bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SS28-03 RESEARCH STRATEGIES FOR PREDICTING NEW RISKS AND THEIR ETHICAL CHALLENGES
Authors: Rantanen Jorma
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Numerous previously unknown risks appear in the modern world of work with systems-wide or global impact, such as climate change, new technologies, new biohazards, and psychosocial risks. We were practically and ethically unprepared for the recent mega risks and great efforts were needed to generate effective responses.

Materials and Methods

A literature overview was done on available methods for the identification of research challenges to our knowledge basis on modern occupational safety and health (OSH) risks. Strategies were analysed on prediction, preparedness, and risk management of recent mega-events with special emphasis on ethical conduct in the various steps of the process.

Results

A knowledge map was generated for research and ethical challenges to the growing uncertainty concerning modern OSH risks, such as the SARS-CoV-2 and its variants and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Ethically sound strategies for risk identification, assessment, preparedness and early response were proposed.

Conclusions

Growing uncertainty in dealing with modern OSH risks and related challenges to professional and institutional ethics affect both the developing and developed world. Lessons on practical and ethical conduct in the recent mega-disasters can be utilized to enhance our ability to meet the next major events.
SS28-04 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS OF WORK AND THEIR ETHICAL DIMENSIONS: FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
Authors: Schulte Paul A
Published: July 2024

Introduction

While there are many factors that influence the future of work, technological change is anticipated to be major. There is a need to anticipate what the future of work could be and identify the ethical and occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges that could arise due to emerging technologies.

Materials and Methods

This analysis builds off a previously published systematic review of scientific and grey literature using 11 bibliographic databases to identify scenarios of the future of work and the safety, health, and wellbeing hazards that might arise. Particular attention is paid to the role of technology in the future of work. Influential in the future of work is the convergence of emerging technologies. This convergence raises new ethical questions that need to be addressed by the use of anticipatory ethics and attention to social context.

Results

Three categories of future work scenarios were identified and the role of technology was found to be a common feature. Ethical issues were identified that included work intensification, lack of autonomy, deleterious effects on workers’ privacy, workers’ discrimination, control of data, and impacts on dignity.

Conclusions

The literature on the future of work has limited information on classic OSH hazards and is more focused on socioeconomic hazards, such as job loss from technological disruption. Psychosocial hazards have been identified as the likely most prominent. There is value in incorporating ethics in a proactive manner to anticipate issues that could arise as technologies emerge and before they adversely affect workers.
SS29-02 WORKERS’ HEALTH IN AFRICA FROM ANCIENT TO PRE-MODERN TIMES – THE LITTLE THAT WE KNOW
Authors: Dekel Raz
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Not much is known about health in general and occupational health in particular in Africa until modern times, but some evidence can be found especially from indirect sources.

Materials and Methods

A literature search was conducted to identify studies concerning history of medicine and occupational health in Africa from ancient to pre-modern times.

Results

There are many schools of medical thought that influenced medicine in Africa in general and probably influenced worker’s health as well, although direct evidence is scarce. The ancient Egyptian medicine, followed by the Greek-Roman medicine, Muslim medicine, European medicine and local African medical traditions, all related to workers’ health as part of the general medical paradigm. The local occupations and medical problems found in Africa contributed to the uniqueness of workers’ health issues. Maimonides, a prominent physician, theologian and philosopher, who lived most of his life in northern Africa, left some remarkable notes concerning occupational health in his medical and responsa (answers to questions posed to rabbinical authorities) writing.

Conclusions

Africa was influenced by all western medical schools and traditions throughout history. Local occupations, illnesses influencing workers and prominent physicians all had their influence on workers’ health in Africa. Though scarce, evidence for occupational health in Africa from ancient times to pre-modern times exists.
SS29-04 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH IN AFRICA IN A POST-COLONIAL CONTEXT
Authors: Naidoo Rajen N , Blanc Paul D , Toren Kjell
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The health of workers in Africa has been shaped by its colonial past and legacy of under-development. The legal frameworks, provision of occupational health services and programmes for the training of occupational health professionals varies across countries, influenced by economic development, worker and employer organisation and international standards. This paper describes the trends in different African countries in the post-colonial era.

Materials and Methods

Literature searches across several databases and archives were conducted to identify studies and reports of legislative frameworks and occupational health systems in African countries.

Results

In sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa developed internationally benchmarked systems in occupational health, influenced by the mining industry by the turn of the 20th century. A combination of mine owner determination to protect their investments and the traditions of worker rights brought into the country by the European migrant workers, resulted in laws and services by 1910. The under-development of the other African countries was due to a continued dependence on an agricultural economy, with a lagging in industrial development. As these countries developed their economies, an increased focus on occupational health emerged, particularly in the late 1980s. This was led by the emerging democracies in Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Basic legislation exists in other countries, but most lack resources for the development of health services or workplace monitoring.

Conclusions

The state of occupational health in African countries is based on the legacy of their colonial past – either as a result of the development of occupational health systems or because of the under-development of their economies.
SS33-03 SHIFT WORK AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES: CURRENT EVIDENCES AND GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION
Authors: Barbic Franca , He Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Scientific evidence and recent large cohort studies indicate that many questions remain unanswered about relations between shift work (SW) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Materials and Methods

Large cohort studies and new clinical experimental research exploring the association of cardiovascular autonomic control, inflammation and sleep impairment with SW are revised. Wearable devices (WDs) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques recently proposed to assess CVD biomarkers during working activity, sleeping and leisure time have also been explored.

Results

SW exposure intensity and new insights on age-dependent SW threshold require rigorous application in the workplace. Individual cardiovascular risk profile, including autonomic functioning, psychosocial and socio-economic conditions and incident CVD including hypertension, should be addressed to identify and manage hypersusceptible workers and to prevent post-retirement disability. It has been recently observed that shift work increases myocardial infarction reperfusion injury (EARLY-MYO-CMR registry). Gender differences in SW exposure, work-life balance and family-load remain poorly addressed. WDs and AI provide opportunities to identify circadian disruption, early signs of fatigue, low quality of sleep and sleep deprivation in SW. Finally, it is time to propose workplace intervention (SW duration and rotation, rest periods, facilities, and education) that may be individually tailored.

Conclusions

Though relations between SW and CVD including coronary heart disease have long been studied, the aforementioned gaps remain. Advanced technologies may furnish novel insights for workplace intervention aimed at reducing the effect of SW in CVD.
SS33-05 EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERVENTIONS TO PREVENT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AT THE WORKPLACE
Authors: Ferrario Marco M , Veronesi Giovanni
Published: July 2024

Introduction

On a global scale, the population-attributable fraction on 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence of modifiable risk factors is 57.2% and 52.6% in women and men, respectively. The aim of the paper is to summarize the evidence-based effectiveness of workplace interventions to prevent CVDs.

Materials and Methods

A literature search was carried out using as key words ‘workplace health promotion’ (WHP) and ‘total worker health’ (TWH) interventions, focusing on reviews.

Results

Overall, WHP interventions, including the so-called ‘assessment of health risks with feedback plus’ (AHRFp), dealt mostly with CVD-related lifestyles (improve healthy diets, stop smoking, control alcohol intake, increase leisure time physical activity (LTPA)) but gave poor attention to work-related risk factors. The effect size of estimated reduction of CVDs in 18 randomized control trials was modest (0,24; 95%CI 0,14-0,34). NIOSH promoted TWH interventions, integrating health promotion (HP) and occupational safety and/or health (OSH) programs. A review published in 2015 including 17 studies combining HP and OSH interventions concluded that there is insufficient evidence ‘to identify best practice interventions’, highlighting in most studies severe methodological weaknesses. One study succeeded in demonstrating that combined HP and OSH was more effective than HP only. Since then, emerging evidence suggests that interventions to reduce work strain and sedentarism are more effective among blue and white collars; high levels of LTPA may be dangerous for workers engaged in strenuous efforts at work.

Conclusions

The interactions between work-related stressors and modifiable risk factors may improve CVD prediction and make prevention at workplace more effective.
SS34-03 TRAINING OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH INSPECTORATES IN AFRICA
Authors: Iden Ehi
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Occupational safety and health (OSH) inspection is a strategic approach towards workplace health and safety improvement and enforcement of standards. While this is a legislative requirement in line with ILO Conventions, most countries across Africa still struggle with this very important component of OSH as a result of underfunding and under-resourcing within this part of OSH practice. This invariably has negatively impacted workplace health and safety improvement and increased the number of occupational injuries and diseases in workplaces across Africa.

Materials and Methods

Workplace Health Without Borders (WHWB) developed an eight-week virtual training program focused on the real issues within African workplace health and safety inspection. Instructors were drawn from both the USA and Africa to deliver these training modules with reading materials sent to participants a week ahead of each class in the hope that the participants would be able to read the material before the commencement of each class.

Results

Through this WHWB training program, we have succeeded in training and improving the OSH inspection competencies of 147 OSH inspectors from 21 African countries.

Conclusions

Our expectation is that those who have gone through this training, from the Government Ministries of Labour and Employment in different countries, are able to use these new and improved competencies, and also to help build the capacity of other OSH inspectors within their workplaces.
SS34-04 WHWB ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES FOR OLD AND EMERGING RISKS: COVID-19, ACCELERATED SILICOSIS FROM ARTIFICIAL STONE COUNTERTOPS, AND ASBESTOS EXPOSURE
Authors: Hedges Kevin , Nogueira Claudina
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Workplace Health Without Borders (WHWB – www.whwb.org) engages in global OSH activities to foster improved worker health. Members volunteer their time to offer training, mentoring, advocacy, and technical assistance to develop capacity for preventing occupational disease and injury around the world.

Materials and Methods

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, WHWB held 22 webinars on topics related to COVID and infection control in a variety of countries. In 2022-2023, WHWB offered webinar series on asbestos and silica exposure from engineered countertops. Special emphasis on WHWB communicating the risk from silica exposure and control has included the ‘silica control tool’ being piloted by the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW), Canada. During the ICOH2022 Congress, Dr Ryan Hoy presented on ‘Artificial stone-associated silicosis: A rapidly emerging occupational lung disease’, raising awareness of the urgent issue of accelerated silicosis in the stone benchtop industry in Australia.

Results

The WHWB global webinars on silica exposure led to the development of a tool or model that can be used to both understand and communicate the risk of exposure to silica. The tool predicts exposure levels with and without control measures, and can be used to develop an effective control plan. The recorded webinars are available on the WHWB channel on youtube: (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5PLvW65Lr0feLYGVLBnmQ).

Conclusions

The advocacy activities of WHWB around old and emerging hazards have been a valuable contribution to the WHWB mandate of building capacity globally, and particularly in resource-poor settings. The ‘silica control tool’ may be applicable to many workplaces around the world.
SS35-01 THE LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATION OF WORKING FROM HOME WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR AMONG OLDER WORKERS
Authors: Loef Bette , van Oostrom Sandra H , Van der Noordt Maaike , Proper Karin I
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic affected many workers’ daily life, including their physical activity and sedentary behavior. This study investigated the longitudinal association of working from home during the pandemic with physical activity and sedentary behavior in older workers.

Materials and Methods

Longitudinal data from 17 questionnaire rounds of the Lifelines COVID-19 cohort (March 2020-February 2021) were used. In total, 19,076 and 11,757 workers aged 50 years and older were included for physical activity and sedentary behavior respectively. Physical activity levels and sedentary behavior before and during the pandemic were asked by multiple questions. Logistic Generalized Estimating Equations adjusted for demographic / work / health covariates were used.

Results

Older home workers were less likely to meet the recommended ≥150 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity activity during the pandemic than older location workers (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87–0.95), and more likely to be less physically active than before the pandemic (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.14). Compared to older location workers, older home and hybrid workers were more likely to be more sedentary (sitting ≥8 hours/day) on workdays during than before the pandemic (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.35–1.65/OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.39–1.83, respectively).

Conclusions

Older home workers (and to a lesser extent hybrid workers) were more often physically inactive and sedentary during than before the COVID-19 pandemic. As a substantial part of the working population still continue to work (partly) from home, workers should be supported to increase activity and reduce sitting while working from home.
SS36 Electronic waste (E-waste) and informal work in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Authors: Ebuenyi Ikenna
Published: July 2024

Global waste from used electrical and electronic equipment, or e-waste, is projected to increase from 53.6 million tons (MT) in 2019 to 74.7MT by 2030. Informal workers in emerging LMICs perform the majority of e-waste processing.

This session calls attention to the unique contextual factors and occupational health effects related to informal work, using examples and lessons from research on unstructured e-waste processing in Ghana by the West Africa-Michigan CHARTER II for GEOHealth Consortium. Spanning occupational and environmental health perspectives, this session emphasizes the need for national, international and inter-professional collaborations to address health and safety among vulnerable workers in the informal sector.
SS36-04 OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES ON INFORMAL E-WASTE PROCESSING IN GHANA: A MULTI-YEAR RESEARCH STUDY
Authors: Ebuenyi Ikenna , Fobil Julius N , D’Souza Clive , Acquah Augustine A , Martin Bernard J , Basu Niladri , Robins Thomas
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This presentation provides an overview of findings from a multi-year research study examining the occupational and environmental health consequences of informal e-waste processing at Agbogbloshie, in Ghana, adjacent to Accra’s largest food market and one of the major e-waste recycling hubs in the world.

Materials and Methods

Empirical studies conducted by the GEOHealth-II research team.

Results

Our findings indicate significant health consequences of informal e-waste recycling activities on both environment and human health, including e-waste workers as well as the adjacent general population. For instance, the dismantling of cathode ray tube monitor with rudimentary tools to recover copper and steel also result in the release and inhalation of organic compounds such as flame retardants, formaldehyde and combustion products such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybromated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), furans, dioxins and cadmium dust. Burning of copper wires results in emission of dioxins and furans. Heavy metals and other harmful chemicals including oxides of lead, chromium and mercury, accumulate in water, soil and food as a result of the recycling activities. Direct exposures to these toxic substances affect the respiratory, immune, digestive, reproductive, and central nervous systems.

Conclusions

Growing evidence points to the hazardous work conditions and environmental pollution from informal e-waste recycling in Agbogbloshie, with direct and indirect consequences on workers and the community. Confronting this challenge will require interdisciplinary cooperation of multiple international stakeholders.
SS38 SUBCONTRACTORS’ HEALTH AND SAFETY SUPPORT IN THE MOROCCAN CEMENT INDUSTRY
Authors: Ghiati Bouchra
Published: July 2024

The special session emphasizes the leading role played by cement manufacturers in advancing health & safety in the national industrial ecosystem by subcontractor’s supporting and coaching strategies:

- Support for business owners in the management of the health and safety of their employees (Involvement, commitment, Management Systems, organization, etc.).

- Commitment charters.

- Training, authorization, and certification programs.

- Risk Management & operational expertise.

- Occupational health and hygiene management.

The learning outcomes are:

- Sharing the support experience allowing others to learn from it.

- Sharing that subcontractor’s commitment is possible.

- Presenting the evolution over time of subcontractor’s maturity in terms of occupational health and safety.
SS38-02 TRAINING, AUTHORIZATION, AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMMES: PROMOTING OSH IN THE CEMENT SECTOR
Authors: Kaaouachi Khalid , Bourak Ali
Published: July 2024

Introduction

All subcontractors’ employees, before working on behalf of cement manufacturers, follow an accreditation and authorization process which integrates several training courses, awareness-raising and assessments ensuring their ability to carry out risky tasks.

Materials and Methods

Employees have passports tracking all history of assessments, training and recorded behaviors. This passport also monitors employee training and behavior refresher training.

Results and Conclusions

Subcontractors’ employees have evolved in their understanding of risk in the same way as own employees and actively participate in initiatives and the promotion of health and safety at work.
SS43-01 WORKING LONGER IN GERMANY: MOTIVATION TO WORK MORE RELEVANT THAN HEALTH?
Authors: Hasselhorn Hans Martin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

What are the reasons for many older workers in Germany for their wish to leave early? What would make them work longer? And why do workers leave early?

Methods

Data of the fourth wave (2022/23) of the German representative lidA-Study (www.lida-studie.de) is used to answer the questions. In wave four, 8.884 persons from three birth cohorts (1959, 1965, 1971) were interviewed.

Results

The findings confirm a strong early exit culture. Of those still employed and not in retirement (n=7.159), only a minority (1959: 22%; 1965: 9%; 1971: 12%) wanted to work until regular retirement age. The main reason for the widespread wish to leave employment early is the wish for more self-determination in life (“more free time”: 84%), followed by “at some point work has to end”, indicating an earned right to leave early. The main reason for real early exit among early old age retirees was “more time for family and friends” (73%) indicating the need for self-determination, followed by “I wanted to stop as early as possible” (71%). “Strenuous work” (63%) ranked 3rd and “health reasons”, 5th (61%).

Conclusions

While health and strenuous work contribute to early exit intentions and real early exit, the dominant reasons are found in the wish for more self-determination and a widespread sense of entitlement to early exit. Should politics and economy in Germany wish to retain more older workers in employment, they have to succeed in making them want this. This cannot occur without a fundamental re-consideration of their working conditions.
SS43-04 THE DIFFERENTIATED ROLE OF HEALTH IN THE TRANSITION FROM WORK TO RETIREMENT
Authors: Hasselhornb Hans Martin , Leinonen Taina , Bültmann Ute , Mehlum Ingrid Sivesind , du Prel Jean–Baptist , Majery Nicole , Solovieva Svetlana , de Wind Astrid
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The aim of the joint international project was (i) to identify the differentiated roles of health in the work-retirement transition, and – with respect to these – (ii) to highlight topics related to conceptual and methodological problems and challenges in research, and (iii) to present avenues for future research.

Methods

This presentation is based on a discussion paper summarising an OMEGA-NET working group discussion ongoing from November 2018 to September 2021 with face-to-face and online meetings as well as a written online discourse. (https://www.sjweh.fi/article/4017)

Results

Both ‘health’ and ‘retirement’ are ambiguous concepts. With respect to both, in retirement research, the choice of concept and indicator influences the findings. In addition, the impact of health on retirement is not necessarily a direct one, but can be influenced by further factors such as the ability, motivation and opportunity to work. The strong overall association of poor health with retiring early (path 1) bears the risk of masking distinct and deviating mechanisms in subgroups. In fact, there is evidence that also good health may lead to early retirement (path 2), while both poor health (path 3) and good health (path 4) may also make people retire later.

Conclusions

An increased awareness of the differentiated roles that health may have in the work-retirement transition as outlined in this discussion paper may support research to – more than today – address the questions relevant for policy and practice and to increase the impact of research. Recommendations for occupational health and social research are given.
SS44-04 “WE ARE NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTNER IN THIS” - USING INTERVENTION MAPPING TO UNDERSTAND GENERAL PRACTITIONERS STAY-AT-WORK PRACTICES IN PATIENTS WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN
Authors: Jensen Stochkendahl Mette , Møller Anne , Bond Charlotte Brøgger , Andersen Lotte Nygaard , Hartvigsen Jan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

General practitioners (GPs) are key stakeholders in facilitation of continuous work participation for people with chronic health conditions. Little is known about how often work issues are discussed during GP consultations, what the content of the discussions is, or how GPs perceive this aspect of their work. This study aims to describe current stay-at-work practices among Danish GPs in relation to patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Materials and Methods

We followed the principles of intervention mapping. Data were collected by means of systematic literature searches, three focus group interviews with GPs (10 participants in total), and intervention mapping meetings with stakeholders from the Danish labour market. Convergence of data was done using tables and by giving equal weight to findings from the data sources.

Results

GPs’ current stay-at-work practices were influenced by systemic, organisational, legislative, and personal factors, including knowledge and skills, recognition of the patient’s risk of long-term work disability, and their role as a GP. GPs described themselves as important partners and responsible for the diagnostic and holistic assessments of the patient but placed themselves on the side-line relying on others to act. The most important barriers relating to GPs’ stay-at-work practices were lack of financial incentives and unclear role distribution among stay-at-work stakeholders.

Conclusions

We identified various perspectives and barriers regarding the roles and responsibilities of GPs. Some, but not all barriers, can be addressed by targeting the GPs’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Other questions are left unanswered, among others - who are best suited to help patients staying at work?
SS45 TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION TAILORED TO THE SPECIFICITIES OF EMERGING COUNTRIES
Authors: Benbada Omar
Published: July 2024

This Special Session will cover the following topics:

Legal requirements for occupational health and safety in emerging countries: The case of Morocco

Challenges faced by Human Resource Management (HRM) in occupational health and safety

Highlighting paths for improvement and adaptation of occupational safety and health legislation
SS45-03 HIGHLIGHTING PATHS FOR IMPROVEMENT AND ADAPTATION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH LEGISLATION
Authors: Benbada Omar
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The obstacles encountered in the implementation of legislation necessitate a comprehensive review of both the legal framework and its practical application.

Materials and Methods

This study combines an examination of the existing legal framework with on-the-ground observations, providing a holistic understanding of the challenges.

Results

The study presents a series of proposals and improvement measures aimed at addressing the identified challenges and enhancing compliance.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the imperative need for a thorough revision to align the legal framework with the evolving needs of enterprises. This study advocates for proactive revisions that not only address current challenges but also ensure the adaptability and effectiveness of the legal provisions. The proposed measures aim to create a regulatory environment that better serves enterprises, fostering a balance between compliance and operational efficiency.
SS47-01 DEVELOPMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE IN THE EASTERN REGION OF MOROCCO: KEEPING CURRENT WITH ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
Authors: Abbaouy Abdelhakim , Bendaha Abdelhamid , El Khaldi Mohammed
Published: July 2024

The Oriental region, since the early 2000s, has experienced significant economic development with the establishment of several enterprises. The aim of this study is to present the evolution of Occupational Medicine in the Oriental region of the Kingdom of Morocco from the 1980s to the present, along with the role of the Association of Occupational Physicians of the Oriental Region (AMETRO) in promoting health and safety at work.

In the 1980s, the Oriental region had only one occupational physician trained in France. However, starting in the year 2000, the number of occupational physicians has steadily increased, reaching 63 physicians in 2023, distributed across the 8 provinces of the region. Given the economic and industrial development of the region, there is a pressing need for health and safety management at work. In this context, the Association of Occupational Physicians of the Oriental Region (AMETRO) was established in 2014. Since then, it has undertaken training and information initiatives for social and economic partners by organizing symposiums and health and safety events for businesses in the region.
SS48-02 HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN FRENCH FISHERMEN
Authors: Lucas David
Published: July 2024

Introduction

High levels of exposure to noise have been reported among fishermen. Few studies have been carried out on hearing loss in the French fishermen population.

Methods

We extracted demographic data and audiometric deficits performed on French fishermen in 2018 and 2019, during their statutory visit to the seafarers' health service. We performed a univariate and multivariate analysis adjusted for age, years at work workstation and type of fishing (large-scale and small-scale). The hearing loss was calculated as the mean of the deficits at frequencies 1,2,3 and 4 KHz.

Results

A total of 3429 audiometric tests were included. In the analysis, the risk factors for hearing loss were age > 40 years [OR 8.8 (95% CI 7.4-10.3)], more than 13 years as fishermen [OR 1.4 (95% CI 1.2-1.6)] and a rather protective effect of working in a large-scale fishing vessel [OR 0.7 (95% CI 0.56-0.88)] and offshore fishing [OR 0.7 (95% CI 0.6-0.8)].

Conclusion

Fishing remains a risk factor for hearing loss in France, particularly in small-scale fishing, for which the working conditions (multi-skilling, noisy fishing equipment, age of the boats) call for a collective approach to prevention by improving these vessels.
SS48-03 HEALTH ISSUES IN THE FISHERMEN IN MOROCCO: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Ghailan Tarik ,   Moroccan Society of Maritime Medicine (SMMM)
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Marine fishing employs a large population of fishermen in Morocco; however, it remains a sector marked by numerous health risks. The objective of this work is to draw up an epidemiological profile of Moroccan fishermen following an analysis of the various studies carried out among this population.

Materials and Methods

This is a review of the literature that has covered epidemiological studies that have evaluated health disorders among Moroccan fishermen and that have been the subject of a scientific publication in an indexed journal.

Results

A total of 22 studies meeting our criteria were identified, most of them published in the International Maritime Heath Journal. The health condition of the fishermen was marked in particular by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) mainly of the shoulder, upper respiratory infections, as well as fungal infections of the feet. Addictions were important with high rates of smoking and cannabis use, particularly in artisanal fishing. Insomnia was very present, especially on board the trawlers. Mental health was marked by stress at work and high rates of risk-taking behaviours and sexual high-risk behaviour. Work accidents remain average for the general population of workers, however, they were marked by their high severity, especially in artisanal fishing, as well as their collective nature.

Conclusions

Fishermen, especially in artisanal fishing, represent a population exposed to numerous pathologies that perfectly reflect their working environment. Particular attention would be paid to the improvement of maritime medicine in our country to improve the situation.
SS49-03 DELAYED NEUROCOGNITIVE EFFECTS OF 9/11 EXPOSURES TO CHEMICAL MIXTURES AND INTENSE PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMAS
Authors: Lucchini Roberto
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The World Trade Center (WTC) disaster caused exposure of responders [operating in rescue and recovery operations] and survivors [individuals who were present in the disaster area as a result of their work, residence, attendance to school, childcare, adult care] to a mixture of known neurotoxicants. Chemicals included polychlorinated biphenyls and metals (lead, manganese, copper, zinc) carried by the dust, and volatile organic compounds (styrene, toluene, xylene, perchloroethylene, 1-3 butadiene, trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, polycyclic aromatic compounds, acrylonitrile, formaldehyde, dioxins, diesel fumes) generated by the combustion of jet fuel. Co-exposure to intensive psychological trauma was concurrent.

Materials and Methods

A review was conducted on studies located in Medline and in the online publication repository of the WTC Health Program, using various identifiers including ‘WTC exposure’ and ‘cognitive functions’.

Results

A total of 38 articles were published from 2007 to August 2023. Most studies targeted responders (n=31 [82%]), the WTC registry of responders and survivors [n=3], survivors [n=1], children [n=2], or animal models [n=1]. Assessment included neuropsychological testing [n=15], brain imaging [n=11], biomarkers [n=7], and imaging [n=5]. Most studies included mental health data to assess the hypothesis of cognitive impacts as mediated by PTSD, or as an independent long-term effect of the exposure to neurotoxicants, yielding non univocal results, likely depending on different approaches for neuropsychological testing.

Conclusions

Cognitive impacts are increasingly observed in the WTC cohort, as mediated by mental health symptoms, but also as a direct consequence of the exposure to a neurotoxicants mixture generated on 9/11.
SS49-04 NEUROIMAGING AND FLUID BIOMARKERS AS OUTCOMES OF INTEREST FROM 9/11 EXPOSURES
Authors: Clouston Sean
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Air pollution exposures, especially exposures to particulate matter <2.5 μm in size (PM2.5), are considered a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, with some research suggesting that PM2.5 exposures might cause increased serological amyloidogenesis indicative of a possible amyloid-focused immune response.

Materials and Methods

We present results from serological analyses (N=1,154) coupled with positron emission tomography study (n=35) including mild to severely exposed World Trade Center responders. Amyloidogenesis is measured in serology using ultra-sensitive single-molecule assays to measure distribution volume. Neuroimaging was used to determine the presence of cerebral amyloidosis in specific regions of interest including the olfactory regions.

Results

After adjusting for blood volume, the presence of post-traumatic stress, age, demographics, and occupational factors, we found that more severe exposures were associated with amyloidogenesis and increased low-grade amyloidosis in the cerebral olfactory regions. Olfactory amyloidosis was strongly associated with amyloidosis in proximal regions, associated with cognitive symptomatology.

Conclusions

Occupational exposures to an uncontrolled building collapse in responders without personal protective equipment may have increased serological amyloidogenesis, with one distal outcome being increased cerebral amyloidosis presenting with cognitive symptoms. Results imply that immunologic amyloidosis may cause persistent cognitive decline in severely exposed individuals.
SS50 CLIMATE CHANGE AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH: INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EU INTERCAMBIO PROJECT
Authors: Albin Maria , Wifaq Kamal
Published: July 2024

Climate change is a rapidly emerging challenge, impacting mental and physical health of workers on a global scale. Climate change may affect workers directly as well as indirectly exacerbating underlying inequalities in health and well-being. There are also major transformations at the workplace as a consequence of climate change mitigation and adaptation activities which may have both positive and adverse effects on workers’ health and well-being. Research on climate change and occupational health is beginning to emerge.

This session will examine the state of the science in research and policy in climate change and occupational health internationally, as well as through selected examples from the recently launched EU INTERCAMBIO project including in: exposome methods in climate change and occupational health; co-creation methods in climate change and occupational health, and case-studies in public transport and health; windmill blade manufacturing; and among metal recycling workers. Research recommendation and networking opportunities in the field will also be highlighted.
SS51-04 PROTECTION, RESILIENCE, EFFICIENCY AND PREVENTION (PREP) - PREPARING WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE
Authors: Glaser Jason R
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease of non-traditional origin (CKDnt) is a global health emergency, with epidemics identified in several tropical regions. Manual sugarcane cutters with the highest levels of workload are at high risk of developing the disease. Other industries impacted include construction, mining, salt pans, and brick production. These settings have in common physically demanding work, high environmental temperature, and poor labor protections.

Objectives

Without prevention, CKDnt epidemics will likely accelerate due to climate change. In response, we established PREP (Prevention, Resilience, Efficiency and Protection), a workplace intervention program designed to prevent heat strain and kidney damage among workers at a sugarcane mill in Nicaragua with the aim to adapt the program to other geographies and industries.

Results

Despite initial implementation challenges a 72% reduction of cross-harvest kidney injury, a 94% reduction in hospitalized acute kidney injury due to heat stroke, a 22% ROI for the employer and increase of productivity of at least 10% were achieved. With treatment and remediation costing at least 1000% more per person than prevention, CKDnt inaction is depleting health systems. Significance for policy and practice PREP has already expanded to other sugarcane mills and other industries at risk for heat stress and CKDnt. Climate change means more extreme temperatures in already impacted regions, and the likelihood that regions further north and south of the equator will also be impacted by CKDnt. It is essential to develop a model to protect worker health and productivity. Occupational heat stress and resulting CKDnt require increased attention and resources.
SS53-03 COVID-19 COMMUNICATION OUTREACH LESSONS - SOUTH KOREA
Authors: Choi Won-Jun , Kang Seong-Kyu
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This presentation will focus on the effective management of the epidemic, lessons learned from previous infectious disease outbreaks, and public health and workplace strategies against COVID-19 in Korea.

Materials and Methods

We summarized statistics regarding COVID-19 and the quarantine measures implemented during the pandemic. We reviewed past outbreaks of contagious diseases in Korea and the lessons learned from those epidemics, which have informed the strategies implemented for the COVID-19 quarantine.

Results

As of June 2023, there were about 32 million COVID-19 cases and 35 thousand deaths in Korea, with a fatality of 0.1%. No lockdowns or curfews were imposed during the pandemic. Measures such as social distancing, identifying transmission routes, expedited testing, financial support for isolation, training in medical facilities, isolation, mask wearing, and tracing were implemented. Measures were applied to the workplace.

Conclusions

In Korea, preventing the transmission of COVID-19 was successful, especially when the most severe variant was spreading. The knowledge and experience gained from the MERS epidemic were beneficial in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SS54-02 MORAL STRESS AND INJURY IN HUMANITARIAN SETTINGS: USING RESEARCH TO IMPROVE PRACTICE
Authors: Ebuenyi Ikenna
Published: July 2024

Background

Moral stress refers to emotional and psychological feelings that occur due to an inability to do what one considers morally right while moral injury refers to the psychological distress that may result from action, inaction or witness to actions that violates an individual’s ethical code. Although these experiences have been reported among military and healthcare workers in humanitarian settings, research on the subject is limited. This study aimed to explore the experience of moral stress and injury amongst professionals in humanitarian settings.

Materials and Methods

Literature review and post presentation survey were completed by humanitarian workers.

Results

Out of the 33 participants who completed the survey, 94% reported to have experienced moral stress while 39% reported an experience of moral injury. None of the participants reported any workplace treatment or support from following their experience. Over half of the respondents said that the experience of moral stress/injury was the same for all workers (57%), followed by humanitarian workers (14%), military (11%), paramedics (8%), and nurses and doctors (5%) each. There was limited knowledge on appropriate response to their experiences of moral stress and injury and the majority only disclosed their experience to family and friends.

Conclusion

Moral stress and injury are common amongst humanitarian workers and indeed most workers. However, knowledge and workplace support for workers is limited. It is essential that employers prioritize workplace sensitization and support for workers to limit the impact. Multilevel intervention including research is essential to support workers especially those in humanitarian settings.
SS55-03 WORK-FAMILY CONFLICT: CASE OF FEMALE DOCTORS AT THE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTER (CHU) IBN ROCHD IN CASABLANCA, MOROCCO
Authors: Soltani Sara , El Kholti Rim , Durand Pierre , El Kholti Abdeljalil
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This growing presence of women in the workforce has brought work-family balance challenges, further intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the pandemic's impact on work-family balance for female doctors in Morocco, with a focus on Casablanca's University Hospital Center (CHU) Ibn Rochd.

Materials and Methods

This qualitative research used a written questionnaire among female doctors at CHU Ibn Rochd.

Results

Most respondents (77.8%) were aged 26-35, with 62.9% being resident doctors. A significant portion (77.6%) worked in medical services. Regarding marital status, 57.8% were single, and 38.2% shared domestic responsibilities. A total of 56.7% reported limited availability for family, impacting relationships, while 76.7% continued thinking about work outside the workplace. Additionally, 58.9% did not find work beneficial for mental and physical health, and 75.6% lacked flexible work hours.

Discussion

The study highlights the influence of work-related demands on work-family balance and enrichment. Female doctors encounter difficulties in balancing their professional and family roles, particularly affecting their roles as mothers and wives.

Conclusions

This study underscores the challenges faced by female doctors in achieving work-family balance in Morocco, heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender-based disparities in household responsibilities and income levels impact their ability to manage these challenges. Measures are necessary to promote gender equity and female workforce participation, especially in vital sectors like healthcare. The findings emphasize the need for policies and institutional responses to address work-family balance issues in Morocco while encouraging female participation in the labor market.
SS56-06 A STUDY ON THE OVERTIME WORK AS AN UNDERLYING RISK BEHIND THE ACCIDENTS IN THE INDIAN INFORMAL CONSTRUCTION SECTORS
Authors: Gangopadhyay Somnath , Sen Krishna Nirmalya
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Informal construction work is carried out without the use of formal construction agreements. It is identified that 36.2 million workers are working in informal construction sectors in India. It is further observed that the informal construction workers have to work more than eight hours daily in highly hazardous conditions. The effect of this extra time work in adverse conditions may create threats to the health and safety of the workers. The purpose of this study is to identify the risk behind accidents among informal construction workers in India and to examine whether there is dependence between the number of occupational accidents in the construction industry and time parameters.

Materials and Methods

The study is based on the analysis of the trends of accidents and the modelling of the safety index in Indian construction organizations.

Results

This study identifies the relationship between safety indicators and related independent factors using regression models. The results show that most accidents occurred during adverse and extended working hours. It is further observed that lack of rest may develop physical and mental fatigue which in turn become the causative factors for accidents in informal construction sites.

Conclusions

The construction industry can create a safer working environment for its valuable workforce through systematic identification of potential risks. The construction stakeholders can prevent hazards and can promote a comprehensive safety culture.
SS57-04 PREVENTION OF SOLAR UVR RISK AT THE WORKPLACE AND HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
Authors: Modenese Alberto , Gobba Fabriziomaria
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Hundreds of millions of outdoor workers worldwide are exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), determining several adverse effects to their eyes and skin.

Materials and Methods

The presentation is a call to action for the prevention of solar UVR-induced adverse effects in outdoor workers, and in particular of skin cancers.

Results

An adequate recognition of the occupational risk related to solar UVR exposure and a specific risk evaluation are needed to improve prevention. Risk assessment is fundamental for the identification of the best interventions available to reduce the risk: the main preventive measures are collective and individual ones. Collective measures include technical interventions, such as shading of the UV-irradiated surfaces at the workplace, and organizational measures, as avoiding to work during the central hours of the days. Individual measures are the personal protective equipment (i.e. specific UV-filtering hats, clothes and sunglasses) to be compulsorily provided to the workers, and also sunscreens, when recommended. Other fundamental interventions for a proper prevention are workers' training and occupational health surveillance. In order to raise the awareness on this important, even if under-recognized, occupational risk and to stimulate more adequate prevention policies, an increase of the number of skin cancers reported to workers' compensation authorities would be extremely important.

Conclusions

To prevent the burden of solar UVR-related occupational skin cancers, an adequate risk evaluation with identification of appropriate preventive and protective measures, specific workers' training initiatives and ad-hoc health surveillance programs must be urgently implemented.