bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
274 Oto-Acoustic Emissions – Why this is a game-changing development in hearing conversation and a true and effective approach to health surveillance
Authors: Shepheard Rob
Published: June 2024

The most vulnerable structure in our auditory system are the outer hair cells in our cochlear. These are first injured by loud sound and ototoxins. A significant percentage of these cells can be damaged before hearing loss becomes measurable on the traditional hearing test i.e. audiometry. With this ‘hidden’ damage we will have difficulties with our hearing without detection on an audiogram. As health conversation crusaders, we need to highlight any effect from damaging exposure quickly to prevent injury. OAE can detect damage at an early stage and so actions can be taken to improve control measures and prevent hearing loss. This approach also helps motivate the individual early on to protect their health.

Audiometry is a behavioural test which was first developed in the 1800s. It is useful in measuring hearing loss. However, the point of a hearing conservation programme is to prevent hearing loss, not to measure it. Audiometry used in isolation as a test that measures hearing loss only gives a useful result when preventing hearing loss has failed. OAE compliments the audiogram. OAE has been used for over 30 years to test the hearing of new born babies. It is non-invasive, it does not require a soundproof room, and it is completely objective. It measures the function of the outer hair cells which will show at the very earliest opportunity evidence of reduced function of our inner ear before we lose our hearing. We can then be proactive and prevent hearing loss.
277 Recent outbreak of Legionella in various health care centers in Argentina, occupational hygiene in emerging economies countries
Authors: Chamorro Armando
Published: June 2024

The recent outbreak of Legionellosis in various Healthcare Center in the Tucuman Province reached worldwide news sending many local environmental and occupational health professionals to seek technical assistance under a highly stressful scenario. The absence of a local Waterborne Legionella Prevention Plan for Healthcare coupled with the myth that Legionella does not colonize in the region was one of the factors to overcome until case’s clinical Legionellosis confirmations became evident. The presentation illustrates, from an occupational health perspective, the water source conditions at the time of outbreak, the affected hospitals infrastructure and operation and maintenance programs status and the remedial actions taken until affected buildings conditions were brought under control.
286 Fire Rescue Service & Hygiene: Victoria’s approach to protecting firefighter health during and post their service to the community
Authors: Macgill David
Published: June 2024

Firefighting is a career of great community importance; however it is fraught with personal risk to health with the profession classified as a Group 1 Known Carcinogen by the IARC in addition to hazards such as noise & vibration, thermal stressors (heat and cold), vehicle emissions, biological substances and radioactive materials.

The complex, dynamic and reactive environments which firefighters operate in limit the ability to accurately measure exposures and predict their effects to the individual or workgroups. These challenges have required a different approach to health protection through hygiene controls.

Fire Rescue Victoria was established in 2020 bringing all paid career firefighters from two separate organisations into one professional firefighting and rescue force. As part of it’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing Model professionals in the Hygiene, Psychological, Safety, Human Movement, Safety Systems, Injury & Return to Work, Business Data Insights and Doctors have been brought together to support and manage the Health, Safety & Wellbeing needs of firefighters from recruits through early career development into mid-career specialisation, late career leaders and through into retirement. This talk will discuss the benefits of being a hygienist in an integrated health, safety and wellbeing model.
290 More attention needed for prevention of work related cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Willems Jolanda , Wijntjens Gilbert
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The WHO/ILO joint estimated that cardiovascular diseases are the second largest work-related burden of death worldwide, with 398.000 and 347.000 deaths for stroke and ischaemic heart disease, respectively. In its strategic framework for health and safety at work 2021-2027, the European Commission focuses on improved prevention of work-related cardiovascular diseases. Yet, little is still known about the precise relations between work-related risks and cardiovascular diseases. Occupational hygienist, therefore, pay relatively little attention to the prevention of work related cardiovascular disease while literature is scarce and guidelines are lacking. This hinders deployment of appropriate preventive measures in the workplace.

Methods

We delivered an narrative review of the (emerging) literature that addresses occupational risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Results

Several work-related risk factors are linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Among them are psychosocial stress, noise, long working days hours, night work, work-related air pollution and various chemicals.

Conclusion

There is sufficient evidence in contemporary literature linking cardiovascular diseases with work-related risks to raise awareness to reduce these risks or take targeted measures. This could include reducing unnecessary night work, electrification of means of transport and specific advice regarding exposure to hazardous substances that can cause cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular diseases due to work-related factors deserve more attention from the occupational hygienist, given the high occupational mortality rates.
297 Benzene risk management – how to plan and operate with a low OEL
Authors: Jensen Ellen Katrine
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The occupational exposure limit for benzene is decreasing. EU are moving towards 0,2 ppm (8 hours) in the years to come, and Norway implemented this low value in their regulations in 2021. Another national requirement is that carcinogens shall be handled in closed systems if this is technically feasible. This presentation covers how to manage safe work per today in oil & gas and moving towards improved solutions.

Methodology

For new installations, exposure free design solutions to be included from the start and followed up along the project maturation. Research and technology development are also in the toolbox heading for exposure free operations. For existing installations, a design change will take time, and we need to provide safe work with respect to benzene even where there is no closed system. Risk management covers the use of robots, technical controls (ventilation/extraction), organizational controls (training, time restrictions), and PPE.

Results

Mapping and sharing good design solutions, including both the technical and the user experience perspective, is an important driver for improvement. Gaps are input to technology development. In operation, safe work measures should be accompanied by assurance activities to confirm compliance, i.e., technical system checks (leakages, extraction rate) and personal exposure measurement of benzene.

Conclusion

Designing oil and gas facilities to meet low benzene exposure requirements is challenging, and there is a need for a step-up, both within new technologies and implementing existing technologies. Some of these solutions as well as examples of risk management today, are presented.
300 Case study: EMS workers noise exposure from the environment and earphones, and its effect on auditory perception
Authors: Sæle Lars Andreas
Published: June 2024

What started out as an EHS incident report at Oslo university hospital, developed to be a master thesis as part of the master program in EHS at Norwegian University of Science and Technology. An EMS worker claimed to have been exposed to a loud noise in his radio earpiece, which caused him to rip it out while driving.

Aiming to determine whether or not this claim could be true and to determine the most contributing source of noise in an EMS worker daily tasks, a study would be conducted at Oslo ambulance station, down town area. 200 dosimeter noise measurements was conducted, along with 30 around the clock measurements from different earpieces with the help of an artificial ear. In addition, 23 audiometry’s was performed before and after shift to check for temporary threshold shift in the EMS-workers auditory perception.

The results still showcased that environmental noise was the most contributing factor with the majority of measurements above 130dBC. Noise from the earpiece would be abnormally loud, even on lower settings, also showing large differences between different earpieces with the “occlusion effect” being a major contributor. Also 20-25% of the employees had a temporary threshold shift of 10dB HL in the frequency’s 0.75, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz.

From this study, actions have been made by the Oslo university hospital to lower noise exposure from both the environment and radio. Before actions were made, 20-25% of the EMS workers were at high risk of permanent hearing loss.
302 Ensuring effective control of exposure during asbestos removal - The Netherlands
Authors: Spaan Suzanne , Terwoert Jeroen
Published: June 2024

Asbestos is a recognized carcinogen still causing many thousands of deaths each year. When removing asbestos from buildings or objects, effective control of exposure, preferably at the source, is crucial.

In The Netherlands, companies can use a designated, easy-to-use tool (‘SMART-ns’) to assess exposure for a certain work procedure based on the AREAT-model, in which control measures can be taken into account. The tool also provides established safe working procedures, as well as control guidance sheets on specific issues, such as wetting and LEV. Furthermore, exposure can also be assessed by means of available measurements.

Alternatively, companies can perform measurements to prove the safety of specific work procedures. Guidance for companies has been developed, based partially on the EN-689, in order to secure the quality of the exposure studies. After evaluation and approval by a national committee of experts (‘Validation & Innovation Point Asbestos’/ VIP-Asbest), the work procedure is taken up in SMART-ns, and can be used without further risk assessment.

Challenges in the implementation and in enforcement in practice will be discussed.
305 Potential influences of diet and lifestyle on skin in the workplace: Using this to reduce occupational ill health
Authors: Taylor Helen
Published: June 2024

Over recent years there has been research in a variety of different fields (including cosmetics, beauty and nutrition) into the influences of diet and lifestyle on the skin. This research has increased our knowledge and understanding of the skin and the impacts that might influence the health of the skin. There are many activities that individuals enjoy that bring them into contact with chemicals or circumstances that can cause damage to the skin or cause them harm. These activities range from DIY, hobbies, holidays in exotic locations and household tasks. All these impacts are often undertaken without a great deal of thought or understanding from the individual as to the overall potential impact on their health. There may even be a perception that work tasks and the workplace might be affecting their health whilst the many other aspects of their life have no impact.

This presentation will look at the increased understanding this research has provided and what this means for skin health and overall health. It will briefly outline ways in which we might use this information to change our approach to managing skin exposure and how this might impact ill-health resulting from skin exposure.
316 Irish Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality – development, implementation and enforcement
Authors: Arkins Darren , McDermott Michelle
Published: June 2024

An Irish Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) was published in early 2023. The provision of clean and healthy indoor air directly impacts the productivity and overall well-being of employees. Recognizing the importance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), the Health and Safety Authority developed this code of practice to provide practical guidance to employers, enabling them to assess and improve IAQ in their workplaces. The Code of Practice for IAQ includes parameters such as recommended carbon dioxide levels as indicators of ventilation, air changes per hour, temperature, humidity, ventilation rates, enabling employers to conduct baseline assessments and make informed decisions about IAQ management. It also addresses competency in IAQ risk assessment, offers guidance on identifying IAQ issues, implementing control measures, and investigating IAQ complaints. This presentation will give an overview of the approach to development of the code emphasizing a holistic approach by considering both health and safety legislation and other workplace legislation e.g. food safety. It will also address the experience of promotion of the code and feedback received. The experience of enforcement and data collected during enforcement activities will also be provided.
322 Quantitative assessment of US home care aides’ respiratory exposures during residential bathroom cleaning and disinfecting using household products
Authors: Quinn Margaret , Lindberg John , Gore Rebecca , Sama Susan , Galligan Catherine , Markkanen Pia , LeBouf Ryan , Virji Mohammed Abbas
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In the USA, home care (HC) aide visits to clients’ homes typically involve cleaning and disinfecting (C&D). Some ingredients in household C&D products are associated with respiratory illness: sodium hypochlorite (bleach), quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study assessed quantitatively HC aides’ airborne exposures during bathroom cleaning using conventional and “green” C&D products.

Methodology

Aides performed C&D tasks in a simulated residential bathroom constructed in an environmental air sampling laboratory. Breathing zone samples were collected according to a balanced experimental design; each aide performed two 20-minute cleaning sessions using one of three C&D spray products (bleach-based, 1-5% sodium hypochlorite by weight; QACs-based, 0.1 – 1%; and “green,” 0.5% thymol).

Results

We completed 169 air sampling sessions with 22 aides. VOCs were generated by all products: QACs-based mean total VOCs (TVOC) concentration was 1,210 ppb; bleach-based mean TVOC 593 ppb; and green TVOC 498 ppb. Seven VOCs were quantified above the limit of detection in 50% or more of whole air canister samples: acetaldehyde, acetone, chloroform, d-limonene, alpha-pinene, ethanol, isopropanol. Only the QACs-based product generated QACs: Benzalkonium chloride (BAC)12 (6975 ng/m3), BAC14 (2971 ng/m3), BAC16 (782 ng/m3); the 3 QACs combined (10857 ng/m3). When using the bleach-based product, 13 aides (65%) experienced peak chlorine exposures above the US OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit ceiling limit (1 ppm).

Conclusions

During typical bathroom cleaning with household C&D products, HC aides can generate airborne exposures that present respiratory health risks. Use of a spray bleach product can produce over-exposure to chlorine.
327 Current state of respiratory protection
Authors: Lynch Stephanie
Published: June 2024

With the world of respiratory protection continuing to expand, it is crucial for safety and health practitioners to be knowledgeable in key elements of respiratory protection. The pandemic exposed gaps in knowledge about use and efficacy of respirators. There are questions about expanded use of respiratory protection in nontraditional occupational settings, including pandemic considerations for those with frequent, close exposure to other people, but also exposures associated with natural disasters (wildfire smoke inhalation, mold exposure following extreme flooding).

What are employers’ responsibilities and liabilities? It is easy to see how these concerns can impact the public too. Filtration, fit, and proper use are consistently identified as having the most impact on the efficacy of respiratory protection. What do people need to know, and how can we effectively teach them? We will discuss barriers and which aspects of the framework for occupation use could be expanded to apply to the public. This session will also include discussion on emerging technologies and developing regulation.
12 AIHA update: empowering the profession through global collaboration
Authors: Sloan Lawrence , Greeson Nicole
Published: June 2024

An update on AIHA’s latest strategic priorities will be presented. These include our international affairs efforts, our four “Advancing OEHS Science & Practice” initiatives, our focus on protecting workers against excessive heat stress, educational content portfolio priorities, indoor air quality and efforts to control the spread of airborne transmitted diseases in the built environment, pipeline development activities to help “fill the pipeline” of next-generation practitioners, psycho-social stress and AIHA’s role in reducing the stigma, and how the OH professional supports corporate ESG (environmental-social-governance) programs. An overview of our allied business units, including our Lab Accreditation Program, Proficiency Analytical Testing, and Registry Programs, will also be featured. This talk with be co-presented by Lawrence Sloan, AIHA CEO, and Nicole Greeson, AIHA President.
25b - Wearable technologies for occupational health and exposure monitoring
Authors: Houghton Rob
Published: June 2024

The presentation will focus on the El’s Occupational Health and Hygiene Committee (OHHC) project titled ‘Research report on the selection and deployment of wearable technologies for occupational health and exposure monitoring’. The report aims to support health professionals in selecting and administering wearable devices that are used for monitoring occupational exposure and detecting early signs of health issues among frontline workers in the energy sector.
25c Decommissioning within the offshore UK oil and gas industry
Authors: Grace Neil , Morgan Lynne
Published: June 2024

The session will focus on the El publication titled ‘Decommissioning within the offshore UK oil and gas industry: a practical guide to worker health protection’. The technical publication highlights and describes the potential health hazards and risks to workers involved in the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas structures and explain how these risks are potentially magnified during decommissioning. Health planning, management and mitigation are discussed briefly as this is already well documented in other publications, and these processes are generally established and in use by the operators and other companies involved in decommissioning. It will also highlight the significant challenges for the industry as this work rapidly increases.
88a - Joining forces in prevention of substance-related occupational diseases: the Dutch national expertise centre “Lexces”
Authors: Visser Maaike
Published: June 2024

In the Dutch national expertise centre “Lexces”, five excellent Dutch centres of expertise from different fields in occupational science, hygiene and health, combine their knowledge to jointly work on prevention of substance-related occupational diseases. The ultimate goal of this cooperation is creating a future in which people no longer become ill from substances to which they are exposed in the workplace.

Lexces aims to develop, combine and actively share knowledge on substance-related occupational diseases, strengthen early warning systems for exposure risks and health effects, and contribute to occupational healthcare. To this end, Lexces has its own scientific research program that addresses a wide range of topics within the broad field of substance-related occupational diseases. The research program connects primary prevention (risk identification and prevention of exposure), secondary prevention (early warning) and tertiary prevention (occupational healthcare) in several multidisciplinary research projects. Many of these projects involve active cooperation with professionals in the field, such as occupational hygienists, occupational physicians and sector organizations. In this way, Lexces aims to bridge gaps between scientific knowledge and practise and contribute to practice-based research.

In addition to focussing on prevention of substance-related occupational diseases and dissemination of knowledge, the scientific knowledge that is developed within the Lexces research programme also contributes to the implementation of a new compensation scheme for victims of substance-related occupational diseases, that has been introduced in the Netherlands in 2023.

In this session, the strategic themes, objectives and latest developments in the current research projects of Lexces will be presented.
134 Advancing your OH program from good to great with AIHA/ACGIH principles of good practice with examples in pharmaceutical industry
Authors: McClellan Nancy , White Eric
Published: June 2024

The AIHA and ACGIH Principles of Good OH Practice initiative is a 4-pronged approach for establishing peer reviewed guidance for defining the OH science and research initiatives that are most relevant to OH practice, establishing minimum recommended guidelines for applying and practicing the OH profession, identifying and bridging the gaps between existing practices and best practices, and promoting the tools for improving exposure judgement accuracy. These 4 initiatives will provide guidance for all areas of OH practice to better protect worker health and safety. This session will describe the initiatives and provide real-world applications within the pharmaceutical industry to illustrate their effectiveness in achieving improvements in OH program management, outcomes and utilization of resources.
148c - Visualization and interpretation of aerosol monitors data into information and knowledge
Authors: Ruiter Sander
Published: June 2024

Aerosol monitors can be used to measure workers’ personal exposure levels or workplace background concentrations when deployed stationary. Aerosol monitors can measure at much higher frequencies (at second to minute resolutions), which generates large amounts of data. This is generally an advantage, since exposure levels can be monitored more continuously and changes over time are captured, but also complicates the interpretation of these large datasets.

Several methods are available to visualize, process and interpret high resolution exposure data from aerosol monitors. This presentation will discuss the use of (interactive/online?) dashboards to aid in the processing and visualization of high-resolution exposure data. Furthermore, the combination of video with aerosol monitor measurements (called video exposure monitoring) for data interpretation and worker feedback will be discussed based on findings from recent pilot studies.
207b - Exposure modelling in Europe: how to pave the road for the future as part of the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020–2030
Authors: Schlüter Urs , Bachler Gerald , Galea Karen , Heussen Henri , Koppisch Dorothea
Published: June 2024

Exposure models are essential in almost all relevant contexts of exposure science. To address the numerous challenges that exist, exposure modelling is one of the priority areas of ISES Europe. Therefore, a strategy was developed, focused on this priority area (Schlüter et al., 2022), with four strategic objectives:

(1)improvement of models,

(2)development of new methodologies and support for understudied fields,

(3)improvement of model use, and

(4)regulatory needs for modelling.

Exposure modellers from a wide range of European countries and institutions, active in the fields of occupational, population and environmental exposure science pooled their expertise under the umbrella of the ISES Europe Working Group on exposure models. This working group assessed the state-of-the-art of exposure modelling in Europe. They developed an inventory of exposure models used in Europe and reviewed the existing literature on pitfalls associated with exposure modelling, in order to identify crucial modelling-related strategy elements.

Decisive actions were defined for ISES Europe stakeholders focused on achieving the long-term goal of developing a best practice in exposure modelling. Additionally, to the strategic objectives, the working group developed an action plan and roadmap for the implementation of the European Exposure Science Strategy for exposure modelling. This strategic plan will foster a common understanding of modelling-related methodology, terminology, training and education, as well as future research in Europe, and have a broader impact on strategic considerations globally.
208d - Occupational hygiene studies in the informal sector in Ghana: roadside mechanics shop activities and artisanal & small-scale mining activities
Authors: Rogers Dave , Stemn Eric , Ofori Ebenezer
Published: June 2024

Ghana has a large informal work sector which makes up close to 85% of the urban economy (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291120300838). This sector has minimal regulated working conditions, with workers having to rely on seasonal or production demand-based work.

WHWB is carrying out two projects in the informal sector in Ghana, namely, “Roadside Mechanics Shop Activities” and “Artisanal & Small-Scale Mining Activities”. These projects commenced in Q3 2022, and both projects should be completed and reported on by Q1 2024. These projects are being supported by WHWB, SKC UK, and the Belgian Center for Occupational Hygiene (BeCOH). An AIHA grant has been received for funding the Roadside Mechanics Shop Activities project, a WHWB International grant has been received for funding the Artisanal & Small-Scale Mining Activities project, and donations are also welcome via this GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/e26ba537.

The Ghanaian regulatory authorities, whilst keen to improve the regulation of these sectors, are currently not well-informed of occupational/industrial hygiene aspects and do not have the technical resources to recognise, evaluate or control workplace health exposures. The outcomes of these projects will be available to the Ghanaian regulatory authorities, to improve workplace health matters in these industrial sectors.

The outcomes of these projects will help to increase the awareness of workplace health issues in these sectors and will allow the implementation of appropriate workplace control strategies to improve workplace health conditions.

This presentation will describe both projects, the findings, challenges, and positive outcomes.
222a - Introduction to Human Biomonitoring
Authors: Ebert Katharina
Published: June 2024

Human Biomonitoring (HBM) refers to the analysis of xenobiotics or their metabolites in human biological matrices such as blood or urine. It therefore encompasses all exposure routes and reflects the actual individual exposure. In order to perform reliable and informative HBM-based exposure and risk assessments, several prerequisites must be fulfilled. In particular, if the relation between biomarker levels and safe exposure levels from occupational or epidemiological studies is unknown, the prior investigation of a substance’s toxicokinetics is essential for risk assessment. Human metabolism studies can be used to obtain toxicokinetic data and derive urinary excretion fractions (FUE), necessary for rugged pharmacokinetic models and useful in the derivation of health-based guidance values.

This presentation will give a brief introduction to HBM, outline the effect of a substance’s toxicokinetics on biomarker and matrix selection for HBM, and explain the workflow of human metabolism studies.
228b - Settled dust and biomonitoring - Are these tools complementary enough for a detailed occupational exposure assessment?
Authors: Viegas Susana
Published: June 2024

Human biomonitoring (HBM) provides unequivocal evidence that both exposure and uptake of a chemical have taken place and integrates exposure from all routes. In addition, it can help identify unintentional and unexpected exposures and assess the effectiveness of existing risk-management measures. Probably due to the relevance of the information provided, HBM has a longstanding practice in occupational health. In opposite, settled dust (SD) samples are not frequently considered in occupational exposure assessments, mainly because occupational exposure limits (OELs) are based in airborne dust samples. However, in specific contexts SD might provide unique information difficult to obtained with air samples, such as: it provides workplace background contamination besides only having information on exposure during the tasks that we think imply exposure, normally assess a longer exposure window than a shift and this prolonged period might be an advantage for exposure assessment, convenience of collection which typically does not require costly sampling equipment and more easily used for target and untargeted analysis.

In this presentation, we intend to present data from HBM4EU e-waste study and other research projects to stimulate the discussion on how these two exposure assessment methods provide complementary information and if settled dust samples can be the option instead of air samples.

Presented on behalf of the HBM4EU occupational study project team.
249b - A new respirator performance standard for Canada
Authors: Smith Simon
Published: June 2024

Canada has a complex regulatory structure for occupational health and safety with legislation and regulation split among thirteen regional bodies, plus the federal government. Details for implementation of respiratory protection programs are addressed in a national consensus standard, and for product performance approvals. Canada’s has historically accepted those from the US organisation, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

During the Covid pandemic, many new respirator manufacturing operations started in Canada to address equipment shortages, but prioritization changes at NIOSH to support US requirements meant that the approval time for new Canadian products was of the order of months, exacerbating the supply crisis. The Canadian Government acted promptly to create an interim product approval structure, with the plan for a long-term solution for CSA Group (Canadian Standards Association) to build a new national respirator performance standard and certification system.

Reflecting the urgency of the situation, this new Canadian standard was developed extremely rapidly over 2021 by a dedicated expert committee, incorporating performance requirements that balanced historic familiarity with new features reflecting the best of national and international standards. This new standard and an associated certification system administered by the CSA Group now supports an improved respiratory protective equipment supply chain, and is used in Canada in parallel with the existing NIOSH approval.
249d - Disrupting the chains of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on a pre-vaccine movie production
Authors: Svirchev Laurence
Published: June 2024

A zero workplace-transmission rate COVID-19 rate was accomplished, pre-vaccine, on a Canadian movie production as a result of a comprehensive OHS prevention programme. Developed as a joint management-union collaboration in the complex US-Canada entertainment industry, the programme was designed to prevent the hazard of SARS-CoV-2 from entering indoors and outdoors workplaces.

COVID-19 is a novel infectious airborne respiratory disease carried by mobile individuals, both symptomatic and asymptomatic. It can enter the workplace and cause other workers to be infected, then exit the workplace to infect others. There is no exposure limit, nor are there easy personal-portable air sampling & analytical methods. The traditional NIOSH Hierarchy of Controls is a compromised model since elimination and substitution are not applicable.

The prevention programme therefore consisted of a comprehensive set of controls, including PCR COVID-19 testing with frequency defined according to pre-determined risk groups; masking & social distancing based on time limitations including during filming when crew and performers work in close proximity; remote check-in procedures based on personal observations of disease signs/symptoms; installation of MERV13 filters in studio ventilation systems.

The local COVID Compliance team consisted of a doctor-nurse group, a committed management team, a CIH COVID Compliance Officer, all supported by the studio system and its Canadian OHS consulting contractor led by a CIH. Of critical importance was a highly disciplined work force that conscientiously respected the OHS requirements, and the education work of the COVID Compliance Team.

In summary, COVID-19 as an occupational disease is preventable.
256b - Why and how to do biological monitoring?
Authors: Jones Kate
Published: June 2024

Depending on the evidence available, BEI® values are set at concentrations equivalent to air concentrations or at a level below that where any adverse effects are observed; many of the current values are set at the equivalent of the TLV-TWA. Given this, you might think, why not just do air monitoring? However air monitoring does not take into account the possibility of systemic uptake through other routes (skin absorption, ingestion via hand-to-mouth behaviour), the use of personal protective equipment (such as respirators) or the impact of worker behaviour on their own exposure.

Once you have decided to implement a biological monitoring (BM) programme, it is essential to plan appropriately; ACGIH provides materials to assist with this. Most BM sampling will require samples to be sent to an appropriate laboratory for analysis. Where possible, the laboratory should specialise in BM but availability of such laboratories is limited and often clinical or analytical chemistry laboratories will be used. It is important to ascertain that the laboratory understands the methodology to be used (including nuances such as hydrolysis of certain metabolites) and that they participate in an appropriate quality assurance scheme. There are a number of schemes available; one of the most extensive and established is G-EQUAS with over 200 participants in 40 countries taking part in 2023.

With appropriate planning and implementation, a biological monitoring programme can have a positive impact in reducing workplace exposure and engaging workers in their own health protection.
279b - Sound solutions: navigating the frontiers of hearing health in modern workplaces
Authors: Greenberg David , Wilson Alex
Published: June 2024

This session will offer a comprehensive exploration of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and its broader impact on health. Covering the latest evidence and insights that shed light on the prevalence of NIHL and related conditions, offering an understanding of how occupational and leisure noise exposures are shaping the modern workplace.This session will go beyond conventional approaches to noise control. Discover the significance of fit testing of hearing protection and the revolutionary integration of Smart Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to implement control measures that extend beyond traditional PPE. Uncover current best practices that align with the hierarchy of control, emphasising proactive measures to safeguard auditory health in occupational settings.Moreover, gain insights from the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) regulatory sandbox project, uncovering the underlying reasons for the underreporting of NIHL. Compelling evidence will highlight the potential extent of over-exposures in the UK. An immersive journey to the forefront of hearing health, where knowledge transforms into actionable strategies for a safer and healthier work environment.
279c - Emerging risk of headphone use and implications for occupational hygiene practice
Authors: Wilson Alex , Wheatley Stephen , Forshaw Clare
Published: June 2024

This session will look at the emerging risk of headphone use in both occupational and recreational settings and the implications for both employees and employers. The session will explore the extent of the problem in terms of sectors, modern listening habits and risk profile. Implications for legal and liability will be presented and how the use of headphones at work could be contributing to overall noise exposure or creating #hiddennoise and what can be done from a workplace noise management and hearing conservation program could entail. The session will also introduce a new campaign to influence personal sound exposure.
315b - Overlap of REACH/ OSH legislation: Inspection campaigns for control of exposure to substances subject to REACH restriction
Authors: Conerney Derek
Published: June 2024

Dichloromethane (DCM) is a Cat. 2 carcinogen. REACH, Annex XVII, Entry 59 restricts the placing on the market of paint strippers containing ≥ 0.1% DCM for supply to the public and to professionals and restricts the use by professional users.

According to Entry 59, DCM containing paint strippers may only be used in industrial installations if minimum conditions are met. Chemical Agents Directive (CAD) outlines the requirement for risk assessment to control exposure to hazardous substances. There is overlap between the DCM restriction conditions outlined in Entry 59 and the control measures required to comply with OSH legislation.

Ireland carried out an inspection campaign on operators using DCM as paint stripper in alloy wheel refurbishment to determine compliance with the DCM restriction conditions and OSH legislation. As a result of this campaign some operators left the market and others substituted DCM use with safer alternatives.

Diisocyanates (DIIS) are skin and respiratory sensitisers. DIIS can be found as components in a wide range of materials including adhesives, sealants, foams, hardeners, glues, paints, printing inks etc. resulting in widespread use. DIIS are included in REACH restriction, Annex XVII, Entry 74. The restriction requires the mandatory training of workers who use DIIS, in accordance with specified criteria linked to the nature of the work activity.

Ireland participated in the SLIC Chemex sub working group REACH-OSH pilot project to determine workplace compliance with this restriction and to determine compliance with OSH legislation.

Findings from these inspection campaigns in Ireland relating to DCM and DIIS use will be presented.
381e - Advancing work equity through occupational hygiene research
Authors: Jones, Rachael
Published: June 2024

While it has always been recognized that all workers do not have equal access to healthy and safe work, recognition of the role of occupational hygiene in this issue is more recent. After defining work equity, this presentation will provide several examples of how occupational hygiene research has begun to explicitly address inequities and serve more workers and workplaces. Implications for future research directions and occupational hygiene education will be discussed.
33 The disparity between personal and ambient air sampling of BTEX in small roadside garages
Authors: Shih Chun-Bao , Lin Tser-Sheng
Published: June 2024

Background

The chemical exposure assessment for workers is essential in terms of chemical hazard prevention. The air sampling and quantitation of chemicals in workplaces is a direct and sound technique to assess the workers’ exposure. However, a reliable workplace measurement for exposure assessment does depend on a suitable sampling strategy that may be determined by the exposure (or work) characteristic. This study aimed to compare the personal and ambient air sampling for micro-workshop (i.e. small garages) in order to evaluate the BTEX exposure of motorbike mechanics.

Method

A total of ten motorbike garages was recruited and investigated. The personal and ambient air sampling were conducted five time for each garage in summer and winter season, respectively. Personal and Ambient samples were collected by 3 M passive samplers and charcoal tubes, respectively. After solvent extraction, BTEX were quantified by a GC-MS.

Results

The ambient levels of BTEX were 45.7 ± 47.8, 422.9 ± 744.3, 78.0 ± 166.6, 206.4 ± 400.7 ug/m3, respectively. For personal samples, they were 154.7 ± 43.2, 300.4 ± 187.8, 162.2 ± 60.66, 349.6 ± 73.26 ug/m3, respectively. Obviously, there was significant difference between personal and ambient air samples. Notably, the levels of personal exposure were much higher than those of ambient air samples.

Conclusion

This study indicated that the ambient air sampling cannot well estimate the occupational exposure for vehicle mechanics who worked in a small workplace. Personal sampling should be utilized to assess their occupational exposure to BTEX. In addition, the short term exposure during each tasks should be further evaluated; thus the potential health risk can be fairly estimated and managed.
37 The physical and mental health effects of remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Ya-Yuan , Chen Yu-Wun , Hu Pei-Yi , Chen Ruey-Yu , Tsai Feng-Jen
Published: June 2024

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has expedited the adoption of remote work practices by businesses worldwide. In order to understand the experiences of remote workers in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aims to investigate issues related to labor time management and the various physical, mental, and socio-psychological factors affecting remote workers in Taiwan.

In this study, a questionnaire survey was employed to compare the experiences of remote workers in office-based and home-based settings during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan in May 2021. The research focused on examining differences in socio-psychological factors related to workstation ergonomics, work and rest periods, gender-related work-family conflicts, and fatigue.

The study collected 502 valid questionnaires from 11 businesses. Remote work increased from 24.7% pre-pandemic to 48.7% (P<0.001), with ≥4-hour weekly online conferencing. Of those surveyed, 56.6% used laptops, and 21.7% reported experiencing constant eye fatigue. Home-based remote work showed that females experienced slight psychological distress. Individuals aged 40-49 and 50-59, caregivers, cohabitants, and married individuals reported higher work-family conflict scores. Caregivers and married individuals also reported significantly higher levels of personal fatigue.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the global remote workers, including those in Taiwan, exhibited similar health challenges, such as increased eye fatigue, higher fatigue and work-family conflict among caregivers and married individuals, and greater psychological burden on females. Recommendations include improving remote work conditions, providing ergonomic equipment, eye health education, and developing policies for remote work well-being. This holistic approach addresses both physical and psychological needs, fostering a supportive and productive remote work environment amidst pandemic challenges.
39 Risk perception of antibiotic resistance in agriculture, animal husbandry, and healthcare services workers in Taiwan national insurance databases
Authors: Hsu Ya-Yuan , Chen Yu-Wun , Hu Pei-Yi , de Jong Erik Pieter , Chen Chi-Hsin Sally , Chan Chang-Chuan
Published: June 2024

The agriculture, animal husbandry, and healthcare workers, due to frequent exposure to prophylactic antibiotic use in their work environments, face an increased risk of workers developing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), leading to biological hazards and occupational infection risks.

This study collecting data from the Taiwan Labor Insurance and National Health Insurance databases. The investigation period from 2004 to 2020, and the study sample consisted of high-risk exposed groups, including those in agriculture, animal husbandry, and healthcare workers. The study aimed to compare antibiotic resistance, tuberculosis prevalence, and the risk ratio for hospital-acquired infections associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Research findings showed higher AMR infection rates in agriculture and animal husbandry (8.33 per 100,000 person-years) compared to healthcare (4.71 per 100,000 person-years). Tuberculosis rates were notably higher in agriculture and animal husbandry (31.74 per 100,000 person-years) than in healthcare (18.95 per 100,000 person-years). The AMR infection risk ratio between the two sectors was 1.77, while for tuberculosis, it was 1.67. Among individuals aged over 65 in agriculture and animal husbandry, the risk of tuberculosis was significantly elevated compared to healthcare (RR = 2.00).

Global AMR research highlights high-risk jobs in healthcare, veterinary medicine, slaughterhouses, farming, and aquaculture. Aquaculture presents unique risks, such as marine vibrio infections due to sunburn and fish stings, necessitating the need for protection and education. Raising awareness in these sectors is crucial for controlling the spread of pathogens. Integrating AMR monitoring into disaster planning for these roles is vital. Physicians should expand data collection (Travel, Occupation, Contact, Cluster) during checkups to facilitate early AMR detection and data gathering.
48 Challenges in anticipating unfamiliar hazard in technology project venture: a PETRONAS insight from potential respirable dust exposure incident
Authors: Mustaffa Masfarita binti , Masri Muhamal Iqbal , Hamis Norhana Abdul
Published: June 2024

A series of respiratory health issues occurred among Crude Algae Project’s lab staff, prompting an urgent internal investigation. Three employees experienced symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis after working on the project. These symptoms coincided with the introduction of biomass charcoal activity, which generated respirable dust.

Two prominent safety deficiencies were identified: First due to inadequate engineering controls during extraction, drying, and grinding processes. Although chemical exhaust and local exhaust ventilation (LEV) were planned, employees often worked without them due to facility limitations. Secondly, irregular adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) usage due to staff’s limited awareness also contribute to the accident.

A set of recommendations has been proposed in rectifying the identified issues which include to execute Chemical Exposure Monitoring (CEM), enhance Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) for specific activities, consider relocating processes to isolated facilities, revise Hazard and Effect Registers and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to accommodate mass production. Staff also should receive training on proper PPE utilization, respiratory fit tests, and awareness programs.

This investigation offers valuable insights for bolstering safety standards, particularly in research-based environments characterized by adaptable better work practices. In conclusion, this report underscores crucial areas for refining the safety framework within the Project and will be the baseline strategy poised to fortify safety protocols and safeguard staff well-being, ensuring the project’s continued success