bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPL22 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS IN THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT: A RISK OF PERMANENT RELEVANCE
Authors: Hamzaoui Halim
Published: July 2024

As defined in ILO technical guidelines on biological hazards in the working environment, a biological hazard refers to any microorganism, cell or other organic material that may be of plant, animal, or human origin, including any which have been genetically modified, and which can cause harm to human health.

Biological hazards in the working environment pose significant risks to the health and safety of workers across various industries. Exposure to bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, air, water, and food are the main routes of exposure. Occupational risks associated with biological hazards span infectious diseases, allergic reactions, and chronic health conditions. Healthcare workers, laboratory personnel, agricultural workers, and those in the food processing industry are particularly susceptible. The severity of these risks depends on factors such as the type of biological agent, concentration, duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility.

Understanding the nature of the hazards, the routes of transmission and contributing factor is crucial for implementing effective control measures. Preventive measures play a pivotal role in minimizing the impact of biological hazards in the workplace. The hierarchy of controls includes engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Legislation and regulations play a crucial role in ensuring a safe working environment. Governments and regulatory bodies, in consultation with employers’ organizations and workers’ representatives, should establish and enforce guidelines specific to biological hazards, considering the unique characteristics of different industries. Regular inspections and audits can help assess compliance with these regulations and identify areas for improvement. Tight coordination between occupational safety and health and public health authorities is crucial to monitor, prevent and manage health effects of occupational hazards.

Global challenges, such as the emergence of new infectious diseases and the impact of climate change on vector-borne diseases, highlight the need for ongoing research and adaptation of preventive measures. Collaboration between researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers is essential to stay ahead of evolving biological hazards.

In conclusion, understanding and managing biological hazards in the working environment is a multifaceted task that requires a holistic approach. By prioritizing prevention, implementing effective controls, and fostering a culture of safety, workplaces can significantly reduce the risks associated with biological hazards, ensuring the well-being of workers, and promoting a healthy and productive workforce.
SS01-01 THE SHEFFIELD GROUP AND ITS ROLE IN GLOBAL OSH RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Authors: Curran Andrew
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In 1988, a group of directors from national health and safety research facilities agreed that there would be value in creating a global network to discuss high level issues relating to the delivery of occupational health and safety research. The group held this first meeting in Sheffield (hence the “Sheffield Group”), and the Director of the UK facility was elected as the permanent Chair in perpetuity. The original membership included national labs from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Hungary, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Russian Federation, Israel, Turkey, Finland, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the USA.

Materials and Methods

Meetings of the Sheffield Group are held annually, hosted by one of the national labs. The purpose is to keep directors informed about programmes of research and national policy issues, and occasional collaborations across Institutes are also agreed. In 2003, PEROSH emerged from the Sheffield Group as a more formal mechanism to support joint research activities in Europe.

Results

The most recent meeting in Korea showcased the value of this network and provided insights which would not have been delivered through any other network.

Conclusions

The Sheffield Group is the only global network which supports directors of national occupational health and safety facilities. This not only allows a unique agenda of topics to be discussed but also helps to define why such national facilities are needed and the added value that they bring to national health and safety systems.
SS03-01 NEGATIVE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGES ON ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Lo Olivier , Jones Richard
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Climate change, increasingly seen as a global challenge, has profound adverse effects on occupational health and safety (OH&S) within organizations. This study investigates the negative OH&S impact of climate change on organizations and their workers, examining related health and safety risks and risk management strategies.

Materials and Methods

Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study reviewed relevant literature, focusing on the analysis on the potential negative impacts of climate change on OH&S within organizations across various sectors and regions, to derive insightful recommendations.

Results

Findings revealed a complex interplay between climate change and negative OH&S impacts on organizations. The increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, cold snaps, drought, flooding and fires pose heightened risks to workers' health and safety. Key identified areas of concern encompass heat stress, vector-borne disease outbreaks, food and water insecurity, air pollution, UV radiation, psychological distress among workers; injuries and death from extreme weather events and climate change mitigation activities, as well as worker displacement. Reduced access to healthcare further compounds these issues.

Conclusions

The negative OH&S impact of climate change presents substantial challenges for organizations across the globe. Organizations must prioritize adaptation measures comprising heat stress management, improved infrastructure resilience, and comprehensive emergency response plans. Additionally, fostering a culture of awareness, education, and collaboration is crucial to enhancing workers' protection, preparedness and resilience. To prevent climate change and related OH&S harms from worsening, proactive mitigation strategies are also imperative.
SS03-03 CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACT ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (OSH) OF SHERPA MOUNTAINEERS
Authors: Joshi Sunil Kumar , Pokharel Sugam
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The current climate change scenario poses significant challenges for mountaineering expeditions. The accelerated melting of glaciers, altered climbing conditions, and changing weather patterns are reshaping the mountaineering process. The changing climate has significantly amplified the hazards linked to climbing, leading to increased frequency and intensity of avalanches and rockfall. The objective of this study was to study the effect of climate change factors on the job of Sherpa mountaineers on expedition to Mount Everest.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 94 Sherpas residing in the Solukhumbu District, Nepal. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu Medical College. Sherpas who were present for the expedition during the data collection period and gave informed consent were included in the study. Similarly, secondary data on climate change-related events in the Everest region were analyzed.

Results

Approximately forty three percent (42.6%) of respondents experienced different incidents during expeditions; 33% had encountered avalanches, 14.9% had fallen from cliffs or paths, and 12.6% had fallen into crevasses. Sixteen percent of participants encountered the death of family members, 69.1% experienced the loss of colleagues from their team, and 21.3% encountered the death of clients during expeditions.

Conclusion

The study highlights the multifaceted OSH challenges related to climate change faced by Sherpas guiding summit expeditions on Mount Everest. Their need for targeted interventions is evident and to ensure their well-being, a comprehensive approach encompassing health education, psychological support, and improved safety practices is essential.
SS04-03 RETURN TO WORK MANAGEMENT FOLLOWING AN OCCUPATIONAL INJURY
Authors: Soltani Sara , El Kholti Rim , Durand Pierre , Campbell Mathieu
Published: July 2024

Introduction

It is important to focus on the issue of returning to work following a professional injury and to better understand it. By doing so, it is possible to identify the complexities and difficulties that can prolong the situation of incapacity.

Methods

For this, the intervention and involvement of several actors in the organization are necessary. The goal of this intervention project is to better understand what influences the return to work within the emergency health corporation, from the worker's perspective. This qualitative project takes the ecological model of disability management as its conceptual model. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for this project with paramedics and heads of departments concerned with returning to work. Subsequently, an analysis of the interviews is conducted to highlight the elements that facilitate and hinder the return to work.

Discussion

Elements such as the adaptation strategy, the reactions and emotions of the paramedics and their relatives, as well as elements related to the personal life of the worker, emerged. Concerning the work environment, the quality of working relationships between the employee and their manager, the culture of the organization, and the management practices used are the main elements highlighted by the participants.

Conclusion

The results obtained during these interviews are consistent with the literature and prompt further reflection on exploring the influence on returning to work within the emergency health corporation.
SS06-03 RATIFICATION OF ILO FUNDAMENTAL OSH CONVENTIONS IN LATIN AMERICAN AND THE CARIBBEAN REGION: STATE OF THE ART AND CURRENT CHALLENGES FOR OH SERVICES
Authors: Muñoz Miguel
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In 2022, the ILO introduced the right to a safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental principle and right at work, and established Conventions 155 and 187 as fundamental conventions to facilitate nations to comply with this commitment. In this regard, although 33 out 34 countries from the Latin American and the Caribbean region have OSH regulations, only 12 and 6 countries have ratified ILO Conventions 155 and 187, respectively. Therefore, this study aims to identify the gaps national instruments of the Latin American and the Caribbean region exhibit regarding complying with OSH fundamental conventions and its implication for OH services.

Methods

Fifty national OSH instruments from the Latin American and the Caribbean region are analysed through the checklist for applying ILO Conventions 155 and 187.

Results

Initial findings indicate that although most of the countries of this region have not formally ratified OSH fundamental conventions, still their OSH regulatory frameworks are aligned with relevant aspects of ILO Convention 155 (e.g., having in place national OSH laws, regulations, OH services and inspection systems to enforce their implementation). On the other hand, the main challenge in the region relates to adjusting countries’ national framework with Convention 187 (i.e., developing OSH national system and programmes).

Conclusions

The current study highlights the adoption of OSH laws and regulations as an important threshold for countries complying with the international commitment of promoting safe and healthy workplaces and provision of OH services. However, such initiatives should consider mobilising social and organisational stakeholders into a management system approach.
SS07 GUIDELINES FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND MANAGEMENT: LEARNINGS FROM THE 9/11 DISASTER AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Schunder-Tatzber Susanne
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic influenced in several ways the work of occupational health in an organisational context. On one hand, it raised awareness for the need to be prepared for acute emergencies like disasters and infections at various levels. On the other hand, occupational health issues of ‘emergency workers’ like paramedics, fire-fighters, dispatch staff are seen as a critical foundation for their efforts to support public and organisational health. This session is an update on lessons learned from the World Trade Center (WTC) response and care.
SS08-03 CHANCES AND LIMITATIONS OF IMPLEMENTING MICROSAMPLING-ASSISTED BIOMONITORING METHODS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF TOXIC METAL EXPOSURE RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL AND SMALL-SCALE MINING
Authors: Rakete Stefan , Böse-O’Reilly Stephan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Exposure to toxic metals, e.g. cadmium, mercury and lead, is very common due to mining activities. These metals can be either liberated from the soil, produced as a main or by-products of processing, or are used as an extraction agent. The exposure to toxic metals is associated with many adverse health effects including cancer and neurological diseases. Monitoring of toxic metal levels in biological matrices such as blood is one of the key elements for exposure assessment. The disadvantages of generally used venous blood samples are the relatively high costs due to medical personnel, sample cooling, etc. To overcome this, microsampling methods are a promising alternative. The goal of this review is the evaluation of the current knowledge on toxic metal biomonitoring using microsampling with special emphasis on mining.

Methods

The existing literature was reviewed for studies that apply microsampling for toxic metal biomonitoring using scientific databases.

Results

Multiple sampling devices (e.g. dried blood spots) have been used for toxic metal biomonitoring. Major challenges included sensitivity, reproducibility and background contamination of the sampling material. Few studies have applied microsampling for biomonitoring of toxic metals in mining areas in South America, Asia and Africa. Thus far, microsampling methods have not been included in regular biomonitoring programs.

Conclusions

Although the research and use of microsampling-assisted toxic metal biomonitoring is intensifying, standardization and field applicability of these methods in mining areas still needs to be demonstrated. Nevertheless, these tools can help to improve miners’ health, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
SS08-04 VISION ZERO: OPENING NEW DOORS TO A PREVENTION CULTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE MINING
Authors: Ehnes Helmut
Published: July 2024

Every human being in mining and beyond has the fundamental right to life as well as to physical and mental integrity. The focus is still on fatality prevention, and health issues or even wellbeing at work are still undervalued.

We see that this situation obviously cannot be changed by new legislative initiatives, by regulators or by compliance requirements only. The International Social Security Association (ISSA), which is a United Nations (UN) not-for-profit sub-organisation has the ambition to change this situation. Therefore, taking the UN Sustainability Goals into account, the Global Initiative VISION ZERO was launched 2017 in Singapore at the World Congress on Safety and Health. VISION ZERO, developed by the Mining Section of ISSA, is now the joint prevention strategy of all 14 ISSA Sections to support a prevention culture at workplaces and in societies that goes beyond just compliance. The three dimensions of VISION ZERO are safety, health, and wellbeing.

To win this battle and to support sustainable mining, a change of the mindset of CEOs, managers, leaders, and all miners is required. Expenditures for safety and health must not be seen as cost factors, but as investments in better business. This is based on the belief that all work accidents and all work-related diseases have causes and therefore can be prevented.

Therefore, ISSA has chosen an approach built on emotion, common sense and simplifying complicated solutions. To support businesses and leaders in implementing VISION ZERO successfully, seven clear and simple Golden Rules have been developed.
SS11-01 BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE (OEM) MUTUAL EDUCATION COMMUNITY – FOCUS ON AFRICA
Authors: Cloeren Marianne , Omokhodion Folashade , Gasana Janvier
Published: July 2024

Introduction

There is a global shortage of occupational and environmental medical (OEM) physicians. Many countries, especially LMICs, have no training pathways, certification processes or specialty recognition.

Methods

In 2019, we conducted a survey of member societies of the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC), to understand paths to OEM expertise in their country. Only four of the 54 African nations were members of IOMSC. We conducted an internet search, including ChatGPT assistance, and contacted major OEM networks in Africa to better describe the state of OEM in Africa. We will seek attendee input about the major occupational health challenges and opportunities for OEM education in their country. We will describe the plan for virtual International OEM Grand Rounds, delivered by OEM residents supervised by OEM specialists.

Results

There are now six African nations with OEM society membership in IOMSC. One additional country was identified with a specialty society, and one more with an OEM training program. Additional results based on search and interviews will be shared in this session.

Discussion

We are establishing a program for physicians without access to formal OEM education using the hybrid format of e-learning, webinars and field training by a network of African occupational medicine physicians to disseminate training materials and develop specialty training pathways.

Conclusion

Increasing access to OEM education in countries without formal pathways will increase competency in delivering occupational healthcare to workers and increase recognition of the need for formal training and certification pathways where none currently exist.
SS12 THE ORGANIZATION OF MOROCCAN CRAFTS AND GOVERNMENT POLICY IN THE ARTISTIC CRAFTS SECTOR
Authors: Laraqui Hossini Chakib El Houssine
Published: July 2024

This Special Session will discuss occupational hazards in Morocco's artisanal sector, emphasizing the importance of this dynamic and culturally rich activity in the country's economy.

The four presentations (i) delve into common risks faced by artisans, such as exposure to toxic chemicals and poor working conditions, (ii) explore how addressing these risks aligns with sustainable development goals, (iii) address the issue of persistent child labor in the handicraft sector despite the ratification of international conventions, (iv) focus on the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of craft production, and (vi) discuss the organization of Moroccan crafts and government policies in the artistic crafts sector.

Learning objectives from this Special Session include (i) the significance of combating occupational risks for the sector's sustainable development, (ii) the ongoing negative impact on children's health and morals, (iii) understanding the challenges related to work organization and human resources in the craft sector, and (v) the importance of prioritizing the quality of life and working conditions of artisans to preserve the historical heritage of Moroccan handicrafts.
SS14-01 THE ASSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO NANOMATERIALS
Authors: Riediker Michael
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Over the past decades, nanomaterials, materials with at least one dimension smaller than 100 nm, have become commonplace in modern, multifunctional products. Assessing the exposure to these Nano-Objects and their Agglomerates and Aggregates (NOAA) is challenging but necessary to properly assess and manage their risks.

Materials and Methods

A review of factors influencing exposure and dose estimates for NOAA.

Results

Occupational exposure to NOAA is often in the form of aerosols. These may be individual units of the nanomaterial, but more commonly are agglomerates and aggregates. Exposure to solids and liquids containing nanomaterials is also frequent. Release is controlled by the dustiness of the nanomaterial, which is influenced by its dimensions, structure and surface properties. When embedded in a matrix, the interplay of structure and matrix properties with the type(s) of processes and activities is key to the release. Once in the air, depending on their chemistry, nanomaterials may agglomerate and aggregate with other aerosols, chemically transform, or adsorb gaseous molecules to their surface.

Conclusions

Workers’ exposure to nanomaterial is not necessarily to the initial “pure” NOAA. Risk assessment and management must take this into account. Protection strategies against nanomaterial exposure best focus on release. It is necessary to understand the type of nanomaterial, whether and how it is embedded in a matrix, and what processes and activities are taking place. Where release control is not sufficient, it is important to understand potential transformations during production, release and transfer so that the type(s) and mixtures of material(s) to which workers are exposed are properly understood.
SS14-03 THE NEED FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RESEARCH OF NANOMATERIAL WORKERS: THE NANOEXPLORE COHORT STUDY
Authors: Canu Irina Guseva
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The current evidence on nanomaterial (NM) toxicity is mostly derived from experimental studies making it challenging to translate it into human health risks. We established an international cohort of 141 workers within the EU-LIFE project “NanoExplore” to address possible health effects from occupational NM exposures.

Methods

We used a handheld direct-reading optical particle counter to measure airborne nanoparticle number concentrations (PNC) and lung-deposited surface areas (LDSAs). We assessed oxidative/nitrosative stress with a panel of biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) (8-isoprostane, malondialdehyde, nitrotyrosine), inflammation (high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10) and KL-6 (considered as biomarker of fibrosis) and urine (total antioxidant power (TAP), 8-isoprostane, and malondialdehyde). Exhaled breath sampled in gas-sampling bags were assessed for oxidative potential. Biomarkers were quantified pre-shift at the beginning of the workweek and post-shift either the 2nd or 4th day. Relationships between airborne nanoparticle concentration and biomarkers were assessed by multiple linear regression with log-transformed exposure and biomarker concentrations adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

A positive relationship for IL-10, IL-1β and TNF-α with both PNC and LDSA and a significant negative association between PNC and TAP were observed.

Discussion

NM exposures can affect the oxidative balance and the innate immunity in workers. However, owing to the intrinsic variability of biomarkers, these changes along with their health significance should be assessed in a long-term perspective study.

Conclusion

This study contributed to improve evidence regarding NM exposure and risks to human health.
SS15-03 HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT IN THE PETROLEUM REFINING INDUSTRY
Authors: Mohan Jayandran
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In the oil / gas and petroleum refining industry, workers have high likelihood of exposure to hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas primarily through work in confined space. Inhalation of H2S gas can cause adverse health effects ranging from major to catastrophic which includes loss of consciousness, coma and death. A detailed study has been conducted on the existing measures to control exposure as well as recommendations to mitigate the risk of future exposure.

Materials and Methods

(i) A medical literature review was conducted related to H2S respiratory disease. (ii) The existing risk mitigation measures from inhaling H2S have been analysed from the petroleum refinery standard operating procedure. (iii) Anecdotal volunteer survey has been conducted among the SMEs, HSE professionals, medical doctors and occupational health (OH) physicians based in the UK and Middle East through instant messaging application to validate the control measure effectiveness and to analyse the behavioural challenges among the workers in the practical environment.

Results

The OH experts suggest that more specific health surveillance like spirometry test, chest X-ray analysis, medical examinations and H2S personal exposure monitoring data to be gathered. Regarding the controls, HSE experts are satisfied with the existing escape and respiratory protection apparatus, but they emphasized that the respiratory hygiene needs to be improved and the inspection frequency to be monitored.

Conclusions

If the OH experts suggested medical examination are combined with the HSE experts recommended controls, the H2S health impacts over workers can be reduced to a greater extent.
SS16-03 HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT (HSE) CERTIFICATION SYSTEM INTENDED FOR EXTERNAL COMPANIES: THE MOROCCAN INSTITUTE OF STANDARDIZATION (IMANOR) TOOL
Authors: Taibi Abderrahim
Published: July 2024

Introduction

As part of its policy of supporting Moroccan companies in improving their performance and integrating value chains highlighting compliance with standards and regulations, the Moroccan Institute of Standardization (IMANOR) recently expanded its certification activities to cover service provision and skills in special areas.

Method

IMANOR, in consultation with stakeholders, has developed general rules for certification of services supplemented for each case by provisions specific to the service provision concerned. These rules include, where applicable, requirements relating to the competence of the participants.

Result

Certification system inspired by international best practices, made available to companies providing services and users of these same services.

Discussion

Presentation of IMANOR's offer intended for external companies and the next stages of promotion and improvement of the certification system in question.

Conclusion

The certification of external companies on Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) aspects is a tool allowing these companies to rely on widely practised standards to improve their performance, reassure their partners and gain their trust and integrate national and international value chains.
SS17 ‘SILVER LININGS’: ENHANCING OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH OF INFORMAL WORKERS
Authors: Seneviratne Mahinda
Published: July 2024

Informal workers are a large component of the global workforce but their valuable economic role in providing various goods and services is generally unrecognised. This Special Session will explore why occupational health risks in diverse informal sectors are largely overlooked and workers are often compelled to protect their health without the necessary services and adequate resources. Speakers will provide three ‘Silver Linings’: programs and initiatives that improve the occupational health of diverse groups of vulnerable workers. A panel will discuss how these approaches can contribute towards achieving the ICOH vision of “occupational health as a basic human right of all workers”. Participants will be able to (i) understand occupational health risks faced by informal workers in different industries and regions and the impact on health and livelihood due to lack of access to services and resources, and (ii) recognise the different approaches by OH professionals, non-government organisations and state institutes to build capability in sectors and provide access to basic occupational health care services.
SS19 NORDIC AND GLOBAL COLLABORATION FOR OSH IMPACT: INTEGRATING 'VISION ZERO', CLIMATE CHANGE AND NCDS PREVENTION PERSPECTIVES TO CREATE SAFE, SUSTAINABLE AND HEALTHY WORKPLACES FOR ALL
Authors: Samant Yogindra , Falk Magnus
Published: July 2024

The Future of Work group, founded in 2016 by the Nordic Labour Inspection Authorities, advises Nordic Labour Inspectorates on emerging challenges in the world of work. Its goal is to prepare labour inspectorates for challenges like digitalization, artificial intelligence, climate change, migration, and work-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

This session proposes an innovative approach that combines Vision Zero principles, NCD prevention, and climate change adaptation for future workplaces' safety and sustainability. Vision Zero, once focused on accident prevention, now includes broader disease prevention at work, like work-related cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, it explores how climate change adaptation affects worker health. Regulatory agencies must incorporate this evolving knowledge to develop new occupational safety and health (OSH) practices.

This session will gather experts and practitioners from various fields to integrate Vision Zero, work-related NCDs, and climate change implications into OSH practices to create safe and sustainable workplaces. Key outcomes include reducing work-related deaths (accidents and diseases), addressing climate change's impact on OSH, and informing OSH practices that incorporate NCDs, Vision Zero, and climate change. This effort aims to create workplaces that are safe, sustainable, and resilient in the face of evolving challenges.
SS20-05 CLIMATE CHANGE: THE CURSE AND BLESSING OF TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Wittlich Marc
Published: July 2024

Impulse climate change is on everyone's lips at the moment. Almost all of our actions in every area of life are associated with it and judged accordingly. Digitalisation is also mentioned and evoked as a solution to the climate crisis. This is certainly not correct. Digitalisation is a tool, which initially has nothing to do with climate change. However, it can have an effect on processes that are important in the context of climate change. But technology also requires a lot of energy. With conventional energy sources, fossil or nuclear, it will be difficult to introduce or further develop technology in an environmentally friendly way. Therefore, the expansion of technology can only go hand in hand with decarbonisation and is inevitably linked to it. In addition, there is an increased importance of the circular economy, which must include both supply chains and the processing of products, up to and including the breakdown into individual groups of materials. This is a challenge that must already be considered in product development. But technology also helps us to make our lives easier and safer. In addition to the obvious improvements in communication, medicine or other areas of life, it enables people to participate into old age. Especially in the area of care or personal mobility, the limits of technological progress have not yet been reached. Technology can trigger climate change, both positive and negative. Humans can be the cause of both, but they have the choice.
SS22-01 IMPLICATIONS OF THE RECOGNITION OF A SAFE AND HEALTHY WORKING ENVIRONMENT AS FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE AND RIGHT AT WORK FOR ILO MEMBER STATES
Authors: Azzi Manal
Published: July 2024

Introduction

At its 110th Session (June 2022), the International Labour Conference decided to amend paragraph 2 of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998) to include “a safe and healthy working environment” as a fundamental principle and right at work (FPRW), recognizing the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (no. 155) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) as fundamental conventions. As a result of these decisions, all ILO Members have an obligation, regardless of whether they have ratified these Conventions, to promote, respect and realize this principle and right.

Materials and Methods

The inclusion of a safe and healthy working environment as FPRW represents a unique opportunity to reinforce the ILO’s activity in promoting the ratification and implementation not only of the new fundamental conventions, but also other OSH conventions, considering the interdependent relationship between them.

Results

With the aim to support ILO constituents in promoting and realizing a safe and healthy working environment, the ILO is developing a new Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health, that will guide ILO work in the field of OSH.

Conclusions

The presentation will describe the implications of the recognition of a safe and healthy working environment as fundamental principle and right at work for the ILO constituents. It will also provide an overview of how the ILO will support them in promoting, respecting and realizing this fundamental right.
SS22-05 A FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE WORK IN A CHANGING SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, TECHNOLOGICAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPE
Authors: Jain Aditya
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Technological development, climate change, demographic shifts and globalization are transforming the world of work by changing who works and when, and how work is organized and managed, with significant impact on health and wellbeing, productivity, inclusivity, equity and social justice, and sustainable development. The ILO has called for a human-centred agenda for the future of work that places people and the work they do at the centre of economic and social policy and business practice, and more recently it recognized a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.

Materials and Methods

New forms of work and employment have intensified trends towards different kinds of dependency and precarious jobs as well as insecurity, leading to increased challenges relating to the health, safety, and wellbeing of the workforce. The crossover between living and working environments, and rapid technological transformation, necessitates the need to look at work and employment through an interdisciplinary lens.

Results

An integrative framework based on the concept of ‘sustainable work’ - achieving living and working conditions that support people in engaging and remaining in work throughout an extended working life - is presented as means to deliver the human-centred agenda for the future of work, across its three pillars: investment in people’s capabilities; designing sustainable work and organizations; and investing in the institutions of work.

Conclusions

Future policy making and governance needs a convergence of occupational health, safety and wellbeing, responsible business practices and human rights initiatives and focus not only on decent work but also sustainable work.
SS23-04 GENDER EQUALITY AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FOR MANAGING OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
Authors: Pingle Shyam
Published: July 2024

The world of work has undergone vast changes in the last few decades. Initially the changes have been influenced by liberalization and globalization. However, recent changes have been driven more by technological transformation than other factors. COVID-19 has added to the complexities and has accelerated the process. The changes in occupational safety and health (OSH) are influenced by advances in technology such as increasing adoption of automation and artificial intelligence, job displacement in sectors involving routine and repetitive tasks and creation of new jobs in data analysis and programming. They are further influenced by changes in the economic environment, gig economy and increasing availability of online platforms.

There has been rapidly increasing female participation in the workforce; both, aspirational as well as out of necessity. The number of young and female workers has been increasing rapidly. The promotion of gender equality in the world of work is reflected in four key ILO gender equality conventions; the Equal Remuneration Convention, Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention and Maternity Protection Convention. Women perform more routine cognitive tasks, which are most prone to automation. Thus, women face a higher risk of job displacement than men. Hence, the focus will have to be on skilling and reskilling which needs more investment to thrive in the digital age. There is marked gender sensitivity to physical and psychosocial risk in the workplace. The health outcomes vary by gender/sex. Then there is the less discussed factor of gender diversity beyond the binary in all OSH policies and practices.
SS25-01 APPLICATION OF WHO HEALTH LITERACY DEVELOPMENT IN 15 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES TO SYSTEMATICALLY IMPROVE HEALTH AND EQUITY AMONG PEOPLE WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND DIABETES
Authors: Osborne Richard , El Yamani Mounia , Hawkins Melanie , Fullaondo Zabala Ane , Verdoy Berastegui Lola
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The Joint Action on CARdiovascular Diseases and DIabetes (JACARDI) will co-design and scale up an unprecedented range of coordinated prevention and management approaches to improve health and equity. The focus of this presentation is ‘Work Package 6’ (WP6) which will develop and implement interventions co-designed using the WHO’s Health Literacy Development Approach, specifically, the Ophelia (Optimising Health Literacy and Access) process.

Materials and Methods

The Ophelia process takes a context-specific approach to intervention development and implementation. Health literacy is assessed at the person level using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). These data inform the development of vignettes (evidence-based stories of typical individuals in a community/setting) which are used in community/practitioner co-design workshops to generate 100s of intervention elements. These are prioritised by stakeholders into fit-for-purpose, needed, wanted and implementable interventions applied within quality improvement cycles.

Results

Evaluation then focuses on what works, for whom, under what circumstances, and why, to inform recommendations for scale-up. A total of 27 diverse projects in 15 countries are taking part. Projects include prevention and management of diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease, given the common risk factors or management issues across these conditions. A community of practice is developing which will upskill the teams in health literacy development and the Ophelia process. The core assessment tool, the HLQ, has already been translated into most EU languages in a systematic way to reduce bias.

Conclusion

Using health literacy development, WP6 will enable equitable access to health services and reduce social inequalities, including among culturally and ethnically diverse populations.
SS25-02 JACARDI: THE EUROPEAN JOINT ACTION ON CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND DIABETES PREVENTION, INCLUDING AT WORK
Authors: El Yamani Mounia , Osborne Richard , Zabala Ane Fullaondo , Berastegui Lola Verdoy , Chawłowska Ewelina , Armocida Benedetta , Onder Graziano
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes and their complications are leading causes of death worldwide. They are major causes of hospitalisation, acquired disability and lost productivity. The rising of the legal retirement age suggests that this emerging issue will soon become a major challenge for companies.

Materials and Methods

JACARDI, the European Commission’s Joint Action on CARdiovascular Diseases and DIabetes, provides an opportunity to participate in the development of prevention strategies and actions to improve knowledge of CVD and diabetes among the general population, patients and at work.

Results

Across 21 countries and 76 partners, a common methodological framework was designed. Six technical Work Packages (WP) will co-design, implement and evaluate 140 projects to validate the framework. They will be analysed with the view to extending or scaling up interventions or service innovations at national/regional level and/or for wider transfer to other EU countries. Health literacy development, the focus of the first technical WP, aims to apply the Ophelia (Optimising Health Literacy and Access) process to accelerate community and organisational engagement and co-design, and thus have a lasting impact on health and equity. We expect widescale improvements in knowledge about the diseases, equitable access to health services, and reduced social inequalities, including within member states that increasingly include culturally and ethnically diverse populations.

Conclusion

The WP health literacy in JACARDI will enable equitable access to health services and reduce social inequalities in member states, including among culturally and ethnically diverse populations. The JACARDI framework will be instructive for other diseases and wider scale-up.
SS28-02 TRANSDISCIPLINARY OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH: ETHICAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN GLOBAL PANDEMICS AND EMERGENCIES
Authors: Nogueira Claudina
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Transdisciplinary occupational health (OH) is an approach that integrates knowledge, methods, and perspectives from various disciplines to address complex issues related to workers' health and wellbeing. When applied to global pandemics and emergencies, it presents both ethical challenges and opportunities.

Materials and Methods

Addressing challenges and opportunities in global emergencies requires a comprehensive approach. Examples of materials: (i) established ethical guidelines and frameworks specific to public health emergencies, (ii) research data – epidemiological, social science, healthcare data, (iii) case studies, (iv) educational materials and resources, and (v) proper distribution and allocation of personal protective equipment. Examples of methods: (i) ethical frameworks, (ii) stakeholder mapping and engagement fora, (iii) ethics committees and task forces, (iv) ethical impact assessments of policies and interventions, and (v) policy development.

Results

The items above must be integrated into a coordinated response framework to address the ethical dimensions of global emergencies effectively. Ethical decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven assessments are essential components of a robust ethical response to these complex challenges.

Conclusions

Transdisciplinary OH offers a holistic approach to addressing the ethical challenges posed by global emergencies. While it may present dilemmas related to resource allocation, privacy, and inclusivity, it also provides opportunities for collaboration, innovation, education, and community engagement to protect and support workers during critical times. Ethical decision-making should be at the forefront of transdisciplinary efforts to ensure the wellbeing of the global workforce.
SS29-01 THE BEGINNINGS OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE IN AFRICA: INSIGHTS FROM EGYPTIAN PAPYRI
Authors: Riva Michele , Paladino Maria Emilia , Belingheri Michael , Mazzagatt Roberto
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The first examples of occupational medicine in Africa can be traced back to Ancient Egypt.

Materials and Methods

Historical sources and texts on Egyptian medicine were consulted for this study.

Results

The Anastasi V papyrus (c. 1200 BC) reveals the dire health conditions of farmers and artisans working in cities. The situation of workers engaged in pyramid construction is described in greater detail. These workers faced high accident risks, as evident from the "Edwin Smith" papyrus (c. 1500 BC), which documents a wide range of injuries on construction sites, primarily fractures and dislocations, but also scorpion stings and snake bites. The protection of pyramid builders, typically free men employed by the pharaoh, was entrusted to a group of physicians directly paid by the central government. These doctors not only treated injuries and traumas suffered on the construction site but also advised on workers' nutrition and internal organization of labor. It was understood that these workers, operating in hot and dry climates, required a diet rich in cereals and vegetables, especially wheat, barley, and onions. Similarly, Egyptian physicians advocated for work shifts, generally not exceeding eight hours per day, to be interspersed with adequate rest periods to allow the workers to regain their strength.

Conclusions

Ancient Egypt displayed greater concern for the health of pyramid construction workers compared to other categories (e.g. farmers, artisans). The physicians appointed by the pharaoh to assist these workers can be considered forerunners of modern occupational doctors.
SS30 ROAD SAFETY PROGRAMME IN THE MOROCCAN CEMENT INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR TRANSPORT BUSINESS OWNERS: ROAD SAFETY IN THE CEMENT INDUSTRY
Authors: Ghiati Bouchra
Published: July 2024

Assuming its role as a leader through the volumes of cement transported and the kilometres travelled, cement manufacturers have always been committed to road safety through structured programmes based on five main chapters:

• Support for transport business owners in the management of the health and safety of their employees (involvement, commitment, management systems, organization, etc.)

• Driver’s management: Training, authorization, and certification programmes, behaviour monitoring, health programmes, etc.

• Management of trucks: Compliance, inspections, maintenance programmes, etc.

• Travel management: Travel risk management, in-vehicle monitoring systems, etc

• Management of loading and unloading platforms: Customers and cement platforms management

Brief learning outcomes of Special Session:

• Sharing the cement road safety programme, allowing others to learn from it

• Presenting road safety best practices.
SS32-01 ROLE OF THE POISON CONTROL AND PHARMACOVIGILANCE CENTRE OF MOROCCO (CAPM) IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL POISONING
Authors: Rhalem Naima , Chaoui Hanane , Badrane Narjis , Soulaymani Bencheikh Rachida
Published: July 2024

Objective

To present the role of the CAPM in the management of poisoning cases including the professional cases.

Methods

We focused on the methods and tools deployed by the CAPM for the toxicovigilance operational process and conducted a retrospective study of cases of occupational poisoning declared to the CAPM between 1980 and 2020.

Results

The toxicovigilance process adopted by the CAPM is based on six steps: collection of cases, analysis of cases, build of a database, detection of signals and their validation in alerts, and finally, minimization actions risks. The study of the CAPM database made it possible to count a total of 219,770 reports of poisoning cases excluding scorpion bites and envenomations between 1980 and 2020; among them professional poisonings represented 0.5% (1020 cases). These cases were collected from three sources, mainly by call centre available 24h, the consultation dedicated to heavy metal poisoning, or via the emergency toxicology laboratory which monitors cases of occupational heavy metal poisoning. The management of poisoning cases is essentially based on the use of antidotes available at the CAPM antidote centre.

Conclusion

The CAPM has a sustainable toxicovigilance system, responsive and capable of monitoring the profile of poisonings in all circumstances from its information system. However, the under-reporting of cases of occupational poisoning blocks its health vigilance function in this field.