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Occupational Safety (occupational + safety)
Selected AbstractsAsthma and respiratory symptoms in hospital workers related to dampness and biological contaminantsINDOOR AIR, Issue 4 2009J. M. Cox-Ganser Abstract, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health investigated respiratory symptoms and asthma in relation to damp indoor environments in employees of two hospitals. A cluster of six work-related asthma cases from one hospital department, whose symptoms arose during a time of significant water incursions, led us to conduct a survey of respiratory health in 1171/1834 employees working in the sentinel cases hospital and a nearby hospital without known indoor environmental concerns. We carried out observational assessment of dampness, air, chair, and floor dust sampling for biological contaminants, and investigation of exposure-response associations for about 500 participants. Many participants with post-hire onset asthma reported diagnosis dates in a period of water incursions and renovations. Post-hire asthma and work-related lower respiratory symptoms were positively associated with the dampness score. Work-related lower respiratory symptoms showed monotonically increasing odds ratios with ergosterol, a marker of fungal biomass. Other fungal and bacterial indices, particle counts, cat allergen and latex allergen were associated with respiratory symptoms. Our data imply new-onset of asthma in relation to water damage, and indicate that work-related respiratory symptoms in hospital workers may be associated with diverse biological contaminants. [source] Injured Workers' Underreporting in the Health Care Industry: An Analysis Using Quantitative, Qualitative, and Observational DataINDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, Issue 1 2010MONICA GALIZZI Underreporting of occupational injuries was examined in four health care facilities using quantitative, qualitative, and observational data. Occupational Safety and Health Administration logs accounted for only one-third of the workers' compensation records; 45 percent of injured workers followed by survey had workers' compensation claims. Workers reported 63 percent of serious occupational injuries. Underreporting is explained by time pressure and workers' doubts about eligibility, reputation, income loss, and career prospects. Though aware of underreporting, managers subtly believe in workers' moral hazard behaviors. [source] Optimization of double-layer absorbers on constrained sound absorption system by using genetic algorithmINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2005Ying-Chun Chang Abstract As investigated by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in 1970, noise is highly responsible for the psychological and physiological ills to workers. Therefore, the noise control for an enclosed system with high echo effect becomes essential. Besides, the thickness of adopted sound absorber is occasionally constrained for maintenance, the interest in minimizing the noise under space constraint is then arising. In this paper, the shape optimization of double-layer absorber together with genetic algorithm (GA) is presented. Before optimization, one example is tested and compared with the experimental data for accuracy check of mathematical model. Thereafter, a simple optimal program in dealing with pure tone noise of 350 Hz has been pre-run to verify the correctness of genetic algorithm before the design in full band noise being performed. Results show that both the accuracy of mathematical model and the correctness of GA method are acceptable. Consequently, this study may provide a novel scheme with GA in solving the shape optimization of sound absorber on the constrained sound absorption system. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Nonfatal tool- or equipment-related injuries treated in US emergency departments among workers in the construction industry, 1998,2005AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010Hester J. Lipscomb PhD Abstract Background Individuals in the construction industry are exposed to a variety of tools and pieces of equipment as they work. Methods Data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) occupational supplement to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS-Work) were used to characterize tool- and equipment,related injuries among workers in the construction industry that were treated in US emergency departments between 1998 and 2005. Based on a national stratified probability sample of US hospitals with 24,hr emergency services, NEISS-Work allows calculation of national injury estimates. Results Over the 8-year period between 1998 and 2005, we estimated 786,900 (95% CI 546,600,1,027,200) ED-treated tool- or equipment-related injuries identified by the primary or secondary source of injury code. These injuries accounted for a quarter of all ED-treated construction industry injuries. Although over 100 different tools or pieces of equipment were responsible for these injuries, seven were responsible for over 65% of the injury burden: ladders, nail guns, power saws, hammers, knives, power drills, and welding tools in decreasing order. Conclusions Current injury estimates and their severity, marked by the proportion of cases that were not released after ED treatment, indicate interventions are particularly needed to prevent injuries associated with use of ladders as well as nail guns and power saws. Attention should focus on design and guarding to more efficiently prevent these injuries rather than simply calling for the training of workers in how to safely use a dangerous tool or piece of equipment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 581,587, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Development of historical exposure estimates of cosmic radiation and circadian rhythm disruption for cohort studies of Pan Am flight attendants,,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2009Martha A. Waters PhD Abstract Background The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is conducting cohort studies of flight crew employed by the former Pan American World Airways company (Pan Am) as part of an effort to examine flight crew workplace exposures and health effects. Flight crew are exposed to elevated levels of cosmic radiation and to disruption of circadian rhythm when flying across multiple time zones. Methods exist to calculate cosmic radiation effective doses on individual flights; however, only work histories which provided an employee's domicile (home base) history rather than a record of every flight flown were available. Methods/Results We developed a method for estimating individual cumulative domicile-based cosmic radiation effective doses and two metrics for circadian rhythm disruption for each flight attendant: cumulative times zones crossed and cumulative travel time during the standard sleep interval. Conclusions The domicile-exposure matrix developed was used to calculate exposure estimates for a cohort mortality study of former Pan Am flight attendants. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:751,761, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Occupational blood exposure among unlicensed home care workers and home care registered nurses: Are they protected?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2009FAAN, J. Lipscomb PhD Abstract Background Little is known about the risk of blood exposure among personnel providing care to individual patients residing at home. The objective of this study was to document and compare blood exposure risks among unlicensed home care personal care assistants (PCAs) and home care registered nurses (RNs). Methods PCAs self-completed surveys regarding blood and body fluid (BBF) contact in group settings (n,=,980), while RNs completed mailed surveys (n,=,794). Results PCAs experience BBF contact in the course of providing care for home-based clients at a rate approximately 1/3 the rate experienced by RNs providing home care (8.1 and 26.7 per 100 full time equivalent (FTE), respectively), and the majority of PCA contact episodes did not involve direct sharps handling. However, for PCAs who performed work activities such as handling sharps and changing wound dressings, activities much more frequently performed by RNs, PCAs were at increased risk of injury when compared with RNs (OR,=,7.4 vs. 1.4) and (OR,=,6.3 vs. 2.5), respectively. Conclusion Both PCAs and RNs reported exposures to sharps, blood, and body fluids in the home setting at rates that warrant additional training, prevention, and protection. PCAs appear to be at increased risk of injury when performing nursing-related activities for which they are inexperienced and/or lack training. Further efforts are needed to protect home care workers from blood exposure, namely by assuring coverage and enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogen Standard [Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 1993. Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Available at: http://www. osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS &p_id=21010#Scope. Accessed May 30, 2008]. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:563,570, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ergonomic risk factors for low back pain in North Carolina crab pot and gill net commercial fishermenAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009Kristen L. Kucera PhD Abstract Background The objective of this research was to determine the association between LBP that limited or interrupted fishing work and ergonomic low back stress measured by (1) self-reported task and (2) two ergonomic assessment methods of low back stress. Methods Eligible participants were from a cohort of North Carolina commercial fishermen followed for LBP in regular clinic visits from 1999 to 2001 (n,=,177). Work history, including crab pot and gill net fishing task frequency, was evaluated in a telephone questionnaire (n,=,105). Ergonomic exposures were measured in previous study of 25 fishermen using two methods. The occurrence rate of LBP that limited or interrupted fishing work since last visit (severe LBP) was evaluated in a generalized Poisson regression model. Results Predictors of severe LBP included fishing with crew members and a previous history of severe LBP. Among crab pot and gill net fishermen (n,=,89), running pullers or net reels, sorting catch, and unloading catch were associated with an increased rate of LBP. Percent of time in forces >20 lb while in non-neutral trunk posture, spine compression >3,400 N, and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health lifting indices >3.0 were associated with LBP. Conclusions Tasks characterized by higher (unloading boat and sorting catch) and lower (running puller or net reel) ergonomic low back stress were associated with the occurrence of severe LBP. History of LBP, addition of crew members, and self-selection out of tasks were likely important contributors to the patterns of low back stress and outcomes we observed. Based on the results of this study, a participatory ergonomic intervention study is currently being conducted to develop tools and equipment to decrease low back stress in commercial crab pot fishing. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:311,321, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Job stress and depressive symptoms among Japanese fire fightersAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2007Yasuaki Saijo MD Abstract Background Associations between job stresses, as assessed by theoretical job stress model and depressive symptoms among fire fighters have not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study is to clarify the factors of job stress that influence the depressive symptoms in Japanese fire fighters. Methods The subjects involved 1,672 fire fighters from a local government. The questionnaire comprised age, gender, job type, job class, martial status, smoking, and drinking habit, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) generic job questionnaire. Results A group showing depressive symptoms (CES-D,,,16) included 373 subjects (22.3%). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, high variance in workload, high intergroup conflict, high role conflict, and low self-esteem had significantly higher odds ratio for depressive symptoms. Conclusions High variance in workload, high intergroup conflict, high role conflict, and low self-esteem were significantly related to depressive symptoms among Japanese fire fighters. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the influence of these stress factors on other health outcomes, and to elucidate whether alleviation of these stress factors improve the mental health among fire fighters. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:470,480, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Pesticide illness among flight attendants due to aircraft disinsection,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2007Patrice M. Sutton MPH Abstract Background Aircraft "disinsection" is the application of pesticides inside an aircraft to kill insects that may be on board. Over a 1-year period, California's tracking system received 17 reports of illness involving flight attendants exposed to pesticides following disinsection. Methods Interviews, work process observations, and a records review were conducted. Illness reports were evaluated according to the case definition established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Results Twelve cases met the definition for work-related pesticide illness. Eleven cases were attributed to the "Residual" method of disinsection, i.e., application of a solution of permethrin (2.2% w/w), solvents (0.8%), and a surfactant (1.4%); the method of disinsection could not be determined for one case. Conclusions The aerosol application of a pesticide in the confined space of an aircraft cabin poses a hazard to flight attendants. Nontoxic alternative methods, such as air curtains, should be used to minimize disease vector importation via aircraft cabins. Employers should mitigate flight attendant pesticide exposure in the interim. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:345,356, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Twenty-three years of hypersensitivity pneumonitis mortality surveillance in the United States,,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 12 2006Ki Moon Bang PhD Abstract Background There are few population-based studies addressing hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in the United States. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has nationally comprehensive longitudinal mortality data that can contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of HP. Methods The National Center for Health Statistics multiple cause-of-death data were analyzed for the period 1980,2002. Annual death rate was age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population. Death rate time-trends were calculated using a linear regression model and geographic distribution of death rates were mapped by state and county. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) by usual industry and occupation adjusted for age, sex, and race, were based on data from 26 states reporting industry and occupation during 1985,1999. Results Overall age-adjusted death rates increased significantly (P,<,0.0001) between 1980 and 2002, from 0.09 to 0.29 per million. Wisconsin had the highest rate at 1.04 per million. Among industries, PMR for HP was significantly high for agricultural production, livestock (PMR, 19.3; 95% CI, 14.0,25.9) and agricultural production, crops (PMR, 4.3; 95% CI, 3.0,6.0). Among occupations, PMR for HP was significantly elevated for farmers, except horticulture (PMR, 8.1; 95% CI, 6.4,10.2). Conclusions These findings indicate that agricultural industries are closely associated with HP mortality and preventive strategies are needed to protect workers in these industries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Acute symptoms associated with asphalt fume exposure among road pavers,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 9 2006Allison L. Tepper PhD Background Although asphalt fume is a recognized irritant, previous studies of acute symptoms during asphalt paving have produced inconsistent results. Between 1994 and 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated workers at seven sites in six states. Methods NIOSH (a) measured exposures of asphalt paving workers to total (TP) and benzene-soluble particulate (BSP), polycyclic aromatic compounds, and other substances; (b) administered symptom questionnaires pre-shift, every 2 hr during the shift, and post-shift to asphalt exposed and nonexposed workers; and (c) measured peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of asphalt paving workers when they completed a symptom questionnaire. Results Full-shift time-weighted average exposures to TP and BSP ranged from 0.01 to 1.30 mg/m3 and 0.01 to 0.82 mg/m3, respectively. Most BSP concentrations were <0.50 mg/m3. Asphalt workers had a higher occurrence rate of throat irritation than nonexposed workers [13% vs. 4%, odds ratio (OR),=,4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2,13]. TP, as a continuous variable, was associated with eye (OR,=,1.34, 95% CI: 1.12,1.60) and throat (OR,=,1.40, 95% CI: 1.06,1.85) symptoms. With TP dichotomous at 0.5 mg/m3, the ORs and 95% CIs for eye and throat symptoms were 7.5 (1.1,50) and 15 (2.3,103), respectively. BSP, dichotomous at 0.3 mg/m3, was associated with irritant (eye, nose, or throat) symptoms (OR,=,11, 95% CI: 1.5,84). One worker, a smoker, had PEFR-defined bronchial lability, which did not coincide with respiratory symptoms. Conclusions Irritant symptoms were associated with TP and BSP concentrations at or below 0.5 mg/m3. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:728,739, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ruth Lilis' award acceptance speech at the NY/NJ NIOSH Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Center's 25th Anniversary DinnerAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 8 2006Ruth Lilis MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Metal and non-metal miners' exposure to crystalline silica, 1998,2002AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2006James L. Weeks ScD Abstract Background Crystalline silica is well known to cause silicosis and other diseases. Exposure is common in the mining industry and consequently, the US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) evaluates miners exposure to silica to determine compliance with its exposure limit. Methods MSHA exposure measurements were obtained for the 5-year period from 1998 to 2002 and average exposure was calculated classified by occupation and by mine. Evaluation criteria were whether average values exceeded MSHA's permissible exposure limit or the limit recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), whether there was a risk of exposure to freshly fractured silica, and whether there was a risk of a high rate of exposure to silica. Results Miners in certain jobs are exposed to silica above permissible and recommended exposure limits. Some miners may also be exposed at a high rate or to freshly fractured silica. Conclusions Known dust control methods should be implemented and regular medical surveillance should be provided. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:523,534, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Mortality of workers employed in shoe manufacturing: An update,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2006Everett J. Lehman MS Abstract Background In the late 1970s, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health identified two shoe manufacturing facilities where workers experienced relatively "pure" exposures to toluene. A mortality study was conducted through December 31, 1982. An original study did not detect elevated leukemia mortality but did detect increased lung cancer mortality. The present study is an update of the mortality of the original cohort. Methods The study cohort consisted of workers employed 1 month or more between 1940 and 1979 at two Ohio shoe manufacturing plants. Vital status was ascertained through December 31, 1999. Results Seven thousand eight hundred twenty eight workers, contributing 300,777 person years, were available for analysis. An excess of lung cancer deaths persisted with additional years of follow-up (SMR,=,1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI),=,1.19,1.54). Trend tests did not indicate a positive trend between lung cancer risk and duration of employment. Mortality from leukemia was not significantly elevated in the updated analysis. Conclusions Results indicate a possible association between lung cancer mortality and exposure to chronic, low-levels of organic solvents. Although the strength of this conclusion was weakened by the lack of increasing lung cancer risk in relation to duration of employment, other studies have supported this association. Am. J. Ind. Med. 49:535,546, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to metal working fluids: Sporadic or under reported?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2006Amit Gupta MD Abstract Background Occupational exposure to metal working fluids (MWF) is common with over 1.2 million workers in the United States involved in machine finishing, machine tooling, and other metalworking operations. MWF is a known cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Recent reports of outbreaks of hypersensitivity HP secondary to exposure to MWF are reported. Design Cases were identified through the Occupational Disease surveillance system in the State of Michigan and from referrals for evaluation to the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Michigan State University (MSU). Each patient underwent a clinical examination including an occupational history, lung function studies, radiographic imaging, and in some cases lung biopsies. Following the diagnosis of definite HP, an industrial hygiene investigation was carried out, which included a plant walk-through, and review of the "Injury and Illness" log. Air monitoring and microbial sampling results were reviewed. Results As part of Michigan's mandatory surveillance system for occupational illnesses, seven cases of suspected HP were identified in 2003,2004 from three facilities manufacturing automobile parts in Michigan. Each plant used semi-synthetic MWFs, and conducted a MWF management program including biocide additions. Two facilities had recently changed the MWF before the cases arose. Growth of mycobacteria was found in these two MWFs. Breathing zone samples for particulates of two employees in plant A (two cases) ranged from 0.48 to 0.56 mg/m3. In plant B (four cases), two employees' sampling results ranged from 0.10 to 0.14 mg/m3. No air sampling data were available from plant C. Conclusion Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to exposure to MWFs is under-recognized by health care providers, and current surveillance systems are inadequate to provide a true estimate of its occurrence. HP arose from environments with exposures well below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for MWF, and in one case from exposures well below the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit (REL). The sporadic nature of reports of HP in relationship to MWF probably represents a combination of workplace changes that cause the disease and inadequate recognition and reporting of the disease when it does occur. Physician awareness of HP secondary to MWF and an effective medical surveillance program are necessary to better understanding the epidemiology and prevention of this disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] More evidence of the need for an ergonomic standardAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2004Jeff Biddle Abstract Background In 1999, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed regulations designed to reduce work related inquiries by limiting worker exposure to "ergonomic risk factors." Congress subsequently overturned the regulations. We provide additional evidence on earnings losses attributable to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and thus on the need for an ergonomic standard. Methods Regression techniques are used to analyze data from a survey of injured workers that has been matched to employer-reported earnings data covering pre- and post-injury periods, and to workers' compensation claims records. Results MSDs lead to large and persistent earnings losses. Cost estimates used by OSHA to justify the 1999 EPS are corroborated. Losses are greatest among workers who file workers compensation claims, but nonclaimants also have losses. Conclusions Earnings losses and lost productivity associated with work-related MSDs are substantial and an ergonomic standard could be cost effective. Am. J. Ind. Med. 45:329,337, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Preliminary findings on OSHA's refinery NEP ,PROCESS SAFETY PROGRESS, Issue 2 2010James Lay P.E. Abstract On June 7, 2007, the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration initiated a Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management (PSM) National Emphasis Program (Refinery NEP) in response to a large number of fatal or catastrophic incidents in the petroleum refining industry. The program's intent is to inspect all refineries under federal jurisdiction within 2 years using a newly developed inspection protocol. This article briefly describes the inspection protocol, progress in completing the inspections, and review findings from this NEP and other PSM inspections conducted since 1992. Data on which paragraphs of the PSM standards were most frequently cited is included. Published 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010 [source] Integration of safety technologies into rheumatology and orthopedics practices: A randomized, controlled trial,ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 7 2008Gautam R. Moorjani Objective To identify and integrate new safety technologies into outpatient musculoskeletal procedures and measure the effect on outcome, including pain. Methods Using national resources for patient safety and literature review, the following safety technologies were identified: a safety needle to reduce inadvertent needlesticks to heath care workers, and the reciprocating procedure device (RPD) to improve patient safety and reduce pain. Five hundred sixty-six musculoskeletal procedures involving syringes and needles were randomized to either an RPD group or a conventional syringe group, and pain, quality, safety, and physician acceptance were measured. Results During 566 procedures, no accidental needlesticks occurred with safety needles. Use of the RPD resulted in a 35.4% reduction (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 24,46%) in patient-assessed pain (mean ± SD scores on a visual analog pain scale [VAPS] 3.12 ± 2.23 for the RPD and 4.83 ± 3.22 for the conventional syringe; P < 0.001) and a 49.5% reduction (95% CI 34,64%) in patient-assessed significant pain (VAPS score ,5) (P < 0.001). Physician acceptance of the RPD combined with a safety needle was excellent. Conclusion As mandated by the Joint Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, safety technologies and the use of pain scales can be successfully integrated into rheumatologic and orthopedic procedures. The combination of a safety needle to reduce needlestick injuries to health care workers and the RPD to improve safety and outcome of patients is effective and well accepted by physicians. [source] Patient to surgeon infections,fact or fictionBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 11 2003P.-O. Nystrom Occupational safety has its limits [source] Factors influencing implementation of occupational safety and health management systems by enterprises in PolandHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 3 2006Daniel Podgórski Implementing legal regulations in occupational safety and health (OSH) as well as other actions aimed at improving working conditions in industry in many countries run in parallel with promoting nonobligatory OSH management systems (OSH MS). To define a scientific basis for working out a set of guidelines for promoting OSH MS, a survey was conducted in 40 companies. This research aimed to identify motivational factors for decisions to introduce OSH MS. Four groups of professionals who participated in the decision-making process related to implementing OSH MS were interviewed: (a) the most senior managers of the enterprise, (b) representatives of top management for implementation and maintenance of OSH MS, (c) safety and health managers, and (d) workers' safety representatives. The results indicate the need for: (1) improving the efficiency of programs promoting implementation of OSH MS; (2) considering the role of economic incentives in promoting these systems; (3) developing and promoting training packages related to OSH management, adjusted particularly to the needs of employees and their representatives to increase their involvement in OSH activities; and (4) modifying legal solutions establishing a system of differentiated premium rates for social insurance against occupational accidents and diseases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 255,267, 2006. [source] Application of performance-excellence criteria to improvement of occupational safety and health performanceHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 4 2002Jenni-Maarit Ketola There has been a lack of a common method for assessing and improving occupational safety and health (OSH) management through all-round criteria. This article discusses a study that focuses on applying business-excellence criteria for this purpose. The developed criteria for the safety self-assessment were tested at least once in five different organizations. The study confirms that the application of the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence can effectively be used for finding strengths and areas for improvement in a company's OSH management system. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Occupational fatalities, injuries, illnesses, and related economic loss in the wholesale and retail trade sectorAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2010Vern Putz Anderson PhD Abstract Background The wholesale and retail trade (WRT) sector employs over 21 million workers, or nearly 19% of the annual average employment in private industry. The perception is that workers in this sector are generally at low risk of occupational injury and death. These workers, however, are engaged in a wide range of demanding job activities and are exposed to a variety of hazards. Prior to this report, a comprehensive appraisal of the occupational fatal and nonfatal burdens affecting the retail and wholesale sectors was lacking. The focus of this review is to assess the overall occupational safety and health burden in WRT and to identify various subsectors that have high rates of burden from occupational causes. Ultimately, these findings should be useful for targeted intervention efforts. Methods We reviewed Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2006 fatality, injury, and illness data for the WRT sector and provide comparisons between the WRT sector, its' subsectors, and private industry, which serves as a baseline. The BLS data provide both counts and standardized incidence rates for various exposures, events, and injury types for fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. In an effort to estimate the economic burden of these fatalities, injuries, and illnesses, a focused review of the literature was conducted. Results and Conclusion In 2006, WRT workers experienced 820,500 injuries/illnesses and 581 fatalities. The total case injury/illness rate for the retail sector was 4.9/100 FTE and for the wholesale sector 4.1/100 FTE. The WRT sector represents 15.5% of the private sector work population in 2006, yet accounts for 20.1% of nonfatal injuries and illnesses of the private sector. In 2003, the disparity was only 2% but increased to 3% in 2004 and 2005. Three WRT subsectors had injury/illness rates well above the national average: beer/wine/liquor (8.4/100); building materials/supplies (7.6/100); and grocery-related products (7.0/100). Occupational deaths with the highest rates were found in gasoline stations (9.8/100,000), convenience stores (6.1/100,000), and used car dealers (5.5/100,000). In terms of actual numbers, the category of food and beverage stores had 82 fatalities in 2006. Based on 1993 data, costs, both direct and indirect, in the WRT sector for fatal injuries were estimated to exceed $8.6 billion. The full economic loss to society and the family has not been adequately measured. Overexertion and contact with objects/equipment represent the top two events or exposures leading to injury or illness. Together they account for 57% of the events or exposures for nonfatal WRT injuries and illnesses. This sector is important because it is large and pervasive as a result, even a relatively small increase in injury rates and accompanying days away from work will have significant impact on working families and society. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:673,685, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Occupational injuries among aides and nurses in acute care,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 12 2009R.L. Rodríguez-Acosta PhD Abstract Background 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. Methods 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). Results Aides had higher overall injury rates than nurses for no-lost work time (RR,=,1.2, 95% CI: 1.1,1.3) and lost work time (RR,=,2.8, 95% CI: 2.1,3.8) injuries. The risk of an injury due to lifting was greater among aides compared to nurses for both non-lost work time and lost work time injuries. Injury rates among aides were particularly high in rehabilitation and orthopedics units. Most of the injuries requiring time away from work for both groups were related to the process of delivering direct patient care. Conclusions Our findings illustrate the importance of evaluating work-related injuries separately for aides and nurses, given differences in injury risk profiles and injury outcomes. It is particularly important that occupational safety needs of aides be addressed as this occupation experiences significant job growth. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:953,964, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||