Search results

1

N-hexane neuropathy with vertigo and cold allodynia in a silk screen printer: A case study

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Pradhan S., Tandon R.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 28

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issue 5

915-919

EN

N-hexane neuropathy is an occupational disease caused by exposure to n-hexane, which is used as a solvent in silk screen printing. Here, we describe a 35-year-old man, a silk screen printer by profession, who presented with dizziness, distal swelling of both lower limbs for 10 months and tingling and burning sensation in both feet for 9.5 months along with cold allodynia. The patient had normal results of a motor and sensory system examination, apart from an impaired temperature sense. Nerve conduction tests showed a conduction block in bilateral common peroneal nerves and absence of conduction in bilateral sural nerves. These symptoms resolved when further exposure to n-hexane was ceased but cold allodynia remained. Thus, cold allodynia and impaired temperature sense can be a manifestation of n-hexane neuropathy. Hence, abnormalities on nerve conduction studies can be detected in n-hexane neuropathy patients, even before clinical examination detects any such abnormalities. In the case of the patients presenting with sensory motor neuropathy, history of occupational exposure to n-hexane becomes important, as the sooner the disease is detected, the better the chances of recovery.

2

The prevalence of asthma work relatedness: Preliminary data

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Dudek W., Kupryś-Lipińska I., Wittczak T., Świerczyńska-Machura D., Kupczyk M., Walusiak-Skorupa J., Kuna P., Pałczyński C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 28

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issue 6

1025-1029

EN

Objectives About 5–10% of asthmatics do not respond well to standard treatment plan. Occupational exposure may be one of the factors that can be linked with treatment failure. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of work-related asthma (WRA) among adult asthmatics under follow up in an outpatient allergy clinic and to create a useful tool for detecting individuals with possible WRA. Material and Methods Preliminary 5-question questionnaire designed to recognize WRA was presented to 300 asthmatics. All patients with positive preliminary verification along with 50 subjects from control group were asked to fill up a detailed questionnaire. The WRA was diagnosed by positive match for asthma symptoms in combination with workplace exposure indicated in the detailed WRA questionnaire followed by confirmation of each WRA case by detailed exposure analysis. Results Work-related asthma was recognized in 63 subjects (21% of study group). The preliminary questionnaire has 76.9% sensitivity and 94% specificity in recognition of WRA. Occupational exposure to irritants is a risk factor of WRA recognition (relative risk (RR) = 2.09 (1.44:3.03)). Working in exposure-free environment is a factor against WRA recognition (RR = 0.38 (0.24:0.61)). Among subjects with work-related asthma, the uncontrolled course of the disease is significantly more frequent (p = 0.012). Subjects with WRA more often report sickness absenteeism due to asthma than those without WRA (9.6% vs. 3.2%, respectively), but the observed differences did not reach the statistical significance. Conclusions Short 5-question questionnaire seems to be a promising tool to detect individuals with possible work-related asthma in the outpatient setting for further evaluation and additional attention.

3

Zespoły bólowe kręgosłupa lędźwiowo-krzyżowego u lekarzy stomatologów

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Milka D., Kmita B., Bajor G., Jachacz-Łopata M., Likus W.

Medical Review

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2013

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issue 2

164–171

PL

Wstęp. Praca lekarza stomatologa często wymaga długotrwałego utrzymywania wymuszonej, nieergonomicznej pozycji ciała podczas pracy. Powoduje to, że przez wiele godzin kręgosłup stale narażony jest na przeciążenia. To z kolei może objawiać się bólami kręgosłupa. Od pewnego czasu stomatolodzy mają dwie możliwości sposobu pracy. Pracują z prawego boku pacjenta, co wymaga pochylenia się w przód i w prawo lub mają możliwość pracy zza głowy pacjenta wykorzystując specjalnie do tego przystosowane krzesło wymuszające prawidłowe ustawienie kręgosłupa. Materiał i metody. Badania, które zostały przeprowadzone, dotyczyły oceny występowania bólów kręgosłupa lędźwiowego u lekarzy stomatologów z podziałem na dwie grupy w zależności od przyjmowanej pozycji podczas pracy. Badaniami objęto 63 lekarzy. W celu oceny wykorzystano kilka prostych testów oraz ankietę utworzoną na potrzebę badania. Wyniki. W grupie lekarzy pracujących z boku pacjenta 18 badanych (54,5%) wskazywało na szósty stopień bólu, 11 badanych (33,3%) na siódmy oraz czworo badanych (12,1%) na piąty stopień bólu w skali VAS. U stomatologów z grupy pracujących w pozycji zza głowy pacjenta, skala bólu nie przekroczyła trzech. Wnioski. Pozycja podczas pracy lekarza stomatologa ma istotny wpływ na powstawanie dolegliwości bólowych kręgosłupa lędźwiowego. Pozycja lekarza pracującego zza głowy pacjenta jest bardziej ergonomiczna niż z boku pacjenta. Lekarze pracujący z boku pacjenta częściej zgłaszają dolegliwości bólowe kręgosłupa lędźwiowego.

EN

Introduction. The work of a dental surgeon often entails remaining in a forced and non-ergonomic body posture for a prolonged time. Consequently, the spine is exposed to overstraining for many hours. This in turn may manifest in spine pain disorders. For some time now, dentists can choose between two working methods. They proceed at the patient’s right-hand side, which requires them to lean forward and rightward, or they may work from behind the patient’s head using a specially adjusted chair that enforces a proper position of the lumbar spine. Material and methods. The research was carried out to assess dentists’ lumbar spine pains. The subjects were divided into two groups depending on the posture they adopted while working. The research included 63 dentists. To analyse the results, a few simple tests and a questionnaire were carried out. Results. Among the dentists proceed at the patient’s right- hand side, 18 of them (54,5%) indicated on the sixth level of pain, 11 patients (33,3%) the seventh level of pain and four (12,1%) dentists suffered from pain at fifth level of the pain scale (0-10). In the group of dentists working in the position from behind the patient’s head pain scale did not exceed third level. Conclusion: dentists’ working posture has a significant impact on the formation of the lumbar spine disorders. Position of the dentists working from behind the patient’s head is more ergonomic than position while working on the patient’s one side. Dentists working on patient’s one side more often report the pain in a low back spine section.

4

Choroby zawodowe stwierdzone w Polsce w 2012 r.

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Wilczyńska U., Sobala W., Szeszenia-Dąbrowska N.

Medycyna Pracy

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2013

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vol. 64

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issue 3

317-326

EN

Background: The aim of the paper was to present basic statistical data on occupational diseases diagnosed in 2012. Material and Methods: The work was based on the data from "Occupational Disease Reporting Forms" received by the Central Register of Occupational Diseases in 2012. The data comprised information on nosologic units, gender and age of patients, duration of occupational exposure, sections of the national economy and voivodeships. The incidence was specified in terms of the number of cases in relation to paid employees or to employed people. Results: The number of occupational diseases accounted for 2402 cases. The incidence rate was 23 cases per 100 000 paid employees. In spite of the general decline in the number of cases, the incidence of infectious and parasitic diseases increased by 8.6%. The highest incidence was noted for infectious and parasitic diseases (6.8/100 000), pneumoconioses (5.5/100 000), hearing loss (2.1/100 000), diseases of: the peripheral nervous system (2/100 000), voice disorders (1.9/100 000) and the musculo-skeletal system pathologies (1.1/100 000). The pathologies specified above accounted in total for 84% of all occupational diseases. The industrial sectors of the national economy characterized by the highest incidence included mining and quarrying (288.3/100 000) and manufacturing (27.8/100 000). The highest incidence was recorded in the Silesian (46.2/100 000) and the lowest in the Opolskie (4.2/100 000) voivodeships. Conclusions: The downward trend in the incidence of occupational diseases continues. Different incidence of voice disorders among teachers in individual provinces suggests that uniform preventive, diagnostic and certification standards are missing. Med Pr 2013;64(3):317–326

PL

Wstęp: W artykule przedstawiono podstawowe dane o chorobach zawodowych stwierdzonych w 2012 r. Materiał i metody: Podstawą opracowania były „Karty stwierdzenia choroby zawodowej” wystawione przez stacje sanitarno-epidemiologiczne w 2012 r. i przesłane do Centralnego Rejestru Chorób Zawodowych w Instytucie Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera w Łodzi. Dane przedstawiono z uwzględnieniem jednostek chorobowych, płci i wieku osób chorych, okresu narażenia w miejscu pracy na czynniki szkodliwe, które powodują stwierdzoną patologię, oraz w zależności od sekcji gospodarki narodowej i województw. Zapadalność scharakteryzowano za pomocą współczynników obliczanych w stosunku do liczby zatrudnionych lub liczby pracujących. Wyniki: Stwierdzono 2402 przypadki chorób zawodowych. Współczynnik zapadalności na 100 tys. zatrudnionych wynosił 23. Przy ogólnym spadku liczby chorób zawodowych w 2012 r. wzrosła o 56 (8,6%) liczba przypadków chorób zakaźnych lub pasożytniczych. Najwyższe współczynniki dotyczyły chorób zakaźnych lub pasożytniczych (6,8 na 100 tys. zatrudnionych), pylic płuc (5,5 na 100 tys.), ubytku słuchu (2,1 na 100 tys.), chorób obwodowego układu nerwowego (2 na 100 tys.), narządu głosu (1,9 na 100 tys.) i układu ruchu (1,1 na 100 tys.). Wymienione patologie stanowiły łącznie 84% wszystkich chorób zawodowych. Sekcjami gospodarki o charakterze przemysłowym, których dotyczyła najwyższa zapadalność, były górnictwo i wydobywanie (288,3 na 100 tys.) oraz przetwórstwo przemysłowe (27,9 na 100 tys.). Pod względem terytorialnego rozproszenia najwyższą zapadalność odnotowano w województwie śląskim (46,2 na 100 tys. pracujących), a najniższą w opolskim (4,2). Wnioski: Utrzymuje się tendencja spadkowa zapadalności na choroby zawodowe. Zróżnicowanie zapadalności w województwach na choroby narządu głosu u nauczycieli wskazuje na brak jednolitych standardów profilaktycznych, diagnostycznych i orzeczniczych. Med. Pr. 2013;64(3):317–326

5

Analiza zgłoszeń podejrzenia chorób wywołanych sposobem wykonywania pracy w kontekście patologii uznanych za choroby zawodowe

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Cwynar E., Kosińska M., Tomczyk-Socha M.

Medycyna Pracy

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2013

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vol. 64

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issue 3

387-396

EN

Background: In this report the increase in the number of notifications of suspicions of diseases caused by the way the job is performed, observed recently in the Regional Center of Occupational Medicine in Wrocław, is highlighted. The problem stems from the recognition of medical certification of such diseases as occupational diseases only in one third of all notifications of suspicions. Material and Methods: The case study was based on statistical data concerning notifications of suspected occupational diseases collected in the Branches of the Regional Center of Occupational Medicine in Wrocław in the years 2006-2011, as well as on medical certificates issued by the Center's Out-patient Clinics of Occupational Diseases. More than 700 reports of suspected chronic occupational diseases of the musculo-skeletal system and chronic diseases of the peripheral nervous system caused by the way the job is performed were analyzed, taking into account gender, age and how the work had been done. On the basis of the analysis of medical certificates issued by physicians, decision-making procedures and the recognition of occupational disease certification are discussed. Results: The analysis of the data collected in the Regional Center of Occupational Medicine, Wroclaw, in the years 2006-2011 showed a significant increase in the percentage of notifications of suspicions of diseases caused by the way the job is performed. At the same time it was shown that only about one third of reported suspicions were concluded with issuing medical certification of an occupational disease and the administrative confirmation of the decision. Conclusions: The results of the study revealed significant certification problems in the group of diseases caused by the way the job is performed in terms of the recognition of this type of pathology as an occupational disease. These issues are ambiguous because of a large number of non-occupational factors involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Med Pr 2013;64(3):387–396

PL

Wstęp: W doniesieniu przedstawiono obserwowany w ostatnich latach w Dolnośląskim Wojewódzkim Ośrodku Medycyny Pracy (DWOMP) we Wrocławiu wzrost liczby zgłoszeń podejrzenia chorób wywołanych sposobem wykonywania pracy. Problem orzeczniczy wynika z uznawania tego typu schorzeń za choroby zawodowe tylko w przypadku 1/3 zgłoszeń. Materiał i metody: Do opracowania wykorzystano dane statystyczne dotyczące zgłoszeń podejrzenia chorób zawodowych złożone w oddziałach DWOMP we Wrocławiu w latach 2006-2011 oraz orzeczeń lekarskich wydanych w Poradniach Chorób Zawodowych (PChZ) oddziałów DWOMP. Analizie poddano ponad 700 zgłoszeń podejrzenia przewlekłej choroby zawodowej układu ruchu oraz przewlekłej choroby obwodowego układu nerwowego wywołanych sposobem wykonywania pracy, z uwzględnieniem płci, wieku i sposobu wykonywania pracy. Na podstawie analizy wydanych orzeczeń lekarskich opisano procedury orzekania i rozpoznawania choroby zawodowej. Wyniki: Analiza zebranych danych wykazała znaczny wzrost procentowego udziału zgłoszeń podejrzeń chorób wynikających ze sposobu wykonywania pracy w DWOMP we Wrocławiu w latach 2006-2011. Jednocześnie wykazano, że tylko około 1/3 zgłaszanych podejrzeń kończyło się orzeczeniem lekarskim o rozpoznaniu choroby zawodowej i wydaniem decyzji administracyjnej o jej stwierdzeniu. Wnioski: Wyniki badania wskazują na problemy orzecznicze przy stwierdzaniu chorób zawodowych w odniesieniu do chorób wywołanych sposobem wykonywania pracy. Problemy te są wieloznaczne z uwagi na udział czynników pozazawodowych w etiopatogenezie tego typu schorzeń. Med. Pr. 2013;64(3):387–396

6

The structural and geographical analysis of occupational diseases in Poland in the years 2003–2010

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Weszczak A., Staszek A.

Studia Regionalne i Lokalne

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2013

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issue 2(52)

32-45

EN

The paper uses the advanced spatial shift-share method to examine the tendency of some occupational diseases to occur in particular regions and sectors of the economy. The analysis, conducted in the years 2003–2010, concerned groups of diseases, and was based on regional data on occupational disease incidence in Poland according to disease groups. The analyzed variables were relative increments (of rates of changes) of the number of diagnosed occupational diseases, whereas the reference variable was the share of the diagnosed occupational diseases (in particular regions and groups of diseases) in the general number of diagnosed occupational diseases in the country (regional weights). The results of that research were then used to compare classical and non-classical methods of shift-share analysis.

PL

W artykule zaprezentowano zastosowanie zaawansowanych i przestrzennych metod analizy przesunięć udziałów do badania tendencji występowania określonych chorób zawodowych w poszczególnych regionach i działach gospodarki. Analiza została przeprowadzona na danych dotyczących grup chorób w latach 2003-2010. Badaną zmienną były przyrosty względne (tempa zmian) liczby stwierdzonych chorób zawodowych, zaś zmienną referencyjną – udział liczby stwierdzonych chorób zawodowych w danym regionie i grupie chorób w ogólnej liczbie stwierdzonych chorób zawodowych w kraju (wagi regionalne). Na podstawie otrzymanych wyników przeprowadzono analizę porównawczą zastosowania nieklasycznych metod w odniesieniu do wyników pozyskanych z klasycznej analizy shift-share.

7

Concept of health surveillance programme for workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica at present and in the past

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Nowak-Pasternak J., Świątkowska B., Lipińska-Ojrzanowska A.

Medycyna Pracy

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2023

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vol. 74

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issue 4

341-346

EN

In the paper authors present general assumptions of health surveillance programme concept for workers employed in respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure at present and in the past. There is no effective treatment for silicosis thus disease prevention is of paramount significance. For decades efforts of World Health Organization (WHO) and International Work Organization (ILO) have been focused on eliminating silicosis globally. Unfortunately silicosis is still one of the most lethal occupational diseases and the preventative programmes have not yet been successful. The authors identify main steps to complete an overview of RCS exposure and suggest lines of actions to be taken before launching the health surveillance programme. Introduction of the health surveillance programme would increase awareness of harmful health effects of the RCS exposure, emphasize the significance of preventive medical check-ups and early diagnostics of occupational diseases as well as the importance of using appropriate protective equipment. The programme development on a national level might be carried out with the cooperation of multiple backgrounds and institutions. This would allow for detailed planning, implementation, monitoring and effective evaluation of its results. Having a better and updated knowledge of silicosis epidemiology, early diagnostics, the possible sources of RCS occupational exposure and evaluation of undertaken preventive actions are crucial factors in disease prevention. The programme introduction would be of educational significance for all the stakeholders and the groups engaged in the project implementation, which would contribute to high effectiveness of the preventive activities and their improvement in the future.

8

Muscle fatigue related to human posture using a brush cutter for landscape gardening: a preliminary study

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Yang W., Li B., Li S., Zhang Y., Yang H.

Medycyna Pracy

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2022

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vol. 73

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issue 3

201-207

EN

Background: Brush cutters are widely used in Chinese landscape gardening and agricultural laboring which leads the operators being exposed to many risks. Low back pain (LBP) is particularly common and can lead to substantial personal, community and financial burdens. The aim of the presented study was to measure the activity and function of each torso muscle of the operator when using the bush cutter, so as to evaluate the muscle injury of the operator during using several common brush cutters for different landscape tasks. Material and Methods: The human postures of 6 workers using 2 types of brush cutters in the 3 working conditions were recorded and measured by using a surface electromyography (sEMG) system and a camera. The test results were compared by t-test and sign test. The effect of human posture on the sEMG signal of trunk muscles in different working condition were analyzed by ANOVA. Results: In the 3 working conditions, except for the left trapezius muscle, the muscle load of operating the backpack brush cutter is higher than that of operating side-mounted brush cutter. When operating the side-mounted backpack brush cutter, the force on both sides of the trapezius muscle is uneven, the load of the left trapezius muscle is >25%, and the maximum value is >30%. Conclusions: The results highlighted significant differences in the effects of different working postures on the muscle activities of workers’ trunk. Safe operation standards should therefore be taken to protect the exposed workers and to improve the industrial design of irrigation cutters to prevent the occurrence of occupational diseases.

9

The angle of trunk rotation and symmetry of a lower limb loading in musicians of a symphony orchestra in Poland: a pilot study concerning instrument-specific results

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Kaczorowska A., Kornek M., Mroczek A., Lepsy E., Radajewska A.

Medycyna Pracy

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2022

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vol. 73

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issue 2

85-93

EN

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and symmetry of lower limb loading in professional musicians. Material and Methods: A total of 60 instrumentalists were examined: cellists, violinists and musicians playing wind instruments. The scoliometer examination was used to assess trunk asymmetry. The angle of trunk rotation was measured at segment: Th1–Th4, Th5–Th12, and Th12–L4. The maximum value (ATR max) and the sum of three rotations (STR) were calculated. Two scales were used to assess the symmetry of lower limb loading. Loading symmetry index (LSI) of the lower limb was calculated. Results: Violinists have the highest mean values of ATR, ATR max, STR and LSI and musicians playing wind instruments have the lowest mean values. In the group of violinists and musicians playing wind instruments, a positive correlation was found between playing experience and ATR Th1–Th4. Conclusions: The body position during playing violin and cello may increase the angle of trunk rotation and the lower limb loading’s asymmetry. Med Pr. 2022;73(2):85–93

10

Potential therapeutic application of mesenchymal stem cells in COVID-19 complications

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Kolanko E., Mazurski A., Czekaj P.

Medycyna Pracy

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2021

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vol. 72

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issue 6

693-700

EN

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have remarkable immunomodulatory properties, low immunogenicity, and paracrine properties as well as the ability to differentiate into multiple cell lines. These properties make them potential candidates for clinical applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and lung diseases, which may be occupational diseases. Preclinical studies using experimental animal models have demonstrated regenerative properties of MSCs in diseases such as silicosis and occupational asthma. Currently, treatment of the novel disease COVID-19 could be enhanced by using MSC therapies. This disease affects many professional groups with great intensity and its consequences might be considered as an occupational disease. It is a significant public health problem and a therapeutic challenge. Despite the development of vaccines against COVID-19, there is growing concern about the emergence of new mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in addition to the known alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variants. There is still no effective COVID-19 treatment and the existing ones only play a supporting role. MSCs offer treatment possibilities as an alternative or complementary therapy. The clinical trials to date using MSCs in patients with COVID-19 give hope for the safe and effective use of this stem cell population.

11

Occupational health of midwives

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Pougnet R., Pougnet L., Eniafe-Eveillard M., Loddé B.

Medycyna Pracy

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2020

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vol. 71

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issue 4

473-481

EN

The midwifery profession varies greatly from one country to another. There are, however, a number of common features such as exposure to biological risks through contact with pregnant women and women in labor, exposure to postural stresses during examinations and medical acts, but also, increasingly, exposure to organizational constraints (work schedules, shift work, etc.). This article aims to give an overview of what is known about the occupational health risks of midwives (MWs). A review of the literature on Medline, from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2017, was carried out. Articles focused principally on burnout (BO) and post-traumatic stress disorder. Several BO questionnaires were used. For the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, the prevalence of personal BO ranged 20–57%; the percentage of work-related BO fell between 15–57%; and the prevalence of client-related BO ranged 5–15%. For the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the prevalence of emotional exhaustion varied between 23–60.7%; the prevalence of depersonalization ranged 3.3–30.3%; and the pervasiveness of personal accomplishment varied between 5–30.3%. There was little data concerning musculoskeletal problems or accidental exposure to biological fluids. The literature review on occupational pathologies demonstrates high levels of BO. Several gaps exist on the evolution of the impact of their work on the health of MWs, like the effect of shift work, postural stresses, etc. This review will make it possible to better focus future research on the occupational health of this population. Med Pr. 2020;71(4):473–81

12

Occupational exposure to diisocyanates in polyurethane foam factory workers

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Świerczyńska-Machura D., Brzeźnicki S., Nowakowska-Świrta E., Walusiak-Skorupa J., Wittczak T., Dudek W., Bonczarowska M., Wesolowski W., Czerczak S., Pałczyński C.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 28

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issue 6

985-998

EN

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate health effects of occupational exposure to diisocyanates (DIC) among polyurethane foam products factory workers. Material and Methods Thirty workers had a physical examination, skin prick tests with common allergens, allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to diisocyanates and pulmonary function tests. Concentrations of selected isocyanates in the workplace air samples as well as concentration of their metabolites in the urine samples collected from the workers of the plant were determined. Results The most frequent work-related symptoms reported by the examined subjects were rhinitis and skin symptoms. Sensitization to at least 1 common allergen was noted in 26.7% of the subjects. Spirometry changes of bronchial obstruction of a mild degree was observed in 5 workers. The specific IgE antibodies to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and 4,4’-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) were not detected in any of the patients’ serum. Cellular profiles of the collected induced sputum (ISP) did not reveal any abnormalities. Air concentrations of TDI isomers ranged 0.2–58.9 μg/m³ and in 7 cases they exceeded the Combined Exposure Index (CEI) value for those compounds. Concentrations of TDI metabolites in post-shift urine samples were significantly higher than in the case of pre-shift urine samples and in 6 cases they exceeded the British Biological Monitoring Guidance Value (BMGV – 1 μmol amine/mol creatinine). We didn’t find a correlation between urinary concentrations of TDI, concentrations in the air and concentrations of toluenediamine (TDA) in the post shift urine samples. Lack of such a correlation may be an effect of the respiratory protective equipment use. Conclusions Determination of specific IgE in serum is not sensitive enough to serve as a biomarker. Estimation of concentrations of diisocyanate metabolites in urine samples and the presence of work-related allergic symptoms seem to be an adequate method for occupational exposure monitoring of DIC, which may help to determine workers at risk as well as to recognize hazardous workplaces.

13

Experiences with preventing carpal tunnel syndrome in an automotive plant

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Žídková V., Nakládalová M., Zapletalová J., Nakládal Z., Kollárová H.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2017

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vol. 30

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issue 1

45-54

EN

Objectives Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common occupational disease. The aim was to assess the effect of preventive measures in automotive assembly workers. Material and Methods The analysis summarizes data from annual crosssectional studies. The 7-year analysis of data was based on medical records obtained from an occupational physician and inspections carried out at the workplace where targeted preventive measures were introduced, including better ergonomic arrangement of the workplace, technical adjustments facilitating the work, preventive nerve conduction studies (NCS) testing of the median nerve once a year, switching of workers and their targeted rotation within the workplace. The NCS testing of median nerve conduction at the wrist was the basic objective method for assessment of the prevalence and severity of CTS. Over the study period, the sample comprised 1804 workers at risk for repetitive overuse of the upper extremities, of whom 281 were females with a mean age of 38.5 years and 1523 were males with a mean age of 31.4 years. Results Over the study period, a total of 13 cases of CTS were recognized as an occupational disease in the plant, 8 of which occurred within the first 2 years from the initiation of production. Introduction of preventive measures decreased the prevalence of median neuropathy from 18.3% of examined extremities in 2011 to 10.5% in 2013 (p = 0.003). In early 2014, the production pace increased and this was accompanied by a rise in abnormal NCS findings to 16.9%. Over the study period, the rate of sensorimotor neuropathy decreased in favor of merely sensory neuropathies, which have been most frequent since 2013. The percentage of employees whose contracts were terminated due to median neuropathy decreased steadily from 5.5% to 0.4%. Conclusions Targeted prevention of work-related CTS is effective as evidenced by the decrease in the prevalence of median neuropathy detected by NCS. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(1):45–54

14

National survey of health in the tattoo industry: Observational study of 448 French tattooists

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Kluger N.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2017

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vol. 30

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issue 1

111-120

EN

Objectives The data regarding the health of professional tattooists is inexistent. Tattooists are usually heavily tattooed and exposed daily to body fluids and skin-to-skin contacts with customers, tattoo inks, solvents, allergens, irritants, and work for hours often in inadequate positions using vibrating tattoo machines. We analyzed the health status of active French professional tattooists. Material and Methods An observational self-reported Internet survey was performed among 448 tattooists who were members of the French Tattoo Union in November 2013. Results The main physical complaints were musculoskeletal: back pain (65%), finger pain (41.5%) and muscular pain (28.8%). Finger pain, back pain, muscular pain and carpal tunnel symptoms/tingling sensations on the fingers occurred among 88%, 61.5%, 68% and 84% of the cases after having started their activity (p < 0.001). Other chronic diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancers remained at a low level here. Conclusions Professional tattooists have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints about back pain due to repetitive movements, awkward postures and use of a vibrating tattoo machine. Tattooists have a unique environment that imply developing intervention and preventive strategies for them. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(1):111–120

15

Direct and airborne contact dermatitis in a beekeeper from the Małopolska region

75%

Basista K.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2012

|

vol. 25

|

issue 4

499-500

EN

The paper describes an atypical case of simultaneous airborne and direct contact dermatitis in a beekeeper from the Małopolska region. This is the third such case described in a beekeeper in the world and the fi rst in Poland. I suggest that propolis should be regarded as both a direct and airborne contact allergen in beekeepers.

16

Occupational diseases in the automotive industry in Czechia – Geographic and medical context

75%

Jarolímek J., Urban P., Pavlínek P., Dzurova D.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2017

|

vol. 30

|

issue 3

455-468

EN

Objectives The automotive industry represents the most important industrial sector in Czechia. The objective of this study has been to analyze the occurrence of occupational diseases (OD) in the automotive industry during the period from 2001 till 2014. Material and Methods Data on OD cases was retrieved from the National Registry of OD. Further, we conducted a survey in automotive companies with focus on occupational health services and positions of the companies in global production networks (GPNs). An analysis of OD distribution in the automotive industry was performed (age, gender, company size and its role in GPNs, regional distribution of studied companies, and regional unemployment rate), and was accompanied by assessment of the quality and range of occupational health services. Results Employees older than 40 years old have nearly 2.5 times higher probability of OD occurrence as compared with employees younger than 40 years old (odds ratio (OR) = 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.05–2.85). Occupational diseases occurrence probability was 3 times higher for women than for men (OR = 3.01, 95% CI: 2.55–3.55). Occupational diseases incidence rates increased with the size of the company (0 OD/10 000 employees in micro enterprises to 57 OD/10 000 employees in large enterprises). A particularly steep rise in OD incidents in the automotive industry was observed in the Plzeň Region between 2001 and 2011. An association between OD incidents and the unemployment rate was not statistically confirmed. Conclusions A statistically significant increase in OD incidents dependent on company size may be arguably attributed to a higher quality of occupational medical services in bigger companies, which ensures better detection and diagnosis of OD. In the Plzeň Region, the rapid increase in OD incidents was mainly caused by a change in the production process of automobile textiles in one factory due to the introduction of a glue containing isocyanates, which are potent allergising agents. This led to an increase in occupational allergic diseases – bronchial asthma in particular. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(3):455–468

17

Epidemiology of silicosis reported to the central register of occupational diseases over last 20 years in Poland

75%

Nowak-Pasternak J., Lipińska-Ojrzanowska A., Świątkowska B.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2022

|

vol. 35

|

issue 5

561-570

EN

Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate and assess the incidence of silicosis cases acknowledged as occupational diseases in Poland in 2000–2019. Material and Methods The cases of all medically recognized pneumoconioses, including silicoses, certified as occupational diseases were studied. The records were extracted from the Central Register of Occupational Diseases, the only official Polish central electronic data base of occupational diseases. Results During the period 2000–2019, 2066 confirmed cases of silicoses and 10 665 cases of other pneumoconioses including asbestosis and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis were reported to the Central Register of Occupational Diseases. Silicoses accounted for 12.8–21.2% of all pneumoconioses. The number of confirmed silicoses cases was growing along with the length of latency period and was the highest for the period of ≥40 years (513 cases). Over 70% of silicoses cases occurred after occupational exposure >20 years. The most workers who evolved silicosis were employed in manufacturing, predominantly casting of iron, mining and quarrying and construction. Conclusions The number of confirmed cases of silicosis in Poland decreased in 2000–2019 but the disease still remains an important health problem. Prevention is crucial to reduce further disease incidence. The medical monitoring standards of exposed workers should be improved. Developing new diagnosing guidelines with the use of other imaging examinations, like high-resolution computed tomography, has to be considered. The analysis should contribute into the implementation of silicosis preventative programmes, both at the enterprise and national level.

18

Factors determining the effectiveness of conservative treatment in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

75%

Zwolińska J., Kwolek A.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2019

|

vol. 32

|

issue 2

197-215

EN

Objectives The study aims to assess selected factors contributing to the long-term effects of the conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Material and Methods Forty-nine individuals diagnosed with CTS were enrolled in the study. The symptoms resulted from occupational hand overuse in 37 patients. The assessment involved 78 hands before the therapy (study 1) and 1 year after the end of the therapy (study 2). The clinical symptoms assessed included: pain, numbness, tingling, morning stiffness, vegetative disorders and difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL). The range of motion (ROM) in the hand joints and the pressure generated during the cylindrical grip were measured. Phalen’s tests, an electrodiagnostic test and a 2-point discrimination study were performed. Results A significant reduction of symptoms and improvement in tested parameters were found in study 2. The largest ROM in the hand, the lowest level of pain and the largest reduction in the frequency of daytime tingling were found in the oldest patients in study 2. In subjects with better initial electrodiagnostic test results, a significant reduction in daytime numbness and daytime tingling was obtained. In individuals previously subjected to conservative therapy, a significant improvement in the ROM of the hand and a better quality of sensation were noted in study 2. A higher level of pain, a lower reduction in the frequency of daytime tingling, and a smaller improvement in ADL capacity were noted in individuals who overused their hands at work after the therapy. Conclusions The effects of conservative CTS treatment after 1 year, expressed as the reduction of subjective symptoms, were independent of the patient’s age. A worse initial electrodiagnostic test result is a predictor of less favorable therapy results. Hand overuse during occupational activity may negatively affect the effects of conservative treatment in individuals with CTS. A change in the nature of occupational activity positively influenced the long-term maintenance of the effects of conservative treatment. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(2):197–215

19

Have musicians’ musculoskeletal symptoms been thoroughly addressed? A systematic mapping review

75%

Stanhope J., Tooher R., Pisaniello D., Weinstein P.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2019

|

vol. 32

|

issue 3

291-331

EN

The authors aimed to characterize the current evidence base regarding musicians’ musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), in order to identify gaps for future research. A systematic search was conducted to identify peer-review studies published in English in 2007–2016 that investigated musicians’ MSS. Narrative reviews, case reports, protocols, and questionnaire or program development papers were excluded. Data were synthesized descriptively in order to identify gaps in the current evidence base. Five systematic reviews and 153 primary studies (133 unique) were included in this review. The majority (71%) of studies investigated professional musicians and/or university music students, with orchestral musicians being the most commonly investigated group. The majority of studies investigated the extent of the problem (68%) and/or associated factors (54%). Eight studies compared the prevalence of MSS outcomes with other populations. A range of risk factors were investigated; however, few studies used longitudinal designs. A total of 16 intervention studies were identified (3 clinical, 13 public health), with 12 investigating education or exercise programs. There is a need for research into musicians beyond classical university music students and professional orchestral musicians, and these musical sub-groups should be compared to determine the most at risk groups of musicians. Studies looking at potential risk factors should move towards longitudinal designs so that the temporal relationship of these factors and MSS could be established, where cross-sectional designs have indicated that an association exists. Intervention studies should be based upon the risk factors identified, and extend beyond education and exercise programs. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(3):291–331

20

Makulopatia Valsalvy u pracownika medycznego wykonującego pracę w komorze hiperbarycznej – opis przypadku

63%

Dziedzic T., Kostyra K., Kowalska-Jackiewicz J.

Medycyna Pracy

|

2013

|

vol. 64

|

issue 3

455-459

EN

We discuss the influence of increased pressure (compression and decompression in the hyperbaric chamber) on the human body, in particular the organ of vision. An extraordinary, quite rare case of painless loss of vision connected with retinal hemorrhage, followed by scarring in the person who performed the Valsalva maneuver working inside the hyperbaric chamber. The lesion was determined with high probability as a cause of Valsalva maculopathy. At the request of the patient, the case was analyzed about six years after the onset of the disease in terms of the presence or absence of the ground for certifying it as an occupational disease of the eye. Med Pr 2013;64(3):455–459

PL

W pracy omówiono wpływ podwyższonego ciśnienia atmosferycznego (kompresji i dekompresji w komorze hiperbarycznej) na organizm ludzki, w szczególności na narząd wzroku. Przedstawiono dość rzadki przypadek bezbolesnej utraty widzenia związany z wylewem siatkówkowym i następowym bliznowaceniem u osoby wykonującej próbę Valsalvy podczas pracy w komorze hiperbarycznej. Zmianę określono z dużym prawdopodobieństwem jako następstwo makulopatii Valsalvy. Przypadek analizowano – na wniosek pacjentki – po około 6 latach od wystąpienia choroby pod kątem istnienia lub braku podstaw do rozpoznania choroby zawodowej narządu wzroku. Med. Pr. 2013;64(3):455–459

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Direct and airborne contact dermatitis in a beekeeper from the Małopolska region

Occupational diseases in the automotive industry in Czechia – Geographic and medical context

Epidemiology of silicosis reported to the central register of occupational diseases over last 20 years in Poland

Factors determining the effectiveness of conservative treatment in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Have musicians’ musculoskeletal symptoms been thoroughly addressed? A systematic mapping review

Makulopatia Valsalvy u pracownika medycznego wykonującego pracę w komorze hiperbarycznej – opis przypadku