Industrial Health最新文献

The Working Time Traffic Light (WTTL) recommendations are detailed guidelines aimed at mitigating the health and safety effects of shift work. This paper reviews the development, implementation, and effects of the WTTL recommendations in social and healthcare. Based on the payroll-based Working Hours in the Finnish Public Sector (WHFPS) cohort of over 300,000 employees, we analysed many dose-response associations of different working hour characteristics with health and safety and developed cut-off levels and evaluation tools for the traffic light-based WTTL recommendations. The recommendations were implemented in the social and healthcare sector by embedding the recommendations into shift scheduling software in co-operation with commercial software producers, and by giving feedback on the working hour characteristics to the healthcare organizations and policymakers. Based on a 5-year follow-up, the WTTL recommendations were well-known, and used regularly by 20% of the shift planners. Compared to the non-users, the regular use of the evaluation tool was associated with improved working hour patterns, a lower number of occupational accidents, and a decrease in psychological distress. Based on the established use of the recommendations and their effects on health and safety, the development and implementation of the WTTL recommendations can be regarded as successful.

The rapid expansion of delivery labor platforms in China has driven many people to move from rural to urban areas. Previous studies indicated that platform-based delivery work can be demanding, subject to algorithmic control, and lacking employment protections. While migrant workers are more likely to be exposed to adverse psychosocial working conditions and more vulnerable due to limited social services, few studies have examined the role of migrant status in mental health and its associations with psychosocial working conditions among platform delivery workers. This study employed a cross-sectional online survey to compare the mental health status of platform delivery workers in China and the associations with psychosocial working conditions by migrant status. Of the 923 delivery workers surveyed, 492 (53.3%) were rural-to-urban migrants. The findings indicated that rural-to-urban migrant delivery workers experienced high levels of mental disorders and burnout. Regression analyses revealed that workplace violence and high job demands were significantly associated with mental disorders and high burnout, and these associations were more pronounced among rural-to-urban migrant workers. Greater attention should be paid to this growing urban workforce, and context-specific interventions are essential to protect their mental health and wellbeing.

Research on worker exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during asphalt paving operations remains significantly limited, and regulatory frameworks governing such exposures are also insufficient. Previous studies have primarily focused on a limited number of major VOCs. However, this study employs high-resolution, high-performance Proton Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) to comprehensively evaluate exposure levels to 25 different VOCs. Additionally, Monte Carlo simulations were utilized to assess both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, thereby providing foundational data for future risk mitigation strategies. During asphalt paving operations, the concentrations of most VOCs increased by a factor of 2 to 10 compared to background levels. Nevertheless, none of these compounds exceeded the Occupational Exposure Limits. However, the concentration of acrolein exceeded the Ceiling Threshold Limit Value established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists by approximately tenfold, highlighting the critical need for peak exposure management. The non-carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that the maximum Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for acetaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene, and acrolein exceeded 1, indicating potential adverse health effects. Furthermore, the Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) values for benzene and 1,3-butadiene surpassed established safety thresholds, confirming a significant increase in carcinogenic risk. Furthermore, this study proposes measures to reduce exposure to hazardous substances.

Jockeys endure considerable physical and psychological demands, rendering them vulnerable to occupational injuries such as fractures, concussions, and soft tissue damage. This descriptive case series presents the medical and occupational histories of three professional jockeys with long-term disabilities following work-related accidents. Each individual commenced their jockey career in early adolescence. All sustained head trauma from horse falls and had histories of hospitalization due to injuries incurred while riding. Documented injuries included rib, vertebral, clavicular, and upper extremity fractures, adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, and ligament rupture in the lower extremity. Two of the cases underwent extended periods of physical therapy but reported minimal functional recovery. These findings highlight the insufficient preventive strategies and limited long-term support available to injured jockeys. Enhanced occupational safety measures, regular medical evaluations, and access to physical and mental rehabilitation are essential to address the occupational hazards in this profession. Further studies are warranted to develop targeted interventions for injury prevention and long-term care.

This study aimed to provide information on exposure to welding fume in workplaces in Australia, and the use of control measures in these workplaces. Personal and static samples of welding fume particulates and gases were collected at 20 workplaces whilst welding was being undertaken. Study personnel also recorded observations of the workplace. Total welding fume particulate concentration in the breathing zone was above 1 mg/m³ (the newly established workplace exposure standard). Peak concentrations of ozone were above the peak limitation standard of 0.1 ppm for most workers when they had their head over the welding area. Very few workplaces had active ventilation in place and functioning at the time of the worksite visits, most workplaces relying on natural ventilation coming from the large workspaces, high ceilings and open doors. The use of respiratory protective equipment was sub-optimal; about a quarter of participants used no respiratory protection while welding. This study provides the first comprehensive information on concentration of welding fume particulate and gases in Australian workplaces and the use of relevant control measures. The findings suggest there is considerable scope for improvement in the control of exposure to welding fume.

This study evaluates the sense of belonging and its determinants among standardized training nurses in China. A survey of 133 nurses was conducted using convenience sampling, incorporating the Belongingness Scale-Clinical Placement Experience, Turnover Intention Scale, and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Data were analyzed with T-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. The average belongingness score was 3.47 ± 0.43, indicating moderate levels. Alarmingly, 94.0% reported high turnover intentions, and 42.9% experienced anxiety. Significant variations in belongingness were linked to health status, work stress, colleague relationships, preceptor satisfaction, and training benefits (p<0.05). Negative correlations were found between belongingness and turnover intention (rs=-0.195, p<0.05) and anxiety (rs=-0.412, p<0.01). Moderate belonging levels were observed, with recommendations for enhanced preceptorship and psychological support.

There has been a growing emphasis on the post-retirement work of the elderly, which can either be beneficial or pose risks to their mental health. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of depression and anxiety, as well as the level of life satisfaction, among working vs. non-working retirees. In a cross-sectional study, 270 retirees aged 60 yr or older were enrolled; of them, 122 were working and 148 were not. An interview-based questionnaire was utilized, incorporating sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical data, along with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Compared to non-working retirees, working retirees exhibited lower rates of moderate to severe depression (39.3% vs. 67.0%) and anxiety (30.3% vs. 59.5%), as well as a higher rate of life satisfaction (59.8% vs. 41.2%). In the multivariate regression analysis, non-working retirees were more likely to experience moderate to severe depression and anxiety, with AORs of 3.4 and 3.9, respectively, while continuing to work after retirement was an independent predictor of satisfaction with life, with an AOR of 1.8. Therefore, recruiting and retaining older workers, while considering their physical and mental capabilities, is recommended, along with mental health screening.

We conducted a hospital-based survey among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the peak of the 2018-2019 Ebola outbreak. This study aimed to assess HCWs' knowledge, preparedness, and practices regarding the management of suspected Ebola cases, considering the challenges faced by hospitals in Kinshasa. A total of 290 HCWs from 72 healthcare facilities participated in the study (response rate: 83.0%). While all HCWs were aware of Ebola, significant knowledge gaps were identified, particularly regarding transmission routes and clinical symptoms. Only 16% of the participants had received formal Ebola training, and those who received training reported greater confidence in managing suspected cases. Notably, only 28% of HCWs were aware that Ebola could be transmitted through traditional funeral ceremonies and 34% were aware of transmission through contact with contaminated clothing. Adherence to standard precautions, such as hand hygiene (72%) and glove use (63%), was suboptimal, and 47% of the healthcare facilities lacked designated triage areas. These findings emphasize the need for targeted training, better adherence to precautions, and reinforced healthcare infrastructure. Addressing knowledge gaps, especially regarding transmission through funeral practices and contaminated clothing, and enhancing frontline HCWs' preparedness are crucial for improving responses to future Ebola outbreaks and other emerging infectious diseases.

This study aimed to examine the factors and their age differences associated with low back pain (LBP), including lifestyle and psychosocial factors, among Japanese workers at a large company. The study population consisted of 25,610 workers (mean ± SD age, 44.7 ± 9.6 yr) who underwent annual health checkups and completed the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) at a Japanese company in 2017. The self-administered questionnaire was used to assess gender, age, occupation, smoking status, exercise status, alcohol intake, job stress, and sleep duration. LBP presence was assessed using a part of the BJSQ. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the factors associated with LBP according to age category. The prevalence of LBP in the study group was 23.3%. After stratification by age, overweight status and job stress were found to be significantly associated with LBP in all age groups. However, smoking status was significantly associated with LBP among individuals aged <40 yr (effect of interaction p=0.03) whereas exercise was significantly associated only among individuals aged ≥40 yr (effect of interaction p<0.01). This study shows that LBP factors may differ by age, highlighting the importance of age-appropriate measures for preventing LBP in workers.

We examined cardiovascular responses during driving and investigated the effects of different break patterns on these responses. Forty-seven males in their 40s and 50s participated, and the protocol included three driving sets with four break patterns. One driving set consisted of 1 h of city driving and 1 h of highway driving. The four break patterns were a 30-min lunch break (short/one: SO, n=12), a 60-min lunch break (long/one: LO, n=12), a 10-min break and a 50-min lunch break (long/two: LT, n=12), and a 10-min break and a 20-min lunch break (short/two: ST, n=11). The results showed that the lunch break was significantly effective in moderating diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate for all conditions, but the long-break conditions (LO and LT) were also effective in moderating cardiac output and stroke volume. Additionally, for the same total break length, one longer break was more effective in moderating cardiovascular and subjective burden than two shorter breaks. The results of this study suggest that it is important for drivers to take a lunch break, especially a long break around an hour, to reduce cardiovascular and subjective burden during their shift.