bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
O4D.5 Left sided hearing loss among heavy equipment operators (HEOS) in mining industry
Authors: Janardhanam Vishnumohan , Vishnumohan Akila , Karthic MG 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionOpen surface mining is utilized to extract limestone for the production of cement. Using heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) and other earthmoving equipment, skilled personnel [HEOs] perform this operation. HEOs are exposed to significant noise (80–90 dBA) emitted by these HMVs for about 8 hours a day. We report the results of pure tone audiometry (PTA) conducted on HEOs as part of a health surveillance programme.MethodsIn this observational study, 108 HEOs working in a large scale mining industry in South India were assessed for noise induced hearing loss {NIHL}. Standard guidelines were followed and PTA was performed using a NIOSH approved audiogram machine. For this analysis, we selected HEOs between the ages of 45 and 57 years, with 10 or more years of service. These results were compared with 106 age matched employees, who were involved in non-mining activity in the same industry with the same amount of noise exposure but from different sources. Results were validated using standard statistical tools.ResultResults revealed 60% (64/108) of the HEOs suffered NIHL. Of these the impact on the left side was found to be more pronounced for 90% (58/64) versus 10% (6/64) in the right ear. In the comparative group of 106 non-mining employees 55% (59/106) had abnormal audiogram reports but with no specific inclination to the right or left side.DiscussionNIHL is common in the mining industry. The observed laterality in hearing loss among HEOs is likely multi-factorial and can be attributed to the presence of the engine on the left hand side in the Indian vehicles, the failure to sound proof the operator’s cabin and/or comply with the issued personal protective equipment {PPE}. Our results underscore the importance of the need for compliance with the use of PPEs and vehicular upgrade and maintenance.
O5A.3 Injured at work: factors predictive of further work-related injuries – a prospective study
Authors: Harcombe Helen , Samaranayaka Ari , Wyeth Emma H , Davie Gabrielle , Cameron Ian D , Derrett Sarah 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundWork-related injuries can have a large impact on employees, employers and wider society. Preventing subsequent work-related injuries from occurring among those who have already had a work-related injury has the potential to reduce the burden of work-related injuries. However, predictors of subsequent work injuries must first be understood.This study investigates New Zealand participants from the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study (POIS) with a substantial work-related injury (the ‘sentinel’ injury) and examines subsequent work-related injury events occurring during the following 24 months. Objectives are to: 1) describe the nature of sentinel and subsequent work-related injuries, and 2) examine work-related predictors of subsequent work-related injuries.MethodsOf the 2856 POIS participants, 754 were recruited following a substantial work-related injury. Data were combined from: 1) participant interviews approximately 3 months following their sentinel injury, 2) administrative claims data from New Zealand’s universal no-fault injury insurer (the Accident Compensation Corporation), and 3) hospital discharge data to 24 months. Predictors of subsequent work-related injuries were examined using multivariable analyses.ResultsWork-related sentinel injury events most commonly involved spine dislocations/sprains/strains (25%) with ‘lifting/loading/pulling’ the most common work task involved. One third (34%; n=258) went on to have at least one subsequent work-related injury in the following 24 months. Of those whose sentinel work-related injury was related to ‘lifting/loading/pulling’, 19% had at least one subsequent work-related injury event also related to this type of task. Predictors examined included pre-sentinel injury job strain, social support from colleagues and supervisors, physical work tasks, job security and job satisfaction.ConclusionA substantial proportion of participants with a work-related sentinel injury had further work-related injuries in the following 24 months. The identification of factors that predict those at risk of subsequent work-related injuries could provide a useful focus for those involved in the rehabilitation of people with work-related injuries.
O5A.5 Occupational driving of light vehicle for mail and parcel delivery and risk of musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Radauceanu Anca , Grzebyk Michel , Dziurla Mathieu , Atain-Kouadio Jean-Jacques , Boini Stéphanie 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundOccupational light vehicle driving is becoming increasingly important in the parcel delivery/messaging sector faced with new consumer practices. Our objective was to analyze the effect of driving of light vehicle for the mail/parcel delivery on low back pain (LBP) and upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) taking into account work organization. We also aimed to identify the protective factors from MSDs that could be implemented into this specific workplace.MethodsThe study was carried out in 406 postal workers (306 with driving delivery activity, 100 with foot delivery/manual handling activities). Subjects completed a self-administrated questionnaire about personal characteristics and working conditions assessing occupational driving, physical constraints, psychosocial factors and work organization. Work organization was also assessed at the establishment level. MSDs were assessed by the Nordic Questionnaire, with some additional questions for LBP. For UEMSDs, a medical examination using a standardized clinical methodology of the European consensus was carried out. Statistical analysis was performed separately in men and women by multivariable logistic regression modeling for the UEMSDs and by item response theory approach for LBP.ResultsDriving time and high perceived driving-related physical constraints are associated to LBP in men. Carrying loads>3 Kg, awkward postures and high perceived physical demands related to parcel loading and delivery are associated with MSDs for both sexes. The main psychosocial risk factors are the lack of reward, being mobbed and the necessity of undertaking tasks that the worker disapproves. Protective factors are the use of vehicles fitted with automatic gearbox and taking breaks from work; at establishment level, drive training and use of supplementary staff during peak periods.ConclusionThe effect of driving of light vehicle on MSDs seems quite limited whereas physical and psychosocial constraints are clearly risk factors. Targeting work organization could protect postal workers with driving delivery activity from MSDs.
O5B.3 Skin health in croatian hairdressing apprentices at the beginning of vocational education: a new cohort study
Authors: Franic Zrinka , Babic Zeljka , Macan Jelena 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionHairdressing apprentices are at high risk of developing occupational contact dermatitis.Materials and methodsData on skin health are presented for 352 hairdressing apprentices attending vocational schools in 24 Croatian towns at the beginning of their education, in a screening phase of a prospective cohort study. Apprentices were recruited from September to December 2017. The study protocol included: Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire and International Study on Asthma and Allergy in Children Questionnaire for the evaluation of self-reported skin and atopy symptoms, clinical skin examination interpreted by means of Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI), genotyping filaggrin (FLG) gene polymorphisms 2282del4 and R501X from buccal swabs, skin pH and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements.ResultsIn the total sample (n=352, median age 15, 18 males), a history of respiratory and/or skin atopy symptoms was reported by 44.89%, hand/wrist eczema by 11.93%, and a history of dry hands (without eczema) by 34.38% of apprentices. One or more hand/wrist skin changes were found at the clinical examination in 18.18% of apprentices, with the OHSI score ranging from 1 to 6. Washing hands>20 times per day was identified in 12.78% of apprentices. An FLG gene mutation (R501X) was found in only one apprentice. The median (range) for hand TEWL and pH was 13.1 (4.36–62.69) and 5.68 (4.28–7.13), respectively. OHSI score was positively correlated with hand TEWL (Spearman rho 0.16; p=0.0026), and pH (Spearman rho 0.13; p=0.0186).ConclusionThe results indicate a high prevalence of self-reported atopy (45%) and moderate prevalence of self-reported (12%) and clinically observed skin symptoms (18%) on the hands/wrists of hairdressing apprentices already at the beginning of education, without FLG mutations as a risk factors. This emphasizes the need to ameliorate preventive examinations of children before enrolling to schools for professions with high risk of exposure to skin hazards.
O5B.5 Effectiveness of a skin care program for the prevention of occupational contact dermatitis in healthcare workers
Authors: Molen Henk van der , Kezic Sanja , Soltanipoor Maryam , Rustemeyer Thomas 
Published: May 2020

Healthcare workers (HCW) are at risk for developing hand dermatitis (HD) caused by exposure to wet work. Guidelines for the prevention of HD recommend regular use of moisturizers, however in practice their use remains low and their effectiveness is poorly investigated.The main objective of this randomized control trial was to assess whether an intervention aimed at improving skin care leads to reduction in HD severity. The intervention included provision of cream dispensers with electronic monitoring of use, regularly communicated to the HCW. The primary and secondary outcomes were change from baseline in Hand Eczema Severity Index score (ΔHECSI) and Natural Moisturizing Factor (ΔNMF) levels as a biomarker of early changes in the skin barrier. Nine wards (285 HCW) were allocated to an intervention group (IG) and 10 wards (216 HCW) to the control group (CG).At baseline, IG and CG had similar exposure to wet work, use of skin care and severity of HD. At follow-up (1 year) the IG showed significantly higher frequency of hand cream use as compared to the CG (self-reported data). Though, electronically collected data in the IG showed that the average frequency of 0.4 cream applications/shift was far below recommended 2 applications/shift. The HECSI reduced significantly in the IG for −6.2 (95%CI −7.7,−4.7) and in the CG −4.2 points (95% CI −6.0,–2.4). There was no difference in ΔHECSI or ΔNMF between IG and CG, however the subgroup showing mild symptoms showed significantly larger improvement in HD symptoms as compared with CG.The intervention proved overall positive effects on severity of HD symptoms, supporting the benefits of skin care in the workplace. The fact that the intervention showed a larger effect in a subgroup with mild symptoms suggests that this intervention might be of particular importance for primary prevention.
O5B.6 Occupational contact dermatitis and how the community responses in developing country
Authors: Joshi Shambhu 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundDermatologic disorders generally have a major impact on patients daily activities, psychological and emotional state and social relationships in a resource poor setting. Country with different climate zones and environment as well as traditional use of herbal and increasing use of pesticides contact dermatitis is one of the important occupational hazards in construction workers, nearby people and it often leads to poor quality of life of the workers with substantial financial loss.MethodsThis study was conducted in three different geographic population. Free health camp was organized with total 310 cases of dermatologic problems were registered in Skin OPD last two years. Patients includes children to geriatric population both male and female groups.ResultsOut of the total 42% were male and 58% were female patients. Contact dermatitis were found among 28% of the patients, age and sex had no significant role on prevalence of Contactdermatitis. Urban area patients have tendency due to hair dye, industrial cement and detergents, however rural area patients have causation due to herbal plants (Parthenium dermatitis) and traditional occupational works. Both have nickel, atopic and unknown cause. Foot was the most commonly involved site (25.7% of patients). Atopy was present in 18 patients (25.7%). A total of 22 irritant reactions were noted in 13 patients. Most of the patients neglect the contact dermatitis due to lack of health information and use of irrational medication also seen.ConclusionMost of the contact dermatitis is preventative and manageable in time. Due to Climate, geographical areas, literacy difference community preventive health program plays important role, it. Prick-Patch testing, Teledermatology and Geographical information system is another future perspective for dermatology disease mapping in Nepal so that the government can make essential policy, programs for communities so that we can prevent and treat the contact-dermatitis on time.
O6B.7 Aristolochic acid and the risk of cancers in patients with diabetes
Authors: Chen Chi-Jen , Chiu Wei-Che , Tseng Yao-Hsien , Yang Yao-Hsu , Lin Chien-Mu , Yang Hsiao-Yu , Doyle Pat , Chen Pau-Chung 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the use of herbal medicine containing aristolochic acid (AA) and the risk of cancers among patients with diabetes.MethodsWe conducted a population-based cohort study on patients older than 18 years who had a diagnosis of diabetes (ICD-9 codes 250) between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2010. To ensure comparability, we included only patients with diabetes who had visited traditional Chinese medicine clinics between January 1, 1997 and one year before the diagnosis of cancer or the censor dates. The use of herbal medicine containing AA was identified from January 1, 1997 to October 31, 2003 (the ban of herbs containing AA in November 2003). Each patient was individually tracked to identify incident cases of cancer (140–208) between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2013.FindingsA total of 4 30 377 male and 4 31 956 female patients with diabetes were identified by using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. There were 37 554 and 31 535 cancers during the follow-up period. AA use increased the risks of incident liver (155.0), kidney (189.0), pelvis and ureter (189.1, 189.2), and bladder (188) cancer in male patients with diabetes in a dose-dependent relationship. Similarly, there were increased risks of incident liver, pelvis and ureter, and bladder cancer in female diabetic patients in a dose-dependent manner.InterpretationOur study suggests that AA exposure plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of liver, kidney, pelvis, ureter, and bladder cancers in patients with diabetes.
O6C.2 Differences in cardiovascular risk factor profiles across occupational groups
Authors: Barnes Lucy A , Corbin Marine , Denison Hayley J , Eng Amanda , Mannetje Andrea ‘t , Haslett Stephen , McLean David , Ellison-Loschmann Lis , Jackson Rod , Douwes Jeroen 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundDifferences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk between occupations have been observed, but what specific risk factors underlie these patterns remains unclear. This study assessed how established CVD risk factors differ across occupational groups in New Zealand, and whether patterns differ by gender and ethnicity.MethodsTwo probability-based sample surveys of the general New Zealand adult population (2004–2006; n=3003) and of the indigenous peoples of New Zealand (M&_x0101;ori; 2009–2010; n=2107), for which occupational histories and lifestyle factors were collected, were linked with routinely collected health data. For males and females in each cohort, smoking, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol were dichotomised and compared between occupational groups using age-adjusted logistic regression. In addition, two way tables and chi-squared tests were used to compare the distribution of risk factors between white and blue-collar workers.ResultsThe prevalence of ever smoking was greater in blue-collar compared to white-collar workers of both cohorts, i.e. general population male (56%; 47%), general population female (62%; 47%), M&_x0101;ori male (68%; 55%) and M&_x0101;ori female (84%; 64%). For diabetes and high cholesterol, differences were statistically significant only for general population females (11%; 6% and 26%; 16% respectively). Hypertension prevalence was higher in blue versus white-collar workers for general population females (36%; 29%), M&_x0101;ori males (43%; 36%) and M&_x0101;ori females (44%; 37%), but not for general population males (35%; 34%). Results by occupational group revealed the same patterns with some noteworthy exceptions. In both cohorts, clerks had an increased risk of hypertension, particularly among males. Male agricultural workers in the general population cohort had a reduced risk of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, but this pattern was not observed for females or among M&_x0101;ori.ConclusionThis study showed differences in profiles of known CVD risk factors across occupations, with some notable ethnic and gender differences.
O7E.2 Risk factors for heat strain – comparing indoor and outdoor workers in the changing climate scenario
Authors: Venugopal Vidhya , Latha PK , Rekha S , Manikandan K , Kjellstrom Tord 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundPredicted rise in global mean temperatures of 2°C–3°C and much larger increases in some regions due to Climate Change is expected to impact workers’ health because of physiological limits due to the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). Such temperatures rise implies increasingly large increases in regions where outdoor and indoor work is restricted due to physiological decrements and reduced work capacity.AimWe compare the potential health and productivity risks for indoor and outdoor workers in select Indian workplaces.MethodsThe study population was a random sample of ∼1300 outdoor and indoor workers from various occupations in Indian workplaces. We conducted seasonal WBGT exposures, quantitative physiological heat-strain measurements and captured self-reported health symptoms through questionnaires. The risk definition included symptoms of heat-strain, self-reported heat-illness, and reduced work capacity/productivity loss.ResultsWBGT exceeded threshold limit values for moderate/heavy work for 73% outdoor workers (28.9°C±2.4°C) and 67% indoor workers (28.8°C±3.5°C). Heat stress and heat-strain indicators were significantly associated (p=0.0001) and outdoor workers had 2.2 times greater risk of heat-strain during hot seasons (95% CI: 1.695–2.937). Compared to indoor workers, the outdoor workers ran a higher risk of self-reported health decrements (OR: 6.4; 95% CI: 3.884–10.350; p=0.0001), dehydration (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 2.352–3.999) and productivity losses (OR: 8.0; 95% CI: 4.911–13.382). In select occupations, while indoor workers exposed to chronic high-heat had a higher percentage of kidney stones (9%), the outdoor workers with long years of heat exposures had the higher risk of reduced kidney function (14%) due to repeated dehydration, volume depletion, and Acute Kidney Injury.ConclusionWe discuss implications for workers’ health and productivity as climate modeling shows seriously increasing outdoor and indoor heat problems without suitable control measures for cooling. Strong protective labor policies and research are imperative to avoid serious health impacts and to maintain productivity.
O8A.4 Asbestos exposure and prostate cancer, really?
Authors: Parent Marie-Elise , Hugues Richard M 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundGeneral population exposure to asbestos from residential insulation and from environmental sources during childhood have recently been associated with prostate cancer. While asbestos fibers can be found in the prostate of workplace-exposed men at autopsy, few occupational studies have reported on asbestos exposure and prostate cancer incidence. We examined the association between lifetime occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos and prostate cancer risk in a large population-based case-control study.MethodsCases were 1933 men with histologically-confirmed incident prostate cancer, aged ≤75 years, diagnosed in 2005–2009 in Montreal. Concurrently, 1994 population controls from the same residential area and age distribution were randomly selected from electoral lists. In-person interviews elicited detailed socio-demographics, lifestyle and work histories. Industrial hygienists used job-specific information to provide semi-quantitative evaluations of intensity and frequency of exposure to 345 chemical agents, including asbestos, and a measure of confidence in the evaluation. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for prostate cancer risk associated with exposure to chrysotile asbestos.ResultsAfter restriction to probable and definite exposure, and application of a 5 year lag, 12.5% of cases and 11.8% of controls were ever exposed to asbestos (OR=1.1, 95% CI 0.9–1.3). For duration of exposure, there was no increase in risk of overall prostate cancer in the lower tertiles of exposure but risk was elevated in the upper tertile (OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2). Similarly, for cumulative exposure, risk was elevated in the upper tertile only (OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1). Analyses considering tumor grades also showed a higher risk in the upper tertile of cumulative exposure for non-aggressive (OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.2) and especially aggressive (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.2–3.0) cancers.ConclusionOur findings are consistent with an increased risk of prostate cancer with prolonged and high cumulative exposure to chrysotile asbestos, and particularly for the aggressive form of the disease.
O1C.5 Assessment and assignment of exposure to asbestos for an industrial cohort of chrysotile miners and processors
Authors: Kromhout Hans , Feletto Eleonora , Moissonnier Monika , Schonfeld Sara J , Olsson Ann , Kovalevskiy Evgeny V , Bukhtiyarov Igor V , Kashanskiy Sergey V , Schüz Joachim 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionHistorical dust concentrations are available for an occupational cohort study of workers active for 12 months or more between 1975 and 2010 in a chrysotile mine and processing factories in Asbest, Russian Federation. Their occupational histories were ascertained back to as early as the 1930s. A cohort specific job-exposure matrix (JEM) to estimate exposure to asbestos dust and fibre was elaborated.MethodsAlmost 1 00 000 recorded dust concentrations were used to develop an asbestos dust JEM and previously derived conversion factors were applied to estimate an asbestos fibre JEM. Where dust concentrations were not available, linear mixed models were used to impute missing data. Both JEMs were applied to the occupational histories of over 30 000 individual workers (over 35% female workers) based on job title and year worked.ResultsAssigned exposures varied over time with higher levels in the earlier years of activity. Approximately 97% of 2 00 000 person-years in the factories and 89% of 3 15 000 person-years in the mine had exposure assigned based on actual measurements. The median cumulative dust exposure for the exposed cohort was almost 50 mg/m3-years, with women slightly lower than men. The median cumulative fibre exposure for was 37 fibres/cm3-years for both men and women.Discussion and conclusionA key strength of this study is the availability of high-quality measurement data covering workers’ occupational histories. The dust and fibre JEMs enable estimation of annual profession-specific exposure levels that will form the basis of quantitative exposure estimates in the study and consequently quantitative exposure-response analyses.