MedWorm: Occupational Health

Case–control study of knee osteoarthritis and lifestyle factors considering their interaction with physical workload

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:08:22 +0100

Conclusions In accordance with the literature, we find a strong association between BMI and knee osteoarthritis risk. Considering the relatively high prevalence of occupational manual materials handling, prevention of knee osteoarthritis should not only focus on body weight reduction, but should also take into account work organizational measures particularly aiming to reduce occupational lifting and carrying of loads. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0486-6Authors Ilias Vrezas, Cyprus University of Technology Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health in Association with Harvard School of Public Health Corner of Athinon Road & N. Xiouta Street 3041 Lemesos CyprusGine Elsner, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Un...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Exposure to poultry dust and health effects in poultry workers: impact of mould and mite allergens

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:08:21 +0100

Conclusions Hazardous levels of Der p 1, endotoxin and moulds were determined in poultry houses. High prevalence of work-related symptoms and IgG antibodies to moulds was found in PW. Healthy worker effect is proposed as an explanation of low atopy markers prevalence among PW. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0487-5Authors Davor Rimac, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Ksaverska cesta 2 10000 Zagreb CroatiaJelena Macan, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Ksaverska cesta 2 10000 Zagreb CroatiaVeda M. Varnai, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Ksaverska cesta 2 10000 Zagreb CroatiaMarija Vučemilo, University of Zagreb School of Veterinary Medicine Heinzelova 55 Zagre...

Asbestos-related cancers among 28,300 military servicemen in the Royal Norwegian Navy

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study focus on the incidence of asbestos-related cancers among 28,300 officers and enlisted servicemen in the Royal Norwegian Navy. Until 1987, asbestos aboard the vessels potentially caused exposure to 11,500 crew members.Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated for malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal, pharyngeal, stomach, and colorectal cancers according to service aboard between 1950 and 1987 and in other Navy personnel.Increased risk of mesothelioma was seen among engine room crews, with SIRs of 6.23 (95% CI = 2.51-12.8) and 6.49 (95% CI = 2.11-15.1) for personnel who served less than 2 years and those with longer service, respectively. Lung cancer was nearly 20% higher than expected among both engine crews and non-engine crews. An excess of colorectal ca...

Scope of practice of occupational therapists working in Victorian community health settings

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Study findings have implications for occupational therapy training, and there is a clear need for input at policy level to address the significant resource allocation issues raised. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Homicide rate as a predictor of traffic fatality rate.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:42 +0100

CONCLUSION: This finding suggests that social aspects of human interaction may play an important role in traffic safety. PMID: 19916119 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

Toward a more parsimonious approach to drug recognition expert evaluations.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:40 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study will facilitate the process of identifying the correct category of drug ingested by focusing on critical signs and symptoms of drug influence. This work will have direct and immediate relevance to the training of drug recognition experts (DREs) by providing the foundation for an innovative, statistically based approach to drug classification decisions by DREs. PMID: 19916120 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Alcohol biomarkers as tools to guide and support decisions about intoxicated driver risk.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:37 +0100

CONCLUSION: Biomarker testing improved the assessment and monitoring of repeat offenders in this pilot because it provided an objective tool to identify high-risk drivers allowing for better treatment recommendations and helped identified drivers who relapsed during follow-up to facilitate a brief intervention by the counselor that resulted in reduced alcohol consumption. These results contribute to establish evidence based practices in highway safety and are setting up new guidelines in the United States to reduce drunk driving. PMID: 19916121 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

Cost-benefit analysis of an alcohol ignition interlock for installation in all newly registered vehicles.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:34 +0100

CONCLUSION: It was recommended that the installation of interlock devices in all newly registered vehicles in Australia could be an effective option, from a cost-benefit analysis perspective, depending upon its level of success in preventing alcohol-impaired driving. Therefore, although this primary prevention strategy is likely to obtain lower BCRs than targeting groups who are overrepresented in alcohol-related road crashes, a substantial number of road fatalities and serious injuries would be prevented, with up to 24 percent of all fatalities and up to 11 percent of all serious injuries saved in Australia per annum. Overall, it was concluded that due to the investigated interlock's user friendliness and relative affordability in comparison to other interlocks, the device should be consi...

Unlicensed driving among urban and rural Maori drivers: New Zealand drivers study.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:30 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Driving before obtaining a driver's license was common practice and the amount of driving extensive, for both rural and urban drivers. Furthermore, contrary to common perceptions in New Zealand, the need and opportunities for driving were similar, irrespective of place of residence. This suggests that similar issues may need to be addressed by both urban and rural Maori community road safety providers. PMID: 19916123 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

Posts to online news message boards and public discourse surrounding DUI enforcement.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:27 +0100

CONCLUSION: Public responses to DUI enforcement news articles provide insight into the beliefs and thought processes of those who oppose enforcement efforts or view drinking and driving as no big deal. Primary objections to enforcement focused on civil and personal rights issues, skepticism regarding law enforcement's motives and objectivity, and the belief that drinking driving is not a "real" crime. Online news message boards could be useful in informing campaigns and helping program planners frame media events and press releases to best appeal to the most at-risk segments of the driving public. PMID: 19916124 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

In-depth analysis of pedestrian crashes in Riyadh.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:25 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Practical recommendations are given that researchers, traffic police, medical authorities, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), educational institutions, and municipalities can adopt to lower the risk of pedestrian crashes. PMID: 19916125 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Vehicle model year and crash outcomes: a CIREN study.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:22 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Front seat occupants of later MY vehicles injured during crashes experience a decreased likelihood of very severe thoracic injuries, spinal injuries, and death. PMID: 19916126 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

The utility of seat belt signs to predict intra-abdominal injury following motor vehicle crashes.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:19 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Seat belt signs remain an important physical finding in patients with intra-abdominal injury following motor vehicle crashes. Front seat passengers presenting with seat belt signs were more than twice as likely to sustain intra-abdominal injury; thus, emergency physicians and trauma surgeons should be aware of passenger position when evaluating a seat belt sign. PMID: 19916127 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

Commercial drivers' health: a naturalistic study of body mass index, fatigue, and involvement in safety-critical events.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:16 +0100

CONCLUSION: The results of this study support other research in the field of health and well-being that indicate a link between obesity and fatigue, which is a major safety issue surrounding commercial motor vehicle operations given the long hours these drivers spend on the road. PMID: 19916128 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

Making the most of the worst-case scenario: should belt-positioning booster seats be used in lap-belt-only seating positions?

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:14 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Although data for children secured in lap belts with boosters are limited, the results suggest that boosters are not harmful. This finding is inconsistent with the current recommendation that booster seats not be used when children must be buckled with lap belts only. Data also confirm that booster seats with lap/shoulder belts remain the optimal protection for booster-age children. PMID: 19916129 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

Roof strength and injury risk in rollover crashes of passenger cars.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:11 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The association between vehicle roof strength and occupant injury risk in rollover crashes appears robust across different vehicle groups and across roof SWR(5) values, varying from just more than 1.5 to just less than 4.0. If roofs were to increase in strength by one SWR(5), a 20-25 percent reduction in risk of serious injury in rollovers would be expected. Still, even if all vehicle roofs were as strong as the strongest roof measured, many rollover injuries still would occur, indicating the need for additional research and countermeasures. PMID: 19916130 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Useful field of view as a reliable screening measure of driving performance in people with Parkinson's disease: results of a pilot study.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:08 +0100

CONCLUSION: In this pilot study among PD patients, the UFOV may be a superior screening measure (compared to other measures of disease, cognition, and vision) for predicting on-road driving performance but its rigor must be verified in a larger sample of people with PD. PMID: 19916131 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

Letter to the editor: Sudden onset of illness while driving a vehicle.

Traffic Injury Prevention — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:06:06 +0100

Authors: Hitosugi M, Motozawa Y, Tokudome S PMID: 19916132 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Traffic Injury Prevention)

Occupational health crossing borders part 2: Comparison of 18 occupational health systems across the globe

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This article compares OHS systems of 18 countries at different stages of development.In an international summer school, structure of the national OHS system, definition of occupational accidents and diseases, procedures for compensation claims, outcome (expressed as incidence of occupational accidents) and training opportunities were presented.National OHS systems ranged from non-existent to systems implemented almost 200 years ago. Priorities, incidence of occupational accidents and training opportunities varied. Common problems included the lack of OHS service for small enterprises and in rural areas.International training programs like this summer school might enhance the exchange about OHS opportunities around the globe and contribute to improved workers health. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 200...

Safety knowledge, safety behaviors, depression, and injuries in Colorado farm residents

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study describes the relationships between safety knowledge, safety behavior, depression, and injuries using 3 years of self-reported data from a cohort of farm residents in Colorado.Farm operators and their spouses (n = 652) were recruited in 1993 from a farm truck registration list using stratified probability sampling. Respondents answered ten safety knowledge and ten safety behavior questions. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale was used to evaluate depression. The most severe farm work-related injury over a 3-year period was the outcome variable. Factor analysis was used to produce a single measure of safety knowledge for logistic regression models to evaluate the relationships between injuries, safety knowledge, and behaviors.Safety knowledge was signifi...

Navigating ethical discharge planning: A case study in older adult rehabilitation

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Dialogue is needed to identify risks, help clients determine their personal level of acceptable risk and determine provisions to minimise risks. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Retirement: What will you do? A narrative inquiry of occupation-based planning for retirement: Implications for practice

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Occupational therapists have a unique understanding of the centrality of occupation to health and wellbeing. Thus occupational therapists are well-positioned to assist people identify, plan and engage in meaningful occupations outside work in retirement. (Source: Australian Occupational Therapy Journal)

Organizational justice, psychological distress, and work engagement in Japanese workers

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:45:12 +0100

Conclusion The effects of organizational justice on psychological distress seem to be mediated by reward at work (or ERI) while those regarding work engagement may be mediated by worksite support to a large extent, at least in Japanese workers. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0485-7Authors Akiomi Inoue, The University of Tokyo Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-0033 JapanNorito Kawakami, The University of Tokyo Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-0033 JapanMasao Ishizaki, Kanazawa Medical University Department of Social and Environmental Medicine (Hygiene) 1-1 Daigaku Uchinada Ishikawa 920-0293 JapanAkihito Shimazu, The ...

Direct Detection of Salmonella Cells in the Air of Livestock Stables by Real-Time PCR

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:12:12 +0100

A SYBR® Green real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for specific detection and quantification of airborne Salmonella cells in livestock housings is presented. A set of specific primers was tested and validated for specific detection and quantification of Salmonella-specific invA genes of DNA extracted from bioaerosol samples. Application of the method to poultry house bioaerosol samples showed concentrations ranging from 2.2 x 101 to 3 x 106 Salmonella targets m–3 of air. Salmonella were also detected by a cultivation-based approach in some samples, but concentrations were two to three magnitudes lower than the concentrations detected by molecular biological results. Specificity of results was demonstrated by cloning analyses of PCR products, which were ex...

Airborne Asbestos Concentrations Associated with Heavy Equipment Brake Removal

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:12:12 +0100

Asbestos-containing brake linings were used in heavy-duty construction equipment such as tractors, backhoes, and bulldozers prior to the 1980s. While several published studies have evaluated exposures to mechanics during brake repair work, most have focused on automobiles and light trucks, not on heavy agricultural or construction vehicles. The purpose of this study is to characterize the airborne concentration of asbestos to workers and bystanders from brake wear debris during brake removal from 12 loader/backhoes and tractors manufactured between 1960 and 1980. Asbestos content in brake lining (average 20% chrysotile by polarized light microscopy) and brake wear debris [average 0.49% chrysotile by transmission electron microscopy (TEM)] was also quantified. Breathing zone samples on the ...

Particle Emission and Exposure during Nanoparticle Synthesis in Research Laboratories

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:12:12 +0100

Real-time size, mass and number particle concentrations, and emission rates in university laboratories producing nanoparticles by scalable flame spray pyrolysis are quantified. Measurements were conducted in four laboratories using various technological set-ups and during production of particles of a range of compositions with differing physical–chemical properties, from NaCl salt, BiPO4, CaSO4, Bi2O3, insoluble TiO2, SiO2, and WO3 to composites such as Cu/ZnO, Cu/SiO2, Cu/ZrO2, Ta2O5/SiO2, and Pt/Ba/Al2O3. Production time ranged from 0.25 to 400 min and yields from 0.33 to 183 g. Temporal and spatial analyses of the particle concentrations were performed indicating that elevated number concentrations in the workplace can occur. Airborne submicron number concentrations increased from...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Evaluation of Five Decontamination Methods for Filtering Facepiece Respirators

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:12:12 +0100

This study evaluated five decontamination methods [ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), ethylene oxide, vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP), microwave oven irradiation, and bleach] using nine models of NIOSH-certified respirators (three models each of N95 FFRs, surgical N95 respirators, and P100 FFRs) to determine which methods should be considered for future research studies. Following treatment by each decontamination method, the FFRs were evaluated for changes in physical appearance, odor, and laboratory performance (filter aerosol penetration and filter airflow resistance). Additional experiments (dry heat laboratory oven exposures, off-gassing, and FFR hydrophobicity) were subsequently conducted to better understand material properties and possible health risks to the respirator u...

Effects of Headspace and Oxygen Level on Off-gas Emissions from Wood Pellets in Storage

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:12:12 +0100

Few papers have been published in the open literature on the emissions from biomass fuels, including wood pellets, during the storage and transportation and their potential health impacts. The purpose of this study is to provide data on the concentrations, emission factors, and emission rate factors of CO2, CO, and CH4 from wood pellets stored with different headspace to container volume ratios with different initial oxygen levels, in order to develop methods to reduce the toxic off-gas emissions and accumulation in storage spaces. Metal containers (45 l, 305 mm diameter by 610 mm long) were used to study the effect of headspace and oxygen levels on the off-gas emissions from wood pellets. Concentrations of CO2, CO, and CH4 in the headspace were measured using a gas chromatograph as a func...

Emission of Volatile Aldehydes and Ketones from Wood Pellets under Controlled Conditions

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:12:12 +0100

Different qualities of biofuel pellets were made from pine and spruce sawdust according to an industrial experimental design. The fatty/resin acid compositions were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for both newly produced pellets and those after 2 and 4 weeks of storage. The aldehydes/ketones compositions were determined by high performance liquid chromatography at 0, 2, and 4 weeks. The designs were analyzed for the response variables: total fatty/resin acids and total aldehydes/ketones. The design showed a strong correlation between the pine fraction in the pellets and the fatty/resin acid content but the influence decreased over storage time. The amount of fatty/resin acids decreased ~40% during 4 weeks. The influence of drying temperature on the aldehyde/ketone emissi...

Rate and Peak Concentrations of Off-Gas Emissions in Stored Wood Pellets--Sensitivities to Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Headspace Volume

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:12:12 +0100

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature, moisture, and the relative size of storage headspace on emissions from wood pellets in an enclosed space. Twelve 10-l plastic containers were used to study the effects of headspace ratio (25, 50, and 75% of container volume) and temperatures (10–50°C). Another eight containers were set in uncontrolled storage relative humidity (RH) and temperature. Concentrations of CO2, CO, and CH4 were measured by gas chromatography (GC). The results showed that emissions of CO2, CO, and CH4 from stored wood pellets are more sensitive to storage temperature than to RH and the relative volume of headspace. Higher peak emission factors are associated with higher temperatures. Increased headspace volume ratio increases peak...

Oxygen Depletion and Formation of Toxic Gases following Sea Transportation of Logs and Wood Chips

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:12:12 +0100

In conclusion, the measurements show that transport of logs and wood chips in confined spaces may result in rapid and severe oxygen depletion and CO2 formation. Thus, apparently harmless cargoes may create potentially life-threatening conditions. The oxygen depletion and CO2 formation are seemingly primarily caused by microbiological activity, in contrast to the oxidative processes with higher CO formation that predominate in cargoes of wood pellets. Improved technical and organizational measures are considered necessary to prevent future accidents. Recommendations given regarding safe entry procedures and technical preventive methods may also apply to other oxygen-depleting products. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Proposed British-Dutch Guidance on Measuring Compliance with Occupational Exposure Limits

Annals of Occupational Hygiene — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:12:12 +0100

(Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)

Relationship between indoor chemical concentrations and subjective symptoms associated with sick building syndrome in newly built houses in Japan

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:13:42 +0100

Conclusions Chemicals detected in Japanese newly built houses tend to increase the risk of subjective symptoms in residents suffering from SBS. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0475-9Authors Tomoko Takigawa, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Public Health 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku Okayama 700-8558 JapanBing-Ling Wang, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Public Health 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku Okayama 700-8558 JapanYasuaki Saijo, Asahikawa Medical College Department of Health Science Midorigaoka E2-1-1-1 Asahikawa 078-8510 JapanKanehisa Morimoto, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine Departm...

The cardiovascular response to an acute 1800-μT, 60-Hz magnetic field exposure in humans

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:13:42 +0100

Conclusions The MF used in this experiment did not affect cardiovascular parameters. Although an alternative explanation for why skin surface temperatures decreased in the sham and not in the real exposure condition is presented, the possibility of a MF effect cannot be excluded. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0484-8Authors David A. McNamee, Lawson Health Research Institute Bioelectromagnetics, Imaging Program 268 Grosvenor Street N6A 4V2 London ON CanadaMichael Corbacio, Lawson Health Research Institute Bioelectromagnetics, Imaging Program 268 Grosvenor Street N6A 4V2 London ON CanadaJulie K. Weller, Lawson Health Research Institute Bioelectromagnetics, Imaging Program 268 Grosvenor Street N6A 4V2 London ON CanadaSamantha ...

Sustainability of an interdisciplinary secondary prevention program for hairdressers

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:13:41 +0100

Abstract Objective Two hundred and fifteen hairdressers suffering from occupational skin diseases (OSD) have attended a 6-month combined dermatological and educational prevention program with an education and counseling scheme as well as an intervention in the respective hairdressers’ shops. The aim of this program, conducted from 1994 to 1997, was to enable the affected hairdressers to remain at work without suffering from major OSD. Methods To assess the sustainability of this interdisciplinary medical and educational training program, the intervention group (IG, N = 215) and a control group (CG, hairdressers with OSD who solely received dermatological treatment, N = 85) were followed up 9 month and 5 years after their ind...

Mortality in the Baltimore union poultry cohort: non-malignant diseases

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:13:41 +0100

Conclusions Poultry workers may have excess occurrence of disease affecting several organs and systems, probably originating from widespread infection with a variety of microorganisms. The results for neurologic diseases could well represent important clues to the etiology of these diseases in humans. The small numbers of deaths involved in some cases limit interpretation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0478-6Authors Eric S. Johnson, UNT Health Science Center Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health Fort Worth TX USALillian C. Yau, Tulane University Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine New Orleans LA USAYi Zhou, Tulane University Department of Biostatistics, School of Public He...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Cadmium and tubular dysfunction marker levels in urine of residents in non-polluted areas with natural abundance of cadmium in Japan

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:13:39 +0100

Conclusions In an over-all evaluation, no clear-cut evidence was available for increased prevalence of Cd exposure-associated renal tubular dysfunction among general populations in the five prefectures in the northern part on the coast of Sea of Japan than in other prefectures in Japan, despite moderate elevation in urinary Cd levels. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0483-9Authors Jiro Moriguchi, Kyoto Industrial Health Association (Health Service Center) 4-1 Mibu-Shujakucho Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8871 JapanYoshiro Inoue, Akita Health Care Association Akita 010-8543 JapanSigetosi Kamiyama, Morinomiyako Occupational Health Association Miyagino-ku, Sendai 983-0031 JapanSonoko Sakuragi, Kyoto Industrial Health Association (Health...

School resources, resource allocation, and risk of physical assault against Minnesota educators.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:44 +0100

Authors: Sage SK, Gerberich SG, Ryan AD, Nachreiner NM, Church TR, Alexander BH, Mongin SJ To investigate the relation between schools' resource levels (i.e., annual per student expenditures), school resource allocations, and physical assault (PA) against Minnesota's educators, a study was conducted from the two-phase Minnesota Educators' Study (MES) that incorporated school-level fiscal and demographic data from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). The MES examined a randomly selected cohort of employed, state-licensed kindergarten through grade 12 educators. From mailed questionnaires, response rates for both Phase I (comprehensive data collection on violent events) and Phase II (case-control) were 84%. Cases experienced a work-related PA event in the previous 12 months; cont...

Child bystanding: A risk factor for injury and identifying its' determinants on midwestern agricultural operations.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:41 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Although parents cannot child-proof their operations, it is important for them to understand the apparent odds of and risks associated with bystanding. Children can have injury odds similar to adults in this environment; therefore, it is necessary to examine parental factors that may be associated with children's likelihood of bystanding in high-risk work environments. PMID: 19887139 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention.)

Hazard scenarios of truck drivers' occupational accidents on and around trucks during loading and unloading.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:39 +0100

The objective of the present study was to establish the hazard scenarios for truck drivers during loading/unloading through analyses of text descriptions of accident processes. Focus was on accidents that were primarily related to movement/operation on and around the truck, which are particular to truck drivers. Special emphasis was placed on falls from heights, as this was shown to be the most frequent type of accident and a major cause of fractures among truck drivers. Analyses of text descriptions of 136 accidents, including 63 cases of fall from height, collected in one company over a period of three years, revealed that: (a) the major triggering factors for falls from heights on and around the truck were stepping off the edge at height (33.3%), wrong footing (27.0%), and loss of balan...

The association between opioid analgesics and unsafe driving actions preceding fatal crashes.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:36 +0100

Authors: Dubois S, Bédard M, Weaver B Currently, most epidemiological research into the impact of opioid analgesics on road safety has focused on the association between opioid use and traffic crash occurrence. Yet, the role of opioid analgesics on crash responsibility is still not properly understood. Therefore, we examined the impact of opioid analgesics on drivers (all had a confirmed BAC=0) involved in fatal crashes (1993-2006) using a case-control design based on data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Cases had one or more crash-related unsafe driving actions (UDA) recorded; controls had none. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of any UDA by medication exposure after controlling for age, sex, other medications, and driving record. Compared to drivers who test...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Comparison of empirical Bayes and full Bayes approaches for before-after road safety evaluations.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:34 +0100

Authors: Persaud B, Lan B, Lyon C, Bhim R The empirical Bayes (EB) approach has now gained wide acceptance among researchers as the much preferred one for the before-after evaluation of road safety treatments. In this approach, the before period crash experience at treated sites is used in conjunction with a crash prediction model for untreated reference sites to estimate the expected number of crashes that would have occurred without treatment. This estimate is compared to the count of crashes observed after treatment to evaluate the effect of the treatment. This procedure accounts for regression-to-the-mean effects that result from the natural tendency to select for treatment those sites with high observed crash frequencies. Of late, a fully Bayesian (FB) approach has been suggested ...

Britain's most hazardous occupation: Commercial fishing.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:32 +0100

This study shows that commercial fishing is by far the most hazardous occupation in Britain. Prevention of fatal accidents should focus on increased use of personal flotation devices, reductions in lone fishing and the use of unstable, unseaworthy and badly maintained fishing vessels. PMID: 19887143 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention.)

Injury patterns in frontal crashes: The association between knee-thigh-hip (KTH) and serious intra-abdominal injury.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:29 +0100

Authors: Lee J, Conroy C, Coimbra R, Tominaga GT, Hoyt DB Safety belts protect occupants in frontal impacts by reducing occupant deceleration and preventing the occupant from hitting interior vehicle components likely to cause injury. However, occupants moving forward during the impact may contact the safety belt webbing across their chest and abdomen. We hypothesized that if the occupant loaded their knee-thigh-hip (KTH) region with enough force to result in injury to this region-it might prevent compression (and injury) of their abdomen by the safety belt. Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) data were used to test the association between KTH and intra-abdominal injury related to safety belts. Odds ratios with 95% confidence limits (CL) and logistic regression models...

Comparison of the whiplash injury criteria.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:26 +0100

The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the whiplash injury criteria (IV-NIC, NIC, Nkm, Nij, and NDC) during simulated rear impacts of a new Human Model of the Neck (HUMON) with and without an active head restraint (AHR). HUMON consisted of a neck specimen mounted to the torso of BioRID II and carrying an anthropometric head stabilized with muscle force replication. HUMON was seated and secured in a Kia Sedona seat with AHR on a sled. Rear impacts (7.1 and 11.1g) were simulated with the AHR in five different positions followed by an impact with no HR. Statistical differences (P < 0.05) were determined in the peak NIC and NDC due to the AHR, as compared to no HR, and in the peak IV-NIC relative to physiologic limits. Linear regression analyses identified correlation bet...

Using hierarchical tree-based regression model to predict train-vehicle crashes at passive highway-rail grade crossings.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:24 +0100

In this study, HTBR models are developed to predict train-vehicle crash frequencies for passive grade crossings controlled by crossbucks only and crossbucks combined with stop signs respectively, and assess how the crash frequencies change after the stop-sign treatment is applied at the crossbuck-only-controlled crossings. The study results indicate that stop-sign treatment is an effective engineering countermeasure to improve safety at the passive grade crossings. Decision makers and traffic engineers can use the HTBR models to examine train-vehicle crash frequency at passive crossings and assess the potential effectiveness of stop-sign treatment based on specific attributes of the given crossings. PMID: 19887146 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention.)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Development of the BACKIE questionnaire: A measure of children's behaviors, attitudes, cognitions, knowledge, and injury experiences.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:21 +0100

CONCLUSION: Having a psychometrically sound measure that allows one to assess attitudes, cognitions, and knowledge is an essential first step to exploring the relative influence of these factors on children's risk and safety practices. PMID: 19887147 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention.)

Modeling signalized intersection safety with corridor-level spatial correlations.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:19 +0100

Authors: Guo F, Wang X, Abdel-Aty MA Intersections in close spatial proximity along a corridor should be considered as correlated due to interacted traffic flows as well as similar road design and environmental characteristics. It is critical to incorporate this spatial correlation for assessing the true safety impacts of risk factors. In this paper, several Bayesian models were developed to model the crash data from 170 signalized intersections in the state of Florida. The safety impacts of risk factors such as geometric design features, traffic control, and traffic flow characteristics were evaluated. The Poisson and Negative Binomial Bayesian models with non-informative priors were fitted but the focus is to incorporate spatial correlations among intersections. Two alternative model...

Transmission and control of an emerging influenza pandemic in a small-world airline network.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:17 +0100

This study also investigated how the small-world properties of an air transportation network facilitate the spread of influenza around the globe. The results show that, as soon as the influenza is spread to the top 50 global airports, the transmission is greatly accelerated. Under the constraint of limited resources, a strategy that first applies control measures to the top 50 airports after day 13 and then soon afterwards to all other airports may result in remarkable containment effectiveness. As the infectiousness of the disease increases, it will expand the scale of the pandemic, and move the start time of the pandemic ahead. PMID: 19887149 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention.)

Classification analysis of driver's stop/go decision and red-light running violation.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:14 +0100

This study illustrates that the tree models are helpful to recognize and predict how drivers make stop/go decisions and partake in red-light running violations corresponding to the traffic parameters. PMID: 19887150 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention.)

Accessory child safety harnesses: Do the risks outweigh the benefits?

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:12 +0100

This study used laboratory simulated frontal crash tests to examine the performance of accessory child safety harness systems compared to the lap-shoulder belt when used alone and when used with two common designs of Australian booster seat. The performance of the child safety harness system when misused was also investigated. The results demonstrate that the correctly used child safety harness system performed no better than the lap-shoulder system, and in fact allows for a greater risk of submarining. Furthermore, one common form of child safety harness misuse, where the harness is over-tightened causing the lap belt to be positioned high over the abdomen, allowed extremely undesirable dummy motion. This involved gross submarining and direct contact between the harness system and the dum...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Zero-state Markov switching count-data models: An empirical assessment.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:09 +0100

In this study, a two-state Markov switching count-data model is proposed as an alternative to zero-inflated models to account for the preponderance of zeros sometimes observed in transportation count data, such as the number of accidents occurring on a roadway segment over some period of time. For this accident-frequency case, zero-inflated models assume the existence of two states: one of the states is a zero-accident count state, which has accident probabilities that are so low that they cannot be statistically distinguished from zero, and the other state is a normal-count state, in which counts can be non-negative integers that are generated by some counting process, for example, a Poisson or negative binomial. While zero-inflated models have come under some criticism with regard to acc...

Empirical assessment of the impact of highway design exceptions on the frequency and severity of vehicle accidents.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:06 +0100

Authors: Malyshkina NV, Mannering FL Compliance to standardized highway design criteria is considered essential to ensure roadway safety. However, for a variety of reasons, situations arise where exceptions to standard-design criteria are requested and accepted after review. This research explores the impact that such design exceptions have on the frequency and severity of highway accidents in Indiana. Data on accidents at carefully selected roadway sites with and without design exceptions are used to estimate appropriate statistical models of the frequency and severity of accidents at these sites using recent statistical advances with mixing distributions. The results of the modeling process show that presence of approved design exceptions has not had a statistically significant effec...

Experimental evaluation of underride analysis techniques and empirical validation of a new analytical technique.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:04 +0100

In this study, a series of two-vehicle impact tests between a small pickup (bullet vehicle) and a large dump truck (target vehicle) were performed and studied. These tests involved a severe underride configuration in which the dump truck bed's vertical alignment was above the base of the windshield of the pickup. Coupled with these impacting surfaces was a single vertical support, a remnant of a commonly referred to ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission) bumper, which caused a narrow object-type impact, but did not extend down to the pickup's bumper. Multiple prior authors' analytical and empirical relationships to predict impact speed based on crush damage were evaluated using the results of these tests as well as other published underride tests. No single model was sufficient at predicting...

Injury risk curves for the skeletal knee-thigh-hip complex for knee-impact loading.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:01 +0100

Authors: Rupp JD, Flannagan CA, Kuppa SM Injury risk curves for the skeletal knee-thigh-hip (KTH) relate peak force applied to the anterior aspect of the flexed knee, the primary source of KTH injury in frontal motor-vehicle crashes, to the probability of skeletal KTH injury. Previous KTH injury risk curves have been developed from analyses of peak knee-impact force data from studies where knees of whole cadavers were impacted. However, these risk curves either neglect the effects of occupant gender, stature, and mass on KTH fracture force, or account for them using scaling factors derived from dimensional analysis without empirical support. A large amount of experimental data on the knee-impact forces associated with KTH fracture are now available, making it possible to estimate the e...

The effect of cycle lanes on the proximity between motor traffic and cycle traffic.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:59 +0100

Authors: Parkin J, Meyers C An experiment collected proximity data of motor traffic overtaking cycle traffic on roads with and without cycle lanes using an instrumented bicycle. The work enhances previous research which has considered the riding position of the cyclist and whether or not the cyclist was helmeted, while controlling for vehicle type. The analysis shows that significantly wider passing distances are adopted by motorists in the condition without a 1.45 m cycle lane, with posted speed limits of 40 mph and 50 mph with a 9.5m wide carriageway. These findings were not replicated for a similar width road with a posted speed limit of 30 mph and a 1.3m cycle lane. The results suggest that in the presence of a cycle lane, drivers may be driving within the confines of their own mar...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

The impact of perceptual treatments on lateral control: A study using fixed-base and motion-base driving simulators.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:55 +0100

Authors: Auberlet JM, Pacaux MP, Anceaux F, Plainchault P, Rosey F This research was carried out as part of the French national multidisciplinary research project, PREDIT-SARI. Using a driving simulator, it aimed to test the effectiveness of road treatments intended to inform drivers about the risk of losing control on rural roads with "crest vertical curves" (Landis et al., 2004). [Rosey, F., Auberlet, J.M., Bertrand, J., Plainchault, P., 2008. Impact of perceptual treatments on lateral control during driving on crest vertical curves: a driving simulator study. Accid. Anal. Prev. 40, 1515-1523, Scopus.] used a fixed-base driving simulator to test four perceptual treatments intended to help drivers maintain lateral control when driving on crest vertical curves and found that two of the...

Work stress and driving anger in Japan.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:53 +0100

Authors: McLinton SS, Dollard MF We investigated the relationship between work stress arising from effort-reward imbalance at work (ERI) and driving anger in a community sample of workers in Nagoya, a mid-sized city in Japan. We hypothesised that ERI would exert a positive effect on driving anger via its influence on trait anger. The study also pioneered the use of the Driving Anger Scale (DAS) in a non-western country and explored cultural differences in the experience of anger on the road. A random sample of 215 (N = 138, 64% females; N = 77, 36% males) full-time Japanese workers was obtained through random selection of one participant per household in three randomly selected suburbs (response rate 71% of each eligible participant approached). Participants completed a confidential se...

Collision avoidance timing analysis of DSRC-based vehicles.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:50 +0100

Authors: Tang A, Yip A Dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) has been used in prototyped vehicles to test vehicle-to-vehicle communication for collision avoidance. However, there is little study on how collision avoidance software should behave to best mitigate accident collisions. In this paper, we analyse the timing of events and how they influence software-based collision avoidance strategies. We have found that the warning strategies for collision avoidance are constrained by the timing of events such as DSRC communication latency, detection range, road condition, driver reaction and deceleration rate. With these events, we define two collision avoidance timings: critical time to avoid collision and preferred time to avoid collision, and they dictate the design of software-bas...

The visual search patterns and hazard responses of experienced and inexperienced motorcycle riders.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:48 +0100

In this study, an open-loop motorcycle simulator was used to examine the effects of motorcycle riding and car driving experience on hazard perception and visual scanning patterns. Three groups of participants were tested: experienced motorcycle riders who were experienced drivers (EM-ED), inexperienced riders/experienced drivers (IM-ED), and inexperienced riders/inexperienced drivers (IM-ID). Participants were asked to search for hazards in simulated scenarios, and click a response button when a hazard was identified. The results revealed a significant monotonic decrease in hazard response times as experience increased from IM-ID to IM-ED to EM-ED. Compared to the IM-ID group, both the EM-ED and IM-ED groups exhibited more flexible visual scanning patterns that were sensitive to the presen...

Applying Bayesian hierarchical models to examine motorcycle crashes at signalized intersections.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:45 +0100

The objective of this study is to identify causal factors affecting the motorcycle crashes at both four-legged and T signalized intersections. Treating the data in time-series cross-section panels, this study explores different Hierarchical Poisson models and found that the model allowing autoregressive lag-1 dependence specification in the error term is the most suitable. Results show that the number of lanes at the four-legged signalized intersections significantly increases motorcycle crashes largely because of the higher exposure resulting from higher motorcycle accumulation at the stop line. Furthermore, the presence of a wide median and an uncontrolled left-turn lane at major roadways of four-legged intersections exacerbate this potential hazard. For T signalized intersections, the p...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Rainfall effect on single-vehicle crash severities using polychotomous response models.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:43 +0100

In conclusion, the backward sequential logistic regression model produced the best results for predicting crash severities in rainy weather where rainfall intensity, wind speed, roadway terrain, driver's gender, and safety belt were found to be statistically significant. Our study also found that the seasonal factor was significant in clear weather. The seasonal factor is a predictor suggesting that inclement weather may affect crash severity. These findings can be used to determine the probabilities of single vehicle crash severity in rainy weather and provide quantitative support on improving road weather safety via weather warning systems, highway facility improvements, and speed limit management. PMID: 19887162 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention.)

Reliability of drivers in urban intersections.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:39 +0100

Authors: Gstalter H, Fastenmeier W The concept of human reliability has been widely used in industrial settings by human factors experts to optimise the person-task fit. Reliability is estimated by the probability that a task will successfully be completed by personnel in a given stage of system operation. Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) is a technique used to calculate human error probabilities as the ratio of errors committed to the number of opportunities for that error. To transfer this notion to the measurement of car driver reliability the following components are necessary: a taxonomy of driving tasks, a definition of correct behaviour in each of these tasks, a list of errors as deviations from the correct actions and an adequate observation method to register errors and opport...

Do drivers become less risk-prone after answering a questionnaire on risky driving behaviour?

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:37 +0100

Authors: Falk B Two studies showed that answering a questionnaire regarding self-reported risky driving behaviour and attitudes led to a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in self-reported risky driving behaviour at a follow-up some five weeks after answering the first questionnaire. In Study I participants (193 men, 18-20 years old) also reported more concern about hurting others, increased subjective probability of accidents, but less thinking about injuries at follow-up. In Study 2 (149 men, 18-19 years old) effects on attitudes at follow-up were not tested. The results are discussed in terms of the question-behaviour effect, that is, questioning a person about a certain behaviour can influence his future performance of that behaviour. Assuming that most young male drivers essentia...

The stability of long-term trends in the number of traffic fatalities in a sample of highly motorised countries.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:35 +0100

Authors: Elvik R This paper examines the stability of long-term trends in the number of traffic fatalities in eight highly motorised countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Australia and The United States. In all these countries, the number of traffic fatalities reached a peak around 1970-1972 and has since declined. The decline has, however, been irregular and fairly long periods of stagnation or even increase in the number of fatalities have occurred in all countries. A stable trend is defined in this paper as a trend that remains unchanged and therefore can be used to successfully predict the future number of fatalities by means of extrapolation. It is concluded that the trends towards fewer fatalities in the countries selected have not been stab...

The use of electronic pharmacy data to investigate prescribed medications and fatal motor vehicle crashes in a military population, 2002-2006.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:32 +0100

Authors: Hooper TI, DeBakey SF, Pearse L, Pratt S, Hoffman KJ The authors examined the association between prescribed medications and fatal motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) in an active duty military population between 2002 and 2006. Using a case-control design, MVC deaths were ascertained using a military mortality registry, and an integrated health system database provided information on health system eligibility, pharmacy transactions, and medical encounters. Cases and controls were matched on comparable observation time outside periods of deployment. Among selected categories, only one, antidepressant medications, was an independent predictor of fatal MVC (odds ratio, 3.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-10.07). Male gender, Black race, enlisted rank, service branch (Navy and Marine Cor...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Digit ratio (2D:4D) is associated with traffic violations for male frequent car drivers.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:30 +0100

Authors: Schwerdtfeger A, Heims R, Heer J Digit ratio (2D:4D) is a putative marker of prenatal hormone exposure. A lower digit ratio has been suggested as an index of higher testosterone relative to estrogen exposure during prenatal development. Digit ratio has been associated with a variety of psychological sex-dimorphic variables, including spatial orientation, aggression, or risk-taking behavior. The present study aimed to relate digit ratio to traffic violations for a male sample (N = 77) of frequent car drivers. Digit ratio was assessed via printout scans of the hand, and traffic offense behavior was assessed via self-reported penalty points as registered by the Central Register of Traffic Offenders in Germany. In addition, social desirability and sensation seeking were recorded. ...

Determinants behind young motorcyclists' risky riding behavior.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:26 +0100

This study adopts structural equation modeling to analyze data collected from 683 young motorcyclists aged between 18 and 28. The results conclude three primary personality traits of young motorcyclists, namely sensation seeking, amiability and impatience. While amiable riders represent a group of relatively mature and safe riders, the sensation-seeking riders are extremely self-confident, comfortable with unsafe riding and interested in the utility gained from it. Meanwhile, the sensation-seeking ones also are highly aware of traffic conditions, which may lower the chances of getting into an accident, but the accident could be extremely severe if it ever occurs. Impatient riders, having low riding confidence and traffic awareness deficiency, also seek utility from certain risky riding beh...

Development of an accident duration prediction model on the Korean Freeway Systems.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:24 +0100

Authors: Chung Y Since duration prediction is one of the most important steps in an accident management process, there have been several approaches developed for modeling accident duration. This paper presents a model for the purpose of accident duration prediction based on accurately recorded and large accident dataset from the Korean Freeway Systems. To develop the duration prediction model, this study utilizes the log-logistic accelerated failure time (AFT) metric model and a 2-year accident duration dataset from 2006 to 2007. Specifically, the 2006 dataset is utilized to develop the prediction model and then, the 2007 dataset was employed to test the temporal transferability of the 2006 model. Although the duration prediction model has limitations such as large prediction error due...

Relative injury severity among vulnerable non-motorised road users: Comparative analysis of injury arising from bicycle-motor vehicle and bicycle-pedestrian collisions.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:21 +0100

Authors: Chong S, Poulos R, Olivier J, Watson WL, Grzebieta R With the expansion of bicycle usage and limited funding and/or space for segregated pedestrian and bicycle paths, there is a need for traffic, road design and local government engineers to decide if it is more appropriate for space to be shared between either cyclists and pedestrians, or between cars and cyclists, and what restrictions need to be applied in such circumstances. To provide knowledge to aid engineers and policy makers in making these decisions, this study explored death and morbidity data for the state of New South Wales, Australia to examine rates and severity of injury arising from collisions between pedestrians and cyclists, and between cyclists and motor vehicles (MVs). An analysis of the severity of hospit...

The association of age, sex and helmet use with the risk of death for occupants of two-wheeled motor vehicles involved in traffic crashes in Spain.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:19 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The direction and magnitude of the association between age, sex and helmet use and the risk of death of an occupant of a TWMV involved in a crash changed depending on which component of risk was considered: crash severity or occupant resilience. Specifically, female sex and non-helmet use seemed to be associated with crashes of lower severity, but together with increased age they were also related with lower resilience to the energy released in the crash, and therefore with a higher risk of death after adjustment for crash severity. This should be taken into account when assessing the association of individual factors with the risk of death after a crash. PMID: 19887171 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention.)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Are biomarkers of chronic alcohol misuse useful in the assessment of DWI recidivism status?

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:17 +0100

CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that biomarkers of chronic patterns of heavy drinking may not be adequate to capture the multiple processes that appear to promote recidivism (e.g., binge drinking, other risky behavioural and personality features). Despite their objectivity, caution is warranted in the interpretation of a positive score on these biomarkers in DWI assessment. Longitudinal research is needed to more comprehensively explore the relationship between positive biomarkers in first-time offenders and their risk of becoming recidivists. PMID: 19887172 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention.)

Parental socioeconomic status and unintentional injury deaths in early childhood: Consideration of injury mechanisms, age at death, and gender.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:14 +0100

In conclusion, the parental SES risk profiles of childhood injury deaths varied with the age and gender of the child, and with the injury mechanism. Therefore, reducing excess injury deaths during early childhood requires preventive efforts targeted at high-risk parents, and based on injury mechanism and on the gender and age of the child. PMID: 19887173 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention.)

An analysis of 6215 hospitalized unintentional injuries among children aged 0-14 in northwest China.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:11 +0100

Authors: Jiang X, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang B, Xu Y, Shang L The aim of this study was to analyze the sorts and the external causes of hospitalized unintentional injuries among children aged 0-14 so as to learn the status of children's unintentional injuries in northwest China and then to give some references for the prevention. As many as 6215 abstracts of the discharged medical records of hospitalized children for unintentional injuries from 31 hospitals in northwest China from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2003 were analyzed, especially for the different external causes and sorts of injuries according to ages, genders and locations. We identified 2081 (33.5%) fractures, 1279 (20.6%) scald/burns, 1125 (18.1%) internal organ injuries and 611 (9.8%) open injuries among the 6215 hospitali...

Reducing air-pollution: A new argument for getting drivers to abide by the speed limit?

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:08 +0100

We presented prevention messages that highlighted the role of speeding in increasing "crash-risk", "air-pollution", or both (Studies 1 and 2). The messages were also positively or negatively framed (Study 2). Given that women are more concerned with environmental issues than are men, we expected the following hypotheses to be validated for women. The message with the "air-pollution" argument was expected to be evaluated more positively than the "crash-risk" message (H1). The "air-pollution" and "crash-risk and air-pollution" messages were expected to be more effective than the "crash-risk" message on the behavioral intention to observe speed limits (H2a) and on the perceived efficacy of speed-limit observance in reducing air-pollution (H2b; Studies 1 and 2). Furthermore, positive framing w...

Aggregate crash prediction models: Introducing crash generation concept.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:26:06 +0100

The objective of this research study is to develop a series of aggregate crash prediction models (ACPM) that are consistent with the trip generation step of the conventional four-step demand models. The concept of crash generation models (CGMs) is introduced utilizing trip generation data in a generalized linear regression with the assumption of a negative binomial error structure. The relationship of crash frequencies in traffic analysis zones (TAZ) and number of trips generated by purpose is investigated. This translates into immediate checking of the impact of future trip generations on crash frequencies in comprehensive transportation-planning studies (i.e. ability to forecast crashes at each time-step trips are being forecasted). A good relation was seen between crash frequency and nu...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Occupational injuries among emergency responders

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Emergency responders frequently incur injuries while providing medical, fire, and law enforcement services. National surveillance systems provide fragmented perspectives on responder injuries because they omit specific classes of workers (e.g., government or volunteers); they report only selected injuries; and employment information is incomplete.We characterized injuries among emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, and police occupations by using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System - Occupational Supplement (NEISS-Work) for injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2000-2001.Sprains and strains were the leading injury (33-41%) among EMS, firefighter, and police occupations. Police officers and career firefighters had the highest injury ra...

Agricultural tractor overturn deaths: Assessment of trends and risk factors

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Tractor overturn deaths have been recognized as a public health concern for decades. Studies have reported on the hazards associated with tractor overturns, but none have reported on trends in tractor overturn fatality rates in the United States (US).Tractor overturn fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries were used in Poisson regression models to: identify risk factors associated with overturn fatalities; examine trends in tractor overturn fatality rates between 1992 and 2007; and assess trends in overturn fatality rates for specific risk factors.Characteristics found to be associated with tractor overturn fatality rates were age, type of farm, region, and the victim's relationship to the farm (P < 0.0001). Older age groups, crop farms, farm...

Asthma and lower respiratory symptoms in New York State employees who responded to the World Trade Center disaster

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:54:15 +0100

Conclusions Moderately exposed responders may experience health impacts from exposures in later stages of a disaster. Exposure to smoke may have had a greater lower respiratory impact than resuspended dust. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0474-xAuthors Matthew P. Mauer, New York State Department of Health Bureau of Occupational Health, Center for Environmental Health Flanigan Square, Room 230, 547 River Street Troy NY 12180 USAMichele L. Herdt-Losavio, New York State Department of Health Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Center for Environmental Health Troy NY USAG. Anders Carlson, New York State Department of Health Division of Environmental Health Investigation, Center for Environmental Health Troy NY U...

Effects of the viewing context on target detection. Implications for road lighting design.

Applied Ergonomics — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mayeur A, Brémond R, Christian Bastien JM The Small Target Visibility (STV) model is the main model used to assess the quality of road lighting installations (IESNA, 2000). However, this model is based on a simple detection task in foveal vision using psychophysical data from laboratory conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a complex background and apparent motion on target detection performance in mesopic vision, for three luminance contrasts, with reference to the STV scenario. To do so, participants were invited to detect standard square targets varying in terms of contrast presented in three Conditions: a uniform background, still images, and a video. Luminance levels were chosen in the mesopic domain relevant for road lighting at night. ...

Gender moderates the health-effects of job strain in managers

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:14:40 +0100

Conclusions In managers, gender moderates the health-related effects of the psychosocial work environment. The gender-dependent effects of the DCS model may play a crucial role in the understanding of female managers’ adverse health perceptions. Increasing social support for female managers may help to overcome gender inequalities in management positions. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0477-7Authors M. C. Gadinger, Mannheim Institute for Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 7-11 68167 Mannheim GermanyJ. E. Fischer, Mannheim Institute for Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 7-11 68167 Mannheim GermanyS. Schneider, Mannheim Institute for Public Health, Social and ...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Focusing ethical dilemmas of evidence-based practice in SMF-exposed MRI-workers: a qualitative analysis

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:14:37 +0100

Conclusions The analysis shows that the decision-making process aiming at the provision of evidence-based health surveillance to SMF-exposed workers is characterized by controversial ethical costs and ethical benefits for workers and the other stakeholders. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0476-8Authors Giuliano Franco, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia Dipartimento di Medicine e delle specialità mediche Largo del Pozzo 71-41100 Modena ItalyErika Mora, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia Dipartimento di Medicine e delle specialità mediche Largo del Pozzo 71-41100 Modena ItalyRiccardo Perduri, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia Dipartimento di Medicine e delle specialità mediche Largo del Pozzo 71-41100 Modena Italy...

Work-related fatigue: the specific case of highly educated women in the Netherlands

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:14:35 +0100

Conclusion NFR has high prevalence in highly educated women (35.2%) in particular those aged 50–64 years (40.3%). Our model did not explain gender differences in NFR, because working fewer hours counterbalanced the effects of lower autonomy and external workplace violence. Our model, in particular time pressure, largely explained differences in NFR between women at different education levels. Age differences in the prevalence of high NFR among highly educated women’s were fully explained by our model. Main factors were lower health ratings, adverse working conditions, and working as a teacher. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0481-yAuthors Petra Verdonk, Maastricht University Caphri, Social Medicine Universiteitssi...

Characterization of initial clinical symptoms and risk factors for sinonasal adenocarcinomas: results of a case–control study

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:09:10 +0100

Conclusions Our investigation confirms the importance of regular screenings for persons exposed to wood dust even years after the end of occupational or private exposure. Banal clinical symptoms such as epistaxis and nasal obstruction might be predictive, requiring early and thorough investigation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0479-5Authors Susanne Ingrid Mayr, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Waldstraße 1 91054 Erlangen GermanyKamber Hafizovic, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Waldstraße 1 91054 Erlangen GermanyFrank Waldfahrer, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremb...

Psychoactive substances consumption in French fishermen and merchant seamen

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:09:09 +0100

Conclusions Alcohol and tobacco consumption are a major public health problem for seafarers. Fishermen seem to be more liable to high consumption. Working conditions may explain these differences. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0473-yAuthors Emmanuel Fort, Université de Lyon 69003 Lyon FranceAmélie Massardier-Pilonchéry, Université de Lyon 69003 Lyon FranceAlain Bergeret, Université de Lyon 69003 Lyon France Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131 (Source: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health)

Exposure of children to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Mexico: assessment of multiple sources

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:09:09 +0100

Conclusions Considering our results and taking into account that millions of children in Mexico are living in scenarios similar to those studied in this work, the assessment of health effects in children exposed to PAHs is urgently needed; furthermore, PAHs have to be declared contaminants of concern at a national level. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0482-xAuthors Rebeca I. Martínez-Salinas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí Departamento de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2405 78210 San Luis Potosí, S.L.P. MexicoM. Elena Leal, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí Departamento de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2405 78210 San Lu...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

The influence of design aesthetics in usability testing: Effects on user performance and perceived usability.

Applied Ergonomics — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This article examined the effects of product aesthetics on several outcome variables in usability tests. Employing a computer simulation of a mobile phone, 60 adolescents (14-17 yrs) were asked to complete a number of typical tasks of mobile phone users. Two functionally identical mobile phones were manipulated with regard to their visual appearance (highly appealing vs not appealing) to determine the influence of appearance on perceived usability, performance measures and perceived attractiveness. The results showed that participants using the highly appealing phone rated their appliance as being more usable than participants operating the unappealing model. Furthermore, the visual appearance of the phone had a positive effect on performance, leading to reduced task completion times for t...

Milwaukee Police Department Retirees.

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study explored the self-reported prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and accompanying risk factors among 165 male retirees 43 years and older (M = 56.2, SD = 7.1) from the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) compared to 671 individuals of similar age and income who responded to the 2005 Wisconsin Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). CVD and other risk factors were more prevalent in the MPD retirees than the general population (CVD 15.2% vs. 9.5%, p = .036; hypertension 51.5% vs. 36.2%, p = .001; hypercholesterolemia 62.4% vs. 44.4%, p = .001; overweight and obesity 85.1% vs. 74.7%, p = .005). In addition, other factors associated with CVD prevalence included working in law enforcement (odds ratio = 1.70; 95% confidence interval = 1.03 to 2.79). Results suggest an a...

Factors Affecting Thai Workers' Use of Hearing Protection.

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study used an ecological model to examine Thai workers' beliefs and attitudes toward using occupational hearing protection. Data collection involved focus group sessions with 28 noise-exposed workers at four factories in Chiang Mai Province and an interview with a safety officer at each organization. Detailed content analysis resulted in the identification of three types of factors influencing the use of hearing protection: intrapersonal, including preventing impaired hearing, noise annoyance, personal discomfort, and interference with communication; interpersonal, including coworker modeling, supervisor support, and supervisor modeling; and organizational, including organizational rules and regulations, provision of hearing protection devices, dissemination of knowledge and informati...

Effect of borax on immune cell proliferation and sister chromatid exchange in human chromosomes

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Borax is used as a food additive. It becomes toxic when accumulated in the body. It causes vomiting, fatigue and renal failure. Methods: The heparinized blood samples from 40 healthy men were studied for the impact of borax toxicity on immune cell proliferation (lymphocyte proliferation) and sister chromatid exchange in human chromosomes. The MTT assay and Sister Chromatid Exchange (SCE) technic were used in this experiment with the borax concentrations of 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.6 mg/ml. Results: It showed that the immune cell proliferation (lymphocyte proliferation) was decreased when the concentrations of borax increased. The borax concentration of 0.6 mg/ml had the most effectiveness to the lymphocyte proliferation and had the highest cytotoxicity index (CI). The borax co...

Effectiveness of the training program for workers at construction sites of the high-speed railway line between Torino and Novara: Impact on injury rates

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

There are very few published studies evaluating the impact of safety and health training on injury outcomes in the construction industry. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the training program on injury rates at a major railway construction project.The population consisted of 2,795 workers involved in a safety training program at the construction sites of the high-speed railway line Torino-Novara. Two types of analyses were carried out in order to assess the effectiveness of the training program in reducing the number of injuries: (i) a pre-post analysis, which took into account the fact that workers were enrolled at different times and the training intervention did not occur at the same time for all subjects; (ii) an interrupted time-series model, which corrected for the t...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Residential air exchange rates in three major US metropolitan areas: results from the Relationship Among Indoor, Outdoor, and Personal Air Study 1999–2001

Indoor Air — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We report approximately 500 indoor[ndash]outdoor air exchange rate (AER) calculations based on measurements conducted in residences in three US metropolitan areas in 1999[ndash]2001: Elizabeth, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; and Los Angeles County, California. Overall, a median AER across these urban areas and seasons was 0.71 air changes per hour (ACH, or per hour; n = 509) while median AERs measured in California (n = 182), New Jersey (n = 163), and Texas (n = 164) were 0.87, 0.88, and 0.47 ACH, respectively. In Texas, the measured AERs were lower in the summer cooling season (median = 0.37 ACH) than in the winter heating season (median = 0.63 ACH), likely because of the reported use of room air conditioners as Houston is typically hot and humid during the summer. The measured AERs in Calif...

Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome in Washington State workers' compensation: Utilization of surgery and the duration of lost work

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a leading cause of lengthy disability.This population-based retrospective cohort study used Washington State workers' compensation claims for CTS to characterize associations between utilization of CTS surgery and duration of lost work. The sample included all claims (n = 8,224) filed during 1990-1994 (followed through 2000) and receiving lost-work compensation.Sixty-four percent of studied workers had CTS surgery. Among workers with >1 month of lost work, the total duration was much shorter when workers had surgery, versus those who did not (median 4.3 and 6.2 months, respectively; P < 0.001); there was no difference when disability extended >6 months. When workers had surgery, disability was less likely to end before 6 months if non-CTS condit...

Farmer exposure to organic solvents during the maintenance and repair of farm machinery: A pilot study

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The maintenance/repair of farm machinery is a common farming activity. Dermal exposure to organic solvents has not been well documented. A pilot study was conducted to characterize exposure to organic solvents.A survey questionnaire was administered to 31 Kentucky farmers in 2008. Dermal exposure assessment was conducted in 10 farmers while farmers performed farm machinery maintenance/repair tasks using a solvent sampling patch. Benzene, toluene, xylene, and n-hexane were analyzed.All four organic solvents were identified from the samples with toluene ( (Source: American Journal of Industrial Medicine)

Effectiveness of an occupational health intervention program to reduce whole body vibration exposure: An evaluation study with a controlled pretest-post-test design

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

An effective intervention program aiming to reduce whole body vibration (WBV) exposure at work will reduce the number of low back complaints in the near future.An evaluation study with a controlled pretest-post-test design. Nine companies and 126 drivers were included in the study. Cluster randomization on company level divided the drivers and their employers in an intervention group and a "care-as-usual" group. At baseline (T0) and intervention program was implemented and evaluated after 7 months (T1). The main outcome measure was WBV exposure. Process measures included knowledge, attitude, and (intended) behavior towards reduction of WBV exposure for the drivers and knowledge and WBV policy for the employers.At T1, no significant reduction was found in WBV exposure within both groups com...

Incidence of tuberculosis and HIV and progression of silicosis and lung function impairment among former basotho gold miners

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV incidence, mortality, and the progression of silicosis and lung function impairment are described over a 1-year period in migrant ex-gold miners from Lesotho.Seven hundred seventy-nine Basotho miners were followed for 1 year starting 18 months after lay-off from a South African gold mine in 1998. At baseline and follow-up, they underwent a respiratory symptom interview, physical examination, HIV test, chest radiograph, and spirometry.Five hundred thirteen of 779 (65.9%) participants attended both baseline and follow-up visits. HIV incidence was 5.4/100 person-years (95% CI: 3.4-8.2). Prevalence of silicosis (ILO score [ge]1/1) was 26.6% at baseline and 27.0% at follow-up. Active tuberculosis diagnosed at baseline was a strong predictor of radiological progres...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Organic compound characterization and source apportionment of indoor and outdoor quasi-ultrafine particulate matter in retirement homes of the Los Angeles Basin

Indoor Air — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract Quasi-ultrafine (quasi-UF) particulate matter (PM0.25) and its components were measured in indoor and outdoor environments at four retirement communities in Los Angeles Basin, California, as part of the Cardiovascular Health and Air Pollution Study (CHAPS). The present paper focuses on the characterization of the sources, organic constituents and indoor and outdoor relationships of quasi-UF PM. The average indoor/outdoor ratios of most of the measured polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hopanes, and steranes were close to or slightly lower than 1, and the corresponding indoor[ndash]outdoor correlation coefficients (R) were always positive and, for the most part, moderately strong (median R was 0.60 for PAHs and 0.74 for hopanes and steranes). This may reflect the possible imp...

Karl-Heinz Schaller awarded with Franz Koelsch Medal 2009

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:59:33 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory AcknowledgementDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0470-1Authors Hans Drexler, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine Schillerstr. 25 and 29 91054 Erlangen Germany Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131 (Source: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health)

Utility of the RT3 triaxial accelerometer in free living: An investigation of adherence and data loss.

Applied Ergonomics — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study investigated user perceptions, adherence to minimal wear time and loss of data when using the RT3 activity monitor in 21 healthy adults, in a variety of occupations, over three (7 day) repeated weeks of measurement in free living. An activity diary verified each day of monitoring and a utility questionnaire explored participant perceptions on the usability of the RT3. The RT3 was worn for an average of 14h daily with 90% of participants having complete data sets. In total 6535.8 and 6092.5h of activity data were collected from the activity diary and the RT3 respectively. An estimated 443.3h (6.7%) of activity data were not recorded by the RT3. Data loss was primarily due to battery malfunction (45.2%). Non-adherence to wear time accounted for 169.5h (38.2%) of data loss, of whic...

Development of an intervention to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders among hospital nurses based on the participatory approach.

Applied Ergonomics — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kim SL, Lee JE The participatory approach has been widely used to improve the work environment. The purpose of this study was to develop an intervention to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders in hospital nurses using the participatory approach. Based on the Participatory Action Oriented Training (PAOT) approach, the multidisciplinary team conducted the trainer workshop to develop a comprehensive intervention protocol, which yielded several practical and low-cost solutions to reduce the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Structured tools that were focused on the hospital environment were developed. The developed action checklist consisted of 43 items that were focused on five areas of nursing tasks (i.e., patient care and treatment; safe handling of drugs, m...

Changes in physical performance among construction workers during extended workweeks with 12-hour workdays

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:59:38 +0100

Conclusion No trends of decreased physical performance were found after a workday or a work period. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0471-0Authors Anne Faber, National Research Centre for the Working Environment Lersø Park Alle 105 2100 Kbh Ø Copenhagen DenmarkJesper Strøyer, National Research Centre for the Working Environment Lersø Park Alle 105 2100 Kbh Ø Copenhagen DenmarkNis Hjortskov, National Research Centre for the Working Environment Lersø Park Alle 105 2100 Kbh Ø Copenhagen DenmarkBente Schibye, National Research Centre for the Working Environment Lersø Park Alle 105 2100 Kbh Ø Copenhagen Denmark Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal discomfort in New Zealand veterinarians.

Applied Ergonomics — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Scuffham AM, Legg SJ, Firth EC, Stevenson MA A cross-sectional study using a modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire asked 867 New Zealand veterinarians about the presence or absence of musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD). Participants were asked if MSD affected their normal activities and if it required any period(s) of absence from work. Additional questions enquired about work activities, psychosocial factors and workload. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to quantify the association between identified risk factors and the presence of MSD requiring absence from work in the previous 12 months, controlling for the presence of known confounders. The overall period prevalence of MSD was 96%, 67% had normal activities being affected and 18% of participants report...

Limited economic evaluation to assess the effectiveness of a university-wide office ergonomics program.

Applied Ergonomics — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness and provide a limited economic evaluation of an office ergonomics program at a major university from 1995 to 2007. The relationship between office-related recordable injuries, reported lost time, severity of these injuries, and the Workers' Compensation (WC) paid was analyzed and the corresponding incident cost was calculated. Two major datasets analyzed were OSHA 200/300 logs (1991-2007) and WC claims paid (1999-2007). Since the beginning of the office ergonomics program in 1995 and through 2007 (13-year period), the number of office cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) cases decreased by 53%. Since the official start (in 1999) of a 50-50 cost share agreement for office equipment purchases between the university's Safety and Hea...

Occupational injuries among aides and nurses in acute care

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Occupational injuries are common among nursing personnel. Most epidemiologic research on nursing aides comes from long-term care settings. Reports from acute care settings often combine data on nurses and aides even though their job requirements and personal characteristics are quite different. Our objective was to assess risk of work-related injuries in an acute care setting while contrasting injuries of aides and nurses.A retrospective cohort of aides (n = 1,689) and nurses (n = 5,082) working in acute care at a large healthcare system between 1997 and 2004 were identified via personnel records. Workers' compensation filings were used to ascertain occupational injuries. Poisson regression was used to estimate rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).Aides had higher overall...

Beyond work and family: A measure of work/nonwork interference and enhancement.

Journal of Occupational Health Psychology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:55 +0100

Though early research on the work/nonwork interface was broader in scope, most recent research has focused on the interface between work and family. There is a need for an inclusive, validated measure of work/nonwork interference and enhancement that is appropriate for all workers regardless of their marital or family life status. The authors report here on 3 studies in which they develop a theoretically grounded and empirically validated multidimensional, bidirectional measure of work/nonwork interference and enhancement. All scale items refer to work/nonwork, whereas previous measures have mixed work/family and work/nonwork items or emphasize family roles in the nonwork domain. Quantitative analysis of the scale items yielded 17 items to measure work interference with personal life, pers...

Effects of work–family conflict on employees’ well-being: The moderating role of recovery strategies.

Journal of Occupational Health Psychology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:55 +0100

Based on the effort-recovery model, this study links work–family conflict (WFC) and family–work conflict (FWC) with the concept of recovery. The authors hypothesize that 2 recovery strategies—psychological detachment from work and verbal expression of emotions—moderate the relationship of these 2 types of conflict with 2 indicators of well-being, namely psychological strain and life satisfaction. For our sample of 128 emergency professionals from Spain, psychological detachment from work moderated the relationship between WFC and psychological strain, and between FWC and life satisfaction. Verbal expression of emotions moderated the relationship between both types of conflict and psychological strain. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: Journal of ...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Structure and correlates of spillover from nonwork to work: An examination of nonwork activities, well-being, and work outcomes.

Journal of Occupational Health Psychology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:55 +0100

Employees today are involved in many different types of activities outside of work, including family, volunteering, leisure, and so on. The purpose of this study was to understand how participation in such nonwork activities can both enrich and interfere with well-being and behavior at work. Four dimensions of nonwork-to-work spillover were examined to better understand this process (i.e., positive emotional, negative emotional, positive behavioral, and negative behavioral). Survey data were collected in 2 waves from 293 staff and faculty members of a large Canadian university (N = 108 matched surveys from both waves). We found that volunteering is associated with increased well-being and work satisfaction, and that it creates positive emotional and behavioral, and negative behavioral spil...

The economic impact of work and family issues: Child care satisfaction and financial considerations of employed mothers.

Journal of Occupational Health Psychology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:55 +0100

This article introduces the role of financial considerations into work–family research by considering the costs and benefits of employed mothers’ child care satisfaction. Data from 2 samples offer empirical support for the addition of a fourth factor to a current measure of child care satisfaction so that the measure reflects mothers’ satisfaction not only with caregiver attentiveness, communication, and dependability but also with child care-related financial considerations. This article also discusses relationships between child care satisfaction and work–family conflict and job satisfaction for this population. The results of this study provide both organizations and child care providers with a broader picture of the concerns that employed mothers face as they search for reliabl...

Sexual harassment and health among male and female police officers.

Journal of Occupational Health Psychology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:55 +0100

The aims of this study were to investigate whether sexual harassment is related to mental and physical health of both men and women, and to explore the possible moderating effects of gender on the relation between sexual harassment and health. In addition, we investigated whether women were more often bothered by sexual harassment than men, and whether victims who report being bothered by the harassment experience more health problems compared to victims who did not feel bothered. A representative sample of 3,001 policemen and 1,295 policewomen in the Dutch police force filled out an Internet questionnaire. It appeared that women were more often bothered by sexual harassment than men, but gender did not moderate the relation between sexual harassment and mental and physical health. In addi...

Bridge employment and retirees’ health: A longitudinal investigation.

Journal of Occupational Health Psychology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:55 +0100

The present study examined the relationship between bridge employment and retirees’ health outcomes (i.e., major diseases, functional limitations, and mental health). We used a nationally representative sample of 12,189 retirees from the first 4 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that compared with full retirement, engaging in bridge employment either in a career field or in a different field was associated with fewer major diseases and functional limitations, whereas engaging in career bridge employment was associated with better mental health. The findings highlight the health benefits of engaging in bridge employment for retirees. The practical implications of this study are discussed at both the individual and policy levels. Limitations ...

The association of distress and sleeping problems with physicians’ intentions to change profession: The moderating effect of job control.

Journal of Occupational Health Psychology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:54 +0100

The present study examined whether job control moderated the association between stress indicators (distress and sleeping problems) and intentions to change profession among 2,650 Finnish physicians. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was applied. The authors found that high levels of distress and sleeping problems were associated with higher levels of intentions to change profession, whereas high job control was associated with lower levels of intentions to change profession even after adjusting for the effects of gender, age, and employment sector. In addition, high job control was able to mitigate the positive association that distress and sleeping problems had with intentions to change profession. Our findings highlight the importance of offering more job control to physicians to pre...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Workload, control, and social support effects on serum lipids: A longitudinal study among apparently healthy employed adults.

Journal of Occupational Health Psychology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:54 +0100

The authors investigated the direct and interactive effects of the job demand– control–support (JDC-S) model’s components on subsequent changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides (TRI) separately for male and female employees. In contrast to all 14 past studies on these relationships, the authors used a longitudinal design. Study participants (N = 1,137, 66% men) were all apparently healthy employees who underwent a routine health check at 2 points in time (Time 1 and Time 2) about 22 months apart. In these analyses, the authors controlled for the Time 1 level of each criterion and for other confounders. Most of the direct and moderating effects found did not support the predictions of the JDC-S model; this finding is in ag...

Effectiveness of an ergonomic intervention on work-related posture and low back pain in video display terminal operators: A 3 year cross-over trial.

Applied Ergonomics — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our findings contribute to the evidence that individualized ergonomic interventions may be able to improve work-related posture and reduce LBP for VDT workers. PMID: 19853837 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied Ergonomics)

Occupational obstructive airway diseases caused by the natural gas odorant tetrahydrothiophene - two case reports

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Tetrahydrothiophene (THT) is frequently used to odorize natural (city) gas. Only sparse data on adverse health effects of THT on humans are available.We performed a literature search and clinical investigations including case history and cardiopulmonary diagnostic tests in two symptomatic THT-exposed outpatients.The two THT-exposed city workers developed transient neurologic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, as well as skin and mucosa irritation, chronic rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arterial hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmia. The neurological symptoms and respiratory disorders were found to be caused by intermittently high THT exposures. In favor of a causal relationship were severe work-related neurological and respiratory symptoms in previously healthy ...

Assessing the contribution of working conditions to socioeconomic disparities in health: A commentary

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Occupational health researchers can play a pivotal role in increasing our understanding of the role of physical and psychosocial working conditions in producing socioeconomic health disparities and trends of increasing socioeconomic health disparities, contributing to interventions to reduce such disparities, and helping to improve public education materials on this subject. However, a number of methodological challenges in this field need to be considered.Commentary, including a review of selected studies.Research needs to be guided by models of the associations between social (socioeconomic position (SEP), race/ethnicity, immigration status, and gender) and occupational variables and health, to avoid inappropriate control for confounding, and to specify causal pathways (mediation) and in...

Excessive longitudinal FEV1 decline and risks to future health: A case-control study

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Accelerated loss of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in an individual is considered an indicator of developing lung disease.We investigated longitudinal FEV1 slopes, calculated by simple linear regression, and adverse health outcomes after 10-30 years, among 1,428 chemical plant workers. Cases were defined by FEV1 slopes below 5th percentile values for the cohort. Cases were matched with controls (107 pairs) for race, gender, smoking status, year of birth, age, height, and calendar year at first test. Matched pair statistics were used for comparisons.Cases had a higher proportion, compared to controls, of diagnosis of COPD or emphysema (17.8% vs. 1.9%, P = 0.0002), medication use for respiratory diseases (24.3% vs. 4.7%, P < 0.0001), dyspnea (15% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.0042), and wheezing o...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

The interplay between physical activity at work and during leisure time - risk of ischemic heart disease and all-cause mortality in middle-aged Caucasian men.

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: We did not find support for the hypothesis that a high level of physical activity during leisure time increases the risk of IHD mortality among men with high physical work demands and with no pre-existing clinical cardiovascular disease. In contrast, moderate and high levels of activity during leisure time seemed to be protective against IHD mortality among people with medium and high physical activity at work. PMID: 19851700 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health)

Ergonomic assessment of the posture of surgeons performing endoscopic transurethral resections in urology

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: From an ergonomic point of view, application of the video-assisted resection method should be preferred in transurethral endoscopic operations in order to prevent awkward postures of the surgeons and to limit muscular strain and fatigue. Furthermore, the application of the monitor method enables the use of a chair equipped with back support and armrests and benefits the reduction of postural stress. (Source: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology)

Environmental epidemiology study methods and application

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:42 +0100

(Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Biomass fuel use and indoor air pollution in homes in Malawi

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

Conclusions: Indoor air pollution levels in Malawian homes are high. Further investigation is justified because the levels that we have demonstrated are hazardous and are likely to be damaging to health. Interventions should be sought to reduce exposure to concentrations less harmful to health. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Association between passive jobs and low levels of leisure-time physical activity: the Whitehall II cohort study

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that working in passive jobs may encourage a passive lifestyle in men. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Population-based asbestosis surveillance in British Columbia

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

Conclusions: Single data sources were not sufficient to identify all new cases, thus leading to serious underestimations of the true burden of asbestosis. Integrating multiple health data sources could provide a more complete picture in population-based surveillance of asbestosis and other occupational diseases. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

A cross-sectional study among detergent workers exposed to liquid detergent enzymes

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

Conclusions: Workers exposed to liquid detergent enzymes are at risk of developing sensitisation (14%) and respiratory allergy. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Detergent protease exposure and respiratory disease: case-referent analysis of a retrospective cohort

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

Conclusions: These findings provide strong evidence of an association between detergent enzyme exposure and the development of respiratory disease in an occupational setting. Using the routinely collected information on specific sensitisation and the close attention to workplace exposures that are characteristic of this industry, it should be possible to derive meaningful occupational exposure standards for most detergent enzymes. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Associations of long- and short-term air pollution exposure with markers of inflammation and coagulation in a population sample

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

Conclusions: Our results suggest that exposure to moderate levels of air pollution may influence serum levels of inflammatory markers. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Exposure-response relationship between lung cancer and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

Conclusion: Despite the large cohort with long follow-up, the shape of the exposure–response function and the mode of combination of risks due to occupational PAH and smoking remains uncertain. If a linear exposure–response function is assumed, the estimated slope is broadly in line with the estimate from a previous follow-up of the same cohort, and somewhat higher than the average found in a recent meta-analysis of lung cancer studies. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Regression models for public health surveillance data: a simulation study

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

Conclusion: When overdispersion is detected in a Poisson regression model, the NB2 model should be fit as an alternative. If there is no longer overdispersion, then the NB2 results may be preferred. However, it is important to remember that NB2 cannot correct for bias from omitted covariates or from using an incorrect offset. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Cancer mortality and congenital anomalies in a region of Italy with intense environmental pressure due to waste

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

Conclusion: Although the causal nature of the association is uncertain, findings support the hypothesis that waste-related environmental exposures in Campania produce increased risks of mortality and, to a lesser extent, CAs. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Rhinitis associated with pesticide exposure among commercial pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

Conclusions: Exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of rhinitis. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

An improved estimate of the quantitative relationship between polycyclic hydrocarbons and lung cancer

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

(Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Deciphering the clinical spectrum of occupational rhinitis

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

(Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Predicting occupational diseases

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:01:41 +0100

(Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Ergonomic evaluation and redesign of children bicycles based on anthropometric data.

Applied Ergonomics — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Laios L, Giannatsis J Proper bicycle fit is very important for cycling performance, efficiency, comfort and injury prevention. This is especially true in the case of children cyclists that do not have the necessary cycling experience, balance and the fully developed musculoskeletal system of the adults. Bicycle fit depends on both the design and dimensions of the bicycle as well as on the anthropometric dimensions of the cyclist. In the present paper a case study concerning the ergonomic evaluation and redesign of a series of bicycles for children and teenagers 7-14 years old is presented. The study has been commissioned by a major Greek bicycle manufacturer who wanted to gain competitive advantage by introducing new anthropometrically-designed bicycles. Employing virtual mode...

Lack of correlation between cadmium level in local brown rice and renal failure mortality among the residents: a nation-wide analysis in Japan

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:52:41 +0100

Conclusions No evidence was obtained in the present analysis to suggest that either mortality as a whole or the mortality due to renal failure is affected by dietary intake of Cd in rice. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0472-zAuthors Naoru Koizumi, Geroge Mason University School of Public Policy Arlington VA 22201 USAFumiko Ohashi, Kyoto Industrial Health Association 67 Nishinokyo-Kitatsuboicho, Nakagyo-ku Kyoto 604-8472 JapanMasayuki Ikeda, Kyoto Industrial Health Association 67 Nishinokyo-Kitatsuboicho, Nakagyo-ku Kyoto 604-8472 Japan Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131 (Source: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health...

Validity of new biomarkers of internal dose for use in the biological monitoring of occupational and environmental exposure to low concentrations of benzene and toluene

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:06 +0100

Conclusions Our research confirmed the validity of t,t-MA and SPMA for use in the biological monitoring of exposure to low concentrations of benzene. Urinary benzene showed comparable validity to SPMA; both parameters are affected by smoking cigarettes in the hours before urine collection, so it is best to ask subjects to refrain from smoking for 2 h before urine collection. Urinary toluene was found to be a more specific biomarker than SBMA. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0469-7Authors Piero Lovreglio, University of Bari Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Medicina Pubblica, Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro “E.C. Vigliani” Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11 70124 Bari ItalyAnna Barbieri, University of Bologna Dip...

Information and feedback to improve occupational physicians’ reporting of occupational diseases: a randomised controlled trial

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:06 +0100

Conclusions This study supports the concept that contemplators are more susceptible to receiving information but could not confirm an effect of stage-matching this information on reporting occupational diseases to the national registry. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0468-8Authors Annet F. Lenderink, University of Amsterdam Netherlands Centre for Occupational Diseases, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC) PO Box 22660 1100 DD Amsterdam The NetherlandsDick Spreeuwers, University of Amsterdam Netherlands Centre for Occupational Diseases, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center (AMC) PO Box 22660 1100 DD Amsterdam The NetherlandsJac J. L. van der Klink, University of ...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Influence of environmental characteristics and climatic factors on mites in the dust of air-conditioner filters

Indoor Air — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, we find that the storage mite Tarsonemus granarius is the predominant species of mites in the dust of air-conditioner filters (MACF). Thus, the possible clinical importance of T. granarius should cause more our attentions in the future. The abundance and distribution of MACF are also found significantly varied in different climatic regions of China. When we try to assess the possible risk of MACF, more attentions should be focused on subtropical region than temperate region. The influence analysis of environmental characteristics on the prevalence of MACF will shed light on the establishment of mite control strategy and the design of mite defense air-conditioner. (Source: Indoor Air)

Accident modelling and prevention at ESREL 2006.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:30 +0100

Authors: Guedes Soares C, Zio E PMID: 19819360 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Accident; Analysis and Prevention.)

A systemic analysis of the Edge Hill railway accident.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:28 +0100

Authors: Santos-Reyes J, Beard AN The Edge Hill railway accident occurred on Sunday 9 May 1999 in Liverpool, England. An Engineers' scrap train struck a plant quality supervisor. This paper presents the results of a systemic analysis of the accident. The methodology has been to compare the features of the Edge Hill accident with the structural organization (i.e. systems 1-5) of a Systemic Safety Management System (SSMS) model, which has been constructed by employing the concepts of systems. A number of systemic failures have come to light. The findings are related to causal factors of failure of systems 1-5 as well as missing channels of communication amongst those involved in the maintenance work. It is hoped that this systemic analysis will help to identify 'learning points', which a...

Accident sequence analysis for sites producing and storing explosives.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:25 +0100

Authors: Papazoglou IA, Aneziris O, Konstandinidou M, Giakoumatos I This paper presents a QRA-based approach for assessing and evaluating the safety of installations handling explosive substances. Comprehensive generic lists of immediate causes and initiating events of detonation and deflagration of explosive substances as well as safety measures preventing these explosions are developed. Initiating events and corresponding measures are grouped under the more general categories of explosion due to shock wave, explosion due to mechanical energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, chemical energy, and electromagnetic radiation. Generic accident sequences are developed using Event Trees. This analysis is adapted to plant-specific conditions and potentially additional protective measures a...

Aviation safety and maintenance under major organizational changes, investigating non-existing accidents.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:23 +0100

The objective of this paper is to discuss the following questions: Do concurrent organizational changes have a direct impact on aviation maintenance and safety, if so, how can this be measured? These questions were part of the investigation carried out by the Accident Investigation Board, Norway (AIBN). The AIBN investigated whether Norwegian aviation safety had been affected due to major organizational changes between 2000 and 2004. The main concern was the reduction in safety margins and its consequences. This paper presents a summary of the techniques used and explains how they were applied in three airlines and by two offshore helicopter operators. The paper also discusses the development of safety related indicators in the aviation industry. In addition, there is a summary of the less...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Effect of DGPS failures on dynamic positioning of mobile drilling units in the North Sea.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:20 +0100

Authors: Chen H, Moan T, Verhoeven H Basic features of differential global positioning system (DGPS), and its operational configuration on dynamically positioned (DP) mobile offshore drilling units in the North Sea are described. Generic failure modes of DGPS are discussed, and a critical DGPS failure which has the potential to cause drive-off for mobile drilling units is identified. It is the simultaneous erroneous position data from two DGPS's. Barrier method is used to analyze this critical DGPS failure. Barrier elements to prevent this failure are identified. Deficiencies of each barrier element are revealed based on the incidents and operational experiences in the North Sea. Recommendations to strengthen these barrier elements, i.e. to prevent erroneous position data from DGPS, ar...

Combining task analysis and fault tree analysis for accident and incident analysis: A case study from Bulgaria.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:18 +0100

Authors: Doytchev DE, Szwillus G Understanding the reasons for incident and accident occurrence is important for an organization's safety. Different methods have been developed to achieve this goal. To better understand the human behaviour in incident occurrence we propose an analysis concept that combines Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Task Analysis (TA). The former method identifies the root causes of an accident/incident, while the latter analyses the way people perform the tasks in their work environment and how they interact with machines or colleagues. These methods were complemented with the use of the Human Error Identification in System Tools (HEIST) methodology and the concept of Performance Shaping Factors (PSF) to deepen the insight into the error modes of an operator's beha...

Identification and classification of dynamic event tree scenarios via possibilistic clustering: Application to a steam generator tube rupture event.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:15 +0100

Authors: Mercurio D, Podofillini L, Zio E, Dang VN This paper illustrates a method to identify and classify scenarios generated in a dynamic event tree (DET) analysis. Identification and classification are carried out by means of an evolutionary possibilistic fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm which takes into account not only the final system states but also the timing of the events and the process evolution. An application is considered with regards to the scenarios generated following a steam generator tube rupture in a nuclear power plant. The scenarios are generated by the accident dynamic simulator (ADS), coupled to a RELAP code that simulates the thermo-hydraulic behavior of the plant and to an operators' crew model, which simulates their cognitive and procedures-guided response...

Cross-analysis of hazmat road accidents using multiple databases.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:12 +0100

Authors: Trépanier M, Leroux MH, de Marcellis-Warin N Road selection for hazardous materials transportation relies heavily on risk analysis. With risk being generally expressed as a product of the probability of occurrence and the expected consequence, one will understand that risk analysis is data intensive. However, various authors have noticed the lack of statistical reliability of hazmat accident databases due to the systematic underreporting of such events. Also, official accident databases alone are not always providing all the information required (economical impact, road conditions, etc.). In this paper, we attempt to integrate many data sources to analyze hazmat accidents in the province of Quebec, Canada. Databases on dangerous goods accidents, road accidents and work ac...

Preliminary study on the transport of hazardous materials through tunnels.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:10 +0100

Authors: Bubbico R, Di Cave S, Mazzarotta B, Silvetti B The risk associated to road and rail transportation of some hazardous materials along two routes, one including a significant portion in tunnels, and the other following the same path, but running completely in the open, is assessed. The results show that, for rail transport, no particular risk increase or mitigation is associated to the circulation of the dangerous goods through tunnels; on the contrary, for road transport, a risk increase is generally observed in the presence of tunnels. However, for LPG, the risk curve in the open lies above that in tunnels in the high frequency-low fatality zone, according to the different evolution of the accidental scenarios in the tunnel (assuming no ventilation). The transportation of liqu...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

The assessment of the damage probability of storage tanks in domino events triggered by fire.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:07 +0100

Authors: Landucci G, Gubinelli G, Antonioni G, Cozzani V An approach aimed to the quantitative assessment of the risk caused by escalation scenarios triggered by fire was developed. Simplified models for the estimation of the vessel time to failure (ttf) with respect to the radiation intensity on the vessel shell were obtained using a multi-level approach to the analysis of vessel wall failure under different fire conditions. Each vessel "time to failure" calculated by this approach for the specific fire scenario of concern was compared to a reference time required for effective mitigation actions and related to the escalation probability. The failure probability of each vessel was correlated to the probability of scenarios involving multiple vessel failure as a consequence of the prim...

The development of an inherent safety approach to the prevention of domino accidents.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:36:05 +0100

Authors: Cozzani V, Tugnoli A, Salzano E The severity of industrial accidents in which a domino effect takes place is well known in the chemical and process industry. The application of an inherent safety approach for the prevention of escalation events leading to domino accidents was explored in the present study. Reference primary scenarios were analyzed and escalation vectors were defined. Inherent safety distances were defined and proposed as a metric to express the intensity of the escalation vectors. Simple rules of thumb were presented for a preliminary screening of these distances. Swift reference indices for layout screening with respect to escalation hazard were also defined. Two case studies derived from existing layouts of oil refineries were selected to understand the pote...

The Design with Intent Method: A design tool for influencing user behaviour.

Applied Ergonomics — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This article presents the Design with Intent Method, an innovation tool for designers working in this area, illustrated via application to an everyday human-technology interaction problem: reducing the likelihood of a customer leaving his or her card in an automatic teller machine. The example application results in a range of feasible design concepts which are comparable to existing developments in ATM design, demonstrating that the method has potential for development and application as part of a user-centred design process. PMID: 19822311 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied Ergonomics)

Fate of abstracts presented at an International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) congress - followed by publication in peer-reviewed journals?

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Most of the abstracts presented at the 2000 ICOH congress were not subsequently published as full research reports. If this is the case for most abstracts submitted to conferences, this may limit the ability of a reader to judge the validity, reliability, and generalizability of the research presented. Caution is advised when referencing or generalizing from abstracts that have not been subsequently published in full. PMID: 19851699 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health)