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ILO-CIS Bulletin 2008/02CIS 08-251 --- CIS 08-500Laws, regulations, directivesCIS 08-251 Safety and hygiene in work premises [Angola]. (Portuguese: Segurança e higiene no local de trabalho) Ministério da Administração Pública Emprego e Segurança Social, Rua do Primeiro Congresso do MPLA, n°5, Luanda, Angola, 2007. 92p. Illus. (In Portuguese) Internet: Booklet containing the full texts of four Angolan decrees on occupational safety and health: Decree No.31/94 of 5 Aug.1994 concerning the occupational safety, hygiene and health system (CIS 95-1928); Executive Decree No.6/96 of 2 Feb. 1996, approving the General regulations concerning occupational safety and health services in enterprises (CIS 03-506); Executive Decree No.21/98 of 30 Apr. 1998, approving the General regulations concerning occupational safety committees (CIS 03-507) ; and Executive Decree No.128/98 of 23 November of the Ministry of Public Administration, Labour and Social Security, approving the general regulations on safety and health signalling at the place of work. Reference is made to earlier decrees whose provisions are partly repealed by these four decrees. (108009)
CIS 08-252 Act LXXIV of 1999 on the management and organization of the prevention of disasters and the prevention of major accidents învolving dangerous substances [Hungary]. (Hungarian: 1999. évi LXXIV. törvény a katasztrófák elleni védekezés irányításáról, szervezetéről és a veszélyes anyagokkal kapcsolatos súlyos balesetek elleni védekezésről) Internet document, 1999. Approx. 12p. (In English, Hungarian) Internet: Law on major hazards. Contents: general provisions; definitions; scope of the Act (exclusions: nuclear energy, transportation of dangerous substances (incl. by pipeline), temporary storage, mining establishments, waste storage, military establishments); role of the Government, of the National Coordinating Commission, of various Ministers and of county and local authorities; various organizations involved in major hazard control; financing provisions. (107768)
CIS 08-253 Dangerous Substances Act, 1972 [Ireland]. (Irish: An tAcht um shubstaintí contúirteacha, 1972) Irish Statute Book, http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/home.html, 1972. approx. 50p. (In English, Irish) Internet: Law concerning the safe handling of explosives, petroleum products and other dangerous substances. Contents: special provisions regarding explosives; special provisions regarding petroleum products; notification and investigation of accidents; administration (licencing provisions, regulations, inspectors); offences, penalties and legal proceedings; miscellaneous provisions. (107990)
Chemical data sheets and criteria documentsCIS 08-254 Xylene. (Spanish: Xileno) Consejo Colombiano de Seguridad, Cra. 20 No. 39 - 62, Bogotá D.C., Colombia, [ca 2006]. 4p. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Chemical safety data sheet for xylene. The liquid and its vapours are flammable. Ingestion is harmful and can lead to death. Xylene is a central nervous system depressor. Inhalation results in nasal and pharyngeal mucous membrane irritation and at high concentrations, causes nausea, vomiting, migraine, tinnitus and severe respiratory disorders. Ingestion can cause irritation of the oral cavity and the stomach. Reflux of low amounts into the lungs can cause chemical pneumonia, with severe and possibly fatal lung damage. Contact with the skin causes degreasing and can often give rise to characteristic dermatitis. Xylene is absorbed through the skin. Eye contact causes irritation. Repeated exposure to vapours can cause reversible eye damage and haematopoietic effects. Chronic effects include migraine, tremors, nervousness, skin roughness and liver and renal damage. (107833)
CIS 08-255 Chlorobenzene. (Spanish: Clorobenceno) Consejo Colombiano de Seguridad, Cra. 20 No. 39 - 62, Bogotá D.C., Colombia, [ca 2006]. 4p. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Chemical safety data sheet for chlorobenzene. Inhalation causes irritation of the respiratory airways with cough and breathing difficulties, with possible effects on the central nervous system (vertigo, coordination difficulties and loss of consciousness). Ingestion causes an irritation of the gastrointestinal tract with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Ingestion can lead to systemic poisoning with symptoms similar to those caused by inhalation. Vapours can cause eye irritation, and spills can result in serious irritation and with possible corneal injury. Skin absorption is slow and can cause systemic effects. Skin contact is irritating (rash, itching). Prolonged exposure can lead to dermatitis or skin burns, together with hepatic, renal or lung damage. (107845)
Training materials and practical informationCIS 08-256 Qualification in environmental management - 1. General environmental management. (Spanish: Capacitación en administración del medio ambiente - 1. Administración general del medio ambiente) Boland R.G.A., ed., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2001. 226p. Illus., ISBN 970-15-0643-X (In Spanish) Internet: This manual is part of a five-volume series on environmental management aimed among others at enterprises, training institutions and field project managers. It explains the terminology and concepts of environmental management, as well as how to relate enterprise objectives to environmental protection, recognize the influence of the social groups and generate awareness for the fact that prevention of pollution is a profitable investment for the enterprise. It includes case studies, questionnaires, reference materials, exercises and practical solutions. Contents: objectives and scope; environment and company objectives; extent and structure of the environment; interactions between nature, society and the enterprise; environmental impact evaluation; benefits of pollution prevention. Appendices include a detailed description of the materials of the program and a basic glossary. See also CIS 08-257/260. (108004)
CIS 08-257 Qualification in environmental management - 2. Project management and the environment. (Spanish: Capacitación en administración del medio ambiente - 2. Administración de proyectos y el medio ambiente) Boland R.G.A., ed., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2001. 154p. Illus., ISBN 970-15-0642-1 (In Spanish) Internet: This manual is part of a five-volume series on environmental management aimed among others at enterprises, training institutions and field project managers. It addresses the factors involved in project management, including the preparation, viability assessment, implementation and environmental impact assessment. It includes case studies, questionnaires, reference materials, exercises and practical solutions. Contents: objectives and scope; project development; project implementation; project management and environmental assessment. Appendices include a detailed description of the materials of the program and a basic glossary. See also CIS 08-256 and 08-258/260. (108005)
CIS 08-258 Qualification in environmental management - 3. Production management and the environment. (Spanish: Capacitación en administración del medio ambiente - 3. Administración de la producción y el medio ambiente) Boland R.G.A., ed., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2001. 202p. Illus., ISBN 970-15-0644-8 (In Spanish) Internet: This manual is part of a five-volume series on environmental management aimed among others at enterprises, training institutions and field project managers. It includes case studies, questionnaires, reference materials, exercises and practical solutions. It describes to the relationships between production functions and systems and the environment (physical, social, economic, technological and cultural), as well as the relationship between product design and environmental aspects. It defines criteria for selecting new technologies and explains the use of the waste indices to measure residual contamination generated by the enterprise. Appendices include a detailed description of the materials of the program and a basic glossary. See also CIS 08-256/257 and 08-259/260. (108006)
CIS 08-259 Qualification in environmental management - 4. Simulation of environmental management. (Spanish: Capacitación en administración del medio ambiente - 4. Simulación de la administración del medio ambiente) Boland R.G.A., ed., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2001. 84p. Illus., ISBN 970-15-0646-4 (In Spanish) Internet: This manual is part of a five-volume series on environmental management aimed among others at enterprises, training institutions and field project managers. It includes case studies, questionnaires, reference materials, exercises and practical solutions. This volume consists of a guide for trainers conducting an environmental management training session involving hypothetical scenarios during which participants can apply their knowledge and creativity. Appendices include a detailed description of the materials of the program and a basic glossary. See also CIS 08-256/258 and 08-260. (108007)
CIS 08-260 Qualification in environmental management - 5. Support materials for the qualification in general environmental management. (Spanish: Capacitación en administración del medio ambiente - 5. Materiales de apoyo para la capacitación en administración general del medio ambiente) Boland R.G.A., ed., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2001. 99p. Illus., ISBN 970-15-0645-6 (In Spanish) Internet: This manual is part of a five-volume series on environmental management aimed among others at enterprises, training institutions and field project managers. It includes case studies, questionnaires, reference materials, exercises and practical solutions. This volume is designed to help to the organizer of the environmental management training programme in the use the didactic materials. It explains how to set objectives and analyze needs, together with instructor qualifications, the methodology to be followed and delivery of the programme. See also CIS 08-256/259. (108008)
CIS 08-261 Accidents and lessons learned. (Arabic: Hawadeth wa Durus) Kingdom of Bahrain, Ministry of labour, Directorate of Labour Relations, P.O.Box 32333, Manama, Bahrain, [ca. 2007]. Folder containing a leaflet presenting the Occupational Safety Section (5p.) and a booklet describing various occupational accidents (14p. Illus.). (In Arabic, English) Internet: Folder containing a leaflet presenting the Occupational Safety Section of the Kingdom of Bahrain and a booklet describing various occupational accidents. In each case, the accident descriptions are followed by the causes and the lessons learned. The following accidents are described: bursting tire; trench collapse; clothing entanglement; fall from a hoist; truck overturning; collapse of a concrete pump arm; arm being caught in a cogwheel; explosion of a barrel containing residues of flammable chemicals; scaffold collapse; crushing by a moving shovel truck; electric shock; misuse of hoisting equipment. (107920)
CIS 08-262 Occupational safety and health management - Optimize your management through the use of relevant objectives and milestones. (French: Management de la santé et de la sécurité au travail - Optimisez votre gestion par des objectifs et des indicateurs pertinents) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Apr. 2007. 6p. Illus. 6 ref. Price: EUR 1.50., ISBN 978-2-7389-1488-0 (In French) Internet: Production and quality need to be managed. This is also the case for safety and health. In order to transform hazard evaluation into a continuous improvement effort, it is necessary to set objectives and to assess their fulfilment over time. This requires using a control panel with the input of various indicators. This system needs to fit within a broader occupational safety and health management system. The booklet analysed under CIS 08-319 explains how to select and apply such indicators. (107933)
CIS 08-263 Working conditions and environment. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1983. vi, 81p. Illus. Price: CHF 12.50., ISBN 92-2-103189-6 (In English) Internet: Aimed at trainers, this booklet on conditions of work covers the following aspects: definition of conditions of work; responsibilities; main issues; problems of specific sectors and categories of workers (agriculture, informal sector, outdoor work, transport, migrant workers, handicapped workers); role of the ILO; role of workers and their organizations. The main ILO Conventions and Recommendations are included in an appendix. (107942)
CIS 08-264 All parties to prevent MSDs. (French: Tous acteurs pour prévenir les TMS) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Sep. 2001. 4p. Illus. Price: EUR 1.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-0972-8 (In French) Internet: MSDs are among the most widespread occupational diseases in France and in industrialized countries. It is essential to talk about MSDs and to listen to persons who complain of these symptoms, because addressing the problem requires the involvement of all parties concerned. The aim of this leaflet is to increase the awareness of this problem among workers and employers, and to encourage them to seek assistance and guidance from specialists. (107773)
CIS 08-265 Preventing contact dermatitis at work. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Mar. 2007. 6p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Aimed at workers, this leaflet explains that contact dermatitis can be caused by contact with a wide range of substances including detergents, toiletries, chemicals and even some natural products. While it can concern all parts of the body, the hands are most commonly affected. Contents: definition and description of contact dermatitis; high risk-jobs and workplaces (health care personnel, hairdressers, printers, cleaners, metal workers); prevention (substitution, automation, enclosure, protective gloves); legal aspects (compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH, see CIS 03-1023). Replaces CIS 06-6. (107941)
CIS 08-266 Their knees are vulnerable - Protect them by providing them with suitable protective clothing. (French: Leurs genoux sont fragiles ... Protégez-les en les équipant d'un vêtement de protection adapté) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, 2e ed., Dec. 2003. 6p. Illus. Price: EUR 1.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-0373-8 (In French) Internet: This leaflet presents the risks incurred by persons working in a kneeling position (knee hygroma) together with the resulting social costs. It also presents a new concept of protection: protective clothing with an insert which protects the knees. It was the result of a technological collaboration between three manufacturers of work clothing. (107776)
CIS 08-267 Passport to citizenship. (Portuguese: Passaporte para a cidadania) Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 06409-002, Brazil, [ca. 2005]. 26p. Illus. (In Portuguese) Internet: This booklet aimed at construction industry workers in Brazil explains in an easy-to-understand form the main provisions of NR-18, a new occupational safety and health regulation developed with the active participation of workers' representatives, employers and the Ministry of Labour. Under the new regulations, workers are considered responsible citizens, aware of their rights and expected to speak up. The booklet illustrates a number of situations covered by the regulations including working at height, transport to and back from the construction site, personal protective equipment and facilities (accommodation, drinking water, eating rooms, toilets, showers and rest facilities). (108000)
CIS 08-268 Training course on occupational safety and health (OSH) and hazardous child labour in the informal sector shoe-manufacturing. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2002. Approx. 200p. Binder containing various course materials. (In English) Internet: Binder containing materials distributed to the participants of a training course on hazardous child labour in the informal sector shoe manufacturing held in Bandung, Indonesia, 14-17 October 2002. Organized jointly by the ILO and the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC), its objective was to raise awareness in occupational safety and health issues. Contents: programme and objectives of the training course (schedule, course description, exercises and participant evaluation); hazardous child work in the footwear industry; hazard identification; participatory action training in the informal sector; work improvement in small enterprises; workplace visits; additional sources of information. (107950)
CIS 08-269 Guidelines for the integration of temporary workers. (French: Repères pour l'intégration de l'intérimaire) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, July 2002. 4p. Illus. Price: EUR 1.50. (In French) Internet: In order to ensure better safety and health conditions for temporary workers, the employment agency and the enterprises that use their services have their respective roles to play. This leaflet defines the roles of the two parties during each phase of the employment mission. (107774)
CIS 08-270 Prevention guide - Handling work and customer service in warehouse superstores. (French: Guide de prévention - Le travail de manutention et le service à la clientèle dans les magasins-entrepôts) St-Vincent M., Denis D., Gonella M., Trudeau 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. Folder containing a guide (41p. Illus) and eight leaflets. Price: CAD 15.00. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-092-0 (In French) Internet: Two ergonomic studies carried out in two major chain warehouse superstores characterized the physical and psychosocial risks to which workers are exposed. The aim of the first study was to better understand the handlers' activities, while the aim of the second was to obtain a more general picture of the work in these companies by analyzing the sales clerks' tasks. These studies showed that handlers have to deal with musculoskeletal constraints well as risks of falls and loss of balance, while the characteristics of customer service produce significant stress in sales clerks. These findings enabled the compiling of this practical guide on the prevention of work-related hazards in these environments. (107860)
CIS 08-271 Improved well-being when working at your screen. (French: Mieux vivre avec votre écran) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Mar. 2004. 8p. Illus. Price: EUR 1.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1206-0 (In French) Internet: Working at screens under poor conditions can entail visual fatigue, musculoskeletal diseases and stress. Contents of this leaflet aimed at helping operators make better use of their workstation: adjusting the screen; adjusting lighting; working in a relaxed manner; main factors responsible for health hazards related to working at screens; eyesight protection. (107777)
CIS 08-272 Gas appliances: Get them checked - Keep them safe. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Oct. 2002, reprinted 2007. 8p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: This leaflet aimed at users of gas appliances explains the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when using defective equipment. It describes the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, gives guidance on what should never be done and on the frequency of safety checks. It also recalls that gas appliances are covered by the Gas and Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (see CIS 00-924). (107764)
CIS 08-273 Glutaraldehyde and you. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Dec. 2001. 8p., ISBN 0-7176-1503-0 (In English) Internet: This leaflet describes health problems that can arise when working with glutaraldehyde and outlines employers' responsibilities. It also explains what workers should do to protect their health when working with glutaraldehyde. (107762)
CIS 08-274 Substitution of dangerous chemical agents. (French: La substitution des agents chimiques dangereux) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Mar. 2007. 8p. Illus. Price: EUR 1.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 978-2-7389-1434-7 (In French) Internet: The substitution of dangerous chemicals is a preferred means of protection against occupational hazards. Besides lowering the risks to workers and improving their working conditions, a successful substitution also results in advantages for the enterprise, such as the changing of a process in favour of newer technology, lowering the costs of waste disposal and personal protection, and an improved image. This leaflet summarized the responsibilities of employers together with the approach to be followed for the successful substitution of dangerous chemicals. (107931)
CIS 08-275 Landlords - A guide to landlords' duties: Gas and Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Oct. 2002. 8p. 1 ref. (In English) Internet: This leaflet aimed at landlords explains some of the main requirements of the Gas and Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (see CIS 00-924), namely: main duties of the landlord; equipment covered by the Regulations, landlord's responsibilities; possible penalties faced by landlord if the tenants' gas appliances are not maintained; what to do in the event of a gas escape. (107763)
CIS 08-276 Grain silos - Prevention of fire and explosion hazards from dust in storage operations. (French: Silos grains - Prévention des risques d'incendie et d'explosion de poussières dans les opérations de stockage) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Aug. 2000. 6p. Illus. Price: EUR 1.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-0931-0 (In French) Internet: The aim of this leaflet is to increase the risk awareness among persons involved in grain storage operations likely to give rise to dust that may cause a fire or an explosion. It includes the summaries of several such accidents. (107775)
CIS 08-277 Less noise please. (French: Moins fort le bruit) Gozzo J., Luzeaux N., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, June 2007. 6p. Illus. Price: EUR 1.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 978-2-7389-1534-4 (In French) Internet: The purpose of this leaflet aimed at employees is to raise their level of consciousness with respect to the problem of noise at the place of work. Topics addressed: noise and its hazards (tinnitus, stress, risk of accidents); how to react when exposed to noise (report the problem, use protective equipment); main French regulations. (107932)
CIS 08-278 Working with sewage - The health hazards. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Jan. 2002. 6p. (In English) Internet: This leaflet for persons working with sewage explains the main health risks (gastroenteritis, leptospirosis and hepatitis), the measures to be taken to prevent infections and what to do in case of illness. (107765)
CIS 08-279 Preventing needlestick injuries toolkit. (Spanish: Prevención de lesiones por pinchazo de aguja) World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service,1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 2007. 44 web documents (PDF format)., ISBN 92-4-159362-8 (En), ISBN 92-75-32683-5 (es) (In English, Spanish) Internet: Collection of web documents on the prevention of needlestick injuries among health care workers, grouped under the following headings: general information; training materials; case studies, core presentations, short presentations for practice teaching; International Council of Nurses' fact sheets and guidelines; ILO code of practice (COP) on HIV/AIDS and implementing the ILO COP; American Nurses Association's needlestick prevention guide; documents from the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; surveillance; WHO injection safety materials. (108010)
Periodicals, books, databases, audiovisualsCIS 08-280 Excavation work in trenches. (French: Les travaux de fouilles en tranchées) Sagot F., Prévention BTP, Apr. 2007, No.95, p.32-33. Illus. (In French) Internet: Risks related to open excavation work are diverse, including the collapse of adjacent buildings or the accidental burial of workers. Whenever possible, other techniques such as shaft driving or cutting should be used. If trenching cannot be avoided, risks need to be evaluated and safety measures adopted, as described in this article with respect to earthmoving machines, storage, trench support, underground networks, trench marking, personal protective equipment, construction site demarcation and reinforcement of adjacent buildings. (107864)
CIS 08-281 Making a safety committee work for you. Torres K., Occupational Hazards, Oct. 2006, 3p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Recognizing the value of safety committees is a step many managers are taking to inject safety awareness into their company culture. The trick is to know how to make one run effectively. This article comments the approaches with respect to safety committees adopted by a wood and paper products company, a window blinds manufacturer and a label printing company, and proposes the main tips for safety committee effectiveness. (107900)
CIS 08-282 Accidents and working conditions. (French: Accidents et conditions de travail) Hamon-Cholet S., Sandret N., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.111, p.383-389. Illus. 6 ref. (In French) Internet: This article analyses occupational accidents based on the responses of workers surveyed and of surveying physicians during the SUMER 2003 survey in France. Among the workers, 4.5% had experienced at least one occupational accident involving the loss of work time during the twelve months preceding the survey. Male workers, young workers and manual workers were the most affected. Besides workers' personal characteristics, the most important contributory factors to the risk of accidents were physical efforts, noise, intensive work rhythms, postural and articular constraints, unpredictable working hours, lack of support from supervisors or colleagues and tensions with the public. (107975)
CIS 08-283 Work in isolation: Communications and alarms. (French: Travail isolé: la communication et l'alarme) Prevent Focus, May 2007, No.5, p.6-10. Illus. (In French) Internet: As a consequence of the new forms of work organization which emerged during the 1980s, work in isolation is subject to new developments. Advances in technology and cost constraints - including the use of subcontractors - have indeed caused headcount decreases and offsite employment, but also an increase in the variety of tasks carried out in isolation. This article presents the findings of a study conducted in France by the INRS on the implementation of an efficient communication and alarm system for work in isolation. Contents: definition of work in isolation; accidents; hazard evaluation; means of communication; detection systems; alarm systems. (107991)
CIS 08-284 Inventory of industrial accidents 2007. (French: Inventaire 2007 des accidents technologiques) Seillan H., Blanc P., Guerard P., Préventique-Sécurité, July-Aug. 2007, No.94, p.15-29. Illus. (In French) Internet: This collection of articles analyses the 20,238 industrial accidents which occurred in France between 1992 and 2006, and that are featured in the ARIA database. Data are presented by type of event, sector of activity, substances involved, primary cause of accident and consequences. Trends in fatal accidents as well as an accident severity scale are also presented. An interview with a senior official of the French Ministry of Ecology is included, together with boxes offering short descriptions of representative accidents. Data on all accidents having occurred in France and other countries from 1997 can be accessed at the following URL: www.aria.ecologie.gouv.fr. (107992)
CIS 08-285 The importance of proactive safety. (Spanish: La importancia de la seguridad proactiva) Mancera Ruiz M.T., Protección y seguridad, May-June 2007, Vol.53, No.313, p.28-33. Illus. 3 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Proactive safety is defined as the joint effort to maintain the physical, mental and social health of workers in good conditions of operation. This article describes efforts involved in ensuring proactive safety within the enterprise with reference to: responsibilities; Colombian occupational safety and health legislation; hazard evaluation; matching the risks with protective measures; vocational and refresher training; maintenance and repair operations. (107997)
CIS 08-286 2005 statistics of occupational accidents and diseases. (French: Les chiffres 2005 des accidents du travail et des maladies professionnelles) Travail et sécurité, Apr. 2007, No.672, p.10-11. (In French) Internet: In 2005 in France, close to 700,000 occupational accidents involving loss of work time du travail were recorded, an increase of 1% compared to 2004. The number of accidents resulting in permanent disability remained stable. Fatalities were in sharp decline, from 626 in 2004 to 474 in 2005. This decline was strongest in the metalworking and construction industries. Falls on the level and falls of objects continued to be the main causes of occupational accidents. There was a 13.8% growth in the number of cases of musculoskeletal disease, which represent 64.8% of all occupational diseases. Diseases related to asbestos increased by 15.7% and represent 15.8% of all occupational diseases. (107830)
CIS 08-287 Occupational safety and health statistics bulletin. (Chinese: Zhiye anquan ji jiankang tongji shuzi jianbao) Occupational Safety and Health Statistics Bulletin, July 2007, No.7, p.1-8 (whole issue). Illus. (In Chinese, English) Internet: The statistics in this bulletin provide information and analysis on work-related accidents and confirmed cases of occupational disease in Hong Kong during the year 2006, with breakdowns by economic sectors and trends from 1997 to 2006. In 2006, the number of occupational injuries in all workplaces stood at 46,937, a strong increase of 6.0% over 2005, while the injury rate per 1000 employees increased slightly from 17.8 to 18.4 or 3.3%. On average, 81% of the fatalities during the previous five years concerned the construction industry. The total number of occupational diseases in 2006 was 264, a level comparable to that of 2005. They primarily consisted of upper extremity disorders, silicosis and hearing loss. (107908)
CIS 08-288 Effective regulation and sanctioning in health and safety law in the European Union. Wright F., Web Journal of Current Legal Issues, 29 Feb. 2008, No.1, web page (approx. 10 printed pages). 25 ref. (In English) Internet: The development of health and safety legislation by the European Union and its predecessors is reviewed. The growth and influence of health and safety law in the European Union is a reflection of the increased size of the EU, the widening of the scope of the subject area, the politically un-contentious nature of health and safety as a subject and the size and importance of the EU as a trade bloc. In discussing the scope of health and safety law some emphasis is given to demonstrating how standards emerge. The role of OSH agencies in encouraging the effective and consistent application of EU health and safety legislation in Member States is reviewed. Finally, the impact of the extended scope of health and safety legislation in UK vs. Council of the European Union Case C-84/94 and the mechanisms for regulation, sanctioning and enforcement at a global level are discussed. (107766)
CIS 08-289 Impact of jurisprudence concerning occupational safety and health. (French: Impact de la jurisprudence en santé-sécurité au travail) Ledoux M., Face au risque, Mar. 2007, No.431, p.6-9. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article comments recent court rulings in France concerning the employers' inexcusable error as defined by the provisions of article L.452-1 of the Social Security Law. While employers are responsible not only for engaging efforts but also for ensuring results with respect to the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, victims must now also prove that employers who should have been aware of the risk had not taken the necessary preventive actions. (107881)
CIS 08-290 OSH management systems - A Canadian standard. (French: Système de gestion de la SST - Une norme canadienne) Pérusse M., Gamache M., Travail et santé, June 2007, Vol.23, No.2, p.40-44. Illus. 8 ref. (In French) Internet: Since 1999, there has been a proliferation of standards on occupational safety and health (OSH) management systems. Following an overview of the main existing OSH management systems, namely ANSI Z10, OHSAS 18001 and ILO-OSH 2001 (see CIS 02-162), this article describes the efforts undertaken in view of developing a Canadian standard in this area. These efforts have led to the publishing of the CSA Z1000-06 standard, which came into effect in 2006. The main specific features of this standard are discussed. (107804)
CIS 08-291 Pluridisciplinary system within occupational safety and health management services in the European Union - Current situation and prospects in Spain. (French: La pluridisciplinarité au sein des services de prévention dans l'Union européenne - Etat des lieux et perspectives en Espagne) Ferreira M., Documents pour le médecin du travail, June 2007, No.110, p.149-160. Illus. 21 ref. (In French) Internet: This article describes the organization of occupational safety and health in Spain. The pluridisciplinary system implemented following the transposition of the European Framework Directive (see CIS 98-1401) includes some specific features that are different from those in place in France. Following a description of the various parties involved in occupational safety and health and the roles they play in implementing the pluridisciplinary system, this article reviews the most recent changes in occupational safety and health in Spain. Finally, the Spanish system is compared to that of France. (107805)
CIS 08-292 Management and the promotion of occupational safety and health. (Spanish: El mando y la promoción de la prevención) Mandarás Platas E., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2006, No.178, p.18-36. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: This article explains how management can help promote occupational safety and health within Spanish enterprises. Promotional activities can involve one of three forms: integrated promotion (non-verbal communications, verbal communications, written communications and notice boards); specific promotional activities (safety and health campaigns, posters, competitions, events); promotion external to the enterprise. (107837)
CIS 08-293 ANSI/AIHA Z10-2005: Template for the standardization of occupational safety and health in the United States. (Spanish: Ansi/Aiha Z10-2005: Esquema normativo para la seguridad y la salud ocupacional en Estados Unidos) de Fex R. L., Protección y seguridad, Nov.-Dec. 2006, Vol.52, No.310, p.20-25. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article comments the contents and implications of the American Standard ANSI/AIHA Z10-2005 on occupational safety and health management systems adopted in the United States, which applies to enterprises of all types and sizes. (107846)
CIS 08-294 Social and economic consequences of workplace injury: A population-based study of workers in British Columbia, Canada. Brown J.A., Shannon H.S., Mustard C.A., McDonough P., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2007, Vol.50, p.633-645. Illus. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: Although existing research suggests that workplace injuries can have significant economic and social consequences for workers, there are no quantitative studies on complete populations. In this study, the British Columbia Linked Health Database was used to analyse 1994 data on a group of workers who lost work time due to the injury (LT) and a group of injured individuals who did not lose work time after their injuries (NLT). Three outcomes were explored, namely residential change, marital instability and social assistance use. Relationships were analysed using logistic regression, adjusted for several individual and injury characteristics. LTs were more likely to move and collect income assistance benefits, and less likely to experience a relationship break-up than the NLTs. LTs off work for 12 or more weeks were more likely to receive income assistance than LTs off for less time. The increased risk suggests that the long-term economic consequences of disabling work injury may not be fully mitigated by workers compensation benefits. (107957)
CIS 08-295 Information on the prevention of work-related hazards. (French: Information sur la prévention des risques liés au travail) preventactua, Sep. 2007, No.16. p.1-8 (whole issue). (In French) Internet: Contents of this full issue of the Prevent newsletter on the prevention of work-related hazards: consequences of the end of the transition measures of the European Directive on solvent emissions (1999/13/EC, see CIS 03-1028) on 31 October 2007; consequences of the new Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) on standardization; definition of "flexicurity" (labour flexibility and social security) supported by the European Commission; health challenges related to nanoparticles; unusual work schedules in the EU; summary of recent Belgian and European legislation. (107970)
CIS 08-296 Action plan for driving and implementing the Spanish Occupational Safety and Health Strategy (2007-2012). (Spanish: Plan de acción para el impulso y la ejecución de la Estrategia Española de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (2007-2012)) Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, Oct. 2007, No.44, p.6-10 (In Spanish) Internet: This article presents the occupational safety and health action plan for Spain for the years 2007 to 2012, approved by the government in June 2007. The plan defines eight objectives with respect to the prevention of occupational hazards in the enterprise and to public policies. The main objectives are: to improve compliance with standards, with an emphasis on SME's; to improve the efficacy and quality of the OSH system and of the occupational safety and health services; to develop a safety and health culture in Spain; to improve information and investigation systems as well as training in prevention of occupational hazards; to reinforce the institutions responsible for the prevention of occupational hazards; to improve institutional participation and coordination of the relevant public administrations. The plan will require the Autonomous Regions of the country to increase their involvement in their areas falling under their responsibility. As of April 2008, it will be required to carry out audits on the degree of fulfillment of the measures defined in the plan. (107994)
CIS 08-297 Effectiveness of occupational safety and health efforts in reducing costs. (Spanish: Eficacia de la prevención en la reducción de costes) Castells Manent J., Prevención, July-Sep. 2007, No.181, p.28-41. Illus. 19 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article on the effectiveness efforts undertaken within enterprises with respect to occupational safety and health argues that such programmes can be not only effective but also profitable, when one takes fully into account all the costs generated by accidents and absenteeism. It discusses the role of mutual occupational accident and disease insurance institutions in Spain and uses their data to estimate the cost savings achieved through occupational safety and health efforts. (108002)
CIS 08-298 Work can cause serious harm to your health. (French: Travailler peut nuire gravement à votre santé) Thébaud-Mony A., Editions La Découverte, 9 bis rue Abel-Hovelacque, 75013 Paris, France, 2007. 291p. Price: EUR 19.00., ISBN 978-2-7071-4847-6 (In French) Internet: Based on numerous accounts from workers employed in various industrial sectors (nuclear, steel, chemicals, food) but also in services, and using the illustrative case of asbestos, this publication highlights the risks to workers' life and health, particularly among precariously-employed persons as well as among workers exposed to asbestos, workers of subcontractors and temporary workers. (107871)
CIS 08-299 Sources of data on working conditions related to occupational health and safety: Document I - Summary; Document II - Directory. (French: Sources de données sur les conditions de travail en lien avec la santé et la sécurité au travail: Document I - Synthèse; Document II - Répertoire) Duguay P., Massicotte P., Godin J.F., Hébert F., Gervais M., 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. vii, 47p. 93 ref. Price: CAD 8.48. (Document I - Summary); iii, 162p. 83 ref. Price: CAD 15.90. (Document II - Directory); downloadable versions (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-122-4, ISBN 978-2-89631-124-8 (In French) Internet: In this study, 20 sources of data in Canada, the United States and Europe that can be used to establish links between working conditions and safety and health impacts on workers were identified and examined. The results are presented in two documents. The first provides a summary of the working conditions addressed by the surveys. The second documents the sources of data and contains, for each, a descriptive fact sheet and a grid of the working conditions covered. The information is intended mainly for Québec occupational safety and health researchers and practitioners. (107878)
CIS 08-300 Qualitative analysis of occupational accident mortality in Spain from 2003 to 2004. (Spanish: Análisis cualitativo de la mortalidad por accidente de trabajo en España 2003-2004) Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2007. 236p. Illus. Price: EUR 23.33., ISBN 978-84-7425-726-7 (In Spanish) Internet: This document presents a detailed analysis of mortality from occupational accidents in Spain from 2003 to 2004, based on data provided by Autonomous Regions. It involves 509 accidents. Data are expressed by autonomous region, industrial sector, type of activity, size of the enterprise, nationality of the victims, occupation, whether or not subcontracting was involved, type of work, location of injury and cause of the accident. An analysis of the relationship between causes and other variables is also presented, together with an analysis of the relationship between accidents and preventive actions within the enterprise. An appendix presents the findings in tabular form. (107844)
CIS 08-301 Health and safety rights and transnational liability for harm. Philo J.C., Faculty of Law, Institute of Comparative Law, McGill University, 845 West Sherbrooke Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2T5, 2006. iv, 144p. Approx. 450 ref. (In English) Internet: This comparative law thesis argues that safety and health is a basic human need and when not met, exacts costs that prevent societies from realizing their development goals. Injury is increasing as a leading cause of death and disability. As the result of advances in public health knowledge and safety engineering technology, accidents leading to injury are often preventable. Injuries result from identifiable determinants and conditions that create exposure to identifiable hazards. By controlling hazards, the toll of injury can be reduced. International trade and investment can create conditions that increase or diminish the global injury burden. International organizations and national governments face the question of how to protect safety and health rights and reduce the injury burden in a world of increasingly global business activity. International institutions do not yet provide comprehensive regulation for exported harms. In common law nations, liability through formal law plays an important role in regulating conditions that can lead to injury. In such nations, private law can play an important role in filling segments of the regulatory gap relating to exported harms. (107918)
CIS 08-302 Occupational safety and health management. (Spanish: Dirección y gestión preventiva) Heras Cobo C., Gobierno de Aragón, Departamento de Economía, Hacienda y Empleo, Plaza los Sitios 7, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain, 2004. 34p. (In Spanish) Internet: Published by the Autonomous Community of Aragon, the aim of this publication is to increase the level of awareness of occupational safety and health management among heads of enterprises so as to improve working conditions and lower the rate of accidents. (107841)
CIS 08-303 Objectives reached in the prevention of occupational hazards: Employers and workers involved in a common objective. (Spanish: Objetivos conseguidos en prevención de riesgos laborales: Empresarios y trabajadores implicados en un objetivo común) Gobierno de Aragón, Departamento de Economía, Hacienda y Empleo, Plaza los Sitios 7, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain, 2005. 123p. (In Spanish) Internet: This document brings together the experiences of 42 enterprises located in the Autonomous Community of Aragon concerning the implementation of occupational safety and health policies with the participation of workers. The main objective of the measures is to reduce to the maximum extent the number of accidents (zero accidents being the ultimate goal) and to limit the exposure of workers to various physical and chemical hazards. Each enterprise presents its objectives, its approach and the results obtained. (107842)
CIS 08-304 Initiatives of enterprises with respect to the prevention of occupational hazards. (Spanish: Iniciativas empresariales en prevención de riesgos laborales) Gobierno de Aragón, Departamento de Economía, Hacienda y Empleo, Plaza los Sitios 7, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain, 2004. 271p. Index. (In Spanish) Internet: This document brings together the occupational safety and health (OSH) ideas and initiatives of enterprises located in the Autonomous Region of Aragon having participated in two OSH programmes entitled "Exchanging Good Practices" and the "Zero Accidents Goal". The enterprises present their proposed or implemented approach as well as possible findings, where applicable. Enterprises are grouped according to their sector of activity. In Aragon, while the overall number of occupational accidents declined by an average of 3.21% between 2002 and 2003, an improvement of 17.6% was recorded in the enterprises having participated in these programmes. (107843)
CIS 08-305 Benchmarks of progress - 100 questions to understand and act upon. (French: Les référentiels de progrès - 100 questions pour comprendre et agir) Mathieu S., AFNOR, 11 rue Francis de Pressensé, 93571 La Plaine Saint-Denis Cedex, France, 2007. x, 213p. Illus. Price: EUR 24.50 (without VAT)., ISBN 978-2-12-465101-6 (In French) Internet: Benchmarks of progress consist of reference documents that enable the implementation of an improvement programme and/or demonstrate the ability to comply with certain specified requirements. This publication presents several benchmarks of progress in the following fields: quality management, environmental management, management of occupational safety and health, integrated management, global management and sustainable development. (107872)
CIS 08-306 Annual report 2006. (French: Rapport annuel 2006; German: Jahresbericht 2006; Irish: Relazione annuale CFSL 2006) Federal coordination commission for occupational safety (FCOS), Case postale, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, Apr. 2007. 43p. Illus. (In French, German, Irish) Internet: This document consists of the report of activities for the year 2006 of the Swiss Federal coordination commission for occupational safety (FCOS) which is primarily involved in the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, as well as of its main constitutive bodies which include the cantonal labour inspections, the State Secretariat for economics (SECO) and the National insurance fund (CNA). Topics addressed: executive summary; organization charts; activities with respect to information, updating of regulations, training, labour inspection, health protection and accident prevention. (107873)
CIS 08-307 Working conditions and health - A common strategic approach. (French: Conditions de travail et santé - Une orientation stratégique commune) Rička R., ed., Secrétariat exécutif de la Confédération pour la politique nationale de la santé, Case postale, 3003 Berne, Switzerland, Mar. 2006. 69p. Illus. 44 ref. (In French) Internet: This report presents the synthesis of the topics discussed during a one-day conference on the relationship between working conditions and health held in Aarau, Switzerland, on 8 September 2003, together with the main conclusions and recommendations of the conference. It provides an overview of the current situation with respect to work and health, and suggests areas of potential improvement. Recommendations are focussed on improving the compliance with current regulations, on implementing awareness programmes within the enterprise and on encouraging research and development in this field. (107874)
CIS 08-308 Report of technical activities 2006. (French: Rapport d'activités techniques 2006) Office de santé des travailleurs, Direction générale, 03 BP 7036 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso, 2007. 86p. (In French) Internet: Report of activities of the Office for workers' health of Burkina Faso for the year 2006. Contents: activities aimed at improving occupational safety and health (labour inspection, medical supervision of workers, notification of occupational diseases and accidents, training, information and research); health care activities carried out in labour medical centres and in clinics of the Office for Workers' Health (Office de santé des travailleurs). (107875)
CIS 08-309 Adapting to change in work and society: A new Community strategy on health and safety at work 2002-2006. (Danish: Meddelelse fra Kommissionen: Tilpasning til ændringerne i arbejdslivet og i samfundet: en ny fællesskabsstrategi for sundhed og sikkerhed på arbejdspladsen 2002-2006; Dutch: Mededeling van de Commissie: Zich aanpassen aan de veranderingen in werk en samenleving: een nieuwe communautaire gezondheids- en veiligheidsstrategie 2002-2006; Finnish: Komission Tiedonanto: Työn ja yhteiskunnan muutoksiin sopeutuminen: Yhteisön uusi työterveys- ja työturvallisuusstrategia vuosiksi 2002-2006; French: S'adapter aux changements du travail et de la société: une nouvelle stratégie communautaire de santé et de sécurité 2002-2006; German: Mitteilung der Kommission: Anpassung an den Wandel von Arbeitswelt und Gesellschaft: eine neue Gemeinschaftsstrategie für Gesundheit und Sicherheit am Arbeitsplatz 2002-2006; Greek: Anakoinōsē tēs Epitropē s: Prosarmogē stis allages tēs ergasias kai tēs koinōnias: mia nea koinotikē stratēgikē ugeias kai asfaleias 2002-2006; Italian: Comunicazione della commissione: Adattarsi alle trasformazioni del lavoro e dalla società: una nuova strategia comunitaria per la salute e la sicurezza 2002-2006; Portuguese: Comunicação da Comissão: Adaptação às transformações do trabalho e da sociedade: uma nova estratégia comunitária de saúde e segurança 2002-2006; Spanish: Como adaptarse a los cambios en la sociedad y en el mundo del trabajo: una nueva estrategia comunitaria de salud y seguridad (2002-2006); Swedish: Meddelande från Kommissionen: Anpassning till förändringar i arbetsliv och samhälle: en ny arbetsmiljöstrategi för gemenskapen 2002-2006) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2002. 18p. (In Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Full report of the European Commission of March 2002 on the EU Strategy on occupational safety and health for the years 2002-2006. Contents: keeping pace with changes in the world of work; changes in society; an increasingly feminized society; an ageing active population; changes in forms of employment; changes in the nature of risk; towards a new community strategy on health and safety; global approach to well-being at work by strengthening the prevention culture; education, awareness and anticipation: improving people's knowledge of risks; better application of existing law; combining instruments and building partnerships; adapting the legal and institutional framework; encouraging innovative approaches; working to mainstream health and safety at work in other community policies; preparing for enlargement; developing international cooperation; Also available in Danish, Dutch, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese and Swedish. (107910)
CIS 08-310 2007 HSE Diary. National Safety Council, 98-A Institutional Area, Sector 15, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai 400614, India, 2007. Diary for 2007 and accompanying booklet. 127p. Illus. 36 ref. (In English) Internet: Booklet containing a number of documents on occupational safety and health, including comments on ILO and Indian standards, conventions, recommendations and regulations, together with practical guidance from the National Safety Council on various topics, including disaster management, food safety, sanitation, OSH management systems, environmental protection and energy conservation. (107913)
CIS 08-311 Reduce risks - Cut costs!. (Russian: Snižajte riski - Sokraščajte zatraty!) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. 14p. Illus., ISBN 978-92-2-419745-1 (In English, Russian) Internet: This booklet describes the methods for estimating accident-related costs, which are often largely underestimated by employers. It shows how expensive occupational accidents can truly be for the enterprise, explains how costs can be reduced and proves that good occupational safety and health performance is not only a legal requirement but also a means to save time and money. (107914)
CIS 08-312 Decent work for sustainable development. (French: Le travail décent au service du développement durable; Spanish: El trabajo decente para un desarrollo sostenible) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. 19p., ISBN 978- 92-2-218129-2 (fr), ISBN 978-92-2-118129-3 (En), ISBN 978-92-2-318129-1 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This booklet contains the full text of the speech delivered by Juan Somavia, Director-General of the International Labour Organization to the delegates at the ILO's International Labour Conference in 2007. In an address also highlighting a wide range of issues, from the impact of globalization to measuring decent work deficits, Mr. Somavia said the Organization was moving forward through its Decent Work Agenda. A key issue for action now was decent work as part of economic, social and environmental policies. He added that the ILO needed to assess the potential scale of technological, production and employment shifts involved, and find low emissions strategies for development that do not slow progress in poverty reduction. (107917)
CIS 08-313 European workshop on good practice information provision. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2000. Binder containing conference materials. 67p.Illus. (In English) Internet: Collection of documents distributed to the participants of a workshop on good practice information provision held in Bilbao, Spain, 2-3 November 2000. Working groups addressed the following topics: data handling; making information available; improving access; networking. Documents include presentation materials, the conference programme and the list of participants. (107919)
CIS 08-314 The role of labour inspection in transition economies. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1996. viii, 74p., ISBN 92-2-110396-X (In English) Internet: This report on labour inspection, primarily aimed at decision-makers in Central and Eastern European countries, explains the changes in the role of labour inspection in market as opposed to planned economies. It is based on information collected during a number of ILO tripartite missions to the region. Topics addressed: political, economic and social characteristics of economies in transition to a market economy; role of the State; role of trade unions; what workers and employers can expect from labour inspection; labour inspection's contribution to the transition process; how governments can assist labour administration and inspection; need for change and how to change. (107947)
CIS 08-315 New prevention strategies for labour inspection. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1998. vii, 80p., ISBN 92-2-111313-2 (In English) Internet: This report reviews a number of labour inspection practices and suggests a few areas for improvement. Contents: industrial relations and employment as reflected in country profiles; general conditions of work, including occupational safety and health, as reflected in country profiles. (107948)
CIS 08-316 Review of occupational safety and health activities of the ILO. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2003. iv, 47p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This information document was prepared for discussion during the thirteenth joint ILO/WHO committee on occupational health held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 9 to 12 September 2003. Topics addressed: social consequences of the globalization of the economy; review of key activities and achievements of the ILO in the area of occupational safety and health (including OSH standards, codes of practice, labour inspection, well-being at work, HIV/AIDS, meetings of experts, international collaboration, knowledge management and information exchange); areas for future collaboration; relation between OSH core standards and other ILO standards; ILO field capacities in OSH; recent ILO codes of practice, guidelines and meetings; ILO knowledge bases in OSH. (107949)
CIS 08-317 Health and safety at work promoting quality of life. (Portuguese: Saúde e segurança no trabalho promovendo qualidade de vida) Serviço Social da Indústria (SESI), Departamento Nacional SBN, Quadra 1 Bloco C, Edifício Roberto Simonsen, CEP 70 040-903 Brasília, Brazil, [ca. 2007]. 6p. Illus. + CD-ROM. (In English, Portuguese) Internet: This leaflet presents the activities of the Brazilian Social Service for Industry (SESI) in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH). The emphasis is on the reduction of accident risks, the prevention of musculoskeletal diseases and the promotion of healthy habits among workers. The leaflet is accompanied by a CD- ROM including a film presenting SESI activities in OSH. (107999)
CIS 08-318 Design of the organization of traffic and material flows within the enterprise. Recommendations for the prevention of occupational hazards. (French: Conception de l'organisation des circulations et des flux dans l'entreprise. Préconisations pour la prévention des risques professionnels) Terrier C., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Apr. 2007. 25p. Illus. Price: EUR 4.10. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 978-2-7389-1458-3 (In French) Internet: The organization of traffic and material flows within the enterprise involves various factors such as the type of activity of the enterprise, the vehicle and handling systems used and the categories of personnel concerned. This guide presents an approach for designing these flows that takes the prevention of occupational hazards into account, while at the same time ensuring the operational efficiency of the enterprise. (107936)
CIS 08-319 Occupational safety and health management - Define the milestones to reach your objectives. (French: Management de la santé et de la sécurité au travail - Construire vos indicateurs pour atteindre vos objectifs) Aubertin G., Daïtta D., Drais E., Favaro M., Monteau M., Jey J.M., Richoux A., Colson M., Lamour J.R., Lanrivin J.R., Poizat J.P., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Apr. 2007. 8p. Illus. 7 ref. Price: EUR 2.50., ISBN 978-2-7389-1487-3 (In French) Internet: This booklet describes a participatory approach to be used by enterprises interested in designing and implementing occupational safety and health objectives and milestones. The information supplied contributes directly to the design of information systems for steering the prevention of occupational hazards (diagnosis of the situation, implementation of the evaluation and control mechanisms, etc.). Reference to CIS 08-262. (107939)
CIS 08-320 ILSE 2007 - International labour standards electronic library. (French: ILSE 2007 - Bibliothèque électronique sur les normes internationales du travail; Spanish: ILSE 2007 - Biblioteca electrónica sobre las normas internacionales del trabajo) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. CD-ROM containing documents in PDF format. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: This CD-ROM contains ILSE, an electronic reference library of basic ILO documents on International Labour Standards. All documents are available in the three working languages of the ILO. A selection of further texts is available in other languages. (107911)
CIS 08-321 Application of international labour standards by country, convention and subject. (French: Application des normes internationales du travail par pays, par convention et par sujet; Spanish: Aplicación de las normas internacionales del trabajo por país, por convenio y por terma) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2006, 2007. CD-ROM containing documents in HTML format. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: The Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations is an independent body composed of legal experts charged with examining the application of ILO Conventions and Recommendations in member states. These CD-ROMs contain the general report and individual comments from the 2006 and 2007 reports of the Committee, pending observations from previous reports, and discussions and observations that were examined by the Conference Committee on the Application of Standards at the International Labour Conferences of 2005 and 2006. (107912)
CIS 08-322 Evaluate safety and health management in your enterprise. (French: Evaluez la gestion de la santé et de la sécurité dans votre entreprise) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, June 2007. Microsoft Excel file. Can be downloaded from http://www.inrs.fr/ (In French) Internet: The purpose of this downloadable tool is to evaluate the current degree of safety and health management within the enterprise, to identify its strengths and weaknesses and to assess how it is perceived by employees. The evaluation system involves 20 occupational safety and health topics. Beyond the rating itself, the usefulness of the approach lies in its ability to highlight the interactions between the various categories of users. (107934)
CIS 08-323 Physical load and musculoskeletal disease: Findings of the 6th national survey of working conditions 2007. (Spanish: Carga física y trastornos musculoesqueléticos: resultados de la VI Encuesta Nacional de Condiciones de Trabajo 2007) Villar Fernández M.F., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, Oct. 2007, No.44, p.12-23. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article presents the findings of a survey on physical workload and musculoskeletal disorders in Spain, which are part of the results of the 6th national survey of working conditions. The time spent by workers in various postures, including standing without walking, standing and walking, standing with flexed knees, sitting upright, sitting with a bent back, and other postures was examined. High proportions of workers reported having to adopt painful postures, handle loads, apply important forces, maintain their postures or carry out repetitive work. The frequencies of musculoskeletal disorders are reported by location of injury, industrial sector, age and sex. (107995)
CIS 08-324 Cancer incidence in Florida professional firefighters, 1981 to 1999. Ma F., Fleming L.E., Lee D.J., Trapido E., Gerace T.A., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2006, Vol.48, No.9, p.883-888. 44 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to examine the cancer risk associated with fire fighting. Standardized incidence ratio analysis (SIR) was used to determine the relative cancer risk for fire fighters as compared with the Florida general population. Among 34,796 male (413,022 person years) and 2,017 female (18,843 person years) firefighters, 970 male and 52 female cases of cancer were identified between 1981 and 1999. Male firefighters had significantly increased incidence rates of bladder (SIR 1.29), testicular (1.60) and thyroid cancers (1.77). Female firefighters had significantly increased incidence rates of overall cancer (1.63), cervical (5.24) and thyroid cancer (3.97) and Hodgkin disease (6.25). It is concluded that fire fighting is associated with an increased risk of cancer. (107792)
CIS 08-325 Occupational trichloroethylene exposure and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A meta-analysis and review. Mandel J.H., Kelsh M.A., Mink P.J., Alexander D.D., Kalmes R.M., Weingart M., Yost L., Goodman M., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2006, Vol.63, No.9, p.597-607. 88 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey of 14 occupational cohort and four case-control studies of workers exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE) was carried out to investigate the relation between TCE exposure and the risk of nonHodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Interpretation is hampered by variability in results across the studies, limited exposure assessments, lack of evidence of exposure response trends, lack of supportive information from toxicological and mechanistic data, and an absence of consistent findings of exposure and NHL. Overall, there is insufficient evidence to suggest a causal link between TCE exposure and NHL. (107796)
CIS 08-326 Wheezing, asthma, hay fever and atopic eczema in relation to maternal occupations in pregnancy. Magnusson L.L., Wennborg H., Bonde J.P., Olsen J., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2006, Vol.63, No.9, p.640-646. 39 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to examine whether prenatal occupational exposures, especially to organic solvents, are associated with atopic diseases in childhood. The study comprised children born in two Danish localities between 1984 and 1987. Occupational job titles were derived from questionnaires filled out by the mothers when attending midwife centres. Assessment of organic solvent exposures was based on job titles selected by occupational specialists. A follow up questionnaire to the parents provided data on medical diagnoses as well as wheezing symptoms for 7844 children aged 14-18. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the cumulative risk for wheezing, asthma, hay fever, and atopic eczema during childhood. Findings suggest links between certain maternal occupations during pregnancy and atopic diseases, which merits further scrutiny. However, no consistent pattern was seen across the different atopic diseases. (107799)
CIS 08-327 Meniscus: Protecting knees against tears. (French: Ménisques: préserver ses genoux d'une éventuelle déchirure) Barruyer C., Prévention BTP, Apr. 2007, No.95, p.51-52. Illus. (In French) Internet: Meniscus injuries are frequent in the construction industry, particularly among tile setters and carpet layers. Until recently, the preferred method of treating torn cartilages was through removal by surgery. However, it is now known that this operation increases the risk of an early onset of arthritis. Currently, the emphasis is on preserving the cartilage while treating inflammation and pain. This article discusses the main precautions for preventing meniscus injuries, be they before or after an operation (work postures, layout of work equipment). (107866)
CIS 08-328 Pulmonary fibrosis in a patient with exposure to glass wool fibers. Guber A., Lerman S., Lerman Y., Ganor E., Trajber I., Edelstein E., Fireman E., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2006, Vol.49, No.12, p.1066-1069. Illus. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: Glass wool or vitreous fibres are non-crystalline inorganic substances made primarily from rock, slag, glass or other processed minerals. They belong to the man-made mineral fibres group and their respiratory effects are well described. In the absence of firm evidence until now that exposure to these fibres is associated with lung fibrosis, pleural lesions or non-specific respiratory diseases in humans, this case description of interstitial fibrosis, which implies a direct association between long-term exposure to glass wool and the clinical outcome, is of particular interest. (107895)
CIS 08-329 Infectious diseases. Sambo L.G., Kisting S., Alli B., Wilburn S., Eijkemans G., Ansa V.O., Anah M.U., Udoma E.J., Umoh M.S., Gold D., Comlan P., Ezinah F., Nambo Wezet G., Anyunzoghe E.S., Ossoubita B.O., Kibwage J.K., Momanyi G.M., Odondo A.J., Lekei E.E., Akhabuhaya J., Mkalaga H., Clarke E.E., Sutherland D.K., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Aug. 2007, Vol.17, No.2, p.31-55 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: Collection of articles on infectious diseases of relevance to African countries. Contents: ILO programme on HIV/AIDS and the world of work; protecting health care workers from occupational exposure to HIV, hepatitis and other bloodborne pathogens; reducing occupational risks to HIV and hepatitis B virus exposure among health care workers in Nigeria. Other topics: addressing psychosocial issues in Africa through the ILO's SOLVE programme; occupational safety and health (OSH) problems among wood processing workers in Gabon; OSH concerns of smallholder tobacco farmers in Kenya; OSH issues in pesticide formulation plants in Tanzania; OSH initiatives aimed at health care workers in Ghana. (107906)
CIS 08-330 Evaluating the Michigan SENSOR surveillance program for work-related asthma. Reed P.L., Rosenman K., Gardiner J., Reeves M., Reilly M.J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2007, Vol.50, p.646-656. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: Most Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspections are based either on employee complaints or on the targeting of certain industries. This study compared 545 Michigan OSHA inspections performed as part of an occupational asthma prevention programme with 12,268 non-disease initiated OSHA inspections performed during the same time period (1989-2002). Asthma inspections were more likely to be conducted among larger, unionized employers. Although the likelihood of citations, type of citation, and monetary penalties were not different between the two types of inspections, the number of citations and the amount of monetary penalties were more likely for small as compared to large employers and less likely at unionized worksites. Other findings are discussed. (107958)
CIS 08-331 Risk of musculoskeletal disorders among bus drivers: A true problem. (French: Le risque de troubles musculosquelettiques chez les chauffeurs de bus: une réalité) Aptel M., Aublet-Cuvelier A., Waldura D., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.111, p.335-347. Illus. 20 ref. (In French) Internet: This literature survey evaluated the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among urban transport bus drivers. It concludes that lumbar column MSDs are caused by a combination of biomechanical risk factors that are both chronic (rotation of the torso, vibrations, etc.) and acute (false moves, carrying of loads), as well as psychosocial factors and the design of their driving cabs. This observation is obvious for low back pain but it is less clear for cervical column pain. Furthermore, the mapping of the risk factors reveals a pattern that is consistent with the hypotheses used to explain MSDs. Given the importance of the situational context for determining the role of each risk factor, it is justified to set up epidemiological surveillance networks in this sector of activity. (107972)
CIS 08-332 Chronic disease and work. (French: Avoir une maladie chronique au travail) Krivochiev M., Peltre-Fleurier B., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.111, p.391-398. (In French) Internet: Review of a one-day conference on chronic diseases at work held in Paris, France, on 21 March 2007. The first part of the day was devoted to the presentation of the various fields of research carried out by the Inter-University Institute for Occupational Health (Institut interuniversitaire de médecine du travail). Next, several papers addressed the issue of the problems posed by various chronic diseases such as low back pain, asthma, multiple sclerosis, bipolar syndrome and sleep apnea. All the speakers stressed the importance of collaborative networks. (107976)
CIS 08-333 Occupational contact urticaria. (French: Urticaire de contact d'origine professionnelle) Crépy M.N., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.111, p.399-410. Illus. 101 ref. (In French) Internet: This review article on contact urticaria explains why, although they are less frequent than eczemas, they must be included in the clinical examinations in view of their potential severity and the fact that they often go unreported. The main occupations and sectors concerned include health care, food industry, agriculture, veterinarians, laboratory workers and hairdressers. The allergens responsible are animal and vegetable proteins. Low-molecular-weight chemicals may also be involved. Aetiological diagnosis is confirmed by immediately-readable skin tests, mostly by prick tests, and occasionally by testing for specific IgEs. Prognosis is dependant on the possibility of anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening in cases of re-exposure to the causal agent. Prevention is therefore essential. It requires the elimination of all contact with the causal agent, both at work and in the patient's environment. (107977)
CIS 08-334 Allergies in occupational settings - A disease of the times. (French: Allergies en milieu professionnel - Un mal dans l'air du temps) Brasseur G., Ravallec C., Travail et sécurité, Sep. 2007, No.676, p.18-31. Illus. 4 ref. (In French) Internet: Topic addressed in this special feature on allergies in occupational settings: interview of an occupational physician working in the dermatology department of two French hospitals; respiratory allergies; allergic risks in care institutions; prevention approach aimed at apprentice bakers; account of a baker who is continuing to work in his field while being allergic to flour; screening for causal agents; allergies among hairdressers. (107978)
CIS 08-335 Critical approach to the prevention of occupational cancers. (French: Approche critique de la prévention des cancers professionnels) Coutanceau C., Préventique-Sécurité, July-Aug. 2007, No.94, p.47-50. Illus. (In French) Internet: The findings of a survey carried out in three hospitals in the Greater Paris area, aimed at collecting data on occupational exposure to carcinogens among cancer patients, are presented. Between 2002 and 2006, a total of 665 patients participated in the study. Data were collected by means of physician-administered questionnaires during structured interviews. Findings are discussed with reference to the sectors of activity that involve exposure to carcinogens (building, woodworking, mechanical engineering, metalworking, vehicle servicing, cleaning and agriculture). It was found that workers were often exposed to several carcinogens during their working life. (107993)
CIS 08-336 A case-control study of farming and prostate cancer in African-American and Caucasian men. Meyer T.E., Coker A.L., Sanderson M., Symanski E., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2007, Vol.64, No.3, p.155-160. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this population-based case-control study was to determine the risk of prostate cancer among African-Americans and Caucasians in the USA in the farming sector. Cases included 405 incident prostate cancer cases and 392 controls matched for age, race and region in South Carolina from 1999 to 2001. Data were collected using computer-assisted telephone interviewing and odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. Farming was associated with increased risk of prostate cancer in Caucasians (OR 1.8) but not in African-Americans (OR 1.0). Farmers who mixed or applied pesticides had a higher risk of prostate cancer (OR 1.6). Increased risk of prostate cancer was observed only for those farming less than five years. Other findings are discussed. (107901)
CIS 08-337 Airway disease in highway and tunnel construction workers exposed to silica. Oliver L.C., Miracle-McMahill H., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2006, Vol.49, No.12, p.983-996. 41 ref. (In English) Internet: Workers employed in the construction of a tunnel were exposed over an 18-month period to respirable crystalline silica at concentrations that exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit. The present study examines workplace exposures and occurrence of airway disease in these workers. Medical and occupational histories and chest radiographs were obtained on 343 workers who had worked on the site during the period in question. Chest radiographs were interpreted according to the ILO-1980 system of classification. Questionnaire responses allowed the identification of symptoms consistent with asthma, chronic bronchitis, shortness of breath and physician-diagnosed asthma (current vs. not current). Relationships between these symptoms and several specific tasks were examined. No cases of silicosis were found on chest X-ray. Overall prevalence of chronic bronchitis, symptoms consistent with asthma, shortness of breath and physician-diagnosed asthma was 10.7%, 25%, 29%, and 6.6%, respectively. A healthy worker effect is suggested. Other findings are discussed. (107893)
CIS 08-338 Cancer mortality among textile workers in Shanghai, China: A preliminary study. Fang S.C., Eisen E.A., Dai H., Zhang H., Hang J., Wang X., Christiani D.C., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2006, Vol.48, No.9, p.955-958. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: This cohort study assessed the association between work in cotton spinning mills and cancer mortality. A total of 912 (444 cotton, 468 silk) textile workers in Shanghai, China, was followed from 1981 to 2003. The associations between cotton textile work and death due to all cancers combined (with and without lung cancer) and to gastrointestinal cancers were estimated with Cox models, adjusting for age, work years and smoking. There were 69 deaths. The adjusted hazard rate ratio (HR) was 2.10 for all cancers combined and 2.56 after excluding lung cancer. For gastrointestinal cancers, the adjusted HR was 2.09. These preliminary data suggest that, with the exception of lung cancer, cotton workers have significantly higher cancer mortality rates than silk workers. (107795)
CIS 08-339 Longitudinal relationship of work hours, mandatory overtime, and on-call to musculoskeletal problems in nurses. Trinkoff A.M., Le R., Geiger-Brown J., Lipscomb J., Lang G., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 2006, Vol.49, No.11, p.964-971. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: Nurses are at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with low back pain being the most frequently occurring MSD. Nurses are also likely to work extended schedules (long hours, on-call, mandatory overtime, working on days off). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between extended work schedules and MSDs among nurses. It was carried out in the form of a longitudinal survey of 2,617 nurses. Schedule characteristics increasing MSD risk included workdays of 13h or more, off-shifts, weekend work, work during time off (while sick or on days off), overtime or on-call. These increases in risk were not explained by psychological demands, but were largely explained by physical demands. (107892)
CIS 08-340 Office work, SBS and respiratory sick building syndrome symptoms. Jaakkola M.S., Yang L., Ieromnimon A., Jaakkola J.J.K., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2007, Vol.64, No.3, p.178-184. Illus. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between exposure to copy paper, paper dust and fumes from photocopiers and printers (FPP), and the occurrence of sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms, chronic respiratory symptoms and respiratory infections. Subjects consisted of a randomly-selected sample of 342 office workers in a region of Finland. They answered a questionnaire about personal information, health, smoking, occupation, and exposures in the work environment and at home. Data were subjected to logistic regression analyses. Findings are discussed. This study provides new evidence that exposure to paper dust and to FPP is related to the risk of SBS symptoms, breathlessness and upper respiratory infections. It strengthens the evidence that exposure to copy paper increases the risk of eye symptoms, general symptoms, chronic respiratory symptoms and some respiratory infections. Reduction of these exposures could improve the health of office workers. (107903)
CIS 08-341 Incidence of hand eczema in female Swedish hairdressers. Lind M.L., Albin M., Brisman J., Kronholm Diab K., Lillienberg L., Mikoczy Z., Nielsen J., Rylander L., Torén K., Meding B., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2007, Vol.64, No.3, p.191-195. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: The occurrence of hand eczema among Swedish female hairdressers was estimated in a longitudinal retrospective cohort study including all graduates from vocational schools for hairdressers from 1970 to 1995. A stratified sample from the general population acted as controls. A self-administered questionnaire including questions on the occurrence of hand eczema, skin atopy, working periods and number of hair treatments performed per week was sent to the participants. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of hand eczema were estimated. Findings are discussed. Hairdressers are highly exposed to skin-damaging substances. The self-reported incidence of hand eczema was substantially higher in female hairdressers than in controls from the general population and than that reported in previous studies. For many individuals, the onset of hand eczema occurs during training or early in the working life. Only about 10% of the cases can be attributed to atopy. (107904)
CIS 08-342 Evaluation of a specific protocol for the health surveillance of occupational asthma using the AGREE instrument. (Spanish: Estudio de evaluación del protocolo de vigilancia sanitaria específica del asma laboral mediante el instrumento AGREE) Maqueda J., Buendía M.J, Gallego I., Muñoz C., Roel J.M., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Dec. 2006, Vol.LII, No.205, p.13-21. 16 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: In this study, a specific protocol for the health surveillance of occupational asthma was evaluated by a panel of four specialists experienced in different fields of occupational medicine. Strengths and weaknesses of the protocol were highlighted and the validity of the AGREE instrument was demonstrated. Areas for updating and improving the protocol are proposed. (107849)
CIS 08-343 Refresher training for occupational physicians - Study of needs and future outlook. (French: La formation continue des médecins du travail - Etude des besoins et perspectives) Guenoun P., Montagnon C., Plawner M., Rodriguez J.P., Siano B., Carpentier D., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.111, p.365-382. Illus. (In French) Internet: In order to respond to new requirements concerning the prevention of occupational hazards and to adapt its refresher training programmes for occupational physicians, the INRS carried out a survey in 2006. It involved analyses of documents, together with interviews of occupational physicians working in a variety of environments (hospitals, ministries, mutual insurance institutions, occupational health services serving several enterprises or a single large enterprise, training institutions). The survey made it possible to identify needs, preferred modes of delivering of the teaching, collaborations and typical refresher training programmes for new or experienced occupational physicians. (107974)
CIS 08-344 Estimation of reduced life expectancy from serious occupational injuries in Taiwan. Ho J.J., Hwang J.S., Wang J.D., Accident Analysis and Prevention, Sep. 2006, Vol.38, No.5, p.961-968. Illus. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: This study assesses the loss of life expectancy and potential working life in Taiwan between 1986 and 2000 from various types of occupational accidents resulting in mortality or permanent disability. Data on occupational mortality and permanent disability were obtained from the Bureau of Labour Insurance and linked to national death registry data. A Monte Carlo simulation method was subsequently used to derive the life expectancy for different types of occupational accidents. The life expectancy lost by age and gender cohort was also estimated for cases of mortality. In those cases resulting in permanent occupational disability, loss of life expectancy ranged between 7.4 to 13.6 years, depending on the type of occupational injury. It is concluded that permanent disability resulting from occupational injuries has a significant impact on society as a whole. (107800)
CIS 08-345 Occupational health in Hungary. (French: La santé au travail en Hongrie) Toth T., Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2006, Vol.46, No.4, p.437-444. Illus. 11 ref. (In French) Internet: Following an introduction on the current socio-economic situation of Hungary, this article goes on to present the following aspects of country's occupational health system: responsibilities of employers; contribution system; roles and missions of occupational physicians. The article also includes a summary of the key statistics of the occupational health system, together with a description of the structure and activities of a private occupational health service, presented as an example. (107828)
CIS 08-346 The prevention of occupational cancers in Europe. (French: La prévention des cancers professionnels en Europe) Institut National du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Formation Professionnelle, 1498, route de Saint Bel, 69280 Marcy-l'Etoile, France, 2006. 110p. Illus. (In English, French) Internet: This report on occupational cancers in Europe was prepared with the objective of helping persons involved in safety and health training to better understand the issues and implications of European Directives transposed into French law. Contents: description of the Swedish and Slovenian labour inspection systems, with emphasis on policies for the prevention of occupational cancers; presentation of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, and in particular of its activities relating to dangerous substances. Appendices describe the structure and activities of French, Swedish, Slovenian and European agencies. (107826)
CIS 08-347 Low-back-pain-related determinants of disability. (French: Les déterminants de l'incapacité liés à la lombalgie) Truchon M., Fillion L., Truchon G., Dionne C., Arsenault B., Viau C., 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, 100p. Illus. 111 ref. Price: CAD 12.72. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-108-8 (In French) Internet: Chronic disability affects only a small proportion of low back pain workers. However, the consequences of such disability are detrimental to society in general as well as to workers and their families (prolonged disability, loss of productivity, incapacitating pain, loss of quality of life, conjugal and family difficulties, high compensation costs, substantial medical costs, etc.). Prevention of chronic disability remains a major concern. However, preventing the complex phenomenon of chronic disability requires a good understanding of all of the factors that come into play in the evolution towards this state. The objective of this study was to integrate scientifically-recognized medical and psychosocial factors into a coherent conceptual framework. Using a longitudinal prospective study, the model thus created was validated on a sample of workers with low back pain disability. Finally, other factors potentially involved in chronic disability, such as aspects relating to the workplace or the compensation system, were documented. The knowledge resulting from this study allows supporting clinicians in their efforts to improve interventions on low back pain workers and will be used in further IRSST work on rehabilitation. (107858)
CIS 08-348 Surveillance of occupational asthma among workers in high-risk sectors. (French: Surveillance de l'asthme professionnel chez des travailleurs dans des secteurs à risque) Gautrin D., Malo J.L., Infante-Rivard C., 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. viii, 45p. Illus. 46 ref. Price: CAD 8.48. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-120-0 (In French) Internet: Occupational asthma is the occupational respiratory disease most frequently recognized by the occupational safety and health commission (CSST) of Quebec, where some 60 new cases are compensated annually, half of which involve young workers. In some industrial sectors, less than five years elapse between the start of exposure and the appearance of the first symptoms. Close to 400 workers that took part in a previous study on apprentices collaborated in this study, whose objective was to characterize the development of occupational asthma over time. Intermediate symptoms leading to the appearance of probable occupational asthma were followed, namely allergic sensitization specific to laboratory animals, flour and latex, based on the initial training of the participating workers, the respiratory symptoms in the workplace and bronchial hyper-reactivity. Findings are discussed. (107879)
CIS 08-349 Occupational cancer - The Cinderella disease. (French: Les cancers professionnels - Une plaie sociale trop souvent ignorée) Mengeot M.A., Musu T., Vogel L., European Trade Union Institute for Research, Education, Health and Safety, Health and Safety Department, 5 Bd du Roi Albert II, B-1210 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2007. 52p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 10.00., ISBN 978-2-87452-073-0 (fr), ISBN 978-2-87452-074-7 (En) (In English, French) Internet: There were more than a million deaths from cancer in the European Union in 2006. A significant percentage of these deaths were caused by workers being exposed to carcinogens at the workplace. These include asbestos, but also a large number of toxic petrochemical substances or dust that can prove deadly after years of exposure, for example, hard wood dust. These deaths are not inevitable. They could be avoided, sometimes quite easily, if employers agreed to replace carcinogens with non-toxic or less toxic substances or if they enforced elementary prevention measures. The aim of this booklet is to present the main challenges of combating occupational cancers. It attempts to draw lessons from the major health tragedies of the past to contribute to the development of a strategy, notably for trade unions, to combat occupational cancers. Contents: cancer, an unequal burden; history of occupational cancers; workers and carcinogens; European legislation; role of trade unions; under-estimating and under-reporting occupational cancers; risks to workers resulting from the economic agenda and industrial mindset of employers. (107916)
CIS 08-350 The medical inspection of labour - Report of the international symposium on the medical inspection of labour and related papers. (French: L'inspection médicale du travail - Rapport du colloque international sur l'inspection médicale du travail et documents connexes) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1964. 121p. (In French) Internet: This report summarizes the work and the conclusions of a colloquium on medical labour inspection held in Geneva, Switzerland, in April 1963. Contents: role, functions and responsibilities of medical labour inspection; technical and administrative resources necessary to carry out medical labour inspection; training of physicians involved in medical labour inspection and means required to ensure this training. Appendices include: summary of findings of surveys on legislation and practices in 28 countries; full text of ILO Recommendation No.97 on the protection of workers' health at the place of work; report of the joint ILO/WHO committee on the training of physicians in occupational medicine. (107944)
CIS 08-351 Ergonomics for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders - Guidelines for retail grocery stores. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 2004. 28p. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: These OSHA's ergonomic guidelines for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in supermarkets provide practical recommendations to help employers and employees reduce the number and severity of injuries in their workplaces. Many of the work-related injuries and illnesses experienced by grocery store workers are MSDs, including injuries and sprains that may develop from various factors, including lifting, repetitive motion or overexertion. The heart of these guidelines is the description of various solutions that have been implemented by grocery stores. Contents: description of the ergonomic process; providing management support; involving employees; providing training; implementing solutions; storewide ergonomic solutions; specific ergonomic solutions for front end (checkout, bagging and carry out), stocking, bakery, meat and deli, and fresh produce. (107820)
CIS 08-352 Safety in the agri-food industry. (Spanish: Seguridad en el sector agroindustrial) González Villarejo P.M., Ramírez R., Melgarejo G.E., Calle P., Pardo Martínez C.I., Protección y seguridad, Nov.-Dec. 2006, Vol.52, No.310, p.51-79. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Contents of this collection of articles on safety in the agri-food industry: characteristics of work in the agri-food industry; safety and health in the agri-food industry; safe use of pesticides; safe use of tractors; surveillance programme of Columbian farmers implemented by a pesticide producer; vaccination of seasonal and migrant workers in Columbia; good practices in environmental protection in Columbia. (107848)
CIS 08-353 Changing child labour laws for agriculture: Impact on injury. Marlenga B., Berg R.L., Linneman J.G., Brison R.J., Pickett W., American Journal of Public Health, Mar. 2007, Vol.97, No.2, p.276-282. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: Child labour laws are intended to protect young workers from the most dangerous jobs. However, children who work on their parents' farms are exempt from these laws. This study evaluated the potential for preventing the occurrence of farm injuries among children by extending the United States Child Labor Laws to include agriculture as a hazardous occupation. A retrospective series of 1193 farm injuries among children from the United States and Canada was analysed and Hazardous Occupations Orders were systematically applied to each case. A total of 286 (24%) cases of injury involved farmers' children engaged in farm work. Among these children, 33% of those aged younger than 16 years and 36% of those aged 16 or 17 years were performing work prohibited under the Hazardous Occupations Orders. Removing the family farm exemption and raising the age restriction for performing hazardous agricultural work from 16 to 18 years would be efficacious in preventing the most serious injuries experienced by young family farm workers. (107956)
CIS 08-354 Use of employer administrative databases to identify systematic causes of injury in aluminum manufacturing. Pollack K.M., Agnew J., Slade M.D., Cantley L., Taiwo O., Vegso S., Sircar K., Cullen M.R., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2007, Vol.50, p.676-686. Illus. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: Employer administrative files are an underutilized source of data in epidemiologic studies of occupational injuries. Personnel files, occupational health surveillance data, industrial hygiene data and a real-time incident and injury management system from a large multi-site aluminium manufacturer were linked deterministically. This method successfully created a database containing over 100 variables for 9101 workers from eight geographically dispersed plants in the United States. Between 2002 and 2004, there were 3563 injuries to 2495 employees. The most common injuries were sprain/strains (32%), contusions (24%), and lacerations (14%). A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that physical job demand was the strongest predictor of injury risk, in an exposure dependent fashion. Other strong predictors of injury included female gender, young age, short company tenure and short time on current job. (107959)
CIS 08-355 Evaluation and prevention of occupational hazards among security guards. (French: Evaluation et prévention des risques chez les agents de sécurité) Abecassis P., Beaumont N., Bediot G., Comode P., Ferry P., Incorvaïa A.M., de Jesus B.S., Lafon D., Lagoutte C., Leterrier J.M., Revon M.C., Seneque B., Documents pour le médecin du travail, Mar. 2007, No.109, p.15-35. Illus. 9 ref. (In French) Internet: This article reviews the occupational hazards faced by security guards. Following a general description of the job, it goes on to describe some specific activities in more detail: watching shops or warehouses, night clubs, shopping centres, buildings, factories and other sites or premises, at night, with a dog or by car. The various hazards are described, together with the proposed prevention measures. An interview guide aimed at occupational physicians is included as an appendix. (107886)
CIS 08-356 How we work and live - Forest workers talk about themselves - A global account of working and living conditions in the forestry sector. Strehlke B., ed., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2003. vii, 115p. Illus., ISBN 92-2-114390-2 (In English) Internet: Forestry work is characterized by heavy workloads, dangerous working conditions and low pay. An important step towards improving the conditions of forestry workers was to find out who these forest workers are and what are their problems, concerns and frustrations. This booklet tells the stories of 55 forest workers from around the world. It captures the diversity of situations spanning different climates, cultures and national economies. The youngest worker interviewed was a 25-year old Brazilian and the oldest was a Swede in his nineties. Manual work, mechanized work and the whole range of forestry activities are represented. Collected over a period of two years, these stories reflect the current conditions of work in the forestry sector. Accounts from retired workers reveal how forestry work has evolved over many decades. (107915)
CIS 08-357 Labour inspection in the construction industry. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1989. ii, 69p., ISBN 92-2-106590-1 (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to give an account of the main aspects of the organization and functioning of labour inspection systems within the construction industry of various countries. Data were supplied by the countries themselves, based on a questionnaire prepared by the ILO. Topics addressed: types of problems encountered by labour inspection services in the construction industry (conditions of work, occupational hazards); types of inspection; participation of industry representatives in labour inspection; operational methods of labour inspectorates in the construction industry. (107945)
CIS 08-358 Canteens and food services in industry: A manual. Brown J., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1988. 116p. 71 ref., ISBN 92-2-106637-1 (In English) Internet: The aim of this manual is to assist government officials, labour inspectors, employers, human resources managers and workers' representatives in developing countries to determine what type of food service would best meet the needs of workers in various circumstances. It provides suggestions on how to upgrade or expand existing services or create new ones. Topics addressed: standards and government requirements; nutrition; types of food services (mess rooms, food vans, canteens, local vendors); organization, management and financing of canteens; canteen safety and hygiene check list; chilling and freezing methods of food preservation. (107943)
CIS 08-359 OSH in figures: Young workers - Facts and figures. Verjans M., De Broeck V., Eeckelaert L., European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2007. 188p. Illus. 415 ref., ISBN 92-9191-131-3 (In English) Internet: The proportion of young workers is decreasing in almost all of the Member States. Nevertheless, the EU-25 youth unemployment rate was more than twice as high as the total unemployment rate. This report gives an overview of the employment situation of young workers and the jobs they are employed in, mainly in service professions and low-skilled manual jobs. This distribution has important implications for the occupational safety and health of young people because of the specific set of potentially harmful conditions (including low pay, temporary seasonal work, poor employment conditions, atypical working time, shift, night and weekend work, and physically demanding work). Gender issues also play an important role. The report provides a review of the hazards young workers are exposed to at work and the consequences of this exposure both in the short term and in the long term. It does this by analysing statistics and studies, and through selected case studies of prevention. (107907)
CIS 08-360 Labour inspection and child labour. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 1999. iv, 58p. (In English) Internet: This report on the role of labour inspection in facing the issue of child labour was prepared as a basis for discussion at a meeting of experts held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 27 September to 1 October 1999. Contents: problem of child labour and the role of labour inspection; legal and institutional framework, including ILO Conventions 138 and 182 and ILO Recommendation 146, international standards and national organization; labour inspection practice and problems; suggested points for discussion (advice to labour ministries, responsibilities of labour inspection, best practices, support services). (107946)
CIS 08-361 Injuries to youth on racial minority farm operations, 2003. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Aug. 2007. 8p. Illus. (In English) Internet: In 2003, 57,000 farms were operated by racial minorities in the United States. Altogether 27,400 youth lived on these farms. Young persons suffered a total of 630 injuries (1.7 injuries/day) on farms, about two thirds of which occurred to youth who lived on these farms. Between 1995 and 2002, 81 racial minority youth died on farms (42 deaths/100,000 youth). Aimed at racial minority farmers, this leaflet provides a few basic safety rules aimed at protecting children and young farm workers from general risks as well as from the risks from animals, machinery and water. (107981)
CIS 08-362 Injuries to youth on Hispanic farm operations, 2003. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Aug. 2007. 8p. Illus. (In English) Internet: In 2003, 47,200 farms were operated by Hispanics in the United States. A total of 34,500 youth lived on these farms. Young persons suffered a total of 540 injuries (1.5 injuries/day), nearly two thirds of which were to youth who lived on the farm. Between 1995 and 2002, 77 Hispanic youth died on farms. Aimed at Hispanic farmers, this leaflet provides a few basic safety rules aimed at protecting children and young farm workers from general risks as well as from the risks from animals, machinery and water. (107982)
CIS 08-363 Injuries to youth on U.S. farm operations, 2004. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Aug. 2007. 8p. Illus. (In English) Internet: In 2004, 2.1 million farms were operated in the United States. Nearly one third (650,000) of these farms had youth aged less than 20 years living on them. Young persons suffered a total of 27,600 injuries (3.1 injuries every hour), approximately two thirds occurring to youth who lived on the farm. Between 1995 and 2002, 907 youth died on farms (43 deaths/100,000 youth). Aimed at farmers, this leaflet provides a few basic safety rules aimed at protecting children and young farm workers from general risks as well as from the risks from animals, machinery and water. (107983)
CIS 08-364 Tyre maintenance and replacement operations - Safety guide. (French: Opérations d'entretien et de remplacement des pneumatiques - Guide de sécurité) Beaurain G., Lesage J., Hennion A., Jagoury G., Blard Y., Livenais F., Rives P., Lyet G., Le Brech A., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Sep. 2006. 76p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 8.20. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1320-2 (In French) Internet: The maintenance and replacement of tyres for automobiles and trucks involves occupational hazards. This guide has been designed to provide the basis for implementing an occupational safety and health policy, but also as a tool to promote good practices in this sector of activity. (107822)
CIS 08-365 Hotel valets and housekeeping staff. (French: Femme de chambre et valet dans l'hôtellerie) Fernandez A., Ballue C., Coubes S., Marc R., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Sep. 2006. 12p. Illus. Price: EUR 2.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1385-7 (In French) Internet: This guide describes the current situation of the work of hotel valets and housekeeping staff, with the aim of proposing actions that satisfy both the need for the prevention of safety and health hazards and improved work quality. Topics addressed: characteristics of the job; how to lower the constraints related to the job (work organization, tools, ergonomics, room layout, training). (107821)
CIS 08-366 Nurses. (French: L'infirmier) Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2006, Vol.46, No.4, insert, 2p. (In French) Internet: Nurses practice their occupation in various sectors of activity, including health care, preventive care and humanitarian missions. They are an integral part of the medical team. They participate in setting the diagnosis and provide the specific health and hygiene care required by patients. This occupational medical information note summarizes the work of nurses together with the main occupational hazards they face. Contents: description; place of work; work organization; tasks (characteristics, risk factors, effects on health); tools and equipment; products, materials and patients; work clothes; work and health. (107829)
CIS 08-367 Design of catering kitchens. (French: Conception des cuisines de restauration collective) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, June 2007. 62p. Illus. 17 ref. Price: EUR 8.20., ISBN 978-2-7389-1456-9 (In French) Internet: The control of occupational hazards cannot be dissociated from quality control, toward which it contributes as well as towards the public image of the enterprise. The prevention of occupational accidents and diseases is all the more efficient, sustainable and profitable if it is integrated as far upstream as possible, namely during the design phase. Aimed at all parties involved in catering, the objective of this booklet is to help integrate occupational safety and health issues during the design or renovation of catering kitchens and to help choose solutions that also satisfy requirements with respect to the sanitary safety of food. (107877)
CIS 08-368 Isolated work - Prevention of hazards - Review and implementation. (French: Travail isolé - Prévention des risques - Synthèse et application) Guillemy N., Liévin D., Pagliero D., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Dec. 2006. 60p. Illus. 21 ref. Price: EUR 8.20. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1358-X (In French) Internet: The problem of isolated work has been the subject of INRS studies since the nineteen eighties. In 2003, advances made in occupational safety and health together with demands from enterprises led the Institute undertake a fresh review of the topic. Aimed at helping enterprises implement preventive measures, this guide is based on the findings of the review. It is divided into four parts: problem of isolated work, its extent and its related hazards, together with the integration of isolated work into the overall occupational safety and health organization of the enterprise. It also includes a proposed approach for the selection of alarm systems for isolated workers. (107854)
CIS 08-369 Safety in the telecommunications sector. (Spanish: Seguridad en el sector telecomunicaciones) Ospina González M.F., Villegas Carrasquilla L., Arévalo R., Mancera J.R., Protección y seguridad, May-June 2007, Vol.53, No.313, p.53-79. Illus. 12 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Collection of articles on safety in the telecommunications sector. Contents: working on telecommunication towers; safety in telecommunication networks; safety in voice over IP (VOIP) networks; mounting and working with equipment at height (including regulations and standards applicable to harnesses and fall arresters); protection and safety in telecommunication network operations. (107998)
CIS 08-370 Occupational safety and health hazards related to nanotechnologies. (Spanish: Riesgos profesionales de las nanotecnologías) de Cózar Escalante J.M., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2006, No.178, p.6-17. Illus. 12 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article reviews the safety and health hazards related to nanotechnologies. Contents: characteristics of nanotechnologies; potential occupational hazards; toxicity and carcinogenic effects; explosion hazards; nanotechnology hazard evaluation and risk management; recommendations with respect to risk prevention. (107836)
CIS 08-371 Nanotechnologies: New hazards?. (French: Nanotechnologies: des nouveaux risques?) Bianchi P., Face au risque, June-July 2007, No.434, p.11-14. Illus. (In French) Internet: Topics addressed in this review article on the toxicity of nanoparticles: description; level of spending in nanotechnology research; findings of a few in vitro and in vivo studies on toxicity and health hazards; precautionary measures (limitation of exposure, confinement, collective and personal protection, waste disposal, information of personnel); French and European regulations. (107921)
CIS 08-372 Detection of persons based on digital vision: Possibilities and limitations. (French: Détection de personnes par des techniques de vision numérique: possibilités et limites) Gardeux F., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.208, p.61-74. Illus. 16 ref. (In French) Internet: Methods for detecting human presence in danger zones are not always satisfactory because existing systems such as light curtains or pressure sensitive mats have a low discriminating capacity as well as a lack of flexibility with respect to the configuration of the area to be protected. To overcome these limitations and satisfy the need for a broader field of application, current development work is focussed on vision-based devices. This article analyses four image processing systems designed to detect human presence in danger zones. Some of these systems appear to be reliable. (107965)
CIS 08-373 Nanomaterials. (French: Les nanomatériaux) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Mar. 2007. HTML file. Illus. 27 ref. (In French) Internet: This safety guide on nanomaterials insists on the importance of critically assessing the hazards involved during occupational exposures. Even if it is too early to provide final answers, it is necessary to pool knowledge with respect to health hazards, metrology and workers' protection. While waiting for further progress in scientific knowledge, it is recommended to apply the precautionary principle and to limit exposures to the lowest level possible. (107935)
CIS 08-374 Cutting fluid aerosol metrology. (French: Métrologie des aérosols des fluides de coupe) Diébold F., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2007, No.207, p.7-11. 11 ref. (In French) Internet: Cutting fluids used in the machining of metals are known to cause skin pathologies including dermatitis and cancer, as well as respiratory diseases. These risks justify the adoption of preventive measures. The complex nature of these fluids and the large diversity of the resulting pollutant emissions considerably complicate the task of occupational hygienists responsible for evaluating the exposure of workers to these products. This article describes the methods used in France, the United States, Germany and Great Britain for the quantitative analysis of aerosols in cutting oils. (107925)
CIS 08-375 Airborne crystalline silica concentrations at coal-fired power plants associated with coal fly ash. Hicks J., Yager J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Aug. 2006, Vol.3, No.8, p.448-455. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: This study presents the results of the measurements of airborne concentrations of crystalline silica dust in the breathing zone of workers exposed to fly ash. Six plants were studied; two were fired with lignite, and the other four used bituminous and sub-bituminous coals. A total of 108 personal breathing zone respirable dust air samples were collected. The results from bituminous and sub-bituminous fired plants revealed that the highest airborne fly ash concentrations are encountered during maintenance activities: 0.008mg/m3 to 96mg/m3 (mean of 1.8mg/m3). This group exceeded the threshold limit values (TLV) in 60% of the air samples. During normal production activities, airborne concentrations of crystalline silica ranged from non-detectable to 0.18mg/m3 (mean value of 0.048mg/m3). Other findings concerning the particle sizes and the crystalline forms of silica are discussed. (107788)
CIS 08-376 Nasal air sampling for measuring inhaled wheat allergen in bakeries with and without facemask use. Renström A., Mattsson M.L., Blidberg K., Doekes G., Bogdanovic J., Tovey E., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2006, Vol.48, No.9, p.948-954. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study, novel intranasal air samplers (INAS) were used to assess wheat allergen exposure and evaluate respiratory protection in bakeries. Two models of INAS (INAS-M1 and INAS-M2) were compared with the usual method of personal air sampling of inhalable dust (filters mounted in the breathing zone of subjects carrying portable air pumps), both with and without facemasks. Wheat allergen levels were measured using a sandwich immunoassay. Allergenic particles were immuno-stained for microscopic visualization. Personal air sampling correlated well with INAS-M1 and INAS-M2. INAS-M2 collected particles more effectively than INAS-M1. Facemasks reduced inhalation of wheat allergen by 96% and 93% measured using INAS-MI and INAS-M2, respectively. In conclusion, nasal air sampling can complement personal air sampling to measure short-term exposure and evaluate respiratory protection. To prevent baker's asthma, facemasks may be an effective solution in addition to improving workplaces. (107794)
CIS 08-377 Total or inhalable dust - Is it necessary to update current regulations?. (French: Poussières totales ou inhalables - Faudrait-il revoir la réglementation?) Legris M., Travail et santé, June 2007, Vol.23, No.2, p.14-17. Illus. 10 ref. (In French) Internet: This article addresses regulatory issues and standards related to the definitions, exposure evaluation, sampling and analysis of total dust and inhalable dust at the workplace in Quebec, Canada. It also discusses a possible adjustment of the Canadian reference values to those of the ACGIH. (107802)
CIS 08-378 Toxicology of cadmium - Literature survey. (Spanish: Toxicología del cadmio: revisión bibiográfica) Manzanaro Arana R., Apellániz González A., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2006, No.178, p.38-47. Illus. 48 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Contents of this literature survey on the toxicology of cadmium: physical and chemical properties of cadmium; utilization; contamination sources; physiopathology; clinical effects of acute poisoning by ingestion (gastrointestinal effects, migraine, muscular pain) and by inhalation (bronchopulmonary changes, dyspnoea, cyanosis, migraine, vertigo and pulmonary oedema), as well as of chronic poisoning (yellow colouring of the teeth, respiratory disorders, renal disorders); medical treatment; prevention and limitation of exposure. (107838)
CIS 08-379 Guide to the preparation of work plans applicable to the dismantling and demolition of asbestos-containing structures. New legislation. (Spanish: Guía para el desarrollo de planes de trabajo en operaciones de desguace y demolición de estructuras que contienen amianto. Nueva legislación) Recalde Ruiz D.L., Laborda Grima R., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2006, No.178, p.60-68. Illus. 5 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Spanish Royal Decree 396/2006 fixes the minimum safety and health requirements applicable to work involving the risk of exposure to asbestos. This article analyses the aspects to take into consideration when preparing the work plans for the dismantling and demolition of asbestos-containing structures that comply with the new legislation, namely: requirements with respect to the work plan; aspects that need to be taken into consideration when preparing the work plan; workers' training; waste disposal; health surveillance. (107840)
CIS 08-380 Cement: guidance for improved protection. (French: Ciment: des consignes pour une meilleure protection) Jolly H., Prévention BTP, Apr. 2007, No.95, p.48-50. Illus. (In French) Internet: Fresh cement is an irritant that can cause rash, skin erosion, crevasses and burns. It is also an allergen, giving rise to skin diseases known as cement dermatitis, mainly due to impurities containing hexavalent chromium. Overall, cement is believed to be responsible for 10% of occupational skin diseases. This article reviews the precautions to be taken for avoiding these diseases, essentially consisting of hygiene measures and the use of suitable work clothing and personal protective equipment. A box mentions relevant French regulations. (107865)
CIS 08-381 Evaluation of occupational exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). (French: Evaluation de l'exposition professionnelle au phtalate de di-(éthyl-2 hexyle) (DEHP)) Protois J.C., Blachère V., Morèle Y., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, Mar. 2007, No.206, p.51-58. 13 ref. (In French) Internet: Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is mainly used as a plasticizer in the polyvinyl chloride industry. This article reviews the findings of various studies on the exposure to DEHP, together with the results of the analysis of personal and environmental air samples collected during visits to twelve French plastics processing enterprises. In general, exposures to DEHP were found to be low. Because certain forms of processing generate DEHP-rich dusts or fumes, it is advisable to equip these installations with local exhaust ventilation or more simply to accelerate the switch less-toxic phthalates or other classes of plasticizers which is already well underway in areas such as textile fabric coating. (107884)
CIS 08-382 REACH regulations - Implications for the prevention of chemical hazards in occupational settings. (French: Le règlement REACH - Conséquences pour la prévention des risques chimiques en milieu de travail) Reynier M., Documents pour le médecin du travail, Mar. 2007, No.109, p.7-13. Illus. 3 ref. (In French) Internet: This article presents the key steps of the European REACH regulations on chemical substances having come into force on 1st June 2007. The provisions of REACH include: a registration process for substances produced or imported in quantities equal to or more than one ton per year, which will be spread over ten years starting from 1st June 2008; an evaluation of the data on substances selected on the basis of their tonnage, their potential hazards or other criteria, by the Agency or the competent bodies of Member States; an inventory of the classification and labelling of dangerous substances; a new authorisation procedure inciting manufacturers to substitute the most dangerous substances; the creation of a European chemicals agency (ECHA) responsible for the technical and administrative aspects of the system. Under REACH, the responsibility for hazard evaluation rests with industry. (107885)
CIS 08-383 Occupational skin diseases caused by rubber. (French: Dermatoses professionnelles au caoutchouc) Crépy M.N., Documents pour le médecin du travail, Mar. 2007, No.109, p.73-86. Illus. 87 ref. (In French) Internet: Occupational allergies to rubber are common. They are mostly caused by gloves. Occupational skin diseases are either of the "immediate allergy" type with urticaria, rhinitis, asthma and risk of anaphylaxis, or of the "delayed allergy" type, with contact allergic eczema. The main allergens are latex proteins, as well as various sulfur-containing vulcanization agents. IPPD-type antioxidants also have a strong allergic potential. They are found in black rubber, mainly in the automobile sector and in the rubber goods industry. Prevention is based on a more widespread use of latex substitutes and less-allergenic additives. When the wear of latex gloves cannot be avoided (such as in cases of infection risks), gloves with a low latex protein content should be favoured, with little or no powder. (107888)
CIS 08-384 Reviewing toxicology literature - Accessing relevant information. (French: Recherche documentaire en toxicologie - Accéder à l'information pertinente) Bijaoui A., Documents pour le médecin du travail, Mar. 2007, No.109, p.91-105. 52 ref. (In French) Internet: This article proposes a systematic approach for reviewing toxicology literature, and describes the main sources of information available on the web, on CD-ROM and in print publications. (107889)
CIS 08-385 Interactions between drugs and regulated chemicals at the place of work - Critical literature review. (French: Interactions entre les médicaments et les solvants réglementés en milieu de travail - Une revue critique de la littérature) Lapointe C., Émond C., Vyskocil A., Travail et santé, Mar. 2007, Vol.23, No.1, p.S1-S7. 43 ref. (In French) Internet: Workers are frequently exposed to mixtures of chemicals while consuming various prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs. Either because of privacy issues or lack of knowledge, health professionals do not usually consider the potential interactions between drugs and workplace chemical exposures. It appears that a better understanding of interactions between drugs and occupational chemicals may contribute to diminish the risk of toxic effects. The objective of this literature survey was to identify binary interactions between drugs and regulated solvents found in workplaces. Human as well as animal studies published up to December 2005 were evaluated. Interactions were evaluated only for plausible exposure concentrations of workplace chemicals up to the short-term exposure limit or ceiling value, or five times the 8-h time-weighted-average (TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for human data and up to 100 times the 8-h TWA PEL or ceiling value for animal studies. Only few applicable human and animal studies were identified, which involved almost exclusively non-prescription drugs. Of the 20 studies considered, eight presented potentiation effects, six presented infra-additive effects and six reported no interactions. This review highlights a lack of toxicological studies evaluating co-exposure of drugs and workplace chemicals for realistic exposure concentrations. An effort in this field would help scientists understand changes in the metabolism and toxic effects of workplace chemicals due to co-exposure to drugs leading to better health protection measures of workers. (107890)
CIS 08-386 Immunotoxic effects of chemicals: A matrix for occupational and environmental epidemiological studies. Veraldi A., Seniori Costantini A., Bolejack V., Miligi L., Vineis P., van Loveren H., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 2006, Vol.49, No.12, p.1046-1055. 38 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey based on 227 animal studies and 94 human studies evaluates the immunotoxicity of benzene, trichloroethylene, PAHs, crystalline silica, diesel exhausts, welding fumes, asbestos, styrene, formaldehyde, toluene, vinyl chloride monomer tetrachloroethylene, chlorophenols, 1,3-butadiene, mineral oils, p-dichlorobenzene, dichloromethane, xylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane and ethylene oxide. These substances were then classified on the basis of the evidence of toxicity and type of immunotoxic effects (immunosuppression, autoimmunity, hypersensitivity) on the basis of the immune responses. Finally substances were assigned an index of immunotoxic potency. (107894)
CIS 08-387 The silent killer. Cable J., Occupational Hazards, Sep. 2006, p.40-43. Illus. (In English) Internet: Nitrogen is an invisible, tasteless and odorless gas that comprises about 78 percent of the air we breathe, but its potential to kill workers in or near confined spaces should never be underestimated. This article describes a fatal nitrogen asphyxiation accident having occurred in an oil refinery, the common causes of accidents involving 80 fatalities and 50 injuries having occurred in the United Stated between 1992 and 2002 and the good practices to adopt for preventing these accidents (alarm systems, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation with fresh air, rescue organization, training). (107898)
CIS 08-388 The use of salivary biomarkers in occupational and environmental medicine. Koh D.S.Q., Koh G.C.H., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2007, Vol.64, No.3, p.202-210. Illus. 80 ref. (In English) Internet: This review article on the use of saliva as a diagnostic fluid explains the many advantages of the technique, including the fact that it contains a wide array of constituents and that saliva collection is non-invasive compared with phlebotomy. As a result, it is more acceptable to patients. Self-collection by patients is possible and there is no need for trained staff. Moreover, it does not carry the risk of needle-stick injuries. Saliva collection is also less likely to cause stress compared with other invasive procedures such as phlebotomy, an important consideration when researching biomarkers of stress. Lastly, saliva samples can reflect real-time levels of biomarkers, unlike other biological fluids, such as urine, which is stored in the bladder for a few hours before sampling. (107905)
CIS 08-389 Analytical methods for chemical agents. (French: Méthodes analytiques pour les substances chimiques) Breuer D., Lützenkirchen C., Quintana M., Uribe B., Howe A., Wright M., Demange M., Ensminger A., Springer S., Haunso N., Fricke H.H., Janis B., Lindén G., Náray M., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2007, No.207, p.31-41. Illus. 22 ref. (In French) Internet: The "Chemical Agents Directive" (CIS 98-1094) of the European Union requires suitable measuring procedures to be specified for hazardous substances. Since such a list was not yet available, the European Commission initiated a project in which a group of experts was assigned with the task of drafting a list of measuring procedures for the most important hazardous substances. The standard EN 482 for sampling and analysis in work areas was also revised and adapted to the framework conditions modified since 1994. This draft standard was adopted by the standard-setting committee CEN TC 137 at the beginning of 2005. Furthermore, lists of methods for 126 of the most important substances and mixtures were drafted, and the listed methods were evaluated in terms of suitability. From each of these lists, an average of two especially well-suited procedures was selected for further evaluation. The key data was compiled for 123 substances in 228 method sheets, and the suitability of the methods was then evaluated. Planning is underway for the lists to be published as a database. (107926)
CIS 08-390 Results of the 2006 audit campaign entitled "labour inspection - Prevention of occupational hazards of the regional health insurance institutions" (with the technical support of the INRS) on the use of carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic agents in industry. (French: Résultat de la campagne de contrôle 2006 "inspection du travail - prévention des risques professionnels des CRAM" (avec le soutien technique de l'INRS) sur l'utilisation des agents cancérogènes, mutagènes et toxiques pour la reproduction dans l'industrie) Certin J.F., Fayol M., Fauquet A.L., Héry M., Langlois E., Vincent R., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2007, No.207, p.77-84. Illus. 8 ref. (In French) Internet: This campaign focussed on four sectors of activity, namely mechanical engineering, plastics processing, the manufacture of paints and varnishes, and the refractory ceramic fibres sector. It was concentrated on a limited number of products: trichloroethylene, lead compounds, phthalates, chromates, MBOCA and refractory ceramic fibres. Close to 2000 enterprises were visited, among which 900 reported using CMRs (carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances). The survey attempted to define the practices adopted by enterprises with respect to the identification of CMRs, hazard analysis, substitution methodology and preventive measures. (107928)
CIS 08-391 Exposure to MDI in 19 French enterprises - Urinary MDA as a biomarker of exposure. (French: Exposition au MDI dans 19 entreprises françaises - La MDA urinaire comme biomarqueur de l'exposition) Robert A., Ducos P., Francin J.M., Marsan P., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.208, p.7-17. Illus. 55 ref. (In French) Internet: Animal experiments have proven that skin exposure to 4,4'- methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) causes respiratory allergies. It is therefore necessary to take skin exposure into account when evaluating exposure to MDI. Determination of 4,4'-methylenedianiline (MDA) in urine is considered to be a reliable method for evaluating exposure to MDI by all routes of entry. This study was aimed at evaluating the level of skin exposure to MDI in 19 French enterprises in various sectors of activity, my means of measuring the urinary excretion of MDA. Taking the existing technical and analytical capabilities into account, a biological limit of 7µg/L (5µg/g creatinine) for urinary MDA, not to be exceeded at the end of the shift, could be proposed. (107961)
CIS 08-392 Assessment of exposure to peracetic acid during disinfection operations. (French: Evaluation des expositions à l'acide peracétique lors d'opérations de désinfection) Hecht G., Hubert G., Subra I., Gagnaire F., Héry M., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.208, p.35-40. Illus. 13 ref. (In French) Internet: Peracetic acid is widely used for the cold disinfection of surfaces and equipment in the food industry and the medical field, as well as for the chemical bleaching of paper pulp and effluent treatment. It is gradually replacing glutaraldehyde for disinfecting equipment that cannot be heat sterilized. This article describes the efforts undertaken by INRS for developing a sampling and analysis method for peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, evaluating workers' exposure in various use conditions and defining an exposure limit for peracetic acid. (107963)
CIS 08-393 Percutaneous exposure to chemicals - Findings of a study on the evaluation methodology used and approaches adopted in practice. (French: Exposition percutanée aux agents chimiques - Résultats d'une étude sur la méthodologie d'évaluation et les pratiques de terrain) Im-Saroeun C., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.111, p.349-364. Illus. 36 ref. (In French) Internet: Once they penetrate the skin, dangerous substances are transported by the blood to all organs, where they deploy their toxic effects. This article presents the findings of a survey on methodologies used for evaluating skin exposure to chemicals, together with the prevention approaches used in practice in France. Contents: current understanding on skin absorption; current situation of prevention measures; findings of visits to enterprises and questionnaire surveys among health service and laboratory workers; possible leads for preventive actions. (107973)
CIS 08-394 Teamwork - Electrical equipment containing PCBs - Transformers and condensers. (Spanish: Trabajos en equipos - Eléctricos con PCBs - Transformadores y condensadores) González Ruiz T., Calvo Sáez J.A., Prevención, July-Sep. 2007, No.181, p.44-59. Illus. 10 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article discusses the current situation in Spain with respect to the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a dielectric fluid in transformers and condensers. Contents: brief review of the basic principles of transformers; properties, toxicity and risks associated with PCBs; safety standards for storage, emergency plans, fires, spills and first aid; current Spanish regulations; current operation of transformers and condensers containing PCBs, and the regulations concerning their substitution. (108003)
CIS 08-395 Pleural mesothelioma among asbestos-exposed workers in petroleum refineries: A work-related disease and a sentinel event. (Italian: Il mesotelioma pleurico nei lavoratori esposti ad amiento nelle raffinerie du petrolio: malattia professionale ed evento sentinella) Gennaro V., Montanaro F., European Journal of Oncology, Sep. 2006, Vol.11, No.3, p.185-191. Illus. 21 ref. (In Italian) Internet: Petroleum refinery workers were not considered at risk for asbestos-related pathologies, in spite of the documented presence of asbestos at their place of work. This article reports the findings of epidemiological studies which demonstrate a high risk of pleural mesothelioma and point to the occupational origin of some asbestos-related pathologies among the maintenance staff of the refineries. Case-control and cohort studies, conducted in Italy and Canada, analysed the subgroup most heavily exposed to asbestos (maintenance staff) and the control groups not exposed (office staff and the general population). Relative risk (RR) and attributable risk (AR) were estimated using Poisson regression. The studies on maintenance staff showed a very high AR for pleural mesothelioma (96-100%) and lung cancer (42-49%), and an excess of mortality due to all neoplastic and non-neoplastic causes. (107789)
CIS 08-396 Allergic contact dermatitis caused by epoxy resin systems in industrial painters. Rømyhr O., Nyfors A., Leira H.L., Smedbold H.T., Contact Dermatitis, Sep. 2006, Vol.55, No.3, p.167-172. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: A group of 2236 industrial painters employed in six companies of the Norwegian oil industry was followed between 1997 and 2001 to assess the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by exposure to epoxy resin systems. Commercially-available patch test series were supplemented with a series based on known or suspected sensitizers present at the workplaces. Of 57 patch-tested workers, 23 with ACD caused by epoxy resin systems were found, indicating an incidence rate of 4.5/1000 person years. Positive patch tests to 2,4,6-tris-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol (tris-DMP) and m-xylene-α,α'-diamine (XAD) were seen in seven and eight workers, respectively, indicating that both chemicals are important sensitizers in industrial painters. They are, however, not classified as skin sensitizers according to the European regulations on the classification and labelling of dangerous chemicals. (107790)
CIS 08-397 Effects of a smoke-free law on hair nicotine and respiratory symptoms of restaurant and bar workers. Hahn E.J., Rayens M.K., York N., Okoli C.T.C., Zhang M., Dignan M., Al-Delaimy W.K., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2006, Vol.48, No.9, p.906-913. Illus. 57 ref. (In English) Internet: In this study, bar and restaurant workers' exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) was compared before and three and six months after implementation of a smoke free ordinance in the county of Lexington, Kentucky, United States. Subjects consisted of 105 smoking and nonsmoking workers from randomly-selected establishments. Nicotine was determined in hair, while data on smoking, self-reported exposure to SHS and respiratory symptoms were collected during interviews. Thirty-eight percent were current smokers. When controlling for cigarettes per day, there was a significant decline in hair nicotine after three months, which was maintained after six months. Bar workers showed a significantly larger decline in hair nicotine compared with restaurant workers. Regardless of smoking status, respiratory symptoms declined significantly. (107793)
CIS 08-398 Occupational exposure to organic solvent mixtures during pregnancy and the risk of non-syndromic oral clefts. Chevrier C., Dananché B., Bahuau M., Nelva A., Herman C., Francannet C., Robert-Gnansia E., Cordier S., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2006, Vol.63, No.9, p.617-623. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to examine the association between maternal occupational exposure to organic solvents during pregnancy and the risk of non-syndromic oral clefts. Subjects included 164 children diagnosed with a cleft lip with/without cleft palate (CL/P), 76 with a cleft palate (CP) and 236 controls. An expert chemist assessed exposures based on detailed descriptions of the womens' occupational tasks. Data were subjected to analysis by logistic regression. The risks of CL/P and CP clefts were associated with exposure to oxygenated solvents (odds ratio (OR) 1.8 and 1.4 respectively), chlorinated solvents (OR 9.4 and 3.8 respectively) and petroleum solvents (OR 3.6 and 1.2 respectively). A dose-response relationship was observed for oxygenated solvents. However the limited number of subjects and the problem of multiple exposures require that these results be interpreted with caution. (107797)
CIS 08-399 Hearing trauma induced from a combined exposure to smoking and occupational noise in the metalworking industry. (Spanish: Adquisición de un trauma acústico por multiexposición a tabaco y ruido laboral en la industria del metal) Domínguez Gracia A.I., Rubio Aranda E., Martínez Terrer T., Conte Solano J.C., Rubio Calvo E., Medicina y seguridad del trabajo, Dec. 2006, Vol.LII, No.205, p.33-40. Illus. 7 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This study evaluated the combined effect of smoking and exposure to noise in the metalworking industry on hearing loss. It involved 257 workers, including 112 in good health, 66 with massive hearing trauma and 79 showing initial signs of hearing trauma. The study shows that the probability of hearing loss increases among workers exposed to noise in occupational settings and who are smokers. The worst results were found among workers smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day and exposed to occupational noise for 20 years or more. (107850)
CIS 08-400 Lung cancer risk and workplace exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Stayner L., Bena J., Sasco A.J., Smith R., Steenland K., Kreuzer M., Staif K., American Journal of Public Health, Mar. 2007, Vol.97, No.3, p.545-551. Illus. 53 ref. (In English) Internet: This literature survey sought to quantitatively evaluate the association between workplace environmental tobacco smoke exposure and lung cancer. A meta-analysis of data from 22 studies on workplace exposure to tobacco smoke and lung cancer risk was carried out. Estimates of relative risk from these studies were analyzed by fitting the data to fixed and mixed effects models. Analyses of highly exposed workers and of the relationship between duration of exposure and lung cancer were also performed. The analysis indicated a 24% increase in lung cancer risk (relative risk (RR)=1.24) among workers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. A two-fold increased risk (RR=2.01) was observed for workers classified as being highly exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. A strong relationship was observed between lung cancer and duration of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. (107955)
CIS 08-401 Storage of waste: Avoiding and managing accidents. (French: Stockage des déchets: éviter et gérer les accidents) Face au risque, Nov. 2004, No.407, p.9-12. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article summarizes the findings of a study on accidents having occurred in landfills, household waste storage facilities and similar settings. It describes the various types of accident (fire, explosion, atmospheric release of toxic gases, landslides and floods, and radioactive emissions), together with the means of avoiding or controlling these accidents. Tables summarize the statistics of such accidents having occurred in France by type of event, consequence and cause. Descriptions of several accidents having occurred in France or other countries are also included. (107778)
CIS 08-402 Characterization of potential chemical risks in the treatment of various waste streams. (French: Caractérisation des risques chimiques potentiels dans quelques filières de traitement des déchets) Savary B., Vincent R., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2007, No.207, p.59-75. Illus. 49 ref. (In French) Internet: Changes in waste treatment regulations require the development of management systems specific to certain waste products, with the emergence of new processes. The aim of this study was to characterise the potential chemical risks for car waste, electric and electronic equipment waste, industrial packaging, toxic waste in dispersed quantities and feathers and down. Following a description of the processes concerned, chemical agents were identified and the number of potentially-exposed employees was estimated. Most treatment processes involve one or more manual operations before and after the waste shredding operations. In both cases, employees are exposed through the respiratory tract to liquid waste vapours or solid waste dust. Manual dismantling operations currently used for treating electrical and electronic equipment waste will not be able to meet future needs given the strong projected growth in waste volumes. Necessary mechanisation of waste treatment is likely to modify worker exposure to chemical agents in this waste processing chain. (107927)
CIS 08-403 Dermal, inhalation and internal exposure to 1,6-HDI and its oligomers in car body repair shop workers and industrial spray painters. Pronk A., Yu F., Vlaanderen J., Tielemans E., Preller L., Bobeldijk I., Deddens J.A., Latza U., Baur X., Heederik D., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2006, Vol.63, No.9, p.624-631. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate exposure to hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and its oligomers among car body repair shop workers and industrial spray painters. A total of 95 personal samples were collected from six car body repair shops and five industrial paint shops and analysed using impingers with di-n-butylamine (DBA) in toluene. In parallel, dermal exposure was assessed using nitrile rubber gloves submerged into a solution of DBA in toluene after sampling. Analysis for HDI and its oligomers was performed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Urine samples collected from 55 workers were analysed for hexamethylene diamine (HDA) by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Findings are discussed. HDA was detected in urine of 25% of the spray painters. In addition, HDA was detected in urine of a large proportion of non-spray painters in car body repair shops. Although painting with lacquers containing isocyanates results in the highest external exposures to HDI and oligomers, workers that do not perform paint related tasks are significantly exposed. (107798)
CIS 08-404 Dose-effect relationships between manganese exposure and neurological, neuropsychological and pulmonary function in confined space bridge workers. Bowler R.M., Roels H.A., Nakagawa S., Drezgic M., Diamond E., Park R., Koller W., Bowler R.P., Mergler D., Bouchard M., Smith D., Gwiazda R., Doty R.L., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 2007, Vol.64, No.3, p.167-177. Illus. 45 ref. (In English) Internet: This study involved 43 welders exposed to welding fumes containing manganese during the construction of a bridge span, who were administered neurological, neuropsychological, neurophysiological and pulmonary tests. Various outcomes were analysed in relation to blood manganese (MnB) and an estimated cumulative exposure index (CEI). The time weighted average of manganese in air ranged from 0.11-0.46mg/m3. MnB levels of more than 10µg/L were found in 43% of the workers. Lung function values were found to be below normal in 33.3% of the welders. Computer assisted tremor analysis tests, body sway tests and smell identification tests showed impairment in 38.5 to 88% of the welders. Significant inverse dose-effect relationships with CEI and/or MnB were found for IQ, executive function, sustaining concentration and sequencing, verbal learning, working and immediate memory. Dose-effect associations between CEI and sexual function, fatigue, depression and headache reported by the workers were significant. Other findings are discussed. (107902)
CIS 08-405 ADR 2007: Description of the main changes. (Spanish: El ADR 2007: descripción de los cambios más relevantes introducidos) Calvo Sigüenza M., Mañas Lahoz J.L., París García M. L., Serrano Bazaco J., Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 2006, No.178, p.48-59. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: This article comments the main changes introduced in the 2007 version of the European Agreement on the International Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) (for an earlier version, see CIS 05-02). Changes involve new provisions, various amendments and the removal of certain requirements. (107839)
CIS 08-406 Wood: How to avoid dust inhalation. (French: Bois: comment éviter l'inhalation de poussières) Claude P., Prévention BTP, Mar. 2007, No.94, p.38-47. Illus. (In French) Internet: Topics addressed in this collection of articles on the risks related to the inhalation of wood dust in woodworking shops (conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma, respiratory syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, eczema, ethmoid and facial sinus cancer); medical supervision of exposure to wood dust; collection of dust at the source by means of local exhaust ventilation; experience of a woodworking shop having recently installed a local exhaust ventilation system. (107869)
CIS 08-407 Evaluation of VOC emission flows - Application to an industrial sector. (French: Evaluation des débits d'émission de COV - Application à un secteur industriel) Lecler M.T., Subra I., Nicot T., Hecht G., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.208, p.41-59. Illus. 12 ref. (In French) Internet: This study was aimed at characterizing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in the sheet-fed offset printing sector. Following a literature survey on emission flow evaluation methods, the most suited methods were applied in a laboratory test bench and in a printing shop. This study enabled to estimate emission flows in a printing shop and to install systems for their limitation. It showed that it was possible to reduce VOC emissions at the source by means of machinery design, optimal machine settings and the installation of a specific workstation devoted to the task of cleaning. (107964)
CIS 08-408 Process-related accidents in 2006. (French: Accidents technologiques de l'année 2006) Face au risque, June-July 2007, No.434, p.29-32. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article comments the key statistics concerning process-related accidents in France listed in the ARIA database for the year 2006. Topics addressed: typology of the accidents listed; sectors of activity involved; families of products involved; main cases of accidents; consequences of accidents; lessons learned. Tables summarize accident statistics according to the type of event, sector of activity, families of products involved, causes and main consequences. (107923)
CIS 08-409 Wood dust - Challenges for occupational risk assessment and management. (French: Evaluation professionnelle aux poussières de bois: évaluation et gestion des risques) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30, rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Oct. 2006. 210p. +CD-ROM. (In English, French) Internet: This document, available in both print and CD-ROM forms, consists of French and English abstracts of all of the 80-odd papers and posters presented at an international congress on occupational exposure to wood dust held in Strasbourg, France, from 25 to 27 October 2006. The abstracts are grouped under the following session headings: particle characteristics and methods of sampling; exposure assessment; human health effects; biological mechanisms; risk assessment; risk management; risk control; future directions. (107827)
CIS 08-410 Results of the analyses of chemical substances carried out at the IRSST for the 2001-2005 period. (French: Résultats des analyses de substances chimiques produites à l'IRSST pour la période 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, 44p. 27 ref. Price: CAD 8.48 (main report). Reports for each year from 2001 to 2005 are available at a cost of CAD 8.48. Downloadable versions (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-104-0 (In French) Internet: The air samples collected by inspectors of the Occupational Safety and Health Dommission (CSST) of Quebec and occupational health professionals to evaluate the exposure of workers to chemical substances 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 sectors of activity. This information has been compiled for members of the review committee for occupational safety and health regulatory standards (Comité de révision des normes du Règlement sur la santé et la sécurité du travail - RSST), the CSST, the health network and joint sector-based associations. This study enables interested persons 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 further research or measures to control worker exposure. This report is accompanied by five summaries of the results of analyses of chemical substances carried out at the IRSST in the years 2001 to 2005. (107856)
CIS 08-411 List of MAK and BAT values 2007. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007. 239p. Illus. Includes CD-ROM., ISBN 978-3-527-31955-8 (In English) Internet: This report lists maximum permissible workplace concentrations and biological tolerance values of chemical substances in Germany. Contents of the 2007 edition: significance, use and derivation of MAK values (maximum concentrations - maximale Arbeitsplatz-Konzentration); lists of substances with MAK values; carcinogenic substances; sensitizing substances; aerosols; limitation of exposure peaks; skin absorption; MAK values and pregnancy; germ cell mutagens; substances requiring special consideration; significance and use of biological tolerance values (BAT); list of substances with BAT values; biological guideline values (Biologische Leitwerte - BLW). Replaces 06-1186. (107989)
CIS 08-412 Grain handling. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 1996. iii, 17p. (In English) Internet: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the Grain Handling Standard in 1987 to protect workers against the risk of fires and explosions. In 1996, OSHA revised the standard to broaden its scope and cover additional hazards. Thus, the requirements of the standard apply to more than 250,000 workers at 24,000 grain elevators and mills in the United States that have been and continue to be exposed to fires, explosions, engulfment, and entrapment hazards. This booklet describes the provisions employers must follow to comply with the grain handling standard, including: requirements for hot work; entering bins, silos, tanks, and other storage structures; specifications of bucket elevators; preventive maintenance; housekeeping, handling of emergencies; training. (107817)
CIS 08-413 Glutaraldehyde - Occupational hazards in hospitals. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Sep. 2001. iii, 8p. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: Contents of this booklet on health hazards from exposure to glutaraldehyde in hospitals: health effects due to exposure to glutaraldehyde; hospital workers at risk of exposure; type of work which may expose workers to glutaraldehyde; protection against glutaraldehyde exposure; safety tips; case report of nurses exposed to glutaraldehyde and measures taken to reduce exposure. (107761)
CIS 08-414 Ethylene oxide (EtO) - Understanding OSHA's exposure monitoring requirements. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 2007. 28p. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: The purpose of this guide is to help employers understand how to monitor the quality of the air in workplaces where ethylene oxide (EO) is processed, used or handled. Air monitoring is an important activity that can help alert employers when unsafe levels of EO are present in the air so that they can take steps to reduce employee exposure. EO can be used more safely if appropriate precautions are taken and if equipment is adequately designed and maintained. This document: clarifies the different types of EO exposure monitoring, lists and explains the exposure levels used by OSHA, reviews the exposure monitoring requirements in OSHA's EO rules and comments the monitoring decisions that the employer needs to make when employees work in areas where EO is present. (107814)
CIS 08-415 Dangerous chemicals. (Dutch: Gevaarlijke chemische producten; French: Produits chimiques dangereux) Malchaire J., Service public fédéral, Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest Blériot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, Apr. 2005. 184p. Illus. 34 ref. (In Dutch, French) Internet: Belgian and European regulations on dangerous chemicals require that each enterprise avoid or minimize workers' exposures to this risk factor. Aimed at employers, safety and health consultants, members of safety and health committees and occupational physicians, this guide presents a four-step safety and health approach involving screening, observation, analysis and expertise, which should allow to better avoid and address the hazards related to dangerous chemicals. It includes a series of sheets aimed at helping carry out the observation, analysis and expertise phases of the approach. (107825)
CIS 08-416 Asbestos inventory and management programme. (Dutch: Asbestinventaris en beheersprogramma; French: Inventaire d'amiante et programme de gestion) Service public fédéral, Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest Blériot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, 2006. 40p. Illus. 12 ref. (In Dutch, French) Internet: The inventory of all sources of asbestos within the enterprise is a key element of workers' protection. Despite its being a legal requirement, many enterprises have still not compiled an asbestos inventory. The aim of this booklet is to help enterprise managers to compile and update the asbestos inventory and its corresponding action plan. Contents: Belgian legal requirements; preliminary steps; search for asbestos-containing products within the enterprise; carrying out the inventory; management programme; disposal of asbestos-containing waste. The booklet is accompanied by a leaflet summarizing the hazards and protective measures to be taken in connection with the presence of asbestos. (107851)
CIS 08-417 Classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances and preparations - Regulations and comments. (French: Classification, emballage et étiquetage des substances et préparations chimiques dangereuses - Textes réglementaires et commentaires) Maison A., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Dec. 2006. 71p. Illus. Price: EUR 6.10. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1370-9 (In French) Internet: The objective of this booklet aimed at producers, sellers, importers and users of chemicals is to present the regulations that apply to the classification, packaging and labeling of dangerous substances and preparations (Orders of 20 April 1994 (amended), see CIS 95-17, and of 9 November 2004), with the exception of provisions relating to transport. It is completed by booklet ED 983 (see CIS 08-418). Replaces CIS 94-1695. (107852)
CIS 08-418 Classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances and preparations - Guide to classification and labelling - Test methods. (French: Classification, emballage et étiquetage des substances et préparations chimiques dangereuses - Guide de classification et d'étiquetage - Méthodes d'essais) Maison A., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Dec. 2006. 48p. Illus. Price: EUR 6.10. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-1371-2 (In French) Internet: This booklet completes booklet ED 982 "Classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances and preparations - Regulations and comments" (see CIS 08-417). It includes the full texts of annexes V and VI of the Order of 20 April 1994 (amended) (see CIS 95-17) on general criteria for the classification and labelling of dangerous substances and preparations, together with texts and tables which comment these criteria (physical and chemical properties, toxicological properties, health effects, environmental effects, cautionary principles, labelling, specific cases of some substances and preparations). (107853)
CIS 08-419 Storage of chemicals in laboratories. (French: Le stockage des produits chimiques au laboratoire) Triolet J., Petit J.M., Gautret de la Moricière G., Lê Quang X., Protois J.C., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, June 2007. 12p. Illus. 19 ref. Price: EUR 2.50., ISBN 978-2-7389-1515-3 (In French) Internet: Working in chemistry laboratories involves the handling and storage of a wide range of chemicals that encompasses all types of hazards (fire, explosion, health hazards). This booklet lists the measures to be taken to ensure that the storage takes place under the safest possible conditions, from the placing of the order and inventory management through to the storage operations themselves, outside or within the laboratory premises according to the type of product and the quantities regularly used or stored. It also examines the risks related to specific equipment such as refrigerators or ovens, as well as the specific case of aerosol cans and cryogenic products. (107876)
CIS 08-420 COSHH and the woodworking industries. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 2007. 4p. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: This information sheet provides advice to employers on the application of the United Kingdom Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH 2002, see CIS 03-1023) to the woodworking industry. Contents: health risks; how to protect employees; types of potentially harmful substances found in the woodworking industry and their routes of entry into the body; how to carry out a COSHH hazard evaluation; air sampling; dust extraction for woodworking and portable machines; selection of respirators; need for health surveillance. Replaces CIS 03-835. (107986)
CIS 08-421 Enclosures provided for work with asbestos insulation, coatings and insulating board. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Apr. 2002. 12p. Illus. 7 ref. Price: GBP 10.00., ISBN 0-7176-1700-9 (In English) Internet: Contents of this guidance note on enclosures for work with asbestos insulation, coatings and insulating board: definition and use of enclosures; legal aspects; design of enclosures; site preparation and construction of enclosures; testing, monitoring and maintenance; dismantling and disposal; special enclosures. Update of the 1999 edition (CIS 01-517 ). (107767)
CIS 08-422 Waste anesthetic gases - Occupational hazards in hospitals. (Spanish: Gases anestésicos residuales - Riesgos ocupacionales en los hospitales) Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Sep. 2007. iii, 9p. 9 ref. (In English, Spanish) Internet: Small amounts of volatile anaesthetic gases can leak from the patient's anaesthetic breathing circuit into the air of operating rooms during delivery of anaesthesia. These gases may also be exhaled by patients recovering from anaesthesia. They generally include both nitrous oxide and halogenated anaesthetics such as halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane, and methoxyflurane. The halogenated anaesthetics are often administered in combination with nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide and some of the halogenated anaesthetics may pose a hazard to hospital workers. The purpose of this booklet is to increase awareness about the adverse health effects of anaesthetic gases among hospital workers. It describes how workers are exposed to anaesthetic gases, recommends work practices to reduce these exposures and identifies methods to minimize leakage of anaesthetic gases into the work environment. (107984)
CIS 08-423 Evaluation of the consequences of warehouse fires. (French: Evaluation des conséquences d'un incendie d'entrepôt) Duplantier S., Fournier L., Préventique-Sécurité, July-Aug. 2005, No.82, p.34-36. Illus. (In French) Internet: Understanding of the phenomena that control large industrial fires, such as warehouse fires requires research. The French national occupational safety and health institute (INRS) has committed itself to developing a reference method for determining the consequences of warehouse fires. The method involves five steps. This article describes the initial phase of the research aimed at developing an understanding of the combustion process by means of small-scale tests and modelling. (107780)
CIS 08-424 Accidents in silos: Fires, explosions (I). (French: Accidents dans les silos: incendies, explosions (I)) Ceribac C., Face au risque, Apr. 2007, No.432, p.17-21. Illus. (In French) Internet: Topics addressed in this review article on fires and explosions involving grain silos: main types of accidents having occurred in France listed in the ARIA database; main consequences of these accidents; accidents having occurred abroad; short descriptions of several typical accidents; intervention of emergency services. (107861)
CIS 08-425 Integrating sprinklers in the construction process. (French: Intégrer le sprinkleur dans le processus de construction) Garcin M., Face au risque, Apr. 2007, No.432, p.25-27. Illus. (In French) Internet: Modern architecture of office, commercial and industrial buildings needs to take account of increasingly-diverse and often conflicting regulatory or contractual requirements. This article presents several parameters that illustrate the need for architects and their teams of building contractors to take into account the integration of sprinkler systems already during the design phase of the project. (107863)
CIS 08-426 Storage of aerosols: Which extinguishing system?. (French: Stockage d'aérosols: quels systèmes d'extinction?) Douté M., Issartel E., Face au risque, June-July 2007, No.434, p.21-24. Illus. 1 ref. (In French) Internet: An aerosol can is a form of packaging that enables the vaporisation of a product into fine droplets. It consists of a container, generally metallic, whose contents include approximately 60% of propellant gases (butane, propane or mixtures thereof) and 40% of the active ingredient, dissolved in a solvent. Given the nature of the products involved, there is a high fire or explosion risk during the manufacture and storage of aerosol cans. This review article on extinguishing systems suited to aerosol can manufacture and storage premises covers the following aspects: hazard analysis; usefulness of sprinklers; experience of a large cosmetics producer; short descriptions of accidents involving aerosol cans; regulations. (107922)
CIS 08-427 List of technology-related accidents between 1992 and 2004. (French: L'inventaire des accidents technologiques de la période 1992-2004) Trouvé T., Préventique-Sécurité, July-Aug. 2005, No.82, p.4-15. Illus. (In French) Internet: This article lists the technology-related accidents, incidents or dangerous occurrences that occurred in France between 1992 and 2004 and which were included in the ARIA database. Data are presented by type of accident, area of activity, type of substance involved, cause and consequences. Trends in fatal accidents between 1992 and 2004 are also discussed. (107779)
CIS 08-428 Modeling the impact of the components of long work hours on injuries and "accidents". Folkard S., Lombardi D.A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 2006, Vol.49, No.11, p.953-963. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: Many of the major industrial disasters of the last few decades occurred in the early hours of the morning. Follow-up investigations concluded that they were at least partially attributable to human fatigue and/or error. In this study, a "risk index" was developed based on published studies of the relationship between the risk of incidents and work schedules. The estimated risks of an incident for various standard work schedules are presented using the proposed model. It was found that the estimated risk of an injury or accident associated with any given number of weekly work hours varies substantially depending on how work hours are spread. The risk depends on the length and type of shift, as well as the frequency of rest breaks. (107891)
CIS 08-429 Emergency response: Worst-case scenario. Ernst R.A., Occupational Hazards, Sep. 2006, p.35-39. Illus. (In English) Internet: Employers have learned from current events ranging from Hurricane Katrina to 9/11 that any workplace can be negatively affected by events outside of the employer's control. This article explains how to develop an emergency response plan to cope with these unforeseen events. Topics addressed: hazard evaluation; setting up an emergency response team; establishing a command post; liaison with government agencies and neighbouring businesses; specific plans for fire, weather emergencies, chemical spills and workplace violence. (107896)
CIS 08-430 Vehicles powered by natural gas - Working safely. (French: Véhicules fonctionnant au gaz naturel - Intervenir en sécurité) Mouthon M., Werlé R., Petit J.M., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Apr. 2007. 35p. Illus. 11 ref. Price: EUR 6.10. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 978-2-7389-1457-6 (In French) Internet: Given the current concerns with respect to environmental protection and energy conservation, the European Union estimates that by 2020, alternative energies will represent 20% of automotive fuel consumption, of which compressed natural gas (CNG) will account for half. Persons working on such vehicles in garages, repair and maintenance workshops, and automobile recycling units will need to take the characteristics CNG vehicles into account and follow a number of specific safety rules. After an introduction on the basic properties of CNG, this guide goes on to present the main precautions and recommendations to be adopted for safe work on CNG vehicles. (107937)
CIS 08-431 Prevention of electrocutions among electricity workers. (Spanish: Prevención de electrocuciones en trabajadores del sector eléctrico) Protección y seguridad, Nov.-Dec. 2006, Vol.52, No.310, p.26-33. Illus. 12 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article contains recommendations aimed at avoiding electrocutions among crane operators and construction site workers working near overhead electric lines, and explains how to proceed in the event of a contact with an overhead electric cable. It also presents a description of five fatal accidents. (107847)
CIS 08-432 Protecting against arc flash hazards. Smith S., Occupational Hazards, Jan. 2007, p.61-63. Illus. (In English) Internet: In 2005, 250 workers died in the United States after coming into contact with an electrical current, often the result of an arc flash occurring from equipment that had not been de-energized before repair or maintenance work began. Most, if not all, of these deaths could have been prevented by ensuring that workers use fire-resistant personal protective clothing, are properly trained and adopt safe practices such as de-energizing or isolating high-voltage equipment. (107952)
CIS 08-433 Controlling electrical hazards. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 2002. iii, 64p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to electric shock, electrocution, burns, fires and explosions. In 1999 for example, 278 workers died from electrocutions at work, accounting for almost five percent of all on-the-job fatalities that year in the United States. This safety guide on controlling electrical hazards addresses the following topics: OSHA electrical safety standards; basic facts about electricity (flow through conductors and through water, causes of shocks, effects of shocks on the body); protection against electrical hazards (types of insulators, guarding, grounding); training of personnel; programmes and services proposed by OSHA. (107811)
CIS 08-434 Acceptance of used electrical and electronic consumer products by retail stores. Help in identifying occupational hazards. (French: La reprise des équipements électriques et électroniques en distribution. Aide au repérage des risques professionnels) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Dec. 2006. 16p. Illus. Price: EUR 2.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 978-2-7389-1436-1 (In French) Internet: The acceptance of used electrical and electronic consumer goods by retail stores is giving rise to new occupational situations. Aimed at raising the consciousness of retailers, the objectives of this booklet are to describe these operations and to help identify the new occupational hazards they involve. Contents: regulatory aspects; description of material flow chains; description of the hazards related to physical activities, used materials, falls on the level, in-plant transport and movement of goods, falls of objects, emissions, biological agents and other hazards. (107855)
CIS 08-435 Preventing adverse effects of noise and vibration in the South African mining industry. Phillips J.I., Nelson G., Ross M.H., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Aug. 2006, Vol.16, No.2, p.33-35. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the objectives of a South African national programme aimed at building awareness of the effects of noise and vibration in the mining industry. It will involve a review of existing knowledge, acquiring new knowledge and developing best practices in the following fields: hearing conservation; tools for rapid diagnostic screening of the hand-arm vibration syndrome; noise testing of rock drills; anti-vibration gloves; whole-body vibration; noise and vibration control. (107782)
CIS 08-436 Noise levels in Nigeria: Health hazards and problems associated with their control. Ologe F.E., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Aug. 2006, Vol.16, No.2, p.36-37. Illus. 17 ref. (In English) Internet: This article summarizes the main health hazards related to noise together with the findings of a survey of noise levels in a small Nigerian city. Topics addressed: sources of noise (road traffic, small electricity generators, food grinding machines); health effects of noise (hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, tachycardia); problems associated with noise control (lack of effective legislation, poor enforcement of, and compliance with, existing regulations, unsafe behaviour and poor safety consciousness). (107783)
CIS 08-437 Communication and noise. Airo E., African Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, Aug. 2006, Vol.16, No.2, p.38-40. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: This article discusses the growing importance of speech communications at work, raising new concerns that occupational hygienists and health care professionals need to address. Contents: speech intensive work in low noise environments such as classrooms and day care centres (sound absorbing materials, vocal hygiene); verbal communications in noisy environments (hearing protectors with communications capability, intercom systems, European Standard EN 458 establishing a threshold of 85dB(A)); specific problems of noise exposure in call centres. (107784)
CIS 08-438 Low vibration equipment - Major improvements for limiting vibrations. (French: Matériels antivibratiles - Des innovations majeures pour limiter les vibrations) Richard A.M., Prévention BTP, Mar. 2007, No.94, p.34-36. Illus. (In French) Internet: Regardless of whether they apply to the hands and arms when using a hand-held power tool or to the whole body when driving earthmoving machines, excessive vibrations cause injuries. This article discusses vibration exposure and applicable French regulations, vibration measurement, limitation of the length of exposure and the advantages of investing in recent equipment offering distinct improvements in vibration emission levels. These improvements apply to both hand-held power tools and earthmoving machines. (107868)
CIS 08-439 Noise control: It's more than just earplugs. Zalewski E., Occupational Hazards, Sep. 2006, p.48-51. Illus. (In English) Internet: The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to evaluate engineering and administrative controls before using personal protective equipment. This article on engineering measures for noise control cites the case of a steel mill that was deemed to be in violation of noise exposure limits, since these limits could have been met by implementing relatively simple engineering controls. In this case, supplying workers with earplugs was not considered sufficient. Measures to be considered: exposure evaluation; eliminating noise at the source; stopping noise from reaching the workers (using sound-absorbing acoustical tiles and blankets, enclosing equipment within barriers designed to absorb noise or reflect it in harmless directions, such as toward ceilings covered with sound-absorbent material, moving noise-producing equipment away from employees); moving exposed workers (automation of particularly noisy environments); hearing protection when other controls cannot reduce noise to an acceptable level. (107897)
CIS 08-440 Medical practice and ionizing radiation: Information sheet to help evaluate hazards in radiation therapy, together with current regulations. (French: Médecine et rayonnements ionisants: fiche d'aide à l'analyse des risques en radiothérapie et textes applicables) Gauron C., Documents pour le médecin du travail, June 2007, No.110, p.161-171. (In French) Internet: Following a survey carried out in the Ile-de-France region of France, a multidisciplinary working group compiled a series of information sheets aimed at helping analyse risks in conventional and interventional radiological services. The information sheet described in this article specifically addresses external radiotherapy (particle accelerators). It includes a synthesis of useful information in this field, together with a list of relevant French legislation on radiation protection in the medical field. (107806)
CIS 08-441 Radiation protection, regulations (II). (French: Radioprotection, la réglementation (II)) Lefeuvre B., Face au risque, Mar. 2007, No.431, p.27-29. Illus. (In French) Internet: Radiation protection regulations apply whenever there is a risk of exposure to ionizing radiation, be they electrically-generated or emitted by artificial or natural sources. This article comments the changes in the French regulatory and legal framework since 2002 and in particular since Law No.2006-686 of 13 June 2006 on transparency and safety in the nuclear area came into force. Other topics addressed: permissions procedure for radioactive sources: responsibilities of competent persons in the field of radiation protection; training, dosimetry and medical supervision of workers at risk of exposure. (107883)
CIS 08-442 Promoting sun safety among US Postal Service letter carriers: Impact of a 2- year intervention. Mayer J.A., Slymen D.J., Clapp E.J., Pichon L.C., Eckhardt L., Eichenfield L.F., Elder J.P., Sallis J.F., Weinstock M.A., Achter A., Balderrma C., Galdino G.R., Oh S.S., American Journal of Public Health, Mar. 2007, Vol.97, No.3, p.559-565. Illus. 46 ref. (In English) Internet: This study examined whether U.S. Postal Service letter carriers who were made aware of the risks from solar radiation would wear wide-brim hats and sunscreen significantly more often than those who did not receive this information. The study involved 2662 participants from 70 postal stations, divided randomly into two groups, one receiving the information (intervention group) and the other not. Evaluations were conducted at baseline, three months, one year and two years. At the three-month follow-up evaluations, the odds ratio (OR) for regular sunscreen use was 2.8 times higher among the intervention group than among the control group; at the two-year follow-up evaluations, the rate was still significantly higher (OR=2.0). Intervention group participants also had significantly higher rates of hat use, with the differences remaining consistent across all follow-ups (OR=2.9). This information should be disseminated to postal stations nationwide and possibly to other occupational groups that work outdoors. (107954)
CIS 08-443 Validation of test methods for switchable welding filters. (French: Validation des méthodes d'évaluation des filtres de soudage commutables) Haguenauer D., Marchal P., Jacques M., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.208, p.19-33. Illus. 6 ref. (In French) Internet: Manufacturers of welding protective equipment supply face shields with variable light transmission. At rest, they are clear but they darken as soon as the welding arc is activated, so as to ensure eye protection against the optical radiation emitted by the arc. The aim of this study was to check whether the test methods recommended by the EN 379 standard take into account the specific characteristics of this type of filter. Checks were carried out under the conditions specified by EN 379 as well as beyond, clearly showing that when the angle of incidence of the radiation reaches or exceeds 30° from the perpendicular to the screen, the efficiency of these filters drops significantly. The standard recommends taking transmission measurements up to 15°; however, a welder is likely to work at an estimated maximum angle of 30°, a value which will be proposed when the standard is revised. (107962)
CIS 08-444 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. (107857)
CIS 08-445 Occupational injuries related to hand-arm vibration in Québec, 1993 to 2002 - Part II: Descriptive analysis of worker compensation files. (French: Lésions professionnelles reliées aux vibrations main-bras au Québec, 1993 à 2002 - Partie II : Analyse descriptive des dossiers d'indemnisation des travailleurs) Turcot A., Roy S., Simpson 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. xiii, 147p. Illus. 118 ref. Price: CAD 12.72. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-116-3 (In French) Internet: Hand-arm vibration syndrome related to the use of vibrating tools is a health problem not extensively documented in Quebec. It can produce neurological, osteo-articular and vascular disorders, in particular Raynaud's syndrome. Each year on average, 50 workers are compensated following an occupational injury resulting from vibration exposure of the upper limbs or circulatory system. In this study, the compensation files submitted to the occupational safety and health commission of Quebec (CSST) between 1990 and 2002 were examined to evaluate the extent of the vibration syndrome as well as to identify the employment sectors affected. It completes the findings of an earlier study (CIS 06-1111) of the general picture based on the CSST's computerized information. The report distinguishes between two categories of vibration-related injuries: Raynaud's syndrome and others. The statistical portrait of vibration-related injuries identifies activity sectors, occupations and geographical regions where prevention should be focussed. (107880)
CIS 08-446 Vibration syndrome - Hands at risk. (French: Syndrome des vibrations - La main en danger) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Sep. 2001. 12p. Illus. Price: EUR 1.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-0959-0 (In French) Internet: Vibration syndrome concerns a large number of workers employed in practically all sectors of activity. The risk exists whenever there is regular use of any type of strongly-vibrating machine, tool or equipment. This booklet is aimed at helping employers and persons responsible for occupational safety and health implement preventive measures for limiting the risk to health resulting from the use of vibrating tools. (107771)
CIS 08-447 Drivers of mobile equipment - Fed up with vibrations. (French: Conducteurs d'engins mobiles - Vibrations, plein le dos) Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Sep. 2001. 12p. Illus. Price: EUR 1.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 2-7389-0958-2 (In French) Internet: Drivers and operators who work in a sitting posture are regularly exposed to vibrations, tremors and jolts transmitted to the whole body by the seat and the cab floor, resulting in backache and injuries to the spinal column and inter-vertebral disks. This booklet is aimed at helping employers and persons responsible for occupational safety and health to limit the exposure of drivers of mobile equipment to whole-body vibrations. (107772)
CIS 08-448 Whole-body vibration. (Dutch: Globale lichaamstrillingen; French: Vibrations de l'ensemble du corps) Malchaire J., Service public fédéral, Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest Blériot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, Jan. 2005. 79p. Illus. 28 ref. (In Dutch, French) Internet: New Belgian and European regulations on vibrations require that each enterprise avoid or minimize workers' exposures to this risk factor. Aimed at employers, safety and health consultants, members of safety and health committees and occupational physicians, this guide presents a four-step safety and health approach involving screening, observation, analysis and expertise, which should allow to better avoid and address the hazards related to whole-body vibration. It includes a series of sheets aimed at helping carry out the observation, analysis and expertise phases of the approach. (107823)
CIS 08-449 Hand-arm vibration. (Dutch: Hand-arm trillingen; French: Vibrations mains-bras) Malchaire J., Service public fédéral, Emploi, travail et concertation sociale, rue Ernest Blériot 1, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium, Dec. 2004. 71p. Illus. 32 ref. (In Dutch, French) Internet: New Belgian and European regulations on vibrations require that each enterprise avoid or minimize workers' exposures to this risk factor. Aimed at employers, safety and health consultants, members of safety and health committees and occupational physicians, this guide presents a four-step safety and health approach involving screening, observation, analysis and expertise, which should allow to better avoid and address the hazards related to hand-arm vibration. It includes a series of sheets aimed at helping carry out the observation, analysis and expertise phases of the approach. (107824)
CIS 08-450 Noise reduction at band re-saws. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 2007. 4p. Illus. 3 ref. (In English) Internet: The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (see CIS 06-1259) require employers to eliminate risks from noise, or to reduce them to the lowest possible level. This information note addresses the issue of noise reduction at band saws. The noise generated by band re-saws (typically over 85dB(A)) can be reduced by maintaining the machine and blade in good condition. Factors affecting the blade vibration level (the main source of noise) are listed along with advice on how the difference in noise levels when cutting and when idling can be used as a good indicator of the condition and adjustment of the machine and blade. The use of noise enclosures is also discussed. Replaces CIS 02-409. (107985)
CIS 08-451 Noise at woodworking machines. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 2007. 4p. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: This information sheet provides advice to manufacturers, suppliers, employers and users on the application of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (see CIS 06-1259) to the woodworking industry, which require employers to eliminate risks from noise, or to reduce them to the lowest possible level. Contents: action values required under COSHH; exposure limits; responsibilities of employers; controlling noise; engineering controls; machine maintenance; buying new machinery; personal hearing protection; noise awareness; health surveillance. A table presents factors which may affect machinery noise emissions. Replaces 03- 1887. (107987)
CIS 08-452 Roofing - Scaffolding for roofing work during building renovation. (French: Toiture - Echafaudage pour la couverture d'un immeuble en réhabilitation) Sagot F., Prévention BTP, Mar. 2007, No.94, p.32-33. Illus. (In French) Internet: Risks related to the use of suspended bracket scaffolds during roofing work are diverse, including failure of the support, electrocution, collapse from overload and falls of persons or objects. This article discusses the precautionary measures that apply to suspended bracket scaffolds, in particular their anchoring system, elevating platform trucks, personal protective equipment and waste material chutes. (107867)
CIS 08-453 Work at heights and fall protection for pruners. (French: Travail en hauteur et protection contre les chutes pour les élagueurs) Arteau J., Beauchamp Y., Langlais I., Vachon F., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2007. xii, 133p. Illus. 39 ref. + CD-ROM Price: CAD 12.72. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-145-3 (In French) Internet: Originating from a request from the City of Montréal, this study evaluated the methods and equipment for access to heights used by pruners to reduce the risk of falls. The effectiveness and reliability factors were measured by means of mechanical tests in the laboratory. Several new types of equipment and systems were tested according to the specifications of fall protection standards. The level of efforts required, the mobility and the overall safety level of the tested systems were estimated in a controlled environment in urban parks and woods. The various tree-access systems were analysed and ranked by order of relevance for a given situation. A harness adapted to pruners' work was designed and evaluated. It is now in regular use. (107966)
CIS 08-454 Handling heavy building blocks. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2003. 2p. Illus. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: Handling of heavy building blocks can give rise to a wide range of injuries, including serious injuries where the damage is progressive over a substantial period of time. This information note contains practical advice on the safe handling of building blocks. Main topics covered: main hazards and risk assessment; precautions; how to perform the task; preparation of the working environment; training; personal protective equipment. (107769)
CIS 08-455 Safety on loading docks. (French: La sécurité aux quais de transbordement) Giraud L., Koutchouk M., Dubé P.A, Gratton L., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2007. 8p. Illus. 15 réf., ISBN 978-2-89631-141-5 (In French) Internet: This safety information leaflet contains a check-list of 30 simple questions to determine whether the handling operations on loading docks are safe. It also explains the three main hazards associated with trailers at loading docks (unexpected moving, slipping, overturning), and proposes measures for the safe anchoring of trailers to prevent each of these hazards. (107969)
CIS 08-456 Excavations. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 2002. iv, 37p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Trenching and excavation work presents serious hazards to all workers involved. Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are much more likely than other excavation-related accidents to result in worker fatalities. Other potential hazards include falls, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres and incidents involving mobile equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) excavation and trenching safety standard specifies requirements for excavation and trenching operations. This booklet highlights key elements of the standard, shows ways to protect employees against cave-ins and describes safe work practices for employees. Contents: OSHA's excavation and trenching standard; preplanning; protective systems; additional hazards and protections; OSHA's assistance, services and programmes. (107815)
CIS 08-457 Fall protection in construction. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 1998. iv, 37p. Illus. (In English) Internet: Each year in the United States, between 150 and 200 workers are killed and more than 100,000 are injured as a result of falls at construction sites. OSHA recognizes that fall accidents are generally complex events frequently involving a variety of factors, and has therefore developed a standard for fall protection that deals with both the human and equipment-related issues. This booklet describes the key requirements of the standard and explains what employers and workers need to do to avoid falls, namely select fall protection systems appropriate for given situations, use proper construction and installation of safety systems, ensure proper supervision, use safe work procedures and train workers in the proper selection, use and maintenance of fall protection systems. (107816)
CIS 08-458 Safe use of four-sided moulding machines. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Sep. 2007. 4p. Illus. 3 ref. (In English) Internet: About 30-40 accidents occur each year in the United Kingdom at four-sided moulding machines. Nearly all involve amputation. Most could have been prevented if the cutters had come to rest before the operators approached them, and with better guarding. Contents of this information note on safe working with four-sided moulding machines: accident history; legislation, including Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98, see CIS 99-1429); training and supervision; braking, guarding and ejection; safe working systems; noise; safe workplaces. (107988)
CIS 08-459 Safe filming and recording involving vehicles. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, June 2003. 4p. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: This information note gives guidance on the risks associated with filming and recording of or from vehicles. Main topics covered: legal requirements; risk assessment; what can go wrong; competencies; position of equipment and personnel; restraints on equipment and people; communication; selection of equipment; filming or recording while driving; tracking shots; use of low-loaders and A-frames; exposure to noise; in-built safety measures in cars; high-speed work; dos and dont's. (107770)
CIS 08-460 Bioaerosols in peat moss processing plants. Mériaux A., Pageau P., Cormier Y., Goyer N., Duchaine C., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Aug. 2006, Vol.3, No.8, p.408-417. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: The objectives of this study were to evaluate concentrations of bioaerosols (inhalable dust, moulds and bacteria) in peat moss processing plants that used dust removing systems. Fourteen plants from Eastern Canada were visited. Air samples were taken throughout the day at different work sites. Samples of non-processed and bagged peat moss (solid material) were also taken and analysed. A total of 25 work sites for air sampling and 33 solid material samples were analysed. Findings are discussed. Despite the use of dust removing systems, peat moss processing plants contain very large amounts of contaminated bioaerosols that do not correlate with the quality of the processed peat. The poor efficiency of the dust removing systems could be responsible for the high contamination levels. A further study was conducted on workers' sensitization to moulds in the workplace atmosphere of peat moss processing plants (see CIS 08-461)). (107786)
CIS 08-461 Sensitization to airborne molds and its health effects in peat moss processing plant workers. Mériaux A., Cormier Y., Pageau P., Israël-Assayag E. N., Duchaine C., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Aug. 2006, Vol.3, No.8, p.442-447. Illus. 16 ref. (In English) Internet: The goal of this study was to evaluate the incidence of sensitization to the major moulds found in the working atmosphere of workers exposed to stored peat moss, together with the health impact of this sensitization. 189 workers from 14 peat moss processing plants were recruited for the study. Air samples from each plant were obtained to measure the levels of airborne moulds, bacteria and dust. The subjects completed a symptoms questionnaire and underwent respiratory function, skin-prick and blood tests. Blood samples from 43 non-exposed control subjects were also taken. It was found that 28% of the workers tested had a positive serum reaction to at least one of the tested moulds. The number of positive workers varied from plant to plant, from none in four plants to 14 out of 21 for one plant. This variability was not correlated with the airborne levels of moulds. The one-second forced expiratory volume tended to be lower in the workers with positive antibodies compared with sero-negative workers. Other findings are discussed. See also CIS 08-460. (107787)
CIS 08-462 Biological hazards in occupational settings. (French: Les risques biologiques en milieu professionnel) Le Bâcle C., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2007, No.207, p.85-96. Illus. 19 ref. (In French) Internet: Protection against biological hazards within the enterprise remains hindered by several obstacles. Their effects being generally neither immediate nor spectacular, they are not considered as having the same priority as other more visible hazards. There is insufficient understanding of these hazards among persons responsible for occupational safety and health. This article presents a concise overview of these hazards and proposes an approach to safety and health based on the type of risk (infections, toxins, immuno-allergies, cancer) and the sector of activity (health care, agriculture, food industry, waste disposal). (107929)
CIS 08-463 Non-infectious occupational respiratory diseases due to biological agents - Sector of waste collection, sorting and recovery. (French: Affections respiratoires professionnelles non infectieuses dues aux agents biologiques - Secteur des déchets: collecte, tri et valorisation) Rosenberg N., Documents pour le médecin du travail, June 2007, No.110, p.229-236. Illus. 27 ref. (In French) Internet: This information sheet describes the main respiratory symptoms faced by workers involved in collecting and sorting household waste. These include hypersensitivity pneumopathy, organic dust toxic syndrome, ocular, nasal and bronchial irritation symptoms and chronic bronchitis. Prevention is based on avoiding the inhalation of dusts and microorganisms. It includes the design and layout of equipment, machinery and containers, ventilation of work premises, work organization and the use of personal protective equipment suited to the types of exposures and activities. (107810)
CIS 08-464 Risk of exposure to blood when taking venous blood samples - Results of a survey in medical laboratories. (French: Risque d'exposition au sang lors des prélèvements veineux - Résultats d'une étude dans des laboratoires d'analyses médicales) Migueres F., Pellissier G., Goyer F., Touche S., Alcouffe J., Fabin C., Bayeux-Dunglas M.C., Abiteboul D., Documents pour le médecin du travail, June 2007, No.110, p.173-184. Illus. 16 ref. (In French) Internet: This study on the risk of incidents involving exposure to blood in France when taking venous blood samples involved three tasks: job observations by occupational physicians of the gestures carried when taking blood samples; evaluation of responses to a questionnaire on line addressed to biologists working in medical laboratories; survey among the main manufacturers of equipment used in laboratories. Findings concerning the incidence of needlestick injuries when taking blood samples, blood sampling systems, the use of protective gloves and the rate of hepatitis B vaccination are discussed. (107807)
CIS 08-465 Surveillance of occupational contamination by HIV, HCV and HBV among health care personnel. (French: Surveillance des contaminations professionnelles par le VIH, le VHC et le VHB chez le personnel de santé) Lot F., Documents pour le médecin du travail, Mar. 2007, No.109, p.51-60. Illus. 13 ref. (In French) Internet: The surveillance of occupational seroconversions among health care personnel is in effect since 1991 for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, or AIDS virus), since 1997 for HCV (or hepatitis C virus) and since 2005 for HBV (or hepatitis B virus). Between 1983 and 2005, 14 HIV seroconversions were notified. Within this surveillance programme, there were also 34 notifications of presumed HIV infections. With respect to HCV, 55 occupational seroconversions were counted between 1991 and 2005. In almost all cases, seroconversions were the result of a percutaneous skin injury. Close to half of the HIV and HCV seroconversions were related to accidents involving an exposure to blood when the putting away or disposal of equipment and therefore could have been avoided by following usual precautions. To this day, no occupational contaminations by HBV have been notified. (107887)
CIS 08-466 Biological safety in the health care sector. (Spanish: Bioseguridad en el sector salud) Gómez Murcia J.E., Flórez C.M., Mejía Rodríguez S., González Ó ., Cajigas de Acosta B.E., Protección y seguridad, Jan.-Feb. 2007, Vol.53, No.311, p.51-79. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Contents of this collection of articles on biological safety in the health care sector: classification of biological waste and infection hazards; biological safety standards and procedures in hospital settings; importance of having equipment that can limit the ambient concentration of infectious agents; biological safety and pathogens; criteria for the selection of single-use or re-usable protective clothing; waste management in hospital settings; workers exposed to blood-borne viral infections (HIV, HBV, HCV). (107835)
CIS 08-467 OSHA Fact Sheet - Avian flu. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 2006. 2p. (In English) Internet: Fact sheet on avian flu, covering: symptoms in humans; ways of infection; employees at potential risk of exposure; treatment; general precautions and specific control measures; training. (107813)
CIS 08-468 Design of laboratories for the analysis of biological matter. (French: Conception des laboratoires d'analyses biologiques) Clermont H., David C., Duquenne P., Meyer A., Nassar N., Rocher M., Suiro A., Touche S., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Apr. 2007. 111p. Illus. 73 ref. Price: EUR 12.20. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 978-2-7389-1437-8 (In French) Internet: The objective of this guide is to help persons responsible for designing or renovating laboratories for the analysis of biological matter take account of hazards, and in particular of biological hazards. Various types of laboratories are covered, including medical laboratories, medical practices and laboratories carrying out anatomy and cytological pathology analyses, veterinary laboratories and industrial analytical laboratories. The guide is designed in the form of a check-list of specifications. Based on the type of laboratory, it defines the functions, layouts and design requirements specific to each area of the premises. (107938)
CIS 08-469 Guidance on preparing workplaces for an influenza pandemic. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 2007. 43p. Illus. (In English) Internet: A worldwide influenza pandemic could have a major effect on the global economy, including travel, trade, tourism, food, consumption, investment and financial markets. Planning for pandemic influenza by business and industry is essential to minimize a pandemic's impact. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) therefore developed this pandemic influenza planning guidance based upon traditional infection control and industrial hygiene practices. Topics addressed: how a severe pandemic influenza could affect workplaces; how influenza can spread between people, classifying employee exposure to pandemic influenza at work, how to maintain operations during a pandemic, how organizations can protect their employees; steps every employer can take to reduce the risk of exposure to pandemic influenza in their workplace; what employees living abroad or who travel internationally for work should know. (107818)
CIS 08-470 All-out effort against MSDs. (French: Mobilisation contre les TMS) Coune I., Face au risque, Apr. 2007, No.432, p.22-24. Illus. (In French) Internet: Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are increasing at the rate of 20% per year. They represent the main cause of sickness absenteeism and an important source of costs, both in terms of compensation and lost productivity. The automotive component sector is particularly exposed because of its just-in-time mode of operation. This article presents some of the practical preventive measures against MSDs adopted by automotive component suppliers, which include: consciousness-raising film; development of a job observation method consisting of analysing repetitive movements and work postures; Hoshin workshops (plan, do, check, correct); reorganization of workplaces; warming-up exercises; computer-generated animation for the visualization of ergonomic problems. In box: reference to French legislation. (107862)
CIS 08-471 Don't strain yourself. Cable J., Occupational Hazards, Jan. 2007, p.36-41. Illus. (In English) Internet: Safety professionals are aware of the importance of sprains and strains. In 2003 in the United States, overexertion related to lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying or throwing of an object cost employers USD 13.4 billion. According to data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) for 2005, construction's lost-days nonfatal occupational injury and illness incidence rate for sprains and strains (83.1 cases per 10,000 full-time workers) was higher than any other industry sector. BLS data for 2005 also show that construction's overall lost-days nonfatal occupational injury and illness incidence rate (239.5 cases per 10,000 full-time workers) was higher than that of any other sector. This article explains how an ergonomics programme in the construction industry can help avoid sprains and strains in this sector. (107953)
CIS 08-472 Extended work duration and the risk of self-reported percutaneous injuries in interns. Ayas N.T., Barger L.K., Cade B.E., Hashimoto D.M., Rosner B., Cronin J.W., Speizer F.E., Czeisler C.A., Journal of the American Medical Association, Sep. 2006, Vol.296, No.9, p.1055-1062. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this cohort study was to assess the relationship between extended work duration and rates of percutaneous injuries among interns in the United States. 2737 of the 18447 interns in the United States were surveyed each month between July 2002 and May 2003 on their work schedules and the possible occurrence of percutaneous injuries. A total of 498 percutaneous injuries were reported (0.029/intern-month). Lapse in concentration and fatigue were the two most commonly reported contributing factors (64% and 31% of injuries, respectively). Percutaneous injuries were more frequent during extended work compared with non-extended work (1.31/1000 opportunities vs. 0.76/1000 opportunities, respectively; odds ratio [OR] 1.61). Injuries were more frequent during the night-time than during the daytime (1.48/1000 opportunities vs. 0.70/1000 opportunities, respectively; OR, 2.04). (107791)
CIS 08-473 Heart rate monitoring during forest firefighting work, for the purpose of preventing occupational hazards. (Spanish: Monitorización de la frecuencia cardíaca en las labores de extinción de incendios forestales, para la prevención de riesgos laborales) Villa Vicente J.G., López Satué J., Ávila Ordás M.C., Rodríguez Marroyo J., Pernía Cubillo R., García López J., Moreno Romeo S., Marqués Millán R., Mendonça P.R., Prevención, July-Sep. 2007, No.181, p.6-26. Illus. 41 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This study discusses heart rate monitoring as a means of assessing the physical and heat stress among forestry firefighting personnel. It involved 200 forestry firefighters of a region of Spain, who were tested on a treadmill while their and their heart rate and oxygen consumption were measured. A second phase of the study involved the heart rate monitoring during actual firefighting operations for fires of various intensity levels. Based on the findings and on the data concerning the intensity and the time required to extinguish 79 fires that occurred in Spain during 2006, it is concluded that firefighting is a highly energy consuming activity requiring a high level of physical fitness. (108001)
CIS 08-474 The human dynamics of injury prevention - (Part 1): From behavior-based to people-based safety; (Part 2); (Part 3): The thinking and seeing components of people-based safety. Geller E.S., Occupational Hazards, Oct. 2006, p.78-82. Illus. (part 1); Nov. 2006, p.33-38. Illus (part 2); Dec. 2006, p.38-40. Illus (part 3). (In English) Internet: Series of three articles on people-based safety (PBS). The first article describes the seven underlying principles of PBS (observable behavior; external and internal factors to improve behavior; directing and motivating; focusing on positive consequences to motivate behavior; applying the scientific method to improve intervention; integrating information; considering the feelings and attitudes of others). The second article discusses the components of PBS while the third article explains the inner dimensions of people as defined and applied by PBS to address the human dynamics of injury prevention. (107899)
CIS 08-475 Case study for underground workers at an electric utility: How a research institution, university, and industry collaboration improved occupational health through ergonomics. Stone A., Usher D., Marklin R., Seeley P., Yager J.W., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, Aug. 2006, Vol.3, No.8, p.397-407. Illus. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: Two ergonomic intervention teams were created at a medium-sized electric power utility to identify tasks with risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and propose ergonomic interventions for these tasks. Both teams focused on tasks performed by underground workers: one team focused on manhole-vault tasks and the other team focused on direct-buried cable job tasks. Several of the ergonomic interventions were tested at a university ergonomics laboratory. The results of one of the laboratory experiments indicated that a 2nd class lever tool reduced muscle forces required to remove and replace a manhole cover, compared with a T-handle attached to a hook and chain. The results of another laboratory experiment demonstrated that a battery-powered cutter reduced muscle forces to cut cable as compared to a manual cutting tool. (107785)
CIS 08-476 Shift work and its effects on safety and health at work - Incidence of working hour systems. (French: Le travail posté et ses effets sur la santé et la sécurité au travail - Incidence des systèmes horaires) Farbos B., Imbeau D, Travail et santé, June 2007, Vol.23, No.2, p.18-21. Illus. 19 ref. (In French) Internet: Shift work is a form of work organization that is favoured by many enterprises. It is flexible and cost efficient, relying on the recurrent use of morning, evening and night shifts. However, the layout, the repetitiveness or the long hours of work associated with shift workplaces are often the cause of adaptation difficulties among the workers. This article reviews the characteristics of unusual working hours. It describes the existing models of work-time schedules, their advantages and disadvantages and the measures to be implemented to mitigate their negative effects on workers' health. (107803)
CIS 08-477 Measuring low back injury risk factors in challenging work environments: An evaluation of cost and feasibility. Trask C., Teschke K., Village J., Chow Y., Johnson P., Luong N., Koehoorn M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 2007, Vol.50, p.687-696. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: This study compared the practical application of five measurement methods of low back injury (observations, interviews, electromyography (EMG), inclinometry, and vibration monitoring) for 223 worker days in 50 heavy-industry worksites in western Canada. Data collection successes, challenges, costs, and data detail were documented for each method. Measurement success rates varied from 42.2% (seat- pan accelerometer) to 99.6% (post-shift interview) of worker days assessed. Missed days for direct monitoring equipment were primarily due to explosive environments, workplace conditions likely to damage the equipment and malfunctions. Costs per successful measurement day were lowest for interviews (approx. USD 23), about 10- fold higher for observations and inclinometry, and more than 20-fold higher for EMG and vibration monitoring. (107960)
CIS 08-478 Evaluation of MSD risks by external occupational safety and health services. (Spanish: La evaluación de los riesgos de TME por los servicios de prevención ajenos) Villar M.F., de Arquer I., Gómez-Cano M., González Través C., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, Oct. 2007, No.44, p.24-29. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: This article presents the findings of a survey carried out in Spain among external occupational safety and health (OSH) service providers on the evaluation of ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors of musculoskeletal disease (MSD). Data were collected by means of questionnaires addressed to all accredited OSH service providers in Spain. A total of 74 questionnaires were returned (response rate 12.2%). The scope of the survey included the structure and organization of the OSH service, the type and size of enterprise served, how MSD risks are evaluated (by means of check lists, job studies, questionnaires), and the sectors of activity, types of jobs and other specific aspects. Results are presented in tables. (107996)
CIS 08-479 Characterization of the flexibility of protective gloves by mechanical and biomechanical methods. (French: Caractérisation de la souplesse des gants de protection par des méthodes mécaniques et biomécaniques) Vu-Khanh T., Dolez P., Harrabi L., Lara J., Larivière C., Tremblay G., Nadeau S., 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, 85p. Illus. 47 ref. + CD-ROM. Price: CAD 9.54. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-147-7 (In French) Internet: Protective gloves help reduce the number and severity of hand injuries, but they often hinder task execution and require increased muscular effort, which explains the reluctance of workers to wear them. A biomechanical test developed in a previous study (see CIS 04-729) demonstrated some potential for characterizing glove flexibility. This study consists of a refinement of the method and the evaluation of its sensitivity using a larger number of gloves. The findings show that it is possible to predict the effects of a rigid glove on muscle function. In addition to providing essentially the same information as tests carried out on human subjects, the mechanical double curvature test is much simpler, requires fewer resources, is less costly, is less subject to variation and is more sensitive to subtle differences in flexibility. (107967)
CIS 08-480 Evaluation of dexterity tests applied to protective gloves. (French: Evaluation de tests de dextérité appliqués aux gants de protection) Gauvin C., Tellier C., Daigle C., Petitjean-Roget 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. x, 70p. Illus. 83 ref. Price: CAD 10.60. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-112-5 (In French) Internet: While workers may be protected from frequent and severe hand injury risks by wearing gloves suited to the task, these gloves can however significantly reduce dexterity and tactile sensitivity, limit hand movements and lower productivity, thus causing workers to modify this protective equipment or to refuse its wear. It is therefore important to be able to characterize the dexterity allowed by these gloves. This study involved comparing various dexterity tests, with 30 volunteers carrying out dexterity tasks while wearing different types of gloves. The scores obtained together with subjective data collected by means of questionnaires were subjected to statistical evaluation. Results enabled the definition of a broad framework for the future definition of an experimental protocol for classifying gloves according to their degree of dexterity. (107859)
CIS 08-481 Ergonomics for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders - Guidelines for poultry processing. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 2004. 23p. Illus. 13 ref. (In English) Internet: These guidelines provide recommendations for poultry processing facilities to reduce the number and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). They include examples of practical ergonomic solutions. The heart of these guidelines is the description of various solutions that have been successfully implemented by poultry processors. Topics addressed: description of the ergonomic process; providing management support; involving employees; providing training; implementing solutions; evaluating ergonomic efforts; workstation design and layout; hand tools; ergonomics of manual handling; personal protective equipment; programmes and services proposed by OSHA. (107812)
CIS 08-482 On-board electronic systems (OESs) - Prevention of occupational hazards in the transport of goods by road. (French: Systèmes d'informatique embarquée (SIE) - Prévention des risques professionnels dans le transport routier de marchandises) Baclet R., Gouillon B., Hella F., Jagodzik J.P., Jardin F., Marc R., Palka T., Foulon D., Giraud B., Institut national de recherche et de sécurité, 30 rue Olivier-Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France, Apr. 2007. 20p. Illus. 22 ref. Price: EUR 4.10. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 978-2-7389-1445-3 (In French) Internet: The transport of goods by road is a sector that is subject to strong constraints, requiring enterprises to rationalize their activities. On-board electronic systems (OESs) are often described as being tools that can efficiently handle these multiple constraints, thereby improving the profitability of the enterprise. The purpose of this guide is to help project managers and persons responsible for occupational safety and health in their approach to the implementation of OES systems. It also warns against the possible hazards resulting from the use of these new technologies and provides several suggestions for their prevention. (107940)
CIS 08-483 Napo. NAPO Consortium, info@napofilm.net, 2007. 10 videos in WMF and MPG formats. (In English) Napo is an original idea in response to the need for high-quality information products to break down national boundaries and address the diverse cultures, languages and practical needs of people at work. The role of Napo and his friends is to provide an introduction to occupational safety and health through their engaging characters, amusing story lines, humour and light-hearted approach. The videos are: Modern stressful times (on stress on the assembly line); Divide and rule (on managing the lifting of loads); Radical ergonomics; Twist and shout (on body twisting postures at work); No grip (on gripping postures at work); Working height (on the influence of working height on ergonomics); Bad vibrations; The duel (on the need for mechanized solutions to problems of material handling; Think to move (on the need for physical exercise in order to maintain musculoskeletal health); Hold me tight (on correct carrying posture). (107909)
CIS 08-484 Tasks, workload and stress among airline flight staff. (French: Activité, charge de travail et stress du personnel navigant des compagnies aériennes) François M., Liévin D., Mouzé-Amady M., Documents pour le médecin du travail, 3rd Quarter 2007, No.111, p.307-333. Illus. 24 ref. (In French) Internet: This article presents the findings of a study carried out between 2000 and 2004 on the relationships between job requirements and the physical, mental and emotional workload of airline flight staff in France. The scope focussed on short- and medium-haul flights. The method used was based on ergonomic and psychosocial approaches, and involved a literature survey, interviews, questionnaires and job observations. Findings are centred on three main areas: physical environment, workload and stress. Practical prevention proposals are presented. (107971)
CIS 08-485 Contact with the public: Close to one worker in four is exposed to verbal assaults. (French: Contact avec le public: près d'un salarié sur quatre subit des agressions verbales) Bué J., Sandret N., Documents pour le médecin du travail, June 2007, No.110, p.193-198. 3 ref. (In French) Internet: The analysis of the findings of the SUMER 2003 survey that concern assaults on staff dealing with the public in France shows that in 2003, close to three out of four workers were employed in jobs involving contact with the public, either directly or over the phone. This was the case for 63% of the men and 80% of the women. Twenty-two percent of these workers reported having received verbal assaults and two percent physical assaults during the previous twelve months. Postal workers, bank employees, security staff and health care personnel were among the most at risk. Assaults by the public were also more frequent among workers subjected to unusual working hours, with highly organisational constraints. (107808)
CIS 08-486 Uncertainties, beliefs and safety management. (French: Incertitudes, croyances et management de la sécurité) Kouabenan D.R., Travail humain, Apr. 2007, Vol.70, No.3, p.271-287. Illus. 32 ref. (In French) Internet: Risky situations are situations mostly characterized by uncertainty. This review article starts with a description of the link between the notions of risk and uncertainty by stressing the fact that uncertainty is an important component of risk appraisal, and shows that what is called risk is in fact a social construct. It then shows that risk appraisal and accident explanation are opportunities particularly favourable to the expression of beliefs and causal inferences. The role of such beliefs and inferences is to fill the gap in scientific knowledge regarding risky situations. In face of this gap, people tend to use heuristics in order to reduce the uncertainty and to facilitate risk assessment. But many factors (cognitive, motivational, affective) lead to distortions in risk perception and accident explanation. They are either linked to the characteristics of the risk itself or to the characteristics proper to the perceiver or the explainer. These factors create illusions and false certainties in risk perception and accident explanation, which may lead to unsafe behaviours. Investigating these beliefs could be useful to design preventive messages and to influence more efficiently individual behaviours in favour of safety. (107979)
CIS 08-487 Perception of cockpit environment among pilots on commercial aircraft. Lindgren T., Andersson K., Norbäck D., Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 2006, Vol.77, No.8, p.832-837. 13 ref. (In English) Impaired cockpit environment may influence both well-being and performance of pilots. The purpose of this study was to assess the perception of cockpit environment among pilots in relation to demographic factors and type of aircraft. A standardized questionnaire was mailed to all pilots of one airline, among whom 622 responded (81%). Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied, controlling for age, gender, smoking, perceived psychosocial work environment and type of aircraft. Younger age, a history of atopy and stress due to excess work were the main predictors of symptoms and cockpit environment perceptions. The most common symptoms were fatigue, facial dermal and nasal symptoms. Other findings are discussed. (107781)
CIS 08-488 Five steps for eliminating unhealthy stress at the workplace. (French: Cinq étapes pour réduire le mauvais stress au travail) Lafleur J., Travail et santé, June 2007, Vol.23, No.2, p.10-13. Illus. (In French) Internet: The world of work has witnessed profound changes during the last two decades. Some of these changes have proven to be relatively detrimental to occupational health, as can be observed by the dramatic increases in morbidity related to mental health and absenteeism. This article presents a five-step approach that can be adopted when faced with risk factors of occupational stress: defining one's work-life balance; setting objectives; ensuring that the objectives are met by one's self and respected by others; working with dedication and efficiency; knowing when to rest and recover. (107801)
CIS 08-489 Stress at work, a fact - What preventive measures, which participants and what tools?. (French: Le stress au travail, une réalité - Quelle prévention, quels acteurs et quels outils?) Bayeux-Dunglas M.C., Bijaoui A., Ganem Y., Krivochiev M., Lafon D., Peltre-Fleuriet B., Siano B., Documents pour le médecin du travail, June 2007, No.110, p.199-223. Illus. (In French) Internet: Review article on a symposium on occupational stress held in Nancy, France, on 1-2 February 2007. Papers were presented on the following topics: highlighting stress problems within the enterprise; convincing management to act; putting together a specific group of persons assigned with the task of following-up stress prevention programmes; carrying out a group diagnosis and defining an action plan for reducing the sources of stress; evaluating the effectiveness of the actions implemented; institutional resources available for implementing an occupational stress prevention programme; views of an enterprise manager and an expert in this field. (107809)
CIS 08-490 Bullying at the place of work, mobbing. (Spanish: Acoso psicológico en el trabajo, mobbing) ERGA Noticias, 2006, No.96, p.4. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: A survey revealed that bullying is an important problem, affecting 5% of European workers in 2005. This article summarizes the causes and consequences of bullying, together with the prevention measures to be implemented within the enterprise, which include in particular a preventive evaluation of workplace bullying. Reference is also made to relevant Spanish legislation. (107831)
CIS 08-491 New law on harassment in the workplace. (Spanish: Nueva ley de acoso laboral) Cristian Alonso R., Salud, Trabajo y Ambiente, 4th Quarter 2006, Vol.13, No.50, p.9-13. Illus. 6 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The new Colombian law 1010 of January 2006 on harassment at the place of work is commented. It defines the various types of harassment at the place of work, including ill treatment, persecution, discrimination, hindrance in carrying out one's job, inequity and removal of protection. Main topics addressed: definition of harassment and mobbing; typical harassment behaviours; profiles of perpetrators and their victims; consequences of harassment for employers (penalties) and victims (psychological disorders); measures for the prevention of harassment and mobbing at the place of work. (107832)
CIS 08-492 New evaluation of psychosocial hazards. (Spanish: Una nueva evaluación de riesgos psicosociales) ., Protección y seguridad, Jan.-Feb. 2007, Vol.53, No.311, p.36-44. Illus. 14 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article presents a new approach developed by the Spanish Ergonomics Institute of the MAPFRE Foundation for evaluating psychosocial hazards. Following a definition of the concept of psychosocial hazards in occupational settings and a presentation of traditional evaluation methods, the article goes on to present the new approach which involves developing specialized computer-based tools for various sectors that are particularly concerned by psychosocial hazards (teaching, health care, services and administration, call centres). The objective of this approach, which relies on questionnaires and reference lists, is to help occupational safety and health specialists evaluate psychosocial hazards within the enterprise. (107834)
CIS 08-493 Stress at work: Lower the pressure!. (French: Stress au travail: faites baisser la pression!) Jolly H., Prévention BTP, Mar. 2007, No.94, p.48-51. Illus. (In French) Internet: Topics addressed in this review article on occupational stress: definition of stress; stress factors; main prevention approaches; low level of consciousness regarding stress in the French construction sector; interview of the human resources manager of a large construction enterprise on the action plan adopted for fighting against stress. (107870)
CIS 08-494 Alcohol, a risk within the enterprise. (French: L'alcool, un risque dans l'entreprise) Bianchi P., Vialla F., Face au risque, June-July 2007, No.434, p.35-39. Illus. (In French) Internet: Topics addressed in these two articles on the risks to the enterprise caused by alcoholism and psychotropic substance abuse among employees: examples of prevention policies and measures adopted for managing the problems related to alcohol and psychotropic substance abuse among employees in several European countries; accounts given by safety and health officers of several enterprises; French legal framework concerning the responsibilities of employers and the disciplinary measures that can be taken towards employees. (107924)
CIS 08-495 Stress at work, a reality - What kind of prevention, which participants and what tools?. (French: Le stress au travail, une réalité - Quelle prévention, quels acteurs et quels outils?) Bayeux-Dunglas M.C., Ganem Y., Lafon D., Siano B., Bijaoui A., Krivochiev M., Peltre-Fleuriet B., Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, June 2007, No.207, p.97-116. Illus. (In French) Internet: Report on a conference on the prevention of occupational stress held in Nancy, France, 1-2 February 2007. The many papers presented described and illustrated the approaches, the participants and the tools involved in the prevention of occupational stress. The objectives of the conference were to refine the definitions of stress, and more broadly of psychosocial hazards, to distinguish between sources of stress (constraints and organizational factors), effects on health (state of chronic stress, proven health problems) and effects on the enterprise. The need for a preventive approach and concerted actions was emphasized. (107930)
CIS 08-496 National surveillance of psychosocial risk factors in the workplace: An international overview. Dollard M., Skinner N., Tuckey M.R., Bailey T., Work and Stress, Jan.-Mar. 2007, Vol.21, No.1, p.1-29. 106 ref. (In English) Internet: The national surveillance of psychosocial risk factors in the workplace is useful for recording the changing work environment, developing policies and programmes to prevent stress and promoting mental and physical health and well-being at work. This article reviews, from an Australian perspective, 35 national surveillance systems across 20 different countries in Europe and North America, together with an additional four multi-country systems for psychosocial risks. It describes the scope and sampling methodology of each system, for which it also provides an overall evaluation. Findings are discussed, with emphasis on subject areas likely to be of increasing concern in the future: additional psychosocial risks; emotional labour; workplace bullying; acute vs. chronic exposure to workplace stressors; organizational justice; organizational change; positive psychological states and well-being. (107951)
CIS 08-497 Impact of occupational accidents on the socioeconomic status of the victims. (French: L'impact des accidents du travail sur le statut socio-économique des victimes) Desmarez P., Godin I., Renneson B., Travail humain, Apr. 2007, Vol.70, No.2, p.127-152. Illus. 52 ref. (In French) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of workplace accidents on the socioeconomic status of permanently impaired workers in Belgium. Subjects included all victims of accidents whose cases were settled in 1997, 1998 and 1999. The linkage between social security databases allowed a follow-up of the socioeconomic positions of 17,983 of these workers (97%) during a period of at least two and up to three years after the settlement of the accident. One year after the event, about 85% of the injured workers were re-employable, with 77% being employed and 8% unemployed. These figures decreased slightly during the following two years, mainly because of the growing number of workers taking early retirement early retired. Multivariate analyses shows that age, gender and injury severity are statistically significant factors for being in employment. Other findings are discussed. (107980)
CIS 08-498 Responsibilities of enterprises with respect to terrorism. (French: La responsabilité des entreprises face au terrorisme) Coste-Floret J.M., Face au risque, Mar. 2007, No.431, p.13-15. Illus. (In French) Internet: Enterprises can be targets of terrorist attacks. Clients, employees or other persons who are victims of these attacks may claim damages against the enterprise, for either civil or criminal liability. This article discusses the civil and criminal liability of enterprises subjected to terrorist attacks, with comments on the following situations in particular: waiving of civil liability in cases of force majeure; cases where victims can claim occupational accident compensation; cases of employers' inexcusable error; example of the attack in 2002 against the bus carrying French naval construction personnel in Karachi, Pakistan. (107882)
CIS 08-499 Strategic approach to the prevention of occupational mental health problems. (French: Démarche stratégique de prévention des problèmes de santé mentale au travail) Brun J.P., Biron C., Ivers H., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2007. viii, 65p. Illus. 72 ref. Price: CAD 8.48. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-163-7 (In French) Internet: The growing number of injuries related to stress, burnout or other psychological factors result from the rapid increase in occupational mental health problems in the last few years. However, most organizations lack a strategic risk prevention tool to address this important issue. This report presents the results of a research project involving the evaluation of organizational interventions for the prevention of work-related stress, for the purpose of developing a diagnostic tool for use by enterprises. Data were collected by means of questionnaires, interviews and observations in three organizations: an educational institution, a hospital and a forestry enterprise. (107968)
CIS 08-500 Guidelines for preventing workplace violence for health care and social service workers. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 2004. 44p. Illus. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: For many years, health care and social service workers have faced a significant risk of job-related violence. Assaults represent a serious safety and health hazard within these sectors of activity. The OSHA's violence prevention guidelines provide recommendations for controlling workplace violence, developed following a careful review of workplace violence studies, public and private violence prevention programs and input from stakeholders. This booklet provides an overview of the OSHA guidelines and presents the key elements of a violence prevention programme (management commitment and employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, safety and health training, recordkeeping and programme evaluation), together with programmes and services proposed by OSHA. (107819)
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