bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
O1E.6 The impact of a program of mandatory awareness training on worker awareness and empowerment to participate in injury prevention
Authors: Smith Peter 
Published: May 2020

On July 1 st 2014, the province of Ontario introduced a program of mandatory occupational health and safety (OHS) awareness training. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of this program on worker level self-reported OHS awareness and empowerment to participate in injury prevention activities in Ontario, compared to the province of British Columbia (BC) where no similar program was introduced.We collected information on OHS awareness and empowerment, as well as participation in OHS training from samples of workers in Ontario and BC on four occasions. The first survey was conducted between May and June 2014 (prior to the introduction of mandatory training); then additional surveys were completed in February/March 2015, September/October 2015, and November/December 2017. For each cross-sectional sample we recruited over 1800 respondents, with a total sample of over 7500 respondents (63% from Ontario) across all time points. Logistic regression models were used to examine a time by province interaction in each outcome, after adjusting for a variety of workplace and worker characteristics.After the introduction of mandatory awareness training respondents in Ontario were almost twice as likely to participate in training compared to respondents in BC. However, we observed no difference in trends over time (pre-post introduction of mandatory training) in levels of adequate awareness or empowerment between Ontario and BC. Respondents in Ontario had higher levels of adequate OHS awareness than respondents in BC at all time points (both before and after the introduction of mandatory awareness training). No differences were present between Ontario and BC in relation to empowerment.Taken together, these results suggest that the introduction of mandatory awareness training in Ontario was associated with greater training participation. However, no differences in levels of adequate awareness or empowerment were observed between Ontario respondents compared to BC respondents.
O2B.2 Risk factors for workplace bullying: a systematic review
Authors: Feijó Fernando , Gräf Débora , Fassa Anaclaudia 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionWorkplace bullying has a high prevalence in organisations and is associated to several health problems. However compiled information on its risk factors remains a gap in the literature. Thus this study aimed to systematically review risk factors for workplace bullying in an epidemiological approach.MethodsStudies were selected by a systematic search in Medline (PubMed) and BIREME (LILACS, IBECS, BINACIS, BDENF, Index Psicologia, WHOLIS, MedCarib and Coleciona SUS) databases. Inclusion criteria were articles in English, Spanish or Portuguese, providing statistical analyses on risk factors for workplace bullying. Quality was assessed using an adapted version of the Downs and Black checklist. PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were used for reporting papers.ResultsFifty-one papers were included in the review. 70.6% were from European countries. Women were reported to be at higher risk of being bullied in most studies. The association of age, marital status and personality traits with bullying varied across studies. Authoritarian and laissez-faire leadership styles were positively associated to bullying. Several occupational risks related to the work organisation and psychosocial factors – such as the stress – were strongly associated to workplace bullying.ConclusionsFindings from this review highlight the central role of organisational factors on bullying determination, in which the human resource management is a key distal factor. Policies to prevent bullying must address the culture of organisations, facing the permanent challenge of developing safe psychosocial work environments.
O2C.4 Patterns of health care use following work-related injury and illness in australian truck drivers: a latent class analysis
Authors: Xia Ting , Iles Ross , Newnam Sharon , Lubman Dan , Collie Alex 
Published: May 2020

PurposeTo identify patterns of health care use in truck drivers with work-related injury or illness and to identify demographic, occupation, injury/condition, claim and geographic factors associated with patterns of care.Method13 371 accepted workers compensation claims from truck drivers lodged between 2004 and 2013 in the state of Victoria were included. Episodes of health care were categorised according to practitioner type as General Practitioner (GP), Specialist Physician, Mental Health, Surgery, Return to Work, or Physical Therapy. Latent class analysis was used to identify and characterise the distinct profiles of users with different patterns of health service use. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the associations between latent class and predictors including demographic, claim and injury-related factors.ResultsFour profiles of heath service use were identified: (1) Low Service Users (55% of the sample) were more likely to be younger, have an injury that did not result in time off work and have conditions other than a musculoskeletal injury; (2) High Service Users (10%) tended to be those who were aged between 45 and 64 years, lived in major cities and had musculoskeletal conditions that resulted in time off work; (3) Physical Therapy Users (25%) were more likely to be aged between 45 and 64 years, live in major cities and have non-traumatic injuries that resulted in time off work; and (4) GP/Mental Health Users (10%) were more likely to be over 24 years of age, from the lowest socio-economic band, be employed by smaller organisations and be claiming benefits for a mental health condition.ConclusionsIt is possible to identify distinct patterns of health care use following work-related injury and disease using workers’ compensation claims data. Nature of injury/disease, sociodemographic characteristics and geographic proximity to health services affect patterns of care.
O2D.4 Benzene and toluene exposure and symptoms affecting work ability among the road sweepers in pollution control area, rayong province, thailand
Authors: Lormphongs Srirat 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundRoad sweepers exposed to the exhausted smoke and carbon deposit from the vehicles which will stimulate the allergic from various chemicals and affected to their health. The objectives were to evaluate benzene and toluene exposure and symptoms and work ability among the road sweepers in pollution control area, Rayong province, Thailand.MethodsThe methods used Organic Vapor Monitor (3M 3500) for collecting air samples adhered to the road sweepers at the level of breathing, and the collection of urine in 20 cc. plastic bottles.ResultsThe mean age of the study group was 44.05 years. 92.0% of the study group worked 8 hours per day; 63% worked, 6 days per week. 57.0% always used respiratory protection; however, most of them used only cotton masks (97.9%). Most of them about work ability had good level (64.0%). Results of the study group (n=100) showed average exposure measures of benzene of 20.63 (SD=±1.363 ppb), and toluene 86.09 (SD=±84.016 ppb). Results of urine samples (n=100), after the work shift, showed average ±SD of toluene to be 0.001±0.002 µg/L. The average comparison of concentration of benzene and toluene was significantly different between the study and comparison groups at level 0.05 (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). However, the relationship between benzene and toluene in the atmosphere and in the urine and work ability of study group were not significant.ConclusionBased on the results of this study, benzene and toluene in the atmosphere and in the urine and symptoms among road sweepers were detected. Health promotion and protection programs should be emphasized. Respiration protective equipment should also be provided.
O2E.3 Evaluation of the exposure assessment methods used in benzene epidemiology
Authors: Glass Deborah C 
Published: May 2020

A variety of exposure assessment methods have been used in epidemiological studies of benzene-exposed workers. The most usual metrics are duration, mean daily exposure intensity (ppm) and ppm-years (intensity multiplied by duration and summed over the exposure period.Many of the early studies were of cancer and mortality in petroleum industry workers. These studies compared the cancer rates of the workers with those of the general population. Benzene was known to be present at such facilities but benzene exposure estimates were not provided.In some papers, the cancer risk was compared between exposed and unexposed workers in the same industry or facility. Other papers compared the cancer risk for workers categorised into Low, Medium and High exposure groups, this categorisation may have drawn on measured exposure data. The categorisation may have used a general population or an industry-specific job-exposure matrix (JEM). The latter being likely to be more precise.The strongest exposure estimates were those where benzene exposure estimates were attributed by experts to individual job titles/areas of work based on measured data, from an appropriate time frame. The exposure attribution was normally done case-blind for case-control studies to avoid bias. Exposure modifiers may have been used to extrapolate data to jobs and eras where measurements were not available. In particular personal benzene exposure data were not usually available before 1980, so extrapolations back in time were needed. In some cases hydrocarbon measurements have been used as a surrogate for benzene measurements. Validation of exposure estimates can add to confidence in the estimates.In a few studies, biological exposure data was used to attribute exposure estimates to work. Where the data are from the individual concerned rather than attributed on a group basis, the exposure assessment is considered more robust.
O3A.5 Environmental dust exposure from gold mine waste dumps and respiratory health effects in johannesburg, south africa
Authors: Iyaloo Samantha , Kootbodien Tahira , Naicker Nisha , Mathee Angela , Kgalamono Spo , Wilson Kerry , Rees David 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThousands of people living in close proximity to gold mine waste dumps (GMWDs), are exposed to wind-swept, silica-rich dust. The effects on respiratory heath consequent on this exposure are largely unknown.ObjectiveTo examine associations between environmental GMWD dust exposure and respiratory health effects in adults.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 93, 133 and 84 people in high (home <500 m from GMWD), moderate (500 m-1km) and low (>20 km) exposure groups respectively. We calculated a cumulative exposure index (CEI) based on exposure groups and years of residence. Participants were interviewed for respiratory symptoms, had chest X-rays (read by three experienced readers for tuberculosis and silicosis) and spirometry. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the effect of dust exposure on respiratory health, and multiple linear regression to determine if CEI was associated with% predicted FEV1 and FVC. We adjusted for socioeconomic status, smoking and occupational and biomass fuel exposure.ResultsBeing in the high exposure group versus the low was associated with elevated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for upper respiratory (aOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.28–5.97) and ocular symptoms (aOR: 4.68; 95% CI: 1.87–11.68), chest wheezing (aOR: 3.78; 95% CI: 1.60–8.96) and spirometry-diagnosed COPD (aOR: 8.17; 95% CI: 1.01–65.85). We found similar associations for the high versus medium exposure groups, but no significant associations in the medium relative to the low group. Exposure had no significant effect on the risks of chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis. We found similar significant results for CEI as for the exposure groups analyses. On linear regression, CEI was not associated with% predicted FEV1, but, surprisingly, FVC was positively associated with CEI. No participant had radiological features of silicosis.ConclusionResidents residing <500 m from GMWDs had elevated aORs for respiratory health effects. Both exposure measures (exposure groups and CEI) yielded similar results.
O3A.6 Recent organic dust exposure and prognosis of asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). A nationwide register based follow-up study
Authors: Vested Anne , Basinas Ioannis , Burdorf Alex , Elholm Grethe , Heederik Dick , Jacobsen Gitte , Kolstad Henrik , Kromhout Hans , Omland Øyvind , Sigsgaard Torben , Vestergaard Jesper Medom , Wouters Inge , Schlünssen Vivi 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundAir pollutants at work can contribute to onset of asthma and COPD. How occupational air pollutants affect the prognosis of asthma or COPD among exposed workers is not well established.ObjectiveWe aimed, among individuals with a hospital diagnosis of asthma or COPD, to study the association between recent exposure to organic dust, and hospital readmission and overall mortality.MethodsThe study population comprised individuals ever employed in farming or wood industry with asthma (n=4002) or COPD (n=2429) identified in the Danish national patient register of individuals born 1933–1977. Subjects were included the year immediately following their first asthma or COPD hospital contact (earliest in 1998) and followed until first asthma or COPD readmission, death, or December 31 st 2007. Exposure data was obtained through register-based industry codes from 1997–2007 combined with time-dependent farming and wood industry-specific exposure matrices. We used logistic regression analysis with discrete survival function adjusted for age, calendar year, sex, mineral dust exposure, socioeconomic status, and labour-force participation.ResultsAmong individuals with asthma, the risk of hospital readmission was slightly increased among the exposed vs. the non-exposed, RRadj 1.17 (0.91–1.50), but with no exposure trend. A non-significant decrease in mortality was seen for organic dust exposure and mortality for those individuals, RRadj 0.71 (0.24–2.06).The risk of a COPD readmission among individuals with COPD was decreased among exposed vs. non-exposed individuals, RRadj 0.67 (0.46–0.98), but with no exposure trend. Mortality was non-significantly increased for exposed vs. non-exposed individuals with COPD, RRadj 1.59 (0.82–3.08).ConclusionWe did not observe significant associations between recent exposure to organic dust and readmission for COPD/asthma or overall mortality except for a decreased risk for COPD readmission. Selection effects are presumably playing a role. We did adjust for socioeconomic position and labour-force participation but not for smoking which is a limitation.
O3B.1 Burden of work absence due to compensable road traffic crashes in victoria, australia
Authors: Gray Shannon , Collie Alex 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThe burden of road traffic crashes (RTC) is commonly reported using fatalities and hospital admissions. Disruption to regular activities, such as work, is rarely reported, yet known to have significant economic and human costs. In the state of Victoria, Australia, people injured and unable to work due to RTC may have treatment and income support provided either through the RTC compensation system or through workers’ compensation. By examining data from both systems, this study sought to determine the rate (per 1 00 000 working population) of RTC injury resulting in work absence, and to quantify the amount of working time lost to RTC injury.MethodsData from each compensation system were harmonised. Analysis included claims from RTCs that occurred between July 1 2003 and June 30 2013 by 15–65 year olds who received at least one day of income support. Fatalities and rejected claims were excluded. Time lost was calculated as the total weeks of income support. Non-parametric tests were performed to determine differences between exposure variables (e.g. male versus female).ResultsThere were 36 640 workers meeting inclusion criteria (average 305 cases per month; mean rate per month of 11.6 per 1 00 000 working population). A total of 1,121,863 lost working weeks were compensated, with a median of 10 weeks. Thirty-two percent of cases did not have a record of attending hospital. The lowest median duration of time loss was among those involved in a train or tram crash (2.9 weeks) and the highest among those with quadriplegia (142.2 weeks). Duration of income support was significantly different within age, sex, injury type, severity, crash type, and compensation system groups.ConclusionsResults showed that RTC injuries of all severities caused considerable work absence. Measures of work absence can complement existing measures of RTC burden.
O3C.1 Silica exposure in swedish iron foundries and biological markers of inflammation and coagulation in blood
Authors: Andersson Lena , Bryngelsson Ing-Liss , Westberg Håkan 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundWork-related exposure to silica is a health hazard worldwide causing i.e. silicosis. Inflammation is known to be a cause of cardiovascular diseases and some studies have presented elevated cardiovascular disease mortality in relation to silica exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between inhalation of exposure to silica in Swedish iron foundries and markers of inflammation and coagulation in blood.MethodsPersonal sampling of respirable dust and silica was performed for 85 subjects in three Swedish iron foundries. Stationary measurements were used to study concentrations of respirable dust and silica, inhalable and total dust, PM10 and PM2.5, the particle surface area and the particle number concentrations. The markers of inflammation analyzed were, interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-12), C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A (SAA), and markers of coagulation fibrinogen, factor VIII (FVIII), von Willebrand factor, and d-dimer were measured in plasma or serum. The sampling was performed on the second or third day of a working week following a work free weekend, and additional sampling on the fourth or fifth day.The personal and stationary measurement data were categorized into three classes to introduce high contrast with a minimum of 10 workers in each group. A mixed model analysis adjusted for sex, age, smoking, infections, blood group, sampling day and BMI was used.ResultsFor personal sampling the average 8 hour time-weighted average air concentration of respirable dust were 0.85 mg/m3 and respirable silica 0.052 mg/m3. For the high exposure group, statistically significant increased levels of SAA, fibrinogen and FVIII were determined for some exposure measures.ConclusionsThis study may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease when observing relations between particle exposure and inflammatory markers.
O3C.3 Longitudinal assessment of smoking cessation and mortality from all-cause and all-cancer among silicotics in hong kong, 1981–2014
Authors: Tse Lap Ah , Chan Chi Kuen , Yu Ignatius Tak-sun , Leung Chi Chiu 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundOccupational epidemiological studies among silicotics showed that long-term smoking cessation had lowered lung cancer risk by over 50%, but the beneficial effect for reducing risks of other diseases remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the impact of smoking cessation on the mortality from all-cause and all-cancer using a large historical cohort of 3185 Chinese silicotics since 1981 and followed-up till 2014.MethodsEach silicotic’s baseline information was collected including socio-demographics, occupational history and medical history. Smoking habits were assessed at the baseline and reassessed during the follow-up. Multiple Cox proportional hazards model was performed to evaluate the impact of smoking cessation on all-cause and all-cancer mortality using adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).ResultsBy the end of 2014, a total of 1942 deaths occurred and 360 silicotics died from cancer. Compared with never smokers, silicotics who were new quitters had 30% and 65% higher risk of all-cause of death [AHR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.06–1.58] and all-cancer (AHR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.04–2.62), while persistent quitters had a 52% and 49% excess risk of all-cause of death (AHR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.25–1.84) and all-cancer (AHR=1.49, 95% CI: 0.94–2.36), respectively. AHR for all-cause mortality among never quitters was 1.40 (95%CI: 1.14–1.73) while the HR for all-cancer was 2.08 (95%CI: 1.30–3.32). Both all-cause mortality and all-cause mortality decreased sharply after 5 years of smoking cessation and their risks almost equaled to those of the never smokers if the quitters could have kept abstained for more than 20 years.ConclusionsSmoking cessation sharply decreased all-cause and all-cancer mortality among workers with silicosis, and the beneficial effect was prominent for the long-term quitters.AcknowledgementPneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board, Hong Kong
O3C.5 Reduced serum clara cell protein (CC16) as an early pulmonary injury marker for fine particulate matter exposure in occupational population
Authors: Duan Huawei , Wang Yanhua , Wang Zhenjie , Wang Ting 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundParticulate matter is the key component of air pollutants, mainly produced by emissions of coal-fired plants and road traffic. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is associated with increased morbidity and mortality for respiratory diseases. However, few population-based studies have been conducted to assess the alterations of circulating pulmonary proteins due to long-term PM2.5exposure.MethodsWe designed a two-stage study. At the first stage, we enrolled 558 coke plant workers with a wide range of PM2.5exposure levels as the exposed group and 210 controls in China. Pulmonary injury was measured by lung function and serum Clara cell protein (CC16), surfactant protein A (SP-A), and surfactant protein D (SP-D). Linear regression models were used to assess the associations between PM2.5, pulmonary injury markers, and lung function. At the second stage, significant initial findings were validated by an independent diesel engine exhaust (DEE) cohort with 50 DEE exposed workers and 50 controls.ResultsSerum CC16 decreased in a dose-response manner in association with both external and internal PM2.5exposures in two cohorts. In the first stage, serum CC16 levels decreased with increasing duration of occupational PM2.5exposure history. An IQR (122.0 μg/m3) increase in PM2.5was associated with a 5.76% decrease in serum CC16, whereas an IQR (1.06 μmol/mol creatinine) increase in urinary 1-OHP concentration was associated with a 5.36% decrease in serum CC16 in the COE cohort. In the validation stage, the concentration of serum CC16 in PM2.5exposed group were 22.42% lower than that of the control and an IQR (1.24 μmol/mol creatinine) increase in urinary 1-OHP concentration was associated with a 12.24% decrease in serum CC16 in DEE cohort.ConclusionsReduction of serum CC16 may be a sensitive marker for pulmonary damage in populations with high PM2.5exposure.