bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
O8D.6 High physical workload and disability pension: a follow-up study of swedish men until 59 years of age
Authors: Kjellberg Katarina , Falkstedt Daniel , Linnersjö Anette , Hemmingsson Tomas 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundIn Sweden, the proportion of the population that remains in paid employment until normal retirement age of 65 years is less than 50% in blue-collar groups, compared to 60%–75% in white-collar occupations. High physical workload has been associated with early exits from the labor market through disability pensions (DP) in many studies. However, identified risk factors for DP from early life may be more prevalent among men in heavy manual occupations than in others. The aim was to investigate the association between high physical work load in middle age and DP before age 59, adjusting for social background, physical ability, psychological characteristics, lifestyle and education measured before labour market entrance.MethodsThe study is based on a Swedish conscription cohort of 49 321 men born 1949–1951. At enlistment 1969/1970 information was collected about cardiorespiratory fitness, social background, psychological characteristics and health behaviours, e.g. smoking. Physical workload was estimated with a job exposure matrix based on questions concerning heavy lifting, strenuous work postures, repetitive work and physically strenuous work from the Swedish Work Environment Surveys 1989–97. Mean values for men of a composite physical exposure variable were grouped into quartiles; high, medium-high, medium-low and low physical workload, and assigned to occupational titles from the census 1990. The study group was followed regarding DP from age 40 to 59.ResultsExposure to high (HR 2.67, CI 95% 2.42–2.95), medium-high (HR 2.43, CI 95% 2.20–2.69) and medium-low (HR 1.31, CI 95% 1.18–1.47) physical workload, compared with low, were associated with DP up to age 59. The increased risks remained, but were clearly attenuated after adjustments for pre-labour market factors, especially psychological characteristics and education.ConclusionThe results are in line with a major effect of high physical work load on disability pension, even though adjustments for pre-labour market factors clearly attenuated the risks.
P.1.05 Developing a workplace intelligence system for exposure-control in great britain (WISE-GB)
Authors: Chen Yiqun , Curran Andrew 
Published: May 2020

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is a risk based regulator for workplace health and safety in GB. It has an intelligence-led operational approach. To inform HSE’s risk control strategies, WISE-GB is developed to capture and integrate diverse but relevant data sources on an ongoing basis to generate intelligence, in a timely fashion, through enhanced analytic operation (i.e. statistical modelling, spatial and temporal analyses and expert interpretation) for monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of workplace exposure-control in GB.A workshop was organised in October 2017 to bring stakeholders across HSE to develop a common vision for WISE-GB and to identify the next steps for development. WISE-GB will generate national representative intelligence on the patterns (levels and distributions) of risk exposure to important hazards, which should support: 1) risk assessment, prioritisation and targeting risk control efforts; and 2) monitoring and evaluation of interventions, where reliable intelligence on improvement of exposure-control is critical in linking positive changes in attitude and behavioural about workplace exposures to better prevention of work-related ill health.A feasibility study will be presented, using Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) as an example, to illustrate WISE-GB development methods. This include: 1) capturing historical data as well as data gathered continuously through HSE operation and research, 2) accessing and utilisation inspection information, industry data, and data from other industrial countries to fill the potential data gaps; and 3) integrating diverse data sources to generate national representative intelligence. We will also demonstrate how the intelligence from WISE-GB contributes to the monitoring and evaluation of the HSE Health and Work programme on prevention of Occupational Lung Disease (OLD). These will help HSE towards developing a fit-for-purpose WISE-GB to generate real-time national picture of the effectiveness of exposure-control in GB workplaces.© British Crown copyright (2019)
P.1.06 Effects of cigarette smoking on hearing loss in workers with noise exposure
Authors: Chu Po-Ching , Hsu Mrs Carrie 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesPrevious studies found that noise and cigarette smoking are risk factors of hearing loss. This study aimed to investigate effects of cigarette smoking and other factors on hearing loss.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 95 machine maintenance workers with noise exposure in an electronics industry. The databases of health examination and environmental monitoring were used, and the information on demographics, years of employment, habit of cigarette smoking, hearing levels of pure tone audiometry, and levels of personal noise exposure monitoring (TWA) were assessed. There were two definitions of hearing levels, which were the mean level (mean of bilateral 3K, 4K, 6 K Hz) and the maximal level (maximum of bilateral 3K, 4K, 6 K Hz). Linear regression was applied to explore the association.Results60.0%, 14.7%, and 25.3% workers were never smokers, ever smokers who had quit, and current smokers, respectively. The multivariable linear regression showed that current smokers had higher mean hearing level than never smokers (β=4.54, 95% CI=−0.10–9.19); age was associated with the mean hearing level (β=0.52, 95% CI=0.25–0.79). In additions, another multivariable model showed that current smokers had higher maximal hearing level than never smokers (β=8.36, 95% CI=0.28–16.43); age was associated with the maximal hearing level (β=0.91, 95% CI=0.45–1.38). Years of employment and noise exposure levels were not associated with hearing levels. Concerning workers aged 36 years or older, subgroup analysis found that the maximal hearing levels were 25 dB (never smokers), ever smokers who had quit (30 dB), and current smokers (45 dB), which had statistical significant (p=0.048).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that old age and current smoking were risk factors of hearing loss, and also call attention to the importance of preventing hearing loss including quitting smoking for noise exposure workers.
P.1.08 Connecting contractor safety management programs and worker perceived safety climate in commercial construction projects
Authors: Dale Ann Marie , Buckner-Petty Skye , Evanoff Bradley 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundLeading indicators are preferred to identify injuries and fatalities in construction industry. Safety climate is a leading indicator of construction injuries yet it is not known how workers’ safety climate scores relate to safety programs of different maturity levels.MethodsThis study examined the relationship between safety program scores based on documents and contractor reported activities and project leading indicators of contractor safety climate, safety behaviors of workers and crews, and safety attitudes of coworkers from employee surveys. Hierarchical linear regression models accounted for contractor size and number of workers, nested in contractors within projects. Separate models examined the relationships between safety program scores and 1) contractor safety climate; 2) coworker attitude scores, 3) employees’ own behavior score, and 4) crew behavior scores.Results446 employees of 40 contractors from three commercial construction projects participated. Many contractors (n=16) had good safety programs with 15 or more safety activities (out of 17) from organizational management, worker participation, hazard identification, and training domains. Stronger safety programs had higher safety climate scores (5.15 point difference on a 100 point scale, p=0.05), better coworker safety attitudes (6.69 points, p=0.01), better crew safety behaviors (5.34 points, p=0.02) and higher self-rated behaviors (5.14 points, p=0.02) compared to safety programs with fewer safety items.ConclusionsContractors with more comprehensive safety programs were perceived to have stronger safety climate. Better safety programs were also associated with better self-reported safety performance of coworkers, crews, and individual workers. Stronger safety programs incorporated activities from all four domains Safety programs that include activities that cover safety of management and worker influence safety performance and safety climate as perceived by the workers.
P.1.09 Risk assessment of exposure to formaldehyde in university laboratories
Authors: Dehdashti Alireza 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveFormaldehyde is a commonly used chemical in laboratories and has been regarded as a potential hazard to health. Researchers and students who work in medical laboratories have potentially a higher risk of exposure to Formaldehyde. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of exposure to formaldehyde and its health effects in laboratories.MethodsIn a cross-sectional survey air samples were collected with charcoal tubes from 23 anatomy, pathology and histopathology laboratories. Personal and time weighted exposures of 102 samples were sampled and analyzed using OSHA method. A questionnaire was distributed to 83 participants engaged in laboratory activities to examine the adverse health effects of formaldehyde.ResultsOverall, 92.3% of the personal exposure levels were higher than the occupational exposure limit. The area concentrations ranged between 0.234 ppm and 3.45 ppm (mean=1.43 ppm, SD=0.45). Individual exposure levels in respiratory zone ranged 0.219 ppm and 1.96 ppm (mean=0.573 ppm, SD=0.39). The risk of Formaldehyde exposure levels were higher for researchers and technicians compared to students with a factor of two or three. Participants with a duration of exposure more than 2 years had an increased risk of health symptoms (Hazard ratio=1.4; Confidence Interval=0.8–3.7). Laboratory personnel reported physical fatigue (39.1%), headache (32.7%), breathing problems (21.1%), noise irritation (17.4%), and eye irritation (14.9%).ConclusionThe concentration levels of Formaldehyde vapor in laboratory indoor air were higher compared to individual exposure levels. Work in laboratories is associated with exposure levels exceeding the recommended exposure limit and an increased risk of health complaints. Preventive measures are required to reduce the emission of airborne formaldehyde and prevalent health-related symptoms in academic medical laboratories.
P.1.11 ‘Creation of classification model using machine learning; to detect dysphonia work-related’
Authors: Gilbert Natalia , Assar Rodrigo , Martinez Rodrigo 
Published: May 2020

The underdiagnosis of occupational disease causes severe damage to the health system. The classification of a disease as a professional is based on the decision on whether the present labor factors are sufficient for the generation of the disease, and this function is carried out by a qualified professional or committee.Occupational dysphonia is one of the 5 most frequent occupational diseases in Chile, whose condition impact on the labor productivity and the quality of life of the patient. Today there are no unified criteria among the occupational qualification decisión makers to decide on the sufficient of laboral factors of occupational dysphonia disease.Computerized systems have been developed to support clinical diagnosis decision-making process; among these, Machine Learning methods have been used to simulate the reasoning of the expert from the analysis and identification of complex patterns in large databases, so in this study it is suggested that the creation of a dysphonia classification model is possible employing Machine Learning tools. For this purpose, 103 cases obtained from patients with qualification results cause by dysphonia was analize in relation to the number of variables studied and their distribution for the observation of the characteristics that give identity to the groups studied. Subsequently, different classification models were developed using Machine Learning and the one that presented the best performance was chosen.Statistical analyzes show that of the 6 models of Machine Learning elaborated, Random Forest was the one that presented the best performance (accuracity=0.83 and Kappa value=0.61), variables that manage to establish identity to each group represent 26.5% of the total of studied variables. The results in this work show the potential of the use of computer tools can be useful as a support tool for diagnosis of occupational disease.
P.1.12 Particulate matter measurement system using low cost sensor and internet of things
Authors: Ham Seunghon , Kang Seong-Kyu 
Published: May 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an important keyword in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. IoT is expected to have a massive impact for human being, but these are still early days. IoT enables these objects to collect and exchange data through the wireless network, such as devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items that include electronic devices, software, sensors, and network connections. IoT is a technology that can be used and expanded in various applications such as industrial, manufacturing, medical and consumer products and so on. This research focuses specifically on the development of measurement systems for particulate matter using IoT technology for occupational as well as environmental settings. Currently, the government is providing the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5/10) hourly. However, it is difficult to reflect personal exposure because it is installed on the top of a building. Therefore, this study shows development of the particulate matter measuring system using IoT and obtains the personal measurement data of the particulate matter. Also, to provide a further insight, we will also present how particulate matter measurement system works by showing some measurements collected with an experimental testbed deployed in our research group. Still, it is necessary to improve the quality of system and the convergence between pollutant measurement including particulate matter and IoT can provide new opportunities for occupational and environmental particulate matter measurement system.AcknowledgementThis work was supported by Gachon University research fund of 2018(GCU-2018–5259) and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (Ministry of Science, ICT) (No. NRF-2017R1C1B1002717).
P.1.17 Working time, smoking, and caffeine intake by working type of taxi drivers in korea
Authors: Kim Hyoung-ryoul 
Published: May 2020

Taxi drivers in Korea are known to work long hours and receive low wages. In addition, there are various forms of working, so that they can work 12 hours a day for 2 shifts, work only at night or day time, and drive a car whole day alone (14–15 hours a day). We surveyed their specific hours of work, and smoking and caffeine consumption. In this study, 11 business sites were selected for taxi companies in Seoul considering region and workplace size, and survey was conducted for all taxi drivers belonging to the relevant business sites. The questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics, working hours and working conditions, violence experience, emotional labor status, physical and mental health status, sleep health, traffic accidents and traffic violation experience. A total of 698 respondents (39.6%) answered the questionnaire. 76.2% were working 25–26 days a month. 49.2% of the workers worked more than 60 hours per week and less than 70 hours per week. 52.8% of drivers were current smokers, and 65.9% of those who work fixed night shift were current smokers. The rate of taking caffeinated beverages was 90.4%, of which 75.5% were taking six or more cups a day. In the form of working for 14–15 hours a day alone and working in fixed night shift, more than 6 cups were consumed.Taxi drivers are forced to work long hours on their own due to their low wage structure, and the frequency of smoking and caffeine ingestion is very high in order to maintain long working hours. In order to improve this situation, the introduction of the monthly salary system and regulation of working time should be applied.
P.1.19 Increased benefit generosity and the impact on workers’ compensation claiming behaviour: an interrupted time series study in victoria, australia
Authors: Lane Tyler , Gray Shannon , Sheehan Luke , Collie Alex 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo measure the effect of legislated increases to workers’ compensation benefits on claiming behaviour.MethodsInterrupted time series of workers’ compensation claims in Victoria, Australia (2008–2012), assessing 1) the overall effect of the legislation and 2) raising the wage replacement cap on higher earners, by condition type, in reference to a comparator of other Australian workers’ compensation jurisdictions.ResultsOverall claiming increased 11.7%, driven largely by musculoskeletal condition claims. There was no detectable effect on disability duration overall, though back/neck conditions were up 26.9%. Among higher earners, there was mixed evidence of an increase in claiming, though disability durations were up 32.9%, which was also driven by back/neck conditions. There was mixed evidence of an effect on mental health claims, suggesting either no response or a negative response to benefit generosity.ConclusionsFindings mainly align with existing evidence: more generous benefits increase claiming and disability durations, primarily driven by back/neck musculoskeletal conditions. However, some mixed findings by injury group and among higher earners raise questions about confounders such as co-occurring events.
P.1.23 Gaps between international conventions and national asbestos ban policies: a global perspective
Authors: Lin Ro-ting 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionThere is an international consensus that the most efficient way to eliminate asbestos-related diseases is to stop using asbestos. However, 80% of the global population lives in countries that lack any national policy that achieves a total ban on asbestos. We investigated whether national policies were in line with international conventions and identified countries that lag behind the global trend toward a total asbestos ban.MethodsWe obtained data on the year that each country implemented policies that ban chrysotile, crocidolite, and amosite. We also obtained the list of countries that have ratified the C162 Asbestos Convention and the Basel Convention, and their date of ratification. Data retrieved from the search databases were compiled for statistical analysis. We calculated the numbers and proportions of countries enforcing total bans, partial bans, and no bans.ResultsAs of 2018, there were 62 countries implemented the total asbestos ban policy. Countries that ratified both conventions and countries that ratified either one or unratified any convention, we found the former group had a higher proportion of implementing total ban compared to the latter group (65% vs. 41%, p-value<0.05). However, some countries, such as Russia and Kazakhstan, are still among the biggest producers of asbestos, despite they have ratified C162. Asbestos may have been consumed longer in countries not ratifying conventions than those ratifying conventions.ConclusionsHistorical asbestos consumption and loose regulations have introduced challenges to eliminate asbestos-related diseases. Although several countries have reoriented the national policy in line with the global trend of banning all types and forms of asbestos, the gap between adopting interventional conventions and developing national policies remain, warranting efforts to analyze driving forces behind successful political processes to ratify the international conventions, establish asbestos control limits, and eventually create a national policy for a total asbestos ban.
P.1.28 Air pollution and diseases: a practical tool for effective pubmed search
Authors: Curti Stefania , Mattioli Stefano 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesTo identify efficient PubMed search filters for the study of outdoor air pollution determinants of diseases.MethodsWe listed Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and non-MeSH terms that seemed pertinent to outdoor air pollutants exposure as determinants of diseases. Proportions of potentially pertinent articles retrieved by each term were estimated. We then formulated two filters: one ‘more specific’, one ‘more sensitive’. Their performances were compared with a gold standard of systematic reviews on associations between diseases and outdoor air pollution. We calculated, for both the filters, the number (of abstract) needed to read (NNR) to identify one potentially pertinent article, exploring three diseases potentially associated with outdoor air pollution.ResultsThe combination of terms that yielded a threshold of potentially pertinent articles≥40% permitted to formulate the ‘more specific’ filter. On the basis of the combination of all search terms under study we formulated the ‘more sensitive’ filter. In comparison with the gold standard, the ‘more specific’ filter had the highest specificity (67.4%; with a sensitivity of 82.5%) and the ‘more sensitive’ filter had the highest sensitivity (98.5%; with a specificity of 47.9%). For the ‘more specific’ filter and the ‘more sensitive’ one the NNR to find one potentially pertinent article was 1.9 and 3.3, respectively.ConclusionsThe proposed search filters help investigating environmental determinants of medical conditions. We published them on: Curti S et al. PubMed search filters for the study of putative outdoor air pollution determinants of disease. BMJ Open. 2016;6 (12):e013092.
P.1.29 Communication and dissemination in the omega-net cost action
Authors: McElvenny Damien , Turner Michelle , Burdorf Alex , Pearce Neil , Mehlum Ingrid 
Published: May 2020

OMEGA-NET (the Network on the Coordination and Harmonisation of European Occupational Cohorts - http://omeganetcohorts.eu/) is a 4 year EU-funded COST Action that commenced in November 2017. The overarching concept of OMEGA-NET is to create a network to optimise and integrate occupational, industrial, and population cohorts at the European level, and to provide a foundation for an enhanced evidence base for the identification of health risks and gains related to occupation and employment to foster safe and healthy preventive strategies and policies.OMEGA-NET has research and capacity-building objectives, including:Coordinate and integrate cohorts on occupational health in EuropeImplement an online interactive tool with detailed information on existing cohortsFacilitate work on harmonisation of occupational exposure and standardisation of health outcome information and new protocols for data collectionConnect scientific communities on occupational health in EuropeProvide networking and leadership opportunities for early career researchers, as well as researchers from COST Inclusiveness Target CountriesProvide training in occupational epidemiology and exposure assessmentOur stakeholders are at National, European (e.g. EU, EU–OSHA) and International levels (e.g. WHO, ILO). Scientists are under pressure to promote their research and the reasons for promoting OMEGA–NET include:Attracting future research funding in occupational health;Building new connections outside our Action, promoting research in other countries; andPutting occupational epidemiology on the agenda of EU and international (and national) policy–makersWe will present our Science Communication and Dissemination Plan, which sets out how we are interacting with and influencing key high-level stakeholders, and what we hope to achieve. We hope OMEGA-NET will inform occupational health research priority setting and promote a lively discussion on communication of research in occupational health.