project was conducted to provide an overview of cyanide risk as a toxicant and cyanide incident preparedness in the USA. The research was conducted in two phases. The first phase was a geographical information system (GIS) analysis of pre-existing data to determine the spatial distribution of risk. This analysis resulted in maps that portray the known locations of cyanide facilities, the relative magnitude of cyanide use and the distribution of fire- and burn-related deaths. The second phase was a survey of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of advanced life support (ALS) providers throughout the USA. A representative sample of 507 ALS providers was surveyed during the summer of 2005. The main findings of this survey are summarized. (106738)

CIS 07-649 Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from N,N-methylene-bis-5-methyl-oxazolidine in coolant oils. Madan V., Beck M.H., Contact Dermatitis, July 2006, Vol.55, No.1, p.39-41. 10 ref. (In English)

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Contact with metal working fluids (MWF) is an important factor in the development of occupational hand dermatitis in patients working in the metal processing industry. Biocides are added to MWF as preservatives and are known sensitizers. This study analysed 318 patch test reactions to N,N-methylene-bis-5-methyl-oxazolidine 1% in petrolatum present in coolant oils in patients exposed to MWF and with suspected occupational dermatitis. Positive allergic reactions were noted in 15 cases. In seven cases, it was possible to confirm the presence of N,N-methylene-bis-5-methyl-oxazolidine in the oils used by the patients. Positive reactions to formaldehyde were seen in 11 patients. Sensitization to N,N-methylene-bis-5-methyl-oxazolidine and/or formaldehyde allergy was considered likely to have contributed to the workers' dermatitis. (106739)

CIS 07-650 Findings of epidemiological studies on health effects of long-term occupational exposure to dusts of titanium dioxide pigments. (German: Ergebnisse epidemiologischer Studien zur gesundheitlichen Auswirkung von Langzeitexpositionen gegenüber Stäuben aus pigmentärem Titandioxid) Morfeld P., Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, July 2004, Vol.54, No.7, p.246-258. 40 ref. (In German)

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Titanium dioxide pigment dust is considered to be a representative example of a workplace dust that causes little or no adverse health effects. This literature survey reviews epidemiological studies in order to examine the hypothesis, based on experiments on mice, that granular biopersistent dust is carcinogenic in cases of long-term exposure to concentrations within permissible limits. Based on several epidemiological studies, and after taking confounding factors into account, it was not possible to demonstrate an increased risk of lung cancer after exposure to titanium dioxide pigment dust within MAK values (1.5mg/m³ of respirable TiO₂ and 4 mg/m³ of inhalable TiO₂). (106501)

CIS 07-651 Joint effects of smoking, noise exposure and age on hearing loss. Ferrite S., Santana V., Occupational Medicine, Jan. 2005, Vol.55, No.1, p.48-53. 32 ref. (In English)

Internet:

This cross-sectional study was carried out to examine whether smoking, noise and age jointly affect hearing acuity. It involved 535 male workers of a metal processing factory. Pure-tone audiometric tests were used to assess hearing loss. and noise exposure assessment was based on a job-exposure matrix. Data on socio-demographic, life-style, occupational and health-related factors were collected by questionnaire. Results indicated that age and occupational noise exposures were separately and positively associated with hearing loss. For all the factors combined, the estimated effect on hearing loss was higher than the sum of the effects from each isolated variable. It is concluded that the synergistic effect of smoking, noise exposure and age on hearing loss is consistent with the biological interaction. (106531)

CIS 07-652 A cross sectional study of the respiratory health of workers handling printing toner dust. Nakadate T., Yamano Y., Adachi C., Kikuchi Y., Nishiwaki Y., Nohara M., Satoh T., Omae K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 2006, Vol.63, No.4, p.244-249. Illus. 12 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between the biological indices of lung fibrosis and toner dust exposure in an occupational cohort handling printing toner dust. A total of 600 male toner workers and 212 male control subjects were surveyed in terms of their subjective respiratory symptoms, pulmonary functions, chest radiography findings, occupational exposure history to toner dust and working conditions. Although subjects handling toner for more than 20 years tended to show a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and chest X-ray abnormalities, there was no consistent relation between the exposure to toner dust and the biological responses of the respiratory system. Nonetheless, it is important to collect further epidemiological evidence on the biological effects of toner dust inhalation, preferably using a longitudinal study design. (106542)

CIS 07-653 Paraoxonase polymorphisms and self-reported chronic ill-health in farmers dipping sheep. Povey A.C., Mackness M.I., Durrington P.N., Dippnall M., Smith A.E., Mackness B., Cherry N.M., Occupational Medicine, June 2005, Vol.55, No.4, p.282-286. 27 ref. (In English)

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Serum paraoxonase (PON1) provides protection against organophosphate-induced toxicity. It has been reported that the frequency of paraoxonase polymorphisms in sheep dippers with self-reported chronic ill-health differed from that in dippers with no self-reported ill-health. The aim of this study was to examine whether the risk associated with PON1 polymorphisms varied using homogenous case and referent populations. Each subject completed a detailed symptom questionnaire and their general practitioner was asked whether there was any history of neurological disease that could be confused with the effects of organophosphate poisoning. Some subjects were then excluded both on clinical grounds and where identified as atypical on discriminant analysis. Risk associated with the PON1 192 and 55 genotypes altered little with these changes in the population. These findings support the hypothesis that organophosphates contribute to the self-reported ill-health of sheep dippers. (106537)

CIS 07-654 Cleantool - European database of good practices. (German: Cleantool - Europäische Datenbank Gute Praxis) Basi Infoprint, June 2004, No.20, p.9-10. Illus. 1 ref. (In German)

Internet:
http://www.basi.de/pages/d/infoprint/Ip-20.pdf

Industrial enterprises in Europe are required to use innocuous substances for the cleaning of metals. Since searching for suitable approaches can be long and costly, a database entitled Cleantool was developed. It documents approximately 130 cleaning procedures used in various industries in five European countries. The processes included in this database were selected according to the following criteria: cleaning technology; cleaning efficiency; cost factors; environmental impact; occupational safety and health implications. (106506)

CIS 07-655 Respiratory protection from isocyanate exposure in the autobody repair and refinishing industry. Lui Y., et al., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, May 2006, Vol.3, No.5, p.234-249. Illus. 58 ref. (In English)

Internet:

This study evaluated the effectiveness of respiratory protection against exposure to aliphatic polyisocyanates in automobile body repair shops. A total of 36 shops were assessed for respiratory protection programme completeness. 142 workers were measured for respirator fit factor. In addition, 22 painters from 21 shops were sampled to determine the protection factors of negative pressure, air purifying half-facepiece respirators equipped with organic vapour cartridges and paint pre-filters during spray-painting and priming activities. Findings are discussed. It is concluded half-facepiece respirators equipped with organic vapour cartridges and paint prefilters provide effective protection against isocyanate exposure in spray and priming operations if workers are properly trained and fitted. (106539)

CIS 07-656 The risk for multiple sclerosis in female nurse anaesthetists: A register based study. Landtblom A.M., Tondel M., Hjalmarsson P., Flodin U., Axelson O., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2006, Vol.63, No.6, p.387-389. Illus. 32 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between exposure to volatile anaesthetic agents and the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Female nurse anaesthetists, other female nurses and female teachers were identified and retrieved from the 1985 census in Sweden and linked with the disability pension registers and with data on hospital care between 1985 and 2000. The cumulative incidence rate of MS was found to be increased in female nurse anaesthetists in relation to other nurses (statistically not significant) and teachers (statistically significant). These findings give some support to previous findings of an increased risk for MS in nurse anaesthetists. (106546)

CIS 07-657 The fight against smoking in the enterprise. (French: La lutte contre le tabagisme en entreprise) Labbé F., Santé et Sécurité au Travail Actualités, Sep. 2006, No.93, p.5-6, 12. Illus. 1 ref. (In French)

Internet:

Contents of this comment on French legislation on smoking at the place of work: enforcement of the law on smoking prohibition at the place of work with the exception of premises that may be provided for this purpose; responsibilities of employers for enforcing the law, providing premises for smokers and ensuring penalties in order to protect employees against the effects of passive smoking; integrating the anti-smoking campaign into the overall effort to promote occupational safety and health. (106581)

CIS 07-658 Toxicological modes of action: Relevance for human risk assessment. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, July 2006. 63p. Illus. 136 ref. (In English)

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Generally, the assessment of the risk to humans from exposure to chemical substances is based on extrapolation from animal studies. For those substances where humans are not sensitive to the effects seen in animals, this approach is conservative and may result in risk management measures that are unwarranted. This report proposes an alternative approach for the evaluation of the effects of chemicals on humans based on an understanding of the molecular and cellular processes underlying toxicity and carcinogenicity. In cases where this information is available, this method should replace default approaches in assessing human risk. Advice is provided on how to identify the key events in the mode of action of the toxicological effect, how to test the strength of the data on which the mode of action hypothesis is based and how to establish its relevance to humans. (106559)

CIS 07-659 Contribution to the methodology for the development of acute exposure threshold levels in case of accidental chemical release. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, July 2006. 216p. Illus. Approx. 300 ref. (In English)

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This report describes the contributions of ECETOC to the ACUTEX (ACUTe EXposure) project. The objective of the project was to develop the methodology, the software tools and a technical guidance document for establishing European Acute Exposure Threshold Levels (AETLs) in case of accidental chemical release. In developing the methodology, national practices in industrial accident risk assessment were taken into account. ECETOC involvement included a comparison of currently available methodologies in Europe and in the United States, the definition of human health end-points for the target organs relevant for accidental chemical exposure, the definition of the different AETL levels, the methodological aspects for the use of assessment factors and time extrapolation to derive the AETLs. (106560)

CIS 07-660 Preventing asthma and death from MDI exposure during spray-on truck bed liner and related applications. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Sep. 2006. 35p. Illus. 57 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2006-149/pdfs/2006-149.pdf

Contents of these recommendations for preventing asthma and other respiratory diseases during polyurethane spray-on applications: description of the polyurethane spray-on truck bed lining process; spray applications other than truck bed lining; health effects of isocyanates (lung injury, respiratory sensitization, cancer); current exposure limits; workplace exposure assessments; case reports of isocyanate-induced asthma and other respiratory diseases investigated by NIOSH; recommendations aimed at shop owners and suppliers of chemicals; future research. These recommendations are also summarized on a detachable sheet for display on a notice board. Appendices include: properties and chemical structure of isocyanates; spray enclosure and ventilation design considerations; supplied-air respirators and elements of a respiratory protection programme; surveillance guidelines for work-related asthma. (106564)

CIS 07-661 Carex-Esp - Information system on occupational exposure to carcinogens in Spain in 2004. (Spanish: Carex-Esp - Sistema de información sobre exposición ocupacional a cancerígenos en España en el año 2004) Kogevinas M., van der Haar R., Fernández F., Kauppinen T., Institut syndical européen pour la recherche, la formation, la santé et la sécurité, Bd du Roi Albert II 5, bte 5, 1210 Brussels, Belgium, Mar. 2006. 40p. 5 ref. (In Spanish)

Internet:
http://hesa.etui-rehs.org/uk/newsevents/files/InformeCarex.pdf

CAREX consists of an international information system on occupational exposure to carcinogens, while Carex-Esp is a specific application of this system to Spain. This report presents the findings of the evaluation of exposures of Spanish workers recorded in 2004 using Carex-Esp. This evaluation uses international databases, and in particular data from Finland. The most frequent exposures in Spain are to solar radiation, crystalline silica, cigarette smoke, diesel engine exhaust, wood dust, radon and radon daughters, artificial mineral fibres and hexavalent chromium compounds. Estimates show that for the year 2000, a large number of workers, corresponding to approximately 25% of the Spanish workforce, were exposed to carcinogens at the place of work. (106603)

CIS 07-662 Press conference - Occupational cancer in Spain. (Spanish: Conferencia de Prensa - El cáncer laboral en España) Nieto J., Kogevinas M., Institut syndical européen pour la recherche, la formation, la santé et la sécurité, Bd du Roi Albert II 5, bte 5, 1210 Brussels, Belgium, May 2006. 8p. (In Spanish)

Internet:
http://hesa.etui-rehs.org/uk/newsevents/files/prensa_cancer.pdf

This press release summarises the initial findings of the Carex-Esp project on the evaluation of the number of workers exposed to carcinogens in Spain in 2004. Using two tables, it presents an estimation of the number of workers exposed to the 15 most widespread carcinogens and the number of persons exposed by sector of activity. It is estimated that in 2004, approximately 5 million workers were exposed to carcinogens in Spain, namely 25% of the active workforce. Proposals made by the Confederation of Spanish labour Unions for the prevention of occupational cancers are also included. (106604)

CIS 07-663 Safety guide to the management, storage and disposal of chemicals used for producing illicit drugs. (Spanish: Guía de seguridad para el manejo y la eliminación de los químicos utilizados en la fabricación ilícita de drogas) United Nations, Sales Section, New York, USA, 2006. 89p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 92-1-348119-5 (In Spanish)

Internet:
http://www.unodc.org/pdf/publications/st-nar-36_es.pdf

The safe management, storage and disposal of chemical products and residues seized in clandestine drug laboratories constitute problems for the authorities involved. This safety guide aimed at these authorities describes the various methods available for the disposal of specific substances used for the manufacture of illegal drugs. (106605)

CIS 07-664 ECETOC annual report 2004. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC), Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2004. 32p. Illus. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.ecetoc.org/Content/Default.asp?PageID=28

Report on the activities of ECETOC during 2004. Highlights include: new task forces on biomonitoring and on the health and safety of nanomaterials; long-range research initiative on human health and the environment; newly designed ECETOC website www.ecetoc.org; and details of workshops, outreach activities and publications. (106663)

CIS 07-665 ECETOC annual report 2005. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC), Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2005. 39p. Illus. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.ecetoc.org/Content/Default.asp?PageID=28

Report on the activities of ECETOC during 2005. Highlights include: new task forces on assessing the human health risks of mixtures of chemicals and on the assessment of bio-accumulating and toxic substances; the REACH implementation programme; the long-range research initiative; and communication activities (publications and presentations). (106664)

CIS 07-666 Transgenic animal mutagenicity assays. International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), WHO Press, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2006. xxv, 298p. Illus. Approx. 360 ref., ISBN 92-4-157233-7 (In English)

Internet:
http://www.who.int/entity/ipcs/publications/ehc/ehc233.pdf

This document provides an introduction to transgenic mutagenicity assays and assesses their possible role in toxicology testing and mechanistic research. Contents: overview of genotoxicity testing and transgenic animal mutagenicity systems; comparison with conventional test systems; applications of transgenic mutation assays in mechanistic research on animals; evaluation of the role and potential added value of the assays in toxicology and risk assessment. Summary in French and Spanish. (106671)

CIS 07-667 IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans - Inorganic and organic lead compounds. World Health Organization (WHO), WHO Press, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland; International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 150 cours Albert Thomas, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France, 2006. xiii, 506p. Approx. 1600 ref., ISBN 92-832-1287-X (In English)

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This volume of the IARC Monographs contains evaluations of inorganic and organic lead compounds. Contents: exposure data (production processes for lead and lead products, uses, environmental occurrence, exposure of the general population and of workers in specific occupations, methods of sampling and analysis in biological matter, exposure limits); studies of cancer in humans and experimental animals; studies of other toxic effects (effects on haeme-containing systems, nephrotoxicity, neurological and neurotoxic effects, cardiovascular toxicity, immunological, reproductive and genetic effects). Overall evaluation: inorganic lead compounds are probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A), organic lead compounds are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3). (106672)

CIS 07-668 Strategic approach to international chemicals management. (Arabic: Al-nahj al-istirātījī lil-id@ara al-duwalīa lil-mawādd al-kīmīa'īa; Chinese: Guoji huaxuepin guanli zhanlüe fangzhen; French: Approche stratégique de la gestion internationale des produits chimiques; Russian: Strategičeskij podhod k meždunarodnomu regulirovaniju himičeskih veščestv; Spanish: Enfoque estratégico para la gestión de productos químicos a nivel internacional) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Division of Technology, Industry and Economics, Chemicals Branch, 11-13, Chemin des Anémones, 1219 Châtelaine Genève 10, Switzerland, June, 2006. Internet document. 84p. (In Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish)

Internet:
http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/SAICM%20texts/SAICM%20standalone%20A.pdf

http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/SAICM%20texts/standalone_txt.pdf

http.//www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/SAICM%20texts/SAICM%20standalone%20S.pdf

http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/SAICM%20texts/SAICM%20standalone%20F.pdf

http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/SAICM%20texts/SAICM%20standalone%20R.pdf

http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/SAICM%20texts/SAICM%20standalone%20C.pdf

At its first session, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 4-6 February 2006, the International Conference on Chemicals Management adopted the Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management and the Overarching Policy Strategy. The Conference also recommended the use and further development of the Global Plan of Action as a working tool and guidance document. These three documents constitute the Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management and are presented in the current document. The overall objective of the Strategic Approach is to achieve the sound management of chemicals throughout their life-cycle so that, by 2020, chemicals are used and produced in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment. (106675)

CIS 07-669 Guidance for setting occupational exposure limits: Emphasis on data-poor substances. European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC), Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4, Bte. 6, 1160 Bruxelles, Belgium, Oct. 2006. 86p. 65 ref. (In English)

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In the absence of sound human exposure data, existing procedures for setting occupational exposure limits (OELs) for chemical substances are generally based on a no observed adverse effect level from repeated dose animal studies, with application of appropriate assessment factors to account for uncertainty and variability in the data set. These procedures are briefly reviewed in this report. Six methods for setting OELs for "data-poor" substances are evaluated and worked examples are provided. In conclusion, it is proposed that an integrated approach based on the six methods can be used to set a provisional OEL. However, experienced toxicological expertise is required in the interpretation of the results. (106687)

CIS 07-670 Protective measures for spray coating work - lacquer aerosols. (German: Schutzmaßnahmenkonzept für Spritzlackierarbeiten - Lackaerosole) Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften, Fachausschuss "Metall- und Oberflächenbehandlung" der Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Zentrale für Sicherheit und Gesundheit (BGZ), Carl Heymanns Verlag KG, Luxemburger Straße 449, 50939 Köln, Germany, Jan. 2006. 15p. Illus. Price: EUR 2.40. (In German)

Internet:
http://www.hvbg.de/d/bgz/entwicklung/pdf_bild/bgvr03_pdf/bgr_231.pdf

This code of practice applies to all spray coating work that is performed with spray guns. It does not address the manual application of lacquers and paints. It specifies the requirements to protect workers from the inhalation of lacquer aerosols by installation of a suitable exhaust ventilation system or by the supply of respirators. It provides criteria for deciding which of the two methods of protection is needed in each case. (106710)

CIS 07-671 Handling cytotoxic drugs in isolators in NHS pharmacies. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Jan 2003. 6p. 5 ref. (In English)

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This information note gives advice on factors to consider when selecting either negative or positive pressure isolators for handling cytotoxic drugs in NHS pharmacies. Topics covered: functions of an isolator; characteristics of negative and positive pressure isolators; routes of operator exposure; combined risk of operator exposure and product contamination; decision table for the selection of either a negative or a positive pressure isolator. (106518)

CIS 07-672 Occupational exposure limits for chemicals in Spain - 2007. (Spanish: Límites de exposición profesional para agentes químicos en España 2007) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2007. 234p. 13 ref., ISBN 978-84-7425-724-3 (In Spanish)

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This booklet provides a list of chemical substances and their environmental and biological exposure limits in Spain. Includes separate lists of carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals, sensitizers and exposure limits currently being revised. Also provides explanations of the different types of limits and methods of sampling and analysis. Replaces CIS 06-1183. (106660)

CIS 07-673 Exposure limits at the workplace 2007 [Switzerland]. (French: Valeurs limites d'exposition aux postes de travail 2007 [Suisse]; German: Grenzwerte am Arbeitsplatz 2007) Suva, Schweizerische Unfallversicherungsanstalt, Postfach 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 2007. 148p. Illus. (In French, German)

Internet:
https://wwwsapp1.suva.ch/sap/public/bc/its/mimes/zwaswo/99/pdf/01903_d.pdf

https://wwwsapp1.suva.ch/sap/public/bc/its/mimes/zwaswo/99/pdf/01903_f.pdf

List of exposure limits at the workplace for 2007 in Switzerland. Contents: definitions of exposure limits for harmful substances; list of exposure limit values (including short-term exposure values); carcinogens and other harmful exposures (carcinogenic nitrosamines, benzo(a)pyrene and aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons, passive smoking at the workplace, asbestos, mutagens, substances toxic for reproduction, artificial mineral fibres, organic peroxides, inert substances, dust and gases); definition of the biological exposure indices (BEI); biological monitoring of harmful substances; list of BEIs; BEI of carcinogens; admissible threshold values for physical agents at the workplace (ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation, noise and vibration, compressed air, infrared radiation). Replaces CIS 05-409. (106673)

CIS 07-674 The management of asbestos in non-domestic premises - Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006 - Approved code of practice and guidance. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2nd ed., 2006. iv, 27p. 18 ref. Price: GBP 9.50., ISBN 0-7176-6209-8 (In English)

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This guide gives advice on how to comply with Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006 on the management of asbestos in non domestic premises. It explains the duties of building owners, tenants and all other persons with legal responsibilities for such premises. Duty holders are required to locate asbestos-containing materials and check their condition, to make a written record of the location and conditions of the materials, to assess the risk of exposure and to prepare and implement a plan to manage the risk. Replaces previous edition (CIS 05-675). (106677)

CIS 07-675 Principles of characterizing and applying human exposure models. Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), WHO Press, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2005. iv, 70p. Illus. 109 ref., ISBN 92-4-156311-7 (In English)

Internet:
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2005/9241563117_eng.pdf

This report describes general rules for modelling exposure to environmental pollutants, such as industrial chemicals, pesticides, household chemicals and combustion products (from heating, cooking, traffic, etc.), as well as food additives. The report describes some published exposure models to illustrate both the principles and practices of exposure modelling, but it does not attempt to provide a comprehensive list of existing exposure models. Rather, the focus of this report is on discussing general properties of exposure models and how they should be described. The characteristics of different modelling frameworks are examined, and ten principles are recommended for characterizing, evaluating and using exposure models in order to help model users select and apply the most appropriate models. The report also discusses issues such as validation, input data needs, time resolution and extrapolation of the model results to different populations and scenarios. (106684)

CIS 07-676 Contaminated areas. (German: Kontaminierte Bereiche) Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften, Fachausschuss "Tiefbau" der Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Zentrale für Sicherheit und Gesundheit (BGZ), Carl Heymanns Verlag KG, Luxemburger Straße 449, 50939 Köln, Germany, rev.ed., Feb. 2006. 66p. Price: EUR 6.80. (In German)

Internet:
http://www.mtm.de/index.htm?/cont/kontaminierte_bereiche_01.htm

This code of practice applies to repair-work in sanitary landfills, to clean-up work of contaminated soils and buildings (but not to the removal of asbestos-containing material), to construction or demolition work on contaminated sites and to clean-up after a fire. It specifies measures to protect workers during the assessment of hazards posed by harmful substances before work is started and measures to protect workers during the work. The protective measures addressed include: access restriction, fire and explosion protection, first aid, medical supervision by the industrial physician, protection from accidents involving earthmoving equipment, protection from inhalation of harmful substances and the supply of personal protective equipment. Update of the 2002 code of practice with the same title (CIS 04-66). (106707)

CIS 07-677 Selection and safe use of spotting solvents in textile and clothing industries. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Apr. 2002. 4p. 17 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/tis7.pdf

This information note provides practical step-by step guidance on how to select spotting solvents and prevent risks to the health and safety of persons who use them. Topics covered: definition of spotting solvents; health effects due to exposure; legal requirements; four steps to selecting a solvent; measures to control exposure. (106516)

CIS 07-678 Hardwood dust survey. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2001. 2p. 9 ref. (In English)

Internet:

The COSHH Regulations 1999 (see CIS 00-620) set a maximum exposure limit (MEL) of 5mg/m³ for hardwood dust in the woodworking industry. A survey was conducted in 1988/89 to investigate exposure levels in this industry. The results showed that in only 5 out of 41 factories the levels were all below the MEL and in only 13 the levels were all below twice the MEL (10mg/m³). Of the 363 air samples taken, 60% were below the MEL, 17% were between 5 and 10mg/m³, 14% between 10 and 20mg/m³ and 3% above 40mg/m³. (106512)

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CIS 07-679 Development of a computer-based tool for improving chemical risk management. (French: Développement d'un outil informatique pour l'amélioration de la gestion du risque chimique) Le Gall G., Croq M., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, Sep. 2006, No.204, p.41-45. Illus. 11 ref. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.hst.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/ND%202254…
   …/$File/ND2254.pdf

The objective of this study was to develop a computer-based application for the management of chemical hazards serving the needs of the various categories of users responsible for safety on a French naval base. The tool is built around a widely-available database software package. It is user-friendly and may be extended for use in other areas. It includes data that answer the needs of firemen, the unit responsible for the transport of hazardous substances, occupational safety and health services and medical services. Several screens illustrating the user interface of the database query system are presented. (106578)

CIS 07-680 Non-binding guide to good practice for implementing Directive 1999/92/EC "ATEX" (explosive atmospheres). (French: Guide de bonne pratique à caractère non contraignant - Directive 1999/92/CE "ATEX" (atmosphères explosives); Spanish: Guía de buenas prácticas no obligatoria para la aplicación de la Directiva 1999/92/CE "ATEX" (atmósferas explosivas)) Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2, rue Mercier, 2985 Luxembourg, Luxembourg, 2005. 125p. Illus., ISBN 92-894-8717-8 (es), ISBN 92-894-8721-6 (en), ISBN 92-894-8722-4 (fr) (In English, French, Spanish)

Internet:
http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/publications/2004/ke6404175_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/publications/2004/ke6404175_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/publications/2004/ke6404175_fr.pdf

Directive 1999/92/EC (see CIS 00-1523) concerns the minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. It requires the European Commission to draw up practical guidelines in a guide to good practice of a non-binding nature. This guide is primarily intended to assist Member States in drawing up their national policies for the protection of the health and safety of workers. Contents: how to use the guide; assessment of explosion risks; technical measures for explosion protection; organizational measures for explosion protection; coordination duties; explosion protection document. Appendices include a glossary, specimen forms and checklists and the full text of relevant legislation and Directives. (106566)

CIS 07-681 Prevention of major industrial accidents. (Polish: Zapobieganie poważnym awariom przemysłowym) Michalik J.S., Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy, ul. Krucza 38/42,00-926 Warszawa, Poland, 2005. 104p. 30 ref. (In Polish)

Internet:
http://www.pip.gov.pl/html/pl/doc/07040053.pdf

The main elements of systems for the prevention of major industrial accidents are presented. The principles of classification for the identification of industries at high risk of failure are listed and the elements of accident prevention programmes and safety management systems in high-risk industries are described. (106724)

CIS 07-682 Working together on firework displays - A guide to safety for firework display organisers and operators. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 2006. iv, 20p. Illus. 25 ref. Price: GBP 9.50., ISBN 0-7176-6196-2 (In English)

Internet:

This guide is an updated version of the document indexed under CIS 01-529 and takes account of significant changes in the statutory controls relating to the supply, possession, transport, keeping and use of fireworks. It gives advice on safety for outdoor firework displays operated by a competent display operator. Contents: display organization; selecting a display operator; site selection and layout; contact with the police, the fire service, the local authority and other local groups; provision of site facilities; care of fireworks before the display; crowd safety; emergency plans; safety of bonfires; setting up and firing the fireworks; clearing up after the display; legal requirements. (106678)

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CIS 07-683 Overvoltage protection according to the European standard. (German: Überspannungsschutz nach europäischer Produktnorm) Ehrler J., De - der Elektro- und Gebäudetechniker, 2006, Vol.81, No.17, p.26-29. Illus. 6 ref. (In German)

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The international standard IEC 60364-5-53/A2 on overvoltage protection of low-voltage power systems and the European standard on low-voltage surge protective devices EN 61643-11 describe methods of testing overvoltage protectors. In addition, they define the design requirements of overvoltage protectors for various kinds of applications in low-voltage power systems. The overvoltage protectors of a specific manufacturer that protect from surges caused by lightning and by switching operations are used to explain the requirements of these standards in detail. (106694)

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CIS 07-684 Influence of source directivity on noise exposure in industrial workshops. (French: Influence de la directivité des sources bruyantes sur l'exposition sonore dans les locaux industriels) Chatillon J., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, Sep. 2006, No.204, p.47-59. Illus. 6 ref. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.hst.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/ND%202255…
   …/$File/ND2255.pdf

In this study, measurements were made of the directivity of noise emitted by three types of woodworking machines using a simplified acoustic intensity method enabling quick determinations to be made inside workshops. These measurements showed that the directivity of the machines studied was relatively low. Next, the influence of the directivity of these noisy machines on the exposure of workers was evaluated in a woodworking shop. Simulations showed that characteristics of the premises had little influence on noise source variability as a function of source directivity. The key factors influencing exposure were the position of the worker and his or her distance from the machine. (106579)

CIS 07-685 Noise and vibration: Impacts and prevention strategies. (French: Bruit et vibrations: impacts et stratégies de prévention) Ben Laiba M., ed., SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, July 2006, No.38, p.2-36. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French)

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Proceedings of a conference on protection against noise and vibration at the place of work held in Tunis, Tunisia, from 23 to 25 May 2006. Topics addressed: efforts undertaken by Tunisia; commitment of the ILO with respect to occupational safety and health; physical and standardization aspects of injury-causing noise; approach for the diagnosis of deafness caused by occupational factors; health effects of noise exposure; viewpoint of the Tunisian national occupational safety and health institution; compensation of occupational diseases caused by vibration in Tunisia; medical supervision of workers exposed to noise. (106582)

CIS 07-686 Hearing protection: Less often means more. (French: Les appareils de protection de l'ouïe: moins signifie souvent plus...) Waldmann H., Matzinger C., Communications de la CFST, Dec. 2005, No. 60, p.8-10. Illus. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.ekas.ch/communication-fr.php?download=911&1166195952

The main reasons that workers do not protect themselves sufficiently against noise include lack of awareness of the risk, the use of inappropriate means of protection and the lack of proper communication on the risk. Topics addressed by this article on hearing protection: risk awareness and individual responsibility; technical measures; instructions for use; level of protection required; new means of hearing protection; sound attenuation that allows verbal communications; responsibilities of employers. (106586)

CIS 07-687 Noise in computer-equipped office workplaces: new evaluation criteria. (French: Le bruit aux postes de travail informatisés: nouveaux critères d'appréciation) Staubli B., Communications de la CFST, Dec. 2005, No. 60, p.11-12. Illus. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.ekas.ch/communication-fr.php?download=911&1166195952

This article discusses unpleasant noise in office environments. Unlike noise in industrial settings which can cause hearing loss, unpleasant noise influences the capacity to communicate, hinders the ability to concentrate and adversely impacts reaction times. Several methods aimed at lowering noise levels in offices, and in particular in open-plan offices, are proposed. (106587)

CIS 07-688 Occupational noise in urban buses. Trombetta Zanin P.H., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Oct. 2006, Vol.36, No.10, p.901-905. Illus. 29 ref. (In English)

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The noise level environment for bus drivers in a Brazilian city was examined. Noise levels were measured in three types of buses. In 56 out of the 60 buses examined, the normalized noise exposure levels were below 82dB(A). The quality of the workplace was thus considered as acceptable overall. The four buses with noise levels above 82dB(A) require noise reduction measures. These buses are older and have the engine located in the front. Year of manufacture and location of the engine are two factors that highly contribute to the level of noise reaching the driver. (106629)

CIS 07-689 Does risk recognition affect workers' hearing protection utilisation rate?. Martins Arezes P., Sérgio Miguel A., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Dec. 2006, Vol.36, No.12, p.1037-1043. Illus. 18 ref. (In English)

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This study was carried out on a sample of 434 industrial workers exposed to noise pressure levels greater than the action level defined in Portuguese legislation (85dB(A)). A questionnaire was developed to assess workers' risk perception of high-noise exposure and their utilization of hearing protection devices (HPD). Multivariate data analysis of several variables revealed that risk recognition in general, and self-efficacy, in particular play a significant role as a predictor of workers' behaviour with respect to the use of HPD. Results suggest that risk recognition should be considered as an essential issue in the design and implementation of any hearing conservation programme, in particular in workers' training. In industrial environments, it is very likely to find several workers sharing the same workplaces and being exposed to the same noise pressure levels, who have different perceptions of the risks they are exposed to. These different perceptions could lead to different workers' attitudes and behaviours. (106659)

CIS 07-690 The whispering classroom. (German: Das flüsternde Klassenzimmer) Rickes O., Inform, das Magazin der Unfallkasse Hessen, June 2006, No.2, p.8-9. Illus. (In German)

Internet:
http://www.ukh.de/uploads/media/inform_02_2006_03.pdf

The measurement of reverberation times in 230 classrooms of 30 schools in Germany and comparison of the results with the recommended reverberation times in the German standard DIN 18041 identified unsatisfactory acoustical conditions in one third of the classrooms. A low-cost method of noise control for noisy classrooms was developed which schools can easily install themselves. Ceilings were covered with soundproofing melamine foam panels 45 mm thick and additional sound-absorbing panels were placed on the walls to reduce the reverberation times of low-frequency noise. The easy-to-install sound control method was successfully applied in eight classrooms. More information on the sound control method for classrooms is available on the Internet: www.fluesterndesklassenzimmer.de (106691)

CIS 07-691 Directive 2002/44/EC on vibrations - A challenge for operators and manufacturers of earthmoving equipment. (German: Die Vibrationsrichtlinie 2002/44/EG - eine Herausforderung für Betreiber und Hersteller von Erdbaumaschinen) Hartdegen R., Tiefbau, Fachzeitschrift der Berufsgenossenschaft der Bauwirtschaft, 2006, Vol.118, No.9, p.488-492. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In German)

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Directive 2002/44/EC on vibrations (see CIS 02-24) sets minimum requirements for the protection of operators of earthmoving equipment from vibration and requires that employers evaluate the vibration exposure of the operators. The manufacturers of earthmoving equipment are required to supply the necessary data. This summary of Report ISO DTR 25309 of 2006 provides instructions on how to determine the daily vibration exposure on earthmoving equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, dredgers, scrapers and soil compacting equipment. It describes an extensive and a simplified method for calculating the daily vibration exposure. (106699)

CIS 07-692 Non-visual biological effect of lighting and the practical meaning for lighting for work. van Bommel W.J.M., Applied Ergonomics, July 2006, Vol.37, No.4, p.461-466. Illus. 32 ref. (In English)

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The effects of good lighting extend much further than generally believed. Recent medical and biological research has consistently shown that light entering the human eyes has, apart from a visual effect, also an important non-visual biological effect on the human body. As a consequence, good lighting has a positive influence on health, well-being, alertness, and even on sleep quality. Improved understanding of the effects of lighting requires new rules governing the design of good and healthy lighting installations. Thanks to the recent discovery of a novel photoreceptor in the eye, one can now begin to define these new rules that will allow the improved design of lighting installations. (106637)

CIS 07-693 Electricians' perception of work-related risks in cold climate when working in high places. Päivinen M., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, July 2006, Vol.36, No.7, p.661-670. Illus. 35 ref. (In English)

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Work on telecommunications and electricity transmission masts can be especially demanding in cold winter climates. This study sought to evaluate workers' perception of work-related risks in the above conditions with special reference to the use of hand tools. A questionnaire and interviews about workers' risk perception were used. A total of 170 questionnaires were sent, of which 118 were returned. Six respondents were also interviewed. It is concluded that in both the telecommunications and electricity transmission sectors, tools, ice and equipment falling from masts were the greatest perceived risks, and preventing such occurrences is the key to any improvement of safety. (106624)

CIS 07-694 Resistance welding - Magnetic field mapping and risk prevention. (French: Soudage par résistance - Cartographie du champ magnétique et prévention) Herrault J., Donati P., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, Sep. 2006, No.204, p.21-31. Illus. 15 ref. (In French)

Internet:
http://www.hst.fr/inrs-pub/inrs01.nsf/IntranetObject-accesParReference/ND%202252…
   …/$File/ND2252.pdf

Metalworking shops are often equipped with several resistance welding machines. In this study, the distribution of the magnetic field around several resistance welding machines was analysed with a view to applying prevention measures if necessary. The results of the measurements confirmed that the emitted levels could exceed those recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) beyond which health risks could exist. In addition to the field mapping, this article describes the principle of resistance welding, reviews the health risks linked to exposure to this type of magnetic field, presents current French and European regulations and offers guidance on prevention measures. (106576)

CIS 07-695 Measurement quality assurance for ionizing radiation dosimetry. Wambersie A., DeLuca P.M., McDonald J.C., eds., Journal of the ICRU, 2006, Vol.6, No.2, p.1-50 (whole issue). Illus. 96 ref. (In English)

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This report describes the methods that are necessary to manage the quality of ionizing radiation measurements and calibrations. They are applicable to all types of radiation that are currently used in medical physics, radiation protection, industrial application and environmental measurements. The types of radiation covered include photons, electrons, neutrons and charged particles. The report discusses methods for establishing and maintaining a measurement quality assurance programme. (106749)

CIS 07-696 Noise in figures. Schneider E., Paoli P., Brun E., European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2005. 116p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 92-9191-150-X (In English)

Internet:
http://osha.europa.eu/publications/reports/6905723/full_publication_en.pdf

This report is part of a series of risk thematic reports dedicated to a specific risk, sector or group of workers. It sets out to describe the situation in Europe as regards exposure to noise at work, to identify groups at risk and to highlight trends and emerging issues of concern. These activities are part of a larger project aiming at the earlier identification of emerging trends and risks at work in order to assist in better targeting of resources and to enable more timely and effective interventions. Contents: exposure to noise at work; health effects; European Agency survey on risks related to noise; European Agency data collection methodology; legislation; conclusions. (106747)

CIS 07-697 Static fields. International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2006. xvii, 351p. Illus. Approx. 500 ref. Price: CHF 54.00 (CHF 37.80 in developing countries). Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 92-4-157232-9 (In English)

Internet:
http://www.who.int/entity/peh-emf/publications/EHC_232_Static_Fields_full_document.pdf

Medical imaging devices, trains and television sets are examples of man-made equipment that can generate static magnetic or electric fields. In some areas of research and medical imaging, stronger and stronger static magnetic fields are being used. This environmental health criteria document reviews current knowledge on potential health consequences of static fields. Topics addressed: definition, sources and measurement of static electric and magnetic fields; interactions with the human body; dosimetry; studies of effects on cell cultures and animals; possible effects on humans; health risk assessment; protection of the public and workers; needs for further research. The document includes a glossary and detailed summaries in Russian, French and Spanish. (106554)

CIS 07-698 Electromagnetic fields. (German: Elektromagnetische Felder) Hauptverband de gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften, Carl Heymanns Verlag KG, Luxemburger Straße 449, 50939 Köln, Germany, Jan. 2006. 53p. Illus. Price: EUR 7.80. (In German)

Internet:
http://www.systronemv.de/NISV/BGR-B11.pdf

This code of practice addresses the protection of workers against the health hazards posed by exposure to electromagnetic fields in the frequency range of 0Hz to 300GHz. Topics covered: exposure limits; exposure evaluation; identification of areas where the exposure limits are exceeded and display of appropriate warning signs; safe distances from electromagnetic fields produced by e.g. cell phone transmitter stations; information of workers of possible hazards; supply of workers with personal protective equipment. (106698)

CIS 07-699 Hand-arm vibration in foundries: Furnace and ladle relining operations. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Feb 2002. 2p. 5 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/fnis11.pdf

In many foundries, furnace or ladle wrecking/relining is an area where workers may be exposed to significant hand-arm vibration. This information note presents possible approaches to reducing exposure, namely the use of the following: preformed linings or lining boards, push-out mechanism for removing spent linings, castables in preference to rammed linings, high quality materials for longer life, vibration-reduced chisels and rammers and management and environmental controls. (106517)

CIS 07-700 Noise at woodworking machines. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, May 2003. 4p. 15 ref. (In English)

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Some of the noisiest working environments are found in the woodworking industries. Noise levels can vary widely from machine to machine depending on conditions of use. This information note explains what can be done by the manufacturers and suppliers of woodworking machines as well as by purchasers and users of these equipments to reduce both noise emission at source and exposure. (106511)

CIS 07-701 Noise enclosure at band re-saws. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2001. 2p. Illus. 4 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis5.pdf

This information sheet describes the construction of a noise enclosure built on a timber frame with a sound attenuating cladding and a sound absorbent lining. Advice is given on the design of feed and delivery openings, access doors and viewing panels, the provision of ventilation for air-cooled equipment, and the location of some controls outside the enclosure. Reprinted with updated references (replaces CIS 91-516). (106513)

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CIS 07-702 How to limit the risks of slips. (French: Comment limiter les risques de glissade?) Coune I., Face au risque, Sep. 2006, No.425, p.18-19. Illus. 4 ref. (In French)

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Contents of this article on preventing the risk of slips: basic prevention principles (elimination the source of the hazard, general and collective prevention, personal protection); selecting the type of floorcovering; ensuring proper workmanship when installing the floorcovering; ensuring that the flooring is smooth and level; wearing suitable safety shoes; access control; addressing the issue of human behaviour; using appropriate cleaning methods; legal aspects. (106573)

CIS 07-703 Fitting of light grids on industrial doors. (German: Tore mit Licht vergittern) De Coi B., M&T Metallhandwerk , 2006, Vol.108, No.3, p.10-12. Illus. (In German)

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The advantages and disadvantages of various kinds of photoelectric guards for fast-moving power-operated doors are compared. A new kind of safety light curtain is presented which is cost-efficient and has been successfully tested in practical operation. The new light curtain provides increased safety for doors operating at speeds up to 4m/s. Its main feature is the blanking of light beams intercepted by the door based on the speed of the moving door. (106703)

CIS 07-704 The capacity of curtains made from flexible material to contain tool pieces ejected at high speed. (Italian: Capacità delle barriere realizzate in materiale flessibile di trattenere parti di utensili proiettate ad alta velocità) Pera F., Borzelli E., Cortis L., Ratti C., Rossi L., Prevenzione oggi, Apr.-June 2005, Vol.1, No.2, p.39-57. Illus. 4 ref. (In English, Italian)

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Numerically-controlled boring and routing machines are equipped with flexible curtains to protect workers from the ejection of tool pieces. These types of machines should comply with the EN 848-3 standard which specifies the requirements that apply to these curtains. This project was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of these curtains, to study their behaviour and to develop a test method for evaluating their capacity to retain tool pieces ejected at high speeds. It was found that, when used properly, curtains made from flexible thermoplastic materials can contain objects weighing up to 20g ejected at speeds of 70m/s. This study also enabled the formulation of several proposals for the revision of the EN 848-3 standard. (106508)

CIS 07-705 An area-guarding puzzle. Lazzara J., Wood R., Occupational Hazards, May 2006, Vol.68, No.5, p.53-54, 56, 58. Illus. (In English)

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With the development of new machine guarding technologies, design engineers are faced with the challenge of choosing the right technology to meet both production and safety needs. This article reviews new developments in machine guarding. Contents: how to calculate the safe minimum distances; situations where electronic guarding is not appropriate; factors to consider before installing a guard; description of area guarding technologies (pressure sensitive safety mats, light curtains and laser scanners), including installation details, benefits and industry applications that are suitable; comparison of area-guarding technologies. (106526)

CIS 07-706 Impact of the safety locking of machines on the risk of accidents and production costs. (French: Impact du contrôle du cadenassage sur les risques d'accidents et les coûts de la production) Charlot E., Nadeau S., Kenné J.P., Travail et santé, Sep. 2006, Vol.22, No.3, p.48-52.Illus. 8 ref. (In French)

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Contents of this article on the safety locking of machines: accident risks faced by maintenance workers in the absence of machine locking; disconnection methods; protection against the inadvertent start of machines; summary of the findings of a study on the cost implications of safety locking that takes into account both accident risks and productivity losses due to machine down time. (106585)

CIS 07-707 Safe through risk analysis. (German: Sicher durch Risikoanalyse) Pließnig M., etz - Elektrotechnik + Automation, 2006, Vol.127, No.4, p.22-24. Illus. 5 ref. (In German)

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The computer programme "Safety Calculator Pascal" supports safety engineers in the design of automatic guards for machinery according to the standards EN 61058 and prEN ISO 13849-1. The example of an enclosed robot is used to explain the computer programme. The programme may be used in the planning and design stages of an automatic guard and also assists designers in calculating the probability of failure of each component of the automatic guard including the safety-related control system. (106704)

CIS 07-708 How much protection do helmets provide against parietal impact?. (German: Wieviel Schutz bieten Industrieschutzhelme gegen seitliche Belastungen?) Schneider J., Sicher ist sicher - Arbeitsschutz aktuell, 2006, Vol.57, No.9, p.416-417. Illus. (In German)

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The protection provided by various kinds of industrial safety helmets against parietal impacts was determined by experiments with an artificial head. The acceleration of the unprotected and protected head caused by the impact of a steel ball weighing 5kg was measured by a sensor inside the artificial head. Helmets with and without hearing protector were tested. The best protective helmets reduced the head acceleration caused by rear, frontal and lateral impact by 89%, 83% and 80%. The worst helmet still reduced the acceleration of the artificial head by one third in comparison to the unprotected head. (106697)

CIS 07-709 Injuries from slips and trips in construction. Lipscomb H.J., Glazner J.E., Bondy J., Guarini K., Lezotte D., Applied Ergonomics, May 2006, Vol.37, No.3, p.267-274. Illus. 24 ref. (In English)

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Data on injuries preceded by a slip or trip were collected during the construction of the Denver International Airport, the largest construction project in the world at the time. Slips and trips occurred at a rate of 5/200,000 hours worked, accounting for 18% of all injuries and 25% of workers' compensation payments, or more than USD 10 million. Slips contributed to the vast majority (85%) of same-level falls and over 30% of falls from height, as well as a significant number of musculoskeletal injuries sustained after slipping or tripping but without falling. In contrast to other types of injuries, the most common contributing factors were environmental in nature and included conditions of walking and working surfaces, terrain and weather. Reducing slips and trips require a focus on environmental and organizational solutions that need to be adapted as the site changes and the construction project evolves. (106632)

CIS 07-710 Lumbar load of health-care workers during patient transfer activities - Characteristic values to support occupational-disease evaluations. (German: Belastung der Lendenwirbelsäule von Pflegepersonen bei Patiententransfers - Kennwerte zur Nutzung in Berufskrankheiten-Feststellungsverfahren) Theilmeier A., et al., Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, 2006, Vol.56, No.8, p.228-251. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In German)

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Different patient-transfer tasks were performed by two experienced teachers of health-care personnel in an experimental setting. The teachers were familiar with conventional and ergonomic methods of carrying out patient transfer activities such as lifting patients into and out of a bathtub. Their body postures and movements during patient transfer activities were determined with the help of video recorders and optoelectronic data capturing systems. The action forces applied during the various tasks were measured with specially developed devices. From the collected data the lumbar loads were determined by biomechanical-model calculations. The obtained characteristic values of lumbar loads caused by patient transfer tasks are presented for use in the evaluation of the occupational origin of disc-related diseases of the lumbar spine. (106695)

CIS 07-711 Preventing worker injuries and deaths from mobile crane tip-over, boom collapse and uncontrolled hoisted loads. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Sep. 2006. 23p. Illus. 25 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2006-142/pdfs/2006-142.pdf

This booklet provides recommendations for preventing mobile crane accidents. Contents: description of mobile cranes; critical lift situations requiring special precautions; injury data; current standards; case reports of accidents investigated by NIOSH; recommendations for employers, crane operators, ground workers and crane rental companies. These recommendations are also summarized on a detachable sheet for display on a notice board. An appendix includes standard crane hoisting hand signals. (106563)

CIS 07-712 Installation and use of beverage dispensing equipment. (German: Errichtung und Betrieb von Getränkeschankanlagen) Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften, Fachausschuss "Nahrungs- und Genussmittel" der Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Zentrale für Sicherheit und Gesundheit (BGZ), Carl Heymanns Verlag KG, Luxemburger Straße 449, 50939 Köln, Germany, Jan. 2006. 41p. Illus. Price: EUR 3.80. (In German)

Internet:
http://vorschriften.portal.bgn.de/files/7681/BGR228_2006-01.pdf

This code of practice specifies requirements for the protection of workers installing and using beverage dispensers which operate with or without pressure. Addressed are the design, location, installation, commissioning, use, maintenance and cleaning of beverage dispensers as well as the safe storage and handling of pressure vessels for the supply of nitrogen, CO₂ or a N₂/CO₂ mixture to beverage dispensers that operate with pressure. Safety testing before the equipment is put into operation is also addressed and it is stressed that the tests need to be repeated at least every two years. (106708)

CIS 07-713 Conformity of woodworking machines. (French: Mise en conformité des machines à bois) Organisme Professionnel de Prévention du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics (OPPBTP), Centre d'expédition de la documentation (CED), 74, rue du petit-pont, BP 94420, 45044 Orléans Cedex 1, France, 1995. 52p. Illus., ISBN 2-7354-0247-9 (In French)

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This guide explains how to ensure that fixed woodworking machines conform to French legal requirements. Contents: inventory of dangerous equipment; identification of possible points of non-compliance and planning of compliance procedures; implementation of the plan. A videotape based on this guide is also available (see CIS 96-1644). (106679)

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CIS 07-714 Checking the efficiency of protective measures in refuse disposal plants by correlated particle counts. (German: Wirksamkeitsüberprüfung Technischer Schutzmaßnahmen in der Abfallwirtschaft mit der Korrelierten Partikelzählung) Missel T., Felten C., Ergo-Med, May-June 2006, Vol.60, No.3, p.84-89. Illus. 14 ref. (In German)

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The German guidelines on biological hazards, TRBA 211 of September 2001, limit the concentration of airborne moulds in composting plants to 50,000cfu/m³ air. This study investigated whether particle counting may be used an alternative to biological cultivation methods for assessing concentrations of microbial agents in air. Comparison of measurements of microorganisms and dust particles in more than 300 workplaces showed that the composition of bioaerosols in composting plants is almost uniform. It is therefore proposed that the concentration of microorganisms in these plants could be assessed using dust particle measurements. (106692)

CIS 07-715 Exposure to moulds and mites in dust and effects on the health of employees in archives and libraries. (German: Belastung und Beanspruchung von Beschäftigten in Archiven und Bibliotheken durch Schimmelpilze und Milben) Grüner C., et al., Gefahrstoffe Reinhaltung der Luft, Sep. 2006, Vol.66, No.9, p.373-377. Illus. 15 ref. (In German)

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Exposure to moulds and mites was determined among 110 employees in archives, libraries and book restoration and conservation workshops (archive group) and in a control group of 109 public service employees in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The archive group showed a slightly higher exposure to organic dusts and moulds. The archive group also complained significantly more often than the control group about mucous membrane irritation and allergic reactions of the skin and upper respiratory tract. IgE-antibodies against common allergens in the air were found more often among the archive group than the control group. Dermatitis was also diagnosed more often in the archive group. It is recommended to keep air humidity below 50 or 55% and room temperatures below 19°C to reduce the exposure to organic dust and moulds in archives. (106696)

CIS 07-716 Severe acute respiratory syndrome - SARS - in occupational and environmental medicine. (German: Schweres akutes respiratorisches Syndrom - SARS - in der Arbeits- und Umweltmedizin) Lenz M., Groneberg D.A., Schäcke G., Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie, Aug. 2005, Vol.55, No.8, p.254-262. 61 ref. (In German)

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This article presents the chronology of the SARS epidemic and sums up current understanding concerning this disease (diagnosis, treatment and prevention). It covers more specifically the aspects related to occupational medicine. Results of studies on the rate of infection among health care personnel who cared for SARS patients are presented. Persons working in research laboratories handling the SARS coronavirus are also at an increased risk, together with airline crews (contamination by passengers) and persons handling livestock (contamination by infected animals). (106503)

CIS 07-717 Avian flu - Concerns for enterprises and their employees. (French: Grippe aviaire - Préoccupations pour les entreprises et leur personnel) Champagne D., Travail et santé, Sep. 2006, Vol.22, No.3, p.32-34. 6 ref. (In French)

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This article reviews the actions that need to be undertaken within the enterprise to ensure a state of preparedness against avian flu. Contents: definition of avian flu; possible consequences of a pandemic; measures to be undertaken within the enterprise in the event of a pandemic of avian influenza. (106584)

CIS 07-718 Appropriate use of personal protective equipment among healthcare workers in public sector hospitals and primary healthcare clinics during the SARS outbreak in Singapore. Chia S.E., et al., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2005, Vol.62, p.473-477. 16 ref. (In English)

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Singapore was affected by an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, with 238 probable cases and 33 deaths. The objective of this study was to survey health care workers (HCWs) on the use of personal protective equipment in relation to the risk of SARS. A self-administered questionnaire survey of 14,554 HCWs in nine healthcare settings was carried out in May-July 2003. A total of 10,236 valid questionnaires were returned (70.3% response); of these, 73 doctors, 4404 nurses, and 921 clerical staff were studied. Factors that determine appropriate use of personal protective equipment by HCWs in the face of a major SARS outbreak are discussed. (106550)

CIS 07-719 Correlative measurement of four biological contaminants on cotton lint, and their implications for occupational health. Lane S.R., Sewell R.D.E., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr.-June 2006, Vol.12, No.2, p.120-125. Illus. 37 ref. (In English)

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Four biological contaminants of cotton fibres (gram-negative bacterial cells, endotoxin, fungal cells and (1-3)-β-D-glucan) were measured in 13 cotton lint samples from international origins. Levels of the contaminants varied significantly between samples. Analysis showed positive correlations between pairs of all four contaminants, however, they were significant only between fungal cells and glucan and between endotoxin and glucan. These findings have important implications for the health risk posed by the cotton-production environment, since the simultaneous inhalation of these agents may cause or exacerbate lung inflammation. (106643)

CIS 07-720 Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a hardwood processing plant related to heavy mold exposure. Veillette M., Cormier Y., Israël-Assayaq E., Mériaux A., Duchaine C., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, June 2006, Vol.3, No.6, p.301-307. Illus. 13 ref. (In English)

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Two workers employed in a hardwood floor plant presented symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). At that plant, kiln-dried wood often showed mouldy growth and was subsequently brought inside for processing. This study evaluated the environment to identify the causative agent and to verify whether other workers of this and similar plants were at risk of developing HP. Dust from dust-removing systems and moulds on the surface of wood planks were collected and air samples taken from the plant under investigation and from a sister plant. Blood samples, spirometry measurements and symptoms' questionnaires were obtained from 11 co-workers. Dense Paecilomyces growth was observed on the surface of the dried processed wood in the plant under investigation, but not at the sister plant. An additional worker had symptoms suggestive of HP, and his bronchoalveolar lavage revealed a lymphocytic alveolitis. The three confirmed cases of HP and the other 10 workers had positive specific IgG antibodies to Paecilomyces. (106740)

CIS 07-721 Prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers in municipal solid waste workers in Keratsini (Greece). Dounias G., Kypraiou E., Rachiotis G., Tsovili E., Kostopoulos S., Occupational Medicine, Jan. 2005, Vol.55, No.1, p.60-63. 22 ref. (In English)

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The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers among municipal solid waste workers. Participants consisted of 166 workers in Keratsini, Greece. Evaluations included the prevalence of biological markers of HBV infection (HbsAg, anti-Hbc, anti-Hbs) and their association with exposure to waste and various socio-demographic factors. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of anti-Hbc positivity between exposed and non-exposed employees to waste. Older employees had a significantly higher prevalence of anti-Hbc positivity. Logistic regression analysis showed that the exposure to waste and age were independently associated with the anti-Hbc positivity. It is concluded that occupational exposure to waste is possibly associated with the acquisition of HBV infection. Immunization of these workers should be considered to reduce the risk of HBV infection. (106532)

CIS 07-722 Risk of biological accidents among workers of a health administration region. (Spanish: Riesgo biológico accidental entre trabajadores de un área sanitaria) Salud, Trabajo y Ambiente, 3rd Quarter 2006, Vol.13, No.49, p.13-16. Illus. (In Spanish)

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This article presents the findings of a survey carried out between 1999 and 2003 in the Spanish health administration region of Puertollano on the incidence of biological accidents. It involved 742 workers (533 women and 209 men). 188 cases of accidental exposure to biological agents were notified during the study period, corresponding to a rate of 5.1 cases per 100 workers. Accidental exposure was the most frequent among nursing staff. Findings are discussed. (106610)

CIS 07-723 Risk of tuberculosis in correctional healthcare workers. Mitchell C.S., Gershon R.R.M., Lears M.K., Vlahov D., Felknor S., Lubelczyk R.A., Sherman M.F., Comstock G.W., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2005, Vol.47, No.6, p.580-586. 33 ref. (In English)

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The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for occupational infection with tuberculosis among healthcare workers employed in correctional facilities. It involved a self-administered survey, a clinical interview and tuberculin skin testing. The overall tuberculin skin test point prevalence rate was 17.7%, the reactivity rate was 2.2%, and the annual incidence was 1.3%. After controlling for bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccination, only origin of birth remained significantly associated with prevalence of tuberculosis infection. Although the prevalence of tuberculin reactivity was high in this population, the risk factors were predominantly demographic rather than occupational. Nevertheless, continued vigilance to control occupational exposure to this and other respiratory pathogens is warranted, given the potential for future outbreaks of tuberculosis, as well as other known and emerging airborne pathogens. (106731)

CIS 07-724 HIV/AIDS policy for the transport sector of Zimbabwe. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2003. xii, 28p., ISBN 0-7974-2947-6 (In English)

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http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/afpro/harare/download/newsletter/transp…
   …ort_sector.pdf

Zimbabwe is among the countries most affected by HIV/AIDS in the world. Current estimates show a prevalence of close to 25% for the 15-49 year age group. The transport sector is among those particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS due to the mobility of truck drivers and their attendants, who often travel long distances and spend long periods of time away from their families. The aim of this guide is to direct the process of dealing with HIV/AIDS in the transport sector in Zimbabwe. It is a result of broad based consultations among workers' and employers' representatives, together with relevant government ministries, and draws widely from the ILO Code of Practice for HIV/AIDS in the world of work (see CIS 03-444). (106744)

CIS 07-725 Recommendations for protecting laboratory, field, and clinical workers from West Nile virus exposure. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Aug. 2006. 9p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English)

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http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2006-115/pdfs/2006-115.pdf

The West Nile Virus (WNV) is most often spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. However, the virus can also be transmitted through contact with infected animals, their blood or their tissues. Thus laboratory, field, and clinical workers who handle tissues or fluids infected with WNV are at risk of exposure. These workers include laboratory technicians, pathologists, researchers, veterinarians and their staff, forest wardens, entomologists, ornithologists, wildlife biologists, zoo workers, health care workers, emergency personnel and others in related occupations. Aimed at these occupations, this booklet includes frequently-asked questions, and recommendations for employers and employees. (106562)

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CIS 07-726 Prevalence of cervical spondylosis and musculoskeletal symptoms among coolies in a city in Bangladesh. Mahbub M.H., Laskar M.S., Seikh F.A., Altaf M.H., Inoue M., Yokoyama K., Wakui T., Harada N., Journal of Occupational Health, 2006, Vol.48, p.69-73. Illus. 23 ref. (In English)

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Carrying loads on the head is common among labourers in Bangladesh. It imposes a considerable amount of strain on the cervical column. This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the prevalence of cervical spondylosis and musculoskeletal symptoms among a random sample of 98 manual handling labourers in the city of Narayangonj, Bangladesh. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and cervical spine X-rays. There was a high prevalence of cervical spondylosis among the coolies (39.8%). Risk factors included age, duration of occupation and weights of the loads carried. Further studies with larger population samples would be required to investigate this problem and to explore preventive measures. (106549)

CIS 07-727 Work-related prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among Greek forest workers. Gallis C., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, August 2006, Vol.36, No.8, p.731-736. 55 ref. (In English)

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The aims of this study were to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among forestry workers in Greece and to recommend practical preventive actions. Seventy-eight workers were interviewed using the Nordic standardized questionnaire. During the previous twelve months, eight out of ten forestry workers had reported complaints in the lower back area, seven in the hands/wrists, six in the knees, five in the neck, five in the shoulders and three in the elbows, hips and thighs, ankles and feet, and upper back. At least once in their working lives 17.9% of the subjects had been hospitalized because of lower back problems. The proportion of subjects consulting a doctor in the previous 12 months was 42.3%, 24.3% and 16.6% because of problems in the lower back, neck and shoulder, respectively. The highest rate for subjects being prevented from doing their normal work was for hand/wrist problems, with 64.1%, followed by lower back and neck, each 50%. Preventive measures such as improved vocational training and the adoption of new techniques, and work organization systems including job rotation and active rest breaks were recommended. (106628)

CIS 07-728 Muscular and cold strain of female workers in meatpacking work. Sormunen E., Oksa J., Pienimäki T., Rissanen S., Rintamäki H., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, August 2006, Vol.36, No.8, 713-720. Illus. 31 ref. (In English)

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The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate muscular strain and thermal responses among women working in cold working environments at a large meat processing factory. Measurements were performed among 18 healthy women during their normal work tasks at temperatures of 4-10°C. Muscular strain in the upper extremities and the shoulders was measured by continuous electromyography (EMG). Relative muscular strain was calculated from EMG activity during work in relation to maximal EMG activity measured during maximal voluntary contraction. Skin and rectal temperatures were measured continuously. Findings are discussed. Working in cooled departments decreased skin temperatures most in the shoulder region, fingers and lower extremities. However, the association between skin temperatures and muscular strain was not statistically significant. Muscular strain was mainly related to the intensity of repetitive movements. (106627)

CIS 07-729 Associations between temporary employment and occupational injury: What are the mechanisms?. Benavides F.G., Benach J., Muntaner C., Delclos G.L., Catot N., Amable M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2006, Vol.63, No.6, p.416-421. 28 ref. (In English)

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http://oem.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/63/6/416.pdf

To determine whether observed higher risks of occupational injury among temporary workers are due to hazardous working conditions or to lack of job experience, this study used data for 2000 and 2001 collected by the Spanish Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs on fatal and non-fatal traumatic occupational injuries. Data were examined by type of employment and type of accident, while adjusting for gender, age, occupation, and length of employment. During the study period, there were 1500 fatal and 1.8 million non-fatal traumatic occupational injuries. The accident rate ratio for temporary workers was 2.94 for non-fatal occupational injuries and 2.54 for fatal occupational injuries. However after adjustment for gender, age, occupation and length of employment, these values were no longer statistically significant. Lower job experience and knowledge of workplace hazards may explain the consistent association between temporary work and occupational injury. (106548)

CIS 07-730 Office furniture and accessories - Seeking design characteristics that best ensure comfort and flexibility. (French: Le mobilier de bureau et ses accessoires - A la recherche de caractéristiques de conception qui favorisent le confort et la polyvalence) Beauvais A., Travail et santé, Sep. 2006, Vol.22, No.3, p.22-27. Illus. 2 ref. (In French)

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This article addresses the topic of office furniture ergonomics. It takes into account the various tasks carried out most frequently in this work environment, namely working at screens simultaneously with reading or writing, handling documents of various sizes, using the phone, using calculators and interacting with colleagues or clients. (106583)

CIS 07-731 Prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and ergonomic risk factors in 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. 39 ref. (In English)

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This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between ergonomic risk factors and upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms (UEMSS) in VDT workers in an Israeli information technology company. The study population of 84 workers was comprised of computer programmers, managers, administrators and marketing specialists. Data on UEMSS, individual and organizational factors and stress symptoms were obtained by means of a questionnaire, while ergonomic data were collected through two direct observations via the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) method. Results of the RULA observations indicate excessive postural loading with no employee in acceptable postures. Upper extremity symptoms were related to the RULA arm/wrist score, working with a VDT between 7.1 and 9h per day and working in the company for more than two years. Neck and shoulder symptoms were related to being female, working more than 10h per day, working at the company for more than two years and being uncomfortable at the workstation. (106622)

CIS 07-732 Computer simulation for ergonomic improvements in laparoscopic surgery. Marcos P., Seitz T., Bubb H., Wichert A., Feussner H., Applied Ergonomics, May 2006, Vol.37, No.3, p.251-258. Illus. 14 ref. (In English)

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The aim of this study was to reduce the stress and strain of medical staff during laparoscopic operations and, simultaneously, to increase the safety and efficiency of an integrated operation room (OR) by an ergonomic redesign. The study involved a computer simulation approach using free modelling of the OR and 3D human models. After defining ergonomically ideal postures, optimal solutions for key elements of an ergonomic design of the OR (position and height of the image displays, height of the OR table and the Mayo stand) could be evaluated with special regard to the different individual body size of each member of the team. These data should be useful for the development of team adapted, ergonomic integrated OR suites. (106631)

CIS 07-733 Indicators for choosing an optimal mix of major working postures. Laperrière E., Ngomo S., Thibault M.C., Messing K., Applied Ergonomics, May 2006, Vol.37, No.3, p.349-357. 46 ref. (In English)

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North American workers usually stand while working. Prolonged standing is associated with discomfort and cardiovascular problems, while prolonged sitting is also associated with various health problems. Since standing and sitting postures differ with respect to mobility and access, it would be desirable to understand the optimal proportion between these two postures. As a step towards this identification, indicators of potential health effects that respond to changes in work requirements were developed. Postures of 65 subjects who usually stood at work were observed in four types of workplaces. Pressure-pain threshold (PPT) recorded on the plantar surface was used as an indicator of discomfort and arterial blood pressure was used as an indicator of cardiovascular effects. PPT after work was significantly lower than that before work. Sitting for even a small part of the day appeared to be protective. Effects of static and dynamic work on PPT and arterial blood pressure may differ. (106634)

CIS 07-734 Evaluation of the effectiveness of portable lifts in a new long-term care facility. Miller A., Engst C., Tate R.B., Yassi A., Applied Ergonomics, May 2006, Vol.37, No.3, p.377-385. Illus. 46 ref. (In English)

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Researchers and health and safety practitioners have long advocated replacing manual patient handling techniques with ceiling lifts in long-term care. However most of these studies have only evaluated the impact of fixed ceiling lifts on extended care residents where the ratio of ceiling lifts to resident beds is one to one. This study assesses the effectiveness of portable ceiling lifts in a new multi-level care facility on risk of patient handling injuries where the ratio of ceiling lifts to resident beds is one to six. Results indicated that staff perceived that they were at significantly less risk of injury when using ceiling lifts compared to manual methods. Seventy-five percent of staff preferred to use the ceiling lifts over any other method for lifting and transferring residents. Compensation costs due to patient handling decreased in the intervention facility, while there was a 241 % increase in the comparison facility. (106635)

CIS 07-735 Preventing upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UL-WMSDS): New approaches in job (re)design and current trends in standardization. Colombini D., Occhipinti E., Applied Ergonomics, July 2006, Vol.37, No.4, p.441-450. Illus. 17 ref. (In English)

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This literature survey summarizes the experiences of close cooperation between ergonomists, machinery designers and job designers to ensure both a high productivity and the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly of the upper limb. It also examines current ergonomics standards in the field of manual work (designed for healthy workers) and suggests preliminary criteria for their implementation taking into account the capabilities and needs of specific sub-groups of the working population. (106636)

CIS 07-736 Safety communications: Warnings. Laughery K.R., Applied Ergonomics, July 2006, Vol.37, No.4, p.467-478. Illus. 49 ref. (In English)

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This literature survey on warning systems argues that in order to be effective, warnings must be both noticed and provide understandable information for recipients to make informed decisions regarding compliance. A number of variables or factors have emerged as being especially significant in determining whether or not a warning achieves these objectives. These factors include both warning system design variables as well as characteristics of the target audience and the situation in which the warning is presented. While there has been significant progress in understanding the factors that influence warning effectiveness, there are also remaining challenges and innovation opportunities. Challenges include issues associated with growing international trade such as language barriers, literacy and cultural values. Innovative approaches are made possible by new communication technologies. (106638)

CIS 07-737 Positive outcomes of participatory ergonomics in terms of greater comfort and higher productivity. Vink P., Koningsveld E.A.P., Molenbroek J.F., Applied Ergonomics, July 2006, Vol.37, No.4, p.537-546. Illus. 33 ref. (In English)

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This literature survey focuses on the factors that enable participatory ergonomics to improve the working environment. Evidence is found in the literature that a positive approach has benefits in terms of shareholder value, productivity and comfort. Participation of end-users and management contributes to success. It is essential to have a good inventory of the problems, a structured approach, a steering group responsible for guidance and end-user involvement in the testing of ideas and prototypes. It is hypothesized that the chance of success increases with empowerment and positive experiences of end-users. Four cases of participatory ergonomics are presented, involving an office environment, installation work, assembly work and a construction site. (106639)

CIS 07-738 Participatory methods effective for ergonomic workplace improvement. Kogi K., Applied Ergonomics, July 2006, Vol.37, No.4, p.547-554. Illus. 31 ref. (In English)

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Recent experiences in using participatory methods for ergonomic workplace improvement are reviewed with a focus on small enterprises, home workers, construction workers and farmers in Asian countries. To meet diversifying ergonomic needs, the participatory steps reviewed usually follow a good-practice approach easily adjustable to local needs and generally involving low-cost improvements. Typical areas include materials handling, workstation design, physical environment and work organization. Further, the review confirms that participatory methods are always modified according to each local situation. It is concluded that participatory methods adopting a good-practice approach are effective for improving small-scale workplaces, particularly in developing countries. (106640)

CIS 07-739 Increasing the degree of automation in a production system: Consequences for the physical workload. Balogh I., Ohlsson K., Hansson G.Å., Engström T., Skerfving S., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Apr. 2006, Vol.36, No.4, p.353-365. Illus. 51 ref. (In English)

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In this study, the ergonomic consequences of technical and organizational changes were quantified in a plant producing slats for parquet flooring. Muscle activity, work postures and movements were assessed by direct technical measurements at three types of production lines. The physical workload of operators at the manual, semi-automated and automated line was derived based on all existing work tasks. The work was characterized by moderate muscular loads, high repetitiveness, constant movements of the hands and a high prevalence of neck and shoulder disorders. There were significant differences considering exposure levels between the work tasks within each type of production line as well as between the lines. The semi-automated line implied reduced muscular load for all muscles registered but more constrained work postures, while the automated line offered less constrained postures, lower loads and less repetitiveness for the hands, together with more frequent changes between physical workload levels. (106616)

CIS 07-740 "Gulf War Syndrome" may be related to circadian dysrhythmia. Ladou J., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.13, No.1, p.125-127. 26 ref. (In English)

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http://www.ijoeh.com/pfds/IJOEH_1301_Ladou.pdf

An Institute of Medicine (IOM) review found that the data obtained from research addressing the health issues of Gulf War veterans do not satisfactorily clarify the origins, extent and long-term implications of their health problems. The IOM committee concluded that there should have been more screening and medical examinations of deployed personnel before and after service in the Gulf. The many possible causes of the "Gulf War syndrome" examined, however, did not include circadian dysrhythmia or desynchronosis. It would have been possible to determine the level of desynchronosis in the returning Gulf War veterans, and to follow them into their subsequent pursuits to determine whether chronic desynchronosis was present in those who had persistent symptoms. If circadian dysrhythmia is found to be present in veterans now returning from the Gulf, they should receive treatment to correct the problem before they develop chronic desynchronosis. (106657)

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CIS 07-741 Psychosocial factors and safety behaviour as predictors of accidental work injuries in farming. Glasscock D.J., Rasmussen K., Carstensen O., Hansen O.N., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 2006, Vol.20, No.2, p.173-189. 60 ref. (In English)

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Stress may be a cause of occupational accidents. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses, this study aimed to uncover the best psychosocial predictors of injury, while controlling for exposure-related confounders. From a randomly selected sample of 794 farms in Denmark, 393 farmers provided weekly reports of accidents over 12 months and completed a questionnaire on various psychosocial factors. Results indicated that farm stressors (including perceived economic problems), stress symptoms and safety behaviour were predictors of occupational accidents. (106525)

CIS 07-742 Psychosocial factors and safety behaviour as predictors of accidental work injuries in farming. Glasscock D.J., Rasmussen K., Carstensen O., Hansen O.N., Work and Stress, Apr.-June 2006, Vol.20, No.2, p.173-189. 60 ref. (In English)

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Using multivariate logistic regression analyses, this study examined psychosocial predictors of farm injuries, while controlling for exposure-related confounders. From a randomly selected sample of farms in Denmark, 393 farmers completed weekly accident registration over 12 months; 310 of these also completed questionnaires on psychosocial factors. Results indicated that farm stressors (including perceived economic problems), stress symptoms, and safety behaviour were predictors of occupational accidents. Higher levels of stressors and stress symptoms and poor safety behaviour were all associated with an elevated risk of injury. In the case of stress symptoms, the relation with accidents occurred via an interaction with safety behaviour. The combination of high levels of stress symptoms and poor safety behaviour was associated with a particularly high accident risk. (106626)

CIS 07-743 Work in North-Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in 2004. (German: Arbeitswelt NRW 2004) Basi Infoprint, Summer 2005, No.2, p.17-19. Illus. 2 ref. (In German)

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http://www.basi.de/pages/d/infoprint/IP-2-05-web.pdf

A survey of working conditions was carried out in 2004 in North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. 2000 workers were questioned by phone on their physical and mental workload and its effects on health, their means of coping with stress, their degree of work satisfaction and the preventive measures adopted within their enterprise. One worker in two mentioned a high mental workload (too much responsibility, time pressures, high workload or anxiety concerning job security). More than 40% declared that they had had the impression of being exhausted. Physical loads affecting workers included strenuous postures, noise and work environments. Close to a third of surveyed participants mentioned suffering from backache or articular pain. Older workers were generally more adept at coping with stress than younger workers. A comparison of the results of this survey with those of previous surveys conducted in 1994 and 1999 shows a sharp increase in the percentage of workers reporting problems at work. (106505)

CIS 07-744 Symptoms of stress related to the characteristics of customer service in warehouse superstores. St-Vincent M., Denis D., Imbeau D., Trudeau R., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Apr. 2006, Vol.36, No.4, p.313-321. Illus. 25 ref. (In English)

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The stress symptoms of 91 sales clerks and 28 managers in six warehouse superstores of a large chain specializing in office supplies were documented with the Karasek and Maslach questionnaires. The results show different stress symptoms in the two populations. In managers, stress appears to be a result of an overinvestment in work. Stress in sales clerks is related to customer service characteristics, which were studied through work observation, interviews and the analysis of a daily journal. It was found that the time that can be allotted to each customer service intervention is less than one minute. In more than a third of such interventions, sales clerks must serve more than one customer at a time. On average, they cannot work continuously on the same task more than 1.5 min. Sales clerks are also stressed by difficult customers. Solutions are proposed mainly to reduce interruptions that lead to mistakes, stress, degraded performance and increased workload. (106614)

CIS 07-745 Using surveys to identify stressors in generalized jobs: A direct clustering method. Holman G.T., Carnahan B.J., Thomas R.E., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, July 2006, Vol.36, No.7, p.671-677. 14 ref. (In English)

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The objective of this study was to develop a method for identifying the physiological and psychological stress factors associated with various work tasks. The resulting method consisted of a three-section survey followed by a short interview. The first two sections of the survey provide descriptive information concerning both employee demographics and the physiological burden being placed on the employees, in terms of stress exhibited on specific body parts and the severity of that stress. The third survey section and interview then focuses on identifying correlations between job task and perceived stressors. This method was tested in a fisheries operation, considered as a pilot study. It identified eight high-risk tasks. Subsequent on-site analysis quantitatively verified that each of these tasks had been correctly classified by the presented method. (106625)

CIS 07-746 Responses of the autonomic nervous system during periods of perceived high and low work stress in younger and older female teachers. Ritvanen T., Louhevaara V., Helin P., Väisänen S., Hänninen O., Applied Ergonomics, May 2006, Vol.37, No.3, p.311-318. Illus. 54 ref. (In English)

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The aim of this study was to examine the response of the autonomic nervous system in younger and older healthy female teachers during work periods of perceived high and low stress. There were 14 participants in each group. In the younger group (average age 31 years), heart rate, cortisol excretion rate and psychosomatic symptoms were significantly higher during the high work stress period. The older participants (average age 54) experienced no decrease in their heart rate and cortisol excretion during the low stress period and they exhibited no significant decrease in blood pressure after the work in the evening during both periods. Recovery from stress among the older teachers was insufficient particularly in view of their elevated diastolic blood pressure during the low work stress period. Ergonomic and individually tailored measures in terms of work time control, specific relaxation techniques and a part-time retirement may improve the stress management of older teachers. (106633)

CIS 07-747 Psychosocial work environment and mental health: Job-strain and effort-reward imbalance models in a context of major organizational changes. Niedhammer I., Chastang J.F., David S., Barouhiel L., Barrandon G., International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr.-June 2006, Vol.12, No.2, p.111-119. 40 ref. (In English)

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This cross-sectional study explored the association between the two job-stress models, job-strain and effort-reward imbalance, and mental health outcomes in a working population exposed to major organizational changes. It involved 680 subjects, 504 men and 176 women. Psychosocial factors at work included psychological demands, decision latitude, social support, effort, reward, and overcommitment. Mental health outcomes were depressive symptoms and psychiatric disorders. Job strain, low decision latitude, effort-reward imbalance and especially job instability were found to be associated with depressive symptoms and/or psychiatric disorders among men. Overcommitment at work was a risk factor for both men and women. Social support at work played a role in reducing depressive symptoms for women. These findings emphasize the deleterious effects of the psychosocial work environment on mental health during major organizational changes. (106642)

CIS 07-748 Work, stress and mental health. Työterveiset - Newsletter of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 2005, Special Issue 1, p.1-27. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English)

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This special issue includes articles on: occupational stress; assessment of the physiological effects of work-related stress; depression and work; prevention and management of work-related stress; discontinuous employment and health risk; work engagement (positive occupational wellbeing); mental work strain of farmers; and the mental health of journalists following changes in the work environment. (106682)

CIS 07-749 Main and moderating effects of self-control demands and control deficits on indicators of job strain. (German: Haupt- und Interaktionseffekte von Selbstkontrollanforderungen und Kontrolldefiziten auf Indikatoren der Arbeitsbeanspruchung) Schmidt K.H., Neubach B., Zeitschrift für Arbeitswissenschaft, 2006, Vol.60, No.1, p.37-46. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In German)

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A survey of office workers was conducted to examine the relationships between job-related demands of self-control and indicators of job strain. The extent of job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion and depersonalization was determined among 630 employees of a municipal administration department in Germany. In addition, the tendency towards making mistakes (cognitive control deficits) was determined by questionnaire. Results showed a significant increase in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and a significant decrease in job satisfaction with increasing job-related demands for self-control. The tendency towards cognitive control deficits rose significantly with increasing job-related demands for self-control. (106701)

CIS 07-750 Workplace violence prevention - Strategies and research needs. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Sep. 2006. ix, 38p. Illus. 17 ref. (In English)

Internet:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2006-144/pdfs/2006-144.pdf

Report of a conference on workplace violence (WPV) held in Baltimore, USA, 17-19 November 2005. Contents: scope, background, methods and objectives; barriers and gaps that impede WPV prevention and strategies to overcome them; WPV prevention programmes and strategies; research needs for WPV prevention; linking research to practice; partners and their respective roles. (106565)

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