bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
309 Development of an exposome toolbox for reducing the occupational burden of disease: The EU EPHOR project
Authors: Kuijpers Eelco , Ge Calvin , Loh Miranda , Albin Maria , Selander Jenny , Godderis Lode , Ghosh Manosij , Vermeulen Roel , Peters Susan , Mehlum Ingrid Sivesind , Turner Michelle C , Schlünssen Vivi , Goldberg Marcel , Kogevinas Manolis , Harding Barbara N , Solovieva Svetlana , Garani-Papadatos Tina , van Tongeren Martie , Pronk Anjoeka 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Occupational risk reduction strategies are informed by existing scientific evidence on single exposure-single outcome associations, limiting their applicability. Within the EU EPHOR project (2020-2025), we aim to apply the exposome concept to working life health that will enable more effective risk reduction strategies and policies.

Methods
Within EPHOR, we investigate the effects of the working-life exposome by combining large-scale meta analyses of existing cohorts with the collection of new external and internal exposome data in case studies. Methods for characterizing the exposome and for investigating its complex associations (multiple exposures, timing of exposures, early health effects and vulnerability) with health are being developed.

Results
The methods and results of the project are being made available to scientists, policy makers and occupational health practitioners via the WE-EXPOSE Toolbox. Examples include methods to collect and interpret the external (e.g. with sensors) and internal (e.g. with non-invasive sampling) exposome, methods and tools to characterize (EuroJEM) and study effects of the exposome in multiple cohorts (Mega Cohort) in a harmonized way, and an online tool for visualizing occupational risk factors including levels, population sizes and related health effects across Europe.

Discussion and conclusion
An overview of the (planned) tools in the WE-EXPOSE Toolbox with emphasis on tools for occupational health practitioners as well as the cocreation process for enhancing the usability of specific tools will be presented. By providing a knowledge base for evidence-based prevention, the Toolbox will contribute to reducing the burden of occupational disease.
310 Risk assessment for the occupational hygienist sharing experiences
Authors: Tully Claire , Wright Frances 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
• Sometimes a workplace is developed for an employee but not a bystander and observing a workplace can present a hazard in itself, do we consider our own safety every time. And what are the potential consequences if we don’t.
• Geared towards new and experienced occupational hygienists to share their common workplace hazards and controls.
• Usually, Occupational Hygienists work is solitary, sometimes part of a Health and Safety team or company and very occasionally as part of a peer group of occupational hygienists. Society’s such as the OHSI and similar organisations are so important as it allows Occupational Hygienist to learn from each other in peer to peer support.
• 2-4 Panel discussion on common hazards Occupational Hygienists may come face to face with and what controls they put in place to keep themselves safe. Mix of prepared questions and questions from the audience.
311 Lessons learned from R&D and industrial metal additive manufacturing
Authors: Assenhöj Maria , Ljunggren Stefan , Karlsson Helen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Metal additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D-printing, is an emerging state-of-the art technology with significant economic and practical advantages. Due to its relative short history, especially in industrial serial production, the knowledge regarding exposure and health risks is severely limited. To alleviate this, we have monitored the occupational exposure and potential health effects at both smaller R&D-sites and at large-scale AM/powder production facilities.
Exposure was monitored through stationary and personal sampling of total and inhalable dust followed by metal analysis. Particle counting instruments were used to identify dusty works tasks and to evaluate preventive measures. AM operators and controls underwent health examinations, including questionnaires, spirometry, and blood and urine sampling to measure exposure and clinical health markers.
Exposure during printing were generally low but other aspects of the production chain were of greater concern regarding exposure risks: production of metal powder feedstock, handling of metal powder before/after print, and post-printing processes. During three research projects, we have seen a shift from a dusty work environment to a more safe-by-design approach throughout the AM process. Despite the AM operator’s relatively low exposure to dust and metals, we identified changes in a urinary marker for kidney function. However, this finding needs to be further evaluated.
In summary, our studies into the relative new field of metal AM exposure and health effects provides a basis to help companies and operators handling these techniques to move toward safe working conditions.
317 Overcoming chemical management challenges in oil and gas construction
Authors: Hamis Norhana Abd , Mustaffa Masfarita 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Chemical management issues are pervasive within the oil and gas industry, leading to recurring challenges across various construction projects. Neglecting these challenges risks worker safety, environmental harm, and legal issues, underscoring the need for comprehensive mitigation strategies. This paper summarizes the findings and recommendations to address these challenges effectively.
A total of seven site intervention was carried out through random selection, encompassing construction site spanning both downstream and upstream projects in Malaysia. Major issues revolve around ineffective chemical management in which chemicals are not being handled correctly, leading to chemical non-compliance and a failure to meet regulatory standards within the industry. The identified chemical findings include inadequate secondary containment and chemical labelling, unavailability of SDS, poorly designed chemical storage, and insufficient emergency preparedness i.e., spill kit, eye wash.
To overcome these issues, proposed hierarchical mitigation strategies included the following: (1) prioritizing comprehensive training programs for all employees involved in chemical management; (2) investing in visual aids and communication tools to enhance awareness and understanding of chemical management best practices; (3) establishing a systematic approach to conduct periodic site visits and audits to maintain compliance; and (4) implementing competition-based incentives to encourage the adoption of effective chemical management practices across projects.
These chemical issues are often underestimated, yet their pervasive nature highlights the critical importance of compliance. It is imperative to recognize the far-reaching impact of these issues and to take proactive measures to ensure compliance, ultimately safeguarding the operational efficiency.
321 Applying lessons learnt from engineering control containment verification in pharmaceutical and chemical industry
Authors: Kerneis Pascal 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The ever-increasing use of highly potent compounds in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries means that containment strategies need to be put in place. These containment strategies are based on several factors, including engineering controls. Engineering controls are often used without first being tested. These containment tests must be based on strategies with performance objectives. What are the limitations of these tests? How should they be organised? The keys to successful testing.
Based on the case study of the validation of an active pharmaceutical ingredient loading isolator, we will discuss the various difficulties involved in setting up tests and the keys to success.
The session aims to open discussion on lessons learned and case studies, and to raise the need for knowledge sharing between industries, through the implementation of testing strategies for these engineering controls.
379 Ensuring effective control of exposure during asbestos removal - Great Britain
Authors: Jackson Matthew 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In Great Britain, HSE has conducted research in asbestos removal controls over several years, primarily looking at how improvements in industry and legislation in Great Britain have been effective in reducing exposure to asbestos removal workers. In the latest study the methodologies for control were observed in real work situations and both personal and static air monitoring were conducted. Airborne fibre concentrations were determined using phase contrast microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The research also examined the process of transfer of the area back to the dutyholder, the 4-stage clearance, which is an independent check by an analytical organization accredited to ISO/IEC17025:2017. Three detailed Research Reports have been produced for this work which will be summarised in this session and any questions taken.
35a - Supporting women in mining: diversity and inclusion
Authors: Wilk Nancy , Gendron Courtney 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Traditionally, the mining sector has not been viewed as a leader in effectively managing diversity and inclusion. While numbers have improved, women continue to be underrepresented at every level within mining companies. Currently, the mining sector is committed to increasing diversity and improving inclusion. Globally, mining has set gender-based targets for the sector. They are actively investing in the success of women in mining and jurisdictions and organizations are tracking and reporting on diversity and inclusion performance. Mining organizations are engaged in improving inclusion-related efforts that promote the sense of belonging for workers. Why is diversity and inclusion important to mining? Diversity and inclusion promote creativity and strategic resilience. This is important as mining companies manage the complex challenges associated with community, environmental, social (including health and safety), and technical aspects of their industry. With increasing numbers of women in surface and underground mining and processing operations, a strategy is needed to better support these workers including their health, safety, and well-being, including reproductive health. This presentation will review the history of women in mining, challenges for women to access decent work in mining, suggestions that support recruiting and retaining women in the sector, and the path forward towards gender equality in mining. The importance of advancing equal employment opportunity and human rights in the workplace will be highlighted, along with the need for additional research to support women’s reproductive health and mitigate the risk of adverse reproductive outcomes. The next presentation will cover in more depth this latter topic.
132a - Assessing exposure to carbon nano fibres and carbon nano tubes in a production facility
Authors: Ervik Torunn , Graff Pål 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Nanomaterial use and manufacture is a rapidly expanding field. Small and emerging companies make up a large portion of producers and the risks of exposure to nanomaterials (NMs) may not be known by producers. Additionally, occupational hygienists could lack knowledge or equipment necessary to measure the NMs. As these NMs do not contribute to the mass, a mass-based approach may not be suitable and there exist few occupational exposure limits available specific for NMs. However, the national institute of occupation health (NIOSH, US) recommends measuring respirable elemental carbon (EC) to evaluate exposure for carbon nano fibres (CNF) and carbon nano tubes (CNT). NIOSH then recommends that the respirable EC should be below 1 µg/m3 for 8 hours of exposure. The presence of CNF or CNT should also be confirmed by electron microscopy and parallel samples should therefore be collected. In this work, personal samples and stationary samples for EC and electron microscopy were collected at a small production facility in Norway where CNT and CNF were produced. The workers performed different tasks, such as crushing product, sieving, sandblasting as well as cleaning and maintenance of the furnace and handling of finished products. Additionally stationary equipment was a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and a 13 stage NanoMOUDI impactor. The results show that even though the exposure in most cases were below the recommended value of 1 µg/m3 for respirable EC, there is an exposure to CNT/CNF and measures to limit the risk of exposure should continue.
207c - Advancement of exposure science and its application in occupational hygiene
Authors: Scheepers Paul 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In the risk assessment of chemicals, estimation exposure is known to be a critical element of the overall outcome. Exposure assessments may offer quantified data but measurement data are often scarce cover a wide dynamic range, depending on the real life conditions or assumed scenario. In consumer safety, exposures are generally low and have a small impact if well controlled. Only the high numbers exposed at population level may raise concern. In contrast, occupational exposures are more likely higher and more likely to be non-compliant. With a focus on the health impact of industrial chemicals the exposure characterisation is more critical. Exposure scenarios drive risk assessment outcomes, and real life exposure data are needed to perform useful risk assessments. Methods for exposure assessment can be further improved and will probably include applications of biomonitoring or use novel sensor-technology for collection of time-resolved personalised exposure data. Modelling can be part of the solution in the problem analysis part. Biomonitoring feed in the initial assessment of exposure and also contribute to finding effective exposure mitigation strategies such as personal protection? The focus of this contribution will be to discuss opportunities for further improvement of exposure assessment based on the tools that we have access to now in the near future.
208a - Workplace health without borders: its mission, vision and impact from training
Authors: Galvin Jennifer 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Workplace Health Without Borders (WHWB) is an international non-profit focused on Occupational Health/Industrial Hygiene for underserved workers. Our mission is to prevent work-related disease and injury through the sharing of expertise, knowledge, and skills. Sharing our knowledge globally through training was hindered during the pandemic. This presentation outlines how we pivoted to online training, delivered training in three different languages, and found new partners to help us perform occupational health and safety training. We will share the story of the online training process we pioneered that used a combination of asynchronous study with synchronous tutorials. This process allowed the students who normally had full time jobs to study at their own pace, followed by attending weekly tutorials. These tutorials were led by professionals in the field of occupational safety and health from various locations around the world. This presentation will provide lessons learned from evaluations, the impact of the training, how we overcame obstacles and what our plans are for the future. It will also discuss how good partners are essential to this process and most importantly how to focus on what your students need and want.
222d - Good practice for the interpretation of human biomonitoring data
Authors: Bury Daniel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Human biomonitoring data of exposures to chemicals require appropriate interpretations of the results, ideally from a health risk point of view. As the field of human biomonitoring grows, there are many different biological guidance values that are derived by various authorities (official bodies or non-profit organisations) to interpret these results. Guidance values can be largely grouped by health-based guidance values and non-health-based guidance values.
Health-based guidance values correspond to biomarker concentrations that are not anticipated to be harmful to health. They are either directly based on the association between biomarkers and health risks or indirectly based on the association between airborne levels and biomarkers, and specifically at airborne levels that are considered safe for human health.
Non-health-based guidance values are, for example, descriptive statistical values, such as reference values that correspond to biomarker concentrations at the upper end of background exposures of populations without known occupational exposures to the chemical in question. These levels, although not related to health risks, are highly useful to interpret occupational exposures and hygienic measures.
In addition, there are two other concepts of non-health-based guidance values that can be utilised, which is guidance values based on good-occupational-hygiene-practice and exposure equivalents for carcinogenic agents. The latter provides a relationship between airborne concentrations of the carcinogen and correlating biomarker concentrations.
Finally, practical approaches for the interpretation of human biomonitoring data where no guidance values are available will be presented, including the calculation of daily intakes for comparison with oral threshold values (such as TDI or ADI).
249c - Quantitative fit testing of health care workers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Jacobs Peter-John 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
COVID-19 is a disease caused primarily by the SARS-CoV-2 virus aerosols entering the respiratory system. Quantitative fit-testing of filtering face-piece respirators is a primary and validated means for protecting workers who are often in constant and close proximity to each other, as well as the patients or public they encounter in their work duties. Healthcare workers are especially at the highest risk levels not only during medical procedures such as tracheal intubation and direct delivery of medication to the lungs via nebulizers, but also from exposure during the treatment and care of patients in acute care and retirement homes. At the request of the Head Unit for Infection Prevention and Control of South Africa’s largest health care administrative area, Western Cape Province, Sedulitas implemented a train-the-trainer programme in quantitative fit-testing. As a result, several thousand health-care workers were fit tested from the onset of the programme in April 2022. Mr Jacobs will discuss the process and results of this innovative programme combining the expertise of the medical and the OEHS professions.
279a - Attitudes to noise at work
Authors: Philpott Leah 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Noise, being defined as unwanted sound, is a pervasive social and occupational issue. Sound exposure is also common with a huge increase in personal listening through headphones over the last 10 years and sectors such as music and entertainment being identified for creating wanted sound for public and personal consumption.
Like with many health exposures there is an over reliance on PPE for noise management via hearing protection and little has changed over the years in terms of control innovation or attitudes – you might say if health is the poor relation to safety then noise has been the poor relation of health!
There is a perception that noise exposures in work have decreased over recent years due to a decline in traditional heavy manufacturing and fabrication. However other workplaces such as leisure, coffee shops and call centres have increased in number and employment rates and can present workers with significant noise exposure which is often ‘hidden’ if exposure is underneath headsets or unrecognised as a risk.
This session will look to explore attitudes to noise at work, the data available on exposures and ill health prevalence (or lack of) and work to improve this, emerging innovations and applicability of fit testing approaches. It will also present evidence on the wider health implications beyond hearing loss and the importance of prevention and protection in securing wider public and societal health and economic benefits.
381b - Advancements in the measurement for respirable crystalline silica to improve the determination of worker’s personal exposures
Authors: Stacey, Peter 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This presentation will discuss the work conducted at the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) science and research centre over the last 10 years and the advantages and limitations of new developments for the measurement of workers’ personal exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS). HSE has investigated and evaluated new measurement technologies for determining RCS exposures more accurately at lower concentrations (below the workplace exposure limit) where there remains a risk of respiratory ill health. It is estimated that 560,000 workers are potentially exposed to aerosols containing RCS in the United Kingdom, which can cause debilitating lung diseases like silicosis and cancer.
Measurement science is undergoing a period of technological development. Current research focuses include, use of new sensitive Raman instrumentation, the miniaturisation of instruments and ability to provide RCS measurements on-site (without the need for laboratory analysis), and computational methods to improve RCS quantification when mineral interferences are present. These options have enabled us to improve the measurement of RCS in the laboratory and provide end-of-shift personal RCS exposures.
For example, HSE have demonstrated that Raman instrumentation can give limits of detection that are potentially low enough (~200 ng) to measure RCS in samples collected from behind respirators. In addition, chemometric programmes were shown to improve the accuracy of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis for RCS measurement when mineral interference is present.
Although each approach has benefits, the latter, i.e., on-site portable FTIR instruments with chemometric methods, may offer an overall practical improvement when monitoring workers personal exposures to RCS.
Crown copyright (2024)
21 Total Worker Health® and critical risk management
Authors: Wilk Nancy 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Global estimates of the work-related burden of disease and injury indicate that each year 1.9 million people die from exposure to occupational risk factors, 81% of these fatalities resulting from non-communicable, occupational diseases. These are underestimates of the burden of occupational exposure and disease. We are not effectively preventing occupational disease and related fatalities through the classical approaches to occupational safety and health and risk management. There is an urgent need for alternate strategies to prevent occupational illness. Total Worker Health® (TWH®), introduced by NIOSH in 2011, offers an approach for consideration that could serve as a model across geographies and sectors to improve worker wellbeing, mitigation of risk, and ultimately, prevention of occupational disease and related fatality. This presentation will include the recent global estimates of non-communicable, occupational disease published by the World Health Organization and International Labour Office in 2021, and a review of the International Council on Mining and Metals’ Critical Control Management (CCM) process. TWH® will be defined and issues related to advancing worker wellbeing will be introduced. The other “Totals” and their relationships to TWH will be explained. The presentation will highlight the challenges in applying the CCM approach to critical risks associated with overexposure to chronic occupational health hazards such as silica and other carcinogens. In these intersecting topic areas, occupational hygienists and other OEHS professionals as exposure scientists can have meaningful input into prevention strategies and programs and improved worker health outcomes. Collaborative opportunities offering sustainable solutions will be introduced and discussed.