The Relationship of Occupational Health Nurses’ Experiences with Associated Departments in Relation to Project Development of Mental Health Care for Primary Preventive Treatment

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship and experiences of occupational health nurses (OHNs) and related departments in project development of mental health care for primary treatment in the Japanese occupational health setting. Method: A total of 235 OHNs who are members of the Japan Academy of Occupational Health Nursing were sent an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey. The questionnaire included items on the following: the OHN’s background, whether the OHN had experience in project development, the communication between the associated departments, the Japanese version of the Work Engagement Scale (UWES-J), occupational assessments, workplace assessments, and the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) for health promotion in companies and the OHN’s working environment. We performed logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between experience and these harmonious relationships with other associated departments. Result: Responses from 61 OHNs (valid response rate: 25.9%) were analyzed. The mean number of years of service as an OHN was 18.9, and 82% of respondents had experience in project development. The logistic analysis further revealed that OHNs who had experience in project development of mental health care usually had a harmonious relationship with other associated departments. Conclusion: To promote mental health care for workers, OHNs have the capability to create individual and workplace assessments, enhance their work engagement, and make further improvements to their working environment. .

Evaluation of Attitudes of Family Physicians toward Occupational Health and Occupational Diseases in Türkiye

Background/Aim: This study evaluated family physicians’ attitudes toward occupational health and disease in Türkiye. Materials and Methods: The study is cross-sectional and descriptive in a quantitative research design. The “Attitude Scale for Physicians toward Occupational Health and Occupational Diseases” developed by Kolcu et al. was used in the study (Cronbach’s α 0.94). Our study aimed to sample the entire country using the stratified sample selection based on geographical region. 349 family physicians were included in the study according to sample size (n: 349). Results: The mean age of the participants in the study was 37.77 ± 8.96 (min: 27, max: 65 years). Of the participants, 65.2% were male. Of the physicians, 33.8% were family medicine specialists, and 38.8% had occupational physician certificates. It was determined that the level of attitude of family physicians toward occupational diseases was insufficient. It was also found that awareness increased as age increased, and awareness and attitude levels did not change according to gender. No significant difference was found in the scale total scores and subdimensions of family physicians’ occupational health and occupational disease attitudes according to the regions they worked in Türkiye. Conclusion: It has been concluded that there is no difference in awareness among family physicians in regions where it is much more important to diagnose an occupational disease, especially in industrial regions. The number of family physicians with occupational physician certificates was very insufficient, and a significant number of those who had occupational physician certificates did not practice occupational medicine.

Occupational Health and Safety Hazards Experienced by Healthcare Workers at Two Hospitals in Suyani, Bono Region, Ghana

INTRODUCTION Occupational safety and health (OSH) is generally the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of hazards arising in or from the workplace. The study sought to assess and evaluate occupational health and safety hazards experienced among health workers in the Bono region of Ghana. METHODOLOGY The study was descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study. Data was from two hundred (200) health workers and was analyzed using the binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The findings from the study show that risk factors associated with biological hazards were clinical staff [OR = 2.487 (1.146 - 5.397), p = 0.021], poor maintenance of hospital items [OR = 0.446 (0.240 - 0.831), p = 0.011], assault (verbal) abuse [OR = 2.581 (1.317 - 5.059), p = 0.006] and extreme pressure from work [OR = 2.975 (1.519 - 5.829), p = 0.001]. Non-biological hazards were associated with being single [OR = 0.499 (0.263 - 0.947), p = 0.034], being verbally assaulted [OR = 3.581 (1.865 - 6.876), p CONCLUSION Risk factors related with biological hazards include poor maintenance of hospital items and extreme pressure from work whereas non-biological hazards were associated with being single, being verbally assaulted. Clinical healthcare providers are more vulnerable to occupational health and safety hazards. The study recommends the provision of strategic policies to promote and protect the workers’ health based on the development of the epidemiological profile of health, needs to be readjusted and strengthened.

Research Progress in Occupational Health Risk Assessment Methods in China

Traditional occupational disease control and prevention has remained prevalent in China over recent decades. There are appropriately 30,000 new case reports of occupational diseases annually. Although China has already established a series of occupational disease prevention programs, occupational health risk assessment （OHRA） strategies continue to be a limitation.

Occupational Health Risk Assessment of Benzene,Toluene,and Xylene in Shanghai

Objective This study was designed to conduct a retrospective and systematic occupational health risk assessment(OHRA)of enterprises that used benzene,toluene,and xylene(BTX)in Shanghai,China.Methods All data for the study were obtained from 1,705 occupational health examination and evaluation reports from 2013 to 2017,and a semiquantitative model following Chinese OHRA guidelines(GBZ/T 298-2017)was applied for the assessment.Results The selected enterprises using BTX were mainly involved in manufacturing of products.Using the exposure level method,health risk levels associated with exposure to BTX were classified as medium,negligible,or low.However,the risk levels associated with benzene and toluene were significantly different according to job types,with gluers and inkers exhibiting greater health risks.For the same job type,the health risk levels assessed using the comprehensive index method were higher than those using the exposure level method.Conclusion Our OHRA reveals that workers who are exposed to BTX still face excessive health risk.Additionally,the risk level varied depending on job categories and exposure to specific chemicals.Therefore,additional control measures recommended by OHRA guidelines are essential to reduce worker exposure levels.

Occupational health protection for health workers during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic:6P-approach in China

Health workers(HW)are on the frontline fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic,they are exposed to multiple occupational hazards.This article analyzed the comprehensive measures of protecting HWs during the COVID-19 response in China.Occupational health protection of HWs was one of the key strategies of the public health measures adopted against the COVID-19 outbreak from the earliest stage in China.This prioritization of HWs health protection was based on the technical and policy guidance of WHO and International Labor Organization as well as the experiences from previous outbreaks in China.The comprehensive measures in China can be summarized as‘6P-approach’:public health emergency response,prompt learning from lessons,proactive measures of occupational health,precaution strategies against occupational hazards,personal protective equipment and medical devices supply,and professional networking.Through this 6P-approach,China was able to minimize the incidence of COVID-19 infection among HWs,while successfully containing the outbreak dxuing the first quarter of 2020.Although the COVID-19 vaccines have been rolled out,however,the COVID-19 pandemic is still under rapidly evolving situation.Experiences from China may provide other countries with an example of prioritizing and incorporating occupational health protection of HWs in their public health measures responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Knowledge, Practices, and Environmental and Occupational Health Risks Associated with Electronic Waste Recycling in Cotonou, Benin

Objective: The e-waste recycling is increasing worldwide, yet there remain outstanding environmental and occupational health concerns. Most research conducted on e-waste recycling has focused on only few countries (e.g., China, Ghana), thus there is a need to increase understanding of e-waste workers’ (recyclers’) knowledge and practices in other locations, that is purpose of this study. Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted in Cotonou, Benin, 45 e-waste recyclers were interviewed from September to November 2018. Survey data was collected concerning their demographics, professional practices, and knowledge of occupational and environmental risks associated with e-waste recycling. Results: Most participants reported the following methods of material recovery of electronic items in declining orders: dismantling (97.8%) > sorting (91.1%) > incinerating (88.9%). Only 44.2% of the recyclers reported wearing ≥ 1 piece of personal protective equipment (PPE). More than 90% of e-waste workers noted that they disposed the e-waste in natural sites. About half, 46.7% believed that e-waste can pollute water and 71.1% considered that it can pollute air and soil. Recyclers reported several diseases including respiratory (67.4%), heart (62.8%), eye (65.1%), kidney (41.9%) and cancers (30.2%) could be linked to their work, respectively. Interestingly, we also found associations between the number of electronic items dismantled per month and self-report symptoms from the e-waste recyclers such as finding blood in urine and stool, wounds, dizziness, and itchy skin. Our results also indicated associations between the number of hours worked per day and blood in urine, dizziness, itchy skin and airway obstruction. Conclusion: To our knowledge this is the first study to interview e-waste workers in Benin. Doing this increase understanding of their work practices and knowledge to help inform intervention and prevention activities.

New Challenges for Occupational Health Services Facing Economic Reform in China

In China, which is facing economic reform and the rapid development of small-scale industries, various occupational hazards are reappearing. The problems are related to the ignorance of the managers and the workers, a lack of capital, the insufficiency of occupational health services, and the transfer of some hazardous work from large factories in the cities to small plants in the towns and villages. The change in life-style, especially in smoking habits, has aggravated occupational hazards. The problems may be solved by renewing the concept of health among the managers and workers, enforcing legislation related to occupational hazards, strengthening health personnel training, and reinforcing health education and self-help. 1989 Academic Press, Inc.

A nurse-led occupational health promotion program for farmers

Agrarian occupational health is a neglected primary health-care service in India.A nurse-led health promotion program is planned based on a Conceptual Model for the Occupational Health Nurse Specialist prepared by Ms.Janice Dees(1984)inspired from Orem’s self-care theory.The interventions included are range of motion exercise,progressive muscle relaxation technique,foot and palm massage,and literacy on safety practices.The wellness of field farmers is expected by following this program plan.

Sustainable Development Importance in Higher Education for Occupational Health and Safety Using Egypt Vision 2030 under COVID-19 Pandemic

Insertion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into higher education is an important concern. This article aims to address the influences of SDGs in higher and engineering educational system in Egypt. The present study focuses on SDGs 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11. SDG 3 is related to occupational health and SDG 4 is related to higher education development. However, SDGs 6, 7, 9, and 11 are related to both mechanical and environmental engineering, and occupational safety. The study approach involves case risk analysis, investigations, and review for design concepts of occupational health and safety before and after the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A number of cross-sectional studies that constitute 125 multidisciplinary research plans (MDRPs) are grouped to monitor and evaluate two main factors which are an influence of involving SDGs into engineering education and selected curriculum of occupational health and safety. Then the results of these research-based studies, which performed over four academic years started from 2017 up to date 2021, are depicted and discussed. These results reveal the importance of interlink between engineering education and the intended SDGs. The latest 25 MDRPs demonstrate that Egypt response to alleviate the COVID-19 is rapidly pronounced specially on SDGs 3 and 4 simultaneously. However, those MDRPs show that neither record impacts nor delays on SDGs 6, 7, 9 and 11. The conclusions prioritize both the advanced educational mechanisms and verify the engineering curriculums to raise awareness of SDGs among both staff members and students in Egyptian universities. Finally, future work is recommended at the end of this article to focus on each specific goal to gain deep insight to state of the art for each SDG around globe using education development.

Occupational Health Hazards among Large-Scale Gold Mineworkers in Ghana

Introduction: The mining industry ranks among the most hazardous occupations globally owing to the high prevalence of workplace accidents. To better protect workers in the industry, there is a need for a comprehensive understanding of risk factors, common illnesses and provision of PPE. Objective: This study examined the prevalence and underlying risk factors to work-related injuries, common illnesses, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage among mineworkers in two large-scale mining companies in Ghana that consented to participation. Methodology: Two hundred mineworkers were selected through stratified sampling in these companies using a semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square test and binomial logistic regression were employed to determine the relationship between the incidence of occupational injury and selected risk factors using R studio. Results: The results showed that more than a tenth (16%;n = 31) of mineworkers had sustained physical injuries since being employed—mostly lacerations (53%). Out of those injured, (85%;n = 22) reportedly sustain an injury annually. A little more than half (57%;n = 112) of the mineworkers work for more than 40 hours per week. Injuries were significantly associated with the type of profession at the mine (p = 0.04;χ2 = 4.3)—Technicians and Mechanics were more likely to be injured. Although not statistically significant, working for more than 40 hours/week doubled the odds of being injured at the workplace (aOR = 1.77;95% CI: -0.27 - 1.48). The topmost illnesses among mineworkers were musculoskeletal pains (MSPs) [53%] and headaches (35%). About two-thirds (65%) had all the needed PPEs for their work. Safety goggles were the predominant PPE reportedly lacking among the mineworkers (16%;n = 31). Conclusion: There is a need for targeted training/intervention programmes and adoption of assistive ergonomic devices to protect mineworkers.

The Importance of Occupational Health and Safety(OHS)and OHS Budgeting in terms of Social Sustainability in the Construction Sector

Nowadays,sustainability is one of the most important construction sector goals,as it is in most other sectors.However,sustainability in the construction sector is dealt mostly with its environmental and economic dimensions,and its social dimension remains in the background.This situation causes the Occupational Health and Safety(OHS),which is perhaps the most important issue within the scope of social sustainability,to be addressed on its own,and its relationship with sustainability to be not introduced clearly.This study discussed the relationship between social sustainability and OHS in the construction sector.Based on the fact that in construction projects,the sustainability goal should be revealed forward to a great extent at the design stage,how to contribute to OHS by budgeting OHS activities together with project activities was explained.We intended to contribute to the provision of OHS and thus the social sustainability of construction projects by revealing how the budgeting will be done and how much OHS budget will be,by referring to the studies in the literature conducted about OHS budgeting and presented robust numerical data.The study is expected to help construction sector stakeholders to understand the relationship between social sustainability and OHS and to provide a clear picture of the role of budgeting in this respect.

The Enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health Requirements in Public and Private Sectors in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates

Research Problem: In Abu Dhabi, limited implementation of OSH Regulations contributes to the general unawareness among employees and workers about occupational hazards and safety measures, resulting in slow responsiveness toward enforcement measures and a lack of self-regulatory approaches within companies. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation methods practised in Abu Dhabi with those in developed countries with established OSH regulatory bodies. Methodology: Qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed to gather primary research data. Workers from various industries in Abu Dhabi were sampled on purpose and asked to respond to questionnaires and interviews on OSH protocol awareness and implementation, and circumstances of workplace incidence. Results: The findings of this study showed that the enforcement of OSH requirements in UAE positively correlated to a reduction in the rate of work-related injury and improved business performance. The quantitative research data showed that the energy sector had the highest score (15) while the tourism sector had the lowest score (5.3) in occupational health systems and improvements in business efficiency and productivity. Implications: The outcomes of this study shed light on the importance of implementing OSH Guidelines for companies to empower their safety managers to fully enforce OSH requirements in their organisations. In conclusion, effective OSH enforcement requires cooperation between general workers and OSH managers and facilitation from business owners.

Floating Solar Plants and Relevant Environmental,Health,and Safety Challenges

An Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA)was conducted for 2×150 MW Floating Photovoltaic(FPV)plants,based on the World Bank’s new Environmental and Social Framework(ESF).The project was the first of its kind financed by the World Bank in Pakistan and was geared towards renewable energy development in the country.Key components of the project included the installation of high-density polyethylene floats,Photovoltaic(PV)panels,underwater transmission cables to floating or shoreline inverters and transformers,and overhead transmission lines to existing or new substations.The EIA was commissioned to identify all environmental,health,and safety challenges associated with the construction and operation of the FPV plants.A risk screening criterion based on the World Bank ESF was employed to identify these challenges,while a mitigation hierarchy and hierarchy of control were used in providing measures to address these challenges.The environmental challenges identified were pollution of surface water and degradation of aquatic habitat from bird droppings on the floating panels;changes to the thermal structure and evaporation rate of the water body as a result of decreased sunlight access;direct impacts of shading on fish and aquatic algae;impacts on migratory birds and their habitats;and impacts on fish movements due to the anchoring and cabling of the floats.Likewise,the project-specific occupational health and safety challenges identified were the risk of falling and drowning in the water during the installation and maintenance of the panels over the water.Mitigation measures were provided for the identified challenges.In conclusion,the construction and operation of FPV plants have environmental,health,and safety issues.It is therefore recommended that the mitigation measures provided should be incorporated into the earlier stages of the design and operation of future similar FPV plants around the world.

Downregulation of Serum PTEN Expression in Mercury-Exposed Population and PI3K/AKT Pathway-Induced Inflammation

Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg) exposure on human gene transcription and expression, and its potential biological mechanisms.Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation. Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN lowexpression models were established in vitro using 293T cells. PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR, and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN, AKT, and PI3K protein levels. IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA.Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis, bioinformatics, and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group. In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L), a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed, accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 expression.Similarly, a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 levels.Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene, activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway, and increases the expression of inflammatory factors, ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.

Sleep Disorders among Professional Oil Tanker Drivers in Ouagadougou Burkina Faso

Introduction: Sleep disorders among professional drivers are a major road safety problem. They cause fatigue and drowsiness at the wheel, which can lead to road traffic accidents and even accidents at work. The aim of this study was to assess sleep disorders among professional drivers of oil tankers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried out from 11 April 2020 to 11 September 2020 in the national hydrocarbon company’s fuel depot. All the drivers present at the time were included and accomplished a questionnaire incorporating the commonly scales using to assess sleep disorders, sleep quality and sleep apnoea. Data analysis using R 3.6.1 software enabled to perform univariate and multivariate analyses to identify associated factors. Adjusted odd ratios were used to measure the strength of association. The significance level chosen was p ≤ 0.05. Results: All the 339 respondents were male. A proportion of 33.6% suffered from insomnia, including 12.7% with moderate to severe insomnia, and 18.58% were at risk of sleep apnoea. On the Epworth scale, 26.6% of drivers showed sleep debt and 4.1% excessive daytime sleepiness. The risk factors associated with insomnia were the use of psychostimulants. A history of diabetes and insomnia were risk factors associated with sleep apnoea syndrome. Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep disturbance and insomnia among the respondents were 52.2% and 33.6% respectively. Use of psychostimulants was the identified risk factor. The prevalence of SAS was 4.72%, with diabetes and insomnia as associated factors.

Work Ability Index and Work Ability Score: A Comparation between both Scores in a Persistent COVID-19 Cohort

Aims: The present study aims to compare the assessment of work ability based on the use of the Work Ability Index (WAI) with another questionnaire base only on the use of WAI’s first item, termed as the “Work Ability Score” (WAS). Study design: A cohort of 384 Spanish workers included in a Post COVID-19 condition or persistent COVID-19 multicenter research was utilized. Place and Duration of Study: This cohort was enlisted in four hospitals (Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid;Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Andalucía;Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid and Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Castilla y León), since 2021 until 2022. Methodology: 384 Spanish workers (176 men and 208 women;aged 20 to 70 years) with Post COVID-19 condition or persistent COVID-19 were included. Descriptive analysis of primary scores was conducted. Given the non-normal distribution of data, the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed. Spearman and Kendall correlations were employed to assess the relationship between WAI and WAS, also used weighted Kappa to estimate the degree agreement between WAI and WAS. Logistic regression models were utilized to study determinants influencing WAI and WAS, categorized as poor or moderate. Results: WAI had an average score of 32.98 (SD = 10.28), whereas WAS had an average of 5.95 (SD = 2.77). Significant differences were observed in both WAI and WAS across the same variables. Strong and statistically significant correlations were evident between WAI and WAS (rs = 0.83, p < 0.001). All the variables used in the logistic regression model (gender, the sector employment, and previous chronic diseases) were statistically significant in both questionnaires. Conclusion: WAS questionnaire could be used as a tool for reliable assessment of work ability among Spanish workers with Post COVID-19 condition or Persistent CO-VID-19.

Risk Factors of Low Back Pain among the Chinese Occupational Population:A Case-control Study

Objective To explore the risk factors of low back pain among the Chinese occupational population in several major industries. Methods A total of 7200 subjects （3600 cases and 3600 controls） were randomly sampled from a cross-sectional study, and they were investigated for individual and occupational factors of low back pain. The potential risk factors were first selected by using chi-square tests. Secondly, collinearity diagnosis proceeded by using the Kendall＇s rank correlation. Finally, binary logistic regression model was used for multi-factor analysis. Results Collinearity diagnosis showed that there was a severe collinearity problem among the potential risk factors of low back pain. Logistic regression model included 20 variables with statistical significance. Bending neck forward or holding neck in a forward posturefor long periods （0R=1.408） was the most important risk factor inducing low back pain in this study, followed by bending heavily with the trunk （0R=1.402）, carrying out identical work almost for the whole day （0R=1.340）. Additionally, suHicient normal break was a protective factor of low back pain. Conclusion Low back pain among the Chinese occupational population was associated with body height, occupation, work organization, physical work, working posture, and others. All these risk factors could be regarded as the indicators of low back pain, and some relevant preventive measures should be taken to reduce low back pain risk.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Workplace Health Promotion Programs from 2000 to 2020: Literature Review

Introduction. Recognition of best practices in workplace health promotion is an important task that significantly affects the expansion of those programs. Once the program has been developed, its effectiveness becomes the most critical point of evaluation to guarantee achievements in the improvement of workers’ health. Objectives. To identify the practices for evaluating the effectiveness of workplace health promotion programs. Material and Methods: A search was performed on MEDLINE through PubMed with the MeSH: “Occupational Health”, “Health Promotion” and “Program Evaluation”, from the year 2000 to the year 2020 for studies with the following designs: Meta-analyses, Systematic reviews, Randomized Clinical Trials and Clinical Trials. Results: The most common topic of workplace health promotion programs (WHP) was increasing physical activity and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, followed by stress management and finally smoking cessation and musculoskeletal disorders. The post-intervention measurements were most often done at 6 months and 12. The most commonly used indicators were the number of steps, weight, BMI, % body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure, sedentary time, level of physical activity and time of moderate-vigorous physical activity, daily energy output, life purpose, life satisfaction, mood and stress level. Conclusions: Although a great variability was observed in the evaluation of WHP programs, there were also common aspects. These results will help with designing WHP programs and defining evidence-based evaluation of their effectiveness. It is important to remember that WHP programs must be customized, taking into consideration the needs of each organization’s workforce.

Improving the law on the prevention and control of occupational diseases in China: an employer-supporting management perspective

A healthy workforce is fundamental for China to pursue its Healthy China 2030 strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.The Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases(the Chinese OD Law),which has been amended four times since its adoption in 2002,is the core and cornerstone of the entire regulatory system for occupational health.In addition to discussing the new institutional reforms,which are relevant to China’s regulatory system for occupational diseases(ODs)because of their marked impact on healthcare system reform,we present further evidence,mainly drawn from desk and field research.Our study focuses on the barriers that employers face in complying with the Chinese OD Law and explores the optimized employer-initiated management system,which requires further amendments to the Chinese OD Law,as the State Council of China has prioritized this issue as a top challenge.We first summarize the key characteristics of the Chinese OD Law and illustrate employers’essential obligations,and then analyze the critical challenges that employers face regarding OD prevention and control.We demonstrate good practices and experiences in China,and,finally,propose recommendations for further amendments to the Chinese OD Law in the near future.These recommendations can be achieved only through integrating the healthcare system reform with mechanism innovation.