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Banding the World Together; The Global Growth of Control Banding and Qualitative Occupational Risk Management.

Safety and Health at Work.2011;2(4):375-379.

Control Banding (CB) strategies to prevent work-related illness and injury for 2.5 billion workers without access to health and safety professionals has grown exponentially this last decade. CB originates from the pharmaceutical industry to control active pharmaceutical ingredients without a complete toxicological basis and therefore no occupational exposure limits. CB applications have broadened into chemicals in general - including new emerging risks like nanomaterials and recently into ergonomics and injury prevention. CB is an action-oriented qualitative risk assessment strategy offering solutions and control measures to users through "toolkits". Chemical CB toolkits are user-friendly approaches used to achieve workplace controls in the absence of firm toxicological and quantitative exposure information. The model (technical) validation of these toolkits is well described, however firm operational analyses (implementation aspects) are lacking. Consequentially, it is often not known if toolkit use leads to successful interventions at individual workplaces. This might lead to virtual safe workplaces without knowing if workers are truly protected. Upcoming international strategies from the World Health Organization Collaborating Centers request assistance in developing and evaluating action-oriented procedures for workplace risk assessment and control. It is expected that to fulfill this strategy's goals, CB approaches will continue its important growth in protecting workers.
Drug Industry ; Human Engineering ; Nanostructures ; Occupational Exposure ; Qualitative Research ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Management ; World Health Organization

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The Effects of Long-Term, Low-Level Exposure to Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Worker's Insulin Resistance.

Yong Lim WON ; Yong KO ; Kyung Hwa HEO ; Kyung Sun KO ; Mi Young LEE ; Ki Woong KIM

Safety and Health at Work.2011;2(4):365-374.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate whether long-term, low-level exposure to monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) induced insulin resistance. METHODS: The subjects were 110 male workers who were occupationally exposed to styrene, toluene, and xylene. One hundred and ten age-matched male workers who had never been occupationally exposed to organic solvents were selected as a control group. Cytokines, which have played a key role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, and oxidative stress indices were measured. Assessment of exposure to MAHs was performed by measuring their ambient levels and their urinary metabolites in exposed workers, and the resulting parameters between the exposed group and non-exposed control groups were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in general characteristics and anthropometric parameters between the two groups; however, total cholesterol, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels were significantly higher in the exposed group. Phenylglyoxylic acid levels showed significant association with tumor necrosis factor-alpha, total oxidative status, and oxidative stress index via multiple linear regression analysis. Further, there was a negative correlation between methylhippuric acid levels and total anti-oxidative capacity, and there was a significant relationship between MAHs exposure and fasting glucose levels, as found by multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 3.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.074-14.530). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that MAHs increase fasting glucose level and insulin resistance. Furthermore, these results suggested that absorbing the organic solvent itself and active metabolic intermediates can increase oxidative stress and cytokine levels, resulting in the changes in glucose metabolism and the induction of insulin resistance.
Cholesterol ; Cytokines ; Fasting ; Glucose ; Glyoxylates ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Hydrocarbons, Aromatic ; Insulin ; Insulin Resistance ; Linear Models ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Mandelic Acids ; Occupations ; Oxidative Stress ; Solvents ; Styrene ; Toluene ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Xylenes

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Odor Thresholds and Breathing Changes of Human Volunteers as Consequences of Sulphur Dioxide Exposure Considering Individual Factors.

Stefan KLEINBECK ; Michael SCHAPER ; Stephanie A JURAN ; Ernst KIESSWETTER ; Meinolf BLASZKEWICZ ; Klaus GOLKA ; Anna ZIMMERMANN ; Thomas BRUNING ; Christoph VAN THRIEL

Safety and Health at Work.2011;2(4):355-364.

OBJECTIVES: Though sulfur dioxide (SO2) is used widely at workplaces, itseffects on humans are not known. Thresholds are reportedwithout reference to gender or age and occupational exposure limits are basedon effects on lung functioning,although localized effects in the upper airways can be expected.This study's aim is to determine thresholds with respect to age and gender and suggests a new approach to risk assessment using breathing reflexes presumably triggered by trigeminal receptors in the upper airways. METHODS: Odor thresholds were determined by the ascending method of limits in groups stratified by age and gender.Subjects rated intensities of different olfactory and trigeminal perceptions at different concentrations of SO2. During the presentation of the concentrations, breathing movements were measured by respiratory inductive plethysmography. RESULTS: Neither age nor gender effects were observed for odor threshold. Only ratings of nasal irritation were influenced bygender. A benchmark dose analysis on relative respiratory depth revealed a 10%-deviation from baseline at about 25.27 mg/m3. CONCLUSION: The proposed new approach to risk assessment appearsto be sustainable. We discuss whether a 10%-deviation of breathingdepth is relevant.
Human Experimentation ; Humans ; Lung ; Occupational Exposure ; Odors ; Reflex ; Respiration ; Respiratory Mechanics ; Risk Assessment ; Sensory Thresholds ; Sulfur Dioxide

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Noise Exposure Assessment in a Dental School.

Thitiworn CHOOSONG ; Wandee KAIMOOK ; Ratchada TANTISARASART ; Puwanai SOOKSAMEAR ; Satith CHAYAPHUM ; Chanon KONGKAMOL ; Wisarut SRISINTORN ; Pitchaya PHAKTHONGSUK

Safety and Health at Work.2011;2(4):348-354.

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Dental School of Prince of Songkla University to ascertain noise exposure of dentists, dental assistants, and laboratory technicians. A noise spectral analysis was taken to illustrate the spectra of dental devices. METHODS: A noise evaluation was performed to measure the noise level at dental clinics and one dental laboratory from May to December 2010. Noise spectral data of dental devices were taken during dental practices at the dental services clinic and at the dental laboratory. A noise dosimeter was set following the Occupational Safety and Health Administration criteria and then attached to the subjects' collar to record personal noise dose exposure during working periods. RESULTS: The peaks of the noise spectrum of dental instruments were at 1,000, 4,000, and 8,000 Hz which depended on the type of instrument. The differences in working areas and job positions had an influence on the level of noise exposure (p < 0.01). Noise measurement in the personal hearing zone found that the laboratory technicians were exposed to the highest impulsive noise levels (137.1 dBC). The dentists and dental assistants who worked at a pedodontic clinic had the highest percent noise dose (4.60 +/- 3.59%). In the working areas, the 8-hour time-weighted average of noise levels ranged between 49.7-58.1 dBA while the noisiest working area was the dental laboratory. CONCLUSION: Dental personnel are exposed to noise intensities lower than occupational exposure limits. Therefore, these dental personnel may not experience a noise-induced hearing loss.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dental Assistants ; Dental Clinics ; Dental Instruments ; Dentists ; Hearing ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced ; Humans ; Laboratories, Dental ; Laboratory Personnel ; Noise ; Occupational Exposure ; Schools, Dental ; United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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The Risk Rating System for Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Korean Manufacturing Sites Based on the 2009 Survey on Work Environments.

Young Sun KIM ; Youn Ho CHO ; Oh Jun KWON ; Seong Weon CHOI ; Kyung Yong RHEE

Safety and Health at Work.2011;2(4):336-347.

OBJECTIVES: In Korea, an average of 258 workers claim compensation for their noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) on an annual basis. Indeed, hearing disorder ranks first in the number of diagnoses made by occupational medical check-ups. Against this backdrop, this study analyzed the impact of 19 types of noise-generating machines and equipment on the sound pressure levels in workplaces and NIHL occurrence based on a 2009 national survey on work environments. METHODS: Through this analysis, a series of statistical models were built to determine posterior probabilities for each worksite with an aim to present risk ratings for noise levels at work. RESULTS: It was found that air compressors and grinding machines came in first and second, respectively in the number of installed noise-generating machines and equipment. However, there was no direct relationship between workplace noise and NIHL among workers since noise-control equipment and protective gear had been in place. By building a logistic regression model and neural network, statistical models were set to identify the influence of the noise-generating machines and equipment on workplace noise levels and NIHL occurrence. CONCLUSION: This study offered NIHL prevention measures which are fit for the worksites in each risk grade.
Compensation and Redress ; Hearing Disorders ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced ; Hypogonadism ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Mitochondrial Diseases ; Models, Statistical ; Noise ; Ophthalmoplegia ; Porphyrins ; Workplace

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Facilitators and Barriers in the Use of a Checklist by Insurance Physicians during Work Ability Assessments in Depressive Disorder.

Sebastiaan BLOK ; Vincent GOUTTEBARGE ; Frans G SLEBUS ; Judith K SLUITER ; Monique HW FRINGS-DRESEN

Safety and Health at Work.2011;2(4):328-335.

OBJECTIVES: Depressive disorder (DD) is a complex disease, and the assessment of work ability in patients with DD is also complicated. The checklist depression (CDp) has recently been developed to support such work ability assessments and has been recommended for implementation in insurance medicine, starting with an analysis of the organisational and social contexts. The aim of this study was to identify the potential facilitators and barriers in the use of the CDp by insurance physicians (IPs) during work ability assessments of employees on sick leave due to DD. METHODS: A qualitative research was conducted based on semi-structured interviews. The participants were IPs with at least one year of work experience in performing work ability assessments. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed qualitatively. RESULTS: Ten IPs (7 males, 3 females; mean 53 years) were interviewed. Important facilitators, which emerged for use of the CDp, were an oral introduction for colleagues and staff, support from management, valuing the increased transparency in work ability assessments with using the CDp, having adequate time for assessments as well as modification of the appearance (colour, plasticised form) and content (clarifying aspects of the examples) of the assessment tool. The fear of the loss of autonomy, lack of added value of the CDp, high workload, inadequate instructions and lack of time were mentioned as barriers. CONCLUSION: Adequate introduction to the use of CDp and the fear of the loss of autonomy of IPs need special attention in planning its implementation.
Checklist ; Cytidine Diphosphate ; Depression ; Depressive Disorder ; Depressive Disorder, Major ; Humans ; Insurance ; Male ; Occupational Medicine ; Qualitative Research ; Sick Leave

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An Empirical Analysis on Labor Unions and Occupational Safety and Health Committees' Activity, and Their Relation to the Changes in Occupational Injury and Illness Rate.

Kwan Hyung YI ; Hm Hak CHO ; Jiyun KIM

Safety and Health at Work.2011;2(4):321-327.

OBJECTIVES: To find out from an analysis of empirical data the levels of influence, which a labor union (LU) and Occupational Safety and Health Committee (OSHC) have in reducing the occupational injury and illness rate (OIIR) through their accident prevention activities in manufacturing industries with five or more employees. METHODS: The empirical data used in this study are the Occupational Safety and Health Tendency survey data, Occupational Accident Compensation data and labor productivity and sales data for the years 2003 to 2007. By matching these three sources of data, a final data set (n = 280) was developed and analyzed using SPSS version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: It was found that a workplace with a LU has a lower OIIR than one without a LU. In manufacturing industries with five or more employees in 2007, the OIIR of the workplaces without a LU was 0.87%, while that of workplaces with a LU was much lower at 0.45%. In addition, workplaces with an established OSHC had a lower OIIR than those without an OSHC. CONCLUSION: It was found that the OIIR of workplaces with a LU is lower than those without a LU. Moreover, those with the OSHC usually had a lower OIIR than those without. The workplace OIIR may have an impact on management performance because the rate is negatively correlated with labor productivity and sales. In the long run, the OIIR of workplaces will be reduced when workers and employers join forces and recognize that the safety and health activities of the workplace are necessary, not only for securing the health rights of the workers, but also for raising labor productivity.
Accident Prevention ; Accidents, Occupational ; Chicago ; Commerce ; Compensation and Redress ; Efficiency ; Human Rights ; Labor Unions ; Occupational Diseases ; Occupational Health ; Occupational Injuries

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Perceived Working Conditions and Sickness Absence - A Four-year Follow-up in the Food Industry.

Anna E SIUKOLA ; Pekka J VIRTANEN ; Tiina H LUUKKAALA ; Clas Hakan NYGARD

Safety and Health at Work.2011;2(4):313-320.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between changes in perceived physical and psychosocial working conditions and change of sickness absence days in younger and older (< 50 and > or = 50 years) food industry employees. METHODS: This was a follow up study of 679 employees, who completed working conditions survey questionnaires in 2005 and 2009 and for whom the requisite sickness absence data were available for the years 2004 and 2008. RESULTS: Sickness absence increased and working conditions improved during follow-up. However, the change of increased sickness absence days were associated with the change of increased poor working postures and the change of deteriorated team spirit and reactivity (especially among < 50 years). No other changes in working conditions were associated with the changes in sickness absence. CONCLUSION: Sickness absence is affected by many factors other than working conditions. Nevertheless, according to this study improving team spirit and reactivity and preventing poor working postures are important in decreasing sickness absence.
Follow-Up Studies ; Food Industry ; Occupational Exposure ; Posture ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sick Leave ; Social Environment

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Exploring Occupational and Behavioral Risk Factors for Obesity in Firefighters: A Theoretical Framework and Study Design.

BongKyoo CHOI ; Peter SCHNALL ; Marnie DOBSON ; Leslie ISRAEL ; Paul LANDSBERGIS ; Pietro GALASSETTI ; Andria PONTELLO ; Stacey KOJAKU ; Dean BAKER

Safety and Health at Work.2011;2(4):301-312.

Firefighters and police officers have the third highest prevalence of obesity among 41 male occupational groups in the United States (US). However, few studies have examined the relationship of firefighter working conditions and health behaviors with obesity. This paper presents a theoretical framework describing the relationship between working conditions, health behaviors, and obesity in firefighters. In addition, the paper describes a detailed study plan for exploring the role of occupational and behavioral risk factors in the development of obesity in firefighters enrolled in the Orange County Fire Authority Wellness Fitness Program. The study plan will be described with emphasis on its methodological merits: adopting a participatory action research approach, developing a firefighter-specific work and health questionnaire, conducting both a cross-sectional epidemiological study using the questionnaire and a sub-study to assess the validity of the questionnaire with dietary intake and physical activity measures, and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the body mass index as an obesity measure in comparison to skinfold-based percent body fat. The study plan based on a theoretical framework can be an essential first step for establishing effective intervention programs for obesity among professional and voluntary firefighters.
Adipose Tissue ; Body Mass Index ; Citrus sinensis ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Firefighters ; Fires ; Health Behavior ; Health Services Research ; Humans ; Male ; Motor Activity ; Obesity ; Occupational Groups ; Occupations ; Police ; Prevalence ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Resin Cements ; Risk Factors ; United States

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Occupational Health Management in the Lead Industry: The Korean Experience.

Byung Kook LEE

Safety and Health at Work.2011;2(2):87-96.

In 1967, the problem of occupational lead exposure came to public attention in Korea. Since then, regular progress has been made in lowering workplace lead exposures, instituting new workplace controls, and implementing health examinations of exposed workers. Past serious lead poisoning episodes made it possible to introduce biological monitoring programs on a voluntary basis in high-lead-exposure facilities in Korea. Industry-specific occupational health services for lead workers in Korea during the last 22 years can be categorized into three phases. During the first phase (1988-1993), efforts were directed at increasing awareness among workers about the hazards of lead exposure, biological monitoring of blood zinc protoporphyrin began, and a respiratory protection program was introduced. During the second phase (1994-1997), a computerized health management system for lead workers was developed, blood-lead measurement was added to biologic monitoring, and engineering controls were introduced in the workplace to lower air-lead levels to comply with air-lead regulations. Finally, during the third phase (1998-present), a new biomarker, bone-lead measurement by X-ray fluorescence, was introduced. Bone-lead measurement proved to be useful for assessing body burden and to demonstrate past lead exposure in retired workers. Occupational health service practice for lead workers, including the industry-specific group occupational health system, has brought considerable success in the prevention of lead poisoning and in reducing the lead burden in Korean lead workers during the last several decades. The successful achievement of prevention of lead poisoning in Korea was a result of the combined efforts of lead workers, employers, relevant government agencies, and academic institutes.
Academies and Institutes ; Achievement ; Body Burden ; Environmental Monitoring ; Fluorescence ; Government Agencies ; Korea ; Lead Poisoning ; Occupational Health ; Occupational Health Services ; Porphyrins ; Protoporphyrins ; Social Control, Formal ; Zinc

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