bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SS52-01 LONG-TERM IMMUNITY AGAINST HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AFTER VACCINATION: ISSUES AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTH WORKERS
Authors: De Schryver Antoon , Francois Guido 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination is recommended in health workers (HWs). HBV vaccines have been commercially available since 1982. Many HWs may have received their primary vaccine series 35 years ago.

Materials and Methods
We discuss a study published in 2022 evaluating protection against HBV infection after 35 years, the longest period studied up to now, and examine how the results are applicable to the case of HWs.

Results
In the 2022 study, 320 persons were tested for anti-HBs levels 35 years after receiving their primary HBV vaccine series. Among those, 320 (66.9%) had anti-HBs levels ≥10 mIU/ml. Those with levels &lt; 10 mIU/ml received one booster dose of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine and were tested for anti-HBs post booster. Among this group, 73.7% of those available and receiving a booster had anti-HBs levels ≥10 mIU/ml at 30 days. Overall, 86% of participants had evidence of protection after 35 years and therefore, booster doses were not considered necessary for the general population. The remaining question was if this conclusion was equally useful in the case of HWs.

Conclusions
In the considered study, 14% of subjects had no evidence of protection at 35 years and this fact may be of great importance in the case of HWs. It would mean that about 14% of HWs vaccinated at birth would have to work unprotected against HBV during the second part of their career. Therefore, more studies are needed to determine how HWs can be better protected against HBV during the whole course of their career.
SS53 CRISIS COMMUNICATION IN THE TIME OF UNCERTAINTY AND MISINFORMATION: REPORT FROM FOUR COUNTRIES AND LESSONS LEARNED FOR WORKERS AND OUR COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE
Authors: Lum Max 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Over the last century, outbreaks and pandemics have occurred with disturbing regularity and we can expect more of them, whether like a Coronavirus, or some yet unknown pathogen. Effective public health surveillance, action and turnaround times requires an effective communication response and action.
SS54-01 FORGOTTEN PATIENTS, VULNERABLE WORKERS AND JOB INSECURITY
Authors: Tamin Jacques 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
“Forgotten patients” (FPs) include those with complex medically unexplained symptoms with no clear diagnosis and those with rare disorders unrecognised by health professionals. “Vulnerable workers” (VWs) include those whose ill-health disadvantages them in the workplace. It will be argued that both groups may overlap and that both are at higher risk of job insecurity.

Materials and Methods
Published work shows some groups of workers, e.g. the disabled, can be seriously disadvantaged in accessing “good” work. The same methodology, namely ethical analysis, using the capability approach, will be used for the FP group.

Results
The results will show specific areas where OH professionals can significantly help FPs in the workplace. Firstly, FPs may not always be identified as being VWs. Therefore, appropriate workplace adjustments or legal protection (such as disability legislation) may not be made available to them. This increases their job insecurity. Secondly, FPs are further disadvantaged in the areas of sickness absence management and early ill-health retirement.

Conclusions
FPs are at higher risk of job insecurity. OH professionals have an important role in the recognition of this group and in giving timely appropriate advice to lessen their burden of job insecurity.
SS54-03 BANDITRY AND TERRORISM IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR JOB INSECURITY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Authors: Oluranti Samuel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Banditry are criminal groups, driven by non-ideological but economically motivated actions, traceable to ethno-religious conflicts, political incitement, economic factors among others. They terrorize villagers, informal economy operators and road users in achieving their goals. Their actions have caused internal displacement, disruption of livelihoods, food insecurity, anxiety, unemployment, inflation and poverty, among others. Adopting Queer Ladder Theory (QLT) and Frustration-Aggression Theory (FAT), the paper assesses how banditry has contributed to job insecurity and occupational health of the workforces in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods
The study uses secondary data and desk research methods, which include documentaries, newspapers, magazines, national statistics, web information. Key informant interviews were also conducted.

Results
The results indicate that large-scale theft, armed robbery, sexual assault, pillage, destruction of farmlands, ransom taking, extortion, killings have a lot of implications for job insecurity in the affected areas. The occupational health of workers in all sectors is in jeopardy, as they are endangered with no precautionary measures, safety or protective gadgets and their death constitute health hazards.

Conclusion
The paper suggests adequate security apparatuses, ethno-religious tolerance, employment opportunities for youths and young adults, re-orientation of citizenry, emphasis on citizenship, effective and result-orientated social policy, good governance, and education among others as ways of reducing banditry, enhancing job security and wellbeing of workers.
SS55-02 PARTICIPATION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEES AND SUPERVISORS IN THE MITIGATION OF OCCUPATIONAL RISKS DUE TO THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors: Talledo Karla Giamnina Cánova 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The intervention of artificial intelligence (AI) in the world of work has been generating a real impact that must be addressed with priority given the potential violation of the fundamental right to safety and health at work. Therefore, the intervention of committees and supervisors in management systems is relevant considering the appearance of emerging risks such as cyberbullying.

Materials and Methods
In 2021, a quantitative study was carried out in Peru during the state of health emergency due to COVID-19 which identified the absence of safety management in companies in the formal sector. For the study, the information recorded by the Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion for the years 2020 and 2021 is taken as a basis and the information is analysed, segmenting between micro and small companies in the formal sector.

Results
Among the findings, it was found that of 314,762 companies, only 66,689 complied with the implementation of workplace health and safety committees and supervisors, representing only 21% of the total companies in Peru, finding a significant relationship between the absence of committees and supervisors and the increase in complaints of cyberbullying or excessive surveillance on the part of the employer.

Conclusions
The intervention of health and safety committees and supervisors requires priority implementation as well as the dissemination of emerging risks due to the use of AI in the world of work.
SS56-02 IMPROVEMENTS IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH OUTCOMES IN CONSTRUCTION OVER THE PAST 60 YEARS
Authors: Ringen Knut 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Construction workers have always had a high risk of occupational illnesses. We used 25 years of data from a medical screening program serving older construction workers to determine how much health outcomes have improved over the past 60 years.

Methods
We investigated changes in relative risk for chest radiographs consistent with pneumoconiosis, COPD by spirometry, lung cancer mortality, and audiometry-assessed hearing impairment among workers participating in a medical screening program. Results were stratified by decade of first construction employment: before 1960, 1960-69, 1970-79, 1980-89, and after 1990. Poisson and Cox regression analyses assessed relative risk by decade, adjusted for age, sex, smoking, and years of construction trade work.

Results
Subjects were 94% male and, on average, 60 years old with 25 years of construction work. When compared to workers employed before 1960, those first employed after 1990 experienced the following reductions in model-adjusted relative risks: COPD, 32%; all pneumoconiosis, 68%; parenchymal abnormalities, 35%; pleural abnormalities, 71%; hearing impairment, 20%; and lung cancer (≥1980), 48%. Risks started to decline in the 1960s with greatest reductions among workers first employed after 1970.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the positive impact that adoption of occupational health protections have had over the past 60 years. The greatest risk reductions were observed for outcomes with strong regulatory and legal incentives to reduce exposures and associated risks, such as those associated with inhalation hazards (asbestos and silica), while lowest improvement was for hearing impairment, for which little regulatory enforcement and/or few prevention incentives have been adopted.
SS57 SOLAR UV RADIATION EXPOSURE AND OCCUPATIONAL SKIN CANCERS
Authors: Wittlich Marc 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The prevention of solar UV-related occupational skin cancers represents an extremely relevant mission for all OHS professionals dealing with outdoor work activities, as well as with mixed indoor-outdoor work activities. Unfortunately, the occupational risk is still not fully recognized and, also for this reason, UV-related occupational skin cancers are among the most frequent occupational diseases worldwide for workers with fair skin photo-types. As other occupational risks, solar UV risk can be properly evaluated and prevented, through various methods, including personal dosimetry, and interventions to increase the knowledge and attitudes toward adequate preventive measures to reduce skin cancers’ burden. The aim of this session is to give an overview of current developments related to the solar UV risk evaluation for outdoor and mixed indoor-outdoor workers, of the main preventive interventions available and of the clinical-epidemiological characteristics, relevant for occupational health surveillance, of UV-induced skin cancers.
SS58-05 SCHEDULING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PREVENTION OF ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS OF SHIFT WORK
Authors: Härmä Mikko , Shiri Rahman , Ervasti Jenni , Annina Ropponen Kati Karhula , Sallinen Mikael , Vanttola Päivi , Koskinen Aki , Turunen Jarno 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
We produced recommendations for the prevention of adverse health effects of shift work in the social and health care sector in Finland. The recommendations on the length, timing, recovery and social aspects of working hours were embedded as an evaluation tool in a shift scheduling software. We investigated the utilization of the tool, and whether the use of the tool resulted in changes in working hours and occupational injuries.

Materials and Methods
Our data was based on 36 663 employees from the WHFPS (Working Hours in the Finnish Public Sector cohort) with payroll- and registry-based information on working hours and occupational injuries. We used intention-to-treat principle to examine the effects of using the tool on changes in working hour characteristics. The employees using the tool were compared to non-users by multi-level generalized linear models adjusting for relevant confounders. The effects on the incidence of occupational injuries were studied in a stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial design with a 4-year follow-up.

Results
The tool was used at least occasionally by 96%, and continuously by 20% of the employees. Using the tool was associated with several, albeit modest changes that aligned with the scheduling recommendations. Especially long spells of work shifts, several consecutive night shifts and short (&lt; 11 hours) shift intervals decreased. Using the evaluation tool was associated with a reduced risk for occupational injuries.

Conclusions
The results suggest that having technically easy-to-use recommendations as a part of shift scheduling software.
SS64 NEW FRONTIERS IN AUDITORY FUNCTION DAMAGE PREVENTION: COMBINED EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT AND EFFECTS, BIOMARKERS, AND DIGITAL AUDIOMETRY
Authors: Sisto Renata 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Noise induced hearing loss is a well-established phenomenon for which dose-response curves are standardized. The occupational setting is currently becoming more and more complex with scenarios characterized much more by low dose multiple exposure than by a clear exposure to a single risk factor. In this scenario the most reasonable approach is the exposome one. In this approach, all the possible exposures are considered, coming from both the occupational and non-occupational environment. To the dose biomarkers effect biomarkers are also associated that are able to quantify the individual damage susceptibility. The hearing conservation program must be updated, introducing the most flexible hearing diagnostic tools.
In this special session we will learn that the non-Gaussian noise or, in other words, a noise with an high content of impulsive components is an higher risk factor for the auditory system with respect to the Gaussian one. We also will learn about the synergistic effects of noise and chemicals commonly found in occupational settings such as solvents and pesticides. In the session also, the prevention strategy and policies will be discussed and compared. Finally, the session will discuss the best diagnostic tools for the auditory system monitoring in the hearing conservation program.
SS64-01 OTOTOXICITY MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES
Authors: Morata Thais , Fuente Adrian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Ototoxicity management includes the identification of at-risk individuals, and the diagnosis, monitoring, rehabilitation and therapeutic management of hearing and balance deficits in affected individuals.

Methods
Interested parties committed to addressing major healthcare gaps in the management of ototoxicity (hearing loss, tinnitus, vestibular and/or balance deficits) caused by environmental toxicants and/or medications came together to establish the International Ototoxicity Management Group (IOMG, https://www.ncrar.research.va.gov/ClinicianResources/IOMG.asp). We will report on the objectives and activities of the Environmental and Occupational Focus Area.

Results
Across countries, no standard methods exist for the auditory surveillance of individuals exposed to hazardous chemicals at work. We published a mixed method review to scope the literature, identify knowledge gaps, appraise results, and synthesize the evidence on the audiological evaluation of workers exposed to solvents. Of 454 identified references, 37 studies were included for analysis. Twenty-five different tests were used in the various studies.

Discussion
This study is facilitating the development of consensus statements in ototoxicity management in the workplace.

Conclusion
The IOMG has expanded stakeholder engagement. Its multicultural and interdisciplinary approach is needed to support application of ototoxicity management in specific medical, environmental and occupational contexts worldwide.

Disclaimer
The conclusions in this presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SS65-01 CORE VALUES AT WORK — THE DIGNITY IN DECENT WORK
Authors: Nicholas Robin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Our core values carry us through the different conditions and times of our lives. They bridge all areas, including our lives at work — across different jobs, cultures, countries, large companies and SMEs, formal and informal work. Through it all, these values guide us through our challenges and successes.

Materials and Methods
How we experience our core values will be explored through philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, occupational health, and personal stories. With this background, these values will be applied to decent work and the dignity and worker rights it protects.

Results
People are complex. We are not one set of data or one job description. Work is not who people are. But work should be a chance for people to express and experience who they are. Core values provides a means to do so. The International Labour Organization includes dignity as a key element of decent work. Dignity is more than a single core value. In some ways, it includes all core values: respect, positive relationships, being heard, personal excellence, being able to take care of family and friends, and much more. These values provide the foundation, the reason why we take action to improve people’s experience of work. Programs and actions identify what needs to be done, and further details instruct how it gets done. But the foundation lies with human values, the why.

Conclusions
Core values constantly remind us how each worker might experience their work. This is why the values of dignity and worker rights remain at the core of decent work.
SS66 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH IN LATIN AMERICA: POSTGRADUATE STUDENT PRESENTATIONS
Authors: Taboadela Claudio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Latin American postgraduate students in occupational medicine from universities of Argentina and Peru will present their first academic papers in this Special Session, guided by their professors.
It is important to foster the participation of young occupational physicians from developing countries in international scientific events in order to integrate them into the community of International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) professionals dedicated to occupational health, all over the world.
SS67 CLIMATE CHANGE, AIR POLLUTION AND ORGANIC DUST ISSUES IN RURAL POPULATIONS AND THE NEED FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Authors: Chandrasekar Sashikala , Brumby Susan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Air pollution, climate change and agricultural and organic dusts produce health and safety issues in farm workers and the rural population. It is not only workers and their families, persons who are residing nearby are also exposed. Workers in cottage industries and other informal sectors in rural areas are also affected by occupational hazards in their workplace. They are vulnerable to respiratory and kidney diseases due to dust and heat. Initiatives in agriculture for improving occupational health and safety should be given importance. Measures for reducing the impact of air pollution, heat and dust in rural areas and new developments in agricultural sector for sustainable development will be addressed in this session.
SS67-02 DUST EXPOSURE AND PREVENTING RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IN YOUNG PEOPLE
Authors: Brumby Susan , Adams Jessie , Fitzgerald Cecilia , Hatherell Tracey , Cotton Jacqueline , McKay Claire , Cunningham Sally 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Growing up on a farm can be fun and foster independence. Habits learned in the family farm context include safety behaviours to prevent injury or exposures. Respiratory diseases have been associated with agriculture for centuries and continue to rise. Targeted education to reduce exposures in young people has been haphazard and poorly evaluated.

Aim
To increase knowledge of farm hazards, their possible impact, and promote practices that grow individual agency and empower young people to reduce their individual exposure to respiratory hazards.

Materials and Methods
Twenty-one programs at 20 Victorian schools in farming communities were delivered. A pre-program survey qualified relevance of program content by identifying farming type, exposures and common work tasks. A post-program survey assessed (i) changes in knowledge of hazards, (ii) self-reported changes to safety practices and behaviors of students.

Results
Overall, 393 students (12 to 24 years) completed the pre-program survey. Of those, 79% (n=310) worked in dusty environments with 29% reporting shortness of breath, cough, fever or chills after work in dusty environments. Six-week post-program 97% of students reported increased understanding of when and why they should wear respiratory protection. Further, 48% reported wearing respiratory protection in dusty environments and 34% described discussing safety concerns with their family, and friends post program.

Conclusion
Young people working on farms often have little choice on safety equipment or exposure risk. This school program increased knowledge and agency to reduce individual exposure on farm. Individual agency was highlighted with demand for and wearing of respiratory protection and discussion with peers.
SS67-05 INITIATIVES FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND HEALTH OF INFORMAL SECTOR WORKERS AND RURAL POPULATIONS IN INDIA
Authors: Chandrasekar Sashikala 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Air pollution, climate change, agricultural dust and organic dust produce health issues in agricultural workers, informal sector workers and the general population in rural areas. They are vulnerable to accidents, heat, toxic gases, chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides. Working in confined spaces and green house, exhaust from generators and tractors, and solid fuels smoke affect their health. Stubble burning after harvest leads to environmental air pollution.

Materials and Methods
Initiatives for safety, health and sustainable agriculture are introduced in India. Biogas units to generate compressed natural gas and biorefinery to produce ethanol by fermenting harvest residue are installed. Crop residue is used for cardboard and particle board cartons. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based precision farming for irrigation, soil and crop health monitoring are taken up. Motorized tree climbers for harvesting and electronic solar pest control traps are introduced. Poly-oxime treated clothing and pesticides spraying drones to prevent pesticide toxicity and UV protective apron for outdoor work are under trial.

Results
Biogas and biorefinery installation and particle board cartons have reduced stubble burning and air pollution. Farmers use mobile apps for agriculture information. AI-based farming is gaining importance. Pesticide spraying by drones has reduced exposure in pesticide sprayers. Protective clothing for pesticides sprayers and for outdoor workers will improve health and safety.

Conclusion
Mitigation of occupational and environmental hazards in rural populations is imperative with health and safety awareness programs and participatory action-oriented training. These initiatives and new technological advances will lead to sustainable agriculture in India.
SS69-03 PSYCHOSOCIAL RISKS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IN TANGIER
Authors: Amiry Rachid 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The Tangier region is experiencing significant development in terms of industry, particularly the automotive sector. Psychosocial risks are increasingly present in the workplace and all sectors are affected. The objective of our study was to assess the prevalence of psychosocial risks among workers in the automobile industry in the Tangier region.

Materials and Methods
This is a multicentric retrospective study of the various surveys carried out to assess psychosocial risks among workers in the automotive sector in the region.

Results
The studies were carried out within three industrial units. Sleep disorders were present in 28% of workers, work stress in 41%, and depression in 7%. Around 21% said they had already been harassed at work.

Conclusions
The results obtained raise the importance of occupational medicine for the prevention and early detection of psychosocial risks to avoid the transition to more serious mental illnesses.