bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
108 Preparation for and adaptation to COVID-19 in Irish Workplaces – experiences of Irish personnel with responsibilities for occupational hygiene and health
Authors: Buggy Conor , Chen Yanbing , Ingram Carolyn , Downey Vicky , Sripaiboonkij Penpatra , Perrotta Carla 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
An investigation of Irish workplace adaptation to COVID-19 was conducted to assess impact to workers, their organisations and to develop new occupational hygiene and health adaptation mechanisms for future pandemic emergencies.

Materials and Methods
As part of the study, occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals (n=60) that held responsibilities for occupational hygiene and occupational health risk management, took part in a series of semi-structured mixed-method online focus groups. Each focus group incorporated twenty quantitative questions that were answered anonymously via a poll function.

Results
58% of workplaces began pandemic occupational hygiene and health risk management preparations prior to COVID-19s emergence in Ireland. 66% of workplaces remained open while 27% were partially closed. 34% of workplaces had over half their workforce working from home (as opposed to 5% pre-pandemic). 54% of workplaces had existing occupational hygiene and health risk assessments that incorporated infectious disease considerations prior to the pandemic. 41% of workplaces had identified a viral pandemic scenario as part of its emergency planning prior to COVID-19. The majority (63%) of workers understood the occupational hygiene and health control measures instigated as a response to COVID-19 with a greater majority (90%) more willing to accept future workplace changes if they know it is to keep them safe and healthy.

Conclusion
Irish workplaces adapted well to the changing OSH landscape that emerged in response to COVID-19. Irish workplaces are now more likely to be able to adapt and respond well to future similar public health emergencies.
109 Evaluation of chemical exposures and exposure mitigation strategies for nail salons
Authors: Anderson Kimberly 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Nail products often contain hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, and phthalates; chemicals that have been linked to health issues such as respiratory irritation, asthma, and adverse reproductive outcomes. The objective of this study was to measure volatile organic compound (VOC) exposures associated with 1) different manicure types (lacquer, gel, dip, and acrylic), 2) “non-toxic” nail polishes and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of LEV systems that are marketed specifically for nail salons. Total VOCs (TVOC, photoionization detector, Tiger) and speciated VOCs (Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer, Gasmet Inc) were measured in the breathing zone while manicures were simulated in an exposure chamber. Ten brands of nail polishes marketed as “non-toxic” were evaluated by applying two coats to artificial nails and exposures measured following the methods described above. Additionally, four different local exhaust ventilation (LEV) designs marketed to nail salons were evaluated. A Bayesian spline model was used to analyze log-transformed concentrations, incorporating task-related fixed effects and covariates. Task and manicure type significantly impact TVOC exposures with acrylic manicures having the highest TVOC exposures. Speciated VOC exposures varied significantly between the type of manicure being performed. Formaldehyde and toluene were detected in all “non-toxic” polishes tested. Average formaldehyde and toluene exposures ranged from &lt;LOD to 0.16 ppm and from &lt;LOD to 0.67 ppm, respectively, depending on polish brand. LEV moderately reduced TVOC exposures by 30-70%, consistent with prior research. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive exposure reduction strategies in nail salons, that considers the diverse chemicals used in various services.
110 Investigating a cancer cluster in Ontario, Canada using historical occupational hygiene data to evaluate risk of occupational cancers
Authors: Thompson Krista 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In 2022, the province of Ontario in Canada had 95,000 cancer cases diagnosed in a population of 15.11 million. The 16 most common occupational carcinogens cause 3,000 cancer diagnoses per year in Ontario. However, there is a lack of awareness of occupational cancers, with just 400 claims submitted on average per year to Ontario’s workers’ compensation insurance agency, of which 170 claims are accepted.
A labour union approached the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, Inc. (OHCOW) with a request to investigate a potential cancer cluster among a cohort of workers/retirees with exposures to blacksmithing, welding fumes, and diesel exhaust. OHCOW is a not-for-profit labour governed, worker-based network with a team of dedicated health professionals including 18 occupational hygienists. Occupational hygienists at OHCOW are trained to do retrospective exposure assessments using a combination of published data, databases of exposures, and when available, employer occupational hygiene data.
Using occupational hygiene reports from the 1970s to 2010s, an occupational hygienist analyzed the workers’ exposures to IARC Group 1 carcinogens to investigate the cluster. This presentation will summarize the challenges of using historical data, the application of current evidence-based occupational exposure limits, the importance of referring to peer-reviewed published literature, and finally the outcomes of the workers’ compensation submissions.
114 Cotton undergarments as tool for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons whole-body dosimetry of firefighters
Authors: Koslitz Stephan , Taeger Dirk , Heinrich Birgit , Köster Daniel , Pelzl Tim , Käfferlein Heiko Udo , Pitzke Katrin , Brüning Thomas , Behrens Thomas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Firefighters are exposed to a variety of hazardous substances during fire-fighting activities. Especially fire smoke contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) some of which have been shown to cause cancer in humans. To assess the dermal exposure of firefighters during real-life firefighting, a whole-body dosimetry [TB1] [KS2] method was applied to determine the PAH that settle on the skin despite of firefighters wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Methodology
For the study, 17 firefighters in Germany wore cotton undergarments, gloves, socks, and balaclavas under their PPE during firefighting missions. After firefighting, fabric pieces at 21 predefined spots and, additionally, areas that were visibly contaminated with soot (“hot spots”) were analysed for 16 US-EPA PAH and benzo[e]pyrene. Detailed information about the fire missions were solicited from firefighters via questionnaire.

Results
For 70 % of firefighters, we determined PAH in the fabric pieces from undergarments worn under the PPE. In 9 % of 309 punched[TB3] [KS4] -out fabric pieces PAH could be quantified. Phenanthrene and pyrene were the predominant PAH. One fabric piece contained benzo[a]pyrene (103 ng/g), this concentration was just above the limit of quantification[TB5] [KS6]. Concentrations were higher after firefighting in residential buildings than after exposure to vehicle or other outdoor fires. The highest observed concentration was 657 ng/g phenanthrene found in a trousers’ pocket opening.

Conclusion
PAH may settle down on firefighters’ skin during firefighting. The protection level of actual PPE has been shown to shield against PAH. However, further efforts are necessary to reduce dermal exposure because PAH are known human carcinogens.
124 Functional requirements for a new risk assessment tool: the first step - a new inhalation model to assess exposure to bioaerosols
Authors: Colomo Carlota Alejandre , Marchand Geneviève , Viegas Carla , van der Haar Rudolf , Antiller Cristina Bercero , Houba Remko , Madsen Anne Mette , Zilaout Hicham , Heussen Henri 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Within Occupational Hygiene, risk assessments due to exposure to biological agents has received less emphasis compared to risks associated with other hazardous substances. Thus, the tools for hazard inventory, risk assessment, and implementation of control measures for biological agents remain scarce.
The COVID-19 pandemic raised awareness on the magnitude of potential health consequences linked to exposure to biological agents also in workplace environments. But concerns should not be limited to infectious biological agents. Non-infectious microorganisms might also impact in workers’ health due to their sensitizing, toxic and even carcinogenic effects. Workers in various sectors may be exposed through aerosols or contact with infected persons or materials that are contaminated with microorganisms.
Different qualitative risk assessment tools for biological agents have been developed over the last decades, with differences in their scope, parameters used and results obtained. In order to propose a functional design for the development of a new risk assessment tool related to biological agents, four existing tools were compared to better understand their strengths, limitations and applicability.
Based on this comparison, a general structure for a complete new tool was proposed with some key requirements for determining occupational exposure to biological agents. Furthermore, we developed a new qualitative risk assessment model for bioaerosol inhalation created from a source-receptor conceptual model where scores for each parameter were assigned based on literature. The current model has been applied to seven different sectors and tested in more than 120 real workplace scenarios with satisfactory results.
126 Size distribution and characterization of particulate matter generated during tunnel boring machine excavation
Authors: Ervik Torunn , Leite Mimmi , Weinbruch Stephan , Nordby Karl-Christian , Ellingsen Dag G , Ulvestad Bente , Dahl Kari , Berlinger Balazs , Skaugset Nils Petter 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The use of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for tunnel excavation is expected to increase in the coming years. Workers near and on the TBM are exposed to fine mineral particles, including α-quartz. The particle size distribution has implications on health effects, monitoring and control strategies as well as accurate α-quartz quantification. The aim of our study was to investigate and characterize the particle size distribution of particulate matter including α-quartz associated with tunnel excavation by TBMs in an area dominated by metamorphic rocks (e.g., gneiss).
Sioutas cascade impactors were used to collect personal samples (n=14) on three separate days. The impactor fractionates the dust in five size fractions, from 10 µm down to below 0.25 µm. The filters were weighted, and the α-quartz concentrations was measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis using the NIOSH 7500 method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine size and elemental composition of individual particles.
Most of the particulate mass was found on the first three impactor stages (0.5-10 µm. There were no observable differences in the size distribution for the three sampling days and for the various work tasks. However, the α-quartz proportion varied for the three sampling days indicating a dependency on petrology. The size distribution of the calculated respirable α-quartz fraction was different from the calibration material, which most likely affects the accuracy of the measured α-quartz air concentrations. Knowledge of the particle size distribution is important for dust control actions since they should reduce the respirable α-quartz fraction.
140 Good intentions gone wrong. A case study in occupational hygiene, corporate social responsibility and product stewardship
Authors: Redfern Nathan , Taylor Michael 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Typically exposure based assessments in occupational based settings focused on able bodies workers without significant intellectual disability or neurological injuries. Where co-morbidities or intellectual disabilities are prevalent in a workforce, the potential for exposure, particularly unrecognised exposures is heightened. In this case study, a workplace which employs workers with disabilities was engaged to clean respirators following their use in heavy metals processing, as a form of product stewardship and corporate social responsibility.
Unfortunately, the nature of the services provided was not explicitly detailed or the hazard identified. Workers themselves were not sufficiently competent in risk recognition to indicate if/when masks received were more dusty than normal, and due to their disabilities were at a heightened risk of exposure or cross contamination of the workplace. An assessment of the workplace was conducted, with samples collected of the work areas, general office areas and masks resulting in appreciable lead levels.
The survey was additionally complicated as the workplace is in close proximity to lead processing industries. The complexities of this work are discussed, including the ethics of requiring blood samples in high-care requirement workers, outcomes from investigative approaches as well as learnings in how occupational hygiene is important in product stewardship and CSR.
144 Non-auditory effects of noise - the occupational hygiene approach in an Italian project
Authors: Luzzi Sergio 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
There is a conceptual evolution in assessing and planning the acoustic quality of work environments and activities. New approaches to noise assessment in workplaces, in terms of acoustic damage, noise disturbance, acoustic discomfort, are emerging. The physiological and psycho-behavioural non-auditory effects produced by exposure to noise derived by specific sources and by poor acoustic quality of workplaces is often not considered in national legislations and regulations as well as in international standards. Some projects have considered the evidences of correlation between the room acoustic quality variables, as components of the global comfort design of workplaces and the risk of non-auditory effects on workers’ health. The final results and the possible further development of a recently completed Italian inter-universities project on non-auditory effects of noise exposure in workplaces, with special attention to schools, are shown. Among them, a collection of guidelines referred to experiences and methods aimed at understanding the correlation between acoustic quality of and various physiological and psychological pathologies, included vocal effort, perceptive-cognitive performance and more, showing that there is a new consideration, also in terms of compensation for both auditory and non-auditory (physiological, psycho-behavioural) effects of exposure to noise and a new consideration of the acoustic quality of spaces for speech intelligibility, correct sizing of the safety and alarm signals, reduction of background noise and unnecessary sounds.
165 Ergonomic intervention for maintenance workers for an automatic production system: a case study
Authors: Huang Yuli , Chen Yashin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Automated equipment is essential in modern industrial operations for its high efficiency. The reliability of an automated system often depend on maintenance workers for ensuring that each equipment runs smoothly. In this case study, the maintenance department at an automated manufacturing facility suffered frequent equipment breakdowns. In addition to routine adjustment, maintenance workers often faced extra workload and stress dealing with troubleshooting sessions. This caused high turnover rate among the trained workers, which further increased workloads to the remaining crew members.

Methodology
Personal interviews were first conducted for the scope of problem. Subsequently, on-site observations were made with the maintenance tasks using Ovako working posture analysis system (OWAS) to assess possible ergonomic hazards. Additionally, service records from the previous 6 months at the facility were reviewed for cause of breakdown, and to assess whether there is a way to reduce the excess workload.

Results
Service records showed that the equipment was down nearly 50% of the time and tended to break down within 24 hours of scheduled maintenance. On-site observations showed that maintenance workers had to work in strenuous postures for extended time period that, upon completion of scheduled maintenance, workers tended to rush to end their tasks without final checks. After discussing with the workers, a checklist was constructed. Within a month the need for subsequent troubleshooting sessions went down substantially, and the equipment running time also increased to over 80%.

Conclusions
Ergonomic hazards can affect workers’ morale. By reconfiguring the task arrangement, equipment errors was greatly reduced. Workers’ participation in problem-solving process also proved helpful.
167 Minds in Mines- Assessing the psychological wellbeing of mining industry workers in Ontario Canada
Authors: Lariviere Dr Michel , Kerekes Dr Zsuzsanna , Nesbitt William 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The following presentation describes the development of the mental health strategy with the integration of a large-scale survey and the results from the Mining Mental Health project in Ontario, Canada. This 5-year research effort included a large-scale survey of the mental health and wellbeing of mining workers (N= 2,224 participants) using several clinical instruments. The research also integrated qualitative results from individual interviews and focus group meetings. The study represents the first of its kind in the mining industry and results confirmed the need for such research. The prevalence of mental health indicators such as depression, suicidality, PTSD, fatigue, burnout, and substance abuse will be discussed during this presentation as well as their correlates. The predictors of workplace absenteeism and the barriers of a successful return to work will be illustrated. The presentation intends to offer guidance on how to develop a mental health strategy from a systems perspective in the mining industry and involve multiple stakeholders in research of this kind. Finally, it will provide suggestions on potential intervention strategies for mining worker health.
187 An evaluation of indoor environmental quality in offices and schools in Ireland
Authors: Collison Adam , McGrath James , Byrne Miriam 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Workers spend a significant amount of time indoors, and the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) within these environments directly impacts both short-term and long-term health effects, well-being and productivity. In addition, the Irish Health and Safety Authority published a ‘Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality’. However, to date, there is no data assessing workplaces IEQ in the context of these guidelines.

Methodology
This research project is monitoring IEQ in 75 rooms across Irish offices and schools. The study is monitoring Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Radon, TVOCs, Formaldehyde, Limonene, Alpha-pinene, BTEX, along with CO2, temperature and relative humidity. A combination of research-grade equipment and low-cost sensors are used to collect IEQ data. This novel and innovative approach ensures precision measurements of key air pollutants over a week-long period, while also capturing long-term trends for up to a year. Furthermore, this study includes a comprehensive site walkthrough, a survey of the occupancy characteristics, thermal comfort survey and time activity diaries, facilitating of mapping pollution-generating scenarios. Data collection will be completed in May 2024.

Result’s
While monitoring is still ongoing, preliminary data has provided valuable insights into how occupancy behaviour impacts IEQ, high CO2 concentrations (exceeding 2000 ppm) underscore the issue of inadequate ventilation in naturally ventilated classrooms and offices. Several pollutants have already been observed to exceed guidelines set out in the HSA code of practice.

Conclusions
The study will provide valuable IEQ data in workplace environments and ensure the advancement of worker health protection by informing and prioritising intervention strategies.
221 Risk assessment of occupational exposure to graphene nanoforms - Where are we?
Authors: Farbrot Anne , Storsjö Tobias , Nilsson Cecilia , Tinnerberg Håkan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Graphene is a 2D-material with many useful properties such as flexibility, elasticity, and conductivity among others. Graphene could therefore become a material used in many occupational fields in the future, and thereby lead to occupational exposure. Today, neither intrinsic hazards with the material in occupational settings nor the extent of exposures are sufficiently known in order to form a basis for occupational risk assessment. There are many publications (&gt;300) dealing with toxicity of graphene and graphene forms, but an evident, reliable and broadly agreed link to human exposure is lacking. In parallel, occupational exposure assessment targeting graphene has suffered from the lack of efficient measuring techniques. Recently we therefore presented a method that is cost-effective and easy-to-use based on quantification of elemental carbon (EC).

Aim
To find out which toxicological methods that can be relevant for the study of local or systemic effects from graphene exposure through the respiratory system and bring the knowledge to discussion.

Method
Literature review focusing on methods that are or might be relevant to graphene deposition and uptake in the lower respiratory system.

Outcome
A mapping of methods and their respective end points that can be related to adverse outcomes in humans. The mapping reveals that there is still a knowledge gap going from toxicity testing to human risk assessment.

Conclusions
There is a need to discuss and decide on further and complementary testing. The present study brings two different starting points.
231 Industry-wide PSP, melding new technology and traditional exposure assessment to promote opportunities for improvements
Authors: McQuoid Nicola , Webster Dawn 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

One aspect of the PSP developed by High Temperature Insulation Wool (HTIW) producers is to evaluate the impact of regulation and technology on exposure, at manufacturing and users’ facilities.

Aims
This study assesses the impact of novel techniques for communicating information on techniques to control dust generation, introduced following the BOELV for ASW/RCF,

Methods
Now in its 27th year, CARE/PSP is the European programme collecting data for occupational exposure to airborne fibrous dust. Following the introduction of the BOELV in 2017, CARE participants began to use visual real-time data recording to improve communication and training, in tandem with traditional monitoring techniques. A review of the data, focusing on evidence of reduced exposure or changed industrial practices since 2017 was conducted.
The data was split pre- and post- 2017 and compared to alkaline earth silicate wool (AES/LBP) which is not classified. An independent third-party statistician extracted the relevant data for this study.

Results
There are significant differences in workplace exposure among functional job categories (FJCs), since the introduction of the BOELV there has been a reduction in exposure, greater use of alternative AES/LBP and move to increased use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) across all FJCs where ASW/RCF is being used.

Conclusion
The data review for the period 2017-2021 has demonstrated
•an overall reduction in fibre exposure at both manufacturers and users’ facilities.
•greater awareness of the need to control fibrous dust.
•increased uptake in the use of RPE
•use of RPE with higher protection factors
•a move to alternative non-classified HTIW as appropriate.