bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SS63-03 THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SECTION OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION OF MEDICAL SPECIALISTS FOR DOCTORS’ HEALTH PROTECTION: THE EXAMPLE OF THE INITIATIVE RELATED TO THE EUROPEAN WORKING TIME DIRECTIVE
Authors: Škerjanc Alenka 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The European Working Time Directive (EWTD) requires a maximum of 48 working hours / week. The increasing demands for physicians has provoked, since 2011, a debate on the possible exclusion of the application of doctors from this Directive. The Union of European Medical Specialists asked the Occupational Medicine Section for a position statement on EWTD and possible adverse health consequences on physicians.

Materials and Methods
A systematic review, using PubMed and EMBASE, was conducted to understand whether a working week of more than 48 hours would be possibly associated with adverse health outcomes in doctors. Physicians of any specialty, working in any possible setting were considered. Out of 3016 citations obtained, 110 full papers were assessed for eligibility: after quality assessment, 11 studies from Europe, North America and Japan were included.

Results
The results showed an association between long working hours and increased risk of needle-stick injuries and of road accidents. Some evidence, even if of low quality, was also observed for associations with mood disorders and general health. No studies on other health outcomes were identified.

Conclusions
The results show no evidence justifying a working week longer than 48 hours in physicians, so any exclusion of the application of EWTD for physicians has no scientific basis. Furthermore, even if it is not possible to set a safe number of weekly working hours for doctors’ health, it is fundamental that policy makers take into consideration safety and health issues when making decisions on possible exceptions for the application of EWTD for doctors.
SS65 SDG 8 DECENT WORK: HEALTHY WORKPLACES FOR VULNERABLE WORKERS
Authors: Seneviratne Mahinda 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The estimated 1.5 billion vulnerable workers globally pose a significant challenge to OH professionals in all countries to provide healthy workplaces for all. In this Special Session, the strong links between UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 Decent Work and the social determinants of health such as unemployment and job insecurity will be examined. This session will be a participative workshop to explore how the key concepts of ‘core values at work’ can be applied towards healthy workplaces for the vulnerable global workforce engaged in SMEs and in various informal sectors. The three presentations will provide a concise concept of ‘core values’ 1, an overview of vulnerable workers and the social determinants of their health and outline the foundations of SDG 8 Decent Work. The workshop is intended to deliver at least three practical actions that can be taken by participants beyond ICOH2024, back to their countries, organisations, workplaces and communities towards achieving healthy workplaces in SMEs and informal sectors.
SS66-04 CARBON NANOTUBULES: POTENTIAL NANO-TOXICOLOGICAL RISKS IN WORKERS' HEALTH
Authors: Aldaz Santiago , Taboadela Claudio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Nanotechnology is a branch of technology which is based on the manipulation of matter on an almost atomic scale (1 to 100 nanometers). Workers' exposure to nanoparticles can cause negative effects on their health. Nanoparticles have been used since time immemorial to the present day in various areas and were first characterized in 1985 by Harold Kroto et al with the discovery of C60 molecules. Nowadays, carbon nanotubules are among the most studied and used nanoelements, which can be classified based on their composition and multiple physicochemical properties.

Materials and Methods
The systematic review was carried out through the analysis of the latest papers and international guides on nanotechnology. Pubmed and Scopus databases were used to identify studies leading with exposure to carbon nanotubules. References were searched using combinations of keywords based on the following structure: ‘exposure’ & ‘carbon nanotubule’ & ‘workers’ & ‘occupational health’.

Results
Many experimental studies in animals denote acute and chronic toxicological effects and suggest potential oncogenic and teratogenic effects after nanotubule exposure. The incidence and prevalence of similar effects have not been demonstrated in humans until now.

Conclusions
Carbon nanotubules represent the advent of novel elements that open doors to a promising future in industry. However, it is important to continue studying and researching the toxicology and potential negative effects of carbon nanotubules on human health as well as the establishment of international policies and regulations in order to protect exposed workers.
SS67-04 COPING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE AGRICULTURAL WORKERS' LIFE ADJUSTMENT
Authors: Denny Hanifa M , Tembalang Sudarto S H 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Climate change exerts unprecedented pressures on agricultural practices. This study cantered on the coping mechanisms that vegetable and flower farmers adopt in the face of climate-induced challenges, particularly extreme heat and temperature fluctuations.

Materials and Methods
This research employs a multifaceted approach to address these challenges. A comprehensive risk assessment was conducted, mapping agricultural workers' potential hazards and vulnerabilities. Subsequently, an in-depth exploration of the problems led to the development of tailored interventions. A dedicated educational initiative was implemented to enhance the farmers' awareness of dehydration risks and promote proper hydration practices.

Results
The adverse extreme heat condition had compelled farmers to adjust their work schedules, emphasizing early morning and late afternoon shifts to mitigate heat-related risks. However, limited awareness regarding dehydration and inadequate rehydration practices posed significant threats to their health. This project involved the establishment of an occupational health post (OHP) within the agricultural community. Recognizing the collective effort required, community health canters collaborated to fortify the OHP. This collaborative approach bolstered its resources and strengthens the broader framework of occupational health and safety promotion.

Conclusions
By amalgamating risk assessment, education, and community collaboration, this study extends beyond mere adaptation to climate change. It addresses the holistic well-being of agricultural workers, ensuring their adjustments to changing conditions are informed, health-conscious, and sustainable. Insights from this research serve for safeguarding the health of agricultural workers.
SS68-02 FRENCH RECOMMENDATIONS ON MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP OF HYPERBARIC WORKERS AND FITNESS FOR WORK
Authors: Loddé Brice , Dewitte J D 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In France, as in many other countries, the monitoring of hyperbaric workers is regulated. By hyperbaric workers we mean many people involved in occupational activities including underwater activities or activities leading to exposure to hyperbaric gas constraints in their working environment such as scuba divers, carrying out construction, repair or building supervision work, aquarium officers, workers on the technical side of facilities, veterinarians and caretakers, scientists carrying out fauna or flora surveys, geological or oceanographic researchers, coast guards, fishermen on one side and tunnel constructors or hyperbaric chamber care workers on another side.
Hyperbaric exposure leads to a risk of a multiple possibilities of accidents or diseases such as decompression sickness (DCS), barotraumatic otitis, and dysbaric osteonecrosis. The likelihood of these accidents or diseases depends on multiple factors, external as well as individual. For this reason, many countries raised the importance of a medical follow-up for these hyperbaric workers.
In France, the text regulating the monitoring of hyperbaric workers was adopted in 1991 and repealed in 2011. Since 2016, the learned societies of occupational medicine, hyperbaric medicine and maritime medicine have issued follow-up recommendations for these particular workers, including medical follow-up and para-clinical examinations to be adapted according to the worker health status and type of exposure. Here we propose to resume the methodology and some conclusions of these recommendations.
SS70-03 FOCUS ON WORKERS’ EXPOSURE TO RADIATION IN EUROPE
Authors: Schneider Elke , Cavet Marine , Vilahur Nadia , Irastorza Xabier 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) has coordinated a large survey – the Workers’ Exposure Survey on cancer risk factors in Europe (WES).

Materials and Methods
WES provides exposure assessment to a selection of 24 cancer risk factors, including ionising radiation and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, both solar and artificial. Detailed information on the probability and level of exposure, co-exposures, specific circumstances of exposure to radiation and prevention measures at work was collected in six countries, alongside relevant demographic data.

Results
One out of five workers is probably exposed to solar UV radiation (including ocular exposure), which is the most common exposure among the respondents of the survey. It is spread in all jobs, in particular among construction trades, farm workers, drivers and protective service workers. Almost 3% of workers are probably exposed to artificial UV radiation, mostly when doing welding tasks, and to a lesser extent when using UV light (for example in hair and beauty salons), or when applying some types of metal coating (such as metal thermal spraying). About 2.5% of workers are probably exposed to ionising radiation, mostly in the medical environment, in manufacturing activities (using X-rays or gammagraphy equipment) and in air transport.

Conclusions
Results of the WES will contribute to raising awareness on exposure to ionising and UV radiation and contribute to better prevention.
SS71-03 MENTAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT IN COMPANIES: THE IMPORTANCE AND IMPACT OF HEALTH PROMOTION STRATEGIES
Authors: Rincón-Sarmiento Juan Ignacio , Caraballo-Arias Yohama , Marquez-Medina Luis Guillermo , Cuervo Diana Elizabeth 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Globally, mental health has been a concern in the world of work for several decades. Colombia has regulations for prevention in public and private enterprises with the aim to improve prevention strategies and strengthening health promotion as a valid strategy to improve the integral quality of life.

Materials and Methods
Colombia is a reference in the region in occupational risk legislation. In the last decades, several regulations have been issued to strengthen plans to prevent the effects of exposure to occupational hazards, including psychosocial risks. There are several economic sectors of interest for representing an increased psychosocial risk; one of these is the education sector. In this sense, we present the experience of the National University of Colombia, Bogotá, with an innovative model of prevention of occupational risks that integrates the academy.

Results
Recent experience shows the need to continue working to improve prevention and health promotion strategies in companies. It also makes clear the need to innovate in the way of approaching workers, who often belong to different generations within the same company.

Conclusions
The management of occupational risks must be strengthened by placing the worker and his reality at the centre, valuing him as a human being in his diverse contexts. The active participation of workers is essential when building prevention and health promotion plans. This can be an appropriate way to influence the mental health aspects that so much affect our contemporary society.
SS71-04 IMPACT AND ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES / CONSEQUENCES AS OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
Authors: Cuervo Diana Elizabeth , Caraballo-Arias Yohama , Marquez-Medina Luis Guillermo , Rincón-Sarmiento Juan Ignacio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Colombia has a social security system in which healthcare is divided based on the health condition’s origin; this is how workers' risk insurance companies cover work-related accidents and occupational diseases. Therefore, determining the origin of these conditions becomes more relevant for prevention, care, and access to compensation. Colombia has adopted a mixed system for assessing occupational diseases. To diagnose stress-related diseases, risk factors are evaluated following a protocol. This takes into account both work and non-work-related factors that scientific evidence has linked to the disease.

Materials and Methods
Statistics of cases classified by the Colombian National Board of Disability Assessment, an entity affiliated with the Ministry of Labor (period 2016-2022), were reviewed and compared with expert panels to analyze the challenges in assessing diagnoses of mental illnesses, which are more prevalent in the determination of origin processes.

Results
Out of the total number of cases with claims for psychosocial risk and mental illness, 65% were classified as non-work related, while 35% were classified as occupational diseases. Mixed anxiety and depression disorder represented 59.20%, adjustment disorder 16.70%, post-traumatic stress disorder 8%, generalized anxiety disorder 5.9%, and acute stress reaction 2.1%.

Conclusions
Although the protocol is a useful tool, it needs to be updated, and healthcare professionals need to be trained to achieve a more efficient process that guarantees rights.
P-004 AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OCCUPATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG THE ELDERLY POPULATION IN A JHARKHAND STATE OF INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Ahmad Absar , Sahoo 1 Nikhlesh , Juneja Khushboo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Improving the well-being of the elderly community and promoting their health and social engagement pose significant challenges in public health during the twenty-first century.

Methods
The research was conducted with 303 elderly individuals who met specific eligibility criteria. Ethical approval was obtained for a community-based cross-sectional study among people aged 60 years and above, living within a 3 km radius of Manipal TATA Medical University in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. The study employed the snowball technique and took place in November and December 2022, with joggers participating in the data collection process by visiting parks in the morning and evening. To assess the quality of life, the study utilized the Stark questionnaire, which incorporates imagery and measures both the mental and physical health components of health-related quality of life (QoL). Occupations were categorized according to the International Classification of Occupations, which divides jobs into 10 major groups.

Results
During the study, 303 elderly individuals who met the study criteria participated. The largest age group among them was between 66 and 75 years old (43.2%). The majority of the participants were male (82.5%), and 52.5% of them had completed their graduate education. Additionally, around 81% of the participants were currently married. Regarding occupation, approximately 29% of the respondents were classified as Plant and machine operators and assemblers, followed by Service and sales workers (25%).

Discussion and conclusion
Initial analysis indicates a relationship between occupation and quality of life(p=0.00). We concluded that QOL is affected by many different factors.
P-007 ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS TO RUBBER ADDITIVES
Authors: Belkahla Amira , Hsinet Jihen , Baraketi Emna , Ismail Saloua , Bechrifa Emna , Fatma Naourez Ben , Khouja Nihel , Benzarti Aida 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Rubber additives are among the allergens most frequently involved in occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

Objective
To study the sociodemographic, clinical, and allergological characteristics of ACD to rubber additives and to assess their impact on fitness for work.

Methods
Retrospective descriptive study of cases of ACD to rubber additives confirmed by patch-tests of the Standard European Battery,performed in the Occupational Medicine Department of La Rabta Hospital, Tunis during the period from June 1st 2023 to June 30 2023.

Results
Our study included 52 patients with a mean age of 40.8 years,predominantly female (63.5%).Most of them were healthcare workers (60%) mainly nurses (25%). The average professional seniority was 11.71±9.71years.Personal atopy was noted in 28.8% of cases.The initial dermatological manifestations were erythematous (96.2%) located on hands (88.5%),with dorsal lesions in 72.3% of cases. The lesions occurred distantly in 57.7% of cases,specially in forearms and face(30% each).The rhythmicity of these lesions with work activity was reported by 92.3% of patients. The most frequently identified allergen by patch tests was thiuram-mix (88.5%),followed by mercaptobenzothiazole (15.4%),mercapto-mix(13.5%) and isopropyl-N-phenyl-4-phenylenediamine (IPPD) (7.7%).In terms of fitness for work,the majority of patients benefited from adjustements for work (84.6%), in particular the avoidance of rubber gloves and the wearing of double-layered cotton gloves (43.2%).Medical redeployment was indicated in 11.8% of patients.

Discussion
Thiuram-mix is the allergen the most frequently involved in rubber additives ACD. Gloves are its main cause.

Conclusions
Eczema caused by rubber additives is common in the workplace. Prevention relies essentially on the use of substitutes for the most allergenic additives.
P-011 IMMUNOME AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSOME: AN INTEGRATED VIEW TO IMPROVE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH IN WORKPLACES INCREASINGLY IMPACTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors: Grandi Carlo , Lancia Andrea , D’Ovidio Maria Concetta 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The immunome is the repertoire of antibodies, T-cell receptors and immune-associated proteins of an individual and its importance is increasingly recognized. The exposome is the combination of all exposures experienced during life by an individual, a subset of which is the occupational exposome. The immune system plays a crucial role in infectious diseases, allergies, autoimmune diseases and cancer development. A wide range of physical, chemical and biological agents may alter the immune response and Climate Change (CC) has an increasingly recognized impact on a number of occupational exposures.

Methods
Analyzing the existing literature on immunome, occupational exposome, CC and occupational health.

Results
An increasing complexity arises with regard to the interplay between immune related diseases, CC itself and immune-mediated responses to occupational risk factors whose exposure may increase because of CC (e.g. solar radiation, volatile organic compounds, allergens etc.).

Discussion
The framework depicted above requires the development and the integration of emerging tools (omics, system biology, big data processing) to be properly analyzed and interpreted in view of implementing preventive and protective measures of workers with multiple and variable exposures in a changing climate.

Conclusion
Immunome profiling may exert a central role in linking the occupational exposure to workers’ health in a changing climate. The immune response as a whole is involved in a wide range of disease conditions and may provide a reliable, broad and flexible set of biomarkers useful in health surveillance of the exposed workers as well as in contributing to implement the adaptation to CC.
O-016 PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF LONG-COVID-19 SYNDROME IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS: A MULTI-CENTRE STUDY FROM NORTH-EASTERN ITALY, ORCHESTRA PROJECT WORKING GROUP
Authors: Cegolon Luca , Sansone Donatella , Tassinari Alice , Murgia Nicola , Monaco Maria Grazia Lourdes , Spiteri Gianluca , Modenese Alberto , Gobba Fabrizio Maria , Pavanello Sofia , Liviero Filippo , Scapellato Maria Luisa , Porru Stefano , Filon Francesca Larese 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The impact of long-COVID-19 syndrome is still debated, being potentially influenced by residual confounders. This study investigated prevalence of long-COVID-19 symptoms among health care workers (HCWS) of four university hospitals from North-Eastern Italy: Trieste, Padua, Verona and Modena-Reggio Emilia.

Methods
During June 2022- August 2022, HCWs were surveyed on past COVID-19 infections, medical history and any persisting symptoms. Presence of any post-covid-19 symptoms at 30-60 days or 60+ days since recovery from acute COVID-19 was investigated by multivariable logistic regression. Results were expressed as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

Results
5,432 HCWs returned the questionnaire; 2,387 were SARS-CoV-2 infected at least once, 230 two and 8 three times. Prevalence of long-COVID-19 after the first COVID-19 infection was 24.0% at 30-60 days versus 16.3% at 60+ days, and 10.5% against 5.5% after the second SARS-CoV-2 event, respectively. The most frequent post-COVID-19 symptoms were general (35.1%), ENT (21.8%) or pulmonary (21.0%), whereas symptoms persisting after recovery from acute disease were predominantly neurological (50.3%), general (40.9%) and psychological (40.9%). The main determinants of long-COVID-19 syndrome at 30-60 days were Alpha predominant transmission period (aOR=4.34; 3.25-5.79)), COVID-19 associated hospitalization (aOR= 3.14; 2.17-4.54)) or female sex (aOR=1.88; 1.18-2.98), followed by age&gt;40, non-Caucasian race or BMI&gt;25 or &lt;18.

Discussion
Prevalence of long-COVID-19 was higher during the initial stages of the pandemic, when more virulent viral strains were circulating and vaccination were not available.

Conclusions
The risk of long-COVID-19 likely decreased inversely with herd immunity level. The high prevalence of persisting psychological/neurological symptoms questions possible predisposing factors to Long-COVID-19.
P-015 RESPIRATORY FITS TEST PANEL REPRESENTING POPULATION OF MALAYSIA
Authors: Cheng Lim Yin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The existing respiratory fits test panels (RFTPs) are based on Bivariate and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) which utilize American and Chinese head and facial dimensions. As RFTPs based on local facial anthropometric data for Malaysia are not available, this study was conducted with the aim to develop new RFTPs using Malaysian data.

Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted across Malaysia among 3,324 participants of the study of National Health and Morbidity Survey 2020 aged 18 and above. Ten head and facial dimensions were measured. Face length and face width were used to construct a bivariate facial panel, whereas the scores from the first two PCA were used to develop the PCA panel.

Results
This study showed that Malaysians have the widest upper limit for facial width. It also found that two factors could be reduced from the PCA analysis, with PCA 1 representing head and facial size and PCA 2 representing facial shape. Our bivariate panel could accommodate 94.1% of the population, while our PCA panel accommodated 95.5%.

Discussion and conclusion
This was the first study to use Malaysian head and facial anthropometry data to create bivariate and PCA panels. Respirators constructed using these panels are likely to fit &gt;94% of Malaysia’s population.