Search results

1

Entry into vocational rehabilitation program following work-related hand injury: Potential candidates

100%

Chen Y.-H., Hsu C.-Y., Lien S.-H., Yu S.-J., Chang J.-M., Su S.-W., Chao Y.-H.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 29

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issue 1

101-111

EN

Objectives This case-control study aimed to investigate the predictors of return to work (RTW) following work-related major forearm, wrist or hand injury at the preparation stage of return to work. Material and Methods A total of 80 clients were recruited and divided into 2 groups depending on their readiness of RTW. The groups were compared with each other with regard to their demographics, compensation status, hand injury severity, health perception, and time off work (TOW) using correlation coefficient. Predictors of RTW were measured by logistic regression analysis. Results There were no significant differences in demographics and the severity of hand injury between 2 groups. Self-perceived physical functioning (p = 0.04), vitality (p = 0.01), mental health (p = 0.03) and TOW (p = 0.001) were significantly different between Action group and Preparation group. With binary logistic regression analysis, self-perceived vitality (odds ratio (OR) = 1.041) and TOW (OR = 0.996) were shown to be strongly predictive of RTW at the preparation stage of return to work. Conclusions This study has shown that shorter TOW and better self-perceived vitality could predict early readiness for RTW after major work-related forearm, wrist or hand injury.

2

Investigation and analysis of occupational physical injuries among healthcare staffs during allopatric medical aid for the fight against COVID-19

86%

Gao C., Ma G., Jiao D., Guo J., Zhang Y., Zhu L., Li J., Lou Y., Dong H.

Medycyna Pracy

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2022

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vol. 73

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issue 3

209-218

EN

Background: Occupational health impairment of medical personnel manifested as a prominent problem in COVID-19. The aim of this study is to investigate the occupational physical injuries of front-line medical staffs in Hubei province during the fight against COVID-19. Material and Methods: questionnaire survey was conducted among 476 medical staffs from 3 regions of Hubei Province, including general characteristics and the physical discomfort/damage suffered in the isolation wards during working hours. Results: A total of 457 valid questionnaires were collected. The common physical discomfort/damage included skin injuries (22.76%), conjunctivitis (15.10%), falls (9.19%), intolerant unwell symptoms (8.53%) and sharp injuries (6.13%). Logistic regression analysis showed that: lack of protective work experience (OR = 2.049, 95% CI: 1.071–3.921), continuous working for 4 h (OR = 3.771, 95% CI: 1.858–7.654), and working >4 h (OR = 7.076, 95% CI: 3.197–15.663) were high-risk factors for skin injuries. Working continuously for 4 h (OR = 3.248, 95% CI: 1.484–7.110) and working >4 h (OR = 3.096, 95% CI: 1.232–7.772) were high-risk factors for conjunctivitis. Lack of protective work experience was a high risk factor for falls (OR = 5.508, 95% CI: 1.299–23.354). The high risk factors for intolerant unwell symptoms were continuous working for 4 h (OR = 5.372, 95% CI: 1.239–23.301) and working >4 h (OR = 8.608, 95% CI: 1.843–40.217). Working in a COVID-19 critical care unit (OR = 3.249, 95% CI: 1.344–7.854) and implementation of nursing (OR = 9.766, 95% CI: 1.307–72.984) were high risk factors for sharp injuries. Conclusions: Occupational physical injuries are universal in the COVID-19 ward. Those who take up nursing, work in a critical care ward, with no experience in an isolation ward for infectious diseases, and work continuously for ≥4 h on the same day should get more attention.

3

An ecological study on the association between characteristics of hospital units and the risk of occupational injuries and adverse events on the example of an Italian teaching hospital

86%

Valent F., Liva G., Bellomo F., de Corti D., Degan S., Cattani G., Rosa I., Mizza A., Brusaferro S.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 29

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issue 1

149-159

EN

Objectives We explored the association of workplace characteristics with occupational injuries and adverse events in an Italian teaching hospital. Material and Methods This ecological study was conducted using data routinely collected in the University Hospital of Udine, Northeastern Italy. Poisson regression models were used to investigate, at the hospital unit level, the association between 5 outcomes, including: occupational injuries, patient falls, medication errors, other adverse events and near-misses, and various characteristics of the units. Results The proportion of female workers in a unit, the average number of sick-leave days and of overtime hours, the number of medical examinations requested by employees, and being a surgical unit were significantly associated with some of the outcomes. Conclusions Despite ecological nature of the study, which does not allow for inferences to be drawn at the individual level, the results of our study provide useful clues to support strategies and interventions directed towards healthier work environments and better patient care in hospitals.

4

A case-crossover study of sleep, fatigue, and other transient exposures at workplace and the risk of non-fatal occupational injuries among the employees of an Italian academic hospital

86%

Valent F., Mariuz M., Liva G., Bellomo F., De Corti D., Degan S., Ferrazzano A., Brusaferro S.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2016

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vol. 29

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issue 6

1001-1009

EN

Objectives Transient exposure with acute effect has been shown to affect the risk of occupational injuries in various industrial settings and at the healthcare workplace. The objective of this study has been to identify transient exposures related to occupational injury risk in an Italian teaching hospital. Material and Methods A case-crossover study was conducted among the employees of the University Hospital of Udine who reported an occupational injury, commuting accident, or incident involving biological risk in a 15-month period in the years 2013 and 2014. The matched-pair interval approach was used to assess the role of acute sleep deprivation whereas the usual frequency approach was used for other 13 transient exposures. Results Sleep hours were not associated with the risk of injuries whereas a significant risk increase was associated with fatigue, rush, distraction, emergency situations, teaching to or being taught by someone, non-compliant patients, bloody operative/work field, excess noise, complex procedures, and anger. Conclusions We identified transient exposures that increased the risk of occupational injuries in an Italian teaching hospital, providing indications for interventions to increase workers’ safety at the healthcare workplace. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(6):1001–1009

5

Air temperature exposure and agricultural occupational injuries in the Autonomous Province of Trento (2000–2013, North-Eastern Italy)

86%

Riccò M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2017

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vol. 31

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issue 3

317-331

EN

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between high air temperatures and occupational injuries (OIs) occurred during the summer seasons 2000–2013 in agricultural workers from the Autonomous Province of Trento (APT), North-Eastern Italy. Material and Methods Data about OIs for the APT from 2000 to 2013 occurring during the warm season (N = 7325) was provided by the National Institute of Insurance for Occupational Illness and Injury. Daily average and daily maximum temperatures values for the specific geographical site of events were retrieved. Daily temperatures were then assessed in 3 time lags: for the day of the event (lag 0), and for the previous 24 h (lag 1) and 48 h (lag 2). Daily temperatures were then categorized in 3 exposure groups (< 75th, 75–95th and > 95th percentiles). The risk of OIs was assessed as odds ratio (OR) calculated through a Poisson regression model controlled for age, sex, ethnicity and time period, and assuming OI rates for days on which temperature was comprised in < 75th percentile exposure groups as the referent ones. Results Estimated incidence of OIs during the study period was 3.4±2.3 events/day. The peak of work-related accidents occurred on days characterized by severe thermal conditions, and in particular during heat waves (incidence rate ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.17, p = 0.0165). Days having temperatures higher than 95th percentile, assessed as daily average, both on current days (OR = 1.119, 95% CI: 1.008–1.242) and in lag 1 (OR = 1.125, 95% CI: 1.013–1.249), as well as daily maximum temperatures, were at the highest risk of work-related injuries (OR = 1.144, 95% CI: 1.029–1.272). Conclusions In conclusion, presented findings recommend policymakers to develop appropriate warning/alert systems for agricultural workers regarding high environmental temperatures. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(3):317–331

6

Level of disability and associated factors with musculoskeletal disorders among supermarket cashiers

86%

Algarni F. S., Alkhaldi H. A., Zafar H., Alhammad S. A., Al-Shenqiti A. M., Altowaijri A. M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2022

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vol. 35

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issue 4

407-423

EN

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the severity of symptoms and the level of disability or difficulty associated with MSDs in the neck, shoulders, upper limbs, lower back, and lower limbs as well as the factors associated with MSDs.Material and MethodsThis investigation collected demographic, health (36-Item Short Form Survey [SF-36]), and occupational related-factors for supermarket cashiers through the administration of several questionnaires, including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain.ResultsOne hundred ninety-three supermarket cashiers participated in this study. The mean scores for disability levels included NDI (M±SD 18.62±14.57), ODI (M±SD 20.74±13.89), DASH (M±SD 15.08±13.90), and LEFS (M±SD 63.06±14.24). Regression analyses demonstrated the existence of significant relationships between the experience of MSDs and several other factors, including the number of working days per week, the preferred working position, marital status and the need for awkward positions.ConclusionsThe results indicate MSDs that signified a mild disability level among young participants. The number of working days per week, the preferred working position, the need to assume awkward positions, and marital status were significantly associated with MSDs. The findings indicated the need for preventive to avoid or minimize the prevalence of MSDs among supermarket cashiers.

7

Ethnic background and risk perception in construction workers: development and validation of an exploratory tool

86%

Ricci F., Modenese A., Bravo G., De Pasquale F., Ferrari D., Bello M., Carozza L., Longhi F., Favero G., Soddu S., Gobba F.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2019

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vol. 33

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issue 2

163-172

EN

ObjectivesAmong occupational sectors, construction is still one of the branches with the highest reported numbers of work-related injuries and diseases, which can even lead to death and in many cases induce permanent health consequences. The vast majority of these occupational injuries and diseases are preventable; accordingly, an improvement in preventive strategies, also through a better knowledge of the main factors involved in these events, is one of the most important objectives for better occupational health and safety in the construction sector. Considering the individual factors associated with a higher risk of work-related adverse health effects in workers, an inadequate perception of occupational risks is among the most relevant issues. Risk perception can vary according to different cultural backgrounds, highly influenced by ethnicity, and it affects the relations between workers in the work environment, and the way by with they undergo the specific occupational tasks and manage risky situations frequently occurring on construction sites. Accordingly, the aim of the authors was to develop a new tool for the assessment of risk perception in construction workers with different ethnic backgrounds.Material and MethodsA team of health and safety experts involved in the training of construction workers from various ethnic backgrounds and in different regions of Italy developed and validated a questionnaire-based tool for the evaluation of their risk perception. Furthermore, through a factor analysis, a reference model defining various dimensions of occupational risk perception, relevant for the different ethnicities, was identified.ResultsThe final tool included 12 items aimed to assess the associations between the ethnic background and occupational risk perception of construction workers. The authors identified 4 relevant dimensions: behavioral control, work conditions, safety climate and personal attitude.ConclusionsThe proposed tool should be considered to explore the appropriate ways for the development of effective preventive strategies for construction workers with different ethnic backgrounds in Italy.

8

Miners’ return to work following injuries in coal mines

58%

Bhattacherjee A., Kunar B. M.

Medycyna Pracy

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2016

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vol. 67

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issue 6

729-742

PL

Wstęp Podczas pracy w kopalni często dochodzi do urazów, które powodują poważne konsekwencje społeczno-ekonomiczne. Wcześniej przeprowadzone badania wykazały, że powstanie urazów u górników wynika z wielu czynników – demograficznych i behawioralnych, a także związanych ze zdrowiem zatrudnionych oraz środowiskiem pracy i jej warunkami. Brakuje jednak informacji na temat wpływu niektórych z tych czynników na opóźniony czas powrotu do pracy poszkodowanego w wypadku. Mogą się do tego przyczyniać cechy osobowe pracownika i jego rodziny, jego status społeczny i ekonomiczny, a także warunki pracy. Celem badania była ocena wpływu niektórych z ww. czynników na powrót do pracy poszkodowanego w wypadku w kopalni. Materiał i metody Grupę badaną stanowiło 109 pracowników podziemnej kopalni węgla, którzy ulegli wypadkowi w latach 2000–2009. W wyniku przeprowadzonego badania kwestionariuszowego uzyskano m.in. następujące dane: datę urodzenia, wzrost i masę ciała, staż w zawodzie, spożycie alkoholu, czas trwania snu, choroby, stres w pracy, satysfakcję z pracy i typ urazu. Do analizy wyników użyto estymatorów Kaplana-Meiera i modelu proporcjonalnego hazardu Coxa. Wyniki Obliczenia wykonane z wykorzystaniem metody Kaplana-Meiera wykazały, że duży wpływ na szybki powrót do pracy po urazie ma mniejsza liczba członków rodziny, dłuższy czas snu, brak stresu w pracy, niewystępowanie chorób, brak uzależnienia od alkoholu i wyższy dochód miesięczny. Natomiast analiza regresji Coxa wykazała, że istotnymi czynnikami ryzyka, które wpływają na czas powrotu górników do pracy, były występowanie choroby, satysfakcja z pracy i typ urazu. Wnioski Kierownictwo kopalni powinno zwracać uwagę na istotne czynniki ryzyka urazów w celu opracowania efektywnych środków prewencyjnych. Med. Pr. 2016;67(6):729–742

EN

Background The occupational injuries in mines are common and result in severe socio-economical consequences. Earlier studies have revealed the role of multiple factors such as demographic factors, behavioral factors, health-related factors, working environment, and working conditions for mine injuries. However, there is a dearth of information about the role of some of these factors in delayed return to work (RTW) following a miner’s injury. These factors may likely include personal characteristics of injured persons and his or her family, the injured person’s social and economic status, and job characteristics. This study was conducted to assess the role of some of these factors for the return to work following coal miners’ injuries. Material and Methods A study was conducted for 109 injured workers from an underground coal mine in the years 2000–2009. A questionnaire, which was completed by the personnel interviews, included among others age, height, weight, seniority, alcohol consumption, sleeping duration, presence of diseases, job stress, job satisfaction, and injury type. The data was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier estimates and the Cox proportional hazard model. Results According to Kaplan-Meier estimate it was revealed that a lower number of dependents, longer sleep duration, no job stress, no disease, no alcohol addiction, and higher monthly income have a great impact on early return to work after injury. The Cox regression analysis revealed that the significant risk factors which influenced miners’ return to work included presence of disease, job satisfaction and injury type. Conclusions The mine management should pay attention to significant risk factors for injuries in order to develop effective preventive measures. Med Pr 2016;67(6):729–742

9

Fatal accidents at work in agriculture associated with alcohol intoxication in Lower Silesia in Poland

58%

Jurek T., Rorat M.

Medycyna Pracy

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2017

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vol. 68

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issue 1

23-30

PL

Wstęp W celu poprawy poziomu bezpieczeństwa pracy w rolnictwie konieczne są gromadzenie i analiza danych dotyczących liczby osób w stanie nietrzeźwości, które ulegają śmiertelnym wypadkom, poziomu alkoholu w ich organizmie, okoliczności śmierci i czasu między konsumpcją alkoholu a zgonem. Materiał i metody Przeprowadzono retrospektywną analizę wyników 18 935 sądowo-lekarskich sekcji zwłok i raportów toksykologicznych wykonanych w Katedrze Medycyny Sądowej na Uniwersytecie Medycznym we Wrocławiu w latach 1991–2014. Protokół badania obejmował okoliczności, czas i przyczynę zgonu, obrażenia, wynik badania ilościowego na zawartość alkoholu, płeć i wiek badanych. Wyniki Stwierdzono 98 wypadków śmiertelnych przy pracy w rolnictwie. Pod wpływem alkoholu było 41,8% (N = 41) ofiar wypadków, w tym 95,1% (N = 39) mężczyzn w wieku 19–70 lat i 4,9% (N = 2) kobiet w wieku 37–65 lat. W przypadku 8 osób stężenie alkoholu we krwi wynosiło 0,5–1,5‰, u 15 osób – 1,5–2,5‰, a u 18 osób – powyżej 2,5‰. U 21 ofiar wypadków poziom alkoholu oznaczono w materiale alternatywnym i ustalono, że 76% (N = 16) z nich znajdowało się w fazie eliminacji alkoholu z organizmu, a 19% (N = 4) w fazie wchłaniania. Najczęstszymi okolicznościami śmierci były wypadki drogowe, utonięcia i urazy związane z pochwyceniem lub uderzeniem przez poruszające się elementy maszyn rolniczych. Wnioski Spożycie alkoholu jest istotnym czynnikiem ryzyka śmiertelnych wypadków w rolnictwie. W celu ustalenia czasu konsumpcji alkoholu przez ofiary wypadków należy oznaczać u nich stężenie alkoholu we krwi i w moczu lub szklistce. Poprawa bezpieczeństwa w miejscu pracy wymaga monitorowania trzeźwości pracowników zarówno przed rozpoczęciem pracy, jak i w jej trakcie. Med. Pr. 2017;68(1):23–30

EN

Background Determining the prevalence of alcohol intoxication and the level of intoxication in victims of fatal occupational accidents is necessary to improve work safety. The circumstances of the accident and the time between alcohol consumption and death are important factors. Material and Methods A retrospective review of 18 935 medico-legal autopsy reports and toxicological reports performed in the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Wroclaw Medical University, Poland, in the years 1991–2014. The study protocol included circumstances, time and cause of death, injuries, quantitative testing for the presence of ethyl alcohol, gender and age. Results There were 98 farm-related fatalities. There were 41.8% (N = 41) of victims who had been intoxicated – 95.1% (N = 39) of them were males aged 19–70 years old, 4,9% (N = 2) were females aged 37–65 years old. In 8 cases the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 50–150 mg/dl; in 15 cases it was 150–250 mg/dl and in 18 cases it was > 250 mg/dl. In 21 cases, the BAC was determined using alternative material and 76% (N = 16) victims were in the alcohol elimination phase with 19% (N = 4) victims in the alcohol absorption phase. The most common causes of death were traffic accidents, drowning and deaths resulting from being caught in or hit by moving parts of machinery or equipment. Conclusions Alcohol consumption is a crucial risk factor in fatal agricultural accidents. In order to establish the time of alcohol consumption, all victims of agricultural accidents should be tested for alcohol concentration in their blood and urine or vitreous. Improving safety at work requires that the sobriety of employees should be monitored before and during work. Med Pr 2017;68(1):23–30

Refine search results

Entry into vocational rehabilitation program following work-related hand injury: Potential candidates

Investigation and analysis of occupational physical injuries among healthcare staffs during allopatric medical aid for the fight against COVID-19

An ecological study on the association between characteristics of hospital units and the risk of occupational injuries and adverse events on the example of an Italian teaching hospital

A case-crossover study of sleep, fatigue, and other transient exposures at workplace and the risk of non-fatal occupational injuries among the employees of an Italian academic hospital

Air temperature exposure and agricultural occupational injuries in the Autonomous Province of Trento (2000–2013, North-Eastern Italy)

Level of disability and associated factors with musculoskeletal disorders among supermarket cashiers

Ethnic background and risk perception in construction workers: development and validation of an exploratory tool

Miners’ return to work following injuries in coal mines

Fatal accidents at work in agriculture associated with alcohol intoxication in Lower Silesia in Poland