bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SS58-02 SHIFT WORK TOLERANCE AND CHRONIC DISEASE RISK: THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL SUSCEPTIBILITY
Authors: Schernhammer Eva , Żebrowska Magda 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Significant health effects of chronic clock dysregulation have long been described, prompting e.g., the World Health Organization to classify night work as a probable carcinogen. As a next ground-breaking step, we aim to identify the night-active individual who develops disease.

Materials and Methods
Using cutting-edge techniques in varied populations, we explore the concept of clock resilience by constructing a genetic shift work tolerance/clock resilience score based on traits considered relevant for clock resilience, to identify those at greatest risk of developing disease.

Results
We will present the stages of developing a multi-polygenic risk score (MPRS) for the complex trait of clock resilience, i.e. ‘shift work tolerance’, using previously published large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and weighted allele scores for selected traits (e.g., chronotype, seasonality, melatonin), adding also specific clock-related SNPs of particular importance, e.g., a variant in the melatonin receptor MTNR1B, which has been linked to type 2 diabetes, SNPs from an agnostic GWAS of our defined shift work disorder, as well as polygenic risk scores for the respective outcomes under investigation (non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, cancer) to adjust for genetic disease risk.

Conclusions
The large number of night workers and night-active individuals, which is likely to rise in Europe and globally, calls attention to the high relevance of shift-work related disease. Our work aims to deliver the profile of an individual, including their genotypic variation, involved in the risk of developing chronic disease if they are exposed to circadian misalignment in the form of night shift work.
SS59 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH FOR INDIGENOUS AND MIGRANT WORKERS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Authors: Rajendran Anantha Kumar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Through an occupational health lens this session will explore research being undertaken to understand and improve the unique employment conditions and occupational health challenges faced by indigenous and migrant workers around the world. These include atypical policies related to employment, immigration and health; lack of government oversight and enforcement; and lack of social supports. Low wages, limited social benefits, hazardous work, unstable employment, unclear demarcation between work and home, and discrimination, add layers of disadvantage that negatively impact their health and well-being. Further impediments include lengthy journeys for work, transience, residence in remote and rural settings, and limited access to culturally appropriate healthcare and social services.
The learning outcome for this session is to broadly evaluate the barriers and opportunities for preventing, recognizing and managing acute and non-acute injuries among migrant and indigenous workers.
SS59-01 THE ROLE OF OCCUPATION AS A DETERMINANT FOR HEALTH FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THE U.S
Authors: Shannon Brett , Almberg Kirsten S , Ryder Courtney , Bonney Tessa , Friedman Lee 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Utilizing the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2020-2022 data, this study evaluated differences in work arrangements, employment patterns, annual earnings and limitations to work due to mental and physical health between American Indian / Native American (AI/AN) populations in the U.S. and other groups.

Materials and Methods
The NHIS is a cross-sectional survey of U.S. households. Participants were defined into three Indigenous groups: (1) Non-Hispanic American Indian Alaskan Native; (2) Hispanic American Indian and Alaskan Native; and (3) American Indian Alaskan Native and other race groups. Non-Hispanic white and Hispanic respondents were comparator groups for descriptive statistics and all non-Indigenous participants for multivariable models.

Results
There were differences within Indigenous subgroups in industry and occupation, current employment (worked last week: 48.7% – 59.3%), earnings (working with family income below poverty threshold: 8.7%-15%), access to health benefits through work (58% – 69.4%), and limitations to work due to physical and mental health (18.2% - 30.5%), all of which were significantly worse in multivariable models in at least one Indigenous group compared to non-AIAN race/ethnicities. Indigenous subgroups had higher proportions of diagnoses in physical and mental health comorbidities in participants with work limited by health, such as previous diagnosis of depression 51.8%(36.9, 66.8) and anxiety 48.3%(33.1, 63.5) in Hispanic AIANs.

Conclusions
There is opportunity to explore the occupational health risks in groups of Indigenous workers to provide interventions encouraging growth of a healthy and fit workforce, and promote work practices and future regulations aimed at improving safe work practices.
SS61-03 THE INTERNATIONAL SURVEY OF WORK-RELATED ASTHMA (WRA) MEDICAL SCREENING AND SURVEILLANCE THROUGH A COLLABORATIVE NETWORK
Authors: Suojalehto Hille , Valverde Marcela , Jeebhay Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Information on questionnaires for screening and surveillance of work-related asthma (WRA) is not widely available. The study aim was to collate commonly used questionnaires and identify the various components.

Materials and Methods
A survey was conducted among members belonging to several international and national occupational medicine, respiratory and allergology societies. Respondents were invited to complete a digital survey and provide the questionnaire used to evaluate workers with suspected WRA. Various components of the questionnaires were evaluated further.

Results
Respondents were widely distributed, emanating from Europe (36%), Africa (36%), North America (19%) and South America (9%). A total of 28 questionnaires were collated, of which six were excluded due to the absence of WRA questions. Among the 22 questionnaires evaluated in detail, the main context for use were epidemiological surveys (41%), medical screening (32%) and clinical purposes (27%). Most questionnaires contained questions on general asthma (82%) and occupational allergic asthma (91%), whereas only 18% focused on irritant-induced asthma. Additional questions focused on occupational conjunctivitis (64%), occupational rhinitis (59%) and contact urticaria (23%). A large proportion (73%) of questionnaires were not industry- or exposure-specific, but 73% included questions on onset of symptoms related to commencing employment, 82% on asthma improvement away from work and 91% on asthma worsening at work.

Conclusions
Several different questionnaires are used for screening and surveillance of WRA globally. There is a need for a generally accepted validated questionnaire that could be used for comparison of WRA prevalence across various geographic and exposure settings.
SS62-03 MASS FATALITY DECEDENT PATIENT HANDLING: LESSONS LEARNED FOR FUTURE EVENTS
Authors: Salmen-Navarro Acran 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Mass casualty incidents with high mortality rates are usually associated with a natural disaster or war. Never in the past century has a continuous surge of deaths occurred like that caused by the recent pandemic. As of February 2022, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in approximately 382 million infections, with about 890,770 deaths in the United States. The unique factor that stressed the fatality management system was the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, as opposed to the majority of mass casualty events that are generally at one point in time.
Throughout the United States, hospital morgues, funeral homes, cemeteries and crematoriums became backlogged and were unable to handle the overwhelming number of decedents. The handling of patients from expiration to retrieval by family, funeral services, or medical examiners in healthcare facilities spans multiple service lines and individuals of variable training and professional backgrounds. It represents a collection of actions including pushing/pulling, hand gripping/pinching, turning, lateral transfers, carrying, high/low lifts, and transporting distances on variable surfaces. These risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are multifactorial and often described as ergonomic risks.
The baseline burden of injuries among workers involved in post-mortem care is difficult to assess because post-mortem handling of decedents is carried out by multiple groups of workers. Case-series related to the COVID-19 experience study indicated an increased risk of MSDs in decedent handlers. We have created a guideline, which includes recommendations for safe decedent patient handling, BCP design, logistical support, equipment, work practices and cost considerations of the associated recommendations.
SS63-02 AN EXAMPLE OF THE PROMOTION OF UPDATED AND HARMONIZED STANDARD OF PRACTICE OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE SPECIALISTS IN EUROPE: THE EUROPEAN EXAM
Authors: Gobba Fabriziomaria 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
A continuous updating of medical specialists’ competence and practice to follow the advancements of science, as well as the promotion of an harmonized high standard of practice, are fundamental in EU countries. Accordingly, for occupational medicine specialists it is of utmost relevance to acquire, and to be able to demonstrate, an adequate and updated set of skills at a European level.

Materials and Methods
The Section of Occupational Medicine of the European Union of Medical Specialists (OM UEMS) has defined the appropriate level of OM specialists’ professional competence and practice in the document ‘European Training Requirements for OM (OM ETR)’. Furthermore, to assess the level of specialists’ competence, the Section organizes annually the European Postgraduate Assessment in Occupational Medicine (EPA OM).

Results
The OM ETR was developed in 2012, in collaboration with the European Association of Schools of Occupational Medicine (EASOM), and approved by the UEMS Council in 2013. An update is currently under development. Furthermore, from 2020 the OM UEMS organizes yearly a European Postgraduate Assessment in Occupational Medicine, that was evaluated and approved in 2020 by the Council for European Specialists Medical Assessment (CESMA), a specific advisory body of the UEMS.

Conclusions
OM UEMS promotes a uniform and updated high-quality competence of OM specialists in all European countries. The role of national authorities in defining the content of postgraduate training in their own country, and in qualifying specialists, cannot be replaced, but the OM ETR and the European exam can be considered valid tools for these purposes at a European level.
SS63-04 THE TRANSLATION OF THE ADVANCEMENTS OF NEW OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) RESEARCH INTO CURRICULA OF MEDICAL SCHOOLS: THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE (EASOM)
Authors: Martínez-Jarreta Begoña 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Occupational medicine (OM) is a source of essential transversal skills for the practice of general medicine and most medical specialties. Nevertheless, existing studies reveal that medical students in the EU may often receive limited training in OM. EASOM has prioritized this issue consistently. Recently, an alliance between EASOM and the Section of Occupational Medicine of the European Union of Medical Specialties (OM EUMS) to improve the training of OM specialists and foster an OM-EU examination, has been extended for upgrading OM teaching and training in EU medical schools, with the aim of reviewing and analyzing the existing recommendations for enhancing undergraduate OM education.

Materials and Methods
A literature review was conducted on the topic, including medical databases, grey literature and improvement recommendations from international scientific societies, agencies, etc., as well as examples of good practice.

Results
Improving OM education in European medical schools remains a real challenge that should be addressed urgently. There is an undeniable necessity for defining, harmonizing, and standardizing minimum basic skills that undergraduate students must acquire in all EU medical schools. OM training has been shown to generate positive attitudes towards the specialty among medical students, who rate the OM undergraduate teaching as fundamental and critical to the acquisition of essential medical skills. Timely translation of new research in this field into their curricula could also boost the OM specialty's recognition.

Conclusions
Undergraduate training in OM at European medical schools requires standardization, harmonization, and updating. A concerted effort by European societies, regulatory bodies, universities, and policy makers is urgently needed.
SS64-02 EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES AND NOISE ON THE AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR SYSTEMS OF FARM WORKERS AND ENDEMIC DISEASE COMBAT AGENTS
Authors: Lacerda Adriana , Barros Lobato Diolen Conceição , de Souza Alcarás Patrícia Arruda , Vaz França Denise Maria , Oliveira Milena , Zeigelboim Bianca Simone 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Pesticides are chemical substances that are widely used in agriculture and public health efforts to control and repel pests in the environment. Among pesticides, insecticides used to combat insects and larvae belong to the organophosphate, chlorinated and pyrethroid chemical groups and are the ones that pose the greatest risk to hearing and balance. The current study aimed to assess the effect of the concomitant exposure to pesticides and noise on auditory and vestibular systems of farm workers and of endemic disease combat agents.

Materials and Methods
It is a cross-sectional study carried out between 2010 and 2018 in Brazil. The participants underwent hearing threshold measurements, electro-acoustic procedures, electrophysiological tests, and behavioral tests to assess auditory processing skills. Vestibular assessment was only carried out in the experimental group.

Results
The findings showed differences between groups which were evidenced in the high-frequency audiometry, acoustic reflex testing, tympanometry, evoked otoacoustic emissions and suppression of the emissions, brainstem evoked response audiometry, dichotic digits test, and random gap detection test, with poorer results among the experimental group. The vestibular assessment revealed peripheral vestibular dysfunctions.

Conclusions
Concomitant exposure to pesticides and noise impaired the auditory and vestibular systems of farm workers and endemic disease combat agents.
SS66-01 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DAYTIME SLEEPINESS IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS IN THE LIMA METROPOLITAN AREA, PERU
Authors: Prado Karina Peña , Talaverano Armando 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of sleepiness and its associated factors in public transportation drivers in the Lima metropolitan area, Peru.

Materials and Methods
A transversal analytical study was carried out on drivers between the ages of 18 and 65 years who work in a public transportation company registered in the Municipality of Lima. Sleepiness was assessed using a version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale validated in Peru. The variables that could behave as associated factors were obtained by a data collection sheet. Logistic regression was used to estimate the magnitude of the association between sleepiness and variables considered as associated factors.

Results
Four hundred and forty (440) drivers were included in the study, median age was 38.0 years and the majority (99,3%) were males. From the total number of drivers, 17,7% (78) experienced daytime sleepiness. A significant association was found between sleepiness and the 2 x 1 rotation system (p=0,038) and between sleepiness and hours of sleep fewer than seven (p=0,011). Logistic regression analysis showed that drivers with six or fewer hours of sleep were more likely to have daytime sleepiness (OR 1.83, 94% CI: 1.03-3.25).

Conclusions
Approximately one out of five drivers experienced daytime sleepiness, which was associated with having six of fewer hours of sleep per day.
SS66-03 TOLUENE USE AND EXPOSURE: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE VISUAL HEALTH OF RESTORERS OF WORKS OF ART
Authors: Molina Graciela , Taboadela Claudio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The use of toluene and other organic solvents for cleaning works of art has been a common practice since the 1990s. Toluene is a neuronal inhibitor associated with progressive damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS, PNS) and its toxicity can occur through inadvertent inhalation. The objective of this study is to consider the alterations in vision produced by toluene exposure in restorers of works of art, as an occupational disease.

Materials and Methods
A bibliographic search was carried out in specific restoration books and electronic articles published from 2010 to 2019. The electronic articles were found in the Elsevier, Scielo, PubMed and Research Gate databases. The search terms were ‘restoration of works of art, ‘toluene’, ‘organic solvents’, ‘occupational poisoning’, and ‘dyschromatopsia’ (a form of colour-blindness).

Results
Restorers of works of art are exposed to low doses of toluene for months or years. Chronic exposure may cause damage of CNS due to the destruction of the white matter as well as dysfunction of the PNS. Toluene exposure can affect the optic nerve and the macular area of the retina possibly due to mitochondrial poisoning that inhibits oxidative phosphorylation. The symptoms presented include blurred and distorted vision and dyschromatopsia.

Conclusions
The alteration of the perception of colours has a direct impact on the work of art restorers because it decreases their work capacity. Early detection of dyschromatopsia should therefore be contemplated in the medical surveillance of art restorers.
SS70 WORKERS' EXPOSURE SURVEY ON CANCER RISK FACTORS – DISCUSSION ON FINDINGS
Authors: Cavet Marine 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
With cancer accounting for half of all work-related deaths in the European Union (EU) and other developed countries, data on cancer-causing exposures at work and information on prevention measures used at the workplace is essential to improve and preserve the safety and health of workers.
EU-OSHA led in 2023 the largest worker survey conducted in Europe to assess exposure to a range of known cancer risk factors, including for example asbestos, benzene, chromium (VI), diesel engine exhaust emissions, nickel, respirable crystalline silica, ultraviolet radiation or wood dust. In total, 24,402 workers in all occupations were interviewed in six EU countries. The survey uses an occupational exposure assessment tool for epidemiological studies (OccIDEAS) to assess the probability and level of exposure to the selected cancer risk factors based on respondent answers.
A similar worker survey has been implemented in New Zealand: the New Zealand carcinogens survey 2021, which also used OccIDEAS to estimate the prevalence of carcinogen exposure.
After explaining the methodology applied, key findings from both the European Union and New Zealand will be presented. A special focus will be given to the workers exposed to ionising and ultraviolet radiation in the EU, and to the workers in the health and social care sector and their exposure to cancer risk factors.
SS70-01 BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY OF THE WORKERS’ EXPOSURE SURVEY IN EUROPE
Authors: Irastorza Xabier , Vilahur Nadia , Cavet Marine , Schneider Elke 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) has coordinated the development and implementation of a large survey, the Workers’ Exposure Survey on cancer risk factors in Europe (WES), in six European Union (EU) countries: Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland and Spain.

Materials and Methods
WES uses the Occupational Integrated Database Exposure Assessment System (OccIDEAS), which has been customised in terms of the questions asked to the workers and the rules underlying the assessment of the probability of exposure, to be relevant to the EU context of work and occupational health and safety legislation. For each respondent, the survey provides information on probable exposure to 24 cancer risk factors relevant in the EU context, including chemical and physical agents, as well as demographic data and self-reported information on existence or use of preventive measures at work, such as ventilation system and respiratory protection. Several tests were carried out to assess translation issues and the clarity of the questions, and to test exposure assessment and questionnaire performance, among others. The survey fieldwork lasted 20 weeks, from September 2022 to February 2023. Trained interviewers conducted interviews over the telephone with workers aged 15 years or more. Response rates were ranging between 7% in Ireland and 22% in Finland.

Results
After completion of fieldwork and data quality control, a total of 24,402 valid interviews were obtained for analysis.

Conclusions
WES data should contribute to a better understanding and increase awareness of cancer risks at the workplace, enhancing prevention and risk management across the EU.
SS71-01 MENTAL HEALTH: A GLOBAL OVERVIEW
Authors: Caraballo-Arias Yohama , Marquez-Medina Luis Guillermo , Rincón-Sarmiento Juan Ignacio , Cuervo Diana Elizabeth 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Modern work-life challenges affect workers’ mental health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, one in eight people in the world suffered from a mental disorder: equivalent to 970 million people. The most common were anxiety and depressive disorders spread all over the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem became more visible. Some authors even called them the ‘emerging pandemic’.

Materials and Methods
Only a few nations have regulations on mental health issues and a few include mental and behavioural consequences on their occupational diseases list. The International Labour Organization (ILO) only covers two mental and behavioural disorders, such as stress post-traumatic disorder and other disorders on their occupational diseases list, revised in 2010.

Results
Colombia has six diseases on its list and has an important role on regulations on prevention and health monitoring private and public in sector, the processes of occupational disease qualification derived from this exposure is increasing, which represents a challenge, where the enterprises will play an important role in prevention and early diagnosis.

Conclusions
Occupational safety and health professionals play an important role in increasing awareness, early detection of mental health symptoms, and referral to the proper specialist for a proper diagnosis, treatment and re-insertion into the workplace. The main challenges regarding mental health issues are objective tests to make the proper diagnosis, lack of well-trained mental health professionals, lack of regulations, and the non-occupational sources that are part of the root causes of mental health issue, making these diseases (as many) multifactorial entities.