bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SS33-02 LONG WORKING HOURS AND CVDS: ARE THERE DIFFERENT THRESHOLDS?
Authors: Li Jian
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Long working hours are observed to be related to higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the exposure thresholds are not clear enough. The aim of this presentation was to synthesize existing research evidence for estimating effects of exposures to long working hours on risk of CVDs among workers, meanwhile special attention was paid to exposure thresholds in terms of intensity and duration.

Materials and Methods

Literature search and systematic review were conducted, using the Navigation Guide as a framework. Intensity of exposure to working hours was defined as 35-40 hours/week (reference group), 41-48, 49-54 and ≥55 hours/week; and duration of exposure to long working hours was <10 and ≥10 years. Both non-fatal and fatal CVDs were included as outcomes. Attributable disease burdens were estimated by applying the population-attributable fractions to World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates of Total Disease Burdens.

Results

Existing evidence on exposure to working ≥55 hours/week was judged as ‘sufficient evidence of harmfulness’ for increased risk of CVDs by 13% or more; and the effect was significantly obvious when exposure to long working hours ≥10 years. Accordingly, it was estimated, in total, 745,194 deaths and 23.3 million disability-adjusted life years from CVDs were attributable to this exposure in the year of 2016.

Conclusions

Exposure to long working hours (≥55 hours/week) for more than 10 years is identified as an important risk factor for CVDs. Given the high prevalence of long working hours and their large burden on health, working hours management and intervention are urgently needed.
SS37-03 NEW FORMS OF WORK AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGING ISSUES FOR THE FUTURE OF DECENT WORK
Authors: Iavicoli Ivo , Leso Veruscka , Fontana Luca
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The continuous changes in the world of work and the inherent variability in the workforce require occupational safety and health (OSH) efforts to ensure decent work (DW) conditions. In this view, new forms of work and innovative technologies may represent an opportunity to achieve this goal, but may also characterize a source of OSH risks that can prevent DW realization.

Materials and Methods

A literature review was conducted to assess the interactions between the pillars of DW and innovative forms of work and technologies, such as industry 4.0 and nanotechnology.

Results

Industry 4.0 is characterized by a greater automation and computerization that can support workers in more flexible, safer, and socially inclusive job tasks. However, it may create work conditions requiring greater decision-making efforts, responsibility, and man-machine interaction that may raise OSH risks due to work-related injuries and emerging psychosocial stress. Nanotechnology is considerably improving many technological and industrial sectors, thus creating employment opportunities and nano-enabled job tasks (e.g. in the precision farming development). However, scientific concerns have been raised regarding the possible OSH risks derived from an increasing exposure to nanosized-xenobiotics whose potential toxicological behaviour and health impact are still not fully understood.

Conclusions

New forms of work and innovative technologies can promote, but also undermine, the future of DW. Concerted action should be pursued to critically identify OSH challenging issues and define strategies to overcome them considering also the ‘workers’ rights’, and the principles of ‘social protection’ and ‘social dialogue’ to achieve a responsible DW development.
SS37-05 RIGHTS OF WORKERS: NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND FORMS OF WORK
Authors: Fisher Donald , Popkin Stephen , Violante Francesco Saverio , Carballo-Arias Yohama
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In an evolving environment, new factors like artificial intelligence (AI) are creating emerging physical and psychosocial risks to a safe and healthy working environment. New technologies like AI need to be introduced mindfully to avoid negative unintended consequences.

Materials and Methods

The specific risks from the above factors that could impact workers are being identified by researchers and educators in occupational health. There is urgency to get ahead of potential harm. Two case examples will be discussed which have received much recent attention.

Results

Potential risks at work arise from: (1) using AI in human resources departments to offset human tasks involved in managing worker’s performance (people analytics). If the algorithms are improperly trained and do not include human interventions and ethical considerations in their formulation, workers could be exposed to increased physical and psychosocial risks and stress. (2) the vision of Industry 5.0, where the human and automation work together as collaborative robots (cobots). While there are certain advantages to allowing this synthetic pairing, there are also risks, including robot / human collisions, where the robot may perform in unpredictable ways.

Conclusions

Occupational health and safety experts will need: (1) better understanding and training in both - the effects of people analytics on workers, and of the actual algorithms themselves; and (2) to collaborate with engineers, psychologists and sociologists in the design of cobots’ dynamics to make sure that risks are minimized from the beginning. A risk framework and potential mitigations will be presented.
SS38-01 CONTRACTORS' SUPPORT IN HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT OF THEIR EMPLOYEES: INVOLVEMENT, COMMITMENT, MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, AND ORGANIZATION
Authors: Andaloussi Saad Benjelloun
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The desire of cement manufactures to prevent accidents and fatalities is also reflected in their commitment to support their contractors in the development and improvement of their internal health and safety management systems.

Materials and Methods

This commitment resulted in the signing of a health and safety charter at work and the creation of health and safety collectives with support, audit and awareness-raising missions aimed at coaching and improving awareness of health and safety issues at work. Trophies are also distributed to the most committed.

Results and Conclusions

A significant reduction in accidents was noted with a clear improvement in the involvement and commitment of contractors. We have achieved zero fatal accidents for several years and significantly reduced the number of accidents recorded on cement sites in which subcontractors are involved.
SS39 HOW TO PUBLISH YOUR WORK ON WORKERS' HEALTH: INSIGHTS FROM THE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF OF SEVERAL OSH JOURNALS
Authors: Kim HyeongRyeol , Choi Won-Jun
Published: July 2024

Scientists often seek to publish their work in renowned international journals, primarily indexed in Web of Science (WoS) or Scopus. However, young scientists often face challenges in getting their studies published due to a lack of submission strategy, despite the quality of their work being sufficient. In this session, Editors-in-Chief of major OSH journals will provide insights into the status of their journals and offer strategies for successful submission.

The OSH journals represented in this session are: JOH (Journal of Occupational Health, Japan), OEM (Occupational and Environmental Medicine, UK), SHAW (Safety and Health at Work, Korea), SJWEH (Scandinavian Journal of Work Environmental Health, Finland), AOED (Archives of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, France), and IJOMT (International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology).

The learning outcomes of this session are:

- Status of journals indexed in Web of Science (SCIE – Science Citation Index Expanded);

- Strategies for publishing occupational health-related work.
SS40-02 IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES OF BASIC OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
Authors: Moyo Dingani
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Access to occupational health services remains constrained in most southern African states. The discipline of occupational medicine and basic occupational health services (BOHS) have had a challenging gestation, and a grossly protracted delivery process. Access levels to occupational health services are below 20% in southern Africa.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review of literature was carried out to evaluate the implementation of BOHS. This was complemented by personal experiences of the author in southern Africa gathered through the implementation of several regional occupational health projects.

Results

Occupational health services are usually provided by general medical practitioners in most countries in southern Africa. Occupational medicine is not a developed specialty and lacks central coordination and implementation structures. In almost all countries, except South Africa, very few countries have ratified the key International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions: C155 on Occupational Safety and Health, and C161 on Occupational Health Services. None of the countries in southern Africa have implemented BOHS. The legal frameworks in all the southern African countries are fragmented and lack harmonization. There is a severe shortage of human resources with requisite qualifications and experience in occupational health. Integration of occupational health services into primary health is constrained by lack of comprehensive legal frameworks and exclusion of such services from countries’ national health strategic plans.

Conclusions

Southern Africa is yet to implement BOHS. There is an urgent need to build the necessary human resources, infrastructure and supporting legal frameworks to support implementation of BOHS in southern Africa.
SS40-04 BASIC OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES (BOHS) IN IRAN: OVERVIEW OF STATE OF THE ART
Authors: Tabibi Ramin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Around half of the world’s people are economically active and spend at least one third of their time in their place of work while only 10-15% of workers have access to basic occupational health services (BOHS). Health indicators in Iran have consistently improved during the last decades, to the extent that they are comparable with those in developed countries. In this study, BOHS available to workers in Iran have been described.

Methods

The healthcare system in the country and the status of occupational health services to the workers and employers, the integration into primary healthcare (PHC) and outlining the challenges in provision of occupational health services to the working population were investigated.

Results

Iran has good health indicators. More than 85% of the population in rural and deprived regions, have access to PHC services. The PHC centres provide essential healthcare and public health services for the community. Providing, maintaining, and improving of the workers’ health are the main goals of occupational health services in Iran.

Conclusion

Although Iran has developed in most PHC facilities, there are still a few remote areas that might suffer from inadequate services. Collaboration with the private sector and training managers are among the obstacles. Strengthening national policies for health at work, promotion of healthy work and work environment, sharing healthy work practices, developing updated training curricula to improve human resource knowledge including occupational health professionals, are recommended.

Keywords: healthcare system, occupational health services, Iran
SS44-01 STAY-AT-WORK WITH CHRONIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN CONDITIONS – AN INTRODUCTION
Authors: Keegel Tessa
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In most industrialized countries, life expectancy is increasing, and the age of retirement is rising. In response to this, it is important to keep the work force healthy and productive as they age.

Materials and Methods

This presentation will describe the concept of stay-at-work and how it differs from return-to-work.

Results

Chronic pain conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) significantly contribute to the challenge of work participation, as the risk of chronic pain conditions escalates with age. To enable workers to stay-at-work for as long as they wish or need to, there is a need to implement forward-thinking, pro-active approaches.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need for better stay-at-work approaches. The importance of preventive practices for keeping workers with chronic pain in the workforce cannot be understated.
SS44-03 TRAINING FOR SUPERVISORS TO IMPROVE SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT OF EMPLOYEES WITH A WORK DISABILITY: A LONGITUDINAL EFFECT AND PROCESS EVALUATION FROM AN INTERVENTION STUDY WITH MATCHED CONTROLS
Authors: Schaap Rosanne , Coenen Pieter , Zwinkels Wim , de Wolff Marianne , Hazelzet Astrid , Anema Johannes
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Supervisors play a crucial role in sustainable employment of employees with a work disability. The 'Mentorwijs' (literal translation: Mentorwise) training was developed to train supervisors in knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to guide these employees. This study evaluated the effect of 'Mentorwijs' on employees' employment and supervisors' behavioral outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Register- and questionnaire data were obtained from 73 employees and 1,526 matched controls to measure employment (≥ 1/month, ≥ 12 h/week and ≥ 3 consecutive months (≥ 1 h/month)) during a 12-month follow-up period. Questionnaire data were obtained from 127 supervisors who followed the 'Mentorwijs' training, to assess their knowledge, self-efficacy, intention to adopt and applied behaviors.

Results

Employment for ≥ 1 h/month did not significantly improve after 3 (β = 0.05; CI=-0.07-0.16), 6 (β = 0.07; CI=-0.04-0.18), 9 (β = 0.08; CI=-0.02-0.18) and 12 (β = 0.01; CI=-0.08-0.10) months among employees whose supervisors followed 'Mentorwijs' compared to those who did not. Significant effects were found after 8 months (β = 0.11; CI = 0.01-0.21). Comparable effects were found for employment ≥ 12 hour/week and ≥ 3 consecutive months (≥ 1 hour/month). Supervisors' knowledge and self-efficacy significantly improved as a result of 'Mentorwijs', but no effects were found for intention to adopt and applied behaviors.

Conclusions

'Mentorwijs' is a promising training to improve the guidance of employees with a work disability. Further research is needed to examine how long-term effects of 'Mentorwijs' on employment can be sustained.
SS45-01 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN EMERGING COUNTRIES: THE CASE OF MOROCCO
Authors: Moha Aajli
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The labor legislation in Morocco underwent significant revision in 2004, marking a pivotal moment in the country's commitment to workers' rights.

Materials and Methods

This study analyzes the legal framework, specifically the labor code and its implementing texts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape governing employment.

Results

A detailed examination of key provisions related to hygiene, safety, and occupational medicine reveals the legislation's emphasis on ensuring the well-being of workers.

Conclusions

The study concludes with an exploration of major questions arising from the current legal framework, paving the way for further discussions on potential improvements and the effective implementation of these regulations. This legislative review not only underscores Morocco's dedication to workers' welfare but also sets the stage for ongoing assessments of the regulatory landscape.
SS45-02 CHALLENGES FACED BY HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (HRM) IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Authors: Driss Soufiani
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In emerging economies, the predominant business entities are small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), grappling with significant hurdles in adhering to occupational health and safety regulations.

Materials and Methods

This study combines a scrutiny of the legal framework with on-the-ground observations, providing a comprehensive analysis of the existing scenario.

Results

An exhaustive examination of the main challenges confronted by SMEs in implementing occupational health and safety laws sheds light on the intricacies of compliance.

Conclusions

The identified challenges underscore the imperative need for a reevaluation of both the legal framework and operational practices. This study advocates for a strategic revision to enhance the efficacy of existing laws and ensure their practicality for SMEs. The findings call for a proactive approach to address these challenges, fostering a safer and healthier working environment in emerging economies.
SS46-02 NETWORKING FOR WORKERS' HEALTH IN THE AMERICAS
Authors: Forst Linda
Published: July 2024

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Workers' Health team promotes workers' health equity in the Americas by providing technical assistance to strengthen regulatory frameworks and the leadership of the health sector; promote workers' health and the development of safe, productive and healthy workplaces; prevent and register diseases, injuries and deaths at work; achieve access to universal healthcare and support critical economic sectors related to workers' health.

PAHO collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders to implement the Plan of Action on Workers' Health 2015-2025, using a Health in All Policies approach, responding to national, regional and global priorities for workers' health, and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 3, and 8.

This presentation will cover the activities of the WHO Collaborating Centres for Occupational Health in the PAHO region / Region of the Americas (AMRO).
SS46-03 THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH (ICOH)
Authors: Gagliardi Diana , Cannone Erika , Campisano Claudia , Giannitelli Maria , Boccuni Valeria
Published: July 2024

The International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) is the most ancient and largest professional association in the field of occupational health. ICOH is also a NGO recognized by the United Nations and in official working relation with WHO and ILO. The collaboration between WHO and ICOH is based on a triennial workplan that is agreed among the WHO Technical Officer and the ICOH Officers. The ICOH Secretary General is the liaison person for this collaboration.

The workplan includes collaboration activities related to occupational and environmental hazards (e.g. extreme weather conditions, heat / cold, air pollution, solar radiation) for vulnerable populations; prevention and control of the most common occupational cancers; prevention and control of occupational chronic respiratory diseases; and, protecting physical and mental health and safety of health workers and emergency responders.

Based on the activities agreed in the Collaboration Plan, ICOH can contribute to raising awareness on occupational health and workplace health by preparing statements and submitting comments to draft documents, and by participating in relevant meetings as a representative of Civil Society organizations.
SS49-02 PSYCHIATRIC EFFECTS OF 9/11 TRAUMA EXPOSURE
Authors: Lowe Sandra
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Research findings support the association between direct exposure to the 9/11 attacks and increased risk of subsequent adverse health effects, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and adjustment disorders. The aim of this presentation is to describe the nature and course of these disorders within the 9/11 affected cohort.

Materials and Methods

Published literature on 9/11 trauma exposure and psychiatric sequelae was reviewed. Findings were informed by the clinical experience of WTC Health Program mental health professionals providing surveillance and treatment to 9/11 disaster responders and survivors.

Results

Dual exposure to both terrorism and environmental disaster following the 9/11 attacks has deeply influenced the nature of subsequent mental health effects on disaster responders and affected NYC survivors. Prevalence and trajectory of illness within the cohort varies, moderated by individual risk and resilience factors, severity of 9/11 exposure, prior disaster training, and post-event adversities. Presence of co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions and loss of economic and social resources contribute to complex presentations, poorer treatment outcomes and greater functional impairment. Despite these challenges effective treatments are available.

Conclusions

Populations directly exposed to trauma are at increased risk for psychiatric disorders. While acute stress-related symptoms abated for many 9/11 exposed individuals, the psychological trauma has had a wide ranging and enduring impact on others. The persistence of these conditions many years after 9/11 presents a substantial health burden and highlights the need for ongoing clinical surveillance among at-risk populations to identify and treat affected individuals.
SS50-02 CO-CREATION METHODS IN CLIMATE CHANGE AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH: THE EU INTERCAMBIO PROJECT
Authors: Godderis Lode
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Globally, over one billion workers contend with extreme temperatures. Further, workplaces are also being transformed due to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. This emphasizes the immediate need to address new occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges including to co-create multidisciplinary interventions to mitigate potential adverse physical and mental health impacts among workers.

Materials and Methods

The co-creation process in the EU INTERCAMBIO project involves diverse end users and stakeholders, employing the double diamond approach. It's crucial to note that co-creation steps are iterative, not linear, allowing for the development, testing, and refinement of ideas multiple times. Weak ideas will be systematically discarded during this iterative process, ensuring the evolution of robust and effective interventions.

Results

The co-creation process will produce varied characteristics of OSH interventions and key factors, each rigorously tested and refined. This dynamic process will craft interventions to enhance occupational health in diverse working environments.

Conclusions

Co-creation, utilizing the double diamond approach, offers a comprehensive and adaptable framework for addressing multifaceted challenges posed by climate-related occupational health risks. The iterative nature ensures continuous improvement, refining interventions to meet the dynamic demands of a changing climate and diverse work environments. The findings highlight the significance of collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts in developing effective solutions to safeguard workers' well-being amid evolving climate conditions.
SS52- VACCINATION AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) ISSUES AND MANDATES FOR HEALTH WORKERS
Authors: De Schryver Antoon
Published: July 2024

This session will cover vaccination and treatment recommendations for several different infectious agents including COVID, tuberculosis, bloodborne pathogens (HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus). Mandates and workers’ compensation issues will also be discussed.

Brief learning outcomes: (i) to review current vaccine recommendations, (ii) to understand appropriate PPE usage for health workers in different situations, (iii) to discuss the legal ramifications of mandates and exemptions from vaccines for health workers.
SS52-03 VACCINATION AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) ISSUES AND MANDATES FOR HEALTH WORKERS: A PERSPECTIVE ON TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Thanassi Wendy
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The reservoir of active tuberculosis infection is latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI). This reservoir can be denuded by occupational health (OH) professionals aggressively testing new hires - in all occupations - and following that testing with LTBI short-course therapies. Because OHS providers are highly experienced in TB testing and interpretation, and have easy access to workers (easier than to primary MDs), OHS providers are in the ideal position to prevent active TB by “vaccinating” with antibiotic therapies.

Materials and Methods, Results, Conclusions

Several OH departments in US hospitals are preventing active TB in their healthcare worker population using three months of weekly INH+rifapentine or with four months of daily rifampicin. But in the US, healthcare workers are not getting TB from work, they are getting it from their country of birth. That means there’s no reason anymore to focus on testing just our healthcare workers: we should expand TB testing and LTBI therapy to all workers on hire, treat them appropriately to prevent activation, and eliminate annual testing for TB in areas where there are acceptable environmental controls.
SS53-04 COVID-19 OUTREACH LESSONS - SINGAPORE
Authors: Hin Ho Siong , Tan Alvian
Published: July 2024

Introduction

COVID-19 demanded whole-of-nation response from the government, partners from the public, private and people sectors. The government worked with employers and the labour movement to develop reasonably practicable requirements to tackle workplace transmission.

Materials and Methods

The Ministry of Manpower rolled out the system early - take care of your workers, take care of the workplace, and implement a safe management measures system, a national vaccination campaign, contact tracing technology, tough enforcement actions, and support for the financial, social and mental wellbeing to the vulnerable.

Results

Singapore’s overall case fatality rate is one of the lowest globally, standing at less than 0.1% as of 13 February 2023. COVID-19 requirements were well implemented across workplaces. COVID-19 workplace clusters were investigated to address lapses and errant employers taken to task.

Conclusions

As Singapore transitions towards becoming a COVID-19 resilient nation moving away from a ‘COVID-zero’ approach, businesses are better prepared to minimize the health and safety risks of employees and improve the continuity of business operations. In summary, Singapore’s workforce enhanced its resilience by leveraging momentum and lessons learnt from COVID-19 to prepare for the next pandemic.
SS54 THE JIGSAW OF JOB INSECURITY
Authors: Suraya Anna
Published: July 2024

The effects and manifestations of job insecurity vary worldwide. This session aims to spotlight workers who are especially vulnerable to these insecurities. We have four distinguished speakers from across the globe, each addressing this issue from their unique perspective.

The first speaker, hailing from England, will delve into the plight of "forgotten patients". These are individuals with intricate, medically unexplained symptoms that remain undiagnosed or those suffering from rare disorders that often go unnoticed by health professionals. It's crucial for occupational health professionals to identify and support this group, offering timely advice to mitigate their job insecurities. Our second speaker, from the United States, will discuss professionals in humanitarian settings. For these workers, it's vital that employers emphasize workplace sensitization and robust support structures. A multi-layered approach, integrating research, is indispensable in bolstering especially those in humanitarian contexts. The third speaker, a Nigerian representative, will focus on workers in regions affected by banditry and terrorism. The proposed solutions include robust security measures, promoting ethno-religious harmony, generating job opportunities for the youth, re-orienting citizens to prioritize national identity over ethnicity, implementing effective social policies, emphasizing education, and ensuring good governance. Finally, the speaker from Indonesia will address the challenges faced by workers in small-scale industries (SSIs). Considering that a significant chunk of the workforce in low-income nations is engaged in SSIs, it becomes paramount for regulatory bodies to address these concerns, ensuring the health and well-being of this vital community.
SS57-02 THE GENESIS-UV STUDY ON ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION EXPOSURE AT WORKPLACES
Authors: Wittlich Marc , Westerhausen Stephan , Strehl Benjamin , Versteeg Helmut , Stöppelmann Wiho
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Several hundred million of the three billion formally employed people worldwide are at risk from high levels of solar UV radiation. Chronic light damage to the skin can lead to non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), especially when irradiation is too high and acquired for decades. Our aim was to develop a compendium with UVR exposure data for global use. Uniform metrics, high resolution and detailed information on occupational profiles were of utmost importance.

Materials and Methods

We used the GENESIS-UV measurement system to equip 1000 test persons with electronic data logger dosimeters. Data and information for more than 250 occupations and sub-occupations were collected and evaluated with regards to daily and half-hourly means, geographical transfer calculations to the world and threshold exceedance quota.

Results

Detailed exposure data per occupation were derived and the risk on an occupational / activity basis assuming different exposure level quota was quantified. This showed that, for example, even in temperate latitudes like in Germany, activities with a duration of more than two hours outdoors are associated with increased NMSC risk and employees have to be termed “outdoor workers”. Approaching the equator, the irradiation and thus the risk even for higher skin types increases significantly.

Conclusions

The socio-economic burden caused by NMSC worldwide appears higher than assumed by these figures. This also applies in particular to the number of occupational diseases to be compensated. Prevention is the ideal means to reduce suffering and costs and should be significantly strengthened on the basis of our findings.
SS57-03 MEAOW PROJECT: AN INTERNATIONAL PROJECT ON SOLAR UVR MEASUREMENTS FOR A PREVENTIVE DIGITAL SOLUTION
Authors: Silva Paulo Marília , Maia Mélanie R , Symanzik Cara , Lapão Luís Velez , Carvalho Fernanda , Dias Jorge Barroso , Gobba Fabriziomaria , John Swen Malte , Pinho Cristina , Rodrigues Ana , Tenkate Thomas , Strehl Claudine , Wittlich Marc , Loney Tom , Modenese Alberto
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The more we know about the prevalence of skin cancer and the work environment, the more we can act for preventive and corrective measures. This study works on a solution for risk assessment of UVR exposure in outdoor workers of the Lisbon Municipality (Portugal). The solution will have a digital component for the validation and integration of real-time quantitative and qualitative information, that will guide prevention and decision support for positive behavior change.

Methods

Participatory action research is the framework for (1) quantitative data analysis, where personal electronic dosimeters (GENESIS-UV) are being used by the outdoor workers to collect UVR exposure levels; (2) periodic work meetings and field visits for design, development, implementation, training, and support to guarantee compliance and engagement of all the involved; (3) dermatological screening, and (4) the integrative digital system development design for data presentation and accurate risk assessment.

Results

Thirty dosimeters are being used by gardeners, gravediggers, pavers, asphalters, sanitation workers, and sailors. Preliminary data suggest gravediggers and sanitation workers are the most exposed. All human interactions during the processes inform the design of a one-kind system that will integrate and serve the real needs for skin cancer prevention of outdoor workers.

Conclusions

An accurate system validated by both the occupational professionals and outdoor workers, will contribute to the shape of the work layout conditions, preventing UVR over-exposure. Digital solutions with accurate exposure data available to each worker context enhance by the dermatological screening can provide user-driven recommendations to the worker, and the occupational health service.
SS58-02 SHIFT WORK TOLERANCE AND CHRONIC DISEASE RISK: THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL SUSCEPTIBILITY
Authors: Schernhammer Eva , Żebrowska Magda
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Significant health effects of chronic clock dysregulation have long been described, prompting e.g., the World Health Organization to classify night work as a probable carcinogen. As a next ground-breaking step, we aim to identify the night-active individual who develops disease.

Materials and Methods

Using cutting-edge techniques in varied populations, we explore the concept of clock resilience by constructing a genetic shift work tolerance/clock resilience score based on traits considered relevant for clock resilience, to identify those at greatest risk of developing disease.

Results

We will present the stages of developing a multi-polygenic risk score (MPRS) for the complex trait of clock resilience, i.e. ‘shift work tolerance’, using previously published large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and weighted allele scores for selected traits (e.g., chronotype, seasonality, melatonin), adding also specific clock-related SNPs of particular importance, e.g., a variant in the melatonin receptor MTNR1B, which has been linked to type 2 diabetes, SNPs from an agnostic GWAS of our defined shift work disorder, as well as polygenic risk scores for the respective outcomes under investigation (non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, cancer) to adjust for genetic disease risk.

Conclusions

The large number of night workers and night-active individuals, which is likely to rise in Europe and globally, calls attention to the high relevance of shift-work related disease. Our work aims to deliver the profile of an individual, including their genotypic variation, involved in the risk of developing chronic disease if they are exposed to circadian misalignment in the form of night shift work.
SS59 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH FOR INDIGENOUS AND MIGRANT WORKERS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Authors: Rajendran Anantha Kumar
Published: July 2024

Through an occupational health lens this session will explore research being undertaken to understand and improve the unique employment conditions and occupational health challenges faced by indigenous and migrant workers around the world. These include atypical policies related to employment, immigration and health; lack of government oversight and enforcement; and lack of social supports. Low wages, limited social benefits, hazardous work, unstable employment, unclear demarcation between work and home, and discrimination, add layers of disadvantage that negatively impact their health and well-being. Further impediments include lengthy journeys for work, transience, residence in remote and rural settings, and limited access to culturally appropriate healthcare and social services.

The learning outcome for this session is to broadly evaluate the barriers and opportunities for preventing, recognizing and managing acute and non-acute injuries among migrant and indigenous workers.
SS59-01 THE ROLE OF OCCUPATION AS A DETERMINANT FOR HEALTH FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THE U.S
Authors: Shannon Brett , Almberg Kirsten S , Ryder Courtney , Bonney Tessa , Friedman Lee
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Utilizing the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2020-2022 data, this study evaluated differences in work arrangements, employment patterns, annual earnings and limitations to work due to mental and physical health between American Indian / Native American (AI/AN) populations in the U.S. and other groups.

Materials and Methods

The NHIS is a cross-sectional survey of U.S. households. Participants were defined into three Indigenous groups: (1) Non-Hispanic American Indian Alaskan Native; (2) Hispanic American Indian and Alaskan Native; and (3) American Indian Alaskan Native and other race groups. Non-Hispanic white and Hispanic respondents were comparator groups for descriptive statistics and all non-Indigenous participants for multivariable models.

Results

There were differences within Indigenous subgroups in industry and occupation, current employment (worked last week: 48.7% – 59.3%), earnings (working with family income below poverty threshold: 8.7%-15%), access to health benefits through work (58% – 69.4%), and limitations to work due to physical and mental health (18.2% - 30.5%), all of which were significantly worse in multivariable models in at least one Indigenous group compared to non-AIAN race/ethnicities. Indigenous subgroups had higher proportions of diagnoses in physical and mental health comorbidities in participants with work limited by health, such as previous diagnosis of depression 51.8%(36.9, 66.8) and anxiety 48.3%(33.1, 63.5) in Hispanic AIANs.

Conclusions

There is opportunity to explore the occupational health risks in groups of Indigenous workers to provide interventions encouraging growth of a healthy and fit workforce, and promote work practices and future regulations aimed at improving safe work practices.
SS61-03 THE INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF WORK-RELATED ASTHMA (WRA) MEDICAL SCREENING AND SURVEILLANCE THROUGH A COLLABORATIVE NETWORK
Authors: Suojalehto Hille , Valverde Marcela , Jeebhay Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Information on questionnaires for screening and surveillance of work-related asthma (WRA) is not widely available. The study aim was to collate commonly used questionnaires and identify the various components.

Materials and Methods

A survey was conducted among members belonging to several international and national occupational medicine, respiratory and allergology societies. Respondents were invited to complete a digital survey and provide the questionnaire used to evaluate workers with suspected WRA. Various components of the questionnaires were evaluated further.

Results

Respondents were widely distributed, emanating from Europe (36%), Africa (36%), North America (19%) and South America (9%). A total of 28 questionnaires were collated, of which six were excluded due to the absence of WRA questions. Among the 22 questionnaires evaluated in detail, the main context for use were epidemiological surveys (41%), medical screening (32%) and clinical purposes (27%). Most questionnaires contained questions on general asthma (82%) and occupational allergic asthma (91%), whereas only 18% focused on irritant-induced asthma. Additional questions focused on occupational conjunctivitis (64%), occupational rhinitis (59%) and contact urticaria (23%). A large proportion (73%) of questionnaires were not industry- or exposure-specific, but 73% included questions on onset of symptoms related to commencing employment, 82% on asthma improvement away from work and 91% on asthma worsening at work.

Conclusions

Several different questionnaires are used for screening and surveillance of WRA globally. There is a need for a generally accepted validated questionnaire that could be used for comparison of WRA prevalence across various geographic and exposure settings.
SS62-03 MASS FATALITY DECEDENT PATIENT HANDLING: LESSONS LEARNED FOR FUTURE EVENTS
Authors: Salmen-Navarro Acran
Published: July 2024

Mass casualty incidents with high mortality rates are usually associated with a natural disaster or war. Never in the past century has a continuous surge of deaths occurred like that caused by the recent pandemic. As of February 2022, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in approximately 382 million infections, with about 890,770 deaths in the United States. The unique factor that stressed the fatality management system was the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, as opposed to the majority of mass casualty events that are generally at one point in time.

Throughout the United States, hospital morgues, funeral homes, cemeteries and crematoriums became backlogged and were unable to handle the overwhelming number of decedents. The handling of patients from expiration to retrieval by family, funeral services, or medical examiners in healthcare facilities spans multiple service lines and individuals of variable training and professional backgrounds. It represents a collection of actions including pushing/pulling, hand gripping/pinching, turning, lateral transfers, carrying, high/low lifts, and transporting distances on variable surfaces. These risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are multifactorial and often described as ergonomic risks.

The baseline burden of injuries among workers involved in post-mortem care is difficult to assess because post-mortem handling of decedents is carried out by multiple groups of workers. Case-series related to the COVID-19 experience study indicated an increased risk of MSDs in decedent handlers. We have created a guideline, which includes recommendations for safe decedent patient handling, BCP design, logistical support, equipment, work practices and cost considerations of the associated recommendations.
SS63-02 AN EXAMPLE OF THE PROMOTION OF UPDATED AND HARMONIZED STANDARD OF PRACTICE OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE SPECIALISTS IN EUROPE: THE EUROPEAN EXAM
Authors: Gobba Fabriziomaria
Published: July 2024

Introduction

A continuous updating of medical specialists’ competence and practice to follow the advancements of science, as well as the promotion of an harmonized high standard of practice, are fundamental in EU countries. Accordingly, for occupational medicine specialists it is of utmost relevance to acquire, and to be able to demonstrate, an adequate and updated set of skills at a European level.

Materials and Methods

The Section of Occupational Medicine of the European Union of Medical Specialists (OM UEMS) has defined the appropriate level of OM specialists’ professional competence and practice in the document ‘European Training Requirements for OM (OM ETR)’. Furthermore, to assess the level of specialists’ competence, the Section organizes annually the European Postgraduate Assessment in Occupational Medicine (EPA OM).

Results

The OM ETR was developed in 2012, in collaboration with the European Association of Schools of Occupational Medicine (EASOM), and approved by the UEMS Council in 2013. An update is currently under development. Furthermore, from 2020 the OM UEMS organizes yearly a European Postgraduate Assessment in Occupational Medicine, that was evaluated and approved in 2020 by the Council for European Specialists Medical Assessment (CESMA), a specific advisory body of the UEMS.

Conclusions

OM UEMS promotes a uniform and updated high-quality competence of OM specialists in all European countries. The role of national authorities in defining the content of postgraduate training in their own country, and in qualifying specialists, cannot be replaced, but the OM ETR and the European exam can be considered valid tools for these purposes at a European level.
SS63-04 THE TRANSLATION OF THE ADVANCEMENTS OF NEW OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) RESEARCH INTO CURRICULA OF MEDICAL SCHOOLS: THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE (EASOM)
Authors: Martínez-Jarreta Begoña
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Occupational medicine (OM) is a source of essential transversal skills for the practice of general medicine and most medical specialties. Nevertheless, existing studies reveal that medical students in the EU may often receive limited training in OM. EASOM has prioritized this issue consistently. Recently, an alliance between EASOM and the Section of Occupational Medicine of the European Union of Medical Specialties (OM EUMS) to improve the training of OM specialists and foster an OM-EU examination, has been extended for upgrading OM teaching and training in EU medical schools, with the aim of reviewing and analyzing the existing recommendations for enhancing undergraduate OM education.

Materials and Methods

A literature review was conducted on the topic, including medical databases, grey literature and improvement recommendations from international scientific societies, agencies, etc., as well as examples of good practice.

Results

Improving OM education in European medical schools remains a real challenge that should be addressed urgently. There is an undeniable necessity for defining, harmonizing, and standardizing minimum basic skills that undergraduate students must acquire in all EU medical schools. OM training has been shown to generate positive attitudes towards the specialty among medical students, who rate the OM undergraduate teaching as fundamental and critical to the acquisition of essential medical skills. Timely translation of new research in this field into their curricula could also boost the OM specialty's recognition.

Conclusions

Undergraduate training in OM at European medical schools requires standardization, harmonization, and updating. A concerted effort by European societies, regulatory bodies, universities, and policy makers is urgently needed.
SS64-02 EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES AND NOISE ON THE AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR SYSTEMS OF FARM WORKERS AND ENDEMIC DISEASE COMBAT AGENTS
Authors: Lacerda Adriana , Barros Lobato Diolen Conceição , de Souza Alcarás Patrícia Arruda , Vaz França Denise Maria , Oliveira Milena , Zeigelboim Bianca Simone
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Pesticides are chemical substances that are widely used in agriculture and public health efforts to control and repel pests in the environment. Among pesticides, insecticides used to combat insects and larvae belong to the organophosphate, chlorinated and pyrethroid chemical groups and are the ones that pose the greatest risk to hearing and balance. The current study aimed to assess the effect of the concomitant exposure to pesticides and noise on auditory and vestibular systems of farm workers and of endemic disease combat agents.

Materials and Methods

It is a cross-sectional study carried out between 2010 and 2018 in Brazil. The participants underwent hearing threshold measurements, electro-acoustic procedures, electrophysiological tests, and behavioral tests to assess auditory processing skills. Vestibular assessment was only carried out in the experimental group.

Results

The findings showed differences between groups which were evidenced in the high-frequency audiometry, acoustic reflex testing, tympanometry, evoked otoacoustic emissions and suppression of the emissions, brainstem evoked response audiometry, dichotic digits test, and random gap detection test, with poorer results among the experimental group. The vestibular assessment revealed peripheral vestibular dysfunctions.

Conclusions

Concomitant exposure to pesticides and noise impaired the auditory and vestibular systems of farm workers and endemic disease combat agents.
SS66-01 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DAYTIME SLEEPINESS IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS IN THE LIMA METROPOLITAN AREA, PERU
Authors: Prado Karina Peña , Talaverano Armando
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of sleepiness and its associated factors in public transportation drivers in the Lima metropolitan area, Peru.

Materials and Methods

A transversal analytical study was carried out on drivers between the ages of 18 and 65 years who work in a public transportation company registered in the Municipality of Lima. Sleepiness was assessed using a version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale validated in Peru. The variables that could behave as associated factors were obtained by a data collection sheet. Logistic regression was used to estimate the magnitude of the association between sleepiness and variables considered as associated factors.

Results

Four hundred and forty (440) drivers were included in the study, median age was 38.0 years and the majority (99,3%) were males. From the total number of drivers, 17,7% (78) experienced daytime sleepiness. A significant association was found between sleepiness and the 2 x 1 rotation system (p=0,038) and between sleepiness and hours of sleep fewer than seven (p=0,011). Logistic regression analysis showed that drivers with six or fewer hours of sleep were more likely to have daytime sleepiness (OR 1.83, 94% CI: 1.03-3.25).

Conclusions

Approximately one out of five drivers experienced daytime sleepiness, which was associated with having six of fewer hours of sleep per day.