bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SS24-03 RELEVANCE OF MECHANISTIC STUDIES IN EXPOSED WORKERS FOR CANCER HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Authors: Madia Federica
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Consideration of mechanistic evidence has gained prominence in cancer hazard identification. This was recently reflected in the 2019 update of the Preamble to the IARC Monographs, where mechanistic evidence is explicitly considered alongside evidence of cancer in exposed humans and in experimental animals in the integration of evidence for the overall evaluation. This presentation aims to describe the relevance of mechanistic insights, especially from studies in exposed workers, to the overall hazard classifications of different occupational exposures.

Materials and Methods

Mechanistic information organized using the ‘10 key characteristics of carcinogens’ (KCs) framework has supported the evaluation of 97 agents since its implementation in Monographs volume 112. The importance of mechanistic evidence in exposed workers was further examined based on the strength and relevance of the KCs-associated endpoints.

Results

Endpoint identification and measurement in exposed humans, as well as study design and informativeness, are critical to the evaluation of strong mechanistic evidence and overall carcinogenic hazard classification. Examples are provided for the Group 1 agents welding fumes and occupational exposures as a firefighter, and the Group 2A agents styrene, styrene 7,8 oxide, antimony, and 2-bromopropane.

Conclusions

With growing confidence in the relevance of mechanistic information, cancer hazard identification is likely to increasingly rely on mechanistic data in the future. Well-conducted studies in exposed workers are especially informative. It is critically important that the incorporation of scientific advances will be also supported by the furtherance of the methodologies used to evaluate them, including molecular epidemiology studies.
SS27 CORE VALUES AT WORK — EVERYDAY TOOLS FOR THE WORKPLACE
Authors: Lum Max
Published: July 2024

This session will explore the nature and importance of the values that give meaning to people’s lives and their work. Speakers from different countries will present how core values can be brought to everyday work to promote worker wellbeing. Specific practices will be offered that support formal and informal workers, across different cultures and societies, with examples in mental health, training, SMEs, and work culture.

Session participants will be offered an awareness and knowledge of core values to better understand the roots and factors that contribute to a positive and healthy work environment. Different perspectives will provide examples of practices that can be brought to the worksite for “closing the gaps” in worker health emphasized in this ICOH Congress. Participants will be introduced to this field within occupational health that has not been fully developed up to now. They will learn why core values at work are fundamental for large and small companies to support their workers and fulfil their social responsibilities, thus building a sound foundation for each organization.

By using these tools, professionals in occupational health have a key role to play to develop these measures and apply core values to protect workers’ health and promote their wellbeing. In addition, this Core Values session is acting in partnership with the SCOHSSEIS Special Session — SDG8 Decent Work: Healthy Workplaces for Vulnerable Workers — helping to introduce how core values can strengthen the foundation of Decent Work to improve workplace health for SMEs and informal workers.
SS27-01 USING CORE VALUES STRATEGIES TO SAFEGUARD AND ADVANCE THE MENTAL HEALTH OF WORKERS BY USING THE TOTAL WORKER HEALTH APPROACH
Authors: Chosewood Lewis (Casey)
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The NIOSH Total Worker Health® (TWH) program represents a new academic and applied discipline that is reshaping occupational safety and health (OSH). TWH’s core values strategy seeks to assure workers have agency, flexibility, participation, respect, adequate wages and fair treatment. These values help build rapport amongst team members, increase social connections, advance participation and engagement, and encourage meaningful work to safeguard workers and advance their mental and overall health.

Materials and Methods

NIOSH moves evidence-based research to practice, by encouraging adoption of TWH core values. Centers of Excellence for TWH conduct research, many focused on psychosocial risks and mental health. NIOSH partners with TWH Affiliates, industry, labor, and educational organizations. A new Society for Total Worker Health Professionals now connects a community of professionals dedicated to TWH research, education, and sharing real-world solutions.

Results

The TWH program publishes >50 peer-reviewed publications annually, funds ten Centers, has 58 TWH Affiliates, and six degree/certificate programs to train professionals. Communication products reach ~45,000 subscribers; 29 webinars boast 12,000 registrations, awarding 2,200 hours of continuing education.

Conclusions

To effectively protect workers, TWH expands traditional OSH strategies to embrace core values, recognizing workers want safe, fulfilling, and engaging work with purpose, fair wages, good benefits, and respect. Shared commitment between labor and management, participation, healthier work design, and supervision support safer and more meaningful work. The core values approach prioritizes worker-centered interventions that advance the overall health and well-being of workers.
SS27-02 THE HUMAN DIMENSION OF WORK: WORK AS A METAPHOR FOR LIFE
Authors: De Vito Giovanni , Del Vecchio Rocco Loris , Pozzi Elisa , Luoni Alessandro , Spinazze’ Andrea , Cavallo Domenico Maria
Published: July 2024

Introduction

When does work help keeping in good health? When analysing the human dimension, any approach addressing the positive effects of work must consider cultural and historical roots.

Materials and Methods

An anthropological and artistic path, marked by art works, will be presented as a way to highlighting the evolution of the human work throughout centuries.

Results

Aristotle stated that “happiness is the highest human good”. The ancient Greek wording for happiness means the success of the vocation. Man, therefore, must expand life to the fullest, by committing himself. Work became an important commitment only after the abolition of slavery. The comparison between Greek caryatids (slaves) and medieval telamons (free men) gives a clear picture of different approaches to the meaning of work fatigue through centuries. Symbolism on the Renaissance arts and craft panels on the Giotto’s bell tower in Florence, shows that dignity of work is in its meaning, motive and purpose, and not in the matter. Macchiaioli and Divisionism art movements in Italy, as well as Realism in France, started showing the workers. The content of the work, the meaning for the worker, for his family and society were represented. The worker started scrutinizing the destiny of which he hoped to be the creator.

Conclusions

Modern work is full of rapid changes that could lead to lacking knowledge and fear of facing the unknown. Knowing the meaning and strength of different cultural roots, will be of great help, in keeping up the pace and understanding the role at work and maybe at life.
SS27-03 SUCCESSFUL SMALL BUSINESSES: THE CONTRIBUTION OF CORE VALUES
Authors: Mittal Ashish
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Small businesses (micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, or MSMEs) with limited resources, need robust systems to prevent any damages to people, property and environment and be successful, competitive, and profitable. These systems are essentially the outcome of core values, which are a set of guiding principles and fundamental beliefs of that business, helping all the members to work toward a common business goal.

Materials and Methods

A secondary literature review was combined with limited personal conversations with employees and employers of MSMEs from different geographical locations and various economic activities in India.

Results

Core values, such as respect for human beings and the fundamental human rights of trust, justice, integrity, responsibility, growth and resilience, when ingrained in a business makes it inclusive, sustainable, acceptable and successful. A safe and preventive work culture nurtures a healthy and safe workplace. Over 75% of employees consider it “very important” to work for a company with defined core values. Companies with highly aligned cultures see 30% higher growth and 17% higher profit growth. Twenty six percent of employees would forego a fancy title and 65% would accept lower pay rather than deal with a poor workplace environment.

Conclusions

Businesses do run with the convictions of a basic culture and values perceived, developed and refined over the growth path of the business. Further research on the formal focus and adoption of the core values to make the business unique, aspirational and sought after is warranted, especially for small businesses and their value or supply chains.
SS30-02 MANAGEMENT OF DRIVERS AND ROAD TRAVEL IN THE CEMENT INDUSTRY
Authors: Kaaouachi Khalid , Bourak Ali
Published: July 2024

Introduction

All drivers, before working with cement manufacturers, follow an accreditation and authorization process which integrates several training courses, awareness-raising and assessments ensuring their ability to drive safely. Also, monitoring is managed by GPS or IVMS with a particular follow of each behavior and risks related to each journey.

Materials and Methods

Drivers have passports tracking all history of assessments, training and recorded behaviors. This passport also monitors employee training and behavior refresher training.

Results and Conclusions

Drivers have evolved in their understanding of risk in the same way as own employees and actively participate in initiatives and the promotion of road safety.
SS31 THE AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Authors: Moyo Dingani
Published: July 2024

OSHAfrica is a continental association bringing together members from more than 45 countries in Africa. OSHAfrica will be sharing a continental perspective of occupational health in terms of the strategic trajectory, research, policy and regulatory organizations in occupational health.

This will set a background to participants on the overall context, content and coverage of occupational health in Africa. The session will also present evidence to date on the maturation of occupational health in Africa. The key learning outcomes of the session include sharing an understanding of the current status of occupational health in Africa, identifying the current gaps in occupational health in Africa, and being able to contribute to its development from an informed point.
SS31-02 LANDSCAPE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS AND REQUIRED REFORMS
Authors: Moyo Dingani
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In recent years, the landscape of policy and legal frameworks on occupational health and safety in southern African countries has experienced important transformations. The development of occupational health and safety is strongly influenced by the maturity of the legal framework.

Materials and Methods

A systematic and critical appraisal of occupational health and safety policy and legal frameworks of eight southern African countries was done. The eight countries were Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A data proforma was used to collect data on the available policies and legislation on occupational health and safety, their comprehensiveness and level of harmonization, and ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions.

Results

Only 3 (38%) of the countries had a national occupational safety and health policy. Two (25%) of the countries had ratified ILO Conventions 155, 161, 176 and 187. All the countries had fragmented and inadequate legal frameworks related to occupational health and safety.

Conclusions

Southern Africa has an immature legal framework with a glaring deficit of national occupational health and safety policies. Occupational health and safety legislation in southern Africa is still at an infancy stage. The southern African region urgently requires to take radical and urgent actions to improve its occupational health and safety policy and legislative framework. The current reforms in policy and legal frameworks will significantly alter and improve the landscape of occupational health.
SS31-04 THE JOURNEY OF AFRICA IN MINING AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Authors: Balfour Thuthula
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The African continent has a long history of mining and is a major producer of many minerals and metals such as gold, diamond, cobalt, bauxite, iron ore, coal, and copper, among others. Mining as an occupation is very high risk and there is significant morbidity and mortality from occupational diseases and injuries in the sector. Notable diseases are asbestosis, silicosis and mercury poisoning. Occupational health and safety services are not well developed in Africa, leaving workers exposed to significant risks.

Methods

This is a narrative of Africa's journey in occupational health. Africa’s journey in mining started with the building of the pyramids millennia ago, to formal mining in the 19th century and is now evolving rapidly as formal and artisanal mining with new deposits being discovered.

Results

Research done through the World Bank in southern Africa showed that the availability of occupational health services and skilled occupational health professionals in the region was limited. The structuring of occupational health services is different across countries with most large companies providing occupational health services for their employees. Smaller mining companies rely on the public health sector that has limited occupational health services.

Discussion

Mining offers a great opportunity for economic development in Africa but this requires that occupational health and safety policies, standards and practices are strengthened at the same time to ensure optimal health of employees.

Conclusion

The journey has been protracted but progressive over the century. Best practices from Africa will be presented and these can be adopted by other countries.
SS32-02 OCCUPATIONAL HEAVY METAL POISONING CASES IN MOROCCO
Authors: Chaoui Hanane , Rhalem Naima , Soulaymani Bencheikh Rachida
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objective of our study was to describe the epidemiological features of occupational heavy metal poisoning cases recorded by the Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Centre of Morocco (CAPM) between 1980 and 2022.

Methods

We conducted a cross sectional study including occupational heavy metal poisoning cases notified to CAPM between 1980 and 2022.

Results

We recorded 27,545 cases of poisoning notified to the CAPM (all substances), from which 96 were related to heavy metal poisoning cases (0,34%). From these 96 cases, we recorded 15 cases of occupational poisonings (15%). Among these 15 cases, lead was incriminated in 10 cases and lead with mercury in five cases. Five cases occurred in clandestine lead mines, three cases occurred in a clandestine battery recycling factory, and five cases were associated with silver mining. All the cases were males, and the mean age was 37 years. The mean blood lead level was 539,58µg/L [181-1040] before treatment, and 383,33 [62-616] after treatment (p =0,49); the mean blood mercury level was 239 µg/L [87-430] before treatment, and 38,7 µg/L [13,3-25,4] after treatment (p=0,8). The mean urinary mercury level was 246,33 µg/L. The treatment received was DMSA (2,3-dimercaptosuccinique acid). The DMSA was used in 13 cases (86 %) at a dose of 30mg/kg/day, three times daily during five days.

Conclusion

Occupational heavy metal poisoning cases in Morocco are a reality. The main substances incriminated were lead followed by mercury. Almost all cases needed chelation. More screening and prevention actions are needed.
SS32-05 ROLE OF TOXICOLOGICAL ANALYSIS IN BIOLOGICAL MONITORING
Authors: Badrane Narjis , Soulaymani Bencheikh Rachida
Published: July 2024

Objective

We conducted a literature review to highlight the interest of toxicological analysis as a tool for biological monitoring in the management of exposure to chemicals in the workplace.

Methods

Three databases, Embase, Pubmed, and Scopus, were searched in English and French languages without date restriction.

Results

Biological monitoring may assess individual exposure to chemicals by different routes, providing additional information for occupational risk assessment, from hazard identification to the control of prevention measures. Biological monitoring considers the internal dose and biological effective dose, regardless of the source or pathway. The most important biological samples used are urine, blood, and occasionally, exhaled air and alternative matrices. It is crucial to select an adequate sampling strategy. Accuracy, precision, reproducibility, recovery, sensitivity and specificity of analytical methods have high influence on the consistency with the limit and reference values concerned. Different analytical techniques can be used (e.g. high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis). Among the limits of biological monitoring, we can cite that biomarkers are usually unable to specify the source of the exposure and may not be sufficiently specific to a particular chemical.

Conclusion

Biological monitoring can help in exposure assessment of speciﬁc chemicals, characterisation of exposure pathways and potential risks.
SS33-04 THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARADOX IN CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: EVIDENCE AND PREVENTION
Authors: Clays Els , Ketels Margo , Holtermann Andreas
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Recent research has increasingly demonstrated that the impact of physical activity varies based on its contextual setting. While the health benefits of physical activity during leisure time are widely acknowledged, the positive effects do not seem to extend to physical activity undertaken during working hours. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as the 'physical activity health paradox'.

Materials and Methods

This presentation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence concerning the physical activity health paradox and its implications for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Results

A growing body of evidence has highlighted the potential for occupational physical activity to elevate the risk for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality. Various potential explanatory mechanisms have been suggested to shed light on the paradoxical effects between occupational and leisure time physical activity. These mechanisms encompass distinctions in factors such as type, intensity, duration and recovery patterns, resulting in divergent physiological responses. The research field faces methodological challenges related to exposure classification, reliance on subjective self-reports, and the presence of residual confounding, which remain subjects of debate. A limited number of studies have explored the impact of psychosocial job resources, such as job control and social support, as potential confounding variables or moderating factors.

Conclusions

The available body of evidence underscores the need for prevention guidelines that differentiate between various contexts of physical activity. Moreover, there is a call to tailor physical activity recommendations to subgroups facing particular needs.
SS34-01 THE WORKPLACE HEALTH WITHOUT BORDERS ETHOS AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN A NUTSHELL
Authors: Levitsky Marianne , Galvin Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Workplace Health Without Borders (WHWB) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting international occupational health. This presentation will provide an overview of WHWB, and share what we have learned about the ethos and culture of the global occupational health / hygiene community.

Materials and Methods

WHWB’s vision is ‘a world where workers, their families and communities do not get ill because of their work’. Our mission is ‘to prevent work-related disease around the world through shared expertise, knowledge and skills’. An entirely volunteer organization, WHWB leverages the expertise of its members, including occupational hygienists and healthcare professionals, to offer training, mentoring and technical assistance on projects to help local partners assess and control work-related hazards.

Results

Since its founding in 2011, WHWB has built a global network of volunteers dedicated to building international capacity for preventing work-related injury and illness. Our achievements have included numerous training programs, both in-person and virtual, that have educated occupational health / hygiene professionals who lack access to such education. Our committees devoted to specific issues, such as brick kilns, waste picking, nail salons and asbestos, have conducted projects to provide training, or assess and control hazards.

Conclusions

WHWB has demonstrated that occupational hygienists, physicians and other professionals have a vast reservoir of expertise that they are willing to share to build international occupational health / hygiene capacity. The expertise of volunteers is a valuable resource in improving global health, and a testament to the collaborative culture and dedication of the occupational health community.
SS34-05 WORKPLACE HEALTH WITHOUT BORDERS (WHWB) PROJECTS: THE DEVIL IS IN THE MEASUREMENTS!
Authors: Verpaele Steven
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Many WHWB projects require exposure measurements. Knowing that in many cases the resources to perform measurements and analyses are not available, a specific program has been developed to ensure that projects can meet these needs in a sustainable manner.

Materials and Methods

To assist local experts, authorities and workers, specific training on exposure assessment was provided. This training consisted of an overview of applicable international standards related to the measurement of chemical agents in the workplace and an application session in which practical training of experts was developed and provided for the specific measurement methods needed for the project. At the same time, a system for materials donation and capacity-building for simple laboratory analyses was offered.

Results

Since the inception of the program, approximately US$50,000 worth of equipment and materials have been donated to various worker exposure assessment organizations. MOUs were signed between the Belgian Center for Occupational Hygiene (BeCOH) and these organizations to conduct the analyses and provide the necessary consumables at no cost, and to keep the projects and relationships sustainable. A total of 1,055 samples, including air and biological samples, were analyzed for various chemicals, such as silica, metals, and metalloids. The repeated training programs paid off, as the initial 30% of samples which were dropped due to problems during sampling, reduced to only 10% more recently.

Conclusions

Good specific training and properly functioning equipment are essential when setting up measurement programs in low- and middle-income countries to ensure that important exposure data of workers in these countries is not lost.
SS35-02 TELEWORKING TO SUPPORT ACCOMMODATION, INCLUSION, AND HEALTH OF WORKERS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES: DESIGN AND VALIDATION OF THE LOGIC MODEL OF A REFLECTIVE UTILIZATION GUIDE
Authors: Lecours Alexandra , Hong Quan Nha , Maclure Joanie , Bédard Mercier Roxanne , Vincent Claude , Boucher Normand , le Lord Marie-Michè
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Despite some exploratory work suggesting courses of action to use telework as a modality facilitating accommodation, inclusion and health among singular populations of workers, such as people with physical disabilities, no guidelines are available to ensure a healthy application of telework among people having chronic illnesses. This study aimed to develop a reflective telework utilization guide to support the accommodation, inclusion, and health of workers with chronic illnesses.

Methods

Focus groups with teleworkers and individual interviews with managers enabled collecting qualitative data to generate the logic model of a reflective telework utilization guide. A validation process was also undertaken.

Results

Preliminary results highlight the concerns and recommendations of workers and managers regarding telework and its ability to support accommodation, inclusion and health. The logical model that was generated and validated is presented.

Discussion

On a practical level, the guide represents a concrete tool that managers and workers can use. This study’s research contribution is to pave the way for other projects aimed at developing innovative and effective solutions in promoting the accommodation, inclusion, and health of workers with chronic illnesses. Finally, on a societal level, the study results help to explain the influence of telework on the health and inclusion of all workers and encourage people to use the guide to promote healthy participation in telework.

Conclusion

This study proposes a concrete tool to support healthy work participation of workers with chronic illnesses, a growing population that forms an indispensable and qualified resource, especially in the context of the labour shortage.
SS36-01 E-WASTE PROCESSING IN THE INFORMAL WORK SECTOR: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: D’Souza Clive , Acquah Augustine A , Martin Bernard J , Fobil Julius N
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Global waste from discarded electrical and electronic equipment, commonly known as e-waste, is projected to increase from 53.6 million tons (MT) in 2019 to 74.7MT by 2030. Formal recycling in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has not kept pace with the staggering growth of e-waste. Compounding this problem is the vast amounts of e-waste shipped from high-income countries to LMICs for re-use. Most e-waste processing in LMICs is informal, performed by low-skill workers as a source of income. This presentation will review existing research on informal e-waste and its implications to the occupational and environmental health with a focus on e-waste workers in LMICs.

Materials and Methods

A literature review and synthesis on informal e-waste processing and its health effects were conducted.

Results

Informal e-waste processing in LMICs relies on rudimentary manual work methods with adverse consequences to the health of humans and the environment from exposure to toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and airborne particulate matter. The physical work demands are associated with high rates of acute injuries, chronic musculoskeletal disorders, noise exposure, and psychosocial stress. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is rare. Informal e-waste workers are uneducated and uninformed about the health effects of e-waste work, safe work practices, use of PPE, or how to advocate for safer work conditions.

Conclusions

Research on the design, implementation, and evaluation of ergonomics interventions to address the occupational hazards of informal e-waste processing is needed. Increased international inter-professional collaborations in the occupational health community can help to improve health and safety of vulnerable workers engaged in informal e-waste processing.
SS36-02 INFORMAL E-WASTE PROCESSING AT AGBOGBLOSHIE, GHANA, AND THE WEST AFRICA-MICHIGAN CHARTER II FOR GEOHEALTH
Authors: D’Souza Clive , Acquah Augustine A , Martin Bernard J , Fobil Julius N
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Large quantities of end-of-life electronics make their way into Agbogbloshie, one of the largest e-waste sites in the world where they are recycled by low-skilled low-wage workers as a form of livelihood. Workers use basic methods and tools in the recycling process that predisposes them to occupational health problems. This presentation will outline the processes involved in informal e-waste recycling in Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana, and highlight associated problems.

Materials and Methods

Field observations, worker interviews, dialogue with stakeholders and empirical studies conducted under the GEOHealth–II Project were used to detail the processes involved in informal e-waste recycling and associated occupational and environmental health challenges.

Results

E-waste processing in Agbogbloshie is unstructured, unregulated and involves collecting, sorting, and dismantling end-of-life electronics to recover valuable metal constituents. Occasionally, some collected electronics get refurbished and resold. Items such as electrical wires that cannot be dismantled are burnt in the open to recover copper. Personal protective equipment is seldomly used. The recycling methods used result in a high prevalence of physical injuries (96.2%) and musculoskeletal disorders (90%). Workers are also exposed to toxic substances and fumes during burning that cause eye and respiratory tract irritations. Spirometry data showed reduced lung function from particulate matter exposure.

Conclusions

Informal e-waste processing in Agbogbloshie is done using unsafe recycling methods that present numerous health challenges. Global health mitigation measures are urgently needed to address this occupational health menace.
SS37 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AND DECENT WORK
Authors: Schulte Paul A
Published: July 2024

The session builds on the published paper ‘Occupational Safety and Health Staging Framework for Decent Work’ (IJERPH 2022).

The framework is a matrix that has the four ILO pillars of decent work on one axis and eight determinants on the other axis resulting in 32 cells where the axes interact. The focus of the session will be presenting on the investigation of the OSH issues in the various cells.
SS37-01 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AND DECENT WORK: OVERVIEW
Authors: Schulte Paul A
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The concept of “decent work” has been utilized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations to refer to the quality and dignity of work for all people.

Materials and Methods

The purpose of this research effort is to identify how the occupational safety and health field can further stretch and evolve to foster decent work. The effort builds on a staging framework published in 2022 that encompasses 32 cells in a matrix bound by four ILO pillars of decent work (employment creation; social protection; right of workers; social dialogue) and eight specific determinants (new and emerging hazards and risks, demographics (age and gender); globalization; informal work; migration; climate change; pandemics; and workplace policies). A team of 14 investigators is collaborating in this effort.

Results

The work of the future as indicated in the matrix will have increasing exposures to psychosocial hazards and require broader accounting of socio-economic factors. Intermediate findings of this study include considering each cell in terms of target audiences: practitioners, researchers, advocates, decision / policy makers, and authorities, and educators; utilizing system thinking and transdisciplinary approaches to consider and address issues, and promoting more emphasis on translation science (implementation and dissemination research).

Conclusions

The occupational health and safety field is directly contributory to each pillar of decent work to varying extents. However, there may be ways that the field can expand. The challenge of this investigation is to identify how the field can stretch in practical and innovative ways.
SS37-02 DECENT WORK AND AGING WORKERS
Authors: Fischer Frida Marina , Martinez Maria Carmen , Cotrim Teresa , Oakman Jodi
Published: July 2024

Determinants of decent work are factors that can positively or negatively influence health and wellbeing. They include sociodemographic changes, such as the aging of the workforce (Schulte et al. 2022). The aging workforce will require workers to have a longer working life, and employers will need to rely on an increasingly older workforce (ILO, 2019). This situation poses challenges for occupational health and safety, including actions that promote and maintain work ability and employability and delay retirement (Fischer et al. 2021).

The pillars that support decent work are: job creation, social protection, rights of workers, social dialogue. Specific actions should be aiming at retaining older workers, ensuring the quality of work through reskilling and upskilling, providing health insurance, and preventing hazardous 3-D jobs (Schulte et al. 2022). Improvements at workplaces and environments should be considered, taking into account psychological and physiological changes associated with age.

Practitioners, researchers, policy makers, governments and advocates are to promote sustainable working conditions for older workers. Actions should include but are not limited to: regular health monitoring programs, systematic and ongoing training with age-appropriate strategies, promotion of personal development / employability, improvements in work organization, appropriate working hours, leisure time, as well as reintegration after periods of illness, work injury, temporary functional disability, or unemployment – these are all crucial. Negative effects of functional decline can be compensated for by strategies based on experience, knowledge, and skills acquired throughout life.

Acknowledgments: CNPq-productivity grant to FMF 306963/2021-3
SS38-03 MANAGEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE IN THE CEMENT INDUSTRY
Authors: Haddad Redouane , Madadi Hicham
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Support for subcontractors is not limited to industrial safety but also to employee hygiene and health. Indeed, occupational medicine and hygiene at work are essential components in the support process.

Materials and Methods

Physical fitness and continuous medical monitoring are the main components of worker health monitoring. Medical surveillance is adapted to each workstation and its environment. Hygiene is also monitored through measurement campaigns and wellbeing at work.

Results and Conclusions

Subcontractors’ employees have evolved in their understanding of risk in the same way as own employees and actively participate in initiatives and the promotion of health and safety at work.
SS40 BOTTLENECKS AND SOLUTIONS IN STARTING AND PROGRESSING BASIC OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES (BOHS)
Authors: van Dijk Frank
Published: July 2024

Universal Occupational Health Coverage is a key element in reducing social inequality, promoting sustainable development and poverty reduction. Basic Occupational Health Services (BOHS) and similar innovations, part of primary or community healthcare, can support the largest part of all workers having no access to expert-based occupational health services.

The session seeks to learn from existing practices in seven countries, varying from successful implemented new forms of occupational healthcare, basic occupational healthcare in early stages of development, and experiments while struggling on how to start. Accents can be different: on education of primary and community healthcare, on care for informal workers or on workers and farmers in agriculture.

Insights are shared in how to manage BOHS services, and in how to develop and evaluate the tasks, quality of care, effectiveness, costs, coverage, and the participatory approach. A supporting infrastructure and referral options cannot be missed. We expect to learn about challenges in the path towards BOHS focusing upon the primary healthcare approach.

During the final panel discussion, we will deliberate this issue further with international organizations and the audience. The session has the objective to increase awareness about the urgent need to create new occupational healthcare solutions appropriate for the majority of all workers. Another objective is knowledge dissemination of challenges to overcome and of solutions. International information can be shared. BOHS is a new and challenging topic for development, information, education, and research. We can wait no longer.
SS40-06 ITALY: SPECIAL ATTENTION TO IMPROVE LEVELS OF HEALTH COVERAGE IN AGRICULTURE
Authors: Colosio Claudio
Published: July 2024

Introduction

One of the main problems existing in agriculture is a lack of access to health surveillance in the workplace. This is particularly critical, considering that agriculture is considered by the WHO one of the most dangerous and unhealthy working activities. Among agricultural workers, seasonal, family, and self-employed workers suffer the lowest levels of coverage and are not considered in the national laws, even in countries where the coverage is good, like Italy.

Materials and Methods

To increase the levels of coverage in the sector, a specific law decree has been promulgated in the country, addressed at seasonal workers. To comply with the new law, a targeted working group has been created by the Region of Lombardy, with a tripartite composition made of representatives of trade unions, of the employers’ associations and of academia and the public healthcare system.

Results

The working group stated that, according to the Alma Ata declaration, it is necessary to create structures able to bring healthcare close to the places where rural people live and work, through the creation of a "Territorial Integrated Prevention System" (TIPS), to be set up through the involvement of all the relevant actors and stakeholders. In these structures it should be possible to carry out health surveillance of workers, meetings, and training activities, and to set up prevention strategies.

Conclusions

The creation of the TIPS represents the first step to improve agricultural workers' access to health surveillance in the workplace, in particular of the most disadvantaged subgroups, in a sector of strategic relevance for prevention.
SS41-02 EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MIGRANT WORKERS’ OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH: A PERSPECTIVE FROM EUROPE
Authors: Samant Yogindra
Published: July 2024

Migrant workers in Europe, constituting 24% of the global migrant workforce, faced heightened vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic due to their concentration in low-skill, high-risk jobs. These sectors, include among other jobs in cleaning, construction, restaurants and transportation that exposed them to a higher risk of infection. Multiple studies revealed that these migrant-worker-dense, high-risk sectors experienced elevated COVID-19 infection rates, yet there remains a lack of comprehensive epidemiological data due to limited research and policy attention.

Spain and Italy, with substantial migrant populations, were primary locations for researching occupational injuries among migrants, with other European nations reporting similar trends. Factors contributing to increased injury risks included fragmented work arrangements, sector over-representation, employer non-compliance, and language and cultural barriers.

Epidemiological studies, primarily focusing on agriculture and construction, confirmed the pre-pandemic trend of heightened injury risks among migrant workers, linked to subcontractor use, tenuous safety standards, and pressure to disregard regulations.

The pandemic exacerbated the precarious situation of migrant workers in essential services due to resource constraints, time pressures, precarious work conditions, and quarantine measures.

While conclusive data on pandemic-induced injuries or illnesses among migrant workers in Europe is limited, the cumulative impact of existing risk factors, compounded by pandemic challenges, indicates a significant risk. Additional epidemiological data may emerge as Europe transitions from the pandemic to a post-pandemic era revealing the true extent of injuries among migrant workers.
SS41-03 EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MIGRANT WORKERS’ OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH: A PERSPECTIVE FROM MIGRANT WORKERS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
Authors: Seneviratne Mahinda
Published: July 2024

The Asia-Pacific region consists of several of the world’s largest workforces that are major sources of both internal (domestic) and international migrant workers. Internal migrants themselves are a significant worker population in the region, especially in India and China. An International Organization for Migration review of global data sources on occupational fatalities reported that migrants, who constitute most national labour forces in the Gulf region of West Asia, suffer a majority of workplace fatalities.

Existing government data showed that approximately 16 Indian workers died each day on average in the Gulf region between 2014 and 2019, and two Nepali workers abroad died each day on average every year since 2008. Over 37,000 bodies of Bangladeshi workers have been repatriated back home since 2000. An analysis of over 40,000 occupationally injured migrant construction workers of Chinese nationality in Korea identified that policies on their prohibition in changing workplaces was a risk factor for the significantly higher occupational fatalities.

Australia is a major high income host country in the Asia-Pacific region for migrant workers but has sparse epidemiological studies on workplace fatalities or injury and illness among its diverse migrant workforce. Global labour shortages are making unprecedented demand for workers from low-income countries to fill low skilled, precarious jobs in higher income countries.

This crisis should be an impetus for government agencies and researchers in host countries to give much needed attention to the health and safety of migrant workers and ensure that it is not acceptable to exploit vulnerable workers because they do not ‘belong’.
SS42 GLOBAL NETWORK FOR EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
Authors: Curti Stefania
Published: July 2024

Initial funding for the “Global Network for Evidence Synthesis in Occupational Safety and Health” has been provided by the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL, Istituto Nazionale per l’Assicurazione contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro).

The work is being managed by the Cochrane Work group at UMC Amsterdam. They are part of a consortium who has been granted Cochrane Thematic Group Status (Cochrane Work and Health and Social Security). The aim is to organize a global network that is dedicated to shaping the synthesis, dissemination and implementation of evidence in the field of OSH. Researchers, health professionals and institutions will benefit from this collaboration on topics that are of interest not only at local level but also on global scale.
SS42-05 NIOSH EXPERIENCE WITH PLANNING AND DEVELOPING SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
Authors: Piacentino John , Morata Thais
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has the mandate to assure “every man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources”. NIOSH’s mission is to develop new knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health and to transfer that knowledge into practice. As a research agency focused on the study of worker safety and health, NIOSH uses a variety of methods to generate and synthesize information, including systematic reviews. Systematic review uses transparent and explicit methods for critically appraising a body of literature to answer key questions.

Materials and Methods

We will review NIOSH experience in developing and contributing to systemic reviews to highlight several key questions, challenges and opportunities for adapting their principles to occupational safety and health topics.

Results

Key questions in occupational safety and health include identifying hazards, characterizing risk, understanding dose-response relationships, determining intervention effectiveness and managing risk. Challenges include heterogenous sources of data, limited research designs and a variety of decision contexts.

Conclusions

Systematic reviews inform the process of producing NIOSH recommendations and offer relevant and valuable tools for critically appraising literature, answering key questions and addressing unique challenges that arise when applying their methods to occupational safety and health topics.
SS43 HEALTH AND RETIREMENT
Authors: Neupane Subas
Published: July 2024

The demographic transition in many countries has caused a substantial financial burden, as it is associated with decreased income for health and pension systems, as well as shortage of hands for the production and for taking care of oldest old.

Improved health during work life is important to keep people at work for longer, but knowledge about the possible health consequences of postponed retirement age is limited. On the other hand, retirement may have both positive and negative effects on health. Retirement at pensionable age tends to be a temporary relief for those with sub-optimal health, on contrary, early retirement may have negative effects on physical and mental health.
SS43-03 PSYCHOSOCIAL WORK EXPOSURE AND INTENTION TO RETIRE
Authors: Neupanen Subas , Prakash K C , Nygård Clas-Håkan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

We studied psychosocial exposures at work and their association with intention to early retirement, separately among women and men working in the Finnish postal service.

Methods

A survey was conducted in 2016 and followed-up after two years. A questionnaire was sent to all workers aged ≥ 50 years and 44% (n=2096) responded (mean age 56.3, 40% women) at baseline. Employee’s intention to retire before official retirement was measured on a scale of 1-5 and dichotomized. The psychosocial exposures were defined by four composite variables: equality at work, flexibility at work, supportive work environment, and health or other reason. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals for association of quality of work community with intention to retire were calculated using log binomial regression models adjusted for age, occupational class, work ability and comorbidity.

Results

About one third of respondents intended to retire early with no significant gender difference in intention. Low equality at work (women OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.60-4.81; men 2.84, 1.80-4.48) and low flexibility at work (women 3.30, 1.94-5.60; men 2.91, 1.88-4.50) were associated with more likely intention to retire early. The latter was found less likely among women due to low supportive work environment (0.52, 0.31-0.89), and among men due to health or other reason (0.65, 043-0.98).

Conclusion

Intention to retire before the official age was associated with psychosocial work exposure and health. The results highlight the importance of the quality of work community and the promotion of work-related health in order to extend the working life of older employees.