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ILO-CIS Bulletin 2008/05CIS 08-1001 --- CIS 08-1250Laws, regulations, directivesCIS 08-1001 Act of 23rd May 2006 stipulating further requirements for health and safety at work in labour relations and concerning occupational health and safety protection in activities or services provided outside labour relations (Act on Further Requirements on Occupational Health and Safety) [Czech Republic]. (Czech: Zákon 309/2006 Sb., kterým se upravují další požadavky bezpečnosti a ochrany zdraví při práci v pracovněprávních vztazích a o zajištění bezpečnosti a ochrany zdraví při činnosti nebo poskytování služeb mimo pracovněprávní vztahy) Internet document, 2006. 17p. (In Czech, English) Internet: This Law (entry into force: 1 Jan. 2007) transposes into Czech legislation the requirements of 16 EU Directives concerning occupational safety and health, in line with the Czech Republic joining the European Union. It supplements the OSH provisions of the Labour Code (Act No. 262/2006). The Law contains sections on requirements concerning: the workplace and the working environment; construction sites; work equipment; organization of work and working procedures; safety signs, signboards communication; risk factors related to working conditions and contained areas; prohibitions on performing certain types of work; professional competency; providing occupational health and safety protection in activities or services provided outside labour relations; additional tasks on construction sites. (108708)
CIS 08-1002 Plant safety ordinance [Germany]. (German: Betriebssicherheitsverordnung) Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2005. 63p. Price: EUR 10.50., ISBN 3-86509-346-9 (In German) Internet: This document consists of the full text of the ordinance of 22 September 2002 on the safety of operations (also covered by CIS 03-509). Consisting of four sections and five appendices, the ordinance groups together requirements concerning the safety and health relating to the supply and use of tools at work, as well as the operations of equipment requiring regular checks (pressure systems, elevators, explosive atmospheres). (108734)
CIS 08-1003 Noise protection for machinery and the workplace - Directives, technical rules, hazard evaluation [Germany]. (German: Lärmschutz an Maschine und Arbeitsplatz - Vorschriften, technische Regeln, Gefährdungsbewertung) Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2004. 274p. Illus. 6 ref. Price: EUR 21.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 3-86509-218-7 (In German) Internet: This document consists of a compendium of German legal prescriptions (laws, ordinances and directives), EU directives, and technical rules and standards on noise protection that need to be taken into account in the layout of premises and workplaces, as well as during the installation of equipment and machinery. (108621)
Chemical data sheets and criteria documentsCIS 08-1004 Toxicological profile for aluminum - Draft for public comment (Update). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2006. xx, 310p. Illus. Approx. 800 ref. Index. (In English) Internet: This profile draft was prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects of aluminium is identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; health effects; relevance to public health; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. Heavy exposure to aluminium dust may result in respiratory or neurological damage. There is inconclusive evidence of a relationship between high levels of aluminium exposure and Alzheimer's disease. IARC have concluded that primary aluminium production was carcinogenic to humans, but this is probably due to exposure to carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. (Update of CIS 00-653). (108564)
CIS 08-1005 Toxicological profile for cresols - Draft for public comment (Update). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2006. xx, 226p. Illus. Approx. 400 ref. Index. (In English) Internet: This profile draft was prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects of cresols is identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; health effects; relevance to public health; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. Health hazards include: irritation of the skin, eyes, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract; haematotoxic effects; renal damage. While the EPA had earlier classified cresols as possible human carcinogens (Group C), they are now considered as not being assessable with respect to their carcinogenic potential due to inadequate information. (108565)
CIS 08-1006 Toxicological profile for diazinon - Draft for public comment (Update). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2006. xx, 246p. Illus. Approx. 450 ref. Index. (In English) Internet: This profile draft was prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects of diazinon is identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; health effects; relevance to public health; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. Health hazards include neurotoxic effects (central nervous system) and pancreatic damage. The carcinogenic potential of the substance has not been established. (Update of CIS 97-210). (108566)
CIS 08-1007 Toxicological profile for dichloropropenes - Draft for public comment (Update). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2006. xx, 282p. Illus. Approx. 380 ref. Index. (In English) Internet: This profile draft was prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects of dicholoropropenes is identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; health effects; relevance to public health; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. Health hazards include: irritation of the eyes, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. IARC has classified 1,3-dicloropropene as being possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). (108567)
CIS 08-1008 Toxicological profile for guthion - Draft for public comment (Update). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2006. xx, 184p. Illus. Approx. 280 ref. Index. (In English) Internet: This profile draft was prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects of guthion is identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; health effects; relevance to public health; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. Health hazards are primarily related to the neurotoxic properties of the substance. Its carcinogenic potential has not been established. (108568)
CIS 08-1009 Toxicological profile for phenol - Draft for public comment (Update). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2006. xx, 240p. Illus. Approx. 450 ref. Index. (In English) Internet: This profile draft was prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects of phenol is identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; health effects; relevance to public health; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. Health hazards include: irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract; pneumotoxic effects, including hyperaemia, bronchopneumonia, bronchitis; arrythmia; haematological effects; hepatic effects; renal effects; neurological effects. The substance is not classifiable with regard to its carcinogenicity to humans (IARC Group 3). (Update of CIS 00-50). (108569)
CIS 08-1010 Toxicological profile for 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane - Draft for public comment (Update). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch, 1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA, Sep. 2006. xx, 194p. Illus. Approx. 400 ref. Index. (In English) Internet: This profile draft was prepared in accordance with guidelines set by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the EPA. The key literature related to the toxic effects of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane is identified and reviewed. Contents: public health statement; health effects; relevance to public health; chemical and physical information; production, import, use and disposal; potential for human exposure; analytical methods; regulations and guidelines; glossary. Health hazards include neurotoxic effects and liver damage. The substance is not classifiable with regard to its carcinogenicity to humans (IARC Group 3). (Update of CIS 97-217). (108570)
Training materials and practical informationCIS 08-1011 Nanotechnology: Transportation into a new universe. (Portuguese: Nanotecnologia: O transporte para um novo universo) Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente, 710, São Paulo SP, 05409-002, Brazil, 2008. 20p. Illus. (In Portuguese) Internet: A survey of the possible hazards of nanotechnology for workers, presented in very simple language in cartoon format. (108710)
CIS 08-1012 Protect yourself. Protect your family. Protect the public. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, July 2008. Two posters. Illus. (In English) Internet: These posters visually reinforce the importance of frontline first responders (emergency medical services, fire fighters, and law enforcement) protecting themselves from work-related exposures to bloodborne pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. Protection includes reading the employer's exposure control plan, wearing personal protective equipment and reporting all exposures. See also CIS 08-1221/1222. (108711)
Periodicals, books, databases, audiovisualsCIS 08-1013 Leading successful organizational change. (French: Conduire et réussir le changement d'organisation) Rochefort T., Rouilleault H., Pelletier J., Sarasin B., Nicot A.M., Xirau D., Dumalin F., Bugand L., Travail & changement, May-June 2006, No.308, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on organizational changes within the enterprise. Topics addressed: redefining priorities within the enterprise; opinions of enterprise managers and research scientists on organizational changes within the enterprise; approaches adopted by a textile product retailer, a restaurant voucher settlement office, a heavy vehicle manufacturer and an automobile manufacturer; main points to consider with respect to organizational changes within the enterprise; review of a publication on the sociology of organizational changes within the enterprise; further reading. (108592)
CIS 08-1014 Statistics of diseases, accidents and affiliations. (Spanish: Estadísticas de enfermedades, accidentes y afiliaciones) Protección y seguridad, Nov.-Dec. 2007, Vol.53, No.316, p.50-53. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Brief presentation of the statistics of occupational diseases and accidents among workers and enterprises affiliated to the general accident insurance system of Columbia for the year 2007, together with their trends from 1994 to 2006. (108612)
CIS 08-1015 Problems with the codification of labour law - Selected issues of social security. (Polish: Problemy kodyfikacji prawa pracy - Wybrane zagadnienia zabezpieczenia społecznego) Zieleniecki M., Praca i Zabezpieczenie Społeczne, Feb. 2008, No.2, p.12-19. (In Polish) Internet: This article reviews the XVIth Convention of Labour Law and Social Insurance Departments and Institutes, which was held in Gdańsk, Poland, on 19-21 September 2007. Topics included individual labour law, labour relations between employers and workers or trade unions, and various social security issues. It also includes short reviews of the most important papers presented at the convention. (108745)
CIS 08-1016 OSH profiles. (Russian: Profili OGT) Rantanen J., Rudakov M., Kauppinen T., Husberg W., Jankauskas R., Lehtinen R., Barents - Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety, 2008, Vol.11, No.1, p.1-35 (whole issue). Illus. 12 ref. (In English, Russian) Internet: Collection of articles on occupational safety and health (OSH) profiles of relevance to Russia, and the Nordic and Baltic countries. Contents: OSH profiles as an instrument for policy, practice and collective learning; OSH management at the national level in Russia; review of a publication on work and health country profiles in Europe; overview of national OSH profiles in Commonwealth of Independent State countries; national OSH profile of Lithuania; National OSH profile of Finland; review of a conference on public health and social well-being held in Oslo, Norway, 6-7 March 2008. (108555)
CIS 08-1017 Towards managed flexibility: The revival of labour inspection in the Latin world. (French: Le renouveau de l'inspection du travail dans le monde latin; Spanish: Gestión de la flexibilidad e inspección del trabajo en el mundo latino) Piore M.J., Schrank A., International Labour Review - Revue internationale du Travail - Revista internacional del trabajo, 2008, Vol.147, No.1, p.1-23. 32 ref. (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: Examining the role of labour inspection in the context of the revival of labour market regulation, this article distinguishes between the Latin model, where inspectors have authority to tailor enforcement to firms' exigencies, and the less flexible United States approach. The Latin model can reconcile regulation with economic flexibility and transform inspectors into the shock troops of a campaign for decent work. But its vulnerability to arbitrary behaviour on their part needs to be addressed through management of organizational cultures, exposure and systematization of the tacit knowledge underpinning inspectors' judgments and research into the relationship between labour standards and business practices. (108557)
CIS 08-1018 Building sustainable safety and health. (French: Construire la prévention durable) Rouilleault H., Berthet M., Mary-Cheray I., Merciéca P., Alour C., Douillet P., Debuc T., Sarazin B., Paquin M., Schweitzer J.M., Canepa B., Poete B., Bernon J., Travail & changement, June-July 2004, No.296, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on the organization of safety and health within the enterprise. Topics addressed: sustainable occupational safety and health strategies; roles of occupational physicians and medical inspections; role of enterprise management; approaches adopted in SMEs in sectors including boilermaking and the manufacture of cheese, electrical equipment, windows and floor tiles; main points to consider with respect to occupational safety and health; further reading. (108582)
CIS 08-1019 Innovative participation: Workers in the forefront. (French: Innovation participative: les salariés en première ligne) Weill M., Sarazin B., Alour C., Fauconier D., Travail & changement, July-Aug. 2005, No.303, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on workers' participation. Topics addressed: how to arouse creativity among employees; points of view of human resource consultants and a trade union representative; approaches adopted by an automobile manufacturer, an urban transport service, a hotel chain and a logistics enterprise; main points to consider with respect to workers' participation; review of a publication on creativity; further reading. (108587)
CIS 08-1020 Building intergenerational cooperation. (French: Construire la coopération entre les générations) Rouilleault H., Conjard P., Sarazin B., Alour C., Rousseau T., Guérin G., Travail & changement, Nov.-Dec. 2005, No.305, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on workers' cooperation. Topics addressed: knowledge transfer between generations; points of view of university professors, a sociologist and a training manager in a construction enterprise; role of Intranets in the transfer of skills; approaches implemented by a producer of pre-stressed concrete and a steelworks; study carried out within three enterprises of a French region; main points to consider when implementing a strategy aimed at transferring skills within the enterprise; review of a publication on occupational safety and health; further reading. (108589)
CIS 08-1021 Favouring work skills at all ages. (French: Privilégier les compétences à tous les âges) Jouvenot C., Rouilleault H., Sarazin B., Jaouën M., Peullet J.P., Pelletier J., Delabroy C., Devin B., Masson A., Rousseau T., Pierre C., Mercier L., Travail & changement, July-Aug. 2006, No.309, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on human resource management in the face of the ageing of the workforce. Topics addressed: specific work skills of young and older workers; opinions of research scientists, psychologists, consultants and human resource managers on the mixing of age groups; worker hiring based on aptitude tests rather than qualifications; motivation of older workers; approaches adopted by a construction firm, a metalworking shop and an architects' office; main points to consider with respect to age management policies; further reading. (108593)
CIS 08-1022 Work units: A method for the evaluation of occupational hazards. (French: Unité de travail: une méthode pour évaluer tous les risques professionnels) Merciéca P., Bernon J., Rouilleault H., Sarazin B., Jaouën M., Rousset S., Boisson-Spychala C., Delabroy C., Négroni P., Viaud-Jouan A., Travail & changement, Sep.-Oct. 2006, No.310, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on the evaluation of occupational hazards. Topics addressed: definition of a work unit, which consists of a set of similar situations with respect to the tasks carried out and their related hazards; opinions of occupational physicians, workers' representatives and government agencies on hazard evaluation; approaches adopted by a hospital, an ambulance service, a cheese manufacturer, a building materials supplier and a metalworking shop; main points to consider with respect to hazard evaluation; review of a publication on the evaluation and prevention of occupational hazards; further reading. (108594)
CIS 08-1023 Anticipating and monitoring changes in enterprises and locations. (French: Anticiper et accompagner les mutations des entreprises et des territoires) Yahiaoui F., Rouilleault H., Jaouën M., Conjard P., Lenain M.C., Laur P., Bertin J., Thomas D., Bruggeman F., Dumalin F., Travail & changement, Nov.-Dec. 2006, No.311, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on enterprise restructuring. Topics addressed: position of workers in the face of business changes; opinions of managers of regional administrations and of a university professor on the social aspects of restructurings; approaches adopted by an airline and by textile, heating systems and micromechanics enterprises; main findings of a survey carried out in a French region; preliminary findings of the MIRE (Monitoring Innovative Restructuring in Europe) European project; main points to consider during enterprise restructuring; review of a publication on restructuring; further reading. (108595)
CIS 08-1024 Organization at the core of investment projects. (French: L'organisation au cœur des projets d'investissement) Bertin J., Chevallet R., Rouilleault H., Jaouen M., Sarazin B., Baradat D., Martinet N., Bossard P., Dewanckel E., Bugand L., Lepetit M., Levy E., de Looze M., Travail & changement, Mar.-Apr. 2007, No.313, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on the organization of investment projects. Topics addressed: workers' participation; opinions of an enterprise manager, a trade association and an ergonomics research scientist; approaches adopted by a centre for handicapped persons, an automotive component manufacturer, a food products manufacturer and an insurance firm; system for assisting SMEs in a region of France; computer-based tool allowing collaborative approaches for the improvement of production systems; main points to consider with respect to the management of investment projects; further reading. (108597)
CIS 08-1025 Improving the quality of working life: Leads for action. (French: Améliorer la qualité de vie au travail: des pistes pour agir) Weill M., Heude G., Jaouën M., Sarazin B., Baujard C., Delaboye C., Travail & changement, May-June 2007, p.1-31 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Special issue on improving the quality of working life. Topics addressed: importance of dialogue and consultation; opinions of a university researcher, an enterprise manager and a manager at the European Foundation for the Improvement of Working Living and Working Conditions; social partnerships in a French region; experiences of enterprises active in 21 sectors in France; further reading. (108598)
CIS 08-1026 Native and immigrant workers confronted by occupational safety and health. (Spanish: Trabajadores autóctonos e inmigrantes ante la prevención) Ramos Villagrasa P.J., García-Izquierdo A.L., Mapfre seguridad, 3rd Quarter 2007, Vol.27, No.107, p.32-47. Illus. 23 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article presents the findings of a survey carried out in Spain aimed at better understanding occupational safety and health perceptions among native and immigrant worker populations. The ultimate objective of the project was to develop a scale for evaluating the attitudes of these two groups of workers with respect to occupational hazards at the place of work (108604)
CIS 08-1027 Effects of globalization on the prevention of hazards, occupational accidents and occupational diseases: Viewpoint of the ILO. (Spanish: Efectos de la globalización en la prevención de riesgos, accidentes y salud ocupacional: una mirada desde la OIT) Protección y seguridad, Jan.-Feb. 2008, Vol.54, No.317, p.30-32. Illus. 3 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article comments the effects of globalization on the prevention of hazards, occupational accidents and occupational diseases, together with activities undertaken by the ILO in this area since the beginning of the millennium to promote the concept of decent work and the management of occupational safety and health. (108613)
CIS 08-1028 Model management - Occupational safety and health. (Spanish: Gestión modelo - Seguridad y salud ocupacional) Consolani D., Protección y seguridad, Jan.-Feb. 2008, Vol.54, No.317, p.40-45. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: This article presents the three main occupational safety and health management systems currently in use: the total loss control model, the DuPont model and safety integrated with total quality. It then goes on to describe the system implemented in an Argentinean enterprise erecting pylons for electrical power lines, based on the so-called ABC model (antecedents, behaviour, consequences). (108614)
CIS 08-1029 Disparities in work-related injuries associated with worker compensation coverage status. Nicholson V.J., Bunn T.L., Costich J.F., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, June 2008, Vol.51, No.6, p.393-398. 32 ref. (In English) Internet: This cross-sectional study addresses patterns of injury among the growing proportion of workers who are not covered by either workers' compensation or health insurance. Data were collected from the emergency department of a university hospital in the United States during 2005. It was found that 20% of self-declared work-related injuries were not covered by workers' compensation. Statistical analysis found several significant disparities in workers without either workers' compensation, including higher proportions of Latinos, workers aged below 25 years and construction workers. In the uninsured group, Latino workers had a higher proportion of moderate and severe injuries. Nearly all (92%) workers without workers' compensation also lacked health insurance. Other findings are discussed. (108651)
CIS 08-1030 Refresher training in occupational safety and health: Professionalization. (Spanish: Educación continuada en prevención: la profesionalización) Teixidó i Campàs P., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, Mar. 2008, No.46, p.20-26. Illus. 8 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: A process for the ongoing occupational safety and health training of the working population (professionalization) is presented. Its aim is to supply the labour market with a workforce having the required competence and offering the necessary guarantees in this field. The roles of the various parties involved (mutual accident insurance institutions, labour unions, employers' organizations and vocational training institutions) are discussed. (108693)
CIS 08-1031 Quality of the work of occupational safety and health specialists. (German: Qualität des Handelns der Fachkräfte für Arbeitssicherheit) Wienhold L., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2005. 185p. Illus. 45 ref. Price: EUR 18.50., ISBN 3-86509-331-0 (In German) Internet: The quality of personnel responsible for the technical aspects of safety and health management within enterprises is an essential element for ensuring the safety and health of employees. The aim of this project was to develop guidelines for good practices in occupational safety and health and to define criteria enabling the evaluation of the quality of the work of occupational safety and health specialists. (108732)
CIS 08-1032 Occupational risk - Methodological basis for assessment. (Polish: Ryzyko zawodowe - Metodyczne podstawy oceny) Zawieska W.M., ed., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2007. 547p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: PLN 55.00., ISBN 978-83-7373-020-5 (In Polish) Internet: The notion of occupational risk, as specified in international agreements and national safety regulations, is explained. The factors influencing occupational hazards are described. Finally, the basic rules, methods and tools for hazard evaluation are discussed. (108742)
CIS 08-1033 Health and safety statistics 2005/06. Health and Safety Commission, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Nov. 2006. 27p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This booklet presents the statistics on work-related ill health, workplace fatalities and injuries, and enforcement in the United Kingdom. Data are presented by industry sector and information is given on progress made against targets on work-related ill-health, fatal and major injuries, and days lost. (108552)
CIS 08-1034 International comparison of health and safety responsibilities of company directors. Bergman D., Davis C., Rigby B., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. viii, 121p. (In English) Internet: This report looks at whether there is a legal obligation in nine countries imposing safety and health duties on enterprise board directors (and other senior managers), and if so, what these duties comprise and whether they assist in the prosecution of directors. The main finding is that seven out of nine countries contain safety legislation that imposes positive safety obligations upon either directors or senior managers of companies. These are: Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Canada and Australia. Two countries, the United Sates and the Netherlands, do not impose any obligations. (108631)
CIS 08-1035 Health and safety management and business economic performance. An econometric study. Sheikh S., Gardiner B., Brettell S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2006. viii, 65p. Illus. Approx. 130 ref. (In English) Internet: This study explores the relationship between the scale of occupational safety and health (OSH) activity undertaken by businesses and their economic performance. The objective was to measure whether increased OSH activity encourages investment in human and physical capital, thereby leading to an increase in productivity at both firm and industry levels. A multi-industry approach was adopted, in which growth in each industry's gross output was decomposed into the contributions from changes in capital services, labour and other inputs, with the residual defined as total factor productivity. The study then examines whether OSH investments explain some of the residual productivity. (108532)
CIS 08-1036 Study of the public reporting of occupational health and safety performance in 2005 by UK businesses with over 250 employees. Kupper A., Peebles L., Pimm A., Hollywood S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2006. x, 114p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This report presents the findings of the fourth survey commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive to investigate occupational safety and health information made publicly available by enterprises in the United Kingdom. Items investigated include: level of reporting in websites, annual reports and other publicly available documents (including safety and health reports, social responsibility reports and sustainable development reports) of 300 enterprises employing more than 250 employees; issues reported in terms of safety and health performance and targets; comparison of the level of safety and health reporting between industries; comparison of the level of safety and health reporting between enterprises participating in this survey and in previous surveys; identifying examples of good practice with respect to reporting. (108536)
CIS 08-1037 Evaluation of EPS and enforcement action. Main report. Wright M., Marsden S., Williams N., Cudmore S., Streatfeild C., Dimopoulos E., Beardwell C., Pennie D., Hopcroft R., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2006. x, 45p. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: This report summarizes the findings of the first and second phases of a study that researched how enforcement influences duty holders, and evaluated the occupational safety and health Enforcement Policy Statement. The first phase included a literature review, exploratory discussions with stakeholders and a survey of inspectors and duty holders. The survey of duty holders includes those that have been subject to improvement notices, prohibition notices and prosecution. The results outline if, how and some of the reasons why, enforcement impacts duty holders' safety and health management. The report also examines evidence about how hearing of enforcement action or incidents in other organizations influences duty holders, and summarizes respondents' view of potential improvements. The second phase of work involved a further literature review, exploratory discussions with workers, employers and inspectors, worker focus groups and discussions with victims' representatives. Findings are discussed. (108540)
CIS 08-1038 An investigation of reporting of workplace accidents under RIDDOR using the Merseyside Accident Information Model. Davies J.C., Kemp G.J., Frostick S.P., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 25p. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated the under-reporting of accidents to HSE by matching patients attending a United Kingdom hospital with cases reported to HSE. The largest number of reportable accidents was from occupations connected with the construction industry. Sales assistants and unqualified nursing assistants were also prominent. Reporting rates varied between sectors: local and central government had the highest reporting rate, while the lowest rates were found in catering, repairs, distribution, hotels and other manufacturing. Overall, 30% of reportable accidents from the study were actually reported to the HSE. Self employed workers were poor at reporting accidents, with a reporting rate of 12%, compared with 32% for employed workers. Other findings are discussed. (108545)
CIS 08-1039 The management of occupational safety and health at the ASECNA regional office in Burkina Faso. (French: La gestion de la sécurité et de la santé au travail à la représentation de l'ASECNA au Burkina Faso) Traore Mamadou M., Agence pour la sécurité de la navigation aérienne en Afrique et à Madagascar, 32-38, avenue Jean Jaurès, BP 3144, Dakar, Senegal, 2005. 49p. Illus. 33 ref. (In French) Internet: End of studies dissertation on the management of occupational safety and health (OSH) at the regional office of a Pan-African organization. Data were collected by means of literature surveys, questionnaires and interviews, Based on the findings, several recommendations are proposed for the purpose of improving OSH services. (108600)
CIS 08-1040 Evidence based evaluation of the scale of disproportionate decisions on risk assessment and management. Wright M., Beardwell C., Pennie D., Smith R., Norton Doyle J., Dimopoulos E., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2008. xii, 100p. 12 ref. (In English) Internet: This report summarises a study of the prevalence and causes of disproportionate safety and health management in the United Kingdom. It confines itself to decisions that err on the side of excessive caution, excluding reckless decisions. Work involved reviewing literature, consulting trade associations and professional bodies, conducting a postal survey of decision makers and carrying out 12 case studies. Three times as many respondents believed that there was a problem with risk aversion in the United Kingdom in general, compared to those who felt that their own organization had such a problem. Some important factors include the fear of litigation, prosecution and personal liability. It also appears that the perceived likelihood of litigation and prosecution does not accord with true trends, suggesting that steps could be taken to address these fears. (108632)
CIS 08-1041 The suitability of HSE's risk assessment process and management standards for use in SMEs. Gaskell L., Hickling N., Stephens P., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. x, 131p. Illus. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: This study evaluated the applicability in SMEs of HSE's Five-Step Risk Assessment Process and supporting information, developed for tackling high levels of work-related stress in large organizations. Ten SMEs applied the guidance in a longitudinal study over at least seven months, after which a respondent from each SME answered an interview-administered questionnaire. Overall ratings of usefulness and acceptability of the process were favourable. It is concluded that SMEs can successfully apply the method unaided to conduct a structured risk assessment process and identify improvements that reduce stress and benefit their business. (108633)
CIS 08-1042 The decent work agenda in Africa 2007-2015 - Report of the Director-General. (French: L'agenda du travail décent en Afrique 2007-2015 - Rapport du Directeur général) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. ix, 71p. Illus. Price: CHF 15.00., ISBN 978-92-2-119657-0 (En), ISBN 978-92-2-219657-9 (fr) (In English, French) Internet: Every four years, the ILO African Regional Meeting brings together ILO's tripartite constituents from its 53 Member States in Africa to discuss developments in the world of work in Africa and provide guidance for the work of the ILO in the region in the following years. The 11th African Regional Meeting took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 23 to 27 April 2007. The meeting defined the steps that Member States, the ILO and its development partners need to take in the coming years to make decent work a reality in the region and thus provide an effective way to reduce poverty in a sustainable fashion. Debate at the meeting was centred on two reports presented by the ILO's Director-General. This report on decent work identifies a number of policies and practical actions that are necessary to implement the decent work agenda in the different areas of ILO's mandate: international labour standards, fundamental rights at work, employment, social protection and social dialogue. See also CIS 08-1043. (108676)
CIS 08-1043 ILO activities in Africa 2004-2006 - Report of the Director-General. (French: Activités de l'OIT en Afrique 2004-2006 - Rapport du Directeur général) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. vii, 69p. Illus. Price: CHF 15.00., ISBN 978-92-2-119659-4 (en), ISBN 978-92-2-219659-3 (fr) (In English, French) Internet: Every four years, the ILO African Regional Meeting brings together ILO's tripartite constituents from its 53 Member States in Africa to discuss developments in the world of work in Africa and provide guidance for the work of the ILO in the region in the following years. The 11th African Regional Meeting took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 23 to 27 April 2007. The meeting defined the steps that Member States, the ILO and its development partners need to take in the coming years to make decent work a reality in the region and thus provide an effective way to reduce poverty in a sustainable fashion. Debate at the meeting was centred on two reports presented by the ILO's Director-General. This report describes how the ILO has worked with its Member States and development partners, particularly the African Union Commission and the Regional Economic Communities, to implement the Plan of Action adopted by the Ouagadougou Summit of 2004. See also CIS 08-1042. (108677)
CIS 08-1044 Beyond deaths and injuries: The ILO's role in promoting safe and healthy jobs. Al-Tuwaijri S., Fedotov I., Feitshans I., Gifford M., Gold D., Machida S., Nahmias M., Niu S., Sándi G., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2008. viii, 40p. Illus., ISBN 978-92-2-121332-1 (In English) Internet: This ILO report was presented at the World Congress on Safety and Health at Work held in Seoul, Korea, from 29 June to 2 July 2008. It draws from the latest available statistics and reports an increase in the estimated number of non-fatal occupational accidents and fatal accidents but a slight decrease in the overall number of deaths due to work related diseases. Taken together, the total number of deaths due to work related accidents and diseases declined slightly from 2001 to 2003, from 2.38 million to 2.31 million. According to the report, efforts to tackle occupational safety and health (OSH) issues are often dispersed and fragmented and greater efforts are needed to adapt to the rapidly changing world of work. In particular, the report highlights the challenge in countries experiencing rapid industrialization or those with limited resources for maintaining effective national OSH systems, including proper enforcement of legislation. (108679)
CIS 08-1045 Job content of labour inspectors and controllers in the labour administration systems of French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa. (French: Les fonctions assurées par des inspecteurs et contrôleurs du travail dans le système d'administration du travail en Afrique francophone subsaharienne) Auvergnon P., Laviolette S., Oumarou M., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, Nov. 2007. iv, 82p. Illus. 48 ref., ISBN 978-92-2-220564-6 (In French) Internet: This report addresses the issue of the job content of labour inspectors in nine French-speaking Sub-Saharan African countries, as an integral part of labour administration as specified by ILO Convention No.150 on Labour Administration. Countries covered are Benin, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Mali, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Senegal and Chad. While addressing the issue of how the inspection services operate, the report also discusses and compares the legal powers and functions which are effectively endowed by each of the national labour administration systems. (108690)
CIS 08-1046 Safety and health management in the context of vocational and further training. (German: Arbeitsschutzmanagement in der beruflichen Aus- und Fortbildung) Ritter A., Dresenkamp J., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2005. 102p. Illus. 59 ref. Price: EUR 13.00., ISBN 3-86509-440-6 (In German) Internet: From 2003, German enterprises use national guidelines based on the principles of the ILO OSH management system (ILO-OSH 2001, see CIS 02-162) for implementing occupational safety and health management systems. A follow-up study was carried out to collect data and assess the practical applicability of these guidelines. This report describes the design and implementation of an occupational safety and health management system in an enterprise training centre, which were analysed as part of this study. (108733)
CIS 08-1047 Occupational injuries statistics from household surveys and establishment surveys - An ILO manual on methods. Taswell K., Wingfield-Digby P., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2008. x, 175p. Illus. Price: CHF 55.00., ISBN 978-92-2-120439-8 (In English) This manual aims to assist persons responsible for compiling data on occupational injuries with newly-developed tools for collecting these data from household and enterprise surveys. A second aim is to enhance compatibility of data between countries by encouraging the application of the latest international statistical standards, which form the basis of the new methodological tools. Among the contents of the manual: practical guidance for the production of statistics on occupational injuries through household and enterprise surveys; detailed explanations of the concepts underlying the statistics, as well as types of data, classification schemes, calculation of indicators and international standards; a step-by-step approach for developing household and establishment surveys and processing and disseminating the data; model questionnaires; training materials. (108678)
CIS 08-1048 A guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 2008. viii, 84p. 14 ref. Price: GBP 11.95., ISBN 978-0-7176-6290-6 (In English) Internet: This guide provides the full text of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995 and schedules (see CIS 95-1930) along with detailed guidance notes. This new edition brings the associated guidance up to date, particularly in relation to the changes in reporting arrangements. Other amendments have been made to reflect changes in legislation, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH, see CIS 03-1023). Replaces CIS 03-624. (108674)
CIS 08-1049 Disputes relating to occupational accidents and diseases. (French: Contentieux en accidents du travail et maladies professionnelles) Zakia T., Goulfier C., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 2008, No.159, 2p. 3 ref. (In French) Internet: Occupational accidents and diseases are the source of many disputes given the numerous interrelationships between medical and administrative aspects involved in their compensation. This article reviews the main elements which may give rise to litigation in France, while distinguishing between the factors that are strictly medical in nature as opposed to those that are regulatory or administrative. (108683)
CIS 08-1050 Answers to the most frequently-asked questions concerning the occupational hazards system. (Spanish: Respuestas a las preguntas más frecuentes sobre el Sistema de Riesgos del Trabajo) Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo, Bartolomé Mitre 751, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2007. 16p. (In Spanish) Internet: This booklet provides answers to 48 frequently-asked questions about the Argentinean system of prevention of occupational hazards. Questions are grouped under the following headings: general interest questions; questions more specifically of interest to workers; questions more specifically of interest to employers; questions of interest to other stakeholders. (108601)
CIS 08-1051 Labour inspection in decentralized States. (Catalan: La Inspecció de Treball en els estats descentralitzats) International Labour Office (ILO), ILO Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament de Treball, Sepúlveda, 148-150, Barcelona, Spain, 2008. CD-ROM. (In Catalan) Internet: CD-ROM containing conference materials of a one-day workshop on labour inspection in decentralized States, held in Barcelona, Spain, on 16 May 2006 (in PDF, MS Word or PowerPoint formats). Topics addressed: ILO conventions and recommendations on labour inspection; labour inspection policies; informal economy; important global challenges in labour inspection; introduction to the German system of labour inspection; Swiss labour inspection system; decentralization of the Canadian labour administration; control of social legislation; labour inspection in the context of international ILO conventions. Several documents are provided in four languages (Catalan, Spanish, English and French). (108691)
CIS 08-1052 Mortality and cancer experience of Quebec aluminum reduction plant workers. Part 1: The reduction plants and coal tar pitch volatile (CTPV) exposure assessment. Lavoué J., Gérin M., Côté J., Lapointe R., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 2007, Vol.49, No.9, p.997-1008. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: This article presents the work undertaken to assess the exposure to coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPV) and to develop the job-exposure matrix (JEM), as part of a study on the mortality and cancer incidence among aluminium smelter workers in Quebec, Canada. Historical CTPV exposure was assessed by estimating benzene-soluble material (BSM) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) levels for combinations of job and time period. These estimates were derived by using several procedures including averaging measurement data, a deterministic mathematical model using process-related correction factors and expert-based extrapolation. The JEM comprised 28,910 jobs, covering seven facilities from 1916 to 1999. Estimated exposures ranged from 0.01µg/m3 to 68.08µg/m3 for B[a]P and 0.01mg/m3 to 3.64mg/m3 for BSM, and were lowest before 1940 and after 1980. See also CIS 08-1054 and 08-1055. (108526)
CIS 08-1053 Clara cell protein as a biomarker for lung epithelial injury in asphalt workers. Ulvestad B., Randem B.G., Andersson L., Ellingsen D.G., Barregard L., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2007, Vol.49, No.10, p.1073-1078. Illus. 20 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated whether asphalt workers showed signs of lung epithelial injury as shown by increased Clara cell protein 16 (CC16) in serum after six months of exposure. Asphalt pavers, asphalt plant operators and engineers from a large Norwegian road construction and repair enterprise underwent lung function tests and blood sampling before the start and at the end of the road working season. Blood samples were analysed for concentration of CC16 and interleukin-6 (IL-6). After adjustment for smoking, pavers had a significantly larger increase in CC16 concentration after the season as compared with that of engineers and plant operators. Among pavers, changes in serum CC16 were correlated with those of IL-6. CC16 increases over the season in pavers and appears to be a useful biomarker for lung epithelial injury in exposed workers. (108527)
CIS 08-1054 Mortality and cancer experience of Quebec aluminum reduction plant workers. Part 2: Mortality of three cohorts hired on or before January 1, 1951. Gibbs G.W., Armstrong B., Sevigny M., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2007, Vol.49, No.10, p.1105-1123. 42 ref. (In English) Internet: The mortality of 5,977 male aluminium smelter workers hired at three Quebec plants before 1951 was compared with that of Quebec men. Statistically significant causes of death were: lung cancer (at the three plants); bladder cancer and chronic obstructive lung disease (at two plants); cancers of the stomach, digestive system, rectum, pancreas, and larynx, Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease (one plant). Mortality from cancer of the lung and bladder and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are related to exposure in Söderberg smelters. The cause of increased stomach cancer mortality is unclear. Excess mortality from some other diseases may be explained by factors other than coal tar pitch volatiles exposure. See also CIS 08-1052 and 08-1055. (108528)
CIS 08-1055 Mortality and cancer experience of Quebec aluminum reduction plant workers. Part 3: monitoring the mortality of workers first employed after January 1, 1950. Gibbs G.W., Sevigny M., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Nov. 2007, Vol.49, No.11, p.1269-1287. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to monitor changes over time in mortality of workers first employed in Quebec aluminium smelters after 1950. Mortality of cohorts by decade of hire was compared with Quebec population and same plant experience before 1950. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory cancer mortality were statistically in excess. In the combined cohorts, standardized mortality ratios exceeded 110 for cancers of oesophagus, rectum, and rectosigmoid junction, pancreas, larynx, lung, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, cerebrovascular disease and asthma. These findings essentially mirrored the experience of pre-1950 workers. There was a significant downward trend in mortality from all causes, lung and bladder cancer. See also CIS 08-1052 and 08-1054. (108530)
CIS 08-1056 An internet database for the classification and dissemination of information about hazardous chemicals and occupational diseases. Brown J.A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, June 2008, Vol.51, No.6, p.428-435. Illus. 69 ref. (In English) Internet: A relational database of hazardous chemicals and occupational diseases was constructed by first collecting and sifting through the large volume of information. The information was indexed with a controlled vocabulary and documented with references to the scientific literature. The database is available on the website of the American National Library of Medicine. It enables users to browse categories to find specific information that may be useful for intervention and prevention. (108655)
CIS 08-1057 An update on airborne contact dermatitis: 2001-2006. Santos R., Goossens A., Contact Dermatitis, Dec. 2007, Vol.57, No.6, p.353-360. Illus. 180 ref. (In English) Internet: Reports on airborne contact dermatitis are mainly published in the context of occupational settings. Hence, in recent years, dermatologists and occupational physicians have become increasingly aware of the possibilities of airborne sources of irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. However, their occurrence is still underestimated, because reports often omit the term "airborne" when referring to causal agents. For the present update, several leading journals were screened from 2000 to 2006, resulting in an updated list of airborne dermatitis causes. (108563)
CIS 08-1058 Work-related infectious disease in Australia: Causes and affected workers. Driscoll T., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Aug. 2006, Vol.22, No.4, p.303-314. 104 ref. (In English) Internet: This article consists of a literature-based review of epidemiological studies on work-related infectious disease in Australia. It reviews the magnitude, severity, causes and affected occupational groups. A wide range of Australian workers are at considerable risk of developing some kind of work-related infection. Most of these cases are relatively minor, but some result in significant morbidity. The main infections include both zoonotic and non-zoonotic organisms. The main occupational groups at risk include healthcare workers, childcare workers, agricultural workers, and meat and livestock workers. (108571)
CIS 08-1059 Refining estimates of hospitalised work-related injuries in NSW, 2000/01 to 2004/05. Mitchell R., McClure R., Driscoll T., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Feb. 2008, Vol.24, No.1, p.33-42. Illus. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: Accurate estimates of the incidence of hospitalized work-related injuries are not currently available from national hospitalized data sources in Australia. This study uses New South Wales hospitalization data to quantify the variation in estimates and compare the profile of work-related injury that arise from the use of different variables within morbidity data to define the work-related status of an injury. It is concluded that hospital data should be linked to additional data sources for an improved reliability in determining the occupational nature of an injury. (108575)
CIS 08-1060 Carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis and De Quervain's syndrome - Guide to integral treatment based on evidence of musculoskeletal disease. (Spanish: Síndrome de túnel carpiano, epicondilitis y enfermedad de De Quervain - Guía de atención integral basada en la evidencia para desórdenes musculoesqueléticos) Protección y seguridad, Mar.-Apr. 2008, Vol.54, No.318, p.22-28. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: This article describes the characteristics of three occupational diseases affecting upper extremities that are common in Colombia and caused by repetitive efforts, static or forced postures, vibrations, cold work environments and local physical strain: carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis and De Quervain's syndrome. These descriptions are based on a medical guide, the full version of which can be viewed on the website of the Colombian Ministry for Social Protection. (108618)
CIS 08-1061 Cost-benefit analysis of a worksite oral-health promotion program. Ichihashi T., Muto T., Shibuya K., Industrial Health, Jan. 2007, Vol.45, No.1, p.32-36. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: This study was conducted to examine whether dental health promotion programmes provided as an occupational health service for employees were cost-beneficial for employers. The subjects were composed of 357 male workers who participated in oral-health promotion programmes conducted at their workplaces between 1992 and 1997. Three programmes (light: one visit; medium: two to four visits; intensive: five to six visits) were compared through cost-benefit analysis. The programmes consisted of oral-health checkups by dentists and oral-health education by dental hygienists. The costs of the programme included direct costs for the payment of oral-health-care staff and for teaching materials, and indirect costs for the time for employee participation in the programme (20 min/employee per visit). The accumulated dental expenses for the duration of the programme were used to calculate benefits. The benefit/cost ratios of the three programmes were -2.45, 1.46, and 0.73, respectively, suggesting that a medium-frequency programme is cost-beneficial for employers. (108663)
CIS 08-1062 Contact dermatitis in tobacco farmworkers. Abraham N.F., Feldman S.R., Vallejos Q., Whalley L.E., Brooks T., Cabral G., Earp P., Fleischer A.B., Quandt S.A., Arcury T.A., Contact Dermatitis, July 2007, Vol.57, No.1, p.40-43. Illus. 14 ref. (In English) Internet: Occupational skin disease is highly prevalent among agricultural workers. Tobacco cultivation and harvest are particularly hazardous for farmworkers. This article describes cases of five migrant Latino farmworkers in North Carolina with contact dermatitis related to tobacco work. These cases showed a characteristic distribution of contact dermatitis: the flexural and medial surfaces of the upper extremities were affected in each case, whereas most cases showed some involvement of the torso and axilla. This pattern most likely reflects a common occupational practice of holding the tobacco leaves under the arm and pressed against the body during harvesting. (108561)
CIS 08-1063 Pesticide contact dermatitis in fruit and vegetable farmers of Himachal Pradesh (India). Verma G., Sharma N.L., Shanker V., Mahajan V.K., Tegta G.R., Contact Dermatitis, Nov. 2007, Vol.57, No.5, p.316-320. 25 ref. (In English) Internet: In this case-control study on pesticide allergic contact dermatitis conducted in Himachal Pradesh, an Indian state with an important fruit and vegetable production, cases included 30 farmers with dermatitis on the face, neck, hands and feet, while controls consisted of two groups of 10 subjects each: group 1 had a history of exposure to pesticides but no dermatitis while group 2 had neither dermatitis nor history of exposure to pesticides. All subjects were patch tested with the 10 most common pesticides used in the region. Positive patch test reactions from pesticides were observed in eight cases, while three group 1 subjects also showed sensitization to several pesticides. No reactions were observed among group 2 subjects. Captan was the most common sensitizer (five patients), two patients were sensitive to propargite. Chlorpyrifos, tree spray oil and thiuram gave a positive reaction in one patient each. Other findings are discussed. (108562)
CIS 08-1064 A survey of New Zealand farmers' knowledge about the risks and prevention of occupational respiratory disease. Wallaart J., Winder C., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Oct. 2007, Vol.23, No.5, p.469-479. Illus. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: About 10% of the working population of New Zealand is employed in agriculture. Some types of farming appear to have a higher level of occupational respiratory disease than among the general population. In this study, farmers' knowledge about the risks and prevention of occupational respiratory disease was assessed by means of a questionnaire survey. The findings suggest that the level of knowledge is low, despite numerous attempts by government and other agencies to raise awareness in this community. Implications are discussed. (108574)
CIS 08-1065 Upper limb disorders caused by excessive physical strain among seat upholsterers. (French: Affections des membres supérieurs dues aux efforts physiques chez les selliers; German: Erkrankungen der oberen Gliedmaßen durch Überbeanspruchung bei Fahrzeugpolsterern; Spanish: Trastornos de las extremidades superiores en tapiceros causados por una tensión física excesiva) Kovács L., Kákosy J.T., Vasas I., Magazine - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work / Agence européenne pour la sécurité et la santé au travail, 2007, No.10, p.28-30. Illus. 10 ref. (In English, French, German, Spanish) Internet: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common of all reported work-related health problems in the European Union. This article describes an ergonomic intervention at an automobile upholstery manufacturer in Hungary, following frequent cases of upper-limb MSDs, found to be due to excessive physical strain of the wrist. Prevention measures involving a change in technology and in work organization as well as the use of tools to reduce the physical strain have resulted in no new incidences of disorders due to excessive efforts of the upper limbs. (108519)
CIS 08-1066 Osteoporosis in a Chinese population due to occupational exposure to lead. Sun Y., Sun D., Zhou Z., Zhu G., Zhang H., Chang X., Lei L., Jin T., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, June 2008, Vol.51, No.6, p.436-442. Illus. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to investigate whether occupational lead exposure was associated with low bone mass in a population working in a storage battery plant. A total of 249 persons (191 men and 58 women) completed a questionnaire on various demographic, personal and job-related factors. Monophoton absorptiometry was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD). Urinary (UPb) and blood (BPb) lead concentrations were determined by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The BMD was significantly decreased in the groups of the high UPb compared with the low UPb level in both genders. The prevalence of osteoporosis was significantly related to the increase of both UPb and BPb. There was a dose-response relationship between lead exposure and prevalence of osteoporosis. Other findings are discussed. (108656)
CIS 08-1067 Musculoskeletal disorders in assembly jobs in the automotive industry with special reference to age management aspects. Landau K., Rademacher H., Meschke H., Winter G., Schaub K., Grasmueck M., Moelbert I., Sommer M., Schulze J., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, July-Aug. 2008, Vol.38, No.7-8, p.561-576. Illus. 46 ref. (In English) Internet: Production planners in the automotive industry are confronted with the problem of steadily increasing age of workers performing assembly jobs which involve highly repetitive short-cycle operations. A total of 256 work stations on an automobile assembly line were studied. Older workers were found mainly in jobs with favourable expert ratings, while younger workers were mainly found in jobs with unfavourable ratings. Accordingly, age and job strain are not independent variables. Older workers still complain of lumbar spine symptoms despite low demands imposed by their present jobs. This seems to indicate long-term cumulative effects. Neck and shoulder symptoms occur more frequently in older workers working under unfavourable conditions. Other findings are discussed. (108659)
CIS 08-1068 Exposures in painting related occupations and risk of selected cancers: Results from a case-control study in Montreal. Ramanakumar A.V., Nadon L., Siemiatycki J., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, June 2008, Vol.51, No.6, p.419-427. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to evaluate risk of cancers other than lung cancer in painting-related professions. A large population based case-control study was carried out during 1979-1986 in Montreal including several types of cancer and their relationship with occupational exposures. Data on lifetime job histories were obtained from interviews and evaluated by a team of industrial hygienists to assign exposure. Seven types of cancer were analysed: oesophagus, stomach, colorectal, prostate, bladder, kidney and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. For each cancer type, a pooled control group was constituted from 533 population controls and 533 cancer patients selected from other types of cancer. Odds ratios were estimated for each of the paint-related agents and each of the seven cancer types, adjusting for several potential confounders, including smoking. Painting was not associated with risk of any of the cancers under study. Other findings are discussed. (108654)
CIS 08-1069 Back injuries among union carpenters in Washington State, 1989-2003. Lipscomb H.J., Cameron W., Silverstein B., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, June 2008, Vol.51, No.6, p.463-474. Illus. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: There is limited information on occupational back pain specific to carpenters despite their known exposures to recognized occupational risk factors and limited opportunities for modified work due to the predominantly heavy nature of their physical workload. This study was based on data from union records and workers' compensation claims among a cohort of union carpenters between 1989 and 2003. High risk subgroups were explored based on age, gender, union tenure and predominant type of work. Back injuries occurred at an overall rate of 6.2/200,000 hours worked. Overexertion injuries from manual materials handling activities are responsible for the largest burden of back injuries among these carpenters, but a growing proportion of injuries result from acute traumatic events. Other findings are discussed. (108658)
CIS 08-1070 Airway inflammation in paper mill workers. Sikkeland L.I.B., Haug T., Stangeland A.M., Flatberg G., Søstrand P., Halvorsen B, Kongerud J., Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2007, Vol.49, No.10, p.1135-1142. Illus. 24 ref. (In English) Internet: Paper mill workers are exposed to microorganisms. To study whether inflammatory airway response could be detected in sputum of non-symptomatic workers, 29 healthy nonsmoking men were recruited from four paper mills in Norway; 17 were exposed to high levels of and 12 workers to low levels of microorganisms. A reference group of 22 healthy, nonsmoking, non-exposed men was also studied. Differential cell counts of induced sputum were performed, gene expressions of isolated sputum macrophages were studied and inflammatory parameters were analyzed. Sputum from highly-exposed workers had a significantly higher percentage of neutrophils than that from low-exposed and non-exposed workers. There was also an increased gene expression of various inflammatory parameters in induced sputum from the highly-exposed group. These findings show that paper industry workers exposed to microorganisms develop sub-clinical airway inflammation. (108529)
CIS 08-1071 Cancer incidence among male Massachusetts firefighters, 1987-2003. Kang D., Davis L.K., Hunt P., Kriebel D., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2008, Vol.51, No.5, p.329-335. 49 ref. (In English) Internet: Firefighters are known to be exposed to recognized or probable carcinogens. Previous studies have found elevated risks of several types of cancers in firefighters. Standardized morbidity odds ratio (SMORs) were used to evaluate the cancer risk in white, male firefighters compared to police and all other occupations in the Massachusetts Cancer Registry from 1986 to 2003. Control cancers were those not associated with firefighters in previous studies. Risks were moderately elevated among firefighters for colon cancer (SMOR=1.36) and brain cancer (SMOR=1.90). Weaker evidence of increased risk was observed for bladder cancer, kidney cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma. These findings are compatible with previous reports. (108512)
CIS 08-1072 Occupational dermatoses in health care workers evaluated for suspected allergic contact dermatitis. Suneja T., Belsito D.V., Contact Dermatitis, May 2008, Vol.58, No.5, p.285-290. 39 ref. (In English) Internet: Occupational skin diseases, including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and allergic contact urticaria (ACU), commonly occur among health care workers (HCWs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the aetiology of the various skin diseases afflicting HCWs and to identify the most common allergens among patients found to have ACD and/or ACU. A total of 1434 patients underwent patch testing. The demographic data and most common allergens for 100 HCWs and 1334 non-HCWs were compared. HCWs were statistically more likely to be female, have hand dermatitis, and have a history of atopy. HCWs were also more likely to have work-related ACD especially to quaternium-15, thiuram, carba mix, glutaraldehyde and benzalkonium chloride, and to have ACU to latex. The results confirm the importance of thoroughly evaluating HCWs for ACD and ACU with the use of the expanded standard allergen series and latex. (108521)
CIS 08-1073 Musculoskeletal disorders among laparoscopy surgeons. (Spanish: Problemas músculo-esqueléticos en los cirujanos de laparoscopia) Skiadopoulos A., Gianikellis K., Moreno A., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, May 2008, No.47, p.24-34. Illus. 19 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: An epidemiological survey was carried out to determine the type of musculoskeletal disorders affecting surgeons conducting laparoscopies, their intensity, location and frequency. It involved 52 surgeons aged between 30 and 65 years who answered a version of the Nordic questionnaire modified by the HSE. High levels of problems were observed for the neck (43%), shoulder (33%), lumbar region (35%), and hands and wrists (31%). A correlation between neck and wrist disorders, and hours of work was shown. Other findings are discussed. (108699)
CIS 08-1074 The impact of work changes on the resurgence of musculoskeletal problems. (French: Impact de l'évolution du travail sur la résurgence des troubles musculo-squelettiques; German: Die Auswirkungen des Wandels in der Arbeitswelt auf das wiederholte Auftreten von Muskel- und Skelett-Erkrankungen; Spanish: El efecto de los cambios en el trabajo en el resurgimiento de los problemas musculoesqueléticos) Riso S., Magazine - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work / Agence européenne pour la sécurité et la santé au travail, 2007, No.10, p.3-7. Illus. 13 ref. (In English, French, German, Spanish) Internet: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common of all reported work-related health problems in the European Union. Manual load handling, working in prolonged and/or awkward postures and repetitive movements are risk factors for MSDs, as are non-biomechanical factors such as stress. This article presents the main findings of the Fourth European Working Conditions Survey of 2005 concerning MSDs which showed that exposure to repetitive movements have increased from 57% to 62% between 2000 and 2005. (108516)
CIS 08-1075 Participative strategy for the management of musculoskeletal disorders in industry. (French: Stratégie participative pour la gestion des troubles musculo-squelettiques dans l'industrie; German: Eine partizipative Managementstrategie zur Prävention von Muskel- und Skelett-Erkrankungen in der Industrie; Spanish: Estrategia participativa para la gestión de trastornos musculoesqueléticos en la industria) Malchaire J., Magazine - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work / Agence européenne pour la sécurité et la santé au travail, 2007, No.10, p.11-14. Illus. 7 ref. (In English, French, German, Spanish) Internet: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common of all reported work-related health problems in the European Union. This article presents a cost-effective strategy in four stages of increasing complexity - the so-called SOBANE strategy - for the prevention of MSDs. This participative strategy for risk prevention involves the following four steps: screening, observation, analysis and expertise. . (108517)
CIS 08-1076 Preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): A priority in Navarre. (French: Prévention des troubles musculo-squelettiques (TMS): une priorité en Navarre; German: Vorbeugung von Muskel- und Skelett-Erkrankungen - Priorität in Navarra; Spanish: Prevención de los trastornos musculoesqueléticos. Una prioridad en la acción preventiva en la comunidad autónoma de Navarra) Eransus Izquierdo J., Díez de Ulzurrun Sagala M., Garasa Jiménez A., Magazine - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work / Agence européenne pour la sécurité et la santé au travail, 2007, No.10, p.15-19. Illus. (In English, French, German, Spanish) Internet: Manual load handling, working in prolonged and/or awkward postures and repetitive movements are common risk factors in companies in the Navarre region of Spain. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are therefore a priority occupational health concern. This article presents the main findings of a survey on working conditions and MSDs in the Spanish region of Navarra, together with the key elements of the plan for the prevention of MSDs in the region. (108518)
CIS 08-1077 Work-related diseases caused by physical overload in Estonia. (French: Maladies professionnelles dues à une surcharge physique en Estonie; German: Durch körperliche Überanstrengung hervorgerufene Berufskrankheiten in Estland; Spanish: Enfermedades de origen laboral causadas por sobrecarga física en Estonia) Kahn H., Moks M., Pille V., Vain A., Magazine - European Agency for Safety and Health at Work / Agence européenne pour la sécurité et la santé au travail, 2007, No.10, p.31-34. Illus. 13 ref. (In English, French, German, Spanish) Internet: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common of all reported work-related health problems in the European Union. This article summarizes occupational disease statistics in Estonia, in particular work-related MSDs, and describes a MSD diagnosis method based on myometry. (108520)
CIS 08-1078 Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: Prevention report. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía 33, 48009 Bilbao, Spain, 2008. 105p. Illus. 19 ref. Price: EUR 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge, ISBN 978-92-9191-162-2 (In English) Internet: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related problem in Europe, with 25% of the EU-27 workers report suffering from backache and 23% complaining about muscular pains. First, there are preventive steps that have to be taken. But for workers who already have MSDs, the challenge is to maintain their employability, keep them working and, if necessary, reintegrate them into the workplace. The aim of this report was to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions at the workplace and to provide practical examples with respect to successful prevention of MSDs. It focuses mainly on the developments that have taken place since the previous European MSDs Campaign in 2000. (108556)
CIS 08-1079 Application of the ILO international classification of radiographs of pneumoconioses to digital chest radiographic images. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, July 2008. 22p. (In English) Internet: Summaries of papers presented at a conference on the classification of digital chest radiographs for patients with pneumoconioses held in Washington D.C., USA, held on March 12-13 2008. The international group of scientists in attendance heard from representatives of the International Labour Organization (ILO), NIOSH and academia. Expert presenters described current and future issues in digital radiography, especially as they relate to classification. Specific sessions were held on image acquisition, image presentation, file interchange and developing recommendations for advancing digital classification for pneumoconioses. (108714)
CIS 08-1080 A pilot study into improving sickness absence recording in National Health Service acute trusts. Hill S., Woodroof G., Verow P., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. ii, 9p. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: Within large public sector organizations such as National Health Service of the United Kingdom, the recording and management of absence can be inefficient and result in poor data. Occupational health departments that are willing to help employees who have health problems find that their task is made more difficult by the lack of data which identifies the reasons and dates of absence spells and whether these are work related. This study explored ways for collecting more effective real-time data in order to assist both management and occupational health departments in their efforts to support employees back to work, and to reduce the amount of work related ill health. A pilot system involving a call centre and the use of e-mail was found to be effective for the collection of real-time data. (108548)
CIS 08-1081 Contribution towards the setting up, organizing and operating of occupational health services in African defence forces: Example of Gabon. (French: Contribution à l'institution, à l'organisation et au fonctionnement des services de santé au travail dans les forces de défense nationale en Afrique: exemple du Gabon) Angwe Eboue B., Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Faculté de médicine et d'odonto-stomatologie, B.P 5005, Dakar-Fann, Senegal, 2007. 63p. Illus. 44 ref. (In French) Internet: Contents of this thesis on the organization of occupational health services in the Gabonese armed forces: general aspects of occupational medicine; organization of the health system in the armed forces; national occupational safety and health profile; nomenclature of hazards and nuisances; proposals; recommendations concerning a proposed directive for the organization of occupational health services in the Gabonese armed forces and its extension to other Sub-Saharan African countries; conclusion. (108599)
CIS 08-1082 The Europeanisation of occupational health services: A study of the impact of EU policies. Hämäläinen R.M., Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, FIOH-Bookstore, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 2008. 400p. Illus. Approx. 450 ref. Price: EUR 37.00., ISBN 978-951-802-831-7 (In English) Internet: Occupational health services (OHS) are part of the social and health policies of the European Union. OHS has been studied mainly as a national system, with a focus on risk assessment and the prevention of diseases, injuries and accidents. OHS has also gained attention among social partners, such as trade unions and employers' organizations, during bargaining and negotiations on workers' compensation. This study focuses on OHS in the context of the EU and on OHS as part of the work-based benefits provided to workers. The study examined the impact of EU policies, using OHS as a case to demonstrate transnational legislation and governance in EU Member States. The study explores the development of OHS in 15 Member States (those that joined before 2004), based on interviews and the analysis of various documents. Doctoral thesis. (108671)
CIS 08-1083 Agriculture and forestry work-related injuries in farmers admitted to an emergency department. Nogalski A., Lübek T., Sompor J., Karski J., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2007, Vol, 14, No.2, p.253-258. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of the study was to describe the characteristics of occupational injuries among agriculture and forestry workers admitted to the emergency department of a Polish hospital. It was carried out in the form of a retrospective analysis of 3791 records of cases having been admitted between January 2004 and December 2005. Cases included 63.1% males and 53.3% were under 30 years of age. After adjusting for age and sex, injuries related to machines or falls were the most frequent and severe, followed by animal-related injuries. Other findings are discussed. (108750)
CIS 08-1084 Organizing relationships in the services sector. (French: Organiser la relation de service) Dumalin F., Rouilleault H., Balan F., Alour C., Sarazin B., Nicot A.M., Reuter K., Jouvenot C., Travail & changement, Jan.-Feb. 2006, No.306, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on working conditions in the services sector. Topics addressed: what's at stake and challenges; points of view of managers of a call centre, a regional enterprise relations service, a research centre and a training centre; approaches adopted by a call centre of a telecom company, an urban public transport service and a home care service; main points to consider in an occupational safety and health strategy in the services sector; review of a publication on work management in the services sector; further reading. (108590)
CIS 08-1085 The specific character of medical duties. (Polish: Specyfika dyżurów medycznych) Kubot Z., Praca i Zabezpieczenie Społeczne, Jan. 2008, No.1, p.14-20. (In Polish) Internet: The specific aspects of the duties of hospital medical professionals (physicians, nurses) specified in Polish legislation on health care institutions are commented in the light of judicial decisions of the Polish courts and the European Court of Justice. The changes to the specific character of medical duties, which were made after Poland's accession to the European Union, are explained. (108744)
CIS 08-1086 Managing age: What future for those in their fifties?. (French: Gérer les âges: quel avenir pour les quinquas?) Rouilleault H., Guérin F., Sarazin B., Alour C., Lenain M.C., Loisil F., Mercier L., Ragazzi C., Novellon P., Dos Santos M., Travail & changement, May-June 2005, No.302, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on older workers. Topics addressed: role of workers over 50 years of age within the enterprise; points of view of human resource managers on making good use of the experience of older workers; approaches adopted by metalworking and electrical equipment enterprises; study carried out among four enterprises in a French region; approach adopted by a German engineering firm; implementation of a European project on managing older workers in a French region; main points to consider with respect to occupational safety and health of older workers; summary of a report on European and international approaches; further reading. (108586)
CIS 08-1087 Causes of work-related injuries among young workers in British Columbia. Holizki T., McDonald R., Foster V., Guzmicky M., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2008, Vol.51, No.5, p.357-363. Illus. 7 ref. (In English) Internet: This study was undertaken to determine the types and causes of serious injuries to young workers aged 14 to 24 years in British Columbia. The database of the Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia was searched for injury claims involving young workers from 2000 to 2005. Of 384,250 injury claims, 15.6% were for young workers, not significantly different from their proportion in the British Columbia workforce. Of the 5217 serious injuries, 9.8% (including 40 fatalities) were to young workers. Ten percent of young worker injuries occurred in the first week and 20% in the first month of employment. Only 38% of young workers injured in vehicle crashes (the most common cause of fatalities) were wearing seatbelts. Other findings are discussed. (108513)
CIS 08-1088 Modernizing SMEs with the employees. (French: Moderniser les PME avec les salariés) Rouilleault H., Dumalin F., Alour C., Chevallet R., Sarazin B., Issartelle P., Jouvenot C., Coppi M., Rousset S., Tanniou R., Pelletier J., Travail & changement, Mar.-Apr. 2005, No.301, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on workers' participation in small enterprises. Topics addressed: strategic aspects of SME management; points of view of a consultant, a university professor, a member of the Regional council and of the secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation; approaches adopted by a packaging producer, a group of SMEs in the textile industry and a road transport enterprise; study on the investments made by 95 SMEs in a French region; main points to consider when implementing a plan to modernize the enterprise; further reading. (108585)
CIS 08-1089 Managing age: Exclusive survey of 10,000 managers. (French: Gestion des âges: enquête exclusive auprès de 10.000 dirigeants) Peullet J.P., Rouilleault H., Mandinaud V., Trouiller G., Sarazin B., Roux C., Lecot S., Lepley B., Guerniou B., Travail & changement, Jan.-Feb. 2007, No.312, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on age management. Topics addressed: summary of the findings from a survey of 10,000 enterprises on age management; the Finnish model of age management; opinions of managers of various government agencies; approach adopted in two French regions, in a medical laboratory and a textile enterprise; main points to consider with respect to age management; further reading. (108596)
CIS 08-1090 Occupational health and safety experience of day laborers in Seattle, WA. Seixas N.S., Blecker H., Camp J., Neitzel R., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, June 2008, Vol.51, No.6, p.399-406. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: Day labour is a growing part of the informal economy and may entail a high risk of injury and illness at work. This cross-sectional study surveyed 180 day labourers at three sites concerning their job-specific exposures and injury experience. Exposures to both safety and health hazards were common at all three sites. After controlling for type of work, immigrant workers were 1.5-2 times more likely than non-immigrant day labourers to report exposure to hazardous conditions. Among the 180 participants, 34 reported injuries were classified as recordable. An annual injury rate of 31 recordable injuries per 100 full time employees was estimated. Other findings are discussed. (108652)
CIS 08-1091 Report IV - Promotion of rural employment for poverty reduction. (French: Rapport IV - Promotion de l'emploi rural pour réduire la pauvreté; Spanish: Informe IV - La promoción del empleo rural para reducir la pobreza) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2008. v, 135p. Illus., ISBN 978-92-2-119486-6 (En), ISBN 978-92-2-219486-5 (fr), ISBN 978-92-2-319486-4 (es) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: More than 3,000 government, worker and employer leaders met in Geneva at the International Labour Conference in June 2008 to discuss various issues including rural poverty reduction. Approximately 3.4 billion people, slightly under half of the world's population, now live in rural areas. Climate change, soaring food prices, and the use of farm products for fuel are today key issues in the global debate on agricultural production. Rural markets and the world economy have been affected by globalization, whose costs and benefits have not been equitably distributed either between countries or within them, and by increased urbanization. Clearly, the employment challenges of today's burgeoning cities cannot be met without addressing the need for full and productive employment in rural areas. Agricultural growth is highly effective in reducing poverty, but the pattern and distribution of growth will determine the degree to which it translates into job creation and poverty reduction. This report was prepared as a discussion paper for the conference. A specific chapter deals with international labour standards and OSH issues. (108558)
CIS 08-1092 Rooting out child labour from cocoa farms - Paper No.2 - Safety and health hazards. Rinehart R., ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. 28p. Illus., ISBN 978-92-2-119733-1 (In English) Internet: The ILO estimates that about 70 per cent of the world's 218 million child labourers (from 5-17 years old) are working in agriculture, on small family farms or large plantations, missing out on school and exposed to serious hazards and exploitation. This report is part of a series of four reports synthesizing the knowledge and experiences acquired from the project of the ILO International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour entitled "West African Cocoa and Commercial Agriculture Project to Combat Hazardous and Exploitive Child Labour" (WACAP), which was implemented in Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria from 2002 to 2006. This report summarizes the findings of studies carried out in the countries covered by the project. (108559)
CIS 08-1093 An investigation of approaches to worker engagement. Cameron I., Hare B., Duff R., Maloney B., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2006. xvi, 77p. Illus. 65 ref. (In English) Internet: This study describes approaches to worker engagement in the construction industry. The study involved an extensive literature review of methods used to engage construction workers in relation to the management of safety and health on site, followed by industry consultation via workshops before developing four intervention strategies to test on several sites. Surveys among workers combined with qualitative interviews found that three approaches successfully improve workers perceptions of worker engagement and the health and safety performance of management. The main findings are that informal methods of engagement were more successful than written approaches, and that investment in formal safety and health training resulted in more meaningful discussions. Further research is required to develop tools to measure worker engagement and the impact of the lack of fluency in English by an important proportion of workers. (108537)
CIS 08-1094 Improving the effectiveness of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. xiv, 198p. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: This report provides the basis for a future evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed revisions to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (CDM, see CIS 95-13). It describes a study to obtain the views of construction stakeholders on the effectiveness of CDM 1994, and to prepare a series of key indicators of improvement in areas that affect safety and health in construction. Data were gathered from three sources: a literature review, 25 structured interviews and three workshops on factors that influence safety and health in construction. Findings are used to propose changes in evaluation of the revision to the CDM introduced in 2007. (108634)
CIS 08-1095 Safety during construction work. (Polish: Bezpieczeństwo - wykonywania robót budowlanych) Dąbrowski A., Dźwiarek M., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy, Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2007. 118p. Illus. 68 ref. Price: PLN 20.00., ISBN 978-83-7373-024-3 (In Polish) Internet: The hazards arising during construction work are described, with particular attention drawn to accidents caused by machinery and to the specific nature and diversity of construction work. Guidelines for occupational safety and health are proposed. A checklist is included to enable hazard evaluation and the improvement of occupational safety and health on construction sites. (108741)
CIS 08-1096 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 - Baseline study. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. xx, 206p. Illus. 3 ref. (In English) Internet: This report presents the findings of a survey of the costs incurred by enterprises and attitudes held by duty holders when complying with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (CDM, see CIS 95-13) that took effect in April 2007. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and interviews. Costs were analysed by type of duty holder (designers, owners, general contractors and subcontractors), type and size of project, and time spent on site. A key finding was that the cost of CDM compliance did not exceed 2% of the project value for any duty holder. Other findings are discussed. (108751)
CIS 08-1097 Health and safety in public sector construction procurement. Crosthwaite D., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. viii, 47p. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: This study was concerned with examining health and safety issues in public sector construction procurement in the United Kingdom. Data were collected by means of postal questionnaires. The overall approach followed two distinct stages: a survey of public sector clients and a survey of private sector suppliers. While the findings indicate that the majority of public clients surveyed generally followed the guidelines set out in the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (see CIS 95-13), there is more that could be done to adopt best practices. (108752)
CIS 08-1098 Constructing Better Health: Final evaluation report. Tyers C., Sinclair A., Lucy D., Cowling M., Gordon-Dseagu V., Rick J., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. xii, 226p. Illus. (In English) Internet: The "Constructing Better Health" campaign aimed to raise awareness of occupational health issues within the construction industry, as well as to test a model of delivery so that learning points could be used in the design of any national scheme. The pilot test was carried out in Leicestershire from October 2004 to June 2006. This report investigates both the process and the impact of the pilot. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and interviews, and include reactions of employers and workers, awareness of occupational health issues, health management procedures, levels of accidents and days lost due to ill-health. (108760)
CIS 08-1099 Work and health in the occupational group of inland waterway sailors. (German: Arbeit und Gesundheit des Berufsgruppe des Binnenschiffer) Braun B., König C., Georg A., Gmünder Ersatzkasse, Gottlieb Daimler Strasse 19, 73529 Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, 2002. 174p. Illus. 31 ref., ISBN 3-537-44021-9 (In German) Internet: A survey was carried out in Germany by the inland waterway sailors' compensation fund, in order to determine the state of health of its members. The survey is based on data on work incapacitation and on hospitalization for the year 1999, as well as on responses to a questionnaire on the state of health, symptoms and workload addressed to all members in 2001. Findings are discussed. (108630)
CIS 08-1100 Eighteenth synthesis report on working conditions in Cambodia's garment sector. ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2007. 21p. Illus. (In English) Internet: The garment sector is the Cambodian main export industry and employs 300,000 mostly female workers. The "Better Factories Cambodia" Programme was established in 2001 to monitor and report on working conditions in over 200 Cambodian garment factories according to compliance with national laws and international standards. The project also helps factories to improve working conditions and productivity, and works with the Government and international buyers to ensure a rigorous, transparent and continuous cycle of improvement. This report summarizes information about working conditions and labour standards, compliance issues, and progress achieved in a number of indicators since the launch of the programme (108560)
CIS 08-1101 Occupational safety and health management in the retail sector: REWE pilot project. (German: Arbeitsschutzmanagement im Handel: Pilotprojekt REWE) Larisch J., Ritter W., Saßmannshausen A., Lang K.H., Pieper R., Hien W., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2005. 162p. Illus. 133 ref. Price: EUR 17.00., ISBN 3-86509-395-7 (In German) Internet: The aim of this study was to establish whether the German occupational safety and health (OSH) management guidelines are applicable to the retail sector. A pilot project was undertaken to examine their applicability within the REWE group, one of the largest German retailers. Benchmarking the REWE OSH management system against the five main dimensions of the national OSH management guidelines showed that important improvements are necessary. Several recommendations are made for improving the system in the retail sector. (108626)
CIS 08-1102 Safety and health in emergency services. (German: Sicherheit und gesundheit im Rettungsdienst) Gebhardt H., Klußmann A., Maßbeck P., Topp S., Steinberg U., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2006. 114p. Illus. 29 ref. Price: EUR 13.50., ISBN 3-86509-480-5 (In German) Internet: A survey was carried out during 2004 in the 22 emergency services of the German Red Cross to evaluate the physical workload and psychological stress among emergency services workers. A standardized questionnaire was addressed to 382 workers, among whom 202 responded (163 men and 39 women). In addition, a subgroup of 98 subjects was followed during 48 working days. Despite a high level of job satisfaction, a low average age (33 years for men and 25 years for women) and a good work capacity index, subjects reported neck and shoulder pain, as well as low back and knee pain. Cardiofrequency measurements during work showed more rapid increases during emergency interventions than during simple patient handling. Salivary cortisol levels also showed similar differences. However no significant differences were found as a function of gender and age. Other findings are discussed. (108736)
CIS 08-1103 Code of practice on safety and health in underground coalmines. (French: Projet de recueil de directives pratiques sur la sécurité et la santé dans les mines de charbon souterraines; Spanish: Proyecto de Repertorio de recomendaciones prácticas sobre seguridad y salud en las minas de carbón subterráneas) ILO Publications, International Labour Office, 1211 Genève 22, Switzerland, 2006. xiv, 199p. 45 ref., ISBN 92-2-118826-4 (En) (In English, French, Spanish) Internet: The Meeting of Experts on Safety and Health in Coal Mines, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 8 to 13 May 2006, was composed of 23 worker, employer and government experts from the several ILO Member States. Its purpose was to review and adopt a new code of practice to improve the safety and health of underground coal mine workers. The recommendations of the new code of practice reflect the changes that have taken place in the industry over the past 20 years. The code will replace an existing code adopted in 1986 (CIS 86-802). It sets out a national framework that specifies the roles of the competent authorities, employers, workers and their organizations. It also comprises a methodology for identifying hazards, preventing and minimizing risks, as well as specific provisions for safe underground coalmining operations. Finally, it provides practical guidance in support of the provisions of the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No.176) and its accompanying Recommendation (No.183) (CIS 95-1939). Note that the English version is the actual Code of Practice, while the French and Spanish versions are drafts. (108511)
CIS 08-1104 Play your part! How offshore workers can help improve health and safety. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Jan. 2008. 23p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This booklet on safety and health in the offshore oil sector is aimed at operators, contractors, trade unions, safety representatives and individual employees. It offers advice on implementing management systems that encourage a culture that values constructive engagement with the workforce. It focuses on the four key principles of control, competence, cooperation and communication. In addition, it features a number of case studies that illustrate the benefits that a positive approach to worker involvement can bring as well as what can go wrong in the absence of such an approach. Replaces CIS 97-854. (108553)
CIS 08-1105 Guidance for the identification and control of safety and health hazards in metal scrap recycling. Publications U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20210, USA, 2008. 44p. Approx. 150 ref. (In English) Internet: In the recycled metals sector, the most common occupational diseases are those caused by the toxic properties of lead and cadmium, injuries associated with repeated movements, skin diseases and respiratory conditions due to the inhalation of toxic agents. The most common types of injuries are sprains, burns, cuts, lacerations and punctures. This guide is aimed at all persons working in the metal scrap recycling sector, including employers, employees, safety professionals and industrial hygienists. It can help identify and manage the hazards associated with exposure to various metals and chemicals, and with processes and equipment used in this sector. Contents: commonly recycled metals and their sources; common recycling processes; recognizing and controlling hazards. An appendix lists exposure limits for selected metals. (108702)
CIS 08-1106 Young worker safety - Advice for employers. (Czech: Bezpečnost mladých pracovníků - rady pro zaměstnavatele; Danish: Unge ansattes sikkerhed - Vejledning for arbejdsgivere; Dutch: Veiligheid van jonge werknemers - Adviezen voor werkgevers; Estonian: Noorte töötajate ohutus. Nõuanded tööandjatele; Finnish: Nuorten työntekijöiden turvallisuus - Neuvoja työnantajille; French: La sécurité des jeunes travailleurs - Conseils aux employeurs; German: Sicherheit junger Arbeitnehmer - Hinweise für den Arbeitgeber; Greek: Asfáleia ergazómenōn néōn - Sumboulés pros tous ergodótes; Hungarian: A fiatal munkavállalók biztonsága - tanácsok a munkaadók számára; Italian: Sicurezza dei giovani lavoratori - Suggerimenti per i datori di lavoro; Latvian: Jauniešu darba drošība - padomi darba devējiem; Lithuanian: Jaun@uc darbuotoj@uc sauga. Patarimai darbdaviams; Maltese: Is-Sigurtà tal-Ħaddiema Żgħażagħ - Pariri għal Min Jimpjega; Polish: Bezpieczeństwo młodych pracowników - porady dla pracodawców; Portuguese: Segurança dos jovens trabalhadores - Conselhos aos empregadores; Slovak: Bezpečnosť mladých zamestnancov - rady pre zamestnávateľov; Slovenian: Varnost mladih delavcev - nasveti za delodajalce; Spanish: La seguridad de los trabajadores jóvenes - Consejos para los empresarios; Swedish: Unga arbetstagares säkerhet - råd till arbetsgivare) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2007. 2p. Illus. 6 ref. (In Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Young persons under the age of 25 represent the next generation of our workforce. The role of employers is to get them off to a safe and productive start, with a responsibility to make sure they work safely by providing a good safety and health management system which protects everyone. This fact sheet provides advice to employers. (108729)
CIS 08-1107 The US must help set international standards for nanotechnology. Murashov V., Howard J., Nature Nanotechnology, Nov. 2008, Vol.3, p.635-636. Illus. 14 ref. Includes a letter to the editor ("International standards for risk management in nanotechnology"), by Hatto P., and a rejoinder by the original authors, published in the Apr. 2009 (Vol.4) of the same journal (p.205-206). (In English) Internet: A call for action by two prominent experts on the safety and health issues of nanotechnology. It is strongly urged that US government agencies and the private sector become more involved in international efforts to establish safety standards in the use of nanotechnology, and that all efforts for such standardization be based on sound science. The article reviews a current categorization effort for the hazards of nanotechnology, Safety Guide TC 229 published by the British Standards Institute (BSI), which proposes four hazard categories: fibrous; CMAR (those already classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, asthmagenic or reproductive toxicants); insoluble; soluble. The letter to the editor by P. Hatto and the rejoinder by the authors debate the actual state of knowledge and the basis behind the TC 229 document, which is not in fact a full British Standard. (108727)
CIS 08-1108 Call centres: A 19th century factory in 21st century services. (Portuguese: Centrais de atendimento: a fábrica do século XIX nos serviços do século XXI) Venco S., Revista brasileira de saúde ocupacional, 2nd half 2006, Vol.31, No.114, p.7-18. 33 ref. (In Portuguese) Internet: This article discusses productivity and social relations issues in an occupation that has grown strongly in recent years, namely telemarketing. The drive to ensure high productivity requires work rhythms and hierarchical pressures that can cause deleterious working conditions. The article analyses not only the use of technology for improving work control and the role of management in increasing productivity, but also workers' responses towards these pressures. (108606)
CIS 08-1109 A social construction process: An appendix to the Brazilian ergonomic standard for telemarketing operators' work. (Portuguese: Uma construção social: o anexo da norma brasileira de ergonomia para o trabalho dos operadores de telemarketing) Peres C.C., Marinho-Silva A., Cavalcante-Fernandes E., Rocha L.E., Revista brasileira de saúde ocupacional, 2nd half 2006, Vol.31, No.114, p.35-46. 34 ref. (In Portuguese) Internet: In Brazil, around 550,000 persons are employed in call centres. This article describes an approach aimed at improving working conditions in this sector, based on data on musculoskeletal disease incidence among operators and on requests made by workers' organizations to the Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment (MTE). Besides inspecting call centres to assess working conditions, the National Ergonomics Commission of the MTE organized a number of events bringing together representatives of universities, employers and workers. The Commission also trained MTE inspectors to carry out ergonomic evaluations. These initiatives lead to a proposed recommendation and standard to be applied in call centres. (108607)
CIS 08-1110 Observing work practices to understand and improve health conditions in call centres in Brazil. (Portuguese: Abordar o trabalho para compreender e transformar as condições de adoecimento na categoria dos teleatendentes no Brasil) Ávila Assunção A., Marinho-Silva A., Vasconcelos de Oliveira Vilela L., Guthier M.H., Revista brasileira de saúde ocupacional, 2nd half 2006, Vol.31, No.114, p.47-62. 50 ref. (In Portuguese) Internet: This article presents an approach for studying workers' health based on job studies, in order to gather elements to clarify and explain self-reported work-related morbidity and propose improvements in work organization. A detailed ergonomic intervention was carried out at a large Brazilian telephone and telemarketing enterprise. Reported health effects were found to be related to work practices. The employer was initially reluctant to accept these conclusions. However, subsequent negotiations between the employer, workers' organizations and the Brazilian government proved to be successful and lead to a draft on good practices in call centres aimed at improving working conditions and occupational health. (108608)
CIS 08-1111 Inter-individual differences in emergency call centre services: Making them explicit by means of a self-confrontation interview. (Portuguese: Diferenças interindividuais en teleatendimento de emergências: explicitação por meio de entrevista de autoconfrontação) Sousa Castro I., Campos N.A., Ávila Assunção A., de Paula Antunes Lima F., Revista brasileira de saúde ocupacional, 2nd half 2006, Vol.31, No.114, p.83-96. Illus. 10 ref. (In Portuguese) Internet: This article introduces the concept of inter-individual differences in work practices and discusses the use of self-confrontation interviews when studying work practices. These concepts were applied to employees of an emergency service call centre. The degree to which inter-individual differences influence work practices and workers' health is discussed. (108609)
CIS 08-1112 Telemarketing activity: Analysis of the sources of pleasure and suffering at work. (Portuguese: A atividade de teleatendimento: uma análise das fontes de prazer e sofrimento no trabalho) Costa Torres C., Abrahão J.I., Revista brasileira de saúde ocupacional, 2nd half 2006, Vol.31, No.114, p.113-124. 18 ref. (In Portuguese) Internet: This study investigates how working conditions, work organization, job content and interpersonal relationships contribute to the feelings of pleasure or suffering at work. A first phase consisted of a literature search in ergonomics and labour psychodynamics, which allowed identifying 26 indicators of possible sources of pleasure or suffering at work. A Brazilian pension fund call centre was chosen for testing these indicators in an empirical study. The association between the indicators and the feelings were found to vary from subject to subject for each work-related situation. Findings are discussed. (108610)
CIS 08-1113 The transition from CRT to LCD monitors: Effects on monitor placement and possible consequences in viewing distance and body postures. Marmaras N., Nathanael D., Zarboutis N., International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, July-Aug. 2008, Vol.38, No.7-8, p.584-592. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigates the effects of the transition from cathode ray tube (CRT) to liquid crystal displays (LCDs) with respect to viewing distance and workers' postures. The comparison between 148 workplaces equipped with CRT and 115 equipped with LCD monitors revealed that the latter are positioned closer to the rear side of desks, increasing the mean distance of the screen from the front edge of the desk by nearly 10cm. The above finding suggests that the mean effective viewing distance may have also increased by the same amount. The study also suggests that in LCD monitors, the increased viewing distance often exceeds the recommended angular height for comfortable reading while in a comfortable sitting posture. With the aid of a cybernetic model and the above empirical findings, an attempt is made to explain how the increase of the available effective space in front of the worker offered by LCD monitors may result in the adoption of adverse postures. (108660)
CIS 08-1114 Influence of optical surface properties of IT products on users - Summary. (French: L'influence de propriétés superficielles optiques des produits de TI sur les utilisateurs - Résumé) Çakir A., Çakir C., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2006. 55p. Illus. 29 ref. Price: EUR 10.00., ISBN 3-86509-466 -X (In English, French) Internet: The optical surface properties of IT products such as visual displays and keyboards can cause visual problems through gloss and specular reflections. For this reason, regulations on the lighting of VDT workplaces and on the design of IT products include certain provisions for gloss value and reflectance of surfaces visible to the user. A literature survey was carried out to highlight current knowledge concerning the impact of these optical surface properties of IT products on computer users. Research in the areas of computer animation and multimedia design suggests that the complex relationship of gloss and reflectance for the appearance of visual objects can be quantified. It is proposed that this finding be applied to future occupational safety and health regulations, including standards and legislation. This report consists of a summary in English and French of the findings of the detailed study. (108680)
CIS 08-1115 Influence of optical surface properties of IT products on users. (German: Einfluss von optischen Oberflächeneigenschaften von IT-Produkten auf Benutzer) Çakir A., Çakir G., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2006. 279p. Illus. 126 ref. Price: EUR 25.00., ISBN 3-86509-456-2 (In German) Internet: The surface optical properties of computer peripherals such as screens and keyboards give rise to vision disturbances among users caused by gloss and brilliance; for this reason, regulations concerning the lighting of workplaces involving work on screens and computer equipment include specific provisions on gloss values and reflectances of surfaces visible to users. Based on a literature survey, this report presents the current state of knowledge on the effects of optical properties of the surfaces computer equipment on users. According to some studies, the complex relationship between gloss and reflectance can be quantified. Recommendations concerning certain aspects to be included in future regulations are proposed. (108738)
CIS 08-1116 The assessment of different metrics of the concentration of nano (ultrafine) particles in existing and new industries. Wake D., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2006. vi, 72p. Illus. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: This report describes work carried out in order to determine which metric for very small particles best relates the exposure measurement to health hazards. An experimental rig was constructed in which it was possible to measure concentrations of ultrafine particles of varying chemical composition and particle shape. The relationships between the mass, count and active surface area of these particles, and how they are affected by chemical composition and morphology were investigated. Findings are discussed. No simple relationship was found for predicting active surface area and mass from the results of size and number measurements. The findings indicate that it is unlikely that nanoparticles will be present in a working environment in an unattached state. (108535)
CIS 08-1117 Better display screen equipment (DSE) work-related ill health data. Melrose A.S., Graveling R.A., Cowie H., Ritchie P., Hutchison P., Mulholland R.M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. viii, 145p. Illus. 82 ref. (In English) Internet: A variety of ill-health symptoms have been associated with working at screens, including musculoskeletal disorders, mental stress and visual fatigue. The objective of this project was to collect information on the extent of such ill health through a survey of employees working at screens. It compared the data with those of scientific literature. The survey found high prevalences of self-reported symptoms including headaches (52%), eye discomfort (58%), neck (47%), back (37%) and shoulder (39%) pain. Most of the workers reporting symptoms did not take any time off work. These findings are broadly consistent with other studies in the literature. (108756)
CIS 08-1118 Progress toward safe nanotechnology in the workplace. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, June 2007. xvii, 177p. Illus. Bibl.ref. (In English) Internet: This document is a report of the progress of the NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Center (NTRC) since its inception in 2004 through 2006. Specific chapters address NTRC research contributions in the following areas: toxicology; hazard evaluation; epidemiology and surveillance; engineering controls and personal protective equipment; fire and explosion safety; safe working methods; information and training; applications. (108719)
CIS 08-1119 NIOSH, nanotechnology, and occupational safety and health research - Frequently asked questions. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, May 2008. HTML document. (In English) Internet: Answers to frequently-asked questions on nanotechnology and nanomaterials, including production, uses, NIOSH research, number of workers exposed, effects on health, exposure evaluation, exposure tests and sources of additional information. (108720)
CIS 08-1120 Measurement of environmental hazards. (Spanish: La medida del riesgo ambiental) Delgado Saborit J.M., Mapfre seguridad, 3rd Quarter 2007, Vol.27, No.107, p.50-63. Illus. 9 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article describes a new method for evaluating the effects of enterprise activities on the natural environment. It includes an evaluation of the risks of environmental hazards using environmental factors (toxicity, volatility, bio-concentration, adsorption, biodegradability, synergies). This analysis, together with the use of various scenarios, enables the determination of the two main constituents of environmental hazards, namely environmental consequences and the probability of occurrence of accidents. (108605)
CIS 08-1121 The Globally Harmonized System (GHS): Are we ready to adopt and apply it?. (Spanish: ¿Estamos preparados para recibir y aplicar? Sistema globalmente armonizado (SGA)) Bejarano Jiménez J.E., Protección y seguridad, Jan.-Feb. 2008, Vol.54, No.317, p.56-60. Illus. 3 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article comments the various steps having lead to the development of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of the classification and labelling of chemicals, together with the changes it implies for Columbian enterprises. (108615)
CIS 08-1122 Update on implementation of GHS in Korea and revision of Industrial Safety and Health Act in relation to GHS. Yu I.J., Kim D.S., Lim C.H., Choi J.Y., Lee J.B., Chung O.S., Kwon K., Yum N.Y., Kim J., Kuk W.K., Kim K., Industrial Health, Dec. 2007, Vol.45, No.6, p.721-729. Illus. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: This article describes the progress achieved in Korea by a committee involving eight ministries, nine experts from relevant organizations and one private consultant in view of implementing the globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) in 2008. For the Industrial Safety and Health Act, see CIS 00-303. (108522)
CIS 08-1123 Chemical hazard evaluation methods. (Spanish: Metodologías de análisis de riesgos químicos) De Fex R.L., Protección y seguridad, Jan.-Feb. 2008, Vol.54, No.317, p.61-66. Illus. 9 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Aimed at safety specialists, this article reviews the methodologies available for evaluating chemical hazards. It firstly defines the general hazard analysis framework for the purpose of ensuring chemical safety, and then briefly describes the various analytical methods: preliminary hazard analysis (PHA); job hazard analysis (JHA); fault tree analysis (FTA); hazard and operability analysis (HAZOP); failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA); quantitative risk assessment (QRA); DOW fire and explosion index; layer of protection analysis (LOPA). (108616)
CIS 08-1124 Storage of dangerous chemicals and wastes. (Spanish: Almacenamiento de sustancias químicas y residuos peligrosos) Protección y seguridad, Jan.-Feb. 2008, Vol.54, No.317, p.72-81. Illus. 34 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article describes the mandatory and recommended measures aimed at ensuring the safe storage of dangerous chemicals and wastes in Colombia, together with the legal responsibilities of warehouse operators. Topics addressed: warehouse location; layout of the premises; fire-resisting walls; fire doors; emergency exits; floors; systems for collecting polluted water; confinement; roofs; ventilation; electrical equipment; lighting; heating; lightning protection; open air storage; signaling. (108617)
CIS 08-1125 Reassessment of occupational exposure limits. Stouten H., Ott H., Bouwman C., Wardenbach P., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, June 2008, Vol.51, No.6, p.407-418. 18 ref. (In English) Internet: The Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment requested that the Health Council of the Netherlands reassess the health protection of maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) values contained in the 1994 Dutch MAC list. Criteria documents were prepared for 161 substances. They were evaluated by a committee consisting of international experts who reassessed the toxicological hazards of these substances and recommended, whenever possible, health-based occupational exposure limits (OELs). The results of this reassessment were compared with the MAC values of the 1994 Dutch MAC list, ACGIH TLVs, and existing German OELs. It was found that the committee's criteria for a health-based OEL were met for only 40% of the compounds. Many older MAC values were either too high, or not scientifically supported and therefore not health-based. (108653)
CIS 08-1126 Current state of the control of exposure to volatile organic compounds in occupational settings. (Spanish: Estado actual del control de la exposición a compuestos orgánicos volátiles en el medio laboral) Caro J., Gallego M., Montero R., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, Mar. 2008, No.46, p.10-19. Illus. 18 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article reviews the topic of controlling exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in occupational settings. Main points addressed: most common modes of exposure; INHST method for the determination of organic vapours in air and its limitations; alternatives to the adsorption, desorption and steps allowing for more reliable results; biological exposure evaluation of workers to VOCs (determination in exhaled air, blood and urine). (108692)
CIS 08-1127 Classification, labelling and packaging of dangerous substances in the European Union (I). (Spanish: Clasificación, etiquetado y embalaje de sustancias peligrosas en la Unión Europea (I)) Fernández García R., Prevención, Jan.-Mar. 2008, No.183, p.38-51. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: First part of an overview on the classification, labelling and packaging of dangerous substances within the European Union. Contents: European regulations on chemicals; hazard classification; packaging conditions; labelling conditions; safety data sheets; introduction to the globally harmonized system for the packaging and labelling of chemicals (GHS). Further topics will be addressed in a second article. (108696)
CIS 08-1128 Central auditory damage induced by solvent exposure. Fuente A., McPherson B., International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 2007, Vol.13, No.4, p.391-397. Illus. 19 ref. (In English) Internet: This study aimed to investigate possible auditory processing disorders related to solvent exposure. Thirty solvent-exposed workers and 30 matched controls were selected to participate in the study. Various data were collected by means of questionnaires, and participants underwent various audiometric tests including filtered speech (FS), random gap detection (RGD) and hearing-in-noise tests (HINT). Both groups of workers had normal mean hearing thresholds. However, significant differences between groups were observed for RGD, FS and HINT, probably related to solvent exposure. (108667)
CIS 08-1129 Asbestos exposure and differences in occurrence of peritoneal mesothelioma between men and women across countries. Burdorf A., Järvholm B., Siesling S., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2007, Vol.64, No.12, p.839-842. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of asbestos exposure in the aetiology of peritoneal mesothelioma and differences in the incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma among women and men in Sweden and the Netherlands. All cases of peritoneal mesothelioma from the national cancer registers of both countries for the period 1989-2003 were selected. Linear regression analysis was used to analyse trends over time. Among men, the incidence rate of peritoneal mesothelioma in the Netherlands was consistently higher than in Sweden. No trends over time were observed in either country, which may reflect the limited role of exposure to asbestos in the aetiology of peritoneal mesothelioma as compared to pleural mesothelioma. During the 15-year period in the Netherlands, the incidence rate among men was about 3.3-fold that of women. In Sweden, the incidence rate among women was slightly higher than of men up to 1999, and thereafter about threefold higher among men. This sudden shift was statistically significant and seemed mainly caused by changes in classification of peritoneal tumours. (108669)
CIS 08-1130 Harmful agents in the working environment - Permissible levels 2007. (Polish: Czynniki szkodliwe w środowisku pracy - Wartości dopuszczalne 2007) Augustyńska D., Pośniak M., eds., Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warszawa, Poland, 2007. 356p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 978-83-7373-021-2 (In Polish) Internet: This manual lists the occupational exposure limits for chemical, physical and biological harmful agents. The methods of measurement and assessment of occupational exposure to individual substances, as well as the basic rules for limiting exposures are discussed. The European Union directives and Polish regulations specifying employers' obligations with regard to the protection of their employees against harmful exposures to chemical, physical and biological agents are reviewed. (108748)
CIS 08-1131 A review of carbon monoxide incident information, for 2004/05, produced from the full investigation of incidents which had resulted from the use of piped natural gas and LPG, within Great Britain. Dhanjal A.S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 83p. Illus. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this work was to identify common causes of carbon monoxide (CO) incidents related to appliance and system design, installation and maintenance, in order to further improve customer safety, target expenditure on incident prevention and to identify further research work. A national data collection scheme was established for piped natural gas and LPG CO incidents which occur within the United Kingdom. This report provides information on the 27 incidents collected in this national data collection scheme for the period 2004/05. (108638)
CIS 08-1132 Real time monitoring and environmental fate of oxides of nitrogen in the construction industry. Dowker K.P., Fletcher B., Ledin S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. x, 75p. Illus. Approx. 90 ref. (In English) Internet: The United Kingdom workplace exposure limits for nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are currently under review. In the meantime, both NO and NO2 were subject to a CHAN (Chemical Hazard Awareness Notice) of 1ppm (8-hr time-weighted average, TWA), significantly lower than the previous occupational exposure standards. Exposure to these oxides of nitrogen commonly arises in the construction industry from diesel engine exhaust emissions and from the use of explosives. This project addresses the effectiveness of real-time monitors, particularly personal monitors, at these concentration levels, and the environmental fate of NO and NO2 in the construction environment, using laboratory and field experiments. (108642)
CIS 08-1133 Inadvertent ingestion exposure in the workplace. Christopher Y., Semple S., Hughson G.W., Cherrie J.W., van Tongeren M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 62p. Illus. 35 ref. (phase I); vi, 96p. Illus. 21 ref. (phase II). (In English) Internet: Little is known about the relative importance of inadvertent ingestion of hazardous substances from work activities. This report reviews the relevant scientific literature to help understand whether inadvertent ingestion is an important route of exposure and if yes for which agents. In a first phase of the study, a conceptual model was proposed, taking into account the processes involved in this type of exposure and the possible exposure metrics to be used in occupational settings. A second phase investigated the mechanisms involved based on laboratory experiments, which enabled a refining of the model. (108647)
CIS 08-1134 Use of chemical protective gloves to control dermal exposures in the UV lithographic printing sub-sector. Roff M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. viii, 55p. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: This project was designed to identify the most appropriate chemical protective glove for each work activity in the printing sector. Typical solvents, chemicals and protective glove materials used in lithographic printing were identified. Site visits showed how the gloves were used. It was observed that printers generally maintained a high standard of cleanliness with the inks; however they did not appear to regard the solvents as skin hazards. There were no current cases of dermatitis. Nitrile gloves of 0.4mm thickness were found to resist permeation by the greatest number of solvents. These gloves are therefore recommended as the default choice for general use in lithographic printing. Particularly aggressive chemicals may however require thicker or different types of gloves. (108543)
CIS 08-1135 The HSE grain dust study - Workers' exposure to grain dust contaminants, immunological and clinical response. Swan J.R.M., Blainey D., Crook B., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. viii, 98p. Illus. Approx 150 ref. (In English) Internet: This study investigated the role of microorganisms and their associated contaminants in the development of clinical symptoms and immunological response in workers exposed to grain dust. A cohort of 321 workers exposed to grain dust (farmers at 27 farms and dock workers at two ports) was constituted. Workers were subjected to several immunoassay and clinical assessments over two study phases: phase 1 from 1990 to 1993 and phase 2 from 1997 to 2003. It was found that grain workers are exposed to high levels of endotoxin, microorganisms and dust. The levels of endotoxin were greatly in excess of those shown to cause adverse health effects. Exposure levels to grain dust were high, and still frequently over maximum exposure limits. Other findings are discussed. (108636)
CIS 08-1136 Products evolved during hot gas welding of fluoropolymers. Keen C., Troughton M., Wake D., Pengelly I., Scobbie E., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 96p. Illus. Bib.ref. (In English) Internet: The project aim was to detect and quantify the products evolved during the hot gas welding of common fluoropolymers, to attempt to identify the causative agents of polymer fume fever. Carbonyl fluoride and/or hydrogen fluoride were detected from certain fluoropolymers when these materials were heated to their maximum welding temperatures. Significant amounts of ultrafine particles were also detected from all of the fluoropolymers investigated when they were hot gas welded. The report concludes that fluoropolymers should be hot gas welded at the lowest possible temperature to reduce the potential for causing polymer fume fever in operators. If temperature control is not sufficient to prevent episodes of polymer fume fever, a good standard of local exhaust ventilation should also be employed. (108635)
CIS 08-1137 Taking risks with asbestos: What influences the behaviour of maintenance workers?. O'Regan S., Tyers C., Hill D., Gordon-Dseagu V., Rick J., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. x, 84p. (In English) Internet: Workers most at risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease are those in construction-related trades who conduct maintenance work on buildings constructed in the 50's, 60's and 70's. This report presents the results of 60 interviews with maintenance workers (including electricians, carpenters, plumbers, heating engineers and painters), who discuss their knowledge and attitudes with respect to asbestos. It was found that there are a range of issues affecting safe working methods in the presence of asbestos, including: the complexity of the messages about asbestos risks, attitudes towards risk and personal hygiene, prevailing worksite culture, economic pressures and whether individuals feel able to exert control over their work environment. (108754)
CIS 08-1138 Cascading messages through others: The effect on awareness of, and compliance with the Duty to Manage Asbestos Regulations. Sinclair A., Gifford J., Hunt W., Bust P., Gibb A., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. xi, 115p. (In English) Internet: This report presents the findings of a research project aimed at exploring the impact of a HSE awareness campaign on asbestos regulations. This initiative was launched in 2002, and was designed to educate and inform responsible persons on the Duty to Manage Asbestos Regulations in non-domestic premises. Information is communicated via HSE partners, who have been encouraged to put on training events with the support of HSE-designed training materials. (108755)
CIS 08-1139 Controlling airborne contaminants at work - A guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV). Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2008. iv, 80p. Illus. 53 ref. Price: GBP 12.95., ISBN 978-0-7176-6298-2 (In English) Internet: This booklet describes the principles and good practices of selecting, designing, commissioning, maintaining and testing cost-effective local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems. It is aimed at suppliers of LEV, employers and managers in medium sized businesses, and trade union and employee safety representatives. (108675)
CIS 08-1140 Dangerous substances 2006. (German: Gefahrstoffe 2006) Otto D., UniversumVerlag Gmbh & Co KG, 65175 Wiesbaden, Germany, 2006, 208p. Illus. 19 ref. Price: EUR 5.35., ISBN 3-89869-162-4 (In German) Internet: This manual offers basic information and practical guidance for the effective management of dangerous substances. It explains the main new provisions of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance which came into effect at the beginning of 2005. It lists the threshold limit concentrations and biological threshold limits at the place of work in Germany (TRGS 900 and TRGS 903), together with several technical rules. Other contents include: carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances; new regulations concerning carcinogens (TRGS 906); regulations applying to specific sectors; preventive measures when working with dangerous substances; medical surveillance requirements. (108627)
CIS 08-1141 1999 list of limit values - Occupational safety and health. (German: Grenzwerteliste 1999 - Sicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz bei der Arbeit) Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Alte Heerstrasse 111, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany, 1999. 264p. Illus. Bibl.ref., ISBN 3-88383-546-3 (In German) Internet: This list contains tables of the limit values for hazardous substances applicable in Germany (maximum workplace concentration [MAK], technical guidelines for exposure [TRK] and tolerance levels of exposure to biological agents [BAT] from the following directives (TRGS): TRGS 900 "Limit values relating to air in the workplace", TRGS 903 "Biological Tolerance values" and also the classifications of TRGS 905 "Index of substances which can cause cancer, genetic changes or have reproductive effects". Also included are limit values for air contaminants defined in other standards, noise, vibration, thermal stress, radiation, electricity, biomechanical stress and notes on the effects of biological agents. Replaces CIS 96-2239. (108628)
CIS 08-1142 Arsenic and its inorganic compounds. (French: Arsenic et dérivés inorganiques) Garnier R., Poupon J., Villa A., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 2008, No.159, 13p. Illus. 104 ref. (In French) Internet: Occupations that involve exposure to arsenic include the production of arsenic compounds, non-ferrous metal smelting, the production and use of arsenic-based dyes, the production of micro devices, certain glass manufacturing operations, leather tanning and CCA (chromium, copper and arsenic-based) wood treatment. Often fatal, acute poisoning results in gastroenteritis, hydroelectrolytic and haemodynamic disturbances, renal tubular damage, hepatic cytolysis, cardiomyopathy, encephalopathy (confusion, coma, convulsions) and metabolic acidosis. Long-term exposure to arsenic can cause dermatological, neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic and carcinogenic effects. Several recent epidemiological studies indicate increased risks of abortion, premature birth and in-utero deaths associated with arsenic exposure during pregnancy. The standard biological indicator of arsenic exposure is the sum of the urinary concentrations of inorganic arsenic and of its main metabolites. (108681)
CIS 08-1143 Poisoning from alcohols (other than ethanol) and glycols. (French: Intoxication par les alcools (autres que l'éthanol) et les glycols) Mégarbane B., Baud F.J., Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 2nd Quarter 2008, No.159, 9p. Illus. 81 ref. (In French) Internet: Poisonings from toxic alcohols or glycols are rare but potentially serious. The main clinical outcome is the occurrence of a metabolic acidosis, giving rise to Küssmaul's dyspnoea. Other more specific complications can also arise during more severe poisonings; ethylene glycol can cause acute renal insufficiency, while methanol can cause vision disorders leading to irreversible blindness. Treatment is based on the administration of an antidote such as fomepizol for blocking the metabolic transformation of alcohol into toxic products by alcohol dehydrogenase, along with symptomatic resuscitation measures and intravenous perfusions of sodium bicarbonate. In the most serious cases, haemodialysis should be systematically performed together with the antidote treatment. (108682)
CIS 08-1144 Ethylene oxide (EtO): Understanding OSHA's exposure monitoring requirements. Publications U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20210, USA, 2007. 28p. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: The purpose of this guidance document is to help employers understand how to monitor the quality of the air in workplaces where ethylene oxide (EtO) is processed, used, or handled. Air monitoring is an important activity that can help alert employers when unsafe levels of EtO are present in the air so that they can take steps to reduce employee exposure. EtO 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 EtO exposure monitoring, lists and explains the exposure levels used by OSHA, reviews the exposure monitoring requirements in OSHA's EtO rules, and outlines the monitoring decisions that the employer needs to make when employees work in areas where EtO is present. (108701)
CIS 08-1145 Small entity compliance guide for the hexavalent chromium standards. Publications U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20210, USA, 2006. 59p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This guide describes the steps that employers of small enterprises are required to take to protect employees from hazards associated with exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). It provides detailed information on permissible exposure limits (PEL), exposure determination, regulated areas, methods of compliance, respiratory protection, protective work clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, housekeeping, medical surveillance, communication of Cr(VI) hazards to employees and recordkeeping. An appendix lists industry operations or processes associated with occupational exposure to Cr(VI). (108705)
CIS 08-1146 Reducing worker exposure to perchloroethylene (PERC) in dry cleaning. Publications U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20210, USA, 2005. 25p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This guide provides information on the health hazards and current regulations, as well as recommendations on methods for reducing worker exposures to perchloroethylene (PERC). It also provides information on training, personal protective equipment, and some of the new technologies available in the dry cleaning industry. Contents: health hazards on prolonged exposure (mild neurotoxic effects, namely dizziness, loss of coordination; loss of memory, visual perception, and reaction time; redness and blistering of the skin after prolonged dermal contact); PERC exposure; current regulations and recommendations; machine design and maintenance; ventilation; personal protective equipment, work practices and training; PERC air monitoring; OSHA assistance services; case studies. Appendices include recommended maintenance schedules for dry cleaning machines and the international chemical safety card for tetrachloroethylene. (108706)
CIS 08-1147 Respiratory protection recommendations for airborne exposures to crystalline silica: NIOSH Policy Statement. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, July 2008. 3p. 7 ref. (In English) Internet: This leaflet summarizes the main points of NIOSH policy for respiratory protection against exposures to airborne crystalline silica. NIOSH recommends the use of half-facepiece particulate respirators with N95 or better filters for exposures to airborne crystalline silica at concentrations less than or equal to 0.5mg/m3. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also specifies the use of at least a 95-rated filter efficiency. The recommendation for a 95-rated filter efficiency reflects the improved filter efficiency of N95 filters over the earlier dust and mist filters. (108716)
CIS 08-1148 Major hazards and occupational hazards: Uniting against dangers. (French: Risques technologiques et risques professionnels: s'unir face au danger) Rouilleault H., Grandjacques B., Alour C., Sarazin B., Ackermann C., Paljkovic G., Dolladille O., Travail & changement, Sep.-Oct. 2005, No.304, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on the prevention of major hazards. Topics addressed: major hazard prevention strategies; opinions of several experts on collaborative approaches; approaches adopted by enterprises in the oil and chemical industries, a mechanical engineering workshop and a natural gas utility; main points to consider with respect to the prevention of major hazards; review of a publication on the prevention of major hazards; further reading. (108588)
CIS 08-1149 Internal emergency plans in the chemical industry. (Spanish: Planes de emergencia interior en la industria química) Iranzo García Y., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, May 2008, No.47, p.36-45. Illus. 6 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Contents of this article on internal emergency plans in the chemical industry: example of classification of a dangerous substance (acrylonitrile) used by an enterprise; internal and external emergency plans; categories of accidents in the chemical industry; contents of an internal emergency plan; implementation and updating of the internal emergency plan. (108700)
CIS 08-1150 Revised land use planning arrangements around large scale petroleum depots. Franks A., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. viii, 79p. Illus. 15 ref. (In English) Internet: Following an incident at an petroleum storage depot in 2005, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) commissioned this study to assist in reviewing HSE's approach to providing land use planning advice in the vicinity of similar installations. This report presents proposals for revised arrangements for provision of land use planning advice. The proposals are based on a review of information on the effect of blast on building occupants, observations of the blast damage in the 2005 incident and a review of some of the justification underpinning certain aspects of the current arrangements. The options proposed would result in greater restriction on development of land in the vicinity of the sites concerned. (108533)
CIS 08-1151 Review of significance of societal risk for proposed revision to land use planning arrangements for large scale petroleum storage sites. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 32p. Illus. 9 ref. (In English) Internet: This report considers whether there is a societal risk associated with the setting of land use planning zones around large scale petroleum storage sites and reviews critically the conclusions that Health and Safety Executive has reached in relation to this issue. Some alternative approaches and calculations are also undertaken in order to help clarify the issues and enable reasonably firm conclusions to be reached. It is concluded that any practicable land use planning approach for large scale petroleum storage sites must inevitably be risk based, either explicitly or implicitly. While there are still many uncertainties regarding the off-site risks associated with large petroleum installations, the adoption of a development proximity zone can be considered a precautionary risk based approach. (108534)
CIS 08-1152 Assessment of fire and explosion risks in coating mixing operations. Hedley D., Pritchard D.K., Eaton G.T., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 22p. Illus. 1 ref. (In English) Internet: The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR, see CIS 03-1035) require a re-assessment of the fire and explosion risks arising from the formation of explosive atmospheres in and around mixing vessels used for the formulation of coatings (inks and paints). Vapour concentration measurements were made during site visits in and around mixing vessels, and ignition tests were carried out in the laboratory on sample coating formulations. The findings are to be used to define HSE's DSEAR Enforcement Policy on coatings mixing operations. (108544)
CIS 08-1153 AWARE: Investigation of the early warning detection system through pilot and large-scale tests. Snee T.J., Bosch J., Cusco L., Kerr D.C., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 37p. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this project was to develop and validate, among users in the chemical industries, a system for the early detection of runaway reactions. The Health and Safety Laboratory provided valuable information from pilot and large scale tests. Practical problems such as noise and fluctuating jacket temperature that could be found in practice and trigger false alarms were identified. Solutions were found that eliminated these false alarms by simplifying the data input and reducing the sensitivity to derivatives. An algorithm was consequently written to incorporate the early warning criteria into the large-scale facility data logging system, which was then used successfully to demonstrate an early warning in a large scale runaway reaction. (108547)
CIS 08-1154 Development of a working model of how human factors, safety management systems and wider organisational issues fit together. Bellamy L.J., Geyer T.A.W., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 192p. Illus. 97 ref. (In English) Internet: This report describes a working model integrating human factors (HF), safety management systems (SMS), risk control (RC) and wider organizational issues, with a focus on major chemical major hazards. Eight major accidents were analysed. Repeated failure patterns were found which were represented as four specific combinations of components from the HF, SMS, RC and organization taxonomy, each combination defined by a theme. The four themes were: understanding of major accident prevention; competence for tasks; priorities, attention and conflict resolution; assurance. These themes were used for developing chemical hazard stakeholder priorities during a one-day workshop. (108639)
CIS 08-1155 Feasibility of the study on fermentation gases and on ventilation in a reduced scale silo. (French: Faisabilité de l'étude sur les gaz de fermentation et sur la ventilation en silo à l'échelle réduite) Bahloul A., Roberge B., Gravel R., Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2008. vi, 25p. Illus. 11 ref. Price: CAD 6.30. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge., ISBN 978-2-89631-245-0 (In French) Internet: Occupational safety and health regulations classify as enclosed areas the feed silos used in agricultural environments. Serious and often fatal accidents occur in these silage reservoirs. To take into account the risks posed by conventional tower silos, this study considered using scale models for their study. The report of this preliminary research describes how a laboratory specimen of a scale model was developed for estimating the feasibility of using such miniature versions and of modifying them as needed. By measuring gases and other parameters, the silage fermentation process was followed in this experimental structure. Based on data from prior ventilation tests on corn silage fermentation gases, the design of the scale model silo was improved. (108684)
CIS 08-1156 Lessons learned from accidents and the prevention of hazards - Principles and methods. (French: Retour d'expérience et prévention des risques - Principes et méthodes) Van Wassenhove W., Garbolino E., Editions Tec et Doc, 11 rue Lavoisier, 75008 Paris, France, 2008. vii, 72p. Illus. 64 ref. Index. Price: EUR 35.00., ISBN 978-2-7430-1021-8 (In French) Internet: The lessons learned from accidents approach (LLA) is to provide enterprises with the means of benefiting form past experiences. This publication presents the state of the art with respect to the definition and implementation of an LLA aimed at managing hazards within the enterprise. A first part deals with the basic theoretical and methodological aspects. The second part describes the implementation of an LLA system. It explains the prerequisites for introducing an LLA within the enterprise, together with the approach for its implementation. An example of the LLA method, which comprises a hazard evaluation phase, is also included. Finally, the conclusion addresses the contributions and limits of the LLA approach in the context of hazard evaluation, and discusses the prospects for further improvements. (108688)
CIS 08-1157 The AZF disaster - Contributions from human and social sciences. (French: La catastrophe d'AZF - L'apport des sciences humaines et sociales) de Terssac G., Gaillard I., eds., Editions Tec et Doc, 11 rue Lavoisier, 75008 Paris, France, 2008. xvii, 276p. Illus. 41 ref. Price: EUR 50.00., ISBN 978-2-7430-1049-2 (In French) Internet: On 21 September 2001, a fertilizer plant in Toulouse, France, exploded, causing the death of 30 persons, together with injuries and traumatic shock to many others. This disaster gave rise to a new industrial safety culture, in particular with respect to consultation between industry and government in the exchange of information (Bachelot law of 2003). This publication covers the various theoretical and practical lessons learned from this disaster, seen from a social and human sciences perspective. (108689)
CIS 08-1158 Explosion hazards from methane emissions related to geologic features in coal mines. Ulery J.P., Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Apr. 2008. 18p. Illus. 35 ref. (In English) Internet: Explosions in coal mines are caused when buildups of explosive gas and/or dust are ignited by a flame or spark. Methane is normally contained in coal and is liberated during mining. Because this gas is explosive in the range of 5%-15% by volume in air, fresh air is constantly supplied to the working face to prevent the methane/air mixture from reaching this explosive range. The required amount of ventilation air is based on estimates of methane release under normal conditions. Occasionally, unanticipated and unusually high emissions are encountered, which, despite normal ventilation controls, result in an explosive mixture that a spark from a cutting bit or electrical equipment can easily ignite. Investigations have shown that such emissions are often associated with anomalous geologic features or conditions. This report provides operators with specific information on recognizing and alleviating potential hazards from methane emissions related to these geologic features. (108717)
CIS 08-1159 Frictional ignition of methane-air in the presence of liquid hydrocarbons. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Mar. 2008. 2p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: Methane ignitions in underground coal mining are often caused by the impact of mining machine cutter bits on sandstone during the coal-cutting process. Most ignitions are small and limited to the cutter head location. However, under certain conditions, these ignitions can lead to larger methane explosions and/or fires with the potential for causing serious injury or death to the mining machine operator and other nearby miners. A series ignition tests were conducted in a test chamber, with various methane-air mixtures with and without the presence of liquid hydrocarbons on the sandstone. It was found that hydrocarbon vapours can ignite at significantly lower temperatures than the methane. Extra precautions to prevent fires and explosions must be taken when heavier molecular weight liquid hydrocarbons are present in addition to methane in an underground coal mine. (108718)
CIS 08-1160 Fire performance of composite IBCs. Atkinson G., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. 101p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: There have been a number of serious recent fires in the United Kingdom that started or spread as a result of the use plastic intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for combustible liquids. Following HSE investigations at the scene of these fires, this research project was undertaken to provide data to allow more reliable hazard evaluations for premises using IBCs for liquid storage and to provide recommendations for changes in IBC selection and design. (108759)
CIS 08-1161 Plant ageing: Management of equipment containing hazardous fluids or pressure. Wintle J., Moore P., Henry N., Smalley S., Amphlett G., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2006. xii, 132p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This report discusses the factors to consider when managing equipment containing hazardous fluids or pressure, to help those responsible for equipment to understand and assess the risks of accumulated damage and deterioration. Once the symptoms of ageing are understood and detected from inspection, a decision can be made how to proceed. The options can include continued service, re-rating, repair, or scrapping the equipment. In addition to the engineering aspects, the report discusses important organizational issues and the importance of maintaining documentary information and records throughout equipment life. It also includes audit tools, case studies, general approaches to inspection and the capabilities and limitations of various non-destructive testing techniques. (108531)
CIS 08-1162 Basics of frequential and Bayesian approaches - Applications in the field of the control of industrial hazards. (French: Les fondements des approches fréquentielle et bayésienne - Applications à la maîtrise du risque industriel) Procaccia H., Editions Tec et Doc, 11 rue Lavoisier, 75008 Paris, France, 2008. xix, 248p. Illus. 42 ref. Index. Price: EUR 70.00., ISBN 978-2-7430-1024-9 (In French) Internet: Analysing the risk of industrial accidents consists of evaluating the likelihood of occurrence of a dreaded event and of its consequences. For evaluating this likelihood, an approach based on frequential statistics approach was commonly used, an approach which however is lacking in terms of both rigour and objectivity. This publication explains the advantages of an approach based on Bayesian statistics and subjective probability, which takes into account all available knowledge for carrying out a hazard evaluation, including lessons learned from accidents and expertise. (108687)
CIS 08-1163 Fire service features of buildings and fire protection systems. Publications U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20210, USA, 2006. 67p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: This booklet explains how fire service operations can be influenced by different building features and offers considerations for design professionals that can help facilitate these operations. It includes sections on building and site design, sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire department connections, fire alarm and communications systems, as well as various firefighting systems. (108709)
CIS 08-1164 General aspects and hazards related to electrical equipment. (Spanish: Generalidades y riesgos en instalaciones eléctricas) Ramos J.C., Protección y seguridad, Mar.-Apr. 2008, Vol.54, No.318, p.48-53. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Contents of this review article on hazards related to electrical equipment: Colombian regulations; causes and classification of electrical accidents; electrical contact (direct or indirect); factors having an influence on the intensity of electric discharges; locking and labelling of equipment; personal and collective protection equipment; electromagnetic and electrical fields. (108620)
CIS 08-1165 Use of glass fibre reinforced plastic tips - Study of dielectric protection and advantages for safety shoes. (Spanish: Uso de punteras de seguridad fabricadas en plástico reforzado con fibra de vidrio - Estudio de protección dieléctrica y beneficios en el calzado de seguridad) Vanegas Jaramillo J.D., Protección y seguridad, Mar.-Apr. 2008, Vol.54, No.318, p.40-43. Illus. 13 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: The tips of protective shoes are generally made of steel, which while offering excellent mechanical characteristics, have several shortcomings including electrical and thermal conductivity. Tips made of glass fibre reinforced plastics were therefore tested for compliance with current standards. Results of compression, impact resistance and dielectric strength testing are presented and discussed. Findings are promising. (108619)
CIS 08-1166 Extended high-frequency audiometry and noise induced hearing loss in cement workers. Somma G., Pietroiusti A., Magrini A., Coppeta L., Ancona C., Gardi S., Messina M., Bergamaschi A., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, June 2008, Vol.51, No.6, p.452-462. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: It has been suggested that extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA) might be more sensitive than conventional audiometry in detecting early signs of hearing impairment. The usefulness of this method was investigated in noise-exposed workers from two Italian cement plants. Conventional frequency audiometry (0.25-8kHz) and EHFA (9-18kHz) were compared in 184 noise-exposed and 98 non-noise-exposed workers. Both methods showed significantly higher hearing threshold levels in noise exposed workers for most of the tested frequencies; however, the differences were more marked for EHFA, especially in young exposed workers. Significant differences in the extended high-frequency range were detected also in the subgroup of noise-exposed workers with normal findings at conventional audiometry. (108657)
CIS 08-1167 Heat stress standard for hot work environments in Japan. Tanaka M., Industrial Health, Jan. 2007, Vol.45, No.1, p.85-90. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: Threshold limit values (TLVs) are normally defined to protect workers from the severest effects of thermal stress and to establish the exposures to heat in working environments. The criteria have been mainly set for working in mines and factories. However, acute heat strokes sometimes occur in outdoor work environments such as construction and agriculture. Furthermore, Japan has a very hot and humid climate during summer. The WBGT index is a useful evaluation value for hot environments and should be used as a standard during summer. Humidity also constitutes a problem in indoor workplaces. Therefore, it is proposed that TLVs for thermal conditions be defined according to seasons and physical workload. (108665)
CIS 08-1168 Comparison of subjective symptoms and hot prevention measures in summer between traffic control workers and construction workers in Japan. Inaba R., Mirbod S.M., Industrial Health, Jan. 2007, Vol.45, No.1, p.91-99. Illus. 33 ref. (In English) Internet: A survey on heat-related subjective symptoms and protection measures against heat during outdoor work in summer was conducted among 204 traffic control workers and 115 construction workers, all male, in Japan. Their workloads were estimated at relative metabolic rates of 1-2 and 2-4, respectively. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on age, occupational career, working habit, present or past history of diseases, individual preventive measures to the heat, and subjective symptoms during summer. Findings are discussed. Some preventive countermeasures to improve working conditions in outdoor work environments are presented. (108666)
CIS 08-1169 Study based on biological dosimetry techniques of the possible effects of ionizing radiation on the health of airline personnel. (Spanish: Investigación, mediante técnicas de dosimetría biológica, de posibles efectos sobre la salud por causa de las radiaciones ionizantes en profesionales de líneas aéreas) Prieto M.J., Moreno M., Nava P., Zapata L., Herranz R., Prevención, Jan.-Mar. 2008, No.183, p.18-35. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Following a presentation of the characteristics, indications and methodology of biological dosimetry, together with the effects of ionizing radiation on biological structures, this article describes a project undertaken in a university hospital in Madrid, Spain, aimed at quantifying the effects of such radiation by means of biological dosimetry. Calibration curves (number of translocations or dicentrics per cell as a function of dose) were determined. The basic frequencies of dicentrics within two population samples were first studied: a sample consisting of subjects not having been occupationally or medically exposed to ionizing radiation and a sample consisting of persons exposed to low radiation doses (personnel of the radiological department). A case-control study was next carried out among employees of an airline (cabin crews and ground staff) in order to determine the rate of translocations among persons chronically exposed to ionizing radiation. This project is still under way and the partial results are yet difficult to interpret. (108695)
CIS 08-1170 Expression of cellular isoform of prion protein on the surface of peripheral blood lymphocytes among women exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation. Kłuciński P., Mazur B., Hrycek A., Maśluch E., Cieślik P., Kaufman J., Martirosian G., AAEM - Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2007, Vol.14, No.2, p.225-228. 27 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this case-control study was to determine the effect of low doses of ionizing radiation on the expression of cellular isoform prion protein (PrPc) found on surface peripheral blood lymphocytes of women operating X-ray equipment. It involved 36 exposed women and 30 unexposed controls, also women. The PrPc expression on CD3 (T lymphocytes), CD4 (T helper), CD8 (T cytotoxic) and CD19 (B lymphocytes) as well as the percentage of lymphocytes with PrPc on their surface were tested. A significant increase in PrPc expression on CD3 and CD4 with lowered PrPc level on CD8 and in percentage of CD8 cells with PrPc were observed among exposed subjects compared to controls. Other findings are discussed. (108749)
CIS 08-1171 Creating a pipeline to heat stress prevention. Torres K., Occupational Hazards, May 2008, Vol.70, No.5, p.41-43. Illus. (In English) Internet: In the United States in 2005, 47 workers died from exposure to environmental heat and five died from contact with a hot object or substance. There are three types of heat stress: heat cramps (cramps in extremities, especially legs); heat exhaustion (dizziness, weakness, fainting, nausea, headache, cold and clammy skin, dry tongue, thirst); heat stroke (high body temperature, decreased level of consciousness, change in behaviour, not sweating, red or pale skin, elevated heart rate and rapid breathing). When heat cramps and heat exhaustion are not treated rapidly, the situation can escalate to heat stroke, which is a life-threatening illness. This article discusses the prevention of heat stress among workers in the petrochemical industry. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring work environment temperatures, work breaks and the consumption of fluids. (108515)
CIS 08-1172 Whole-body vibration on self-propelled forage harvesters: Evaluation of emission and estimated daily exposure levels. Scarlett A.J., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. x, 106p. Illus. 11 ref. (In English) Internet: This study was conducted to quantify whole-body vibration (WBV) emission and likely operator daily exposure levels associated with the normal operation of self-propelled harvesters. A survey was distributed to purchasers of recent machines, to determine information concerning typical machine usage and operator perception of WBV levels. Comprehensive WBV measurements were made on six working machines to provide representative samples of WBV time-histories. Frequency analysis of the vibration data and direct observation provided information on the potential and need for reducing operator WBV exposure. WBV emission levels were found to be relatively moderate compared to those encountered upon other agricultural vehicles. Nonetheless, the WBV levels during normal daily operation were sufficiently high to ensure that certain prescribed actions on the part of employers would be required. Other findings are discussed. (108640)
CIS 08-1173 Assessment of radiant heating systems (tube heaters). (German: Bewertung von Strahlungsheizungen (Dunkelstrahler)) Gebhardt H., Müller B.H., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2005. 72p. Illus. 58 ref. Price: EUR 11.00., ISBN 3-86509-388-4 (In German) Internet: This report presents the results of laboratory tests of tube heaters. Measurements of convective and radiant heat transfer were carried out at ambient temperatures of between -2°C to +15°C, while simultaneously changing the strenuousness of the tasks, work postures (sitting or standing) and tube intensities. The evaluations took account of physiological effects and subjective assessments. Findings are discussed. (108623)
CIS 08-1174 The radiological accident in Gilan. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2002. 46p. Illus. 34 ref. Price: EUR 15.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 92-0-110502-9 (In English) Internet: In 1996 a serious accident occurred at a fossil fuel power plant in Iran, when a worker who was moving thermal insulation materials around the plant noticed a shiny, pencil-sized metal object and placed it in his pocket. He was unaware that the metal object was an unshielded source of iridium 192 used in industrial radiography. This report compiles information about the medical and other aspects of the accident. As a result of exposure to the iridium source, the worker suffered from severe haematopoietic syndrome and an unusually extended localized radiation injury requiring plastic surgery. (108577)
CIS 08-1175 The radiological accident in Samut Prakarn. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2002. 52p. Illus. 27 ref. Price: EUR 15.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 92-0-110902-4 (In English) Internet: A serious radiological accident occurred in Samut Prakarn, Thailand, in 2000 when a disused cobalt 60 teletherapy head was partially dismantled, taken from an unsecured storage location and sold as scrap metal. At the junkyard, the device was further disassembled and the unrecognized radioactive source fell out, exposing workers. The accident came to the attention of the relevant national authority when physicians who examined several individuals suspected the possibility of radiation exposure from an unsecured source and reported this suspicion. Altogether, ten persons received high doses from the radioactive source, among who three died within two months of their exposure. Thai authorities requested advice from the IAEA on the medical treatment of the exposed people and invited the IAEA to assist in a review of the accident. This report compiles information about the medical and other aspects of the accident. (108578)
CIS 08-1176 The criticality accident in Sarov. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2001. 46p. Illus. 35 ref. Price: EUR 15.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 92-0-100101-0 (In English) Internet: In 1997 a critical accident occurred at the Russian Federal Nuclear Centre in the town of Sarov, about 400 km east of Moscow. The accident happened in a routine manipulation of the components of an assembly of highly enriched uranium. The overexposed man, a skilled technician, died 66h later from the effects of his exposure, despite prompt and intensive medical management. This report describes the immediate response to the emergency, the medical management of the patient, the various technical aspects of the accident, including the actions taken to return the facility to a safe condition, and the lessons to be learned from this accident. (108579)
CIS 08-1177 The radiological accident in Lilo. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2000. 103p. Illus. 21 ref. Price: EUR 27.00., ISBN 92-0-101300-0 (In English) Internet: The radiological accident described in this report took place in Lilo, Republic of Georgia, when sealed radiation sources were abandoned by a previous owner at a site without following established regulatory safety procedures. As a consequence, 11 individuals at the site were exposed for a long period of time to high doses of radiation which resulted in particular in severe radiation induced skin injuries. This report, which is jointly published with the World Health Organization, provides information on the medical management of radiation induced skin injuries, presents a comprehensive report on the circumstances of the accident and highlights the lessons to be learned. (108580)
CIS 08-1178 Time to treatment for decompression illness. Stipp W., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 29p. Illus. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO) is the standard treatment for divers with decompression illness (DCI). There is conflicting evidence in the medical literature on whether DCI is more responsive to early rather than late HBO treatment. The aim of this retrospective clinical outcome study was to investigate the influence of time to treatment with HBO in divers with neurological DCI. Cases were 372 divers with acute neurological DCI who had received HBO treatment at two specialized medical centres in the United Kingdom between 1986 and 2002. It was found that early HBO treatment was clearly associated with a better outcome. Other findings are discussed. (108646)
CIS 08-1179 Measurement of noise levels that staff are exposed to at live music events. Butterfield D., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2006. 164p. Illus. (In English) Internet: More stringent noise at work regulations came into force for general industry in April 2006. The live music sector was granted a two-year period to develop sector-specific guidance on compliance, but was meanwhile required to comply with existing noise regulations. Local Authorities also have responsibilities concerning monitoring and compliance. This study was carried out to assess the current noise exposure of groups of people within the sector and the impact of the new regulations on live music concerts. This report contains details of the personal exposures of a cross section of workers at twelve events throughout the year. It explores the control measures in place and makes recommendations for improvements. (108538)
CIS 08-1180 Reducing the risks from occupational noise. (Czech: Snižování rizik spojených s hlukem při práci; Danish: Begrænsning af risici ved støj på arbejdspladsen; Dutch: Terugdringen van de risico's van lawaai op het werk; Estonian: Töömüra riskide vähendamine; Finnish: Työperäisten meluriskien vähentäminen; French: Réduire les risques engendrés par le bruit sur le lieu de travail; German: Minderung von lärmbedingten Risiken bei der Arbeit; Greek: Ē meíōsē tōn kindúnōn apó to thórubo stēn ergasía; Hungarian: A munkahelyi zajból eredő kockázatok csökkentése; Italian: Riduzione dei rischi derivanti dal rumore sul lavoro; Latvian: Darba trokšņa radītā riska samazināšana; Lithuanian: Rizikos dėl triukšmo darbe mažinimas; Maltese: Tnaqqis tar-riskji ta' storbju fuq il-post tax-xogħol; Polish: Ograniczanie ryzyka powodowanego przez hałas w miejscu pracy; Portuguese: A redução dos riscos do ruído no trabalho; Slovak: Znižovanie rizika vzniku chorôb z povolania; Slovenian: Zmanjševanje tveganj zaradi hrupa pri delu; Spanish: Ruido en el trabajo: reducción de los riesgos; Swedish: Minskning av risker som härrör från buller på arbetsplatsen) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2005. 2p. Illus. 8 ref. (In Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: Each day, millions of employees in Europe are exposed to noise at work and all the risks this can entail. For European Week for Safety and Health 2005, the Agency produced a report looking at how the European directive structure and the complementary standards ensure that risks to workers from noise are addressed to reduce the high personal, social and economic cost of ill health and accidents arising from noise exposure. This fact sheet summarizes the report. (108728)
CIS 08-1181 Noise in figures. (Czech: Hluk v číslech; Danish: Fakta om støj; Dutch: Lawaai in cijfers; Estonian: Müra arvudes; Finnish: Melu lukuina; French: Le bruit en chiffres; German: Lärm in Zahlen; Greek: O thórubos se arithmoús; Hungarian: A zaj számokban; Italian: Il rumore in cifre; Latvian: Troksnis skaitļos; Lithuanian: Triukšmas skaičiais; Maltese: L-Istorbju f'ċifri; Polish: Hałas w liczbach; Portuguese: O ruído em números; Slovak: Hluk v číslach; Slovenian: Hrup v številkah; Spanish: El ruido en cifras; Swedish: Buller i siffror) European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2007. 2p. Illus. 3 ref. (In Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish) Internet: This fact sheet summarizes a report which describes the situation in Europe regarding the exposure to noise at work. Topics addressed: exposure to noise; health effects (hearing loss, tinnitus, acoustic shock, combined effects, non auditory health effects); noise and accidents; noise in classrooms; prevention; research needs. (108730)
CIS 08-1182 Occupational radiation protection: Safety guide. (Chinese: Guoji yuanzi neng jigou: Anquan biaozhun congshu; Russian: Radiacionnaja zaščita pri professional'nom oblučenii: Rukovodstvo po bezopasnosti; Spanish: Protección radiológica ocupacional: Guía de seguridad) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2004. 79p. Illus. 24 ref. (Spanish version). Price: EUR 14.50. Downloadable versions free of charge., ISBN 92-0-300604-4 (es), ISBN 92-0-503806-7 (zh) (In Chinese, Russian, Spanish) Internet: Spanish, Russian and Chinese versions of the safety guide on occupational radiation protection analysed under CIS 00-1736 (French translation: CIS 04-699 ). Prepared jointly by the IAEA and the ILO, it gives general advice on the exposure conditions for which monitoring programmes should be set up to assess radiation doses arising from external radiation and from intakes of radionuclides by workers. (108551)
CIS 08-1183 Fundamental safety principles. (Chinese: Jiben anquan yuanze; French: Principes fondamentaux de sûreté; Russian: Osnovopolagajuščije principy bezopasnosti; Spanish: Principios fundamentales de seguridad) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wagramerstrasse 5, P.O. Box 100, 1400 Wien, Austria, 2006. 21p. Price: EUR 25.00. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 92-0-110706-4 (en), ISBN 978-92-0-208807-8 (fr), ISBN 978-92-0-308707-0 (es), ISBN 978-92-0-408607-2 (ru), ISBN 978-92-0-508507-4 (zh), ISBN 978-92-0-608307-9 (ar) (In Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) Internet: This report states the fundamental safety objective and ten associated safety principles of the IAEA. The fundamental safety objective, which is to protect people and the environment from harmful effects of ionizing radiation, applies to all circumstances that give rise to radiation risks. The safety principles are applicable, as relevant, throughout the entire lifetime of all facilities and activities used for peaceful purposes, and to protective actions to reduce existing radiation risks. They provide the basis for requirements and measures for the protection of people and the environment against radiation risks and for the safety of facilities and activities that give rise to radiation risks, including nuclear installations, the use of radiation and radioactive sources, the transport of radioactive material and the management of radioactive waste. (108576)
CIS 08-1184 Exposure of the eyes and face to mechanical hazards at the workplace - Personal protective equipment. (Polish: Zagrożenia mechaniczne oczu i twarzy w miejscu pracy - Ochrony indywidualne) Owczarek G., Praca i Zdrowie, 2008, No.2, p.10-16. Illus. (In Polish) Internet: Topics addressed in this review article on personal protective equipment (PPE) for the eyes and face: definitions and characteristics of mechanical factors and hazards; groups of employees exposed to risks to their eyes and face; description of the types of PPE for the eyes and face; requirements with respect to equipment testing. (108747)
CIS 08-1185 Temporary edge protection system for formwork panels and concrete - Preventing falls from heights. (Spanish: Sistema provisional de protección de borde para tablero y hormigón - Prevenir la caída de altura) Soria Peña J.J., Mapfre seguridad, 3rd Quarter 2007, Vol.27, No.107, p.6-19. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: Presentation of a system for temporary edge protection that meets the requirements of the EN 13374 Standard. The characteristics of the product are described, together with its advantages and the test results showing compliance with the standard. (108602)
CIS 08-1186 Work injuries among drivers in the goods-transport branch in Denmark. Shibuya H., Cleal B., Lyngby Mikkelsen K., American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2008, Vol.51, No.5, p.364-371. Illus. 22 ref. (In English) Internet: Goods transport drivers in Denmark have an elevated rate of hospital admission due to injury compared with the workforce in general. The aim of this study was to elucidate the causes of their work injuries. Data from the Danish National Work Injury Register were analysed for the period from 1993 to 2002. It was found that the vast majority (92.6%) of the work injuries among goods-transport drivers were sustained under non-traffic activities, namely collecting, loading, unloading, and delivering goods. Accidents included falls from heights (22.3%), overexertion (14.2%), being caught between or under objects (12.6%), colliding with objects (12.0%), slips and trips (10.6%) and strikes by falling objects (9.0%). The implications of these findings are discussed. (108514)
CIS 08-1187 Safety in the Victorian thoroughbred horseracing industry. Cowley S., Bowman B., Lawrance M., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Oct. 2007, Vol.23, No.5, p.421-431. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: Employees in the horseracing sector who work closely with horses are exposed to a significant risk of traumatic injury. Although jockeys are the main focus of attention, a large number of injuries are sustained by track drivers and stable attendants. Investigations by means of literature surveys and focus groups reveal that in this sector, there is greater emphasis on horses and their performance rather than on the health, safety and well-being of employees. Several recommendations are made in view of improving the safety performance in this sector. (108572)
CIS 08-1188 A study of the characteristics of cementitious surface toppings and applied concrete. Shaw R., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. 38p. Illus. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: Slips and trips are the most common cause of major injuries at work and they occur in almost all workplaces; 95% of major slips result in broken or fractured bones. Slips and trips account for around 33% of all reported major injuries and 20% of accidental injuries involving more than three days of absenteeism. The construction sector has a higher rate of slips and trips than any other sector. The potential for slips depend on the footwear worn, the nature of the floor surface and the possible presence of contamination. Cementitious floors are present in many work places, particularly in warehouses. The aim of this study was to assess the slip resistance of various types of cement floors and to determine whether the application of surface hardeners and dust inhibitors affects the risk of slips. (108643)
CIS 08-1189 'Watch your step': A promotional campaign including workplace inspections. Noble J., Print J., Ford P., Pepper K., Reiger P., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. iv, 61p. Illus. (In English) Internet: This report provides the findings of an evaluation of HSE's "Watch Your Step" promotional and inspection campaign on the prevention of slips and trips, which was run in Great Britain between October 2005 and March 2006. It investigates all aspects of the campaign, from planning to delivery, and provides analysis of those aspects of the campaign which worked well and those that worked less well. Recommendations to assist with future campaigns of this type and for future work on slips and trips are also provided. (108644)
CIS 08-1190 An examination of novel roughness parameters to be used in conjunction with the HSE slips assessment tool (SAT). Shaw R., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. 34p. Illus. (In English) Internet: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) use two primary techniques to assess the slip resistance of floors, namely the coefficient of friction (CoF) using the pendulum skid resistance tester, and surface microroughness (Rz). Historically, a good correlation was found between Rz and wet pendulum values, a finding which formed the basis of the HSE Slips Assessment Tool (SAT), a methodology which uses Rz as an important factor in determining the slip risk presented by a given floor surface. The purpose of this project was to study the relationships between specific roughness parameters and their agreement with wet pendulum values, and to look for correlations which can support Rz and pendulum values in determining the slip resistance of a surface. (108645)
CIS 08-1191 Exploration of the affect [sic] of litigation culture on the attribution and reporting of slip and trip accidents. Snodgrass R., Corbett E., Carter L., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. viii, 63p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: Due to changes in United Kingdom litigation law in recent years, lawyers have been offering a "no win no fee" service, which appears to be generating a growing tendency amongst individuals to pursue claims of negligence, even in the most frivolous of cases. Reports in the press also suggest that there are many companies willing to pay out small amounts of compensation rather than fight a more costly litigation process. Society continues to change and there is less tolerance when it comes to risk. The purpose of this work was to determine the effect of this heightened awareness, brought about by media activity, on the reporting of slip and trip accidents. This study employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques for collecting information from lawyers, insurers, and safety and health representatives, together with a survey of the general public. Findings indicate that employers are recording and reporting more accidents, both to comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR, see CIS 95-1930) and as a self-defence mechanism against the threat of possible litigation. Employers are also taking more precautions with those having accidents on their premises. Findings also indicate that the general public and employees are less inhibited about reporting slip and trip accidents as they are more aware of their rights and therefore less tolerant of what they see as unfair treatment. Other findings are discussed. (108648)
CIS 08-1192 Evaluating the feasibility of developing assessment charts for high risk pushing and pulling operations. Ferreira J., Smith M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 41p. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this project was to better understand pushing and pulling forces that represent a high risk of manual handling injury and to develop a risk assessment chart for pushing and pulling operations. Psychophysical data were reviewed to develop a simple graph showing whole body pushing and pulling forces indicative of a high risk of injuries during two-hand manual handling tasks. An assessment chart was also produced for assessing pushing and pulling operations. Risk factors such as initial force, frequency, travel distance and hand height were selected for inclusion on the basis of the ergonomics literature and the ergonomics approach for assessing pushing and pulling operations in the field. (108757)
CIS 08-1193 Watch Your Step campaign evaluation: Qualitative research. Ford P., Pepper K., Reiger P., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. iv, 63p. Illus. (In English) Internet: A major campaign was run by the HSE in October 2005, aimed at raising awareness of slip and trip accidents and to encourage both employers and employees to take action to prevent them. This report covers a qualitative follow-up evaluation study conducted between May and July 2006, which comprised interviews with duty holders and employees. The key objectives of this study were to understand whether the campaign had prompted behavioural changes, and if yes, to understand the extent of these changes. The research also served to explore perceptions of the campaign among the various parties concerned in order to identify possible improvements to future campaigns. (108758)
CIS 08-1194 Evaluation of the mechanical condition of agricultural vehicles. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 37p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: An investigation was undertaken to assess the mechanical condition of agricultural vehicles in use on farms in the United Kingdom. A detailed examination of 242 tractors and 71 agricultural trailed appliances was carried out to meet the requirements of an inspection according to The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98, see CIS 99-1429). Experienced agricultural engineers carried out the examinations and analyzed the results on the scale and nature of defects according to vehicle age and horsepower, region and main farm activity. Close to 70% had faults, some minor and easily correctable by replacing light bulbs, others are more major items such as brake performance, tyre wear and pressures and driver vision items (windscreen wipers, external rear view mirrors). (108650)
CIS 08-1195 Dimensioning of ore passes - Guide to the design of ore passes. (French: Dimensionnement des chutes à minerai - Guide de conception des chutes à minerai) Hadjigeorgiou J., Lessard J.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, 2008. iii, 49p. Illus. 21 ref. + CD-ROM. Price: CAD 8.40 (report); i, 36p. Illus. 11 ref. + CD-ROM. Price: CAD 7.35 (guide). Downloadable versions (PDF format) free of charge, ISBN 978-2-89631-235-1 (report), ISBN 978-2-89631-237-5 (guide) (In French) Internet: Underground mines use a system of passes to transfer by gravity the ore from the upper levels of the mine to the crushing and hoisting site. In a majority of cases, passes control ore flow in these openings. Often subject to blockage, these passes involve safety risks to workers during clearing operations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of various types of ore passes most commonly found in the Quebec mining industry, together with the dimensioning rules proposed in literature. This report describes these evaluations. It is accompanied by an ore pass design guide aimed at mining engineers, to help them develop and implement safer systems adapted to the particular needs of each mine. (108685)
CIS 08-1196 First evaluation of the impact of the work at height regulations. First evaluation of the removal of the "two metre rule". Wearing S., Peebles L., Jefferies D., Lee K., Anjorin E., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. iv, 343p. Illus. 135 ref. (In English) Internet: The Work at Height (WAH) Regulations were introduced in the United Kingdom in 2005. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the new Regulations, in particular with respect to the removal of the two metre rule for construction work. This rule required employers to use specific control measures for construction work that presented a risk of people falling two or more metres. The first stage of the study was conducted prior to the introduction of Regulations and the second stage was conducted one year after the Regulations were introduced. Data were collected by means of literature surveys and reviews of accident statistics, followed by panel discussions, interviews and site visits in the key sectors where falls from heights hazards are present. Findings are discussed. Changes to working practices were made as a result of the Regulations, with a reduction in the use of ladders and in increase in the use of scaffolds and platforms for work activities below two metres. (108541)
CIS 08-1197 Knowledge of workplace transport hazards amongst British businesses. Marlow P., Dickety N., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 29p. Illus. 6 ref. (In English) Internet: This study was carried out to gather baseline data on the current level of understanding regarding workplace transport hazards by businesses in the United Kingdom, through consultations with their safety managers. A telephone questionnaire survey was conducted across a stratified sample of businesses from five major sectors of activity, seeking information on a range of issues known to be associated with workplace transport risk, as well as subsidiary questions on other inter-related workplace transport issues. The main finding is that vehicle safety was rated more important than site safety or driver safety. (108542)
CIS 08-1198 A study of the slip characteristics of natural and manmade stone flooring materials. Loo-Morrey M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 17p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to assess the slip resistance of a wide range of natural and manmade stone flooring, in order to provide guidance to duty holders considering the installation of this type of flooring. Ramp boards used in the study were characterized using the test methods typically employed during site HSL/HSE investigations, namely surface roughness and the pendulum test. Findings are discussed. (108546)
CIS 08-1199 Ramp testing pre-engineered wood floors. Loo-Morrey M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. 31p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of the work presented in this report was to assess the slip resistance of a wide range of pre-engineered wooden floors. These materials have become increasingly popular in both domestic and commercial premises over recent years. Despite their current widespread use, little is understood about the slip characteristics of these floors. The flooring materials studied were assessed using a range of test methods, including surface micro-roughness analysis, the pendulum test and the standard ramp test. Findings are discussed. (108549)
CIS 08-1200 A study of the slip characteristics of metal flooring materials. Loo-Morrey M., Lemon P., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. 33p. Illus. 10 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to assess the slip resistance of a wide range of metallic industrial floorings, both profiled and open-grid. This type of industrial flooring is traditionally used in manufacturing environments where the likelihood of contamination is high. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of certain types of industrial floors that have been installed in commercial premises and in the retail and hospitality sectors, under the influence of fashion. The floor surfaces studied were assessed using surface micro-roughness assessment and the standard ramp test. It is planned to use the data generated into a new British Standard. (108550)
CIS 08-1201 Evaluation of the HSE slips and trips roadshows. Powell S., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. vi, 30p. 1 ref. (In English) Internet: This survey consisted of 102 interviews with persons who had attended an HSE slips and trips road show. The objectives of the survey were to establish the extent to which participants implemented changes to reduce risk levels since attending the road show, to better understand barriers that participants have faced in trying to make changes and to explore how else the HSE could support work to reduce risk levels. Overall, the road shows were found to be an effective way of raising awareness of slips and trips in workplaces. Other findings are discussed. (108753)
CIS 08-1202 Quantities of various categories of goods sold in Germany and their potential hazards. (German: Marktvolumen einzelner Produktgruppen und ihrer Gefährdungspotenziale in Deutschland) Lang K.H., Gebhardt H., Vorath B.J., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2005. 151p. Illus. 26 ref. Price: EUR 16.00., ISBN 3-86509-333-7 (In German) Internet: The quantity of products being imported into the European Economic Area from developing or other countries is constantly growing. German authorities responsible for enforcing compliance with machinery safety legislation are finding it increasingly difficult to carry out their verification tasks aimed at avoiding the supply of products that do not comply with safety requirements. This project was undertaken in order to facilitate these verification tasks. Its aim is to create a database from the inventory of all the groups of products sold in Germany, together with their potential hazards, to serve as an effective tool for market surveillance. (108731)
CIS 08-1203 Safeguarding equipment and protecting employees from amputations. Publications U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20210, USA, 2007. 56p. Illus. 26 ref. (In English) Internet: This guide identifies eight mechanical motions and eight hazardous actions that present possible amputation hazards. The guide also sets forth steps employers can take to reduce these hazards. The material is appropriate for all persons responsible for the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, including employers, employees, safety professionals and industrial hygienists. Topics covered include hazard analysis, safeguarding machinery, awareness devices and the control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout). (108707)
CIS 08-1204 Safe working on glasshouse roofs: Advice for growers. Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Feb. 2008. 4p. (In English) Internet: This information note describes the hazards associated with working on glasshouse roofs. It outlines the precautions to be taken before accessing and working on glasshouse roofs, as well as the selection, training and supervision of staff working on such roofs. Advice is also given on appropriate clothing and responsibilities towards contractors. It specifically refers to responsibilities under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Replaces CIS 95-337. (108554)
CIS 08-1205 A guide to Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations 1995. Health and Safety Commission, HSE Books, P.O.Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2nd ed., 2008. iv, 60p. 26 ref. Price: GBP 12.50., ISBN 978-0-7176-6287-6 (In English) Internet: This guide contains the full text of the Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations 1995 (see CIS 95-1187) together with accompanying guidance, which was prepared after widespread consultation with industry. This second edition expands the scope of the guidance to cover boreholes used for the storage of gas in natural strata reservoirs where oil or other commodities had been previously been extracted, and updates references to other regulations and publications. Replaces CIS 96-321. (108673)
CIS 08-1206 Work equipment: Safety begins with procurement - Information on the purchase, modification and extension of machinery and other equipment, new or second-hand. (French: Equipements de travail: la sécurité commence dès l'achat - Informations sur l'achat, la modification et l'extension de machines et autres équipements de travail neufs ou d'occasion; German: Arbeitsmittel - die Sicherheit beginnt beim Kauf: Informationen für das Beschaffen, Abändern und Ergänzen von neuen und gebrauchten Maschinen und anderen Arbeitsmitteln; Italian: Attrezzature di lavoro - la sicurezza parte dall'acquisto: Opuscolo informativo sull'acquisto, la modifica e l'adattamento di macchine nuove e usate e di altre attrezzature di lavoro) Luginbühl H.J., Suva, Gesundheitsschutz, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 7th ed., 2008. 16p. Illus. 7 ref. (In French, German, Italian) Internet: In Switzerland, work equipment must comply with basic safety requirements, including those specified under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, and correspond to the safety offered by state-of-the art technology. Aimed at employers, enterprise managers, safety coordinators and purchasing managers, this safety guide explains the main points that need to be taken into consideration when acquiring new or second-hand work equipment, in order to ensure that it complies with safety rules. (108686)
CIS 08-1207 Safe use of work equipment - Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Health and Safety Commission, HSE Books, P.O.Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 2008. vi, 82p. lllus. 22 ref. Price: GBP 11.95., ISBN 978-0-7176-6295-1 (In English) Internet: This third edition of the approved code of practice includes the full text of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98, see CIS 99-1429) together with accompanying guidance. It has been amended and updated to reflect the latest legislation. References throughout have been updated to include the most recent publications available, and obsolete information has been removed. It is aimed at all persons with direct or indirect responsibility for work equipment and its use, for example employers, employees, the self-employed and those who hire work equipment. PUWER 98 applies to the provision of all work equipment, including mobile and lifting equipment. Replaces CIS 00-242. (108672)
CIS 08-1208 Biological safety data sheet for the bacterium L. pneumophila. (Spanish: Ficha de datos de seguridad biológica de la bacteria L. pneumophila) Muñoz Doncel N., Moreno Toral E., Megias Guijo M., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, May 2008, No.47, p.18-23. Illus. 4 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: L. pneumophila is the bacterium responsible for legionellosis. Workers with the highest risk of exposure to this bacterium are medical laboratory personnel and maintenance workers of systems in which the growth of L. pneumophila is likely. This article discusses the data which need to be included in the biological safety sheet on L. pneumophila, which should be considered as being an occupational safety and health tool for use in the information and training of workers. (108698)
CIS 08-1209 Microbial and endotoxin contamination of water-soluble metalworking fluids. Cyprowski M., Piotrowska M., Żakowska Z., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I., International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 4th Quarter 2007, Vol.20, No.4, p.365-371. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of microbial contamination of metalworking fluids as a potential source of harmful biological agents in three metalworking plants in Poland. Ten samples of fluids, including four fresh fluids, were analyzed. The analysis showed total bacterial counts ranging from 1.0x101 to 3.2x107 CFU/mL, 60% to 100% of which were Gram-negative bacteria capable of producing endotoxins. The predominant species of bacteria was Shewanella putrefaciens present in 60% of the samples. As for moulds, the predominant species was Acremonium butyric. The average concentration of bacterial endotoxins was 773 EU/mL in used fluids and 285 EU/mL in fresh fluids. A correlation was found between endotoxin concentration and the number of Gram-negative bacteria detected in the fluids. Other findings are discussed. (108743)
CIS 08-1210 Exposure to viruses at the workplace, with the example of viral hepatitis. (Polish: Zagrożenia wirusowe w miejscu pracy na przykładzie wirusowego zapalenia wątroby) Rybacki M., Michowicz A., Praca i Zdrowie, 2008, No.1, p.10-16. Illus. (In Polish) Internet: The characteristics of hepatitis B and C viruses are presented, together with their infection mechanisms. The occupational groups most exposed to infection hazards from these viruses are mentioned, together with the methods of prevention and treatment. (108746)
CIS 08-1211 German cattle allergy study (CAS): Public health relevance of cattle-allergic farmers. Heutelbeck A.R.R., Janicke N., Hilgers R., Kütting B., Drexler H., Hallier E., Bickeböller H., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nov. 2007, Vol.81, No.2, p.201-208. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: This study involved farmers from all regions of Germany who were reported to the Agricultural Institutions for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention (Landwirtschaftliche Berufsgenossenschaften) between 1990 and 2002 with a suspected occupational cattle-allergic airways disease. A total of 513 patients were identified considering following parameters: age, gender, onset of airways symptoms related to contact with cattle, beginning of employment disability, total and specific Immunoglobulin E against cattle allergens, and lung function.. Of these patients, 24.8% showed cattle-related symptoms of asthma, 11.7% of rhinitis, and 60% of both asthma and rhinitis. Other findings are discussed. (108662)
CIS 08-1212 Non-malignant disease mortality in meat workers: A model for studying the role of zoonotic transmissible agents in non-malignant chronic diseases in humans. Johnson E.S., Zhou Y., Sall M., El Faramawi M., Shah N., Christopher A., Lewis N., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2007, Vol.64, No.12, p.849-855. 53 ref. (In English) Internet: A study of mortality from non-malignant causes was conducted between 1949 and 1989 in a cohort of 8520 meat workers in a union in Baltimore, Maryland, who worked in manufacturing plants where animals were killed or processed, and who had high exposures to infectious agents. Mortality in this cohort was compared with that in a control group of 6081 unexposed workers in the same union, and also with the United States general population. Proportional, standardized and relative mortality ratios were calculated. Significant excesses of mortality from septicaemia, subarachnoid haemorrhage, chronic nephritis, endocarditis and functional diseases of the heart were observed in meat workers when compared to the control group or to the United States general population. It is hypothesized that zoonotic transmissible agents may be responsible for the occurrence of some of the circulatory, neurological and other diseases observed among these workers. (108670)
CIS 08-1213 Prevention of blood-borne infections in the health care sector. (German: Verhütung blutübertragbarer Infektionen im Gesundheitswesen; Italian: Prevenzione delle malattie infettive trasmesse per via ematica in ambito sanitario) Jost M., Francioli P., Iten A., Jost J., Colombo C., Cartier B., Rüegger M., Gutzwiller A., Suva, Gesundheitsschutz, Postfach, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland, 14th updated edition, 2009. 105p. Illus. 106 ref. (In German, Italian) Internet: In the course of their activities, health care workers are exposed not only to chemical or physical hazards, but also to various infectious agents. Besides the prevention against certain occupational transmissible viral diseases such as German measles or chickenpox in paediatric services and tuberculosis, which is resurgent due to the emergence of multi-resistant mycobacteria, the prevention of bloodborne infections such as the human immunodeficiency virus or the hepatitis B and C viruses are the object of much attention. Employers and health care personnel need to undertake every effort to reduce these types of hazards. Contents of this booklet on the prevention of blood-borne infections aimed at health care workers: risk to health care personnel of being infected by a bloodborne pathogen; technical, organizational and personal measures; additional recommendations for certain specific workplaces; primary prevention at the occupational physician level, and vaccination of staff against hepatitis B; secondary prevention and occupational medicine; disposal of potentially-infectious material; insurance law aspects. Update of CIS 98-975. (108629)
CIS 08-1214 Guidance on preparing workplaces for an influenza pandemic. (Spanish: Guía sobre la preparación de los lugares de trabajo para una pandemia del gripe) Publications U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20210, USA, Feb. 2009. 43p. Illus. 5 ref. (In English, Spanish) Internet: This guidance to allow employers to prepare their enterprise for a possible influenza pandemic applies to all types of workplaces. It describes the differences between seasonal, avian and pandemic influenza, and presents information on the nature of a potential pandemic, how the virus is likely to spread and how exposure is likely to occur. (108704)
CIS 08-1215 Occupational health issues associated with H1N1 influenza virus (Swine Flu). Internet document, NIOSH, 2009. (In English) Internet: Internet portal page with links to essential up-to-date information on the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, including its workplace health implications. (108721)
CIS 08-1216 Interim guidance for infection control for care of patients with confirmed or suspected swine influenza A(H1N1) virus infection in a healthcare setting. (Spanish: Influenza H1N1 (gripe porcina)) Internet document, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA, 2009. (In English, Spanish) Internet: This document provides interim guidance for healthcare facilities (e.g., hospitals, long-term care and outpatient facilities and other settings where healthcare is provided). Contents: background, implementation of respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, implementation of facility contingency plans, interim infection control recommendations, infection control of ill persons in a healthcare setting, surveillance management of healthcare personnel, management of ill healthcare personnel, environmental infection control, administration of the current 2008-2009 seasonal influenza vaccine. (108722)
CIS 08-1217 What to do in the case of a suspected case of infection by the emergent A(H1N1) virus. (French: Conduite à suivre en cas d'infection suspecté au virus émergent H1N1 (A/H1N1/California/04/2009)) Ministère de la santé et des sports, 14, avenue Duquesne, 75350 Paris 07 SP, France, 2009. 7p. (In French) Internet: Contents of this information note: definition of cases; recommendations for action (how to deal with patients, people who have been in contact with them, protection of health care and or other personnel exposed to the patients). In annex: contact information of concerned hospitals and laboratories in France; recommended antiviral drug régime. (108723)
CIS 08-1218 OSHA Fact Sheet: What employers can do to protect workers from pandemic influenza. (Spanish: Hoja de datos de OSHA: Lo que pueden hacer los patronos para proteger a los trabajadores contra la gripe pandémica) U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210, USA, 2009. 2p. (In English, Spanish) Internet: Fact Sheet outlining the recommended actions employers can do in order to reduce the risk of exposure of workers to an influenza virus during a pandemic. The measures include: engineering controls; administrative controls; work practices; personal protective equipment. (108724)
CIS 08-1219 Laboratory biosafety guidelines. (French: Lignes directrices en matière de biosécurité en laboratoire) Health Canada (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/), Ottawa, ON, Canada, 3rd ed., 2004. vii, 113p. Illus. Bibl. ref. Index., ISBN 0-662-37722-2 (En), ISBN 0-662-77453-1 (fr) (In English, French) Internet: Contents of this detailed manual on biosafety procedures to be followed in laboratories handling infectious materials: biological safety; handling infectious substances; laboratory design and physical requirements; commissioning, certification and recertification for CL3 and CL4 laboratories [CL = Containment Level]; large-scale production of microorganisms; programme-specific guidelines (laboratory animals, recombinant DNA and genetic manipulation, cell lines); decontamination; biological safety cabinets; regulatory aspects for handling infectious substances in Canada. (108725)
CIS 08-1220 Pandemic influenza: Guidance for infection control in hospitals and primary care settings. TSO Publications Centre, P.O. Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN, United Kingdom, 2007. 81p. Illus. 87 ref. (In English) Internet: Guidance document on how to protect health care workers against the hazard of infection by pandemic influenza. Contents: terminology; overview of pandemic influenza and infection control; preparedness planning for pandemic infection control; occupational health and deployment of staff; infection control precautions; environmental infection control; supplementary guidance for hospitals; supplementary guidance for primary care settings. In the appendix: the epidemiology of pandemic influenza; infection control precautions. (108726)
CIS 08-1221 Encourage your workers to report bloodborne pathogen exposures. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, July 2008. 2p. Illus. 2 ref. (In English) Internet: Aimed at employers, this leaflet outlines the importance of encouraging first responders (emergency medical services, fire fighters, and law enforcement) to report exposures to bloodborne pathogens. Topics addressed: why employees may be reluctant to report exposures; why employees should report all exposures; how employers can encourage reporting (developing a policy, informing and training personnel). See also CIS 08-1012 and 08-1222. (108712)
CIS 08-1222 Protect your employees with an exposure control plan. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, July 2008. 4p. Illus. 4 ref. (In English) Internet: The exposure control plan is the focal point of any programme aimed at the prevention of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. It details in writing the employer's plan for reducing exposures to bloodborne pathogens and explains what steps to take when an exposure occurs. Aimed at employers of first responders (emergency medical services, fire fighters, and law enforcement), this leaflet outlines the basic elements of an exposure control plan and how to develop such a plan. See also CIS 08-1012 and 08-1221. (108713)
CIS 08-1223 Model for the ergonomic assessment of exposure to musculoskeletal risks in the lower extremities - Genesis of MSDs: a new form of analysis. (Spanish: Modelo de evaluación ergonómica para la exposición a riesgos musculo-esqueléticos en miembros inferiores - La génesis de los TME: una nueva forma de análisis) Alonso Sánchez F.J., Mapfre seguridad, 3rd Quarter 2007, Vol.27, No.107, p.20-30. Illus. 22 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: This article presents a new and simple model entitled Rapid Lower Limb Assessment (RLLA) for quantifying risk factors of incident musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) of the legs and feet. The method evaluates various workstation variables: postures, loads (magnitude, unilateral/bilateral), work repetitiveness and lengthy postures, together with harmful working conditions. Values obtained are added to form an overall value, which is an indicator of the need or otherwise to adopt ergonomic measures. (108603)
CIS 08-1224 Ergonomics in the construction sector. (Spanish: Ergonomía en el sector de la construcción) Ferreras Remesal A., Piedrabuena Cuesta A., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, May 2008, No.47, p.8-17. Illus. 14 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: In Spain, the highest rate of occupational accidents occurs in the construction sector. In 2005, a total of 250,376 lost-time accidents were notified in this sector, 25% being injuries due to excessive effort. This situation warranted the launch of two projects in 2006, aimed at improving ergonomics of equipment and working conditions: the preparation of a guide for checking the ergonomics of machinery and tools used in the construction sector, and preparation of an ergonomics manual for the construction sector. The various phases of these projects as well as the contents of the documents are described. (108697)
CIS 08-1225 Work-organisational and personal factors associated with upper body musculoskeletal disorders among sewing machine operators. Wang P.C., Rempel D.M., Harrison R.J., Chan J., Ritz B.R., Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dec. 2007, Vol.64, No.12, p.806-813. Illus. 37 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between occupational and personal factors and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among garment workers in Los Angeles. It involved 520 sewing machine operators from 13 garment industry sewing shops. Detailed information on organizational factors, personal factors and musculoskeletal symptoms were obtained in interviews. Data were analysed using unconditional logistic regression models. The prevalences of moderate or severe musculoskeletal pain in the neck/shoulder region the distal upper extremity were 24% and 16% respectively. Risk factors included an age of less than 30 years, female gender, Hispanic ethnicity, being single, working more than 10 years as a sewing machine operator, working in large shops, higher work-rest ratios, high physical exertion, high physical isometric loads, high job demand and low job satisfaction. (108668)
CIS 08-1226 Reducing work strenuousness. (French: Réduire la pénibilité au travail) Rouilleault H., Guérin F., Gilles M., Molinié A.F., Rousseau T., Rogez I., Travail & changement, Feb.-Mar. 2004, No.294, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on work strenuousness. Topics addressed: forms and sources of strenuous work (repetitive physical efforts, exposure to heat or noise, work schedules and speed of work); negotiations on strenuousness in the context of changes to the law on retirement; opinions of various experts on issues including the definition of strenuousness, strenuousness indicators, the relationship between strenuousness and age, and the prevention of strenuous working conditions; evaluation of strenuousness among garbage collectors, women office workers and in the automobile industry; ageing and strenuousness; main points to consider with respect to the prevention of strenuous working conditions; further reading. (108581)
CIS 08-1227 How to better assess workload. (French: Mieux évaluer la charge de travail) Rousseau T., Rouilleault H., Lamour A., Gallet A.M., Sarazin B., Loisil F., Poète B., Travail & changement, Mar.-Apr. 2006, No.307, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on workload. Topics addressed: need to adapt workload to demands and constraints; opinions of an occupational physician, a psychologist, the manager of a trade association and a university professor; approaches adopted by a hospital laboratory, a household waste collection service and a pensioners' home; changes in the nature of work of secretaries; main points to consider with respect to workload; review of a book on workload; further reading. (108591)
CIS 08-1228 Machinery standardization and ergonomics. (German: Maschinennormung und Ergonomie) Höhn K., Goertz T., Lehder G, Krengel M., Schmauder M., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2006. 71p. Illus. 55 ref. Price: EUR 11.00., ISBN 3-86509-525-9 (In German) Internet: Despite the requirements spelled out in standards and regulations concerning the standardization of products, important differences are still found in the way in which ergonomic aspects are addressed. It was therefore found necessary to develop a method for controlling and improving the compliance of ergonomic requirements within safety standards. This document shows how it is possible to detect shortcomings with respect to ergonomics in standards, using tools specially developed for the purpose and to highlight elements facilitating the taking into account of ergonomic requirements. The method was tested specifically on machinery standards, and its broadening to other products is commented. (108737)
CIS 08-1229 Workload screening in ambulatory care services. (German: Belastungsscreening in der ambulanten Pflege) Büssing A., Glaser J., Höge T., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2005. 114p. Illus. 88 ref. Price: EUR 13.50., ISBN 3-86509-370-1 (In German) Internet: This research report describes the tasks and findings of a project aimed at quantifying the prevalence and severity of physical and mental workload among the personnel of ambulatory care services in Germany. A methodology was developed and validated on a sample of 721 employees of 97 ambulatory care services in Bavaria. Findings were compared to those obtained for stationary care services. They highlight important differences between the two types of care with respect to physical and mental workload. Guidelines for work organization in ambulatory care services were developed, aimed at reducing the physical and mental workload in this sector of activity. (108622)
CIS 08-1230 Ergonomic layout of service counters in various selected sectors. (German: Ergonomische Gestaltung von Bedientheken in ausgewählten Arbeitsbereichen) Bleyer T., Hold U., Müller-Arnecke H.W., Windel A., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2005. 155p. Illus. 43 ref. Price: EUR 16.00., ISBN 3-86509-392-2 (In German) Internet: Service counters in the retail sector can be of various shapes. They are mainly designed to meet storage and display requirements. However, their accessibility and ergonomics have a decisive influence on movements and postures adopted by the personnel. In this study, four types of service counters used by bakers and butchers were examined under five different work environments. The ergonomic evaluation considered both work postures (torso flexion angle and extent of arm stretching) and the layout of workstations. Proposals are made in view of optimizing the ergonomics of the workstations and improving workers'comfort. (108624)
CIS 08-1231 Computer-assisted work schedule organization using BASS 4. (German: Softwaregestützte Arbeitszeitgestaltung mit BASS 4) Nachreiner F., Schomann C., Stapel W., Nickel P., Eden J., Grzech-Sukalo H., Hänecke K., Albrecht N., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2005. 160p. Illus. 59 ref. Price: EUR 16.50. Downloadable version free of charge., ISBN 3-86509-426-0 (In German) Internet: This document presents the BASS software, which consists of a computer application designed to help human resource managers in planning and evaluating work schedule systems. It fills a need, while at the same time complies with ergonomic and social requirements. When planning work time schedules, the tool can also take into account workloads related to the job according to its nature, intensity, conditions and duration. Furthermore, several modules are available which enable evaluations of the physical, mental and emotional workloads, evaluations aimed at optimizing costs and evaluations of flexible work schedules. (108625)
CIS 08-1232 A staged approach to reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace - A long term follow-up. Shaw K., Haslam C., Haslam R., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. viii, 65p. Illus. 23 ref. (In English) Internet: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most common form of occupational ill-health in the United Kingdom. An earlier project had involved developing and evaluating an innovative approach to reducing MSDs. Twenty-four interventions had been monitored within a variety of organizations for up to six months. This report describes a project aimed at validating this approach over longer periods, at 15 months and 20 months post-intervention, to ascertain whether the improvements seen at six months persist in the longer term. The results show that the benefits in behaviour change and symptom reduction persist over a longer period of follow-up. (108641)
CIS 08-1233 Evaluation of the TAA workload - Ambulatory care: Manual and materials. (German: Das Belastungsscreening TAA - Ambulante Pflege: Manual und Materialien) Büssing A., Glaser J., Höge T, Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2005. 65p. Illus. 14 ref. Price: EUR 11.00., ISBN 3-86509-391-4 (In German) Internet: This manual presents two instruments in the form of questionnaires for analyzing and evaluating the physical workload and psychological stress of ambulatory health care workers, together with the prevention measures implemented: Belastungscreening TAA (screening for workload and stress) and its associated module AuG-Schutz (prevention). It then explains how to use these tools to carry out an evaluation and interpret the findings. Because of their user-friendliness, they can also be applied by persons who are not specialized in workload research (management of health services, safety and health or quality control specialists in health care services). (108735)
CIS 08-1234 Absenteeism, solutions to build together. (French: L'absentéisme, des solutions à bâtir ensemble) Rouilleault H., Rousseau T., Sarazin B., Alour C., Arezki S., Gilles M., Chevance A., Paljkovic G., Travail & changement, Jan.-Feb. 2005, No.300, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on the prevention of absenteeism. Topics addressed: main causes of absenteeism; points of view of a human resources manager, an occupational physician, a research scientist and consultants in the field of enterprise organization and social relations; approaches adopted by a hospital, a manufacturer of automobile components, an urban transport service and a call centre; main points to consider in a strategy aimed at preventing absenteeism; further reading. (108584)
CIS 08-1235 Occupational stress and cancer. (Spanish: Estrés laboral y cáncer) Martínez Plaza C.A., Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo, Mar. 2008, No.46, p.28-47. Illus. 77 ref. (In Spanish) Internet: Working conditions and work organization constitute psychosocial risk factors possibly leading to stress, in turn leading to somatic or psychic diseases. Stress has an incidence on the central nervous, immune and endocrine systems, resulting in higher susceptibility to carcinogens. This article discusses the relationship between occupational stress and cancer, together with the various mechanisms involved. Several models and studies on the stress/cancer relationship are reviewed. (108694)
CIS 08-1236 Self-perceived depression, anxiety, stress and their relationships with psychological job factors in male automotive assembly workers. Edimansyah B.A., Rusli B.N., Naing L., Mohamed Rusli B.A., Winn T., Tengku Mohamed Ariff B.R.H., Industrial Health, Jan. 2008, Vol.46, No.1, p.90-100. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: This cross-sectional study explores the self-perceived depression, anxiety and stress and their relationships with psychosocial job factors among automotive industry workers in Malaysia. A total of 728 workers, all male, responded to Malay versions of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) questionnaire and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). The prevalence of self-perceived depression, anxiety and stress was 35.4%, 47.2% and 31.1%, respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that psychological job demand, job insecurity and hazardous working conditions were positively associated with depression, anxiety and stress, while supervisor support was inversely associated with depression and stress. Implications of these findings are discussed. (108525)
CIS 08-1237 The influence of occupational driver stress on work-related road safety: An exploratory review. Rowland B., Wishart D., Davey J., Freeman J., Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, Oct. 2007, Vol.23, No.5, p.459-468. Illus. 54 ref. (In English) Internet: Prior research has identified a number of stressors that impact on drivers by increasing stress levels, causing adverse behaviour and leading to effects such as aggressive behaviour, fatigue, inattention and substance abuse. For safety professionals and employers, one way to reduce the effects of occupational driver stress is to change perceptions so that work-related driving is recognized as being as important as other work-related tasks. This article explores relevant literature in relation to driver stress and suggests improvements to risk management and safety procedures, including assigning sufficient resources to target occupational stress and in particular driver stress. (108573)
CIS 08-1238 Work environment and mental health status assessed by the general health questionnaire in female Japanese doctors. Hayasaka Y., Nakamura K., Yamamoto M., Sasaki S., Industrial Health, Dec. 2007, Vol.45, No.6, p.781-786. Illus. 29 ref. (In English) Internet: This study aimed to determine factors in the work environment influencing mental health status among female doctors in Japan. An anonymous survey questionnaire was mailed to 587 female doctors, and 367 (62.5%) responded. The survey included questions on their age and marital status, together with work-related information on their speciality, affiliated medical facility, position, type of employment, work schedule and night duty. The thirty-item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) was used to examine psychological distress. A total of 169 (46.1%) subjects met criteria for having psychological distress. Bivariate analysis showed that age, marital status, medical facility, position, working time and working at night were associated with the GHQ-30 score. Other findings are discussed. (108523)
CIS 08-1239 Job stressors and job stress among teachers engaged in nursing activity. Muto S., Muto T., Seo A., Yoshida T., Taoda K., Watanabe M., Industrial Health, Jan. 2007, Vol.45, No.1, p.44-48. 21 ref. (In English) Internet: This study evaluated job stressors and job stress among nursing activity in schools for handicapped children using a cross-sectional study design. The subjects were all 1461 teachers from all 19 schools for handicapped children in a Japanese Prefecture. It was carried out the form of a postal questionnaire survey, competed by 831 subjects. Job stressors among teachers engaged in nursing activity were compared with those among teachers not engaged in nursing activity. Job stress among such teachers was estimated by the score for total health risk, and was compared with the score in the Japanese general population. It was found that teachers engaged in nursing activity had a significantly higher level of stressors for workload and job control compared with those not engaged in nursing activity. Other findings are discussed. (108664)
CIS 08-1240 Tobacco smoking by occupation in Australia and the United States: A review of national surveys conducted between 1970 and 2005. Smith D.R., Industrial Health, Jan. 2008, Vol.46, No.1, p.77-89. 92 ref. (In English) Internet: This article reviews national smoking surveys conducted in Australia and the United States between 1970 and 2005, with emphasis on the impact of occupational tobacco control. When the first research was published over 35 years ago, tobacco smoking was a regular feature in the general population of both countries, albeit with higher rates often documented among blue collar workers. Recent national investigations indicate that certain historical differences in smoking prevalence rates by occupation are persisting. Detailed examination also indicates that employee sub-groups such as cleaners and construction workers are now bearing much of the occupational smoking burden in Australia and the United States. Implications of these findings are discussed. (108524)
CIS 08-1241 Preventing occupational stress. (French: Prévenir le stress d'origine professionnelle) Rouilleault H., Brun C., Sarazin B., Vallée M., Weill M., Poupart X., Vigne-Lepage V., Travail & changement, Oct.-Nov. 2004, No.298, p.1-15 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref. (In French) Internet: Collection of articles on the prevention of occupational stress. Topics addressed: organizational approaches; point of view of workers' organizations on the prevention of occupational stress; role of employers' organizations; approaches adopted by a regional bank and an automobile manufacturer; findings of a study on stress involving thirteen enterprises in a French region; main points to consider in a strategy aimed at preventing occupational stress; further reading. (108583)
CIS 08-1242 Ideas for a prevention and standardization programme concerning drugs and alcohol at work. (Spanish: Ideas para un programa de prevención y de normativas en alcohol y drogas en el trabajo) González E.E., Protección y seguridad, Nov.-Dec. 2007, Vol.53, No.316, p.23-30. Illus. (In Spanish) Internet: This article presents various elements for the implementation of a programme for the prevention of alcohol and drug consumption at work. It also comments the ILO recommendations relating to this area, together with a United Nations publication which in particular discusses certain myths related to the consumption and supply of drugs that are not necessarily true. (108611)
CIS 08-1243 A 2-year cohort study on the impact of an employee assistance program (EAP) on depression and suicidal thoughts in male Japanese workers. Nakao M., Nishikitani M., Shima S., Yano E., International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nov. 2007, Vol.81, No.2, p.151-157. 30 ref. (In English) Internet: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) on depression and suicide-related behaviours in the workplace. It involved 283 male Japanese employees aged 22-38 years at a Japanese information technology company introducing an EAP. Controls consisted of 22 men working at an affiliated company without the EAP. All participants completed the Hamilton Depression Scale questionnaire (HAM-D) and Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) before the EAP was introduced and two years after its introduction. In the EAP group, the total HAM-D scores significantly decreased after the two-year study period, while no significant changes were observed in the reference group. The JCQ scores were not significantly different between the baseline and after the two-year study period in both groups. EAPs may be a promising strategy for maintaining the good mental health of workers. (108661)
CIS 08-1244 An analysis of the prevalence and distribution of stress in the construction industry. Beswick J., Rogers K., Corbett E., Binch S., Jackson K., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. viii, 81p. Illus. 47 ref. (In English) Internet: Although when compared with other industries, the construction sector has relatively low levels of reported work-related stress, it is still a topic of concern. This research was undertaken to gain a greater understanding of the level, causes and extent of work-related stress within the construction industry. A postal survey was conducted among a sample of construction industry workers to investigate work-related stress. The survey findings were also discussed with industry stakeholders on completion of the survey. In total, 1732 questionnaires were returned (response rate 35%), with an over-representation of large companies and certain job types. However, the results provide an interesting insight into the level and extent of reported work-related stress within the industry. Approximately 23.2% reported that they have suffered from an illness caused by or made worse by stress on their job or during work done in the past. Other findings are discussed. (108539)
CIS 08-1245 Maritime terror and piracy at sea. (German: Maritimer Terror und Piraterie auf hoher See) Sedlaček D., Meyer L., Baaske G., Hahne J., Dreißig D., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2006. 282p. Illus. 84 ref. Index. Price: EUR 25.00., ISBN 3-86509-453-8 (In German) Internet: An analysis was carried out of the hazards caused by terrorism, high seas piracy, the needs of crews facing these dangers and the psychological and behavioural processes resulting from fear. It enabled conclusions to be drawn on the way of coping with these situations. These formed the basis for the development of an educational and training programme for possible integration into an occupational safety management system according to the ISPS code. An additional computer-assisted programme was also developed using basic knowledge concerning behaviour during exceptionally dangerous situations arising from terrorism or piracy. (108740)
CIS 08-1246 Management competencies for preventing and reducing stress at work: Identifying and developing the management behaviours necessary to implement the HSE Management Standards Research. Yarker J., Lewis R., Donaldson-Feilder E., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. xii, 111p. Approx. 100 ref. (In English) Internet: This report presents the findings of the first phase of a research project which aimed to identify the specific management behaviours associated with the effective management of stress at work and to build a competency framework for preventing and reducing stress at work. A qualitative multi-method approach was taken for collecting data of 216 employees, 166 line managers and 54 human resources managers in five sectors (education, finance, local government, central government and healthcare). Nineteen competencies relating to the management of stress in employees were identified. Conclusions are discussed in light of implications for researchers, policy makers, employers and line managers. (108649)
CIS 08-1247 Unusual career paths and false perceptions of stress. (German: Atypische Erwerbsverläufe und wahrgenommene Fehlbelastungen) Hecker D., Galais N., Moser K., Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 2006. 85p. Illus. 32 ref. Price: EUR 12.00., ISBN 3-86509-530-5 (In German) Internet: The aim of this project was to develop a tool for the evaluation of stress factors among workers with unusual career paths (discontinuities, frequent changes of employers, occupations or locations). A questionnaire comprising six scales was developed for evaluating stress in these atypical employees. The tool was evaluated in a preliminary qualitative study involving 45 workers and was pre-tested on 167 subjects. The validation of the questionnaire was next carried out during a survey of 384 subjects. The reliability was found to be high. Overall, high stress levels were found among groups of short-term and temporary workers, while it was low among fixed employees. Among workers where there was a discrepancy between their effective and desired employment status, stress levels were higher. Other findings are discussed. (108739)
CIS 08-1248 Valuation of health and safety benefits: Dread risks. Chilton S., Jones-Lee M., Metcalf H., Loomes G., Robinson A., Covey J., Spencer A., Spackman M., Health and Safety Executive, HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 2007. 151p. 50 ref. (In English) Internet: It is known that people typically fear the prospect of premature death by some causes considerably more than others. Three studies were undertaken to shed further light on these issues. In the first study, the focus was principally on causes that typically result in instant (or near-instant) death, such as road or rail accidents. In addition, attitudes were viewed primarily from the perspective of self-focused preferences concerning personal safety. By contrast, the second study considered causes of death typically preceded by protracted periods of pain and discomfort, such as lung or breast cancer. It sought to investigate attitudes to factors such as the victim's age and the question of responsibility for the cause of death. Finally, the third study was aimed at summarizing and evaluating the extensive body of work undertaken to date by sociologists, psychologists, philosophers and economists on the concept of "Societal Concerns". (108637)
CIS 08-1249 Guidelines for preventing workplace violence for health care and social service workers. Publications U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20210, USA, 2004. 44p. Illus. 40 ref. (In English) Internet: Health care and social service workers are at high risk of violent assault at work. In 2000 in the United States, health service workers overall had an incidence rate of 9.3 for injuries resulting from assaults and violent acts. The rate for social service workers was 15, and for nursing workers, 25. This compares to an overall private sector injury rate of two. Aimed at employers in the health care and social services sector, these guidelines explain how to implement a violence prevention programme. Topics addressed: importance of management commitment and employee involvement; worksite analysis; hazard prevention and control; safety and health training; recordkeeping and programme evaluation. (108703)
CIS 08-1250 Exposure to stress: Occupational hazards in hospitals. Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, July 2008. iii, 13p. 28 ref. (In English) Internet: Various studies show that health care workers have higher rates of substance abuse and suicide than other professions and elevated rates of depression and anxiety linked to job stress. In addition to psychological distress, other outcomes of job stress include burnout, absenteeism, employee intent to leave, reduced patient satisfaction, and diagnosis and treatment errors. The purpose of this booklet is to explain the sources of occupational stress, to identify the adverse health effects of occupational stress and to recommend work practices to reduce occupational stress. Short descriptions of two hospital stress prevention programmes are included. (108715)
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