bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O5B.2 Dermal exposure to solvents: a need for quantitative analysis
Authors: Duca Radu-Corneliu , Moldovan Horatiu , Creta Matteo , Poels Katrien , Voidazan Septimiu , Godderis Lode , Vanoirbeek Jeroen
Published: May 2020

For many years, airborne exposure was considered as the main work-related exposure and efforts have been made both on air monitoring and reduction of respiratory exposure. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that preventive strategies with an exclusive focus on airborne exposures may falsely indicate a ‘safe’ environment. In 2014, WHO highlighted the importance of dermal exposure and its potential impact on human health. Moreover, it stipulated that the current technical and knowledge gaps related to the assessment of skin exposure have major lacunae.

In this context, there is an increased demand for standardized methods and tools for measuring and assessing skin exposure to hazardous agents.

We have developed an analytical method to simultaneously identify and quantify 195 volatile organic compounds (VOC) in dermal patches with activated charcoal cloth (ACC). Furthermore, we have done several field studies in different industrial settings, by the simultaneous assessment of dermal exposure using the ACC patches (on the hand, arm and neck), together with assessment of the respiratory exposure and determining the actual internal dose via urinary biomonitoring. Toluene, acetone and styrene exposure was found in a thermoplastic panel factory, styrene exposure in a composites body parts manufacturer, limonene and 1-methoxy-2-propanol exposure in a company that produces and prints plastic cartridges, and acetone and toluene in a pharmaceutical company. The results obtained from the quantitative ACC patches have been compared to the data obtained using Riskofderm for skin exposure, and the penetration through the skin was further estimated using IH-Skinperm and correlated with biomonitoring results.

Based on the analytical development and the results of the different field studies, we can conclude that ACC patches represent a suitable technique to evaluate the deposition of VOCs on the skin. We further believe that assessing dermal exposure to solvents using ACC patches can substantially improve occupational health programs.
O5B.4 Workers’ compensation claims for occupational contact dermatitis: 20 years of data from victoria, australia
Authors: Keegel Tessa , Black Ollie , MacFarlane Ewan , Stuckey Rwth , LaMontagne Anthony , Nixon Rosemary , Sim Malcolm
Published: May 2020

Background

Occupational contact dermatitis is one of the most common occupational diseases, but there is a lack of reliable information on incidence. Despite acknowledged limitations, workers’ compensation statistics may provide insights into contact dermatitis patterns.

Objective

The objective of the study was to characterise historical patterns of workers’ compensation claims for occupational contact dermatitis.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of workers’ compensation claims for occupational contact dermatitis from 1996–2015 (n=3,348) accepted by WorkSafe Victoria in Victoria, Australia. Accepted claims per 1 00 000 person-years stratified by sex, age and industry were calculated. Denominators for the population at risk were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics using Victorian Labour Force Survey data.

Results

The compensation claims rate of occupational contact dermatitis was 6.72 per 1 00 000 person-years for the overall twenty-year period. There was a significant reduction in claims from 11.84 in 1996 to 1.78 in 2015. Males had a higher overall claims rate of 7.97 compared to the rate for females of 5.18. Over the twenty-year period the rate for males decreased from 14.46 to 1.7 compared to a reduction from 8.4 to 1.8 for females. This decrease was still observed when the data were standardised for underlying changes in the age structure of the population. There was an overall decline across all high-risk occupational groups

Conclusions

There was a fivefold decrease in accepted claims for occupational contact dermatitis for the twenty-year period from January 1996 to December 2015 for the state of Victoria in Australia. These results need to be regarded with caution as the declining rate of accepted occupational contact dermatitis claims may indicate changes in workplace dermal exposures or improvements in workplace skin protection practices over time, or they may be driven by underlying changes to the workers’ compensation system or changes to claims behaviour amongst workers.
O1B.1 Modeling infertility in a cohort of canadian tradeswomen
Authors: Cherry Nicola , Galarneau Jean-Michel
Published: May 2020

Introduction

With few female occupational cohorts, little is known about the contribution of work exposures to female infertility.

Methods

A cohort of 888 tradeswomen across Canada was established (450 welders and 438 in the electrical trades) to examine effects on the fetus, with investigation of infertility a secondary objective. Women completed an extensive questionnaire at recruitment and follow-up questionnaires every six-months for up to 5 years. At each contact she was asked about attempts to get pregnant and barriers to conception. Fertility issues were identified both by self-report of failure to conceive for ≥12 months and as the likelihood of conceiving in any month at risk. Determinants of infertility were examined in a Cox regression with time dependent covariates. Employment factors examined in each month were paid work, trade work and cumulative months in trade. Maternal age, prior conceptions, smoking, use of alcohol and BMI were examined as confounders.

Results

96 periods of infertility ≥12 months were reported among 38 women from welding and 52 from electrical trades giving the risk of infertility for welders relative to electricians of 0.71 (95%CI 0.48–1.06). Total person months at risk (excluding months with no sex, pregnancy, surgical sterility or menopause) were 12 696 for welders and 13 313 for electricians. Likelihood of conceiving in any month at risk was significantly reduced with use of better contraception, drinking >7 units of alcohol, increasing age, number of previous pregnancies and, for welders, smoking >10 cigarettes/day. No effect of either current or cumulative work in trade was evident having adjusted for confounding. HR for working as a welder was −0.07 95% CI −0.49–0.35.

Conclusions

Female infertility presents challenges as an outcome in occupational epidemiology, but data can be structured to allow for time at risk. Analysis to date has demonstrated no important effect of exposure to welding.
O5C.1 The NZ vietnam veteran family study: a multi-generational perspective on health and wellbeing
Authors: McBride David , Richardson Amy , Cox Brian
Published: May 2020

Background

The serious impact of Vietnam service on New Zealand veterans arose from high levels of combat experience and exposure to chemical agents including Agent Orange. In 2009, we assembled a cohort of 2783 men and 23 women Vietnam veterans. They had significantly increased risks of head and neck cancer and chronic lymphatic leukaemia, with high rates of hospitalisation for renal failure and drug and alcohol problems. Overseas data indicates that families have been affected by relationship difficulties, with subsequent risks of adverse psychological outcomes in children. There have been few longitudinal studies which include a comprehensive exposure assessment (the exposome) and include both veteran and family, which is what we propose.

Study population

Using the cohort data, the electoral roll and an information campaign, we will recruit veterans, their spouses and their children for follow up. For all groups, we will obtain data to inform the general exposome through a base-line health survey using some of the brief measures deployed in our ‘contemporary veterans’ study, including the Post Traumatic Checklist (Civilian or military) for PTSD, and the Brief Family Relationship Scale exposure history.

The specific exposome, including chemicals and ‘other’ specific exposures, will be recorded by on-line questionnaire and subsequent interview.

Effects will be assessed through linkage to the Birth Defects Register, Mortality Collection, routine datasets for hospital discharge, and the Cancer Registry, using comparisons with national rates where appropriate. Most importantly, permission will be sought to flag individuals at the Cancer Registry, with access to blood or tissue samples facilitating the identification of genomic ‘effect biomarkers’. We hope that the method will be extended to other cohorts and for future deployments.
O5C.6 The health and wellbeing of new zealand veterans
Authors: McBride David , Gardner Dianne , Richardson Amy , Wyeth Emma , Samaranayaka Ari , Gurung Gagan , Derrett Sarah
Published: May 2020

The psychological and physical health and wellbeing of New Zealand contemporary veterans

Background

For New Zealand veterans, operational service and transition to civilian life are critical life events. Most veterans do well, but a significant minority fare poorly. Adverse outcomes are associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, and also the development of minor but multiple health complaints, ‘multiple symptom illness’ (MSI).

Aim

This project investigates factors associated with both wellbeing and ill health in NZ veterans, with the aim of developing a parsimonious instrument to detect ‘at risk’ veterans prior to, or at, transition.

Methods

An on-line cross-sectional survey.

Wellbeing is measured by the EQ-5D, a health-related quality of life instrument assessing mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. The adverse outcome is PTSD, identified using the PCL-M, an instrument reflecting DSM-IV PTSD symptoms.

Risk factors include MSI conforming to the Centers for Disease Control definition as ‘the presence, for at least six months, of one or more chronic symptoms from at least two of three categories, namely fatigue, mood-cognition and musculoskeletal symptoms’. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) screens for emotional distress and possible psychiatric morbidity. The Brief Trauma Questionnaire (BTQ), a 10-item self-report questionnaire derived from the Brief Trauma Interview, assesses the role of stressors contributing to PTSD.

Protective factors include the 24-item Social Provisions Scale (SPS) assessing social relationships and various dimensions of social support.

Analysis

Logistic regression will identify the model of best fit for PTSD (PCL-M) and wellbeing (EQ-5D) respectively.

For MSI, a factor analysis will describe the pattern of symptom reporting. If this matches international experience, 3 factors will explain the majority of the variance in the data.

Results

As at the 14th Nov 2018 we have 1592 completed questionnaires. Analysis will commence in mid-November 2018.
O6A.2 Breast cancer risk in 40.000 danish women by industry
Authors: Pedersen Julie Elbæk , Hansen Johnni
Published: May 2020

Background

Occupational exposures have been hypothesized as contributors to breast cancer. Nevertheless, studies exploring the risk of breast cancer by occupation or industry generally show somewhat inconsistent results. In addition to small study size and lack of lifetime work history, potential confounders, such as reproductive history, have often not been taking into account and mortality has often been used as outcome. We conducted a nationwide register based nested case-control study in order to explore associations between occupation and incidence of breast cancer, including reproductive history.

Methods

A total of 38,347 employed women born in Denmark during the period 1946 to 1995, and diagnosed with breast cancer 1970–2015 were identified in the nationwide Danish Cancer Registry. Five control subjects, work active and born in Denmark, and free of breast cancer at the date of diagnosis of the corresponding case, were chosen randomly from the Danish Civil Register. Using the unique personal identification number assigned to all residents in Denmark, we obtain lifetime employment history from the nationwide Pension Fund Register, which on an individual level has kept detailed information on all employments in Denmark since 1964. Lastly, information on reproductive factors, and socioeconomic status was retrieved from the Danish Civil Register. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by conditional logistic regression analysis.

Preliminary results: Risk elevations were e.g. seen in the military (2.1; 1.49–2.90), printing (1.6; 1.22–2.06), airline transportation (2.4; 1.33–4.47), automobile service (1.3; 95% CI 1.12–1.49), laundries (2.4; 1.48–3.79), hairdressing (1.9; 1.11–3.23) and paint factories (1.6; 95% CI 1.22–2.06). Risk reductions were seen in farming (0.4; 0.21–0.59), window cleaning (0.6; 0.44–0.84) and building and carpentry (0.8; 0.70–0.98).

Conclusions

The study suggests that breast cancer risk varies significantly by industry and that occupational exposures, including night-shift work, solvents and outdoor work, may play a possible role.
O6A.3 Implications of the workplace gender composition for depression-related service utilization: a retrospective cohort study of U.S. aluminum workers
Authors: Elser Holly , Rehkopf David , Bradshaw Patrick , Brick Carmen , Schneider Daniel , Eisen Ellen , Cullen Mark
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Past research finds that both male and female workers in male-dominated workplaces experience decreased job satisfaction and increased work-related stress. Female workers in particular are more likely to experience gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and social isolation. Nevertheless, systematic evidence regarding the association between workplace gender composition and worker mental healthcare utilization remains limited.

Methods

Using data from the American Manufacturing Cohort Study (AMC), we examined the association between workplace gender composition and risk of depression-related outpatient visits among hourly workers employed at one of 32 U.S. aluminum plants between 2003 - 2013.Using generalized additive models (GAM) with a logit link, we modeled risk of depression-related outpatient visits as a function of annual workplace gender composition (i.e. percent women) and covariates (baseline age, race, sex, plant, and calendar year). We captured potential nonlinear relationships using cubic smoothing splines. We used g-computation to summarize the counterfactual risk of depression-related outpatient visits under three hypothetical interventions wherein women comprised at least 10, 20, or 30 percent of the workforce at all plants for all years of follow-up. We compared these counterfactual risks to the risk under no intervention (the observed data).

Results

Across all 32 U.S. plants, the final study sample included 5,279 female and 24,124 male hourly workers. We observed significant reductions in the number of depression-related outpatient visits when women comprised at least 20% (RD=-6.2, 95% CI -8.75, -3.65) and 30% (-14.6; 95% CI -19.0, -10.2) of the workforce. Findings were consistent within subgroups of male and female workers.

Conclusion

The gender composition of industries, occupations, and workplaces is an important expression of social structure. We find that modest increases in the percent women employed in otherwise male-dominated work environments can lead to measurable reductions in the frequency of depression-related outpatient visits among male and female hourly workers.
O6A.5 Mortality and risk behaviours in spanish female farmers
Authors: Zhao Guanlan , Ronda Elena , Barrio Gregorio , Regidor Enrique
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Numerous epidemiological studies have been conducted among farmers, but very few of them have included female farmers. Therefore, the health status of female farmers remains understudied. Our aim is to compare the mortality rates and the prevalence of risk behaviours in a cohort of female farmers and female non-farmers in Spain.

Methods

The cohort study followed 5,919,413 female workers in Spain from 2001 to 2011. Participants aged 20–64 years were employed in 2001. The study subjects were grouped as farmers and non-farmers The prevalence of risk behaviours was calculated from the 2001 National Health Survey for 5573 employed women. For each cause of death, we estimated the age-standardized mortality rates per 1 00 000 person-years of follow-up, the ratio of age-standardized mortality rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and for each risk behaviours age-standardized prevalence ratio in female farmers compared female non-farmers.

Results

The mortality rate ratio of female farmers compared to the female non-farmers was 1.00 (95% CI 0.96–1.05). For most these cause of deaths no significant differences were observed in the mortality rates between both groups, except in mortality from lung cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, transport accidents and suicide, which mortality rate ratios were 0.56 (0.46–0.67), 0.44 (0.23–0.87), 1.47 (1.16–1.86) and 1.41 (1.10–1.81), respectively. The prevalence of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption was lower in female farmers.

Discussion

We found a decreased in the mortality ratio for tobacco-related cancers. Exposure to psychosocial risk factors could be the reason of higher mortality of external causes of death of Spanish female farmers.
O6B.5 Variation in nordic work-related cancer risks after adjustment for alcohol and tobacco
Authors: Kjaerheim Kristina , Haldorsen Tor , Lynge Elsebeth , Martinsen Jan Ivar , Pukkala Eero , Weiderpass Elisabete , Kr Grimsrud Tom
Published: May 2020

Background

Consumption of alcohol and tobacco strongly increases risk of cancer of the tongue, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and oesophagus, and are established risk factors also for cancer of the liver, colon, and rectum. It is well documented that these habits are unequally distributed among occupational groups. Most occupational cohort studies do not have information on these potentially important confounders, and may therefore be prone to bias.

Aim

The aim of the study was to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) adjusted for alcohol and tobacco by occupation, and to compare to the unadjusted SIRs.

Material and methods

The study is based on the Nordic Occupational Cancer (NOCCA) database.

We used confirmatory factor analysis models where the unobserved pattern of alcohol and tobacco consumption were considered a latent common factor, and the potential occupational variation on each cancer type latent site specific factors. Results were used to compute adjusted expected numbers of cancer from the reference rates and to calculate adjusted SIRs for the relevant cancer sites for each occupation.

Results

Changes of risk estimates from significantly high to significantly low and vice versa were seen. Among Nordic farmers, unadjusted SIRs for cancer of the mouth and oesophagus were 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51–0.61) and 0.67 (CI 0.63–0.70), respectively. After adjustment, estimates changed to 1.10 (CI 1.01–1.21) and 1.16 (CI 1.10–1.22). Unadjusted SIR for pharynx cancer among wood workers was 0.83 (CI 0.75–0.91), adjusted SIR was 1.14 (CI 1.03–1.25). For larynx cancer, results in the opposite direction were seen: unadjusted SIR for economically inactive was 1.38 (CI 1.31–1.46) while the adjusted SIR was 0.91 (CI 0.86–0.96).

Conclusion

Adjustment for the latent indicators of alcohol and tobacco consumption changed risk estimates for several occupations, and may guide in the identification of true risk factors and preventive strategies.
O6C.4 The relationship between the demand-control model and incident cardiovascular disease in ontario canada. A linked analysis of 12,358 workers
Authors: Smith Peter
Published: May 2020

Dimensions of the demand-control psychosocial work environment model have previously been linked increased incidence of both diabetes and hypertension in Canada. However, few investigations in Canada have examined the relationship between the demand-control model and cardiovascular disease.

We linked Ontario respondents to the 2000, 2002 and 2003 cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey, to administrative health care and hospitalisation databases to identify incident cases of cardiovascular disease over a 15 years follow-up period. Our sample included employed labour market respondents, aged 35 and older, working 15 or more hours per week, with information on the psychosocial work environment, and who were free of heart disease at baseline (n=12,358). The demand-control model was defined based on median splits (active, passive, low strain and high strain), although models using the mid-population approach and the ratio of control to demands were also examined.

Over the study period 507 incident cardiovascular events occurred. The incidence was higher among men (5.5%) compared to women (2.6%). No statistically significant differences were observed across the four different demand-control categories in the full sample. In stratified analysis, passive work environments (low control and low demands) and low-strain environments (high control and low demands) were associated with increased risk of heart disease (HR=1.94, 95% CI 0.99–3.81; HR=2.06, 95% CI 1.01–4.17), compared to active work (high demands and high control) among women. No similar relationship was observed among men.

Among a representative sample of Ontario workers, high strain work environments were not associated with increased risk of heart disease. Passive and low strain environments (both characterised by low psychological demands) were associated with increased risk of heart disease among women, but not men. Implications of these findings for assessment of the psychosocial work environment in Canada will be discussed.
O6D.5 Electronic waste recycling exposure and hormone levels in workers
Authors: Gravel Sabrina , Bakhiyi Bouchra , Lavoué Jérôme , Verner Marc-André , Zayed Joseph , Labrèche France
Published: May 2020

Background and objective

Electronic waste recycling (e-recycling) exposes workers to several contaminants, including flame retardants that are suspected endocrine disruptors. We aimed to explore the association between polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hormone levels in the serum of Canadian e-recycling workers.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected from 85 e-recycling workers (six facilities) and from 15 workers in other types of recycling (two facilities), at the end of a work shift. Socio-demographic information was obtained by questionnaire and body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight. Serum concentrations of 13 PBDE congeners were measured as well as thyroid hormones (free and total thyroxine [T4], triiodothyronine [T3], thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH]) and testosterone (free and total). Linear regressions were stratified on sex and adjusted for age, BMI, seniority, smoking status, and type of recycling. Ten participants were excluded because of thyroid or testicular problems.

Results

Participants were 23 women and 77 men (mean 40 years old, SD=12 years). Average hormone levels were within the laboratory normal range. In e-recycling, geometric mean concentrations of the most detected congeners were 11, 11 and 20 ng/g lipids for BDE47, BDE153 and BDE209, respectively. Only BDE209 concentrations were higher in e-recycling than in the control group. A two-fold increase in serum BDE209 was associated with a significant increase of 2.48 nmol/L in total T4 in men (p=0.011), and with a close to significant increase in the free/total testosterone ratio of 6% in men (p=0.053). BDE47 and BDE153 were not associated with hormone levels.

Conclusions

The clinical significance of high exposure to BDE209 in working adults is yet to be established, but endocrine effects were observed in this population. E-recycling workers are highly exposed to PBDEs among other substances, which may make them more vulnerable to hormonal disruption.
O6E.3 Can the multistage model be applied to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
Authors: Pearce Neil
Published: May 2020

Background

There are several intriguing features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Some people with genetic susceptibility never develop ALS; ALS develops in late life and progresses rapidly; the same mutation can predispose to ALS or other diseases; ALS starts in one region and spreads; degeneration is specific to a subgroup of neurons; and ALS shows complex inheritance. Cancer shares many of these characteristics, and these have been incorporated into the Armitage-Doll multistage model. We therefore used this model to investigate the hypothesis that ALS is a multistage process.

Methods

Incidence data by age and sex were generated from five ALS population registers, in Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Scotland and England; age and sex adjusted incidences were calculated for each register.

Findings

6274 cases were identified from 73 million people. There was a linear relationship between log incidence and log age in all five registers: Ireland R2=0·99, Netherlands R2=0·99, Italy R2=0·95, Scotland R2=0·97, England R2=0·95, overall R2=0·99. All five registers gave very similar estimates of the linear slope ranging from 4·5 to 5·1, with overlapping confidence intervals. Combining all five registers gave an overall slope of 4·8 (95% CI 4·5, 5·0) with similar estimates for males and females. In persons with known genetic mutations which predispose to ALS, the risk of ALS was higher, but the log-incidence/log-age slope was lower, as predicted by the multistage modelo.

Interpretation

A linear relationship between the log incidence and log age of onset of ALS is consistent with a multistage model of disease. The slope estimate is about 5, suggesting that ALS is a 6-step process; the slope is 3–4 in persons with known genetic causes. These findings have implications for the search for causes of ALS, including occupational causes and gene-environment interactions.
O7C.3 Effectiveness of a multi-faceted intervention to prevent musculoskeletal pain in nurses and aides: results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Font Mercè Soler , Maria Ramada Rodilla José , Zon Sander van , Ortega Josué Almansa , Bültmann Ute , Pujadas Consol Serra
Published: May 2020

Background

Health workers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal pain (MSP). This study aimed to evaluate a multi-faceted intervention in two public tertiary hospitals, encompassing three levels of prevention and health promotion to prevent and manage MSP.

Methods

A two-armed cluster randomized controlled trial, with a late intervention control group was performed. Clusters were independent hospital units, and participants were the nursing staff. The intervention comprised three components: participatory ergonomics, case management, and health promotion. The control group received usual occupational health care. The intervention lasted one year and data were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Primary outcomes were self-perceived MSP and its associated sickness absence. The process evaluation included recruitment, context, reach, dose administered and received, fidelity, satisfaction, implementation strategy, and discussion groups of experts and participants.

Results

Eight clusters, including 445 participants, were randomized. In the intervention group a 20% statistically significant reduction of neck, shoulders and upper back pain compared to the control group (OR=0.37; 95% CI=0.14–0.96) was observed at 12 months follow-up. We found no significant differences in incidence and duration of sickness absence. Organizational culture (secondary outcome) improved significantly in the intervention group in the domains of ‘formal safety audits’, ‘availability of information for safety at work’, and ‘involvement of workers in decisions that affect their safety and health’ compared to the control group. The intervention was implemented with 96.6% fidelity, and participants’ adherence was 75.5%. Participant’s satisfaction was 9.1/10.

Conclusions

This intervention showed effectiveness to reduce MSP and improve organizational culture, through to an integral management of MSP. Although our results are modest, strategies should focus on multi-faceted interventions, and occupational health services might be excellent opportunity for.
O7C.5 Assessing the impact of intervention on future lung cancer burden among construction workers
Authors: Song Chaojie , Jardine Kate , Arrandale Victoria , Jung Young , Mofidi Amir , Tompa Emile , Tenkate Thomas , Davies Hugh , Demers Paul A
Published: May 2020

Background and objectives

Construction workers are exposed to several carcinogens at work. Implementing intervention methods may reduce workers’ exposure, which should subsequently reduce the number of cancer cases attributable to the exposure. The current study estimates the future lung cancer burden due to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure among Ontario construction workers, and assesses the impact of implementing interventions on this burden.

Methods

The annual number of new cancer cases attributable to RCS was estimated from 2030 to 2060 using Levin’s equation based on the prevalence of exposure (PrE) and the risk of cancer (RR) associated with RCS exposure. The RR was selected from a review of the epidemiologic literature. The PrE was estimated using CAREX Canada’s estimates of prevalence and level of exposure, combined with historical and projected employment data, labour force characteristics, and survival probabilities. The intervention methods (personal protective equipment, wet cutting) were assumed to be fully implemented from 2020, and incorporated into the model by adjusting prevalence and level of exposure downwards.

Results

We estimated that without intervention, 107 lung cancers would be attributable to RCS exposure in Ontario construction workers in 2030.This number increased to 181 in 2060. If intervention methods were applied, the reduction in the attributable cases became evident from 2040 onward, with a maximum reduction of 51 cancers in 2060. Overall, 481 cancers would be prevented between 2030 and 2060, which is 11% of the total cases if the interventions were not implemented.

Conclusions

Future work-related cancers can be prevented by reducing workers’ exposure. Combining the economic assessment of both the cancer burden and the costs of implementing exposure controls will help to assess the cost-benefit of different intervention methods, which can be used to direct intervention strategies in construction workplace.
O7D.2 Health-related educational differences in duration of working life and loss of paid employment: working life expectancy in the netherlands
Authors: Burdorf Alex , Robroek Suzan
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This study aims to provide insight into health-related educational differences in duration of working life by working life expectancy (WLE) and working years lost (WYL) through disability benefits and other non-employment states in the Netherlands.

Methods

Monthly information on employment status of the Dutch population (n=4,999,947) between 16 and 66 year from 2001 to 2015 was used to estimate working life courses. Across educational groups monthly transitions between paid employment and non-employment states were calculated with a Markov model with transitional probabilities. Using this multistate model (R-package mstate) the WLE and WYL due to disability benefits and other non-employment states were estimated, stratified by educational groups.

Results

Despite starting in paid employment much earlier, low educated men and low educated women had a 4.17 (men) and 9.50 (women) years lower WLE at age 16 than high educated men and women. Among low educated men 3.59 WYL were due to disability benefit compared to 0.78 WYL among high educated men, resulting in a WYL gap 2.81 years. Low educated women had 3.47 WYL due to disability benefit compared to 1.38 WYL among high educated women introducing a WYL gap of 2.09. Educational inequalities in premature death added to this WYL gap another 0.7 years among men and 0.3 years among women.

Conclusions

The working life course showed large educational differences. A considerable amount of the lost working time is health-related due to disability benefits and premature death. In comparison to high educated workers, those with a low educational level lose a substantial part of their working life due to disability benefit, unemployment, and no income. The metrics of WLE and WYL provide useful insights into the life-course perspective of working careers.
O7D.3 Working conditions and health behaviour as causes of educational inequalities in self-rated health: an inverse odds weighting approach
Authors: Schram Jolinda , Groeniger Joost Oude , Schuring Merel , Proper Karin , Oostrom Sandra van , Robroek Suzan , Burdorf Alex
Published: May 2020

Background

This study aims to estimate to what extent working conditions and health behaviours mediate the increased risk of low educated workers to report a poor health.

Methods

Respondents of the longitudinal Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) in 18 European countries were selected aged between 50 years and 64 years, in paid employment at baseline and with information on education and self-rated health (n=15,126). Health behaviours and physical and psychosocial work characteristics were measured at baseline, while self-rated health was measured at 2 year follow up. We used loglinear regression models and Inverse Odds Weighting causal mediation analysis to estimate the total effect of low education on self-rated health and to decompose the effect into natural direct (NDE) and natural indirect effects (NIE).

Results

Lower educated workers were more likely to be in poor health compared to higher educated workers. The total effect of low education on self-rated health was RR=1.81 [95% CI 1.66–1.97]. For work conditions, having a physical demanding job was the strongest mediator, followed by lack of job control and lack of job rewards. NIE through working conditions was RR=1.16 [95% CI 1.06–1.25], explaining about 30% of educational inequalities in self-rated health. For health behaviour, body mass index and alcohol were the strongest mediators, followed by smoking. NIE though health behaviour was RR=1.14 [95% CI 1.07–1.20], explaining about 27% of educational inequalities in self-rated health.

Conclusions

Preventive interventions focusing on reducing physical work demands as well as improving health behaviour may contribute to reducing educational inequalities in self-rated health among workers in Europe.
O1C.3 Nightshift work and risk of lymphoma subtypes
Authors: Cocco Pierluigi , Satta Giannina , Meloni Federico , Betti Claudia , Zucca Mariagrazia , Padoan Marina , Piro Sara , Gambelunghe Angela , Miligi Lucia , Ferri Giovanni Maria , Magnani Corrado , Muzi Giacomo , Cabras Maria Giuseppina , Latte Gian Carlo
Published: May 2020

Introduction

In 2010, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified ‘Shiftwork that involves circadian disruption’ as a probable human carcinogen (group 2A), based on limited evidence from epidemiological studies and sufficient evidence from experimental animal studies. The epidemiological results were consistent for breast cancer. More recent publications suggested an increase in risk for ovarian and endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Sleep deprivation is common in shift workers, and it leads to disruption of the transcription of genes implicated in the regulation of the immune response.

Objectives

As depression of the immune system is a known risk factor for lymphomas, we explored the association between risk of lymphoma subtypes and nightshift work with a case-control study design.

Materials and methods

Based on the lifetime occupational history available for 323 cases and 463 controls who participated in a case-control study on lymphoma etiology conducted in Sardinia (Italy) in 1998–2006, expert occupational physicians assessed nightshift work for each job entry of each study subject. We calculated risk of major lymphoma subtypes, namely diffuse large B cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma and Hodgkin lymphoma, associated with cumulative days of nightshift work with unconditional logistic regression, adjusting by age, gender, and education.

Results

None of the lymphoma subtypes we investigated showed an association with lifetime cumulative days of nightshift work. Contrary to our expectation, risk of all lymphomas combined tended to decrease with cumulative days of nightshift work.

Conclusions

Further studies are warranted to investigate in more detail whether sleep deprivation resulting from nightshift work might be implicated in lymphomagenesis. Future investigations should include information on the chronotype of study subjects, the specific shift rotation schedule applied in each workplace, usual hours of sleep per day, and occurrence of daytime sleepiness.
O8B.4 Exploring occupational injury experiences during hot weather: a national survey of health and safety professionals
Authors: Varghese Blesson , Pisaniello Dino , Hansen Alana , Williams Susan , Bi Peng
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Exposure to extreme heat can lead to adverse health effects and contribute to work-related injuries. However, there is limited understanding of how physical injuries arise in hot weather. A study of the perspectives of stakeholders such as occupational health and safety professionals (HSPs) on injury risk factors during hot weather may assist in informing injury prevention efforts.

Methods

A national online survey of HSPs was undertaken. Collected data included perspectives on injury experiences, current preventive measures, training, policies and guidelines, and barriers for prevention. Results were analyzed descriptively and a log-poisson regression was used to identify risk factors associated with reported injuries during hot weather at workplaces the HSPs visited/managed.

Results

In total there were 307 respondents, the majority of who acknowledged the potential for increased risk of occupational injuries in hot weather. A variety of injury types and mechanisms were reported, including manual handling injuries, hand injuries, wounds or lacerations and loss of control of power tools.

Work factors significantly associated with reported injuries included problems with personal protective equipment; lack of shade; inadequate hydration and rest breaks, and problems with supervision.

Less than half (42%) of HSPs stated the availability of adequate heat training for staff and 54% reported the provision for outdoor work to cease if temperatures are extreme as a preventive measure in workplaces they visited/managed. HSPs recommended ‘heat stress training’ as the most important preventive measure for outdoor and indoor workers. Reported barriers for prevention include: lack of awareness by workers and supervisors of injury risks, and management concerns about productivity loss and/or deadlines.

Conclusion

These findings point to a range of modifiable work and organisational risk factors for injury during hot weather. More attention to these factors, in conjunction with traditional interventions for heat-induced illness, could enhance injury prevention in the workplace.
O8B.6 Occupational heat stress due to climate change: estimating future heat wave hazards
Authors: Otto Matthias , Kjellstrom Tord , Lemke Bruno
Published: May 2020

Exposure to extreme heat negatively affects occupational health. Heat stress indices like Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) combine temperature and humidity and allow quantifying the climatic impact on human physiology and clinical health. Multi-day periods of high heat stress (aka. heat waves) affect occupational health and productivity independently from the absolute temperature levels; e.g. well-documented heat-waves in Europe caused disruption, hospitalisations and deaths (2003 French heat wave: more than 1000 extra deaths, 15–65 years, mainly men) even though the temperatures were within the normal range of hotter countries.

Climate change is likely to increase frequency and severity of periods of high heat stress. However, current global grid-cell based climate models are not designed to predict heat waves, neither in terms of severity or frequency.

By analysing 37 years of historic daily heat index data from almost 5000 global weather stations and comparing them to widely used grid-cell based climate model outputs over the same period, our research explores methods to assess the frequency and intensity of heat waves as well as the associated occupational health effects at any location around the world in the future.

Weather station temperature extreme values (WBGT) for the 3 hottest days in 30 years exceed the mean WBGT of the hottest month calculated from climate models in the same grid-cell by about 2 degrees in the tropics but by 10 degrees at higher latitudes in temperate climate regions.

Our model based on the relationship between actual recorded periods of elevated heat-stress and grid-cell based climate projections, in combination with population and employment projections, can quantify national and regional productivity loss and health effects with greater certainty than is currently the case.
P.1.03 Mortality analysis in different exposure groups of coal miners in rostov region of the russian federation
Authors: Bukhtiyarov Igor , Pictushanskaya Tatyana , Tikhonova Galina , Gorchakova Tatyana , Bryleva Maria , Churanova Anastasya , Kovalevskiy Evgeny
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The Rostov region was one of the largest centers of coal mining in Russia during XIX–XX centuries. The long-term effects of work in coal mines were investigated with the use of database of the Rostov regional center of occupational health.

Aim

Assessment of mortality risks in different exposure groups of coal miners.

Methods

A cohort of 9980 coal miners with established occupational diseases was formed by the Rostov regional center of occupational health. The follow-up period was 26 years (01.01.1990–31.12.2015). By the end of the follow-up period 1898 miners were alive and 8082 died. In result there were 1 38 768 person-years of follow-up. The male population of Rostov region was used as reference group.

Two different exposure groups were created. First one included main professions – clearing face miners and shaft miners (5941 persons, 79 978 person-years). Maximum dust concentrations reached 270–300 mg/m3, vibration levels – 130 dB, noise levels – 130 dBA. The second one included miners of auxiliary professions (shot-firers, wiremen, loco drivers, etc.) – 4039 persons, 58 790 person-years. The maximum exposure levels were lower, 100–130 mg/m3, 110 dB, 105 dBA, respectively.

Results

The standardized mortality ratio in the cohort (SMR) was 1.47 (CI 1.42–1.51). In the group with length of service up to 10 years, SMR=1.01 (0.91–1.13), 10–19 years SMR=1.33 (1.27–1.39), 20 years and more SMR=1.91 (1.80–2.02).

In both groups the SMR was higher than in reference population. SMR=1.57 (1.50–1.63) and SMR=1.32 (1.25–1.39) respectively. The difference between subgroups was also statistically significant SMR=1.19 (1.14–1.24)

Conclusion

Results of follow up demonstrated elevated risks of mortality for former coal miners. A ‘dose (time) – effect’ relationship for mortality levels were also established.
P.1.04 Correlation between scalp hair lead levels and blood lead levels of lead battery manufacturing workers
Authors: Chaivatcharaporn Kate
Published: May 2020

A group of 107 lead battery manufacturing workers, whose blood lead levels were above 30 mcg/dl, have been monthly tested for blood lead levels due to the company health policy since 2016. In 2018, 83 workers were enrolled in the scalp hair lead analysis project using cloud point extraction (CPT), ultrasonic acid digestion (UAD) and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). This study aimed at finding correlation between hair lead levels and serial blood lead levels. Data were obtained with permission from each workers and were analyzed using paired t-test.

All subjects were male workers at the age of 25–58. The working period in this factory ranged from 1–34 years. Latest blood lead levels range from 31.22–58.7 mcg/dl. Hair lead levels ranged from 10.79–712.09 mcg/g in proximal hair segment (n=83) and 41.47–688.64 mcg/g in distal hair segment (n=15). Mean hair lead levels were 163.98 and 259.18 mcg/g in proximal and distal hair segment.

The correlation between hair lead levels and 5 consecutive months blood lead levels before the time of hair sample collection were found to be statistically significant (p 0.008, p 0.030, p 0.021, p 0.009, p 0.019). Lead levels of distal hair segment were 9.72 mcg/g higher than proximal hair segment (p 0.002). Furthermore, significant correlation between distal hair segment lead levels and blood lead levels at some months during 3 year-period were found, but not for the prior 5 consecutive months.
P.1.18 Factors related to lower urinary tract symptoms of female workers in the electronic parts industry in khon kaen province
Authors: Krisorn Phanumas , Chaiear Naesinee , Songsrichainun Pattranit , Laitrakul Suchanaree , Keerativorasakul Wipawee , Jiraudomrat Ratchanon , Intarachai Jirath , Saelim Thitipong
Published: May 2020

Background

The lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are more common in women than men. The causes of LUTS come from many factors. Working factor might be one of them. Leading to a study of working factors and non-working factors related to LUTS at electronic parts factory in Khon Kaen province.

Methods

The case-control study was performed. The total of 236 cases (female worker who has at least one symptom of LUTS) and 236 controls (female workers who don’t have the symptoms) was done by simple random sampling. Research tool is the self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS Version 19, EpiInfo for calculate odds ratio, 95% CI , Pearson’s chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Conveyor does not statistically significant related to LUTS(AOR=0.88, 95% Cl (0.59,1.30). Factors that significantly related to LUTS are 1.History of LUTS in a last year [AOR=4.80, 95% CI (2.64,8.73)] 2. inadequate number of drinking water glasses [AOR=2.15, 95% CI (1.06,4.36)] 3. inadequate number of toilet [AOR=1.97, 95% CI(1.24,1.97)] 4. Holding bladder [AOR=1.56, 95% CI(1.24,1.97)].

Conclusion

Conveyor is not a statistically significant factor for LUTS. Statistically significant factors related to LUTS are history of LUTS in a last year, insufficient number of glasses, insufficient number of toilet and holding bladder.
P.1.20 Trends in prevalence of obesity according to occupational group: the korean national health and nutrition examination survey
Authors: Lee Jea-Yong , Kang Mo-Yeol , Kim Hyoung-Ryoul , Myoung Jun-Pyo
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This study was designed to provide recent trends of obesity among workers in Korea, and identify whether there was difference across occupational group.

Methods

We used data from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination survey phase I to VI (1998–2015) to analyze trends in prevalence of obesity in Korean adult workers. Obesity was defined as a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher. Occupation was classified into 3 groups; a) non-manual worker, b) service/sales worker, c) manual worker.

Result

During the period from KNHANES phase I to VI, the prevalence of obesity in male workers increased in all occupations as a whole (31.1% to 39.5% in manual worker, 32.3% to 38.2% in service/sales worker, 25.3% to 39.7% in manual worker). In contrast, female workers did not show a particular tendency except for a significantly decreasing in the prevalence rate in service/sales workers (30.8% to 23.9%, p for trend 0.0048).

Conclusions

The trends of obesity prevalence by gender and occupation were different. Especially for male manual-workers, the prevalence rate has increased steadily during the period, while it has decreased steadily in female sales/service workers. These results can be used to select vulnerable groups that can be applied to obesity prevention programs first.