bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SS44-05 CHARACTERISING RETURN-TO-WORK AND STAY-AT-WORK POLICY SETTINGS: AN AUSTRALIAN STUDY
Authors: Collie Alex , Iles Ross , Di Donato Michael
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Globally there is a vast array of policy approaches for the prevention of work disability in workers with chronic pain. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that work disability policy can have substantial impacts on return-to-work and worker health. There is less evidence of policy impacts on the maintenance of workers with chronic pain in the workplace. Further, understanding of policy approaches to promote stay-at-work and prevent workplace separation is limited. This study aims to characterise the main features of return-to-work and stay-at-work policy settings in Australia.

Materials and Methods

Mixed methods project, involving collation and analysis of existing publicly available documentation and data, and interviews with 25 experts across the Australian systems of support for disabled workers. System features and service models were synthesised from data sources, tabulated and compared qualitatively.

Results

Australia has a complex and fragmented approach to work disability prevention. The work disability prevention systems are variously regulated by regional and national government authorities established under a diverse array of legislation. The approach to governance and benefit delivery varies substantially. A mix of public, for-profit and not-for-profit entities is involved in case management, administering financial support and service provision. Responsibility for stay-at-work policy largely rests with employers, with relatively little regulatory oversight.

Conclusions

Findings indicate multiple opportunities for improving policy coverage of ‘stay-at-work’ in Australian work disability prevention systems, including aligning case management and healthcare service models, and engaging employers in prevention and rehabilitation.
SS46 - GLOBAL NETWORK OF WHO COLLABORATING CENTRES FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Authors: Ivanov Ivan
Published: July 2024

The WHO Collaborating Centres (WCCs) are institutions such as research institutes, parts of universities or academies, which are designated by the Director General to carry out activities in support of the Organization's programmes. In 2000, the WHO Executive Board encouraged centres to develop working relations with other centres and national institutions recognized by WHO, in particular by setting up or joining collaborative networks with WHO's support.

The Global Network of WCCs for Occupational Health was created in June 1990 at a meeting in Helsinki, Finland. It’s first meeting was held in 1992 in Moscow. Currently there are 30 WCCs for occupational health. The ILO and non-state actors in official relations with WHO, such as ICOH and IEA, are also members of the network along with other international partners of WHO in the area of occupational health. The Global Network provided technical expertise and support to WHO to implement the WHO Global Strategy of Occupational Health for All (1996), the WHO Global Plan of Action on Workers’ Health (2007), the WHO Global Strategy on Public Health, Environment and Climate Change (2019), as well as regional strategies and action plans in the area of occupational health, such as the Regional Plan of Action of Workers’ Health in the Americas.

This session will highlight the current priorities and initiatives of the Global Network of WCCs for Occupational Health, will provide examples of successful networking among the institutions, and will outline the strategic ways of working under the 14th General Programme of Work of WHO.
SS47 ROLE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF OCCUPATIONAL DOCTORS OF THE EASTERN REGION (AMETRO) IN THE PROMOTION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK IN THIS REGION
Authors: Abbaouy Abdelhakim
Published: July 2024

The purpose of these three presentations is to highlight the role of the Association of Occupational Physicians of the Oriental Region (AMETRO) in promoting health and workplace safety. The significance of occupational medicine in both the public and private sectors is illustrated through two examples: the contribution of occupational medicine in combating COVID-19 at CHR Al Farabi and the role of the occupational health service in demonstrating the importance of health and safety management through the analysis of initial aid incidents recorded in the service related to work activities.
SS47-03 THE CONTRIBUTION OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 AT CHR AL FARABI (REGIONAL HOSPITAL CENTRE)
Authors: El Khaldi Mohammed , Bendaha Abdelhamid , Abbaouy Abdelhakim
Published: July 2024

During the initial months of the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic (March 2020), healthcare personnel at both the national and regional levels faced very challenging situations, organizational changes, and rapidly evolving and continuous recommendations.

Our Oriental region is the second-largest region in the kingdom in terms of area (82,820 km2), accounting for 11.6% of the country's total area. It consists of eight prefectures and provinces (Oujda, Jerada, Berkane, Taourirt, Figuig, Nador, Driouch, and Guercif). The region had a population of 2,314,346 in 2014, representing 6.8% of the kingdom's population.

Occupational health physicians at the Al Farabi Regional Hospital were tasked with supporting healthcare workers, totaling 634 individuals (doctors: 94, nurses: 376, administrative staff: 164). Their role was to address their questions and requests, as well as to proactively prevent health risks related to the pandemic. In our hospital and following the adopted response plan, an assessment of exposures was conducted by the occupational medicine service in collaboration with the management and relevant technical services. The objective was to minimize the health risks for the workers.

This work encompasses all actions related to the evaluation and prevention of occupational risks, improvement of working conditions, information and training initiatives, implementation of appropriate organization and means, assistance in implementing suitable health measures, medical monitoring of all personnel, and participation in the successful COVID-19 vaccination program for all staff.
SS48 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH OF THE FISHERMAN
Authors: Ghailan Tarik
Published: July 2024

The fisherman performs a dangerous and complex job. It is an activity with irregular work rhythms with innumerable constraints inherent in the specificity of work at sea and with their consequences on occupational health.

This session attempts to shed light on certain aspects relating to the health issues of the fisherman as well as the essentials of his medical supervision by crossing the experience of many international experts in maritime medicine. It is a cross-reference that addresses the health issues of fishermen both throughout the world and in some countries such as Morocco, Spain, France, and Bangladesh. it also addresses the state of health of fishermen both generally and specifically according to some pathologies such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or hearing loss.

This session will allow us to better understand the professional pathology of the fisherman in the world, to compare the practices of medical care in many countries, and possibly seek to unify management practices for some diseases, such as screening for diabetes in fishermen.
SS48-05 FISHERMEN’S HEALTH SURVEILLANCE IN SPAIN
Authors: Canals Maria Luisa
Published: July 2024

Surveillance of health is an important subject in occupational maritime medicine and internationally, many times, workers like fishermen are not considered even if they have a high risk of ill health. Not only locally, but even in deep sea, with a high sinistrality, they count normally with poor means to assist them. ILO Fishing Convention 2007 is far from being applied globally.

The Maritime Health Programme developed from 1983 in Spain includes fisherman at the same level of resources and regulations as merchant seafarers. The surveillance of their health is done ashore through their digitalized compulsory medical fitness examination where health promotion is included. Training in first aid and medical care on board STCW78-95-2010 plays an important role in the telemedical advice consultations on board; hence we can have a global knowledge of the problems on board. Other devices like inspections of the ships (Segumar) and two hospital ships following the fishing fleet in deep sea are specific devices in our country that complement it. Examples in some frequent preventable diseases like obesity and diabetes are analysed individually and collectively by groups.

We need to have doctors with enough competences, job descriptions of main tasks and positions, risk assessment knowledge and prevention devices, a digitalized and standardized database to go on the surveillance of the health of the fishing sector all over the word.
SS48-06 BIOAEROSOL EXPOSURES AND ADVERSE RESPIRATORY HEALTH EFFECTS AMONG WORKERS ON BOARD SEAFOOD PROCESSING TRAWLERS – IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERVENTION
Authors: Jeebhay Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Seafood handling workers on board fishing vessels are exposed to bioaerosols containing aerosolized seafood particulate (muscle, exoskeleton, visceral contents, skin slime/mucin, collagen) produced during processing.

Materials and Methods

A literature search was conducted in PubMed to identify studies conducted on board fishing vessels. Search terms included fishing trawlers, seafood processing, bioaerosol, exposure, allergy, work-related, respiratory symptoms, asthma.

Results

While various studies have reported on bioaerosol exposure levels, work-related allergy and asthma among land-based processors, few studies have reported on board fishing vessels. Among these studies, allergen levels were generally higher on board crab-processing and fish processing vessels compared to levels obtained for onshore processing plants. Overall, factors associated with elevated exposures to bioaerosol components included old fishing vessels with retro-fitted processing machines, confined working spaces, poorly enclosed machines/processes, inadequate ventilation systems, high-pressure water hoses for cleaning machines, and high level of disinfectant use. As for adverse health effects, trawler fishermen in one study were more likely to have asthma, respiratory symptoms and impaired lung function compared to merchant seafarers.

Conclusions

Studies of bioaerosol exposures and adverse respiratory health effects of seafood processors on board fishing vessels are few. There is a need for more high quality studies that also address logistical aspects of conducting studies on board vessels that are at sea for long periods of time. Insights thereby gained will contribute towards the development of appropriate interventions aimed at improved fishing vessel design and work practices that reduce bioaerosol exposures and their associated adverse respiratory health effects.
SS49 NEUROPSYCHIATRIC EFFECTS OF THE 9/11 TERRORIST ATTACKS
Authors: Calvert Geoffrey
Published: July 2024

This session will describe the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11) and the resulting exposures to severe psychological stressors and to neurotoxin-containing dust, smoke, and fumes.

Described 9/11 exposures appear to increase the risk for various psychiatric illnesses including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorder, substance use disorders, adjustment disorders, and depressive disorders. Evidence of neurocognitive dysfunction, including cortical atrophy, is also beginning to emerge. Together, panel members will summarize the psychiatric and cognitive effects, reflect on the possible role of 9/11 exposures in those outcomes, and discuss the importance of ongoing clinical surveillance and the role of prevention.
SS49-01 INTRODUCTION TO THE 9/11 ATTACKS AND THE WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM
Authors: Calvert Geoffrey
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The September 11, 2001 (9/11) terrorist attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and at the crash site near Shanksville, Pennsylvania adversely affected the physical and mental health of hundreds of thousands.

Materials and Methods

This session will describe the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the resulting exposures to physical agents and severe psychological stressors. An overview of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program will also be provided. Information to be presented was derived from peer-reviewed published articles, and from publicly available documents produced by the WTC Health Program.

Results

The collapse and burning of the WTC and neighboring buildings released a complex mixture of neurotoxin-containing irritant and alkaline dust, smoke, gaseous materials, heavy metals, asbestos, and other substances. Similar exposures also occurred at the Pentagon and at the Shanksville crash site. The disaster sites were also psychologically traumatizing. To address the health concerns that arose, the WTC Health Program was created by federal law and commenced on July 1, 2011. It provides health screenings and treatment for those directly affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks. The WTC Health Program is a limited federal healthcare program. That is, medical treatment benefits are provided only for those conditions determined to be related to 9/11 exposures.

Conclusions

This special session will summarize the psychiatric and cognitive effects observed among persons with 9/11 exposures, reflect on the possible role of those exposures in causing/contributing to those health outcomes, and discuss the importance of ongoing clinical surveillance and the role of prevention.
SS50-01 EXPOSOME METHODS IN CLIMATE CHANGE AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH: THE EU INTERCAMBIO PROJECT
Authors: Pronk Anjoeka
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The effects of climate change on occupational health, which are diverse and multifaceted and may affect workers in different regions and industries worldwide, are not fully understood. This presentation explores how the exposome, encompassing the totality of exposures throughout an individual's life, may provide crucial concepts and methods to asses these.

Materials and Methods

This is done by focusing on the potential physical and mental health effects among workers that may arise from increasing hot and cold weather episodes resulting from climate change, a use case of the EU INTERCAMBIO study, as an example.

Results

Firstly, the presentation delves into the collection of new data using innovative exposome methods. By leveraging exposome technologies and methodologies, a more comprehensive understanding can be created of the environmental exposures that workers face in the context of a changing climate. This approach provides an opportunity to collect new data to investigate the acute effects of climate change on worker health. Secondly, the presentation highlights the utilization of cohorts and job exposure matrices as powerful tools in exposome research. By tapping into existing cohorts, we can analyze historical data to discern patterns and trends in climate-induced workplace exposures, offering the potential to investigate their long-term effects.

Conclusions

In summary, exposome approaches, through the collection of new data and the utilization of cohorts, may advance our understanding of the health effects of climate change on workers. This will provide a basis for evidence-based interventions and policies to safeguard the health and well-being of the workforce in a changing climate.
SS50-05 INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE THE WORK ENVIRONMENT OF METAL RECYCLING WORKERS: THE EU INTERCAMBIO PROJECT
Authors: Viegas Susana , Broberg Karin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The green energy transition and the circular economy require increased recycling. However, recycling carries the risk of exposure to mixed toxic metals and organic compounds, but also to repetitive work, and accidents. We have little knowledge about occupational health in the EU recycling industry. Therefore, in the EU INTERCAMBIO project, we aim to characterize the work environment of recycling workers, explore health effects, and work with the companies to find long-term solutions to mitigate risks.

Materials and Methods

First, we aim to recruit workers in Sweden, Portugal and Denmark that perform metal, e-waste, plastic and domestic waste recycling and assess their exposure and health effects. Second, we provide suggestions on how to improve the work environment by actions on different levels. Third, we will do follow-ups of the recycling companies, in order to evaluate the impact of the intervention, including making co-creative and adequate adjustments.

Results

We will present results from the ongoing recruitment and discuss how EU INTERCAMBIO will add to the existing knowledge on occupational health for metal recycling workers world-wide. A roadmap will be presented on how to translate the knowledge produced in policy actions and on effectiveness evaluation of the EU policies already in place.

Conclusions

The results of this project will provide knowledge about current exposure and risks in the recycling industry and how to mitigate them by interventions, and provide knowledge to support new policies and improve the ones already in place in the EU. In the end, EU INTERCAMBIO will make the recycling industry more sustainable.
SS51-01 PROJECT HEATSAFE AND THE SOUTHEAST ASIA HEAT HEALTH NODE – AUGMENTING HUMAN HEALTH, SAFETY AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE BOILING TROPICS
Authors: Lee Jason Kai Wei
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Tropical climate implies that many humans are chronically exposed to hot conditions. While we have psychologically adapted to our climate, its impact on our health and wellbeing has not diminished. People whose vocations are based outdoors are particularly vulnerable to environmental heat, which can be detrimental to health, well-being, and work productivity. If workers cannot or do not take rest in relation to heat stress, accidents, and serious health effects such as heat stroke death, can occur.

Materials and Methods

In partnership with governmental agencies, Project HeatSafe is a collaborative research project that consists of physiologists, economists, geographers, epidemiologists, and scientists from a range of disciplines.

Results

Based on selected objectives listed below, key findings will be shared during the presentation: (i) impact of heat stress on workers' productivity and wellbeing via physiological measurements and ethnographical surveys; (ii) economic costs due to productivity loss; (iii) interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress on constructions workers.

Conclusions

We seek to understand the complex threat that heat-exposure poses to human health, well-being, and work productivity in Singapore and other tropical countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia; and to identify sustainable preventive policies and actions that can reduce these impacts. A Southeast Asia Heat Health node will also be established in 2024 to augment human health and productivity in a boiling world.
SS51-02 WHE(A)THER OR NOT: THE NEED FOR GENDER-SENSITIVE HEAT INTERVENTIONS FOR WOMEN
Authors: Venugopal Vidhya , Shanmugam Rekha , Latha P K
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Heat stress will worsen in developing nations with large informal economies and manual labor affecting health and productivity.

Materials and Methods

We compared heat exposures, job-specific workload, Heat-Related Illnesses (HRIs), Heat Strain Indicators (HSIs), and kidney function data collected from 963 female and 1349 male informal workers in Indian workplaces between 2015 and 2022 to determine who is more vulnerable to heat exposures. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), HSIs, and renal function were measured.

Results

Average WBGT exposure was 28.8 ± 3.1°C and 66% of workers were subjected to heat levels exceeding the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs). Compared to men, women had 3-fold higher risk of HRIs (95%CI: 1.8-5.2), 2.7-times increased risk of reduction in kidney function (95%CI: 1.8-4.1) and 50% higher risk of HSI and elevated urine specific gravity adjusting for confounders. Among female workers with heat exposures exceeding WBGT-TLVs, heavy workload was associated with a 5-fold increased risk of higher sweat rates (95%CI:1.1-19.7) and a 10-fold increased risk of HRIs (95%CI:5.0-18.4).

Conclusions

Significant differences in risk of HRI, HSI, and kidney function associated with occupational heat exposures between men and women indicate an increased risk for women which is exacerbated by a lack of welfare facilities and sanitation. Gender inequalities are inherently connected and have an impact on heat vulnerability and adaptability in informal workplaces, necessitating immediate gender-based cooling interventions to empower women, particularly in the rising temperatures scenario. Action is urgent, with or without evidence.
SS52-02 VACCINATING HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL: WHERE HAVE WE BEEN, WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Authors: Behrman Amy
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Vaccinating healthcare personnel has been a public health priority for more than two centuries. High rates of clinically appropriate immunization can protect individual healthcare workers from illness, disability and death while reducing risks for their patients, families and communities. In healthcare, vaccination is the most effective intervention to mitigate the impact of vaccine-preventable pathogens. Conversely, ineffective immunization threatens the healthcare workforce and can thereby magnify the impact of endemic and epidemic disease on communities.

Materials and Methods

Healthcare worker vaccine recommendations and rates will be reviewed using literature review and institutional narrative. This presentation focuses primarily on findings from the United States with implications for global partners.

Results

Vaccination rates are strongly influenced by employer and governmental resources and requirements. Vaccine mandates are the strongest driver of vaccination rates. Within mandated situations, consistent evidence-based exemption reviews are necessary to maintain high rates. Clarity and consensus from public health authorities support higher vaccination rates. Anti-vaccine messages from public figures and grassroots organizations affect healthcare personnel as well as the general public.

Conclusions

Although most healthcare personnel seek clinically appropriate vaccines, hesitancy and resistance to evidence-based recommendations persist over time and vary in severity. Variation in vaccination rates for healthcare personnel appear driven by differences in employer requirements, public health recommendations, and community factors. Healthcare personnel who resist vaccination may fail to encourage vaccination for vulnerable patients.
SS52-04 TIME TRENDS FOR COVID-19 IN HEALTH WORKERS DURING THE VACCINATION CAMPAIGN IN GERMANY
Authors: Nienhaus Albert
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Health workers (HW) were a prioritised group when the COVID-19 vaccination campaign started in Germany at the end of December 2020. In an ecologic study, the progress of the vaccination campaign was correlated with the time trend of the severity of COVID-19 in HW.

Materials and Methods

Survey data on willingness to receive vaccination in HW were assessed. The number of COVID-19 related occupational diseases was assessed in the standardized data system of the responsible compensation board (BGW). The proportion of severe disease cases was calculated for every month in 2021. In addition, the proportion of severe COVID-19 in HW was assessed for the years 2022 to 2023. COVID-19 was considered severe when hospitalisation was required or when the sick leave was longer than six weeks.

Results

In December 2021 in most hospitals and nursing homes the vaccination rate in workers was 95% or higher. Albeit, there were some regional variations observed. Even though an increase in infected HW was observed starting in October 2021, the proportion of severe COVID-19 dropped to <0.05% in December from 2.7% in January 2021.

Conclusions

The vaccination campaign for HW in Germany was successful. Vaccination prevented severe COVID-19 in HW.
SS53-01 THE COVID WORK CULTURE — TALKING TO EACH OTHER THROUGH OUR CONFUSION AND CARING
Authors: Nicholas Robin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The COVID pandemic challenged us not only physically, but in all aspects of who we are and how we work. This placed an added emotional and psychological layer on workers and their work culture.

Materials and Methods

To understand our response to COVID, we can use the same methods we use to reflect on ourselves in life, including our life at work. Three perspectives are explored: (1) the whole person and how each worker responded physically, emotionally, and psychologically to the pandemic; (2) the uncertainties created by a constantly changing work environment; and (3) workers’ need for continual, open conversations to meet their concerns.

Results

The pandemic revealed how key values and emotions underly our good work, commitment, and motivation. The potential traps within our responses also became evident — the limits of digital-only communication, a work culture of ‘just-do-what-I-tell-you’, and people’s emotional multitasking and the distractions it created. This pandemic pulled people in many directions. It was not simply a matter of focusing on work. For many, that was not possible due to the fear and stress that accompanied these uncertain times — fear of COVID itself, job insecurity, economic uncertainties, and a potential inability to take care of one’s family. And through all of this, workers supported each other with compassion and caring.

Conclusions

During these scary times, each of us reacted as a whole person, physically, emotionally, and culturally. Regardless of which media we used to respond to the pandemic, this was the human background we all shared as we worked.
SS53-02 COVID-19 COMMUNICATION OUTREACH LESSONS - BRAZIL
Authors: Silva-Junior João Silvestre
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 introduced an unparalleled global crisis. Brazil was one of the most affected nations. Over 37.7 million individuals were infected (679 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), resulting in 705,170 deaths (mortality rate of 5.39/100,000 inhabitants). The Brazilian government's response to the crisis was marred by conflicting statements from diverse officials, causing bewilderment and eroding public trust.

Materials and Methods

Digital technologies emerged as a linchpin in Brazil's communication outreach endeavors during the pandemic through online platforms, social media channels, and mobile applications. This digital approach facilitated rapid information diffusion, enabling authorities to promptly reach a broad audience. However, this dissemination was not without drawbacks, as misinformation and fabricated news propagated with equal rapidity, necessitating proactive debunking fact-checking initiatives and the endorsement of trustworthy sources.

The absence of an intricately planned and proficient government strategy promoted socio-economic burden, mental health strains, and lasting consequences of COVID-19 in Brazilian society.

Conclusion

If an effective plan prioritizing transparent communication, early interventions, and targeted support for vulnerable populations had been implemented, it might have mitigated the pandemic's profound and multifaceted impacts.
SS55 WOMEN, HEALTH AND WORK IN POST-PANDEMIC TIMES: HONORING THE MEMORY OF DR JULIETTA RODRIGUEZ-GUZMAN
Authors: Bello Igor
Published: July 2024

The crisis caused by COVID-19 has had a huge impact on gender gaps at work. The loss of thousands of jobs, the stigmatization of health personnel, the global mental health crisis and teleworking are factors that have affected women asymmetrically. This session addresses these aspects and provides some relevant insights into their challenges and opportunities.

Brief learning outcomes: (i) Some measures taken by the countries to improve the health situation and social coverage of women teleworkers, (ii) How technological gaps have affected the health of working women: an experience in Africa, (iii) Which public policies were most effective in minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on working women, protecting employment and providing social coverage to families.
SS56 ‘VISION ZERO’ FOR PROMOTING CULTURE OF PREVENTION IN CONSTRUCTION: ROLE OF LEADERSHIP, STAKEHOLDERS AND TECHNOLOGY (MINI-SYMPOSIUM)
Authors: Ringen Knut
Published: July 2024

This session is going to focus on emerging OSH issues in construction industry from global perspectives. Solutions through promotion of culture of prevention, Vison Zero, role of leadership, stakeholder and deployment of latest technology.
SS56-01 ‘VISION ZERO’ IN CONSTRUCTION, LEADERSHIP ROLE, USAGE OF TECHNOLOGY AND STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT
Authors: Noetel Karl-Heinz
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Leaders have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment for their employees.

Materials and Methods

There are many strategies but the Vision Zero strategy has proven to be an overarching approach. The International Social Security Association’s (ISSA‘s) Vision Zero concept is flexible and can be adapted to the requirements for safety in any conceivable environment. This is why Vision Zero can be used so easily and is useful for every workplace, company and industry in all regions of the world.

Results

Accidents at work and occupational diseases are neither determined by fate nor unavoidable – they always have causes. By introducing the Vision Zero strategy at workplaces, these causes can be eliminated and work-related accidents, harm and occupational diseases can be prevented. Seven Golden Rules have been developed to establish this strategy successfully at workplaces. The construction industry, by its inherent nature, is susceptible to potentially dangerous conditions that affect the safety of all personnel working on construction projects. As a result, it is imperative in all planning, design, bidding, and implementation that safety is an essential component. Vision Zero is the most helpful tool to reach all this.

Conclusions

Improving safety and health in the enterprise does not necessarily mean to increase spending. More important is that management acts with awareness, leads consistently and builds a climate of trust and open communication at every level in the company. Implementing the Vision Zero prevention strategy requires the active contribution and participation of many different actors at company level.
SS58-03 SHIFT WORK AND CHRONIC DISEASE RISK: BIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS AND ADAPTATION
Authors: Harding Barbara , Kogevinas Manolis
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Shift work increases the risk of chronic diseases, however mechanisms explaining the increased risks, and whether an individual’s ability to adapt to their shift schedule may alter disease risk, are still largely undetermined. This presentation will provide a brief overview of recent mechanistic studies among rotating night shift workers; the role of adaptation to shift work will also be discussed.

Materials and Methods

Data from the HORMONIT study will be used. This study included 51 male, rotating shift workers from the automotive industry in Barcelona, Spain, sampled twice at the end of a 3-week night-shift (22:00-06:00 hrs) and 3-week day-shift (06:00-14:00 hrs) rotation. Participants collected urine voids over 24-hours, gave blood twice, wore several sensors, and responded to questionnaires during each shift. We examined the levels of several hormones (including aMT6s, the major metabolite of melatonin), cytokines and metabolomic markers. By comparing aMT6s production and sleep periods, we evaluated adaptation to shift work.

Results

We found evidence that melatonin and sex steroid hormones, cytokines, and metabolomic markers were perturbed during night shift work. These are related to hormone-dependent cancers (breast, prostate) and other chronic diseases. We identified several variables associated with the ability to adapt to a slow rotating shift schedule using a central circadian biomarker-based approach. However, peripheral rhythms did not necessarily show signs of synchronization.

Conclusions

These findings provide new evidence linking night shift work to chronic disease. While adaptation may be beneficial for reducing chronic disease risk, it likely depends on the type of shift schedule and speed of rotation.
SS58-04 NIGHT SHIFT WORK, SLEEP DISRUPTION AND RISK OF COVID-19 OUTCOMES
Authors: Papantoniou Kyriaki , Espinosa Ana , Castano-Vinyals Gemma , Karachaliou Marianna , Harding Barbara , Palomar Anna , Aguilar Ruth , Moncunill Gemma , Dobano Carlota , Straif Kurt , de Cid Rafael , Garcia-Aymerich Judith , Kogevinas Manolis , Straif Kurt , de Cid Rafael
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Emerging evidence links circadian and sleep disruption with infectious disease outcomes. We examined the association of exposure to night shift work and sleep disruption with COVID-19 infection outcomes in a prospective cohort study.

Methods

We included 3,319 adult participants from a population-based cohort study in Catalonia, Spain (COVICAT study). In 2021, current night shift work, night shift work frequency, night shift work duration, sleep duration (hours) and frequency of sleep problems were assessed. In 2023, probable COVID-19 infection was defined based on questionnaires (hospital admission, positive test, or >3 symptoms), seropositivity and through electronic health records. Long COVID was defined as persistent COVID-19 symptoms for >3 months. We calculated log-binomial Relative Risks (RR) adjusting for individual-level covariates such as age, sex, education, type of survey.

Results

In 2023, 1825 new COVID-19 infections and 397 new long-COVID cases. Night shift work was associated with a higher risk for long COVID (RR 1.62 (95%CI 1.17-2.25). Associations were more pronounced among participants with more intense shift work schedules (>3 nights/month: RR 1.80; 1.29-2.52) and longer exposure to night shift work (>3 months: 1.67; 1.14-2.43). Sleep problems (>3 months) were associated with a higher risk for long-COVID. We observed a U-shape association between sleep duration and long-COVID. No significant associations were found between night work and risk of COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that night shift work and sleep deprivation may be risk factors for long-COVID. These findings have implications for the prevention of COVID-19 outcomes and other respiratory viral infections in shift workers.
SS59-02 IDENTIFYING DISPARITIES IN WORK-RELATED FATAL INJURY FOR AOTEAROA-NEW ZEALAND’S INDIGENOUS MĀORI WORKERS: 2005-2014
Authors: Lilley Rebbecca , Akuhata Tai , Davie Gabrielle
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Disparities in work-related fatal injury (WRFI) have been documented for Indigenous and First Nations workers internationally. In depth analyses to understand these disparities, however, are not common owing to difficulties in obtaining data on ethnicity. Aotearoa-New Zealand’s WRFI record is poor compared to similar countries, with Indigenous Māori at higher risk of WRFI than non-Māori workers despite being partners to health equity commitments under Te Tiriti-Treaty of Waitangi. This presentation examines differences in characteristics of WRFI to inform where prevention efforts are required to reduce inequities.

Materials and Methods

A WRFI dataset was created by collecting Coronial case files for the period 1995-2014. Ethnicity was dicotomised into Māori and non-Māori using prioritised ethnicity data from the Ministry of Health. WRFI frequencies and rates per 100,000 workers were calculated by age, sex, employment status, occupation and industry and were stratified by ethnicity. Standardisation of rates was used to examine possible reasons for any differences.

Results

Māori workers have a crude rate of WRFI 1.9 times higher than non-Māori workers (IRR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6, 2.3). Disparities in fatalities were apparent by age, sex, occupation and industry. Standardisation by occupation reveal that much of the difference is able to be explained in part by differences in the distribution of Māori workers into high risk occupational groups.

Conclusions

Aotearoa-New Zealand’s Indigenous Māori workers continue to experience higher rates of WRFI despite historical health equity commitments under Te Tiriti-Treaty of Waitangi. Future efforts to address work-related fatal injury need to address the inequities in outcomes for Māori workers.
SS60 THE FUTURE OF WORK: EMERGING RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Authors: Sharma Sandeep
Published: July 2024

While this fast-moving era has ushered a world of conveniences and technological marvels, people are also becoming increasingly susceptible to various lifestyle diseases which may snowball into complications that impact productivity, wellness, resilience work-life balance, and their performance.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the abrupt transition to ‘new normal’ has further compounded these challenges, which have emerged as one of the most pressing issues of modern times affecting the physical and mental health of the workforce.

This Special Session will address these concerns and deliberate on timely and appropriate interventions to prevent and mitigate them.

Brief learning outcomes: The session will help occupational health physicians to develop means and skills to support and enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of the workforce. It will also provide them with support and guidance in dealing with issues and complications that could adversely affect wellbeing and impact on-job performance during these extraordinary times.
SS60-01 THE FUTURE OF WORK: EMERGING RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING – OVERVIEW
Authors: Sharma Sandeep , Kumar Simant
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The landscape of work has experienced remarkable shifts in recent years, catalysed by technological advancements, societal changes, and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has brought forth new areas of focus at work, particularly concerning the physical, mental, and emotional health of the workforce. This paper explores the future of work in the light of changing health dynamics within the workplace.

Materials and Methods

The WHO Healthy Workplace model acts as a significant framework for shaping the future of work. It provides a holistic approach to fostering wellbeing and health in the workplace. The model is the bedrock of several initiatives undertaken at IndianOil to provide support and guidance to employees in dealing with physical, mental, and psychosocial issues. IndianOil initiatives such as ‘4R 4U’, ‘Paramarsh’, ‘Swadhyaya’, ‘Mission Vaccination’, ‘Pratidhwani’, ‘Tele-consultation’, ‘TB Free IndianOil Family’, ‘Dhadkan’, ‘i-DRIVE’ are aimed to foster a healthy work-life balance and to take care of physical, mental and psychosocial health.

Results

The GCHW recognized IndianOil health initiatives by adjudging IndianOil as the winner of ‘Global Healthy Workplace Award 2021’ in the large employer category. IndianOil efforts to create an enabling work environment have resulted in a workforce that is more productive, efficient, resilient, and skilled to handle difficult situations.

Conclusions

The future of work will witness a paradigm shift towards holistic health, recognizing that a healthy workplace is fundamental for organizational resilience and success. Embracing holistic health is not only beneficial for employees' wellbeing but also contributes significantly to increased productivity, creativity, and business sustainability.
SS60-04 FLEXIBLE WORKING - A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF THE WORKFORCE
Authors: Mishra Shriniket
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically reshaped our workplaces, with working from home and flexible work practices becoming more prevalent for office-based workers. Organizations worldwide are changing their policies and practices to include flexible work which allows employers and employees to negotiate working conditions that suit both, to support workers to maintain a healthy work-life integration, improving productivity and efficiency for businesses.

Materials and Methods

Best practice approaches to flexible work arrangements should be or have: 1 - Customisable – e.g. work from home, other offices, on different work schedules and at different times of the day. 2 - Hybrid – conscious and considered decisions are made to enable employees to work collectively and also individually at locations remote from each other. Healthy remote work arrangements ideally involve a hybrid model with a balance of work from home or another remote location, and a traditional workplace / office. 3 - Safe – flexible workers are both physically and psychologically safe at work. 4 - Diversity and Inclusion – flexible workers have different circumstances and unique needs meaning one size does not fit all. Flexible workers will include individuals from groups who may be more at risk of harm (e.g. workers with disability, workers from different cultures, gender, and workers exposed to violence at home, etc.)

Results and

Conclusions

Flexible working arrangements are the needs of future and emerging workforces, and it is beneficial for both employee and employers. It will improve productivity, reduce loss of time due to travel to workplaces, provide more work-life integration to employees, enhance wellbeing, reduce costs of employers related to office space, increase productivity etc.
SS61-01 WORK-RELATED RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND ASTHMA AMONG SALMON PROCESSING WORKERS IN A NORWEGIAN COUNTY
Authors: Fagernæs Carl Fredrik , Lauritzen Hilde Brun , Tjalvin Gro , Bang Berit E , Hassel Erlend , Svedahl Sindre Rabben
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Salmon processing workers have an increased risk of occupational asthma. Knowledge of disease burden, mechanisms and different phenotypes is sparse.

Materials and Methods

Patients with work-related respiratory symptoms working in the salmon processing industry were referred to the occupational medicine clinic during 2019 and 2023. The patients were examined using predefined tests including a bronchodilator response test, specific IgE to salmon and prick to prick skin prick test to raw salmon muscle, skin and viscera, and by indication non-specific bronchoprovocation test (NBT) and serial peak expiratory flow measurements (sPEF). Data on work tasks, symptoms and test results were retrospectively extracted from the patient journals. All cases were reviewed by two expert clinicians.

Results

Thirty-one patients were enrolled, among whom 25 had work-related lower respiratory symptoms. Seven patients (28%) had occupational asthma (OA) confirmed with sPEF, one had work-exacerbated asthma and two were diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The median latency from first exposure to asthma symptoms onset was six years. Among the seven OA cases, four were engaged in filleting operations, two in slaughtering and one in cleaning activities. Four of the patients were sensitized to salmon, while two had a negative NBT. Four of the patients had occupational rhinitis related symptoms, while one developed urticaria following contact with salmon and another reported flu-like symptoms.

Conclusions

Work-related asthma associated with salmon processing displays a heterogeneous clinical picture. sPEF of symptomatic patients appear to be crucial in making the diagnosis when NBT and allergy tests are negative. Both allergic and irritative mechanisms may be responsible.
SS61-02 WORK-RELATED ASTHMA OUTCOMES AND LUNG FUNCTION IN TANZANIAN SEAWEED HARVESTING AND PROCESSING WORKERS
Authors: Ngajilo Dorothy , Adams Shahieda , Jeebhay Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Work in seafood harvesting and processing has been associated with work-related allergy and asthma, caused by sensitizers or irritants. However, the prevalence of airways disease in workers handling seaweed has not been previously reported.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 602 Zanzibari seaweed workers was conducted, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire accompanied by spirometry using a portable EasyOne spirometer according to ATS Guidelines.

Results

The mean age of this predominantly female (91%) study population was 50 years. Most of these workers (92%) used firewood for cooking, mainly indoors. Almost all workers were non-smokers and 9% had a family history of allergy. Workers were engaged in seaweed farming of Eucheuma spinosum species for an average period of 20 years. Ocular-nasal symptoms (44%) were more common than asthma-related symptoms, with 17% having an asthma symptom score ≥ 2. Work-related chest symptoms were present in 8% of workers, commonly ascribed to physical exertion as well as exposure to seaweed and dust particulate. Pulmonary function analysis (n=416) showed evidence of a high degree of airflow obstruction based on 18% of workers having an FEV1/FVC ratio <0.70 and 31% with an FEV1 less than the lower limit of normal (LLN).

Conclusions

Airways disease and work-related asthma outcomes is common in Zanzibari seaweed farmers. While workers identified heavy manual work and handling seaweed as being responsible for their work-related symptoms, further research needs to focus on identifying the causative agents associated with these adverse respiratory health outcomes.
SS64-03 MICRO-RNA AND AUDIOLOGICAL VARIABLES IN THE EXPOSURE TO NOISE AND SOLVENTS
Authors: Sisto Renata , Moleti Arturo , Capone Pasquale , Tranfo Giovanna , Chiarella Pieranna
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Workers exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in combination to noise are more likely at risk of developing hearing loss.

Materials and Methods

Seventeen painters working in a shipyard were enrolled in this study. The exposure to the different VOCs was evaluated by measuring the VOC metabolite concentrations in the end-shift urine matrix. Next-generation sequencing analysis of the microRNAs was performed on blood samples. The polymorphism of two genes involved in the DNA repair, hOGG1 and XRCC1, was studied to individuate possible susceptibility indexes. The hearing functionality was assessed in terms of hearing threshold level (HL), and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). The associations between the miRNAs and the HL or the DPOAE amplitude were studied. The multivariate sPLS-DA analysis was used as discrimination analysis between subjects with different hearing functionality.

Results

The audiological variables, both the HL and the DPOAEs, were found significantly associated to the microRNA expression levels. The HL increase was mainly associated to the downregulation of miR-122-5p and miR-195-5p whilst the DPOAE level reduction was associated to the upregulation of miR-206 and to the downregulation of miR-497-5p and miR-92b-5p. The homozygous and heterozygous variants of the gene hOGG1 were found disadvantaged with respect to the wild-type, as regards the risk of hearing impairment due to exposure to VOCs.

Conclusions

The study shows how molecular biology could help in finding the molecular basis of the damage development in workers exposed to noise and VOCs. The study of susceptibility indexes could help in a personalised approach to the prevention of professional diseases.