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ILO-CIS Bulletin 2008/01CIS 08-1 --- CIS 08-250Laws, regulations, directivesCIS 08-1 Decree No.2007-1121 of 19 July 2007 updating and completing the tables of occupational diseases in the agricultural sector appended to book VII of the rural law [France]. (French: Décret n° 2007-1121 du 19 juillet 2007 révisant et complétant les tableaux des maladies professionnelles en agriculture annexés au livre VII du code rural [France]) Secrétariat général du Gouvernement, Hôtel de Matignon, 57 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France, 2007. Internet document (PDF format). 3p. (In French) Internet: This French decree of 19 July 2007 updates some of the tables of occupational diseases concerning the compensation of occupational diseases in the agricultural sector. It specifically concerns tables No.5 on leptospiroses, No.36 on diseases caused by wood dust, No.46 on noise-induced hearing loss and No.47 on diseases caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust. (107516)
CIS 08-2 Decree No.2007-1083 of 10 July 2007 updating and completing occupational disease table No.12 appended to book IV of the law on social security [France]. (French: Décret n° 2007-1083 du 10 juillet 2007 révisant et complétant le tableau n° 12 des maladies professionnelles annexé au livre IV du code de la sécurité sociale [France]) Secrétariat général du Gouvernement, Hôtel de Matignon, 57 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France, 2007. Internet document (PDF format). 2p. (In French) Internet: This French decree of 10 July 2007 consists of a complete overhaul of occupational disease table No.12, concerning diseases caused by certain halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons. The decree specifically updates the list of chemicals and diseases concerned, together with the lag times for compensation. (107515)
CIS 08-3 The carriage of dangerous goods and use of transportable pressure equipment regulations 2007 [United Kingdom]. The Stationery Office, PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN, United Kingdom, 2007. 79p. Price: GBP 12.80. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 978-0-11-077469-5 (In English) Internet: These United Kingdom Regulations on the carriage of dangerous goods by road and rail came into force on 1 July 2007. They transpose Directives 2006/89/EC and 2006/90/EC with regard to the transport of dangerous goods by rail into United Kingdom law. They take into account the European Agreement on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road 2003 (ADR 2003). They also update and supersede various United Kingdom Regulations, including The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 (see CIS 03-1521). (107624)
CIS 08-4 Federal Act of 15 Dec. 2000 on protection against dangerous substances and preparations (Chemical Products Act) [Switzerland]. (French: Loi fédérale du 15 décembre 2000 sur la protection contre les substances et les préparations dangereuses (Loi sur les produits chimiques, LChim) [Suisse]; German: Bundesgesetz vom 15. Dezember 2000 über den Schutz vor gefährlichen Stoffen und Zubereitungen (Chemikaliengesetz, ChemG); Italian: Legge federale del 15 dicembre 2000 sulla protezione contro le sostanze e i preparati pericolosi (Legge sui prodotti chimici, LPChim)) Internet document, 2000. 22p. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: This law (entry into force: 1 Jan. 2005) applies to the utilization of all substances and preparations, including micro-organisms used as pesticides or plant-protection products). Contents: definitions; principles relating to the use of substances and preparations; notification and authorization of the placing on the market of certain substances and preparations and risk evaluation mechanisms; special measures concerning the use of susbtances and preparations; documentation and information requirements; implementation by cantonal and federal authorities; penalties for non-compliance. The Toxic Substances Act of 21 Mar. 1969 (see CIS 75-1629) is repealed. (107596)
Chemical data sheets and criteria documentsCIS 08-5 Sodium hypochlorite (6 to15% active chlorine). (Spanish: Hipoclorito de sodio (6 al 15% de cloro activo)) Consejo Colombiano de Seguridad, Cra. 20 No. 39 - 62, Bogotá D.C., Colombia, [ca 2007]. 4p. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Chemical safety data sheet for concentrated sodium hypochlorite solutions (corresponding to 6 to 15% active chlorine). The substance is toxic and corrosive. Inhalation causes severe irritation of the respiratory tract and of the mucous membrane, throat pain, cough, respiratory difficulties and pulmonary oedema. Ingestion causes irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; there is a risk of perforation of the intestine or the oesophagus. Contact with the skin and eyes causes burns, reddening and pain. Prolonged exposure may cause methaemoglobinaemia characterized by headache, weakness, respiratory difficulties, vertigo, pulmonary oedema, cyanosis, tachycardia and unconsciousness, possibly leading to death. (107714)
CIS 08-6 Chemical safety pages - A tool for chemical safety information dissemination. Watfa N., Glimberg I., Awan S., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1998. 38p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This collection of safety data sheets is aimed at small and medium sized enterprises in developing countries. The sheets are written in simple language and are contained in a single page. Twenty sheets are included for priority chemicals that have been identified by surveys in a selection of developing countries within the framework of the ILO Action Programme on Safety in the Use of Chemicals at Work. (107627)
Training materials and practical informationCIS 08-7 2007 campaign - Collection of resources supporting the planning of an occupational safety and health campaign. (Dutch: Campagnepakket 2007 - Het campagnepakket bevat hulpmiddelen voor het opzetten van een preventiecampagne) Prevent, 88 rue Gachard, Boîte 4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2006. Information pack containing leaflets, a diary and a CD-ROM. (In Dutch) Internet: This information pack contains a number of resources (information leaflets, CD-ROM containing various MS Office Word and Powerpoint documents, and a diary) concerning the safety and health issues primarily related to integration of new employees and young workers. A seven-step approach is described, involving: preparing the groundwork; defining the structures and communication points; defining the points that need attention; developing the plan; implementing the plan; evaluation; setting the policy. Other topics covered in leaflets include the benefits of moving at the place of work and machine locking. The diary for the year 2007 includes useful tips and reproductions of the posters of the safety campaign for the year. (107520)
CIS 08-8 Everything you always wanted to know about undeclared work but were afraid to ask - 5 questions by an individual building a home. (Dutch: Wat u altijd al wilde weten over zwartwerk maar nooit durfde vragen - 5 vragen ven een particulier die een huis bouwt; French: Tout ce que vous avez toujours voulu savoir sur le travail au noir sans jamais oser le demander - 5 questions d'un particulier qui construit sa maison) Service public fédéral, Emploi, Travail et Concertation sociale, rue Ernest Blérot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, [ca. 2007]. 16p. Illus. (In Dutch, French) Internet: The phenomenon of undeclared work is a serious threat to the financing of the social security system and represents unfair competition to employers who comply with regulations. Workers who are involved in undeclared work often have no protection. Thus situation is all the more worrying because undeclared work is known to represent between 10 and 20% of the Belgian gross domestic product. Aimed at individuals who are building a house and who may be tempted to use undeclared labour, this booklet mentions the risks involved with this type of employment under Belgian social legislation. (107601)
CIS 08-9 10 steps for a safer and healthier workplace. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. 1p. (In English) Internet: The "Better Factories Cambodia" programme of the ILO aims to improve working conditions in Cambodia's export garment factories through independent monitoring, advice, training and information. This leaflet provides advice on how to make a home, office, factory or other workplace safer and healthier in quick, easy and economical ways. It is developed by using simple language for all levels of audiences. (107721)
CIS 08-10 Women and work in the garment industry. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2006. 63p. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: The "Better Factories Cambodia" programme of the ILO aims to improve working conditions in Cambodia's export garment factories through independent monitoring, advice, training and information. This study consisted of a survey in the garment industry designed to explore women workers' and managers' knowledge, attitudes and practices around a number of issues including health and nutrition, breastfeeding and child care, harassment including sexual harassment, workplace relations and dispute resolution. (107722)
CIS 08-11 Working conditions in Cambodia's garment sector: A manual on occupational safety and health. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. 115p. Illus. (In English) Internet: The "Better Factories Cambodia" programme of the ILO aims to improve working conditions in Cambodia's export garment factories through independent monitoring, advice, training and information. Aimed at owners and managers of Cambodian garment factories, this manual provides guidance on how to improve safety and health within the factory so that it meets both national and international standards. It puts forward a series of practical, low-cost suggestions for improving working conditions and increasing productivity. Contents: introduction; policy and implementation; general workplace conditions; temperature, ventilation, noise and lighting; chemicals; workstation design; machine guarding; electrical safety; fire safety; welfare; risk mapping and the use of the checklist. (107723)
CIS 08-12 Guide to Cambodian labour law for the garment industry. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. PDF document. 61p. Illus. Price: USD 5.00. Downloadable version free of charge. (In English) Internet: The "Better Factories Cambodia" programme of the ILO aims to improve working conditions in Cambodia's export garment factories through independent monitoring, advice, training and information. This guide covers all major areas of Cambodian labour law. It is based on the Labour Law, government regulations, international labour standards ratified by Cambodia and the Cambodian Constitution. It is aimed at business owners, managers, human resource personnel, unions and worker representatives as a guide to their responsibilities under Cambodian labour legislation. (107724)
CIS 08-13 Guide to safe maintenance and cleaning work. (Spanish: Guía para el trabajo seguro en maestranza) Leiva D., Panigadi C., Limonti G., Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Bartolomé Mitre 751, C1036AAM Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2006. 50p. Illus., ISBN 987-22981-0-6 (In Spanish) Internet: Aimed at workers carrying out maintenance an cleaning tasks, this guide presents a number of practical occupational safety and health recommendations grouped under three headings: hygiene and safety aspects; health hazards; legislation, procedures for the notification of accidents and labour-management agreements. (107642)
CIS 08-14 Stop smoking - Collection of booklets for helping smokers or ex-smokers to quit or to stay off cigarettes. (French: Stop tabac - Série de brochures pour motiver et aider les fumeurs ou anciens fumeurs à arrêter de fumer ou à rester ex-fumeur) Programme Stop-tabac.ch, IMSP-CMU, rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland, [ca. 2005]. Series of 8 booklets. (In French) Internet: Collection of eight booklets, of which seven are aimed specifically at the following categories of persons: persons who are not seriously considering to quit cigarette smoking; persons who are seriously considering to quit cigarette smoking, but are not yet ready to make an attempt; cigarette smokers who are ready to make an attempt to quit; persons who quit cigarette smoking less than six months earlier; persons who quit cigarette smoking more than six months earlier; persons who have taken up cigarette smoking again after having made an attempt to quit; women who smoke. Finally, a booklet explains the additives found in cigarette tobacco. (107610)
CIS 08-15 Keeping fit at the office. (Dutch: Fit op kantoor; French: En forme au bureau) Prevent, rue Gachard 88/4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, [ca. 2007]. 4p. Illus. (In Dutch, French) Internet: Remaining seated all day facing a screen is not a restful activity. Being sedentary is detrimental to physical fitness and furthermore, a prolonged sitting posture favours the onset of muscular and articular pain, circulatory problems, headache and backache. This leaflet presents a few simple exercises that are within the reach of all. It also summarizes a few basic rules for working at screens: proper screen distance, proper seated posture, how to avoid glare, adjusting seats and frequent changes in posture. (107602)
Periodicals, books, databases, audiovisualsCIS 08-16 On the road. Chidley C., Safety and Health Practitioner, Aug. 2007, Vol.25, No.8, p.42-44. Illus. (In English) Internet: In April 2007, EU Regulation EC561/2006 came into effect, its aim being to establish clear and common rules on driving times, rest and break periods for professional drivers. It updates the existing regulatory framework, and focuses on improving safety for all road users by ensuring adequate rest and breaks are taken, and that driving time does not exceed the maximum permitted limits. The challenge for safety and health practitioners is now to ensure that its highly specific requirements are fully addressed. (107678)
CIS 08-17 Safety and health culture. (Spanish: La cultura de la prevención) Rodríguez C.A., Estudios de la Seguridad Social, 2007, No.99, p.9-79. 74 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Topics addressed in this literature survey on safety culture: organizational culture; origins of the safety culture concept; definitions; characteristics of safety culture; basic aspects of various models of safety culture; evaluation of various methods aimed at improving occupational safety and health; possibility of measuring safety culture and its cost efficiency with respect to occupational safety and health. (107501)
CIS 08-18 Analysis of serious and fatal occupational accident rates in the province of Valencia. (Spanish: Análisis de siniestralidad laboral de carácter grave y mortal en la provincia de Valencia) Castellanos Alba J.C., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, July 2007, No.43, p.28-36. Illus. 9 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Based on the analysis of the serious and fatal occupational accidents which occurred in the Spanish province of Valencia between 1999 and 2001, one of the conclusions was that a large percentage was due to deficiencies in work organization systems, which denotes of a persistent gap in the safety culture of a majority of enterprises. Failure in complying with regulatory requirements also had a significant effect on occupational injury rates in the province of Valencia. (107504)
CIS 08-19 A universal model for safety excellence. Occupational Hazards, July 2007, p.49-55. Illus. 10 ref., ISBN Hansen L.L. (In English) Internet: Senior executives seeking to improve safety results in their organizations continue to ask themselves why employees act unsafely and have accidents. This article argues that the basic reasons for poor safety performance lie with management, and include unclear vision, weak values, poor leadership, faulty organization, poor human relationships, inadequate communications, inaccurate measurement and lack of consequences. To achieve safety excellence, senior executives need to: clarify their vision; establish their values; demonstrate their leadership; assign key roles within their organizations; build trusting relationships; communicate performance expectations; measure important metrics; implement consequences (rewards and penalties) that drive desired behaviour and results. (107537)
CIS 08-20 Studying organisational cultures and their effects on safety. Hopkins A., Safety Science, Dec. 2006, Vol.44, No.10, p.875-889. Illus. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: The understanding of how organisational cultures influence safety requires a strategy for investigating organizational culture. By far the most widely used research strategy is the perception survey. An alternative for researchers is to immerse themselves in one or more organizations, making detailed observations about activities and drawing inferences about the nature of the organization's culture (the ethnographic method). A third technique makes use of the wealth of material that is assembled by inquiries into major accidents. This article describes how this material can be used to provide insights into organizational cultures. It draws on specific examples from previous work as well as the cultural analysis carried out by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. It concludes with some additional suggestions for carrying out research on safety-relevant aspects of organizational culture. (107569)
CIS 08-21 Signalling. (French: Signalisation) Prevent Focus, June 2007, No.6. p.4-13. Illus. (In French) Internet: Contents of these three articles on danger signalling: general principles of signalling panels (intelligibility of the signs, meaning of the colours, effectiveness, light panels, maintenance and power supply, Belgian legislation); installing the signalling (field of vision, panel size, road panels); high visibility clothing (EN 471 standard, Belgian legislation, road work, airport work). (107604)
CIS 08-22 Computer-based training for safety: Comparing methods with older and younger workers. Wallen E.S., Mulloy K.B., Journal of Safety Research, 2006, Vol.37, No.5, p.461-467. Illus. 51 ref. (In English) Internet: Computer-based safety training is increasingly common and is being delivered to an aging workforce. Aging results in a number of changes that make it more difficult to learn from certain types of computer-based training. Instructional designs derived from cognitive learning theories may overcome some of these difficulties. Three versions of computer-based respiratory safety training were shown to older and younger workers, who were then tested on their understanding. Younger workers did better overall. However both older and younger workers did best with the version containing text with pictures and audio narration. Computer-based safety programs should be designed and selected based on their ability to effectively train older as well as younger workers. (107699)
CIS 08-23 Safety during maintenance work. (Spanish: Seguridad en operaciones de mantenimiento) Yanes J.S., Tamborero del Pino J.M., Gallo E., Mendoza Chaves S., Domínguez J.M., Silva F., Protección y seguridad, Mar.-Apr. 2007, Vol.53, No.312, p.43-76. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Topics covered by this collection of articles on prevention of occupational hazards during maintenance work: preventive safety during maintenance; technical sheet on preventive maintenance of hazardous installations (see CIS 01-213); locking of machines and equipment during maintenance work; detection of failures of transformers by gas chromatography; safety in the use of scaffolds during maintenance work; productive and safety management in companies of the electricity sector; locks for medium voltage switches. (107713)
CIS 08-24 Review of the success of the 2001-2005 Work Plan of the Global Network of Collaborating Centres in occupational health. Fingerhut M., Kortum E., International Maritime Health, 2006, Vol.57, No.1/4, p.213-218. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents the main elements of the first Work Plan of the Global Network of WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) for the period 2001-2005. All 64 CCs, three non-governmental organizations and the International Labour Organization participated in a total of 350 projects. An evaluation of the Work Plan concluded that the working together of the CCs was successful and beneficial to nations and regions, and globally. Three maritime centres in Poland, Denmark and Germany are members of the WHO Global Network. (107566)
CIS 08-25 Comparison of registered work accidents in the Republic of Karelia, Russia, and in Finland suggests underreporting of non-fatal work accidents. (Russian: Sravnitel'nyj analiz statistiki proizvodstvennogo travmatizma v Respublike Karelija, Rossija, i Finljandii: problema nepolnoj registracii slučaev, ne imejuščih fatal'nogo ishoda) Pekkarinen A., Kurppa K., Barents - Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, 2006, Vol.9, No. 2-3, p.40-42. Illus. 5 ref. (English); p.43-45. Illus. 6 ref. (Russian). (In English, Russian) Internet: This article describes a study undertaken to analyse and compare occupational accident statistics of Finland and of the Russian Republic of Karelia. The rate of fatal accidents is ten times higher in Karelia, while the rate of non-fatal accidents is three to four times higher in Finland. Direct comparisons are difficult to differences in reporting systems, legislation, social security and insurance systems. However, the comparison suggests an underreporting of non-fatal work accidents in Karelia. (107690)
CIS 08-26 Technical statistics - 2005. (French: Statistiques technologiques 2005) Travail et sécurité, May 2007, No.673, p.31-36. Illus. (In French) Internet: Statistics of occupational accidents and diseases in France for the year 2005 show increases compared to 2004 for occupational diseases compensated for the first time (12.1%), occupational accidents involving a loss of work time (1.0%), accidents involving permanent disability (0,3%) and commuting accidents (6.0%). However, there was a 9.5% decrease in fatal accidents. Tables present accident statistics by sector and causal factor. Data on occupational diseases are given by sector of activity and disease. Finally, data on commuting accidents are broken down by sector of activity. (107706)
CIS 08-27 Environmental impact assessment notification [India]. Chandramohan R., Industrial Safety Chronicle, July-Sept. 2006, Vol.XXXVII, No.2, p.51-80. (In English) Internet: The Ministry of Environment and Forests of India has notified the new Environmental Impact Assessment Notification dated 14 September 2006, replacing the earlier version. It specifies the list of projects and activities requiring prior environmental clearance either from the central or state governments. Activities typically include mining, materials production, manufacturing, and building and construction. This article reproduces the full text of the notification. (107559)
CIS 08-28 Socio-economic burden of occupational accidents - National Social Security Authority perspective. Chikova H., On Guard, Mar. 2007, Vol.14, No.1, p.3-8. Illus. (In English) Internet: This article presents the viewpoint of the Zimbabwean social security authority with respect to the economic burden of occupational accidents on employers, social protection systems and society at large. It estimates the economic costs of occupational injuries in Zimbabwe for the year 2004 to be around USD 164,000,000. (107522)
CIS 08-29 Promising practices in employer health and productivity management efforts: Findings from a benchmarking study. Goetzel R.Z., Shechter D., Ozminkowski R.J., Marmet P.F., Tabrizi M.J., Chung Roemer E., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2007, Vol.49, No.2, p.111-130. 70 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to identify key success factors related to employer-based health and productivity management (HPM) programmes. Data regarding promising practices in HPM were gathered via literature review, discussions with experts and site visits. Promising practices in HPM were found to include: integrating HPM programs into the organization's operations; simultaneously addressing individual, environmental, policy and cultural factors affecting health and productivity; targeting several health issues; tailoring programs to address specific needs; attaining high participation; rigorously evaluating programs; communicating successful outcomes to key stakeholders. (107525)
CIS 08-30 Advancing worker health and safety in the developing world. Rosenstock L., Cullen M.R., Fingerhut M., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2005, Vol.47, No.2, p.132-136. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: Working conditions in developing countries seldom meet the minimum standards required by international organizations. This article addresses some of the major obstacles to the practical implementation of occupational and environmental health policies and suggests methods by which they can be overcome. International organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) offer a number of programs that address the problem. However, the results of these international efforts to date have been disappointing. There is a need for renewed efforts on the part of international agencies and the developed countries. Occupational health and safety can be advanced in the developing world with modest funding of innovative programs. (107573)
CIS 08-31 The effectiveness of occupational health and safety management system interventions: A systematic review. Robson L.S., Clarke J.A., Cullen K., Bielecky A., Severin C., Bigelow P.L., Irvin E., Culyer A, Mahood Q., Safety Science, Mar. 2007, Vol.45, No.3, p.329-353. Illus. 80 ref. (In English) Internet: A variety of occupational safety and health management systems (OSH-MS), standards, guidelines, and audits has been developed and disseminated over the past 20 years. This literature review aimed to synthesize the best available evidence on the effects of OSH-MS interventions on employee health and safety and associated economic outcomes. Eight bibliographic databases covering a wide range of fields were searched. Thirteen articles met the study's relevance and methodology criteria. Although the studies' results were generally positive, the review concluded that the body of evidence was insufficient to make recommendations either in favour of or against OSH-MSs. This was due to the heterogeneity of the methods employed, the small number of studies, their generally weak methodological quality and the lack of generalizability of many of the studies. (107581)
CIS 08-32 A preliminary validation of a new measure of occupational health and safety. Cadieux J., Roy M., Desmarais L., Journal of Safety Research, 2006, Vol.37, No.4, p.413-419. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the validation of a questionnaire-based instrument designed to conduct an occupational health and safety (OHS) self-diagnosis using workers observations of tangible facts and actions in the workplace. The instrument places the emphasis on observable factors that make it possible to act proactively before accidents actually occur. The instrument was tested in three printing companies in Québec, selected on the basis of their OHS performance (low, medium, and high), their interest in the project and their availability. Altogether, 269 persons participated. Findings are discussed. The results suggest that the instrument is relatively robust and appropriate to diagnose OHS leading measures, although further improvements will be necessary to reach a fully satisfying level of validity. (107697)
CIS 08-33 Occupational safety and health culture as an organic tissue. (Spanish: La cultura prevencionista como tejido orgánico) Teixidó Campás P., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, Apr. 2007, No.42, p.26-34. Illus. 6 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Not only should occupational safety and health (OSH) initiatives be implemented within enterprises, but OSH should also naturally constitute an intrinsic part of their structure and of society as a whole. This article analyzes the potential for improvements and standardization offered by the Spanish OSH Strategy and the amendments to the Spanish OSH Regulations. It is argued that the mutual occupational accident insurance institutions are particularly well positioned to act as change agents. (107716)
CIS 08-34 Trends observed in the Aragon programme: Problems and possible solutions. (Spanish: Evolución del Programa Aragón: problemas y posibles soluciones) Heras Cobo C., Rey Fernández J., Prevención, trabajo y salud, 2002, No.22, p.29-36. Illus. (In Spanish) The objective of this programme launched in 1998 was to incite enterprises with high rates of accidents in the Spanish region of Aragon to implement effective preventive management systems and, where appropriate, to inflict penalties on those that did not undertake any actions. Over the years, the average reduction in the number of accidents among enterprises participating in the programme reached the order of 30%. However, there are enterprises which despite participating to the programme are still not able to reduce their accident rates. This article discusses some of the problems identified in the course of the programme and proposes some specific improvement strategies. (107755)
CIS 08-35 Employee participation in the evaluation of occupational hazards. (Spanish: Implicación de las personas en la evaluación de riesgos laborales) Domínguez Fernández M., Gabilondo Larrañaga E., Fernández Gómez E., Muñoz Fernández J., Rico Alonso F., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Apr. 2007, Vol.LII, No.206, p.15-20. Illus. 8 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate occupational hazards in hospital operating theatres. The SOBANE methodology (screening, observation, analysis and expertise, see CIS 03-632) was adopted, which involves the participation of staff. It allowed obtaining specific information leading to the implementation of corrective measures. A high level of satisfaction (87%) was obtained. Findings are discussed. (107757)
CIS 08-36 Practical guide for OSH personnel. (Polish: Praktyczny poradnik dla służb BHP) Dołęgowski B., Janczała S., Ośrodek Doradztwa i Doskonalenia Kadr Sp. z o. o., ul. Obrońców Westerplatte 32A, 80-317 Gdańsk Oliwa, Poland, 2007. 515p. Illus. 10 ref., ISBN 978-83-742640-7-5 (In Polish) Internet: Topics addressed in this manual on occupational safety and health (OSH) aimed at OSH professionals: Polish OSH legislation; guidelines for defining the organizational and technical parameters of the enterprise; external and internal bodies responsible for supervising working conditions, together with the principles governing cooperation with these bodies; issues related to occupational accidents, occupational diseases and occupational safety and health management; inspections; reporting; training. (107633)
CIS 08-37 Safety during events. (French: Sécurité lors de manifestations; German: Sicherheit bei Veranstaltungen) Widmer P., Büchi H., Wicht N., Roth E.W., Wachter A., Diethelm P., Ambühl C., Fischer K., Schwarzenbach A., Santé et sécurité au travail, Postfach, 8034 Zurich, Switzerland, 2005. 102p. Illus. 11 ref. Index. Price: CHF 190.00. Downloadable version free of charge (In French, German) Internet: Gatherings of persons during meetings and events bringing together thousands of persons always entail some uncertainty and risk. One of the main responsibilities of organizers is to be aware of the potential dangers, to minimize the risks and to prepare measures to be implemented in case problems occur. This manual shows in a comprehensive and practical way how such gatherings can be held safely and how risky situations can be avoided. It is aimed at persons who organize these gatherings, whether it be on a volunteer or a commercial basis. Contents: aims, structure, use and principles of the manual; hazard evaluation; preventive measures; coverage offered by the various types of insurance policy available in Switzerland. (107609)
CIS 08-38 The management of occupational hazards. (Polish: Zarządzanie ryzykiem zawodowym) Romanowska-Słomka I., Słomka A., Wydawnictwo Tarbonus Sp. z o. o., ul. Sikorskiego 86, 39-400 Tarnobrzeg, Poland, 2007. 154p. Illus. 47 ref., ISBN 978-83-7394-147-2 (In Polish) Internet: This publication on the management of occupational hazards presents the background, definitions and legal basis for hazard evaluations. It discusses the actions that need to be undertaken to correctly assess occupational hazards and to eliminate or limit these hazards. It explains the rules concerning the information of personnel. Examples of hazard evaluations for specific workplaces are included. (107632)
CIS 08-39 Organizational learning and occupational training in risk management. (Spanish: Aprendizaje organizacional y formación profesional para la gestión del riesgo) Pucci F., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2004. 267p. 78 ref. Price: USD 18.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 92-9088-164-X (In Spanish) Internet: Risk management involves a process of both social and institutional learning. For the measurement of uncertainty, it is not possible to count on established models of behaviour, each situation requiring the development of a model based on the specific mechanisms and attitudes. The central thesis of this publication is that an analysis based on organizational safety cultures can yield useful information for risk management. The approach is illustrated using the examples of two specific cases in Uruguay: the construction sector and a health care organization. (107753)
CIS 08-40 Industry statistics - Review of 2006. (French: Statistiques technologiques - Bilan 2006) Caisse nationale d'assurance maladie des travailleurs salariés, 50 avenue du Professeur André Lemierre, 75986 Paris Cedex 20, France, 2006. Internet document (PDF format). 8p. Illus. (In French) Internet: This document presents the highlights of occupational safety and health statistics and trends. Compared to 2005, the number of occupational accidents in France in 2006 involving accident absenteeism was stable (at 700,772 cases, or a 0.2% increase). After several years of decline, the number of fatal accidents increased (537 cases, or a 13.3% increase). There was a slowing in the progression of occupational disease cases (a growth of 2.3%), with a total of 42.306 recognized cases, of which articular diseases alone represented close to 70%. (107512)
CIS 08-41 Contributions to the debate on the reform of the law on occupational hazards: Workers' participation as an instrument for the promotion of social dialogue. (Spanish: Aportes para el debate de la reforma de la ley de riesgos del trabajo: La participación como instrumento de promición al diálogo social) Verón H.O., Ministerio de trabajo, empleo y seguridad social, Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Bartolomé Mitre 751, C1036AAM Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2007. 136p., ISBN 978-987-21928-9-1 (In Spanish) Internet: Proceedings of a one-day conference on workers' participation in occupational safety and health, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 14 August 2006. The aim of this conference was to contribute to the debate on this issue in light of the planned changes to the Argentine Law on hazards at work (97-1412). Papers were grouped in the following three sessions: background to the debate; safety and health systems; workers' participation as one of the pillars of occupational safety and health. The presentations included examples of systems adopted in other countries or regions, namely Germany, Venezuela, Chile, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico and Brazil. (107643)
CIS 08-42 Manual on the occupational safety and health regulations. (Spanish: Manual sobre el reglamento de seguridad y salud en el trabajo) Instituto laboral andino (ILA), Av. Paseo de la Republica 3832, Oficina 502, San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru, 2006. 66p. (In Spanish) Internet: Edited in the form of questions and answers, this manual comments the Peruvian Supreme Decree No.009-2005-TR on occupational safety and health. The document follows the same structure as the law, namely: principles; general provisions; national occupational safety and health policy; occupational safety and health management systems; rights and responsibilities; information on occupational accidents and diseases (notification, investigation and statistics); auditing and control of management systems; supplementary and provisional requirements; glossary. (107646)
CIS 08-43 Promoting the prevention of occupational hazards. (French: Promouvoir la prévention des risques professionnels) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2004. Internet document (HTML format). (In French) Internet: This Internet document describes a CD-ROM aimed at safety and health specialists and presenters of information sessions on occupational hazards addressed to managers and owners of small enterprises, in order to help them prepare and conduct their presentations. The objective of the CD-ROM is to promote the prevention of occupational safety and health hazards during information sessions and to recognize the importance of the health, safety and working conditions committee (Comité d'hygiène, de sécurité et des conditions de travail - CHSCT) in implementing an effective prevention approach. It contains presentations that can be tailored to specific needs, a film illustrating a chain of events leading to an occupational accident, reports and interviews, as well as the texts of regulations, background material and literature references. (107608)
CIS 08-44 Labour inspection - A guide to the profession. (Chinese: Laodang jiancha - Jiancha zhiye zhinan; Indonesian: Pengawasan ketenagakerjaan - Panduan profesi) Von Richthofen W., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. xxi, 411p. 192 ref. (Indonesian version); 2004, 310p, 192 ref. (Chinese version)., ISBN 7-5045-4388-8 (zh) (In Chinese, Indonesian) Internet: Translations into Indonesian and Chinese of the manual indexed under CIS 02-1626. This manual on labour inspection is aimed at labour inspectors, labour inspection services, employers' and workers' organizations and their representatives in enterprises. It discusses current approaches to labour inspection, and identifies and analyses some of the best practices in labour inspection systems in ILO member states. Contents: background, evolution and context; inspections systems policy; inspection systems organization and management; sectorial aspects of labour inspection (child labour, small enterprises, agriculture, non-commercial services sector, construction, major hazards prevention, psychosocial hazards). An appendix includes the major international standards on labour inspection. (107623)
CIS 08-45 A country report for the ILO/ADB RETA Project 5887 - Strengthening the role of labour standards in selected developing member countries. Chaikittiporn C., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2002. vii, 146p. (English version); 109p. (Thai version). Illus. 41 ref., ISBN 92-2-113533-0 (En), ISBN 92-2-813533-6 (th) (In English, Thai) Internet: This report describes the organization of occupational safety and health (OSH) at the national level in Thailand based on a survey of 23 small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) involved in manufacturing activities. It outlines a development plan for OSH and the environment and makes recommendations for strengthening OSH in small and medium size enterprises. Work involved a literature survey and interviews with selected enterprises in three representative sectors for SMEs in Thailand, namely garments, plastic products and metalworking. Good practices observed in some SMEs are reported. Recommendations for improving OSH in Thailand are formulated based on the findings of this project. (107629)
CIS 08-46 Developments and trends: Supporting dynamic social security. ISSA, Case postale 1, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. iii, 69p. Illus. Bibl ref. (In English) Internet: This report was prepared to mark the occasion of the first world social security forum of the International social security association (ISSA) held in Moscow, Russian Federation, from 10 to 15 September 2007. It consists of a collection of articles written by a team of social security specialists and practitioners, and citing significant national and international developments. It examines recent trends in social security policies and practices. Underlining the need for policy responses that contribute to accessible and sustainable social protection systems, the report seeks to inform the international debate in this evolving policy field. (107630)
CIS 08-47 Third Argentine Occupational Safety and Health Week - Communications 2006. (Spanish: III Semana Argentina de la salud y seguridad en el trabajo - Presentaciones 2006) Ministerio de trabajo, empleo y seguridad social, Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Bartolomé Mitre 751, C1036AAM Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2007. 298p. Illus., ISBN 978-987-21928-4-6 (In Spanish) Internet: Proceedings of a conference on occupational safety and health held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 26 to 28 April 2006. Main topics addressed: role of government; experiences in the lowering of the rates of accidents and the improvement of working conditions in Spain and Uruguay; experiences of Argentine labour unions; ILO Convention 139 on occupational cancer (CIS 75-896); epidemiology of occupational cancers in Argentina; surveillance of occupational cancers in Argentina; pleural mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos; biological monitoring of female temporary agricultural workers exposed to pesticides in a region of Chile; carcinogens and hazard evaluation; workers' rights; evidence-based prevention strategies and policies; state of progress in the implementation of the ILO-OSH 2001 occupational safety and health management system (CIS 06-58) in Argentina; presentation of Preventox, a free information and consultancy service for occupational safety and health in Argentina; occupational safety and health culture. (107641)
CIS 08-48 Research and development of a code of good practices for occupational safety and health services. (Spanish: Investigación y desarrollo de un código de buenas prácticas para los servicios de prevención) Brangold M., Nieto H., Ministerio de trabajo, empleo y seguridad social, Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Bartolomé Mitre 751, C1036AAM Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2007. 98p. Illus. 43 ref., ISBN 978-987-21928-6-0 (In Spanish) Internet: This report presents the findings of a project aimed at developing a code of good practices for occupational safety and health services. It explains the methodology used, based on four elements: the legislative framework, scientific evidence-based prevention, ethical aspects and quality-related factors. Based on the defined structure, it then proposes the text of the code of good practices. The appendix includes a translation into Spanish of the 1992 International code of ethics for OSH professionals (see CIS 93-114). (107647)
CIS 08-49 Training in quality control and the internal and external work environment: Some Latin American experiences. (Spanish: Formación para el control de la calidad y el medio ambiente interno y externo: algunas experiencias en América Latina) Labarca G., ed., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2006. 429p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: USD 18.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 92-9088-210-7 (In Spanish) Internet: Topics such as quality control and occupational safety and health contribute towards ensuring a harmonious relationship between enterprises and their social, political and economic environment, particularly in an increasingly global economy. Certification systems concerning quality (ISO 9000) and environmental protection (ISO 14000) are key steps to ensuring international credibility, as are occupational safety and health measures. This book discusses some of the safety and health training aspects that are necessary in Latin America to face these demands, based on investigations carried out in Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. (107752)
CIS 08-50 Directive on occupational safety. (French: Directives pour la sécurité au travail; German: Wegleitung durch die Arbeitssicherheit; Italian: Guida alla sicurezza sul lavoro) Federal commission for the coordination of occupational safety (FCOS), Case postale, 6002 Lucerne, Switzerland, 2nd ed., Apr. 2004. Internet document (PDF format). 425p. Illus. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: This comprehensive reference manual on occupational safety and the protection of workers' health focuses primarily on the provisions of the Swiss ordinance on accident prevention (VUV or OPA). It also includes explanations on associated topics such as the labour law and the laws on electrical equipment and explosives. As a result, this guidance constitutes an important support for the practical implementation of the Directive specifying the conditions requiring the use of occupational physicians or other occupational safety and health specialists (MSST Directive). (107519)
CIS 08-51 The CHSCT: Legal aspects. (French: Le CHSCT: données réglementaires) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2004. Internet document (HTML Format). (In French) Internet: This web-based document consists of a review of regulatory aspects pertaining to the committee for hygiene, safety and working conditions (Comité d'hygiène, de sécurité et des conditions de travail - CHSCT), a French institution which represents the interests of employees of an enterprise and which is invested with voting powers for all issues related to health, safety and the quality of working life. Topics addressed: conditions for its creation; composition; functioning; role and missions; resources available for information and expertise; interventions in the event of serious and imminent danger. (107606)
CIS 08-52 Work capacity expected of workers after accidents or diseases. (French: Capacité de travail exigible en cas d'accident et de maladie; German: Zumutbare Arbeitstätigkeit nach Unfall und bei Krankheit; Italian: Attività lavorativa esigibile dopo un infortunio o una malattia) Swiss Insurance Medicine, Im Park, St. Georgenstrasse 70, Postfach 958, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland, 2007. 24p., ISBN 978-3-033-01169-4 (de), ISBN 978-3-033-01170-0 (it), ISBN 978-3-033-01171-7 (fr) (In French, German, Italian) Internet: Physicians are frequently given the responsibility by insurance institutions to assess the functional capacity of patients and their aptitude to carry out certain tasks. Their decisions and recommendations can have serious repercussions on the recovery process and return to work. This booklet offers guidance for assessing the functional capacity and aptitude of persons impaired in their health. Contents: definition of the required work capacity; role of physicians; evaluation models; taking specific circumstances into account; effects of somatic functional restrictions; effects of psychic disorders. (107605)
CIS 08-53 Committee for hygiene, safety and working conditions. (French: Comité d'hygiène, de sécurité et des conditions de travail) Soudry C., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 3rd ed., Dec. 2006. 52p. Index. Price: EUR 8.20. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1421-7 (In French) Internet: This guide aims to provide members of the health, safety and working conditions committee (Comité d'hygiène, de sécurité et des conditions de travail - CHSCT) with the information necessary for the fulfillment of their mission. Contents: CHSCT surveillance and investigation missions; CHSCT study missions; enterprises where CHSCTs are required; how to set up a CHSCT; how CHSCTs operate; means at the disposal of CHSCTs. Replaces CIS 05-61. (107607)
CIS 08-54 Keys to... the employment contract. (Dutch: Wegwijs in... de arbeidsovereenkomst; French: Clés pour... le contrat de travail) Service public fédéral Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest- Blerot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, Sep. 2006. 88p. Illus. 9 ref. (In Dutch, French) Internet: This booklet presents the basic rules governing employment contracts in Belgium. It draws the attention of the reader to the provisions that apply to the form and substance of the employment contract, hiring, trial period, employers' responsibilities and suspension of the contract's applicability. It also examines in detail the provisions that apply to the termination of the contract: modes of termination, dismissal, compensation and notification period. (107612)
CIS 08-55 Keys to ... the paid leave of absence for training purposes. (Dutch: Wegweijs in... het betaald educatief verlof; French: Clés pour ... le congé-éducation payé) Service public fédéral Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest- Blerot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, Sep. 2006. 43p. Illus. 3 ref. (In Dutch, French) Internet: This booklet explains the system of paid leave of absence for training purposes which allows workers to acquire additional skills and re-focus their careers. They can also benefit from an annual quota of leave, paid by the employer. The booklet covers the length, mode of compensation and the practical details of the leave of absence for training, and explains how to set about applying for the benefits. It is primarily aimed at employees who wish to avail themselves of the leave of absence for training. It will also allow enterprise managers and workers' union representatives to better understand this scheme. (107613)
CIS 08-56 Key to... part-time work. (Dutch: Wegwijs in... de deeltijdse arbeid; French: Clés pour... le travail à temps partiel) Service public fédéral Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest- Blerot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, May 2006. 56p. Illus. (In Dutch, French) Internet: This booklet explains the regulations that apply to part-time work and their implications with respect to social security. It addresses each of the issues of the employment contract, working hours, absenteeism, minimum work time and overtime. It also explains the conditions under which part-time workers can benefit from unemployment compensation. (107614)
CIS 08-57 Keys to... becoming a parent while working. (Dutch: Wegwijs in ... werk en ouderschap; French: Clés pour... devenir parent tout en travaillant) Service public fédéral Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest- Blerot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, Oct. 2006. 64p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In Dutch, French) Internet: This booklet presents the schemes aimed at protecting workers in cases of pregnancy or adoption. It covers all the forms of leave available for future parents. The various social security benefits, allowances and compensations are explained. Possibilities for child day care when restarting work are also mentioned. (107615)
CIS 08-58 Keys to... the first job. (Dutch: Wegwijs in... de eerste job; French: Clés pour... le premier emploi) Service public fédéral Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest- Blerot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, June 2006. 96p. Illus. (In Dutch, French) Internet: This booklet explains the administrative steps that need to be taken by young persons having completed their education, the possibilities for employment, the main regulations that apply to employment in the public and private sectors and to self-employment, military obligations, and the possibilities for being employed abroad. It includes practical advice and useful addresses for successful job hunting. (107616)
CIS 08-59 Prevention and legislation. (Dutch: Preventie en wetgeving; French: Prévention et législation) Prevent, rue Gachard 88 B/4, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2007. CD-ROM (In Dutch, French) This CD-Rom contains the full texts of the general regulations for the protection at work, the Law on well-being at work, the general regulations on electrical systems and associated laws and regulations. It also contains a selection of literature references available at the Prevent documentation centre. The CD-ROM includes a search engine allowing searches by full text, date, key word and other search combinations. (107611)
CIS 08-60 Second Argentine Occupational Safety and Health Week. (Spanish: (SITIL): II semana Argentina de la salud y seguridad en el trabajo) Ministerio de trabajo, empleo y seguridad social, International Social Security Association, ISSA Publications, Case postale 1, CH-1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2005. CD-ROM, 1393p. Printed collection of papers presented, 2006 (449p.; illus.), ISBN 987-21928-3-9 (Presentaciones) (In Spanish) Internet: Collection of occupational safety and health documents on CD-ROM published on the occasion of the second Argentine Week on occupational safety and health held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 25-28 April 2005, covering the following topics: guide for safety representatives; prevention of chemical hazards at the place of work; trade union guide to occupational safety; surveillance of workers' health; occupational health and collective bargaining in Spain; main technical and ethical aspects of workers' health surveillance; workers' participation in occupational safety and health in Argentina; 2003 statistical report on occupational accidents and diseases; proceedings of several conferences on occupational safety and health; importance of psychosocial aspects of work organization for workers' health; general principles of workers' health monitoring and the ILO standard; registration and notification of occupational accidents and diseases and ILO list of occupational diseases; evaluation of occupational hazards; technical guide for the evaluation and prevention of occupational hazards related to chemical agents; ISTAS21 method for the prevention of occupational hazards; ILO posters for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work; texts of ILO Recommendations 171 (CIS 91-1433) and 194, and Conventions 121 (CIS 89-1752), 155 (CIS 92-890) and 161 (CIS 86-859). A collection of the presentations is published in print in a separate volume. (107711)
CIS 08-61 Enhanced preventive programme at a beryllium oxide ceramics facility reduces beryllium sensitisation among new workers. Cummings K.J., Deubner D.C., Day G.A., Henneberger P.K., Kitt M.M., Kent M.S., Kreiss K., Schuler C.R., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2007, Vol.64, No.2, p.134-140. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: A 1998 survey at a beryllium oxide ceramics manufacturing facility in the US found that 10% of workers hired in the previous six years had beryllium sensitization as determined by the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT). In response, the facility implemented an enhanced preventive programme to reduce sensitization, including increased respiratory and dermal protection. The aim of this study was to assess the programme's effectiveness. In 2000, the facility began testing newly hired workers for beryllium sensitization with the BeLPT at time of hire and at regular intervals during employment. The sensitization rate and prevalence for workers hired from 2000 to 2004 were compared with that for workers hired from 1993 to 1998, who were tested in the 1998 survey. It was found that the sensitization prevalence for the 1993-1998 workers was 8.4 times higher than that for the 2000-2004 workers, while airborne beryllium levels for production workers for the two periods were similar. (107588)
CIS 08-62 Report on occupational diseases in Colombia 2003-2005. (Spanish: Informe de enfermedad profesional en Colombia 2003-2005) Protección y seguridad, July-Aug.2007, Vol.53, No.314, p.23-27. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: In the first report on occupational diseases in Colombia for the years 2001-2002, a plan of work was presented with the aim of improving the diagnosis and reducing the frequency of occupational diseases in the country. The second report reviewed in this article describes the trends in occupational morbidity for the years 2003-2005, and presents the progress accomplished in the implementation of the plan. Musculoskeletal diseases are the first cause of occupational morbidity with an increasing trend (65% in 2002; 82% in 2004). The most frequent diseases were carpal tunnel syndrome, neurosensorial hypoacusia and low back pain. The information presented in this second report on occupational diseases in Columbia will be helpful for decision-making on the part of all the actors of the social protection system in the country. (107505)
CIS 08-63 A cross-sectional study of risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms in the workplace using data from the General Social Survey (GSS). Waters T.R., Dick R.B., Davis-Barkley J., Krieg E.F., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2007, Vol.49, No.2, p.172-184. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: Assessments of potential risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from large, national study populations using interviews help our understanding of exposure-response relationships. This study analyzed two outcome measures, self-reported back pain and upper extremity pain from the quality of work life (QWL) module of the General Social Survey (GSS). Several individual, psychosocial, and physical factors were investigated for their relationship to these outcome measures. The study population consisted of a random sample of 1484 adult workers in the United States. It was found that variables of physical exposure significantly increased the risk of both low back pain and upper extremity pain. Multiple injuries and some psychosocial factors were associated with MSDs, and there was an additive effect on risk of MSDs with exposure to both physical exposure and work stress. (107526)
CIS 08-64 Global estimates of fatal work-related diseases. Hämäläinen P., Takala J., Saarela K.L., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2007, Vol.50, No.1, p.28-41. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: Few countries in the world have reliable data for work-related diseases. This is particularly true in developing countries. In this study, estimates were calculated using baseline world mortality scenarios of all diseases for the year 2000, combined with the fractions attributable to work-related diseases used in Finland. On this basis, it is estimated that about two million work-related deaths take place annually. Men suffer two thirds of those deaths. The biggest groups of work-related diseases are cancers, circulatory diseases and communicable diseases. Results are provided by age, gender and main causal factors. (107544)
CIS 08-65 Cardiovascular mortality among Swedish pulp and paper mill workers. Persson B., Magnusson A., Westberg H., Andersson E., Torén K., Wingren G., Axelson O., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2007, Vol.50, No.3, p.221-226. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: The present cohort study focuses on cardiovascular mortality in relation to various exposures in the pulp and paper industry. The cohort consisted of 7107 workers, 6350 men and 757 women, from three mills in Sweden. Instead of a healthy-worker effect, a slightly increased risk for death in diseases of the circulatory system was found for male workers. Notably, work with sulfate digestion, steam and power generation and maintenance was associated with significantly increased risks. The differences in risk among various parts of the production are striking although it is hard to pinpoint any specific exposures. Dust and small particles along with sulfur compounds might be suspected. (107550)
CIS 08-66 Malignant mesothelioma: Global incidence and relationship with asbestos. Bianchi C., Bianchi T., Industrial Health, June 2007, Vol.45, No.3, p.379-387. Illus. 89 ref. (In English) Internet: Literature survey. Mesothelioma incidence varies markedly from one country to another. The areas of high incidence generally correspond to the sites of industries with high asbestos use, such as shipbuilding and asbestos-cement industry. However, in some countries with high asbestos consumption, mesothelioma incidence is low. The reasons for this situation are not clear. Mesotheliomas generally develop after long-time exposures to asbestos and with latency periods of often more than 40 years. An inverse relationship exists between intensity of asbestos exposure and the length of the latency period. Some recent studies show that the risk increases with the duration of exposure. Possible co-factors in the pathogenesis of asbestos-related mesothelioma include genetic predisposition, diets poor in fruit and vegetables, some viruses, immune impairment and recurrent pleural inflammation. While a levelling-off in mesothelioma incidence has been registered in some countries, a worsening of the epidemic is predictable in large parts of the world. (107556)
CIS 08-67 Occupational asthma in maritime environment. Lucas D., Jegaden D., Lodde B., Arvieux C., Dewitte J.D., International Maritime Health, 2006, Vol.57, No.1/4, p.177-187. 72 ref. (In English) Internet: In the maritime environment, employees are exposed to various chemical and biological substances, some of which may cause occupational asthma. This is the case for some fished products such as crustaceans and molluscs, but also for cereals carried as cargo or for certain chemicals, either carried as cargo or used in the maintenance of ships. This article consists of a literature review of known etiological factors of occupational asthma to which seafarers and other maritime workers are likely to be exposed. (107565)
CIS 08-68 Occupational contribution to the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Balmes J.R., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2005, Vol.47, No.2, p.154-160. 66 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature review on the occupational causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) finds evidence that the relationship between occupational exposures to irritating dusts, gases and fumes and the occurrence of COPD is significant. Epidemiological evidence from both worker cohort and community studies supports an increased risk of COPD associated with such exposures. The occupational contribution to the burden of COPD is sufficiently important to warrant preventive interventions. (107575)
CIS 08-69 Exposure to non-arsenic pesticides is associated with lymphoma among farmers in Spain. van Balen E., Font R., Cavallé N., Font L., Garcia-Villanueva M., Benavente Y., Brennan P., de Sanjose S., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2006, Vol.63, No.10, p.663-668. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this case-control study was to estimate the risk of lymphoma among farmers in Spain. Cases were subjects diagnosed with lymphoma in one of four participating hospitals between 1998 and 2002. Controls were selected among other patients and matched to the cases by sex and age. All subjects were interviewed on their job history. Although globally farmers were not at an increased risk of lymphoma as compared with all other occupations, those exposed to non-arsenic pesticides were found to be at increased risk of lymphoma (odds ratio, OR 1.8). A particularly high risk was observed among farmers working exclusively either as crop farmers or as animal farmers (OR 2.8). The risk was also high for exposure to non-arsenic pesticides for over nine years (OR 2.4). (107577)
CIS 08-70 Incidence of dimethylacetamide induced hepatic injury among new employees in a cohort of elastane fibre workers. Lee C.Y., Jung S.L., Kim S.A., Park K.S., Ha B.G., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2006, Vol.63, No.10, p.688-693. Illus. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this cohort was to investigate the incidence of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA)-induced hepatic injury among new elastane fibre workers and to explore risk factors relating to this injury. A total of 440 new workers employed from 1 January 2002 to 31 July 2004 were included as study subjects. DMA exposure estimates were based on urinary N-methylacetamide (NMA) concentrations. There were 28 cases of DMA-induced hepatic injury. The overall incidence of DMA induced hepatic injury among new elastane fibre workers was 0.089/person-year. Incidence rates were seven to ten times higher in high exposure groups than in low exposure groups. Results suggest the existence of a dose-dependent DMA-induced hepatic injury. The inverse relation between the incidence of DMA-induced hepatic injury and duration of employment may reflect a type of healthy worker effect or an acquired tolerance to DMA-induced hepatic injury. (107578)
CIS 08-71 Respiratory symptoms and bronchial responsiveness among cleaning and disinfecting workers in the food industry. Massin N., Hecht G., Ambroise D., Héry M., Toamain J.P., Hubert G., Dorotte M., Bianchi B., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2007, Vol.64, No.2, p.75-81. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: The objectives of this case-control study were to measure the levels of exposure to nitrogen trichloride (NCl3) and aldehydes among cleaning and disinfecting workers of food industry plants and to examine how they relate to irritant and chronic respiratory symptoms. A total of 175 exposed workers recruited from 17 enterprises of the food industry (16 slaughterhouses and one catering firm) and 70 non-exposed workers were examined. Concentration levels of NCl3 and aldhehydes were measured by personal sampling. Symptoms were assessed by means of a questionnaire and a methacholine bronchial challenge test. A statistically-significant concentration-response relationship was found between eye, nasal and throat symptoms of irritation and exposure levels or exposure duration. However, no relation was found between exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms or bronchial hyperresponsiveness. (107584)
CIS 08-72 Mortality from non-malignant respiratory diseases among people with silicosis in Hong Kong: Exposure-response analyses for exposure to silica dust. Tse L.A., Yu I.T.S., Leung C.C., Tam W., Wong T.W., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2007, Vol.64, No.2, p.87-92. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to examine the exposure-response relationships between exposure to silica dust and the mortality from non-malignant respiratory diseases (NMRDs) and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) among a cohort of 2789 workers with silicosis in Hong Kong. Exposures in each industry were evaluated on the basis of historical industrial hygiene data. Exposure indices included cumulative dust exposure (CDE) and mean dust concentration (MDC). Findings were subjected to statistical analyses. From 1981 to 1999, there were 371 deaths from NMRDs in the cohort, of which and 101 were COPDs. CDE and MDC were significantly associated only with NMRD mortality. Subgroup analysis showed that deaths were significantly associated with both CDE and MDC among underground caisson workers and among those with high exposure to silica dust. A clear upward trend was also found for both NMRDs and COPDs mortality with increasing severity of radiological silicosis. (107585)
CIS 08-73 Occupational exposure in dentistry and miscarriage. Lindbohm M.L., Ylöstalo P., Sallmén M., Henriks-Eckerman M.L., Nurminen T., Forss H., Taskinen H., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2007, Vol.64, No.2, p.127-133. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this Finnish study was to investigate whether dental workers are at an increased risk of miscarriage. The study was conducted among exposed women (dentists and dental assistants) and a control group of women occupationally unexposed to dentistry materials. Data on occupational exposure were obtained using postal questionnaires. The study population included 222 cases of miscarriage and 498 normal births. An occupational hygienist assessed exposure to acrylate compounds, disinfectants and solvents. Exposure to other agents was assessed on the basis of the questionnaire data. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were estimated using conditional logistic regression. In general, no strong association or consistent dose-response relationship was observed between exposure to chemical agents in dental work and the risk of miscarriage. A slightly increased risk was found for exposure to mercury amalgam and to some acrylates, solvents and disinfectants. (107587)
CIS 08-74 Occupational skin diseases in Singapore 2003-2004: An epidemiological update. Lim Y.L., Goon A., Contact Dermatitis, Mar. 2007, Vol.56, No.3, p.157-159. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: In this two-year retrospective epidemiologic study of occupational skin disease in Singapore, there were 125 patients with occupational contact dermatitis. The mean age of patients was 33.8 years, with a male to female ratio of 5.3 to one. Irritant contact dermatitis made up 62.4% of all cases, while allergic contact dermatitis constituted 37.6%. Wet work and contact with detergents, oils, greases and solvents were the most common causes. There was also a significant increase in cases among workers from the food and catering sector. (107589)
CIS 08-75 Continuous quality improvement in a medical unit for the evaluation of temporary disabilities. (Spanish: Mejora continua de la calidad en una médica de valoración de incapacidad temporal) Álvarez Theurer E., Vaquero Abellán M., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, June 2007, Vol.LIII, No.207, p.21-34. Illus. 24 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this project was to design a continuous improvement quality plan in the medical unit for the evaluation of disabilities in Cordoba, Spain. The methodology adopted followed Spanish Health Council guidelines with respect to processes and indicators of the annual inspection plan. Furthermore, the unit was implementing the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model. In the course of the project, a lack in the training of the professionals responsible for evaluating temporary disability was observed. Among the persons surveyed, the need for unified approaches in this area was unanimous. It is proposed that the approach adopted in this project be extended to other regions of Spain. (107598)
CIS 08-76 Shift work increases the frequency of duodenal ulcer in H. pylori infected workers. Pietroiusti A., Forlini A., Magrini A., Galante A., Coppeta L., Gemma G., Romeo E., Bergamaschi A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 2006, Vol.63, No.11, p.773-775. 12 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether shift work is associated with an increased rate of peptic ulcer in H. pylori infected workers. During a two year period, workers with persistent dyspeptic symptoms underwent non-invasive evaluation of H. pylori status. The workers testing positive were included in the study and divided into 247 day workers and 101 shift workers. In all workers, a gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed and biopsy specimens were taken from the stomach. It was found that the prevalence of duodenal ulcer was significantly higher in shift workers than in day-time workers (odds ratio OR=3.92) and persisted after multivariate analysis, taking into account possible confounding factors (OR=3.96). It is concluded that shift work increases the ulcerogenic potential of H. pylori infection and should be considered a risk factor for duodenal ulcer in infected shift workers. (107654)
CIS 08-77 Occupational risk factors for pancreatic cancer among female textile workers in Shanghai, China. Li W., Ray R.M., Gao D.L., Fitzgibbons E.D., Seixas N.S., Camp J.E., Wernli K.J., Astrakianakis G., Feng Z., Thomas D.B., Checkoway H., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2006, Vol.63, No.12, p.788-793. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to investigate whether occupational exposures to dusts and chemicals in the textile industry are associated with risk of pancreatic cancer. A case-control study nested in a cohort of 267,400 female textile workers in Shanghai, China, was conducted among 180 incident pancreatic cancer cases and an age-stratified randomly-selected comparison subcohort of 3188 women. A complete occupational history of work in the textile industry was obtained for each woman and was linked to a job exposure matrix to estimate cumulative exposures to specific dusts, chemicals and endotoxins. After adjusting for smoking status, a, trend of decreasing risk of pancreatic cancer was observed for increasing cumulative exposures to cotton dust and endotoxin with a lag of 20 years. There was little evidence that exposures to other textile dusts and chemicals were associated with risk of pancreatic cancer. (107655)
CIS 08-78 Health problems due to long working hours in Japan: Working hours, workers' compensation (Karoshi), and preventive measures. Iwasaki K., Takahashi M., Nakata A., Industrial Health, Oct. 2006, Vol.44, No.4, p.537-540. Illus. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: There is serious concern in Japan over health problems due to long working hours. National statistics show that more than six million people worked for 60h or more per week during years 2000 to 2004. Approximately three hundred cases of cerebrovascular or ischaemic heart diseases were recognized as being related to overwork (Karoshi) by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) between 2002 and 2005. Consequently, the MHLW has been working to establish a more appropriate compensation system for Karoshi, as well as preventive measures for overwork-related health problems. In 2001, the MHLW set the standards for clearly recognizing Karoshi in association with the amount of working hours. In 2002, the MHLW launched the program for the prevention of health impairment due to overwork and in 2005 the health guidance through an interview by a doctor for overworked workers has been enacted as law. (107657)
CIS 08-79 Present and infect. Whysall Z., Safety and Health Practitioner, Aug. 2007, Vol.25, No.8, p.54-56. Illus. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: When individuals come to work while feeling unwell, there are hidden costs for both employees and their employers. Presenteeism is defined as lost productivity that occurs when employees come to work but perform below due to any kind of illness. Common causes of presenteeism include migraines, allergies, depression, musculoskeletal problems, gastrointestinal problems and eczema. In the case of contagious diseases such as influenza, affected individuals who come to work may transmit the disease to fellow employees. This article explains how investigating the problem of presenteeism can potentially reduce sickness absence. (107680)
CIS 08-80 Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms reported by female flight attendants on long-haul flights. Lee H., Wilbur J.E., Conrad K.M., Mokadam D., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2006, Vol.77, No.12, p.1283-1287. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and severity of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSS) among female flight attendants working on long-haul flights at a major airline. A cross-sectional, mailed survey was conducted with female flight attendants randomly selected among eligible subjects, 185 of who returned completed questionnaires (63% response rate). WMSS in nine body regions were determined by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the NIOSH Symptom Survey Questionnaire. The prevalence of WMSS by body region ranged from 50% to 86%. Almost all (97%) of the flight attendants in this study experienced some level of WMS during the past year. The WMSS tended to involve more than one body region and the lower back was the most commonly affected body region. (107686)
CIS 08-81 Renal damage and work. (French: Atteintes rénales et travail) Daly L., Hajaiej K., Nouaigui H., SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, Apr. 2007, No.41, p.2-15. Illus. 7 ref. (In French) Internet: Contents of this collection of articles on renal damage caused by occupational exposures: kidney function; toxic renal disease caused by occupational factors (glomerular diseases, tubulointerstitial injuries, tubular necrosis, haemoglobinuria, myoglobinurea, nephritis); biomarkers of renal damage; main nephrotoxic substances encountered at the place of work (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, chromium, uranium, hydrocarbons, solvents, chlorinated phenyls, amines, silica); renal diseases and work aptitude; role of occupational physicians in the rehabilitation of patients with renal insufficiency; compensation of occupational renal diseases; diagnosis and medical treatment algorithm for diabetic nephropathy. (107740)
CIS 08-82 Conditions of work in food preparation as risk factors of lower limb venous disease. (Spanish: Condiciones de trabajo en la producción de comidas como factores de riesgo para la enfermedad venosa de miembros inferiores) Bertoldi C.M.L., Proença R.P.C., Galego G.N., Da Costa S.P., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Apr. 2007, Vol.LII, No.206, p.25-32. 34 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This study evaluated the factors influencing the onset or severity of lower limb venous disease among workers of the catering unit of a Brazlilian hospital. Data were collected by means of questionnaires, clinical examinations and water displacement volumetry of the lower extremities. In addition, on site direct observations of daily tasks were carried out. The presence of varying degrees of venous disease was observed in 78% of the cases, with an average volumetry variation of 5.13%. Risk factors were found to include standing at work during long periods of time, elevated temperature and humidity, weight carrying and being overweight. (107758)
CIS 08-83 Prevention of occupational risk factors for tuberculosis. (Spanish: Prevención de riesgos laborales por tuberculosis) Sánchez-Arcilla Conejo I., Salud, Trabajo y Ambiente, 1st Quarter, 2007, Vol.14, No.51, p.13-18. Illus. 26 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The key aspects of the prevention of tuberculosis among workers of health care centres, old-age pensioners' homes and prisons include an early diagnosis, sanitary measures for protecting the work environment and an effective medical supervision programme. Topics addressed in this review article on the prevention of tuberculosis at the workplace: epidemiology of tuberculosis; tuberculosis as an occupational disease; collective protection measures; personal protection measures; medical supervision. (107759)
CIS 08-84 Patch testing with components of water-based metalworking fluids: Results of a multicentre study with a second series. Geier J., Lessmann H., Becker D., Bruze M., Frosch P.J., Fuchs T., Jappe U., Koch P., Pföhler C., Skudlik C., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 2006, Vol.55, No.6, p.322-329. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated sensitization to ten frequently-used metalworking fluid (MWF) components, which are not part of the established MWF test series, in metalworkers with suspected occupational dermatitis due to MWF. Seven patients reacted positively to 4,4'-methylene bis morpholine, including six who also reacted to formaldehyde and/or other formaldehyde releasers. Four patients reacted positively to myristyl alcohol. Additionally, 20 doubtful or irritant reactions occurred. One patient each reacted positively to oleyl alcohol, monoisopropanolamine and 2-amino-2-ethyl- 1,3-propanediol. None of the other substances tested elicited any clear-cut positive reaction. Patch testing with well-known MWF allergens showed proportions of positive reactions, which were comparable to those from other studies, e.g. 11 % to monoethanolamine, 8% to colophony and 3-5% to various preservatives. (107693)
CIS 08-85 Bladder cancer: Identifying and controlling the risks. (French: Cancer de la vessie: identifier et réduire les risques) Durcy M., Prévention BTP, May 2007, No.96, p.48-50. Illus. (In French) Internet: Each year, there are approximately 10,000 new cases of bladder cancer incidence in France, among which the number of cases due to occupational exposures is estimated at between 600 and 1100. In the construction sector, coal tar pitch used in roofing is a known carcinogen. Occupational exposures likely to cause bladder cancer have decreased. However, further progress is still required for screening and preventing this disease in occupational settings. Besides a brief review of occupational bladder cancer, an occupational physician answers a few questions on exposure hazards, the low proportion of bladder cancers that are recognized as being due to occupational factors and preventive measures. (107738)
CIS 08-86 Eye allergies: Their proper diagnosis in occupational settings. (French: Allergies oculaires: bien les repérer en milieu professionnel) Jully H., Prévention BTP, May 2007, No.96, p.51-52. Illus. (In French) Internet: Some substances used at work can cause or aggravate eye allergies. In the building industry, cement dust is the most common allergen. Other sensitizers are found in varnishes, adhesives, corrosion inhibitors, detergents, disinfectants, dyes, plastic and rubber additives, and epoxy resins. The most frequent effect is chronic conjunctivitis, possibly associated with rhinitis, eczema of the eyelids or allergic asthma. Prevention involves the use of less potent allergens whenever possible, proper hygiene (washing one's hands, taking a shower at the end of the work day) and wearing safety spectacles. (107739)
CIS 08-87 Co-occurrence of musculoskeletal pain among female kitchen workers. Haukka E., Leino-Arjas P., Solovieva S., Ranta R., Viikari-Juntura E., Riihimäki H., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nov. 2006, Vol.80, No.2, p.141-148. Illus. 39 ref. (In English) Internet: The co-occurrence of musculoskeletal pain symptoms in seven body sites and their combinations among women in kitchen work were studied. Data were gathered by questionnaire from 495 female workers working in 122 school and nursing home kitchens of four cities in Finland. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the previous three months was 87%, the most common sites being the neck (71%), low back (50%), and forearms and hands (49%). 73% of the subjects had pain in at least two, 36% in four or more, and 10% in six sites or more. Altogether 53% of the workers reported pain in at least both the axial (defined as a combination of neck and low back) and upper limb areas, and 48% in at least both the axial and lower limb areas. (107572)
CIS 08-88 Occupational skin diseases among workers providing care to older persons. (Spanish: Dermatosis profesionales en cuidadores de ancianos) Barchino Ortiz L, Cabrera Fernández E., Moreno Manzano G., Heras Mendaza F., Conde-Salazar Gómez L., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, June 2007, Vol.LIII, No.207, p.35-46. Illus. 33 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Health care workers specialized in providing care to older persons may have an increased risk of occupational skin damage due to their regular exposure to skin irritants and constant wet work. This retrospective study involved 41 such health care workers, all women, who consulted an occupational dermatology institute in Spain over an 11-year period. The most common location affected was the hands. Of the skin diseases clinically diagnosed, endogenous eczema showed the highest prevalence (39.6%) followed by irritant contact dermatitis (27.1%), allergic contact dermatitis (12.5%), asymptomatic diseases (10.4%) and allergy to natural rubber latex (4.2%). (107599)
CIS 08-89 Risk factors for asthma among cosmetology professionals in Colorado. Kreiss K., Esfahani R.S., Antao V.C.S., Odencrantz J., Lezotte D.C., Hoffman R.E., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2006, Vol.48, No.10, p.1062-1069. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: There have been several reports of asthma among cosmetology professionals. This study examined the prevalence, work-attributable risk and tasks associated with asthma in this sector. A stratified random sample of cosmeticians, manicurists, barbers and cosmetologists holding licenses in the State of Colorado were selected for a mail survey. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma among the 1883 respondents (68% response rate) was 9.3%; of these, 38% developed asthma after entering the cosmetology profession. Multivariate analyses showed that hairstyling, the application of artificial nails and shaving and honing were significantly associated with asthma arising in the course of employment with relative risks of 2.6-2.9. It is concluded that the increased risk of asthma with onset during employment among cosmetologists is probably attributable to exposure to sensitizers and irritants in tasks demonstrated to be associated with asthma. (107683)
CIS 08-90 Adverse skin reactions to personal protective equipment against severe acute respiratory syndrome - A descriptive study in Singapore. Foo C.C.I., Goon A.T.J., Leow Y.H., Goh C.L., Contact Dermatitis, Nov. 2006, Vol.55, No.5, p.291-294. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of skin reactions to PPE among healthcare workers in Singapore during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak Healthcare workers exposed to SARS in affected countries were required to use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as the N95 mask, gloves and gowns. The healthcare staff of two hospitals was surveyed using questionnaires. A total of 322 questionnaires were returned (participation rate 94.7%). 14.3% of the respondents were doctors, 73.0% nurses and 12.7% other ancillary staff. 109 (35.5%) of the 307 staff who used masks regularly reported acne (59.6%), facial itch (51.4%) and rash (35.8%) from N95 mask use. 64 (21.4%) of the 299 who used gloves reported dry skin (73.4%), itch (56.3%) and rash (37.5%). (107691)
CIS 08-91 Allergic contact dermatitis among maintenance and clerical workers in a military population. Slodownik D., Wohl Y., Mansura A., Moshe S., Sarbagil-Maman H., Shochat T., Levi Y., Brenner S., Ingber A., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 2006, Vol.55, No.6, p.335-337. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of contact dermatitis in the Israeli armed forces, the common causal allergens and the background of atopy in the subjects in order to design preventive measures. Medical records of all recruits from 2000 to 2003 were reviewed for possible mention of contact dermatitis. The 102 cases identified were further assessed for job assignment, atopic background and causal allergens. Among the cases identified, 60 had irritant contact dermatitis and 42 had allergic contact dermatitis, of which 33 were maintenance workers, mainly mechanics. 13 recruits in the maintenance job category and two soldiers in the clerical group had atopic backgrounds. There were 55 positive reactions in patch tests, 25 of them to oil and cooling fluids, with 14.5% attributed to Kathon CG. Atopy was found to be a risk factor for allergic contact dermatitis and should be screened for in job assignment procedures in the military. Oil and greases contain significant allergens, especially their preservatives. (107694)
CIS 08-92 Health and productivity as a business strategy. Loeppke R., Taitel M., Richling D., Parry T., Kessler R.C., Hymel P., Konicki D., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2007, Vol.49, No.7, p.712-721. Illus. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of health-related lost productivity relative to medical and pharmacy costs for four employers and assess the business implications of a "full-cost" approach to managing health. A database was developed by integrating medical and pharmacy claims data with employee self-report productivity and health information collected through the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ). The information collected on employer business measures was combined with this database to model health-related lost productivity. Health-related productivity costs were found to be more than four times greater than medical and pharmacy costs. The full cost of poor health is driven by different health conditions than those driving medical and pharmacy costs alone. (107554)
CIS 08-93 Young workers: Health at risk. (French: Jeunes travailleurs: danger santé) Vogel L., Grégoire D., Gauthy R., Paone G., Oct. 2006, No.30-31, p.13-38. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English, French) Internet: Collection of articles on the health hazards faced by young workers, covering the following aspects: high levels of temporary work and casual labour among young workers, and its occupational health implications; conditions of work of young persons in the fast food sector; occupational safety and health training initiatives aimed at young persons in a French automobile production region; work-related risks and ergonomics; child labour in industrialized countries. (107570)
CIS 08-94 Study on a model for future occupational health: Proposals for an occupational health service model in Japan. Higashi T., Industrial Health, Oct. 2006, Vol.44, No.4, p.541-555. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes a national project undertaken in Japan aimed at identifying key areas for the improvement of occupational health services, grouped under the following headings: providing occupational health services and occupational physicians' services; measures concerning occupational health services and occupational physicians' services; new requirements with respect to enterprise reporting systems; extending the merit system for workers' compensation insurance to small enterprises; ensuring international coordination and harmonization of standards; qualifications of occupational safety and health personnel. (107658)
CIS 08-95 Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: Back to work report. Podniece Z., Pinder A., Yeomans L., van den Heuvel S., Blatter B., Verjans M., Muylaert K., De Broeck V., Eeckelaeart L., Nevala N., Kaukiainen N., Lischka J., Kudasz F., Kosina M., European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2007. 100p. Illus. 50 ref. Price: EUR 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 978-92-9191-160-8 (In English) Internet: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related health problem in Europe. Tackling MSDs means taking action in the workplace. First, there are preventative steps that have to be taken. But for workers who already have MSDs, the challenge is to maintain their employability, keep them working and, if necessary, reintegrate them into the workplace. This report of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work's focuses on the retention, reintegration and rehabilitation of workers with MSDs. It comes in two parts: a literature review on the effectiveness of work-related interventions and an overview of policy initiatives in Europe and at the international level. (107531)
CIS 08-96 Preventing fire fighter fatalities due to heart attacks and other sudden cardiovascular events. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, June 2007. 26p. Illus. 90 ref. (In English) Internet: To reduce on-duty deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) among firefighters in the United States, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that fire departments and fire fighters follow established medical screening guidelines, adopt risk reduction measures during fire fighting operations and develop and participate in comprehensive wellness and fitness programmes. This booklet provides background on firefighting and CVD, presents case reports to highlight important findings, summarizes data from NIOSH CVD fatality investigations and provides recommendations to minimize the risk of deaths from CVD among firefighters. (107539)
CIS 08-97 Occupational respiratory diseases. (Spanish: Patología respiratoria de origen ocupacional) Capone L., Consiglio E., Fulgenzi A.E., Jarés E., Labbate A., Poropat A., Ministerio de trabajo, empleo y seguridad social, Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Bartolomé Mitre 751, C1036AAM Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2007. 103p. Illus. 2 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Proceedings of five workshops on occupational respiratory diseases organized in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by the Argentinian labour inspectorate (Spanish acronym SRT), during which statistical data were presented and various cases were discussed. Workshops were held on the following topics: occupational asthma; occupational respiratory infections; chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathies (COBP); pleural diseases; interstitial lung diseases. (107644)
CIS 08-98 Issues in social protection - Discussion paper 19 - Social health protection: An ILO strategy towards universal access to health care. (French: Questions de protection sociale - Document de travail 19 - La protection sociale de la santé: Stratégie de l'OIT pour un accès universel aux soins de santé; Spanish: Temas de protección social - Documento de debate 19 - Protección social de la salud: Una estrategia de la OIT para el acceso universal a la asistencia médica) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. v, 88p. Illus. 167 ref., ISBN 987-92-2-120097-0 (En), ISBN 987-92-2-220097-9 (fr), ISBN 987-92-2-320097-8 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This consultation document is a contribution to the assignment that the International Labour Conference bestowed on the ILO, namely to launch a global campaign for the extension of social security for all. It is hoped that the document will stimulate a wide debate between all parties concerned as to how to provide some form of social security to the majority of the world's populations and to ensure that the human right to social security can be made a reality in the shortest possible time. Contents: definition of social protection; financing of social protection; coverage of social protection and access to health services; ILO strategy for achieving universal coverage in social health protection. (107535)
CIS 08-99 Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: Back to work. (Bulgarian: Svărzani s truda muskulno-skeletni smuštenija: otnovo na rabota; Czech: Muskuloskeletální onemocnění související s prací: zpět do práce; Danish: Arbejdsbetinget muskel- og skeletbesvær: tilbage til arbejdet; Dutch: Beroepsgebonden spier- en skeletaandoeningen: Terug naar de werkplek; Estonian: Tööga seotud luu- ja lihaskonna vaevused: Tagasi tööle; Finnish: Työperäiset tuki- ja liikuntaelinsairaudet: Takaisin työhön; French: Troubles musculosquelettiques d'origine professionnelle: la reprise du travail; German: Arbeitsbedingte Muskel- und Skeletterkrankungen: Rückkehr an den Arbeitsplatz; Greek: Muoskeletikés pathêseis pou shetízontai me tēn ergasía : Epistrofê stēn ergasía; Hungarian: Munkával kapcsolatos váz- és izomrendszeri megbetegedések: Vissza a munkába; Italian: Patologie muscoloscheletriche occupazionali: rientro al lavoro; Latvian: Ar darbu saistātas balsta un kustību aparāta slimības: atgriešanās darbā; Lithuanian: Su darbu susiję kaulų ir raumenų sistemos pažeidimai. Sugrąžinimas į darbą; Maltese: Problemi muskuloskeletali relatati max-xogħol: lura lejn ix-xogħol; Polish: Choroby mięśniowo-szkieletowe związane z pracą - powrót do pracy; Portuguese: Lesões músculo-esqueléticas de origem profissional: Regresso ao trabalho; Romanian: Afecţiunile musculo-scheletice de origine profesională: Întoarcerea la locul muncă; Slovak: Ochorenia a poškodenia podporno-pohybovej sústavy súvisiace s prácou. Spät' do práce; Slovenian: Z delom povezana kostno-mišična obolenja: vrnitev na delo; Spanish: Trastornos musculoesqueléticos de origen laboral: de vuelta al trabajo; Swedish: Arbetsrelaterade belastningsbesvär: Tillbaka till arbetet) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2007. 2p. Illus. 3 ref. (In Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related health problem in Europe. Tackling MSDs means taking action in the workplace. First, there are preventative steps that have to be taken. But for workers who already have MSDs, the challenge is to maintain their employability, keep them working and, if necessary, reintegrate them into the workplace. This fact sheet highlights the key findings of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work's "Back to Work" report (see CIS 08-95), which focuses on the retention, reintegration and rehabilitation of workers with MSDs. The report comes in two parts: a literature review on the effectiveness of work-related interventions, and an overview of policy initiatives in Europe and at the international level. (107533)
CIS 08-100 Occupational skin diseases. (French: Dermatoses professionnelles) Géraut C., Tripodi D., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 4th Quarter 2006, No.153, 30p. Illus. 53 ref. (In French) Internet: When faced with skin diseases that appear to be due to occupational factors, medical practitioners must adopt a simple and reliable diagnosis approach. Upon completing a comprehensive clinical analysis, it is of key importance to draw up a list of risk factors related to the occupational and non occupational environments. The main factors responsible for occupational skin diseases are the many chemicals with which we are in daily contact, followed far behind by infectious agents and finally, very rarely, by physical agents. The most affected occupations are, in decreasing order of importance: occupations involving exposure to cleaning products, the construction industry, hairdressing, health care occupations, plastics processing and handling, various sectors including mechanical work, metalworking, printing, and all activities involving contact with plants or animals. (107746)
CIS 08-101 Neurological diseases caused by toxic agents. (French: Pathologies neurologiques d'origine toxique) Dorandeu F., Carpentier P., Baille V., Testylier G., Lallement G., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 2006, No.151, 11p. Illus. 61 ref. (In French) Internet: The nervous system is very sensitive to toxic agents, particularly during its development phase. After recalling a few basic properties of the nervous system, this article uses examples to present the toxic processes that arise from exposure to substances that can be found in occupational settings, together with their clinical and paraclinical expressions. Finally, it reviews in detail the case of organophosphorus compounds which are responsible for damage to both the central and peripheral nervous systems. (107748)
CIS 08-102 Prevention and compensation of occupational skin diseases. (French: Réparation et prévention des dermatoses professionnelles) Géraut C., Tripodi D., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 3rd Quarter 2006, No.152, 10p. 9 ref. (In French) Internet: Occupational skin diseases often have important consequences for the employment of affected persons, which makes it essential to ensure their compensation in cases where preventive measures are not effective. Preventive measures against occupational skin diseases include collective measures such as the elimination of the allergen or irritant, but also a series of personal hygiene measures adapted to each task which need to be validated by the users themselves if they are not to go unheeded. Compensation and rehabilitation measures are complex given the wide range of approved occupational diseases and types of compensation, which are reviewed in this article. (107749)
CIS 08-103 Maternal and paternal occupational exposure to agricultural work and the risk of anencephaly. Lacasaña M., Vázquez-Grameix H., Borja-Aburto C.H., Blanco-Muñoz J., Romieu I., Aguilar-Garduño C., García A.M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2006, Vol.63, No.10, p.649-656. 43 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate the association between parental occupational exposure to agricultural work and the risk of anencephaly. Cases included 151 children born with anencephaly in maternities of three Mexican states, while controls were births without congenital malformations from the same maternities. General information and information on exposures to pesticides were obtained by means of questionnaires. The children of mothers who worked in agriculture in the acute risk period during pregnancy had a significantly greater risk of anencephaly (odds ratio, OR 4.57). The risk of fathers having a child with anencephaly was greater among those who applied pesticides, irrespective of whether it was during or not during the acute risk period (OR 2.50 and 2.03 respectively). (107576)
CIS 08-104 Mortality from non-malignant diseases in a cohort of female pulp and paper workers in Norway. Langseth H., Kjærheim K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 2006, Vol.63, No.11, p.741-745. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to investigate the risk of death from non-malignant diseases among female paper industry workers in Norway. A total of 3143 women first employed between 1920 and 1993 were included in the study cohort. Data on job category and employment duration for each cohort member were obtained from enterprise human resources records. Data on cause and date of death were added by linkage with the death register using the unique personal identification number as key. The follow up period was 1951-2000. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated using the national female mortality rates as reference. Poisson regression analysis was used to examine internal relations between the duration of employment in paper mills and the risk of death from selected causes. There were significantly increased risks of mortality from ischaemic heart diseases and cerebrovascular diseases. Other findings are discussed. (107653)
CIS 08-105 Potential effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on the health of children. Damstra T., European epi marker, Apr. 2007, Vol.11, No.2, p.1-5. 70 ref. (In English) Internet: During the last decades, there has been growing concern in scientific circles about adverse effects that may result from exposure to certain chemicals that have the potential to alter the normal functioning of the endocrine system in animals and humans. Of particular concern is the observation that very small differences in hormone exposures or hormonal function during a critical stage of development can result in adverse effects, which sometimes are irreversible. It has been hypothesized that foetal and early childhood exposures to certain endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may contribute to an increasing incidence of hypospadias and cryptorchidism, decreased semen quality, neurobehavioural disorders, alterations in the onset of puberty and testicular and breast cancer. This review article summarizes the potential effects of exposure to EDCs in children. (107689)
CIS 08-106 Work in public sewage networks: Study of risks. (Spanish: Trabajos en redes públicas de saneamiento: un estudio de riesgos) Pistón Reyes J.M., Cubero Atienza A.J., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, July 2007, No.43, p.20-27. Illus. 23 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The media regularly report accidents in which several workers undergo asphyxia or poisoning in a cesspit or a well. A common characteristic in these types of accidents is the severity of their consequences, both for the direct victim as well as for persons attempting to rescue them. Many of these accidents could have been avoided by appropriate training and the correct use of means of protection. This article describes the job of sewage workers and examines more specifically the risks involved in the cleaning and maintenance of sewage system networks, which are aggravated by the need to work in confined spaces. (107503)
CIS 08-107 World at work: Brazilian ragpickers. da Silva M.C., Fassa A.G., Siqueira C.E., Kriebel D., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2005, Vol.62, No.10, p.736-740. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: This cross-sectional survey was carried out to evaluate the working conditions of ragpickers in a Brazilian locality. The sample of 455 ragpickers was also compared to that of 535 non-ragpickers from the same poor neighbourhoods. The survey was carried out in the form of household interviews. Findings concerning the nature of the work, work postures, exposures and other risk factors are discussed. (107651)
CIS 08-108 Tools for improving safety management in the Norwegian fishing fleet - Occupational accident analysis - Period of 1998-2006. Aasjord H.L., International Maritime Health, 2006, Vol.57, No.1/4, p.76-84. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: Using data from the Norwegian Maritime Directorate, this article analyses accidents having occurred in the Norwegian fishing fleet during the years 1998-2002, together with the general trends in fatal accidents from 1955 to 2006. The risk rate was 23.6 accidents per 1000 man-years, the rate being the highest for the deep sea fleet of trawlers (28.6 accidents per 1000 man-years). From 1998 to 2006, a rate of 24.8 fatal accidents per 10,000 man years was found for the smaller fleet, length of vessel (Loa) < 13m. This rate is 4.1 times higher than for the medium fleet (Loa < 28m) and 11.3 times higher than for the deep sea fleet (Loa > 28m). Other findings are discussed and measures for the reduction of fatal accidents are proposed. (107562)
CIS 08-109 An analysis of the risk in the French sea fishing industry. Example of the dockside accident risk. Le Bouar G., Chauvin C., International Maritime Health, 2006, Vol.57, No.1/4, p.103-113. Illus. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: When considering the risks of fishing, one generally thinks about major risks like collisions or vessels running aground, as well as accidents caused ropes or trawling equipment. However there is little data on accidents involving fishermen while the vessel is docked in port. In France, these accidents account for about 30% of all registered injuries for the sea fishing sector. This study analyses the data on the 5074 such accidents reported between 1996 and 2005. Findings are discussed and various preventive measures are proposed. (107563)
CIS 08-110 Labour standards, safety and health, and risk assessment in the fishing sector. Wagner B., International Maritime Health, 2006, Vol.57, No.1/4, p.114-126. (In English) Internet: This article gives an overview of the ILO's standards concerning occupational safety and health, of the specific standards concerning work on board fishing vessels and of the work to develop a new Convention and Recommendation on Work in the Fishing Sector. It includes proposed requirements and guidance concerning risk assessment. Examples are provided of how risk assessment has been used in ILO instruments, in European Union Directives concerning the fishing sector and in national laws, regulations and practice in this sector. The objective of this article is to stimulate debate on how risk assessment on fishing vessels could be promoted worldwide, taking into account differing levels of development and the considerable diversity of fishing. (107564)
CIS 08-111 Promoting safety awareness in fishing communities through community arts: An action research project. Murray M., Tilley N., Safety Science, Nov. 2006, Vol.44, No.9, p.797-808. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: Commercial fishing is a very dangerous industry. Traditionally safety education has focused on making fishermen aware of safety regulations and procedures. An alternative approach is to raise community awareness of safety issues and to consider both individual and collective strategies for improving safety in the industry. This article discusses of the use of drama, music and associated arts-based activities designed to promote safety awareness in three fishing communities in Newfoundland. Local residents planned and performed all of the activities. Discussions were subsequently conducted with key community leaders to clarify the process of implementing safety measures identified. The participants were very enthusiastic about the projects and keen to develop other similar activities in their communities. (107568)
CIS 08-112 Providing occupational safety and health services to workers in agriculture. Forastieri V., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Apr. 2007, Vol.17, No.1, p.4-7. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: Contents of this article on providing occupational safety and health services to workers in the agricultural sector in Africa: technological development and agriculture; occupational accidents and injuries; occupational and work-related diseases; underreporting; access to health services; coverage of agricultural workers by national legislation and regional standards; trends in social responsibility and certification initiatives in agricultural production; ILO standards on safety and health in agriculture; ILO African regional programme on safety and health in agriculture; challenges in providing safety and health services to agricultural workers. (107717)
CIS 08-113 Health effects among agricultural workers in Africa. Pule T.A., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Apr. 2007, Vol.17, No.1, p.8-10. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: This review of occupational health among agricultural workers in Africa is based on the findings of a survey carried out by the WHO in 2001 as well as on various other sources. Findings are grouped under the following headings: chemical substances (organophosphorus compounds, organochlorine compounds and pyrethroids); physical hazards and ergonomic factors; occupational health services; primary health care approach and access to relevant information. (107718)
CIS 08-114 Occupational health and safety in the flower industry: The role of occupational certification systems. Msangi Y.K., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Apr. 2007, Vol.17, No.1, p.17-19. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: The emerging African flower industry is a low-wage occupation mainly employing women. A high proportion of the workforce consists of casual labour. This article describes the various international certification systems and codes aimed at ensuring decent working conditions and fair trade in the flower industry, together with their strengths and weaknesses. (107720)
CIS 08-115 Self-reported incidents, accidents, and use of protective gear among small-scale forestry workers in Sweden. Neely G., Wilhelmson E., Safety Science, Oct. 2006, Vol.44, No.8, p.723-732. Illus. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: Self-reported data were collected from 156 self-employed forestry workers regarding their work, including use of safety gear and number and type of incidents and accidents to which they were exposed. A quarter of the respondents reported at least one work-related accident or a close call during the previous 24 months. Of those injured or involved in an accident, 50% reported that they were not fully using their protective equipment. Compared to earlier surveys of Swedish forestry workers, consistent use of all required safety gear was down by 10%. Protective pants and gloves were the items least likely to be used while ear, eye and foot protection were most likely to be used. The results indicate that better planning during felling processes may be the key to reducing the number of accidents for this population. (107567)
CIS 08-116 Safety in open pit mines and amendments to the regulations related to surface mining. (Polish: Stan bezpieczeństwa w odkrywkowych zakładach górniczych oraz zmiany w przepisach obowiązujących przy eksploatacji kopalin metodą odkrywkową) Krawczyk M., WUG Bezpieczeństwo Pracy i Ochrona Środowiska w Górnictwie, 2007, Vol.6, No.154, p.3-5. (In Polish) Internet: This article presents an analysis of the issues related to safety in open-pit mines in Poland, taking into account all open-pit mines extracting basic and common minerals, and subject to the supervision of the mining inspection authorities since 2002. The emphasis is on natural hazards, dangerous occurrences and causes of accidents occurring in the surface mining of mineral deposits. The amendments to the regulations on surface mining are discussed, together with the help of examples, including the reasons for their introduction. (107634)
CIS 08-117 Working in the construction industry past the age of 50. (French: Travailler dans le BTP après 50 ans) Durcy M., Prévention BTP, June 2007, No.97, p.38-47. Illus. 2 ref. (In French) Internet: Topics addressed in this collection of articles on work in the construction industry past the age of 50 in France: numbers of workers employed in the construction industry by age group; proportion of older workers having taken early retirement on health grounds; wear of the articulations caused by the physical workload; diseases affecting older workers in the construction industry (musculoskeletal diseases and lung, heart and digestive tract problems); retaining older workers in the workforce by improving ergonomics and work organization; training and improved occupational health surveillance; efforts undertaken by a construction enterprise to improve working conditions and reduce the strenuousness of certain jobs; presentation of a website on occupational safety and health in the construction sector. (107735)
CIS 08-118 Exploring the organisational preconditions for occupational accidents in food industry: A qualitative approach. Stave C., Törner M., Safety Science, Mar. 2007, Vol.45, No.3, p.355-371. Illus. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: The continuing high frequency of occupational accidents in the Swedish food industry calls for new approaches to better understand the underlying factors. In the present study, 54 accidents involving hand injuries were investigated from the operators' perspective, to explore the organizational factors. In-depth interviews were conducted with operators and their supervisors, and 24 of these interviews were qualitatively analysed. Underlying factors were found to be deficiencies in the work environment and work organization, insufficient communication and learning, a high level of responsibility in combination with low control, conflicting goals and a gap between procedures and practice. These factors result in risk acceptance, resignation towards improved safety and normalization of risk. (107582)
CIS 08-119 Domestic help - An area that needs to become more professional. (French: Aide à domicile - Un monde en quête de professionnalisation) Brasseur G., Travail et sécurité, June 2007, No.674, p.20-31. Illus. (In French) Internet: Contents of this collection of articles on domestic helpers: hour-by-hour account of the tasks carried out during a day's work of a social services domestic helper; key employment statistics of the sector; identification and prevention of occupational hazards (fatigue, lifting of heavy loads, musculoskeletal diseases, skin diseases, commuting accidents); legal aspects; organization of a regional domestic help service which includes a committee for occupational hygiene, safety and working conditions; interview of the head of an agency; prevention of occupational stress. (107707)
CIS 08-120 Painting - Working in workshops and in booths. (French: Peinture - Les travaux en atelier et en cabine) Sagot F., Prévention BTP, June 2007, No.97, p.32-33. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article addresses the question of limiting exposures in paint shops. In order to eliminate or control risks at the source, it is preferable to use products that have low toxicity for the workers, such as the less dangerous water-based paints instead of solvent-based paints. Similarly, exposure phases should be minimized by using automated painting booths. Next, collective protection measures should be implemented, in particular the ventilation of the workshop to eliminate polluted air. Finally, as a last resort, workers should be equipped with personal protective equipment. (107734)
CIS 08-121 Industrial sectors with high risk of women's hospital-treated injuries. Kines P., Hannerz H., Mikkelsen K.L., Tüchsen F., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2007, Vol.50, No.1, p.13-21. Illus. 46 ref. (In English) Internet: Women's occupational injury rates are converging with those of men. In this study, the associations between working womens' hospital treated injury rates, industrial sector and injured body area were analyzed to provide better-focused injury prevention of women's hazardous jobs. Women's standardized hospital treatment ratios (SHR) and the excess fraction for five body regions (head/neck, thorax, back, upper and lower extremities) were calculated for 58 industrial sectors in Denmark for 1999-2003. Five industrial sectors had significantly high SHRs for all body regions. These were: cleaning, laundries and dry cleaning; transport of passengers; hotels and restaurants; hospitals; transport of goods. (107542)
CIS 08-122 Protection of the safety and health of women in French labour legislation. (French: La protection de la santé des femmes dans le code de travail) Lamy P., Santé et Sécurité au Travail Actualités, May 2007, No.100, p.5-6. Illus. (In French) Internet: French labour legislation includes specific provisions concerning the carrying out of potentially dangerous work by certain categories of workers, in particular women. This article summarizes the main provisions of French regulations that apply to work by women. Contents: prohibited work; restrictions concerning the lifting of heavy loads; penal liability; specific provisions concerning work by pregnant women (night work, dangerous tasks, medical supervision and approval of sickness absenteeism). (107702)
CIS 08-123 Age, work and health. (French: Travail, âge et santé) Prevent Focus, Mar. 2007. p.8-11. Illus. 3 réf. (In French) Internet: Topics addressed in this review article on age, social level, state of health and work aptitude: social inequalities with respect to health; socioeconomic status and life expectancy; increased risk of disease among less-qualified workers; stress; work organization; age and conditions of work; managing an ageing workforce; examples of approaches adopted by older workers aimed at maintaining their work efficiency; strenuousness; positions adopted by enterprises with respect to the employment of older workers. (107704)
CIS 08-124 Agricultural workers and their contribution to sustainable agriculture and rural development. (French: Les travailleurs agricoles et leur contribution à l'agriculture et au développement rural durables; Spanish: Trabajadores agrícolas y su contribución a la agricultura y el desarrollo rural sostenibles) Hurst P., Termine P., Karl M., International Union of Food and Allied Workers' Associations., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. 98p. Illus. 175 ref., ISBN 978-92-2-118709-7 (En), ISBN 978-92-2-218709-6 (fr), ISBN 978-92-2-318709-5 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: The aim of this report is to provide information, ideas, examples and suggestions to governments, international organizations, development agencies, credit institutions and trade bodies on how they can help increase the contributions of waged agricultural workers to sustainable agriculture and rural development, world food security and sustainable development. (107628)
CIS 08-125 FORWORKNET update - Focus on: Ergonomics in forestry. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, Dec.2001. 20p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Launched in 1993, FORWORKNET is an international network of some 300 individuals and institutions in 70 countries interested in forestry workforce issues. The primary functions of FORWORKNET are to enable its members to communicate directly with each other and to open new opportunities for international exchange and cooperation. These functions are mainly achieved by helping members to locate sources of information, advice or assistance. The network regularly publishes relevant news and information updates. Main topics addressed in this update: ergonomics in forestry; brief reports from several countries (Korea, Chile, New Zealand, USA, Finland, United Kingdom); use of synthetic rope in logging; exhaust gases from chainsaws; impact of chainsaws on the hand-arm system; social and labour issues in the forestry and wood industries; review of a conference on women in forestry. (107726)
CIS 08-126 FORWORKNET update - Focus on: Forestry subcontractors. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, Dec. 2002. 20p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Launched in 1993, FORWORKNET is an international network of some 300 individuals and institutions in 70 countries interested in forestry workforce issues. The primary functions of FORWORKNET are to enable its members to communicate directly with each other and to open new opportunities for international exchange and cooperation. These functions are mainly achieved by helping members to locate sources of information, advice or assistance. The network regularly publishes relevant news and information updates. Main topics addressed in this update: best practices in forestry contracting; brief reports from several countries (Sweden, Chile, France, South Africa, Canada, Turkey, Finland, Norway, Malaysia, Uruguay); review of a conference on partnerships in forestry. (107727)
CIS 08-127 FORWORKNET update - Focus on: Safety and health. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, Dec. 2003. 20p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Launched in 1993, FORWORKNET is an international network of some 300 individuals and institutions in 70 countries interested in forestry workforce issues. The primary functions of FORWORKNET are to enable its members to communicate directly with each other and to open new opportunities for international exchange and cooperation. These functions are mainly achieved by helping members to locate sources of information, advice or assistance. The network regularly publishes relevant news and information updates. Main topics addressed in this update: decent work in forestry; findings of a survey on retirement age, workload and working conditions of forestry workers in six European countries; analysis of accident causes; findings of an ergonomic study of forest firefighters; safe tree harvesting in storm damaged forests; brief reports from several countries (Switzerland, Guyana, Chile, Sweden, Germany, Slovakia); cancer among women forestry workers in Germany; forestry machine operator training; labour inspection; review of a conference on landscape protection. (107728)
CIS 08-128 FORWORKNET update - Focus on: Ergonomics in mechanized harvesting. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, Dec. 2004. 24p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Launched in 1993, FORWORKNET is an international network of some 300 individuals and institutions in 70 countries interested in forestry workforce issues. The primary functions of FORWORKNET are to enable its members to communicate directly with each other and to open new opportunities for international exchange and cooperation. These functions are mainly achieved by helping members to locate sources of information, advice or assistance. The network regularly publishes relevant news and information updates. Main topics addressed in this update: research, practice, ergonomics and working conditions related to mechanization; brief reports from several countries (USA, Poland, Germany, Switzerland); research in the field of forestry machine cab glazing; reviews of conferences (safety and ergonomics, gender and forestry); informal work in the forestry sector. (107729)
CIS 08-129 FORWORKNET update - Focus on: Labour inspection in forestry. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, June 2006. 20p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Launched in 1993, FORWORKNET is an international network of some 300 individuals and institutions in 70 countries interested in forestry workforce issues. The primary functions of FORWORKNET are to enable its members to communicate directly with each other and to open new opportunities for international exchange and cooperation. These functions are mainly achieved by helping members to locate sources of information, advice or assistance. The network regularly publishes relevant news and information updates. Main topics addressed in this update: labour inspection in forestry; ILO guidelines for labour inspection in forestry; gender issues in forestry; review of conferences on competitive forestry operations in Europe and on forestry training centres; contractor issues in South Africa and Eastern Europe. (107730)
CIS 08-130 Working conditions and competitiveness. A study of the Argentine steel sector. (Spanish: Condiciones de trabajo y competitividad. Un estudio en la trama siderúrgica argentina) Formento H.R., Abrevaya C., Senen González C, Braidot N., Suárez P., Ministerio de trabajo, empleo y seguridad social, Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Bartolomé Mitre 751, C1036AAM Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2007. 160p. Illus. 88 ref., ISBN 978-987-21928-8-4 (In Spanish) Internet: This document presents the findings of a survey on working conditions and competitiveness in the steel industry in Argentina. The survey involved two large steel companies together with 43 of their suppliers. Various indicators of quality, the preventive measures implemented and human resources were analysed. Findings are discussed. Appendices include the questionnaires that were used as a basis for the survey. (107649)
CIS 08-131 Health in prisons - A WHO guide to the essentials in prison health. Møller L., Stöver H., Jürgens R., Gatherer A., Nikogosian H., eds., World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service,1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2007. xvi, 179p. Illus. 6 ref. Price: CHF 40.00, USD 36.00 (CHF 28.00, USD 25.20 in developing countries), ISBN 978-92-890-7820-9 (In English) Internet: Based on the experience of many European countries, this guide describes the steps prison systems should take to protect the health of prisoners and prison staff. This requires that all persons working in prisons understand how imprisonment affects health, what prisoners' health needs are and how to provide health services. Other essential elements include awareness of internationally-recommended standards for prison health; providing professional care with the same professional ethics as in other health services and promoting a whole-prison approach to care, health and well-being of people in custody. (107725)
CIS 08-132 Answers to clichés concerning older workers. (Dutch: Antwoord op de stereotypen betreffende de oudere werknemer; French: Réponses aux stéréotypes concernant le travailleur plus âgé) Service public fédéral Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest- Blerot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2006. 136p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In Dutch, French) Internet: Older workers aged between 45 and 65 years are the subject of persisting prejudices with respect to their physical difficulties or their lack of resistance to stress. Based on field survey and a literature review, this booklet attempts to provide objective answers concerning the physical, physiological, cognitive and psychosocial capacities of these older workers. (107618)
CIS 08-133 Accidents among informal sector workers and illegal migrant workers. (Spanish: Accidentes de trabajadores informales y migrantes sin papeles) Panaia M., Ministerio de trabajo, empleo y seguridad social, Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Bartolomé Mitre 751, C1036AAM Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2007. 254p. Illus. 134 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This report presents the findings of a survey on occupational accidents and diseases among migrant workers and illegal immigrant workers in the informal sector in two large cities in Argentina, Buenos Aires and Rosario. It analyses the situation of five groups of vulnerable workers, namely building industry workers, agricultural labour, rag collectors, child labour and migrant labour. (107648)
CIS 08-134 The automobile body repair worker. (French: Le carrossier) Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2007, Vol.47, No.1, 2p. Insert. (In French) Internet: Automobile body repair involves working with vehicles involved in accidents by removing damaged parts, and repairing or replacing them. This work is characterized by high physical strenuousness and the exposure to various chemicals (solvents, lubricating greases, grinding dusts, welding fumes, adhesives and paints). Contents of this occupational data sheet devoted to automobile body repair workers: description of the job; work premises; work organization; tasks; tools and equipment (characteristics of the hazards, health effects, prevention); products, materials and exposed persons (characteristics of the hazards, health effects, prevention); work clothing; work and health. (107733)
CIS 08-135 Working as a home care worker. (Dutch: Werken in de gezinszorg; French: Travailler comme aide familiale à domicile) Service public fédéral Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest- Blerot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, Sep. 2006. 32p. Illus. 5 ref. (In Dutch, French) Internet: This booklet presents the main findings of a comprehensive survey aimed at understanding the home care sector in Belgium from the standpoint of working conditions, the general policies of home care services and their organization. Some fifteen home care workers were observed during their work. Round tables and workshops were subsequently held on the daily problems faced by these workers and the possible solutions to be adopted. These efforts led to an inventory of useful tools, a risk management method allowing the implementation of improved occupational safety and health measures, and proposed training programmes for the prevention of backache. (107617)
CIS 08-136 Welcoming and integrating new employees. (French: Accueillir et intégrer un nouvel embauché) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2007. Internet document (HTML format). Illus. 11 ref. (In French) Internet: A too hasty induction of new employees leaves neither time nor the means for the workers to integrate, possibly leading to occupational accidents or diseases. Training of new employees in order to enable them to better understand all aspects of their tasks allows to both reduce the risks and to improve the quality at work. Induction training is a process that needs advance planning and that takes time, but that brings sustainable benefits for both the enterprise and its employees. This web-based information pack on the integration of new employees discusses the vulnerabilities of new and young workers, responsibilities of employers and the advantages for the enterprise of a successful induction. (107518)
CIS 08-137 European Week 2006 (young workers). European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2006. Internet document (HTML format). (In English) Internet: The European Week for Safety and Health at Work in 2006 was dedicated to young people to ensure a safe and healthy start to their working lives. There were two distinct elements to the campaign, one focussing on the workplace, the other on the education community to ensure the integration of OSH activities in youth education and training. This document summarizes the main objectives of the safety and health week aimed at young persons, employers, educational institutions and policy makers. (107511)
CIS 08-138 New technologies and the ergonomic risks to users. Roth C., Occupational Hazards, Aug. 2007, Vol.69, No.8, p.30-35. Illus. (In English) Internet: This article discusses the ergonomic risks from frequent use of hand-held devices such as PDAs and mobile phones with small keyboards requiring the use of "thumbing". Repetitive use of thumbs can cause arthritis or harm tendons. Other problems include visual risks from looking at small screens under poor lighting conditions. It is argued that suitable training provided by employers can contribute towards reducing these risks. (107541)
CIS 08-139 World at work: Evidence based risk management of nail dust in chiropodists and podiatrists. Burrow J.G., McLarnon N.A., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2006, Vol.63, No.10, p.713-716. Illus. 43 ref. (In English) Internet: This review article discusses the risks to chiropodists from occupational exposures when filing or drilling toenails. Nail dust particle dimensions are of the order of one micron, suggesting the possibility of deposition in the alveoli and bronchioles. There also exists a risk of exposures to aerosols of blood and body fluids, with the transmission of HIV and hepatitis B. Exposures can be controlled by local exhaust ventilation, drill maintenance, improved drilling techniques and personal protective equipment (eye protection, masks). (107579)
CIS 08-140 Occupational exposure to eight organic dusts and respiratory cancer among Finns. Laakkonen A., Kyyrönen P., Kauppinen T., Pukkala E.I., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 2006, Vol.63, No.11, p.726-733. 56 ref. (In English) Internet: This cohort study examined the associations between occupational exposure to various organic dusts and respiratory cancers in Finland. The cohort consisted of all economically active Finns born between 1906 and 1945, and was followed between 1971 and 1995. Incident cases of nasal, laryngeal and lung cancer, and mesotheliomas were identified through a record linkage with the Finnish Cancer Registry. Occupations from the population census in 1970 were converted to exposures to eight organic dusts with the FINJEM job-exposure matrix. Cumulative exposure was calculated as a product of prevalence, level and estimated duration of exposure. Standardised incidence ratios adjusted for age, period and social class were calculated for each organic dust using the economically active population as the reference. It is concluded that exposure to organic dusts is unlikely to be a major risk factor of respiratory cancer. Other findings are discussed. (107652)
CIS 08-141 Survey of current lead use, handling, hygiene, and contaminant controls among New Jersey industries. Blando J.D., Lefkowitz D.K., Valiante D., Gerwel B., Bresnitz E., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Aug. 2007, Vol.4, No.8, p.539-546. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: In 2003, a chemical handling and use survey was mailed to New Jersey employers identified as using lead in their industrial processes. This survey was used to ascertain characteristics about lead use, handling and protection of employees during manufacturing operations. Forty-five surveys were returned by companies that are listed in the New Jersey Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES) programme, which records and investigates cases of adults with greater than 25µg/dL of lead in their blood, most cases being related to occupational exposures. This survey found that more than 25% of the surveyed enterprises with significant potential for lead exposure did not employ commonly-used and basic industrial hygiene practices. In addition, 24% of these companies had not conducted air sampling within the last three years. Other findings are discussed. (107558)
CIS 08-142 Health risks by bromomethane and other toxic gases in import cargo ship containers. Baur X., Yu F., Poschadel B., Veldman W., Knol-De Vos T., International Maritime Health, 2006, Vol.57, No.1/4, p.46-55. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: Containers are increasingly used for the worldwide transport of all kinds of goods. Consistent with national and international regulations on pest controls, a growing proportion of these containers undergoes fumigation. Frequently, the prescribed labelling is missing, leading to accidents and a significant health risk to dock workers, inspectors and custom workers. Furthermore, contact with these toxic fumigants such as bromomethane can also occur among warehouse workers and even among final consumers of the transported goods. The consequences of container fumigation should always be carefully weighed up, and alternatives such as heat treatment or atmospheres with reduced oxygen should be considered whenever possible. Finally, the compliance with international regulations should be strictly controlled and sanctions should be considered if IMO's recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships are not followed. (107561)
CIS 08-143 Biomarker research in occupational health. Au W.W., Lee E., Christiani D.C., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2005, Vol.47, No.2, p.145-153. 92 ref. (In English) Internet: Successful application of biomarker research is dependent upon several important factors, including the ability to identify hazardous substances among the variety of substances to which workers are exposed, the relevance to the development of disease and the usefulness for health risk assessment. Besides the traditional biomarkers for exposure, biological effects and health risk, new biomarkers for susceptibility and genome-wide responses are being used to improve our understanding of occupational health. In addition, there is a continued need to develop and apply biomarkers that can be used to provide real-time detection of excessive exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace, especially from unexpected fugitive emissions. These topics are discussed in this literature review. (107574)
CIS 08-144 Initial hygiene evaluation of acrylamide in air during the preparation of polyacrylamide (PAA) gel in a genetics laboratory. (Spanish: Evaluación higiénica previa de acrilamida en aire durante la preparación de gel de poliacrilamida (PAA) en un laboratorio de genética) Blein Sánchez de León A., Arruga Laviña M.V., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, June 2007, Vol.LIII, No.207, p.47-52. 16 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of acrylamide, classified by IARC as a type 2A carcinogen (probably carcinogenic to humans) in workplace air during the preparation of polyacrylamide gel in a genetics laboratory in Spain. Sampling and analyses were carried out using the NIOSH procedure PV2004 involving sorbent tubes, desorption and analysis by high performance liquid chromatography using an ultraviolet detector. The detected level of acrylamide in the weighing stage was found to be 723% of the TLV TWA and 145% of the TLV-C. No acrylamide was detected in the stirring stage. Based on these findings, several preventive measures were proposed for immediate implementation. (107600)
CIS 08-145 Relationship between blood lead level and work related factors using the NIIH questionnaire system. Saito H., Mori I., Ogawa Y., Hirata M., Industrial Health, Oct. 2006, Vol.44, No.4, p.619-628. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: A study on the management and improvement of the work environment was conducted from 1990 to 2000 at 259 lead-handling factories in Japan. Data were obtained by means of questionnaires addressed to employers. Various factors affecting blood lead levels (PbBs), including gender, age, employment duration, factory size, work environment control and job categories were analyzed. The PbB of men was found to be higher than that of women, and may be due to the differences in job distribution. PbB increased along with increasing age and employment duration. PbB declined as the factory size increased. The odds ratio (OR) of PbB higher than 20µg/dL according to factory size was significantly high even after adjusting for work environment control class. This demonstrates that not only the working environment but also safety management was poorer among small-scale factories than among large-scale factories. Smelting or refining lead had the highest risk for lead exposure while painting had the lowest risk. Other findings are discussed. (107660)
CIS 08-146 Controlling occupational allergies in the workplace. Korpi A., Lappalainen S., Kaliste E., Kalliokoski P., Reijula K., Pasanen A.L., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2nd Quarter 2007, Vol.20, No.2, p.107-115. Illus. 39 ref. (In English) Internet: A systematic and comprehensive approach to assessing and managing allergen risks at workplaces has been developed. It relies on the cooperation and active communication during the whole process between management, employees and health care personnel, with the assistance of experts when needed. In addition to gathering background information, including allergic symptoms, through questionnaires addressed to the management and employees, hazard identification is also processed in the workplace through observations and measurements. The process must be carefully planned and documented to allow later follow-up and re- evaluation. (107671)
CIS 08-147 Ototoxicity of organic solvents - From scientific evidence to health policy. Śiwinska-Kowalska M., Prasher D., Alves Rodrigues C., Zamysłowska-Szmytke E., Campo P., Henderson D., Lund S.P., Johnson A.C., Schäper M., Ödkvist L, Starck J., Toppila E., Schneider E., Möller C., Fuente A., Gopal K.V., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2nd Quarter 2007, Vol.20, No.2, p.215-222. 45 ref. (In English) Internet: Review article on a workshop on the ototoxicity of organic solvents held in Łódź, Poland, 15-16 November 2006. The papers presented examined the evidence and the links between isolated exposure to organic solvents, combined exposure to noise and solvents, and effects on the auditory system. The main purpose of the conference was to review the key scientific evidence and to gather the necessary knowledge for developing adequate occupational health policies. (107673)
CIS 08-148 Defining Haz Mat. Rivkin C., NFPA Journal, Nov.-Dec. 2006, Vol.100, No.6, p.58-63. Illus. (In English) Internet: United States Federal and State Regulations, combined with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, contain reporting requirements for the storage and release of hazardous materials that are critical to safety and environmental protection. Together, the information derived from these requirements can provide emergency responders and enforcers with the life cycle history of the hazardous material. This article explains how the data reported under the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the NFPA can be usefully applied. (107684)
CIS 08-149 Exposure of workers to CMR agents. (French: Exposition des travailleurs aux agents CMR) Brett Y., Face au risque, May 2007, No.433, p.9-12. Illus. (In French) Internet: Chemical agents that are carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMRs) continue to be widely used in occupational settings. The chemical and pharmaceutical industries are the main primary users of these agents. French regulations require that employers take all the necessary measures to ensure the safety and health of employees who are either exposed or risk being exposed to CMRs or other dangerous substances at the place of work. This article comments the main findings of a study on the use of CMRs in France in 2005, based on a literature survey together with interviews of occupational hygiene experts and safety officers within enterprises. (107708)
CIS 08-150 New law on chemicals and its relevance to workers' protection. (French: La nouvelle loi sur les produits chimiques et son rapport avec la protection des travailleurs; German: Das neue Chemikaliengesetz und sein Bezug zum Arbeitnehmerschutz; Italian: La nuova legge sui prodotti chimici ed il suo rapporto con la protezione del lavoratore) Rüegg C., Communications de la CFST, Apr. 2003, Vol.54, p.7-10. Illus. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: This article comments the Chemical Products Act (ChemA, see CIS 08-4) that became effective in Switzerland in January 2005, replacing the earlier law on toxic substances (CIS 75-1629) and introducing important changes, primarily for producers and distributors of chemicals, but also for users. The ChemA is compatible with European legislation. Its provisions include the requirement that enterprises use the services of a trained specialist in occupational safety and health. The ChemA is accompanied by a number of application ordinances which are also commented. (107741)
CIS 08-151 Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from azithromycin in pharmaceutical workers: A case series. Milković-Kraus S., Macan J., Kanceljak-Macan B., Contact Dermatitis, Feb. 2007, Vol.56, No.2, p.99-102. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: A series of seven cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by azithromycin in Croatian pharmaceutical workers is described. Seven out of 21 workers exposed to powdered intermediate and final substances in azithromycin synthesis were referred with workplace-related skin and respiratory symptoms. They all underwent a diagnostic procedure involving medical history and medical examinations, patch testing with standard allergens and azithromycin, prick testing with inhalatory allergens and total . ACD caused by azithromycin was established in four examined workers showing a positive patch test to azithromycin. Two workers additionally showed a positive patch test to intermediate substances. Other findings are discussed. (107529)
CIS 08-152 Risk for hypertension in workers exposed to carbon disulfide in the viscose rayon industry. Chang S.J., Chen C.J., Shih T.S., Chou T.C., Sung F.C., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 2007, Vol.50, No.1, p.22-27. Illus. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: This study assessed the hypertension risk for male rayon workers exposed to carbon disulfide (CS2). A total of 251 exposed workers and 226 unexposed administrative clerks at two rayon plants in Taiwan received health examination and interviews. CS2 levels were measured in air at the worksite. Hypertension was more prevalent among exposed workers (43.4%) than among controls (7.1%) with greater impact on systolic blood pressure than diastolic. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant dose-response relationship between hypertensive risk and cumulative exposure index, with an odds ratio of 15.1 for workers exposed to 343-468 ppm-years of CS2. The overall risk was 7.6 times higher for rayon workers. The risk increased significantly after more than 10 years of employment, suggesting that it takes a long exposure period to develop hypertension for rayon workers with CS2 exposure. (107543)
CIS 08-153 Respiratory impairment in Brazilian foundry workers exposed to sand. Mendonça E.M.C., Silva R.C.C., Bussacos M.A., Algranti E., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2007, Vol.50, No.2, p.83-91. Illus. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: Workers in the foundry industry are at risk of respiratory diseases due to exposures such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pyrolysis degradation products, mineral dust, organic dust, resins and isocyanates. This cross-sectional study evaluated respiratory morbidity among 598 workers of six foundries in Brazil with sand moulding operations. Medical evaluations consisted of a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and occupational history, spirometry and chest X-rays. Additionally, workers exposed to resins and a control group underwent bronchial provocation tests. Their mean length of exposure of the workers was 10.1 years and the overall prevalence of pneumoconiosis 4.5%. Chronic bronchitis (CB) and X-ray profusion were significantly related to the quartiles of length of exposure. There were significant risks of abnormal FVC and FEV1 with the presence of pneumoconiosis (odds ratios of 4.63 and 3.34 respectively). (107545)
CIS 08-154 Wood charcoal and activated carbon dust pneumoconiosis in three workers. Mello de Capitani E., Algranti E., Handar A.M.Z., Altemani A.M.A., Ferreira R.G., Barbosa Balthazar A., Cerqueira E.M.F.P., Sanae Ota J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2007, Vol.50, No.3, p.191-196. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents three cases of wood charcoal pneumoconiosis, two due to activated carbon, and one from wood charcoal artisan handling. The three cases had their X-rays classified as p/q round opacities with profusion ranging from 2/2 to 3/3. High-resolution computed tomography of two of the patients showed a diffuse centrilobular ground glass nodular pattern with sub-pleural small areas of consolidations. Trans-bronchial biopsies showed deposition of black pigment in the bronchiolar interstice similar to the histological appearance of simple coal workers pneumoconiosis, with no signs of fibrosis. Spirometry showed no abnormalities in the three cases. The respiratory risk related to wood charcoal manipulation is probably underestimated, particularly in developing countries, where often deficient workplace conditions can lead to exposure above limit levels. (107549)
CIS 08-155 Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from 2-N-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one. Aalto-Korte K., Alanko K., Henriks-Eckerman M.L., Kuuliala O., Jolanki R., Contact Dermatitis, Mar. 2007, Vol.56, No.3, p.160-163. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: 2-N-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (OIT) is an antimicrobial agent that is mainly used in industrial settings. The objective of the study was to find the significance of OIT contact allergy. Clinical records of patients at an occupational dermatology clinic were analysed from 1991 for possible allergic reactions to OIT. Eight patients were found with ordinary allergic reactions to OIT and one with a late reaction. OIT is a rare sensitizer, and its contact allergies occur mainly in paint manufacturing. Other findings are discussed. (107590)
CIS 08-156 Self-reported hand eczema in a hospital population. Flyvholm M.A., Bach B., Rose M., Frydendall Jepsen K., Contact Dermatitis, Aug. 2007, Vol.57, No.2, p.110-115. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to obtain data on the prevalence of hand eczema among hospital workers. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 1909 employees of a Danish hospital. The response rate was 65.3%. The overall frequency of self-reported hand eczema within the past 12 months was 23%. Divided into job groups, the frequencies varied from 8% to 32% and were significantly higher among assistant nurses (32%), nurses (30%) and nursing aids (27%). For the individual departments, the hand eczema frequencies varied from 7% to 50%, with the highest frequencies reported at medical and surgical wards. Hand eczema was more frequent among users of protective gloves, among workers washing their hands more than 20 times per day, among women and among younger age groups. (107676)
CIS 08-157 OEESC-2005 - Summing up on the theme of irritants and wet work. Flyvholm M.A., Lindberg M., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 2006, Vol.55, No.6, p.317-321. (In English) Internet: This article reviews the papers on irritants and wet work presented at a conference on held in Stockholm, Sweden, on 12-15 June 2005. Occupational skin diseases are common diseases with a huge potential for prevention. The risk factors are mostly well known, despite which there is an ongoing high occurrence of occupational skin diseases. The following topics were identified for further research: an internationally agreed-upon definition of wet work; better methods to assess the exposure to wet work; effect of combined exposure to water and water-soluble irritants; effect of wet work with short and long cycles; testing skin protection and skin care products; long-term skin effects from alcohol-based hand disinfectants; workplace testing of evidence-based prevention programmes in prospective randomized, controlled intervention studies. (107692)
CIS 08-158 Controlling the safety management of oil spills. (Spanish: Control de gestión de la seguridad en los derrames) Protección y seguridad, July-Aug.2007, Vol.53, No.314, p.52-59. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: This article is based on the IPIECA report entitled "Guidelines for oil spill waste minimization and management". It explains the waste generation implications of different oil spill clean-up techniques and describes best practice options for oiled waste management, which in many countries is strictly regulated. Contents: site safety and health plan; safety communications and information meeting; hazard evaluation; chemical safety with respect to the spilled product and the agent used for the clean-up; flammability; explosive vapours; toxicity; hydrogen sulphide; oxygen deficiency; slippery environment; equipment used for air monitoring and record keeping; use of personal protective equipment to avoid contact of hydrocarbons with the skin; chemicals and cleaning agents used for the clean-up. (107508)
CIS 08-159 Biomarkers, clinical and behavioural indicators of pesticide exposure at community level. Hinson A.V., Dedjan H., Fayomi B.E., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Apr. 2007, Vol.17, No.1, p.14-16. Illus. 7 ref. (In English) Internet: Pesticide poisoning is a major public health problem in developing countries. It is estimated that each year, exposure to pesticides result in three million severe acute poisonings and 220,000 deaths. In Benin, there were 245 recorded cases of pesticide poisoning and 19 deaths during the period 1998 to 2002. This article describes a cross-sectional study conducted to evaluate clinical and biological indicators of pesticide poisoning. Participants included 76 farmers (men and women) from a cotton-growing region of Benin. Data were collected through interviews, medical examinations and biological sample analysis. Findings are discussed. (107719)
CIS 08-160 Self-reported skin symptoms in metal workers. Suuronen K., Jolanki R., Luukkonen R., Alanko K., Susitaival P., Contact Dermatitis, Oct. 2007, Vol.57, No.4, p.259-264. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: The objectives of this case-control study were to find out the frequency of skin symptoms in machinists and machine maintenance operators. A total of 726 exposed workers and 84 unexposed controls, all male, answered a structured telephone questionnaire on their work, atopy, skin symptoms and various personal factors. Data were subjected to logistic regression analysis. Of the metal workers, 20% reported recurring or prolonged dermatitis on their hands or forearms during the past 12 months. The dermatitis affected mostly the metal workers' mood and their activities at work. Recurring dermatitis elsewhere than in the hands and in connection with work was reported by 10% of the exposed workers. The risks of hand dermatitis were about double the risk of dermatitis on other parts of the body and about fourfold compared with those of the controls. (107553)
CIS 08-161 Airborne methlyene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) concentrations associated with the application of polyurethane spray foam in residential construction. Lesage J., Stanley J., Karoly W.J., Lichtenberg F.W., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Feb. 2007, Vol.4, No.2, p.145-155. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate the exposure to airborne methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) among spray polyurethane foam applicators. It was conducted during foam application inside five single family homes under construction in the United States and Canada. Spray foam applicators and assistants may be exposed to airborne MDI concentrations above the OSHA permissible exposure limit of 0.20mg/m3, ceiling. At these concentrations, OSHA recommends appropriate respiratory protection. Airborne MDI concentrations decrease rapidly after foam application ceases. The majority of the airborne MDI samples collected in the breathing zones of the spray foam applicators exceeded the OSHA PEL-C. The highest airborne concentrations measured after 15 and 45min were 0.019mg/m3 and 0.003mg/m3, respectively. Other findings are discussed. (107524)
CIS 08-162 Chemical changes in rubber allergens during vulcanization. Bergendorff O., Persson C., Lüdtke A, Hansson C., Contact Dermatitis, Sep. 2007, Vol.57, No.3, p.152-157. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: Vulcanization accelerators such as thiurams, dithiocarbamates and mercaptobenzothiazoles are among the rubber additives often responsible for allergic reactions recognized by dermatologists. The chemistry of the vulcanization process is complicated; as it occurs at an elevated temperature with a mixture of reactive chemicals. This study investigated the changes in composition of common allergens during vulcanization at different stages of the process. Major changes were found in which added chemicals were consumed and new ones produced. An important observation is that thiuram disulfides rarely appear in the final rubber even when used as additives. Instead, thiurams are often converted to dithiocarbamates or to products formed by addition to mercaptobenzothiazoles, if these have been used together with thiurams as accelerators. In conclusion, an assessment of exposure to allergens should not be based solely on knowledge concerning the additives used, but also on the chemical analysis of products formed during the vulcanization reaction. (107551)
CIS 08-163 Risks and possibilities in patch testing with contaminated personal objects: Usefulness of thin-layer chromatograms in a patient with acrylate contact allergy from a chemical burn. Isaksson M., Zimerson E., Contact Dermatitis, Aug. 2007, Vol.57, No.2, p.84-88. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: The case of chemical burn caused by dipropylene glycol diacrylate (DPGDA) impregnated in shoes of a worker of a paint factory in Sweden is described. The burn was followed by active sensitization, giving an occupational allergic contact dermatitis on the patient's feet. Diagnostic tests included patch testing with acetone extracts made from the various components of the shoe, together with thin-layer chromatograms. An invisible spot on the thin-layer chromatography plate caused a positive eczema reaction and was further investigated with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. DPGDA was detected in the spot. (107674)
CIS 08-164 Lactase-induced occupational protein contact dermatitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Laukkanen A., Ruoppi P., Remes S., Koistinen T., Mäkinen-Kiljunen S., Contact Dermatitis, Aug. 2007, Vol.57, No.2, p.89-93. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: This article reports a case of protein contact dermatitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis from occupational exposure to lactase in a female pharmaceutical worker in Finland. The patient exhibited strong positive responses to lactase in prick tests. In an open application test, lactase elicited whealing, and in patch testing, lactase elicited an eczematous reaction. Serum lactase-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies were demonstrated in immunospot and radioallergosorbent test assays, and lactase-IgE-binding fractions were examined in immunoblot and immunoblot inhibition assays. The chamber challenge test was performed to detect the association between lactase sensitization and rhinoconjunctival symptoms. The results confirm previous observations that lactase can induce occupational IgE- mediated respiratory and conjunctival sensitizations, but in addition show that contact skin reactions caused by lactase may also occur. (107675)
CIS 08-165 Airborne irritant contact dermatitis and conjunctivitis after occupational exposure to chlorothalonil in textiles. Lensen G., Jungbauer F., Gonçalo M., Coenraads P.J., Contact Dermatitis, Sep. 2007, Vol.57, No.3, p.181-186. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: Chlorothalonil (= 2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophthalonitrile) is a pesticide that has been on the market for many years. It is used as a fungicide in agriculture, horticulture and floriculture, as a wood preservative, as well as in paint. This article describes an epidemic of airborne irritant contact dermatitis, conjunctivitis and upper airway complaints among seamstresses in a Portuguese trailer tent factory, which was attributed to chlorothalonil. All exposed workers had work-related skin symptoms. After patch testing, it was shown that none of these were of allergic origin. Instead of allergic reactions, a delayed type of irritation was noticed after 72hr to chlorothalonil and to the textile extracts containing high concentrations of chlorothalonil. Although allergic and irritant contact dermatitis from chlorothalonil has been described before, this is the first report of a delayed type of dermatitis, conjunctivitis and upper airway irritation after exposure to chlorothalonil. (107552)
CIS 08-166 Lung disorders of workers exposed to rush smear dust in China. Xiao G.B., Morinaga K., Wang R.Y., Xu L.R., Ma Z.H., Zhang X., Kishimoto T., Kohyama N., Industrial Health, Oct. 2006, Vol.44, No.4, p.556-563. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: A growing proportion of tatami mats are produced in the Zhejiang province of China for export to Japan. The mats are made from rush. One of the production steps requires smearing the freshly-cut rush with clay to prevent colour fading and increase strength. During subsequent steps, workers are heavily exposed to clay dust which contains 20-30% free silica and is therefore a potential cause of pneumoconiosis. To evaluate lung disorders among workers exposed to this dust, a cross-sectional study was carried out on 1709 workers (788 men, 921 women) in 80 factories. Data were collected by means of questionnaires, medical examinations including a chest X-ray and lung function tests and total and respirable dust measurements. Tatami mat workers were found to be at high risk for pneumoconiosis, with a dose-response relationship between dust levels and the prevalence of pneumoconiosis. A similar relationship between the prevalence of cough and sputum and the length of employment was found for non-smoking workers but not for smoking workers. Other findings are discussed. (107659)
CIS 08-167 A multi-faceted approach to risk assessment of laboratory animal allergens at two facilities. Korpi A., Lappalainen S., Kaliste E., Kalliokoski P., Reijula K., Pasanen A.L., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2007, Vol.50, No.2, p.127-135. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes a versatile approach to assessing the risks posed by laboratory animal allergens (LAAs) which was implemented at two laboratory animal facilities in Finland. The approach includes questionnaires for management and employees, a hazard identification visit, measurements at the workplaces and the creation of a list of recommended procedures to reduce allergen exposure. The prevalence of work-related allergic symptoms was found to be 17%. Recommendations included changes in ventilation, changes in work practices, the reduction of unnecessary exposures, more comprehensive use of personal protective equipment and wider communication about LAA risks. (107546)
CIS 08-168 Towards a new labelling system for dangerous chemicals. (French: Vers un nouvel étiquetage des produits chimiques dangereux) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2007. Internet document (HTML format). Illus. 6 ref. (In French) Internet: From 2008, the coming into force of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification and labelling of dangerous chemicals will imply significant changes for all parties concerned. To help them prepare for these changes, the International Social Security Association (ISSA) organized a workshop on 25-26 February 2008. This document consists of an online reference document aimed at explaining the GHS, posted on the INRS website. Topics addressed: what is the GHS; differences between the GHS and the system currently in force in France; implications of the GHS for labelling; entry into force of the GHS in France; implications of the GHS for enterprises; regulatory aspects. (107513)
CIS 08-169 Occupational exposure to formaldehyde and its effects on health. (French: Exposition professionnelle au formaldéhyde et effets sur la santé) Ameille J., Guillemin M., Luce D., Straif K., Vincent R., Institut de veille sanitaire, 12, rue du Val d'Osne, 94415 Saint-Maurice cedex, France, 2007. 73p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 978-2-11-096302-4 (In French) Internet: According to the French public health surveillance institute (Institut de veille sanitaire), more than 200.000 persons in France are regularly exposed to formaldehyde at work. Information extracted from the COLCHIC database also show that threshold limit values are frequently exceeded. Contents of this criteria document on occupational exposure to formaldehyde and its effects on health: general aspects; occupational exposure to formaldehyde in France: exposure to formaldehyde and cancer risk; asthma and rhinitis caused by formaldehyde; skin diseases caused by formaldehyde; cognitive or neuropsychological effects of formaldehyde exposure. (107514)
CIS 08-170 Recirculation filter is key to improving dust control in enclosed cabs. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Oct. 2007. 2p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Overexposure to airborne respirable silica dust can cause debilitating or fatal respiratory disease. Drillers and operators of mobile excavating equipment such as bulldozers, loaders and trucks at surface mines are frequently overexposed to silica dust. Enclosed cabs with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are typically integrated into the mining equipment to protect the operator from the outside environment. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) investigated various cab air filtration systems in the laboratory to evaluate their dust protection performance. Findings are summarized in this leaflet. It was found that air filtration performance depends on the efficiency of the air filters, airflow through the filters, dust loading on the filters, exterior air leakage around the intake filter and wind penetration of outside air into the cab enclosure. (107540)
CIS 08-171 Method for the simultaneous evaluation of various amines in the work environment. (French: Méthode pour l'évaluation simultanée de différentes amines en milieu de travail) Fournier M., Ostiguy C., Lesage J., Huu V.T., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2007. iv, 39p. Illus. 43 ref. Price: CAD 7.42. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-139-2 (In French) Internet: Amines are present in several chemicals, paints, adhesives, polymers and rubbers used in workplaces and pose various health risks to exposed workers. In an earlier project, researchers had identified a reagent for simultaneously sampling three different amines and for carrying out a quantitative analysis. This report describes an analytical method using the same reagent to collect and analyze seven amines that are among those most likely to be used in Québec workplaces. This new approach, which can be used in evaluating workplace ambient air quality, has the advantage of including a unique sampling system, independent of the amine to be quantified, and that can be used at a sufficient flow rate to sample not only vapours, but also aerosols. (107594)
CIS 08-172 Results of the chemical analyses produced at the IRSST for 2001-2005. Ostiguy C., Fournier M., Petitjean-Roget T., Lesage J., Lajoie A., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2007. iii, 42p. 27 ref. Price: CAD 8.48. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-143-9 (In English) Internet: Workplace air samples of workers exposed to chemical substances collected by labour inspectors and occupational health professionals are analyzed in the IRSST's laboratories. The interpretation of the results of these analyses determines which substances are present at high concentrations and in which activity sectors. This information has been compiled for members of the review committee of the standards of the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (ROHS), the Commission for occupational safety and health (CSST), the health network as well as joint sector-based associations. These efforts led to a series of documents enabling interested parties to establish regulatory, strategic and operational priorities, while identifying potential research priorities. It is part of a process to monitor and identify substances that should be the subject of research or of measures to control worker exposure. (107595)
CIS 08-173 For the banning of asbestos in the Andean sub-region. (Spanish: Por la prohibición del amianto o asbesto en la Subregión Andina) Instituto laboral andino (ILA), Av. Paseo de la Republica 3832, Oficina 502, San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru, 2006. 28p. Illus. 7 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This document analyses the situation with respect to the use of asbestos in the countries of the sub-Andean region, based on a survey carried out in Bolivia, Columbia, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela. It examines in particular the volume of imports and the production and uses of asbestos, as well as the management of the hazards and the level of information on the risks in the various countries. Bolivia and Columbia are in favour of controlling the uses of the product, while Peru and Venezuela are in favour of an outright ban. (107645)
CIS 08-174 Outline for the development of national programmes for elimination of asbestos-related diseases. World Health Organization, ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. 13p. (In English) Internet: The International Labour Organization (ILO) has prepared jointly with the World Health Organization (WHO) the outline for the Development of National Programmes for Elimination of Asbestos-Related Diseases (NPEAD). This outline has been developed to give effect to the ILO 2006 Resolution on asbestos adopted by the International Labour Conference in June 2006 and to the WHO position paper on elimination of asbestos related diseases. The outline is intended to assist countries in establishing their national programs for the elimination of asbestos-related diseases. It is a tool for increasing policy coherence for reducing and finally phasing out the use of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials. (107622)
CIS 08-175 Halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. (French: Hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques halogénés) Bard D., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 4th Quarter 2006, No.153, 7p. Illus. 60 ref. (In French) Internet: 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or "Seveso dioxin" is the most toxic of all halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Dioxins, together with similar families of products including polychlorodibenzofuranes (PCDFs) and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) have been grouped together to yield a single numerical value called the "toxic equivalent quantity" (TEQ) to characterize the potential toxicity of any environment where these congeneric substances are found. Non-carcinogenic effects are very diverse, the most reported and specific appearing at high doses. TCDD has been classified as a carcinogenic to humans in 1997. All persons are exposed daily to very low doses of dioxins, essentially through the ingestion of food. The form of the dose-response relationship for cancer remains uncertain. Several chemical industry worker cohort studies have yielded information allowing the modelling of the relationship, but the findings remain open to various interpretations. (107745)
CIS 08-176 Halogen derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons. Chloronaphthalenes. (French: Dérivés halogénés d'hydrocarbures aromatiques. Chloronaphtalènes) Falcy M., Reygagne A., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 2006, No.151, 20p. Illus. 156 ref. (In French) Internet: This article reviews the physical, chemical and toxicological properties of a group of organic substances consisting of aromatic rings where one or several hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogens. Some chloronaphthalenes are widely used in occupational settings (chemical synthesis) and in commonly-used products (paints, perfumes and deodorants). Toxicological properties vary from product to product, but generally involve irritation or neurotoxicity. Systemic effects (hepatoxicity, porphyria, renal or haematological damage) are discussed in detail for the most common products. Finally, where known, the specific effects (mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and reprotoxicity) are described. (107747)
CIS 08-177 PPEs against chemical hazards. (French: Les EPI contre le risque chimique) Face au risque, May 2007, No.433, p.49-52. Illus. (In French) Internet: Contents of this information note on personal protective equipment (PPE) against chemical hazards: materials (latex rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol); clothing; safety shoes; gloves; masks and spectacles; respirators. In boxes: references to French legislation; classification of clothing and shoes according to French and European standards. (107710)
CIS 08-178 Philosophy of protection of oil installations. (Spanish: Filosofía de protección de instalaciones petroleras) Vargas M., Salazar J., Rondón D., Montaña J., Protección y seguridad, July-Aug.2007, Vol.53, No.314, p.46-51. Illus. 17 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article addresses the issue of the hazards caused by atmospheric electrical discharges to existing oil installations and fuel storage sites, this natural phenomenon being one of the main causes of fire and damage to electronic control systems, resulting in major economic losses as well as fatalities and injuries among workers and neighbourhood populations. Contents: introduction and background; general aspects and mechanisms of the causes of damages and fires; integral protection system and risk reduction (external protection, internal protection, personal safety guide, alarm systems). (107507)
CIS 08-179 The boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE): Mechanism, consequence assessment, management. Abbasi T., Abbasi S.A., Journal of Hazardous Materials, Mar. 2007, Vol.141, No.3, p.489-519. Illus. 131 ref. (In English) Internet: Among the most devastating of accidents likely in chemical industry is the boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE). It is accompanied by highly destructive blast waves. In most situations there is also a fireball or a toxic gas cloud. The damaging effect of these accidents is reflected in the fact that the 80-odd major BLEVEs that have occurred between 1940 and 2005 have claimed over a 1000 lives and have injured over 10,000 persons besides harming property worth billions of dollars. Releases of toxic chemicals like chlorine and phosgene from BLEVEs have damaged large chunks of areas surrounding the sites. This article presents an overview of the mechanisms, causes, consequences and preventive strategies of BLEVEs. (107530)
CIS 08-180 Engineering methods in the design of alternative solutions. (Polish: Metody inżynierskie w projektowaniu rozwiązań zamiennych) Podgórski M., Ochrona Przeciwpożarowa, Mar. 2007, Vol.19, No.1, p.13-14. Illus. 9 ref. (In Polish) Internet: This article presents the systems approach, based on engineering methods, applied to the analysis and design of fire safety protection systems. The Polish regulations that allow the application of alternative solutions are mentioned. The characteristics of the engineering methods used for the analysis and design of alternative fire safety measures are discussed. (107638)
CIS 08-181 Risks of dust explosions during the storage and processing of food commodities. (Polish: Zagrożenie wybuchem pyłu podczas składowania i przetwarzania surowców spożywczych) Dyduch Z., Ochrona Przeciwpożarowa, June 2007, Vol.20, No.2, p.8-10. 9 ref. (In Polish) Internet: Commodity foodstuffs used as raw materials in the food industry which present explosion hazards are listed. The EU and Polish regulations relating to the assessment of dust explosion risks and the methods of limitation of explosion consequences are presented. The inflammable and explosive properties of various food dusts are described, and their potential sources of ignition are indicated. (107639)
CIS 08-182 Liquefied natural gas - LNG safety and protecting a facility: Striving to be the safest in the industry. Olson K., Behnke J., Edlbeck D.R., NFPA Journal, Jan.-Feb. 2007, Vol.101, No.1, p.44-49. Illus. (In English) Internet: This article discusses effective fire protection systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, based on prevention, control and extinguishment (using dry chemical systems or high-expansion foam systems). It comments the United States National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 59A on the production, storage and handling of LNG. (107681)
CIS 08-183 Accidents in silos (II): Main lessons to be drawn. (French: Accidents dans les silos (II), les principaux enseignements) Céribac C., Face au risque, May 2007, No.433, p.31-35. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article is a sequel to an article on fires and explosions in grain silos. It addresses gains from experience, underscores the importance of proper maintenance of machinery and equipment, as well as of organizational measures before undertaking maintenance work. It also includes short descriptions of several accidents drawn from the ARIA database. (107709)
CIS 08-184 Advantages of an integrated environmental management and response system based on centres for emergency intervention. (Spanish: Beneficios de una gestión integral ambiental y de repuesta mediante centros de atención de emergencias) Pérez Suárez R., Protección y seguridad, July-Aug.2007, Vol.53, No.314, p.60-61. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: An early response in the event of an oil spill can help mitigate the environmental damage caused by such accidents. This article explains the functions of centres for emergency intervention integrating a proactive approach and how they should be organized for maximum effectiveness. Such centres should consist of integrated systems that include a logistical chain of support with clear responsibilities and defined areas of specialization, working as a pluridisciplinary team. They should be staffed by persons having backgrounds in particular in nautical sciences, safety engineering, biology, geology and oceanography. (107509)
CIS 08-185 Firefighter injuries for 2005. Karter M.J., Molis J.L., NFPA Journal, Nov.-Dec. 2006, Vol.100, No.6, p.76-85. Illus. (In English) Internet: This report provides statistics on firefighter injuries in 2005 in the United States based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Survey of Fire Departments. Findings presented include: estimates of total firefighter injuries in 2005; estimates of injuries by type of duty; estimates of exposures to infectious diseases; trends in firefighter injuries and rates; fire ground injuries by cause; fire department vehicle accidents and resulting firefighter injuries; average number of fires and fire ground injuries per department by population of community protected; descriptions of selected incidents that illustrate firefighter safety problems. (107685)
CIS 08-186 Between HAZOP and FTA: Hazard analysis based on protection layers - LOPA. (Spanish: Entre HAZOP y FTA: Análisis de riesgos por capas de protección - LOPA) De Fex R.L., Protección y seguridad, July-Aug.2007, Vol.53, No.314, p.32-39. Illus. 6 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article describes a hazard analysis and evaluation tool based on layers or levels entitled LOPA (layer of protection analysis), a semi-quantitative instrument with improved objectivity for controlling risks in process industries. It is an intermediate between the HAZOP (hazard and operability) and FTA (fault tree analysis) methods. Its main function is to select high-risk scenarios defined as a set of causes and specific consequences though a preliminary analysis of risks that can be avoided or mitigated by means of safeguards consisting of existing layers of protection, or if these layers have a high failure probability, by means of additional and more effective layers of protection. (107506)
CIS 08-187 An adaptive management system for hazardous technology organizations. Obadia I.J., Vidal M.C.R., E Melo P.F.F:F., Safety Science, Mar. 2007, Vol.45, No.3, p.373-396. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents a safety management system developed and implemented at a Brazilian nuclear research and development facility. It comprises a day-to-day based organizational framework which treats safety as one of the organizational strategic objectives and provides a continuous adaptation of the complex causal inter-relationships which occur between the implementation of new management practices and the organizational safety culture. The system was found to be effective in making safety culture enhancement and continuous organizational improvement possible. (107583)
CIS 08-188 Recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods - Manual of tests and criteria - 4th revised edition. Amendment 2 [United Nations]. (French: Recommandations relatives au transport des marchandises dangereuses - Manuel d'épreuves et de critères - 4e édition révisée. Amendement 2 [Nations Unies]; Spanish: Recomendaciones relativas al transporte de mercancías peligrosas ¿ Manual de pruebas y criterios - 4ª edición revisada. Enmienda 2 [Naciones Unidas]) United Nations Publications, 1211 Genève 10, Switzerland, 2007. v, 8p. Illus., ISBN 978-92-1-139125-1 (En), ISBN 978-92-1-139125-1 (es), ISBN 978-92-1-239113-7 (fr), ISBN 978-92-1-339040-5 (ar), ISBN 978-92-1-439033-6 (ru), ISBN 978-92-1-730110-0 (zh) (In Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) Internet: The Manual of tests and criteria contains criteria, test methods and procedures to be used for the classification of dangerous according to the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (see CIS 01-1792) as well as of chemicals presenting physical hazards according to the Globally Harmonized System and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS, see CIS 06-680). The amendments listed in this publication include assignment procedures for ammonium nitrate emulsions, suspensions or gels, specifications and quality control of steel tubes used in the Koenen test, the addition of a modified vented pipe test and the inclusion of separate entities for lithium metal and lithium ion batteries. (107626)
CIS 08-189 Safety manual - Cable television. Lage G.A., Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo, ed., CPL Contacto Profesional, Av. Corrientes 5354 Piso 2 "E" (C1414AJT), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2006. 30p. Illus. 5 ref., ISBN 987-20761-1-1 (In English) Internet: Contents of this guide on safe working methods when laying or repairing television cables: electrical hazards (low and medium voltage); personal protective equipment (safety spectacles, helmets, gloves, shoes, clothing); safety equipment and harnesses; work at height; first aid. (107712)
CIS 08-190 Analysis of annual exposure to noise among private farmers according to production profile. (Polish: Analiza całorocznej ekspozycji na hałas rolników indywidualnych w zależności od profilu produkcji) Solecki L., Medycyna pracy, 2007, Vol.58, No.2, p.97-103. Illus. 8 ref. (In Polish) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate exposure to noise among farmers on family farms involved in three different types of farming in Poland (agriculture, livestock raising and mixed farming). Two acoustic parameters were determined on the basis of the time schedules of agricultural work activities and dosimetry measurements conducted during a whole year. Findings show that the highest noise exposure occurs on farms with plant and mixed production, whereas the lowest values occurred on animal farms. Measured values were found to considerably exceed standard values. (107636)
CIS 08-191 A global approach to noise control policy; Part 2: Occupational noise. Noise Control Engineering Journal, Sep.-Oct. 2006, Vol.54, No.5, p.298-308. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: This report was prepared by the International Institute of Noise Control Engineering (I-INCE). It contains guidance for consideration by appropriate international and national authorities responsible for developing policies relating to the control of noise at the place of work. Contents: introduction; terms and definitions; effects of noise; issuing authorities and international non-governmental organizations; proposed wording of a declaration of intent for a noise policy; immission specifications (noise exposure limits, reducing emissions from sound sources); control of noise along transmission paths; noise engineering actions required in an operating industrial enterprise; follow-up actions; summary of I-INCE recommendations regarding exposure to occupational noise. (107687)
CIS 08-192 Noise prevention. (French: La prévention du bruit) Labbé F., Santé et Sécurité au Travail Actualités, Apr. 2007, No.99, p.5-6. Illus. (In French) Internet: Noise constitutes a hazard to the health of workers, whose exposure must remain within limits that are compatible with hearing protection. In this respect, French labour legislation includes provisions aimed at limiting noise to the lowest possible levels and requiring employers to implement various preventive measures. This article summarizes the main provision of French regulations concerning the requirement to evaluate exposures to noise and to implement preventive measures. (107701)
CIS 08-193 Preventive measures to be taken at the place of work during hot weather conditions. (French: Les mesures de prévention à prendre en cas de fortes chaleurs dans les lieux de travail) Castellan I., Santé et Sécurité au Travail Actualités, May 2007, No.100, p.10. (In French) Internet: Exposure to heat at the place of work can cause serious health problems and accidents, possibly leading to death, particularly during outdoor work, such as among construction workers or during road inspection and cleaning. In order to ensure work under acceptable conditions, employers are required to take preventive measures as far upstream as possible. This article summarizes the main provisions of French regulations that apply to work during hot weather conditions, concerning the requirement that employers implement individual and organizational preventive measures as a function of weather conditions, applicable to both workplaces and working conditions. (107703)
CIS 08-194 Work and heat waves: Careful, danger!. (French: Travail et fortes chaleurs: attention, danger!) Jolly H., Prévention BTP, June 2007, No.97, p.48-50. Illus. (In French) Internet: Working during heat waves is risky, particularly when it involves high physical effort while being directly exposed to the sun, as is often the case in the construction industry. This article summarizes the main precautionary measures to be adopted on building sites when the temperature exceeds 30° (check the weather forecast, inform workers on the hazards; move working hours forward; supply drinking water; ensure that workers wear loose-fitting cotton clothing; be alert to hyperthermia symptoms), together with relevant French regulations. (107736)
CIS 08-195 Occupational exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields and dementia: A case-control study. Seidler A., Geller P., Nienhaus A., Bernhardt T., Ruppe I., Eggert S., Hietanen M., Kauppinen T., Frölich L., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 2007, Vol.64, No.2, p.108-114. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this case-control study was to examine the relationship between exposure to low frequency magnetic fields and dementia. From 23 general practices, 195 patients with dementia were recruited. Of these, 108 had possible Alzheimer's disease, 59 had possible vascular dementia and 28 had secondary or unclassified dementia. A total of 229 controls were recruited among persons free from dementia. Data were gathered in a structured personal interview. Exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields was assessed by expert rating. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression, to control for age, region, sex, dementia in parents and smoking. An increased risk of dementia was found in blue-collar occupations (electrical and electronics workers, metal workers, construction workers, food and beverage processors and labourers). However, findings do not support a significant association between occupational exposure to magnetic fields and dementia. (107586)
CIS 08-196 Measurement and study report as a part of the control system for human safety and health protection against electromagnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation 0Hz-300GHz. (Polish: Raport oraz sprawozdanie z pomiarów i badań jako element systemu kontroli bezpieczeństwa oraz ochrony zdrowia ludzi przed polem i promieniowaniem elektromagnetycznym 0 Hz-300 GHz) Aniołczyk H., Medycyna pracy, 2007, Vol.58. No.2, p.155-160. 19 ref. (In Polish) Internet: The Polish National Control System for safety and health protection against electromagnetic fields (EMF) and electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of up to 300GHz frequency is constantly being reviewed in view of the Directive 2004/40/EC on occupational exposures to electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic fields (see CIS 03-1039). The overriding goal of the control system is to ensure the protection of workers against the effects of electromagnetic fields in environmental and occupational settings. Data on the impact of investments on the electromagnetic radiation emitted by existing facilities or the ones being put into operation are the important elements of this system. This article comments the provisions of Polish directives and standards on EMF classification which need to be taken into account in measurement and evaluation reports published by accredited laboratories. (107637)
CIS 08-197 Occupational exposure to electromagnetic field and breast cancer risk in a large, population-based, case-control study in the United States. McElroy J.A., Egan K.M., Titus-Ernstoff L., Anderson H.A., Trentham-Dietz A., Hampton J.M., Newcomb P.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2007, Vol.49, No.3, p.266-274. 56 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate the risk of breast cancer among women who were occupationally exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). It involved 6213 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 7390 randomly-selected age-matched controls. Data on occupational history, state of health, lifestyle and personal hygiene were collected by means of phone interviews based on a structured questionnaire. A qualified industrial hygienist classified each job for EMF exposure as background, low, medium, or high. The odds ratio adjusted for age and State of residence was 1.06 for low exposure, 1.09 for medium exposure, and 1.16 for high exposure. It is concluded that exposure to EMF in the workplace is associated with a slight elevation in breast cancer risk. (107527)
CIS 08-198 Occupationally-acquired noise-induced hearing loss: A senseless workplace hazard. Kurmis A.P., Apps S.A., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 2nd Quarter 2007, Vol.20, No.2, p.127-136. Illus. 76 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this literature survey was to provide a synopsis of the current understanding of occupational noise-induced hearing loss and its impact on individual workers and on society at large, and to identify barriers to the systematic use of hearing protection. A number of publications describing the relationship between workplace-related noise exposure and subsequent development of employee hearing impairment demonstrate an overwhelming gender imbalance, with up to 97% of affected individuals being male. Industry-specific associations (e.g. mining, manufacturing and heavy construction) were well documented, as were exposures to specific ototoxic substances. However, evidence of integration of appraisal of the topically-current area of genetic susceptibility was often lacking. Much discordance still exists among international agencies in the prescriptive regulation and enforcement of "safe" exposure limits. Other findings are discussed. (107672)
CIS 08-199 Occupational hearing loss in agricultural settings. Antunez M.Y., Journal of Agricultural and Food Information, 2006, Vol.7, No.4, p.57-62. 1 ref. (In English) Internet: Most of the information on hearing loss due to noise in the agricultural sector consists of training materials in the form of brochures and manuals, together with and journal articles published by academic presses, government associations, and professional organizations. However, few books are entirely devoted to the topic of hearing loss in agricultural settings. Recently, many occupational safety and health Web sites have been adding information and links to publications dealing with hearing loss in the agricultural industry. This literature survey focussed on Web-based publications addressing the topic of occupational hearing loss in agriculture briefly describes the information that can be obtained from various selected Web sites. (107521)
CIS 08-200 Determining the vibration emissions from percussive hand tools - Feasibility of a mechanical system for the substitution of human subjects. (French: Détermination de l'émission vibratoire d'outils manuels percutants - Faisabilité d'un système mécanique de substitution de personnes) Boutin J., Marcotte P., Jasinski J., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2007. ix, 27p. Illus. 10 ref. Price: CAD 10.60. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-106-4 (In French) Internet: Estimating the vibratory emissions of vibrating manual tools in the laboratory calls for methods that require human subjects to handle these tools under well-defined conditions. The recruitment, availability and training of these individuals, as well as the variations in the results attributable to their different biodynamic characteristics, are all factors that make such tests difficult. This report describes a project to evaluate the feasibility of using a mechanical system rather than human subjects, thus simplifying the application of the protocol for evaluating a type of percussive tool, namely chipping hammers. It was found that the tested substitution mechanism considerably reduces the variability in the test results and that it could serve as an effective replacement for the current standardized test method. (107591)
CIS 08-201 Jackleg drills - Development of a test bench to characterize vibration emission values. (French: Foreuses à béquille - Mise au point d'un banc d'essai pour caractériser les valeurs d'émission vibratoire) Marcotte P., Ouellette S., Boutin J., Boileau P.E., LeBlanc G., Oddo R., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2007. ix, 35p. Illus. 4 ref. Price: CAD 7.42. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-132-3 (In French) Internet: Jackleg drills, very common in the mining industry, produce a level of vibration that can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome in their users. In a previous study, the researchers created a prototype of an antivibration handle for jackleg drills. This handle reduced hand-arm vibration exposure by approximately 50%. The handle prototype was refined and adapted to the mining environment for the purpose of marketing it. To support the development of the antivibration handle, a test bench for evaluating the vibration emissions of jackleg drills under controlled conditions was developed and validated. This test bench evaluates the efficiency of the antivibration handle in relation to its wear. (107592)
CIS 08-202 Ergonomics in manual transport - Manual carrying of loads. (Polish: Ergonomia w transporcie ręcznym - ręczne dźwiganie ciężarów) Jóźwiak Z.W., Bortkiewicz A., Lekarz Medycyny Pracy , 2007, No.6, p.7-11. (In Polish) Internet: This article comments on Polish regulations determining the minimum requirements with respect to safety and health during the manual carrying of loads, in view of preventing injuries among employees, particularly to the spinal column. It presents the basic principles of the correct use of the musculoskeletal system while lifting and carrying objects manually. It includes ergonomic recommendations regarding the organisation of a workplace facilitating the elimination of needless risks. (107635)
CIS 08-203 Using your head. Torres K., Occupational Hazards, July 2007, p.23-28. Illus. (In English) Internet: As the head's protective armor against falling objects, hard hats are the first piece of PPE that construction workers grab when going to a job site. Yet many workers continue not to wear them. Furthermore, employers often do not require workers to wear had hats or do not sufficiently enforce the requirement. The main reasons why many workers continue to disregard the use of hard hats include their lack of comfort, their weight and self-consciousness of one's appearance. New designs of hard hats presented in this article overcome most of these issues. (107538)
CIS 08-204 Mapping safety interventions in metalworking shops. Brosseau L.M., Parker D., Samant Y., Pan W., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2007, Vol.49, No.3, p.338-345. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: This article discusses the selection of intervention activities designed to lower machine-related hazards and amputations in small metal fabrication businesses. Methods included an advisory board, employee discussions and pilot tests. A stepwise intervention mapping process was used to identify performance objectives, behavioural determinants and change objectives for two target populations (business owners and employees). Intervention activities for owners were designed to increase knowledge about machine safety, encourage adoption of safety procedures, and motivate improvements in machine guarding. Intervention activities aimed at employees focused on building knowledge and skills of health and safety committee members. The intervention mapping approach led to important insights about programme goals and intervention activities. (107528)
CIS 08-205 Heavy equipment and truck-related deaths on excavation work sites. McCann M., Journal of Safety Research, 2006, Vol.37, No.5, p.511-517. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: This study analyses the causes of heavy equipment and truck-related deaths during excavation work, based on data from the 253 deaths having occurred in the United States between 1992 and 2002. Heavy equipment operators and construction labourers made up 63% of the deaths. Backhoes and trucks were involved in half the deaths. Rollovers were the main cause of death among heavy equipment operators. For workers on foot and maintenance workers, being struck by heavy equipment or trucks and being struck by equipment loads or parts were the major causes of death. Various preventive measures are proposed. (107700)
CIS 08-206 Advantages of techniques not requiring trenching. (French: Les avantages des techniques sans tranchée) Sagot F., Prévention BTP, May 2007, No.96, p.36-47. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article describes the various techniques of underground work that do not require trench work. They mainly involve the laying or repairing of pipes. By avoiding having to dig up roads, they allow important savings and minimize obstructions to traffic. They are less hazardous than traditional methods, but nonetheless require certain precautions, particularly during work near roads which are kept open to traffic. (107737)
CIS 08-207 Hazards of road driving during work. (French: Le risque routier en entreprise) Vaxelaire S., Petit C., Felten E., Evard G., Rivallain J.P., Börner C., Réalité Prévention, Dec. 2006, No.13, p.1-12 (whole issue). Illus. (In French) Internet: Excluding commuting accidents, driving during work was responsible for 28.5% of fatal occupational accidents in France during 2005. This full issue devoted to the topic of occupational driving hazards contains interviews, opinions and experiences of various responsible persons and experts (senior road safety official, INRS road hazards project manager, director of occupational hazards of a mutual insurance fund, secretary of an occupational hygiene, working conditions and safety committee of a large enterprise and head of safety of a German insurance company). (107744)
CIS 08-208 Potential work-related bloodborne pathogen exposures by industry and occupation in the United States - Part I: An emergency department-based surveillance study. Chen G.X., Jenkins L., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2007, Vol.50, No.3, p.183-190. 31 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to analyse the magnitude and distribution of blood-borne pathogen (BBP) exposures across all industries and occupations in the United States. Data were from the 1998 to 2000 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a stratified probability-based sample of U.S. hospital emergency departments. An estimated 78,100 potential work-related exposures to BBP were treated in hospital emergency departments annually. While hospitals accounted for 75% of all these exposures, 11 other industries also had a substantial number of exposures. Registered nurses accounted for 36% of all exposures, but 13 other occupations had also a substantial number of exposures. Hospitals had the highest exposure rate of 11.3 per thousand full-time equivalents, followed by nursing homes (2.8) and residential care facilities without nursing (1.9). Registered nurses had the highest exposure rate of 15.3 per thousand full-time equivalents, followed by clinical laboratory technologists and technicians (13.9) and physicians (7.1). (107548)
CIS 08-209 Influenza pandemic and the activities of enterprises. (French: Pandémie grippale et vie des entreprises) Vaxelaire S., Houssin D., Le Bâcle C., Abadia G., Bacarisse J.P., Kiniger-Passigli D., Réalité Prévention, Mar. 2007, No.14, p.1-12 (whole issue). Illus. (In French) Internet: This full issue is devoted to the potential impact of an influenza pandemic on enterprises in France and the means for preparing to respond. It includes interviews, opinions and advice of various specialists and responsible persons including a senior public health official, an expert on biological hazards at the INRS, an occupational health physician, the safety and health officer of a multinational enterprise and the head of the ILO task force, who explains the role of the organization with respect to the risk of a bird pandemic (protecting the means of subsistence, ensure the compliance with international health agreements, reinforce synergies between national and international bodies, supply relevant information). (107743)
CIS 08-210 Neurologic symptoms and neuropathologic antibodies in poultry workers exposed to Campylobacter jejuni. Price L.B., Roess A., Graham J.P., Baqar S., Vailes R., Sheikh K.A., Silbergeld E., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, July 2007, Vol.49, No.7, p.748-755. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this case-control study was to examine associations between occupational exposure to live poultry with exposure to Campylobacter jejuni, campylobacter-associated neurological symptoms and neuropathological antibodies. Subjects included 20 poultry workers and 40 community referents. Campylobacter exposure was evaluated by stool culture and serum antibodies, neurological symptoms were assessed by questionnaire and neuropathological antibodies were measured by serum anti-glycolipid antibody concentrations. It was found that poultry workers had significantly higher anti-campylobacter compared with that of referents, and they were significantly more likely to report multiple campylobacter-associated neurological symptoms. (107555)
CIS 08-211 Biological exposure to blood-borne pathogens and temporary work. (Spanish: Exposición biológica a patógenos hemáticos y temporalidad laboral) Pérez Bermúdez B., Nieto Sánchez A.B., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, June 2007, Vol.LIII, No.207, p.13-19. Illus. 11 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Incidents involving the risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens, particularly through needle-stick injuries, are common in the health care sector. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of these incidents among regular and temporary health care workers at a Spanish university hospital. All reported incidents occurring within a period of twelve months were analysed. Logistic regressions were performed using the dependant variables of age, sex, level of seniority, place where the incident occurred, injured body part, causal agent, work shift, way in which the incident was caused, and the month and day of the injury. The odds ratio of such incidents was found to be 1.96 among temporary workers. No other variables were found to have a significant effect. (107597)
CIS 08-212 Spread cheat. Moy L., Safety and Health Practitioner, Aug. 2007, Vol.25, No.8, p.47-50. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSSH) 2002 of the United Kingdom (see CIS 03-1023) also covers biological agents, which include microorganisms, cell cultures or human endoparasites that can cause infection, allergy toxicity, or otherwise create a hazard to human health. Biological hazards are present in many workplaces, but particularly so in hospitals and the health-care sector. They can pose a significant threat to workers' health. This article outlines how these risks can be reduced, based on a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, coupled with effective infection control measures. (107679)
CIS 08-213 Evaluation of biological hazards at the Rey Don Jaime hospital. (Spanish: Evaluación de riesgo biológico en el hospital Rey Don Jaime) Benvant Nácher S., Machí Alapont M., Moliner Sales I., Soto Ferrando P., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Apr. 2007, Vol.LII, No.206, p.9-14. Illus. 6 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological hazards faced by the staff of a Spanish hospital and to recommend appropriate preventive measures. The biological hazards were evaluated using the Biogaval methodology. Work involved identifying the microorganisms most likely to be present, and evaluating their health hazards and transmission mechanisms, the percentage of the target populations that are vaccinated and the effectiveness of hygiene measures. High levels of airborne microbial transmission were observed, with the nursing staff of emergency units being particularly at risk. (107756)
CIS 08-214 Expert forecast on emerging biological risks related to occupational safety and health. Brun E., Van Herpe S., Laamanen I., Klug K., Linsel G., Schöneich R., Flaspöler E., Reinert D., Galwas M., Mirón Hernández M.A., García-Matarredona Cepeda D., European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2007. 145p. Illus. 361 ref. Price: EUR 15.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 92-9191-130-5 (In English) Internet: About 320,000 workers worldwide die every year of communicable diseases, and some 5,000 in the European Union. In the last decade, media coverage has increased awareness among the public for biological hazards, such as anthrax due to bioterrorist activities, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and avian flu. But biological agents are ubiquitous and, in many workplaces, workers face considerably harmful biological risks. The Community strategy 2002-2006 called on the Agency to set up a risk observatory to anticipate new and emerging risks. This report sets out to present the results of the forecast on emerging OSH biological risks. (107532)
CIS 08-215 Guide on respiratory protection against bioaerosols: Recommendations on its selection and use. Lavoie J., Cloutier Y., Lara J., Marchand G., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2007. v, 30p. Illus. 53 ref. Price: CAD 7.42. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-136-1 (In English) Internet: This guide is intended, among others, for workers in household waste sorting centres, wastewater treatment plants, agricultural enterprises, food and beverage processing companies and hospitals. It provides a description of the respirators and filtration mechanisms, as well as information on their fit, seal and maintenance. It also provides information on the respiratory protection required for infectious and non-infectious bioaerosols. (107593)
CIS 08-216 Expert forecast on emerging biological risks related to occupational safety and health. Brun E., European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2, rue Mercier, L-2985 Luxembourg, 2007. 145p. Illus. 361 ref., ISBN 92-9191-130-5 (In English) Internet: Some 5000 workers die every year of communicable diseases in the European Union. The Community strategy 2002-2006 called on the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work to set up a risk observatory to anticipate new and emerging risks. This report presents the results of the forecast on emerging OSH biological risks, based on a survey of 36 experts using the Delphi method. The forecast emphasizes how important it is that biological risks are dealt with globally and in cooperation between disciplines such as OSH, public health, animal health, environmental protection and food safety. It also shows that knowledge about biohazards is still relatively undeveloped and that a proper assessment of biological risks is difficult. Better methods for determining the biological agents and measuring their concentration need to be developed in order to improve exposure assessment. (107621)
CIS 08-217 Infection hazards faced by health care personnel. (French: Risques infectieux professionnels pour le personnel de santé) Abiteboul D., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 3rd Quarter 2006, No.152, 13p. Illus. 88 ref. (In French) Internet: While accidents that involve exposure to blood have been widely studied and have given rise to so-called universal precautions which form the basis of preventive measures against infection hazards among health care personnel, there also exist other forms of contamination. There are many potentially responsible pathogens, but epidemiological data that would allow the quantification of the hazard are lacking. The pathogens are also often responsible for nosocomial infections, thus making the protection of staff and patients closely related and justifying the implementation of standard precautions, completed where appropriate by specific measures applicable to exposures from aerosols, droplets or direct contact. These technical measures must be accompanied by appropriate medical prevention (vaccination, medical treatment after exposure and medical supervision). (107750)
CIS 08-218 Vaccination in occupational settings. (Spanish: Vacunación en el ámbito laboral) ERGA Noticias, 2007, No.98, p.4. Illus. 3 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Vaccination is the most effective means of primary prevention for persons exposed to the risk of certain infectious diseases related to their work. The work environment also presents suitable settings for detecting diseases, even when they are not directly related to occupational activities. This article discusses general considerations concerning vaccination at the place of work, the groups of workers that are exposed and that should be subject to preventive vaccination, the steps involved in immunization plans, the diseases for which vaccination at the place of work is recommended, contraindications to vaccination and Spanish legislation on the subject. (107754)
CIS 08-219 Cardiac strain among mobile telecommunication relay antenna maintenance technicians. (French: Astreinte cardiaque chez les techniciens de maintenance d'antennes relais de radiotéléphonie mobile) Borel P., Mageau E., Mignot G., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2007, Vol.47, No.1, p.13-18. Illus. 12 ref. (In French) Internet: The cardiac strain among mobile telecommunication antenna maintenance technicians was analysed by means of 27 cardiofrequeny recordings carried out at four maintenance companies. Using the Meunier scale, the strenuousness of this activity was found to be heavy or very heavy in 16 cases, and a level of 80% of the theoretical maximum frequency was reached in 24 of the 27 recordings. These findings of high levels of cardiac strain led to recommendations concerning the conditions of work and the setting up of a more comprehensive medical supervision system. (107732)
CIS 08-220 The development and field testing on an ergonomic intervention for the preparation of footers in postframe building construction. Schneider S., ed., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Feb. 2007, Vol.4, No.2, p.D10-D14. Illus. 7 ref. (In English) Internet: The objectives of this study were to develop an ergonomic device designed to reduce low back disc compression force for manual material handling tasks in concrete foundation work, to determine the effect of the device on low back compression force, to determine the effect of the device on other work intensity measures such as heart rate and self-reported ratings, and to characterize the mean cycle times associated with the tasks with and without the device. Heart rates were monitored and a force meter was used to measure the peak force required to carry out the various tasks, with and without the intervention device. The main benefit of the device was a reduction in the compression force on lower back vertebra. However, there were little or no benefits with respect to heart rates and use of the device increased the time required for the tasks. Other findings are discussed. (107523)
CIS 08-221 Reducing musculoskeletal burden through ergonomic program implementation in a large newspaper. Cole D.C., Hogg-Johnson S., Manno M., Ibrahim S., Wells R.P., Ferrier S.E., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nov. 2006, Vol.80, No.2, p.98-108. Illus. 51 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a workplace ergonomic programme to reduce musculoskeletal burden among employees of a large Canadian newspaper. It involved 1003 employees from all major departments who were surveyed in 1996 and 813 who were surveyed in 2001. Data were collected by means of questionnaires. Elements of the ergonomic program included employee repetitive strain injury training, proactive assessment of workstations and early treatment of injuries through on-site physiotherapy. Through the implementation of the programme, it was possible to bring about significant improvements in a number of physical and psychosocial risk factors. The frequency and duration of musculoskeletal pain episodes were reduced. Other findings are discussed. (107571)
CIS 08-222 Ergonomists in the kitchen. (French: Les ergonomes en cuisine) Brasseur G., Travail et sécurité, May 2007, No.673, p.20-30. Illus. 2 ref. (In French) Internet: Topics addressed in this collection of articles on ergonomic improvements in restaurant kitchens: initiatives resulting from a collaborative project involving employers' and workers' organizations in the French region of Aquitaine; practical examples and accounts of ergonomic improvements implemented in four restaurants located within the region. (107705)
CIS 08-223 Ergonomics. Sen R.N., Park J., Taptagaporn S., Juthamaneepong S, Buntoengjit K., Le T.N., Raut P., Kähkönen E., Shanbhag S., Asian-Pacific Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Nov. 2006, Vol.13, No.3, p.55-71 (whole issue). Illus. 12 ref. (In English) Internet: Collection of articles on ergonomics and working conditions of relevance to countries in the Asian-Pacific region. Contents: new strategies for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in Korea; health and social impacts of computer use among children and youth in Thailand; epidemiological characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders in the manufacturing industry in Vietnam; improving occupational health, safety and environment by applying cleaner production in industry in Nepal; achieving sustainable workplace improvement through training and benchmarking in India. (107580)
CIS 08-224 Changes to drivers' work time limits in 2007. (Polish: Zmiany w czasie pracy kierowców w 2007 r.) Prasołek Ł., Monitor Prawa Pracy, May 2007, No.5, p.241-246. (In Polish) Internet: EU and Polish regulations governing the maximum working hours of drivers are presented, together with amendments introduced as of 1 April 2007 relative to driving time, breaks and rest. The provisions of Polish regulations are commented in light of Regulation 561/2006/EC on the harmonization of certain types of social legislation relating to road transport. (107640)
CIS 08-225 Possible broad impacts of long work hours. Caruso C.C., Industrial Health, Oct. 2006, Vol.44, No.4, p.531-536. 78 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey summarizes research linking long working hours to a wide range of risks to workers, families, employers and the community. The risks are theorized to stem from less time to recover from work, longer exposure to workplace hazards, and less time to attend to non-work responsibilities. Risks to workers include sleep deprivation, poor recovery from work, decrements in neuro-cognitive and physiological functioning, illnesses, adverse reproductive outcomes and injuries. Risks to families include delayed marriages and child bearing and obesity in children. Risks to employers include reduced productivity and increases in worker errors. Errors by fatigued workers have broad-reaching impacts to the community, including medical errors, automobile accidents and major industrial accidents that cause damage to the environment. (107656)
CIS 08-226 Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety - Ergonomics. (Portuguese: Enciclopédia de segurança e saúde no trabalho - Ergonomia) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1998. 194p. Illus. Translation by ErgoHelp, http://www.ergohelp.com.br/, Brazil, 2007. (In Portuguese) Internet: Portuguese translation of chapter 29 on ergonomics of the ILO Encyclopaedia of occupational health and safety at work (CIS 99-1860). Contents: objectives, principles and methods; physical and psychological aspects (anthropometry, muscular work, work posture, biomechanics, fatigue); psychological aspects (mental workload, vigilance, mental fatigue); work organization aspects (sleep deprivation); work system design (premises, equipment, signalling); design for all (cultural differences, older workers, handicapped workers); examples of the diversity and importance of ergonomics (workplace design for diamond cutting, violation of ergonomic principles in Chernobyl). (107536)
CIS 08-227 Activities concerning national SMEs in industry and services - A collection of ergonomic recommendations: Simple inexpensive measures. (Spanish: Acciones sobre empresas PyME nacionales de industria y servicios - Repertorio de recomandaciones ergonómicas: medidas sencillas y de bajo costo) Poy M., Aslanides M., Blanklejder A., Bocchicchio F., Ministerio de trabajo, empleo y seguridad social, Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo (SRT), Bartolomé Mitre 751, C1036AAM Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2007. 113p. Illus. 41 ref., ISBN 978-987-21928-7-7 (In Spanish) Internet: This document presents the finings of an ergonomic evaluation of several SMEs in the manufacturing and services sectors in Argentina. It involved three industrial SMEs, namely a battery manufacturer, a manufacturer of components for trucks and a producer of customized cosmetic products, together with two service sector enterprises, namely a call centre and a fast food restaurant. Findings are discussed and various recommendations are made aimed at minimizing hazards and improving working conditions. (107650)
CIS 08-228 SLIC guide - European inspection and communication campaign "Manual Handling of Loads in Europe 2007 in transport and care". European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2007. Internet document (PDF format). 11p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Europe's Senior Labour Inspectors' Committee (SLIC) is organizing a campaign on manual handling. The overall goals of the campaign are to ensure better compliance with Directive 90/269/EEC (see CIS 90-1101) in order to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, to improve the inspection and communication methods of the labour inspectorates by learning from existing methods and to ensure greater harmony in the enforcement of the manual handling regulations throughout the European Union. This document is meant for management, project leaders and trainers of inspectors within national labour inspectorates. It describes the objectives of the campaign, the setting up and organization of national inspection systems for the manual handling of loads, the training of inspectors and the evaluation of the campaign. The campaign is primarily focussed on the transport and health care services. (107517)
CIS 08-229 Station assistance. Carlton O., Safety and Health Practitioner, Aug. 2007, Vol.25, No.8, p.35-38. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents the London Underground's Health Improvement Plan, focusing primarily on the work the transport provider's occupational health team has done on stress, anxiety and depression, and on empowering employees to address and improve their own health issues. The programme involved workplace stress risk assessments, voluntary health checks, face-to-face counselling, the distribution of educational materials in the form of booklets on diabetes and stress, workshops and surveys. (107677)
CIS 08-230 Safety in shipping: The human element. Hetherington C., Flin R., Mearns K., Journal of Safety Research, 2006, Vol.37, No.4, p.401-411. Illus. 60 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey reviews causal factors of shipping accidents, with emphasis on common themes of accidents, the influence of human error and interventions to make shipping safer. The review included 20 studies across the following areas: fatigue, stress, health, situation awareness, teamwork, decision-making, communication, automation and safety culture. It is concluded that by monitoring and modifying some of the human factors identified in this review, it would be possible to achieve improvements in maritime safety performance. (107696)
CIS 08-231 Absenteeism associated with burnout syndrome - Economic costs of occupational stress among health care staff in a hospital. (Spanish: Ausentismo asociado al síndrome de burnout - Costo económico del estrés laboral asistencial en un hospital) Hermoso de Mendoza Urrizoa J., Salud, Trabajo y Ambiente, 2nd Quarter, 2007, Vol.14, No.52, p.14-20. Illus. 8 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between burnout and sickness absenteeism among health care staff in a Spanish hospital. It was carried out by means of a questionnaire based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) addressed to 582 women workers employed in various units of a 410-bed hospital. A total of 402 valid responses were analysed. Results indicate an association between the level of emotional exhaustion and absenteeism. Other findings are discussed. (107760)
CIS 08-232 Causality of human error in occupational accidents ("Swiss cheese" psychological model). (Spanish: Causalidad del error humano en los accidentes laborales (Modelo psicológico "Queso suizo")) Romera Romero J., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, July 2007, No.43, p.10-18. Illus. 10 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Various psychological theories have been developed to try to explain the causes of occupational accidents. This article describes the "Swiss cheese" model. It is based on an analysis of the various types of human error that could occur in a given system, followed by the development of protective obstacles for each of them, thereby ensuring safety. (107502)
CIS 08-233 Behaviour observation systems in occupational safety and health (OSH). Muchemedzi S., On Guard, June 2007, Vol.14, No.2, p.3-9. Illus. (In English) Internet: A safety and health behaviour observation system (BOS) is an important facet of a successful occupational accident prevention programme. This article explains why companies need a BOS, together with the steps involved in its implementation, namely: assessing cultural maturity or readiness for BOS; gaining support and ownership; behaviour safety training; specifying safety behaviours; establishing a baseline; observation and feedback process. (107560)
CIS 08-234 The application of the psychological contract to workplace safety. Walker A., Hutton D.M., Journal of Safety Research, 2006, Vol.37, No.5, p.433-441. 54 ref. (In English) Internet: Psychological contracts of safety are conceptualized as the beliefs of individuals about reciprocal safety obligations between employers and employees inferred from implicit or explicit promises. The objective of this study was to identify psychological contracts in the conversations of employees about safety. The participants were 131 employees attending safety training sessions in retail and manufacturing organizations. Non-participant observation was used to collect the data during safety training sessions. Content analysis was used to analyse and code the data. This enabled the compilation of comprehensive lists of perceived employer and employee safety obligations as a measure of psychological contracts of safety. A sample of 33 safety personnel was used to validate the safety obligations. Implications of these findings for safety and psychological contract research are discussed. (107698)
CIS 08-235 The effect of micro and macro stressors in the work environment of computer professionals' subjective health status and productive behavior in Japan. Tominaga M., Asakura T., Akiyama T., Industrial Health, June 2007, Vol.45, No.3, p.474-486. 34 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of micro and macro stressors in the work environment on the subjective health status and productive behaviour of computer professionals in Japan. It was carried out in the form of a web-based questionnaire survey. Respondents included 871 computer engineers. The results of hierarchical multiple regressions showed the micro stressor "quantitative and qualitative work overload" had the strongest influence on both the subjective health status and intentions to leave. The macro stressor "career and future ambiguity" was the most important predictor of the subjective health status, and "insufficient evaluation systems" and "poor supervisor's support" were important predictors of poor productive behaviour. These findings suggest that improving not only micro stressors but also macro stressors can enhance the subjective health status and increase the productive behaviour of computer professionals. (107557)
CIS 08-236 Mental health and working conditions - Establishing collective and pluridisciplinary thinking on the issue. (French: Santé mentale et conditions de travail - Asseoir une réflexion collective et pluridisciplinaire) SST - Santé et Sécurité au Travail, July 2007, No.42, p.1-41 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: This special issue includes the full texts of some of the key papers presented at a conference on mental health and working conditions held in Tunis, Tunisia, from 15 to 17 May 2007. Contents: addressing psychosocial problems at work; neuropsychic diseases caused by chemicals; evaluation of stress in a Tunisian clothing manufacturing enterprise; relationship between neuropsychic symptoms and markers of exposure to solvents among Tunisian workers; prevention of stress and psychosocial risks; cross-sectional approach to the prevention of stress at work; evaluation and prevention of stress in an office furniture manufacturer in France; morbidity and work aptitude among public transport bus drivers; absenteeism and mental diseases among municipal workers in a region of Tunisia. (107603)
CIS 08-237 Contribution of burnout to the association between job strain and depression: The Health 2000 study. Ahola K., Honkonen T., Kivimäki M., Virtanen M., Isometsä E., Aromaa A., Lönnqvist J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2006, Vol.48, No.10, p.1023-1030. 57 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of burnout to the association between job strain and depression. A representative sample of 3270 Finnish employees aged 30 to 64 years responded to the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey and the Beck Depression Inventory and participated in an interview based on the Composite International Diagnostic Questionnaire. High strain compared with low strain was associated with 7.4 times higher odds of burnout, 3.8 times higher odds of depressive symptoms and 1.7 times higher odds of depressive disorders. The risk for depressive symptoms and for depressive disorders of high strain was reduced by 69% or more after adjusting for burnout. Burnout is strongly related to job strain and may in part mediate the association between job strain and depression. (107682)
CIS 08-238 Count to 10. Bell N., Safety and Health Practitioner, Oct. 2006, Vol.24, No.10, p.48-50. Illus. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: This article on workplace violence outlines the responsibilities of employers in the United Kingdom together with the range of recommended control measures. Contents: short descriptions of violent incidents; examples policies adopted by regional health services in the United Kingdom; preventive measures at the workplace, including implementing HSE guidance "Violence at work - A guide for employers" (CIS 00-1581); protecting workers who deal with the public off site; training employees to deal with cases of violence. (107688)
CIS 08-239 Comparing safety climate factors as predictors of work-related driving behavior. Wills A.R., Watson B., Biggs H.C., Journal of Safety Research, 2006, Vol.37, No.4, p.375-383. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: This study explores the relationship between safety climate (SC) and work-related driving. The SC factors measured were "communication and procedures," "work pressures," "relationships," "safety rules," "driver training," and "management commitment." The aspects of self-reported occupational driving measured were traffic violations, driver error, driving while distracted and pre-trip vehicle maintenance. Regression analyses revealed that the SC factors accounted for significant variance in all four aspects of work-related driving, even after controlling for age, sex and work-related driving exposure. Certain SC factors (safety rules, communication and management commitment) were more strongly related to specific aspects of work-related driving behavior than others. Implications for occupational safety, particularly for the management of work-related drivers, are discussed. (107695)
CIS 08-240 The AMIGO model and the PREVENLAB-PSICOSOCIAL methodology - Contributions and challenges in the prevention of psychosocial hazards. (Spanish: El modelo AMIGO y la metodología PREVENLAB-PSICOSOCIAL - Aportaciones y retos en la prevención de los riesgos psicosociales) Rodríguez I., González-Morales M.G., Carbonell S., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, Apr. 2007, No.42, p.18-25. Illus. 32 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Changes taking place in the world of work are causing the emergence of new psychosocial hazards and psychosomatic diseases. To address these risks, it is necessary to intervene at the organizational level. In turn, this implies being able to rely on a theoretical model such as the AMIGO model, which contrary to existing models, considers the various components of the organizational system as facets of a system which can only be approached holistically. The model served as the basis for the development of the PREVENLAB-PSICOSOCIAL diagnosis methodology, which is described in this article. (107715)
CIS 08-241 Bullying in Switzerland. (French: Le mobbing en Suisse; German: Mobbing in der Schweiz; Italian: Il mobbing in Svizzera) Graf M., Communications de la CFST, Apr. 2003, Vol.54, p.17-20. Illus. 4 réf. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: This article presents the findings of a survey on bullying in Switzerland, carried out by means of phone interviews in a sample of 3220 employed persons. Among all persons interviewed, 7.6% met the scientific criteria for bullying and 4% reported being victims of bullying, although there was only a partial overlap between the two groups. Other findings concerning the effects on health, the age, sex and nationality of the victims, the prevalence by sector of activity and the perpetrators of bullying are commented. Finally, the article proposes some possible preventive measures. (107742)
CIS 08-242 Employer costs of alcohol-involved injuries. Zaloshnja E., Miller T.R., Hendrie D., Galvin D., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2007, Vol.50, No.2, p.136-142. 44 ref. (In English) Internet: This study estimates the annual cost of alcohol-related injuries to employers in the United States. Incidence was estimated with occupational injury data, motor vehicle crash data and health care data for 1998-2000. Employer costs were estimated from Federal estimates of injury costs by source of compensation payment using data on the percentage paid by employers. Thus the annual employer costs of alcohol-related injuries to employees and their dependents were found to exceed USD 28.6 billion. Out of this, USD 13.2 billion comes from job-related, alcohol-involved injuries. The annual employer cost of motor vehicle crashes in which at least one driver was alcohol-impaired is over USD 9.2 billion. Out of this, only USD 3.4 billion comes from job-related alcohol involvement. (107547)
CIS 08-243 Precariousness among employed persons: Study undertaken by a team of medical and social professionals in the Ile-de-France region. (French: Précarisation au travail: expérience d'une équipe médico-sociale du travail en région Ile-de-France) Andrieu F., Coquerel N., Desbois M.J., Ducouret B., Guinel P., Kebbouh M.A., Morel I., Saint-Marc C., Vendewatyne E., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2007, Vol.47, No.1, p.5-12. Illus. 6 ref. (In French) Internet: The objective of this study undertaken in the Ile-de-France region was to highlight the levels of precariousness existing within the world of work and to try to improve the state of physical and mental health of cases by means of medical and social support. Cases were identified by a team composed of medical assistants, occupational physicians and a social services worker. Thirty cases were selected for follow-up. They were subjected to medical examinations and interviews at baseline and two years later, enabling the collection of data according to three criteria (health, social aspects and enterprise aspects). Clear improvements were found, since only nine workers were still classified as being in a highly difficult situation at the end of the study. (107731)
CIS 08-244 Incidence of drug use in the world of work, 1996. (Spanish: La incidencia de las drogas en el mundo laboral, 1996) Fundación de Ayuda contra la Drogadicción, Avda. de Burgos 1 y 3, 28036 Madrid, Spain, 1996. 258p. Illus. 86 ref., ISBN 84-87806-67-8 (In Spanish) Internet: This report presents the findings of cross-sectional epidemiological study based on a survey of a sample of 2300 employed persons and 300 unemployed persons or persons seeking their first job. Its objectives were to shed light on the prevalence the drug consumption (including alcohol and tobacco) in Spain, and to compare the findings with those of a similar survey conducted ten years earlier. A first section provides data on the consumption by substances according to various factors (employment status, age, sex, region of residence, social class and religious beliefs). The second section discusses the motivations, attitudes and consequences of drug consumption. Finally, several preventive measures aimed at employers are proposed. (107510)
CIS 08-245 Violence, bullying and sexual harassment: organizational risk factors. (Dutch: Ongewenst grensoverschrijdend gedrag op het werk: organisatorische risicofactoren; French: Violences, harcèlement moral ou sexuel au travail: facteurs de risque organisationnels) Service public fédéral Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest- Blerot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, Sep. 2006. 47p. Illus. (In Dutch, French) Internet: Often, cases of violence, bullying or sexual harassment at work are attributed to the personality of the perpetrator, overlooking the role played by the organization, the work team and the tasks to be accomplished. This study examines the contribution of these risk factors to the incidence, development and persistence of abusive and violent behaviour at work. It involved a literature survey, interviews and questionnaire surveys. (107619)
CIS 08-246 Acting on relational suffering at work - Manual for the responsible persons faced with situations of conflict, bullying and indoctrination. (Dutch: Van meningsverschil tot hyperconflict - Gids voor wie beroepsmatig tussenkomt en geconfronteerd wordt met conflicten en grensoverschrijdend gedrag op het werk; French: Agir sur les souffrances relationnelles au travail - Manuel de l'intervenant confronté aux situations de conflit, de harcèlement et d'emprise au travail) Service public fédéral Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest- Blerot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, Nov. 2006. 151p. Illus. 140 ref. (In Dutch, French) Internet: This guide to the prevention of relational suffering is the result of a research programme during which various methodological approaches were used. A first chapter is devoted to concepts and phenomena, as well as to the different phases during the evolution of a conflict. Next, the prevention of these problems is discussed and four main intervention methods are explained. Finally, good pluridisciplinary practices are addressed in a specific chapter. (107620)
CIS 08-247 Mental disorders as a major challenge in prevention of work disability - Experiences in Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. Järvisalo J., Andersson B., Boedeker W., Houtman I., eds., KELA, R&D Centre, Publication Orders, PO Box 450, 00101 Helsinki, Finland, 2005. 183p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 5.85., ISBN 951-669-658-9 (In English) Internet: The role of mental ill health in causing sickness absenteeism and work disability appears to be increasing in Europe. Researchers from Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden prepared country reports based on an analysis of available statistics on the causes of sickness absenteeism and work disability. The core of this report consists of these country reports. In addition it contains a short chapter on gender differences of sickness absenteeism and work disability at the European Union level. The findings of the country reports are that mental ill-health issues are an increasing cause of sickness absenteeism and work disability pensions. Since mental disorders have a complex aetiology, mental health promotion strategies must take various approaches. The prevention of harmful stress and anxiety at work should be addressed primarily at workplaces. There is a need to develop good practices for the maintenance, rehabilitation and re-integration into employment of employees whose mental health is fragile. (107625)
CIS 08-248 Occupational stress: Psychological characteristics of selected stressful occupations. (Polish: Stres zawodowy: charakterystyka psychologiczna wybranych zawodów stresowych) Terelak J. F., ed., Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego, ul. Dewajtis 5, 01-815 Warszawa, Poland, 2007. 637p. Illus. Approx 1000 ref., ISBN 978-83-7072-428-3 (In Polish) Internet: The findings of several empirical studies aimed at identifying the causes of occupational stress and psychological determinants of effective coping with stress are presented. The following occupations were studied: local government administration, theatre actors, customs officers, brokers, computer scientists, call centre operators, air traffic controllers, physicians, sailors, managers, teachers, nurses, military pilots, policemen, stewardesses, firemen and military men. For each of these occupations, the psychological characteristics of the job and the sources of stress are discussed. (107631)
CIS 08-249 Bullying at work - Concepts, prevention, legal protection and compensation. (Spanish: Acoso moral en el trabajo - Concepto, prevención, tutela procesal y reparación de daños) Correa Carrasco M., Fernández Garrido J., García Rodríguez B., Gómez Abelleira F.J., Martínez Moreno C., Molina Navarrete C., Olarte Encabo S., Pedrosa Alquezar S.I., Rodríguez Copé M.L., Editorial Aranzadi SA, Camino de Galar 15, 31190 Cizur Menor, Spain, 2006. 272p. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 35.33., ISBN 84-9767-664-5 (In Spanish) Internet: This manual on bullying at work reviews the problem from various angles, including legal aspects. It is aimed at employers, workers and their representatives, human resources managers and the legal profession. Topics addressed: legal definition of bullying; prevention practices at the enterprise level; compensation; role of the Spanish social security administration; liability of employers; legal procedures. (107751)
CIS 08-250 Expert forecast on emerging psychosocial risks related to occupational safety and health (OSH). (Bulgarian: Ekspertna prognoza za văznikvaštite psihosocialni riskove, svărzani s bezopasnostta i zdraveto pri rabota (BZR); Czech: Odborná prognóza o vznikajících psychosociálních rizicích souvisejících s bezpečností a ochranou zdraví při práci (BOZP); Danish: Ekpertvarsling om psykosociale risici i fremvækst i tilknytning til arbejdsmiljø; Dutch: Prognoses van deskundigen over in opkomst zijnde psychosociale risico¿s in het kader van veiligheid en gezondheid op het werk; Estonian: Eksperdiprognoos tekkivate tööohutuse ja töötervishoiuga seotud psühhosotsiaalsete riskide kohta; Finnish: Asiantuntijat ennakoivat esiin nousevia työterveyteen ja työturvallisuuteen liittyviä psykososiaalisia riskejä; French: Prévisions des experts sur les risques psychosociaux émergents liés à la sécurité et la santé au travail (SST); German: Expertenbefragung zu neu auftretenden psychosozialen Risiken für Sicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz bei der Arbeit; Greek: Ékthesē próblepsēs empeirognōmónōn shetiká me tous psuhokoinōnikoús kindúnous pou shetízontai me tēn epaggelmatikê asfáleia kai ugeía (EAU); Hungarian: Szakértői előrejelzés a munkahelyi biztonság és egészségvédelem vonatkozásában kialakuló pszichoszociális kockázatokról; Italian: Le previsioni degli esperti sui rischi psicosociali emergenti relativi alla sicurezza e alla salute sul lavoro; Latvian: Ekspertu prognozes par potenciāliem psihosociāliem riskiem saistībā ar darba drošību un veselības aizsardzību (DDVA); Lithuanian: Ekspertų prognozė dėl naujų kylančių psichosocialinės rizikos veiksnių darbuotojų saugai ir sveikatai (DSS); Maltese: Previżjoni ta' l-esperti fuq ir-riskji psikosoċjali emerġenti relatati mas-saħħa u s-sigurtà fuq il-post tax-xogħol (OHS); Polish: Prognoza ekspercka dotycząca powstających zagrożeń psychospołecznych związanych z bezpieczeństwem i higieną pracy (BHP); Portuguese: Previsão dos peritos sobre os riscos psicossociais emergentes relacionados com a segurança e saúde no trabalho (SST); Romanian: Previziunile experţilor privind riscurile psihosociale emergente legate de securitatea @si sănătatea în muncă (SSM); Slovak: Prognóza expertov o vznikajúcich psychosociálnych rizikách súvisiacich s bezpečnost'ou a ochranou zdravia pri práci; Slovenian: Predvidevanje strokovnjakov o nastajajočih psihosocialnih tveganjih, ki so povezana z varnostjo in zdravjem pri delu; Spanish: Previsiones de los expertos sobre la aparición de riesgos psicosociales en relación con la seguridad y la salud en el trabajo; Swedish: Expertprognos om nya arbetsrelaterade psykosociala risker) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2007. 2p. Illus. 2 ref. (In Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Significant changes which are taking place in the world of work lead to emerging psychosocial risks. Such risks, which are linked to the way work is designed, organized and managed, as well as to the economic and social context of work, result in an increased level of stress and can lead to serious deterioration of mental and physical health. In 2005, more than 20% of workers from the EU believed that their health is at risk because of work-related stress. This fact sheet summarizes the results of the expert forecast on emerging psychosocial risks, supplemented by an analysis of the scientific research on key topics identified by the experts. (107534)
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