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.

Predicaments and Countermeasures of the Protection of Migrant Workers' Human Rights——From the Perspective of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families

International migration mainly happens between the North and the South Mig rant workers have made important contributions to the inclusive growth and sustainable development of world economy, but their human rights are often violated In recent years, frequent extreme terrorists attacks and large-scale refugee influxes have triggered anti-for eign sentiment and policies in developed countries, which expose migrant workers to an unprecedented human rights crisis The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families is an important convention adopted by the United Nations that specially protects human rights of migrant workers However, as the convention has not been ratified by major developed countries where most migrant workers seek employment, the protection regime has an empty shell Developing countries where most migrant workers originate from should strengthen cooperation among themselves and urge developed countries to fulfill the duty of human rights protection by normalizing the status of migrant workers and that of members of their families in employment countries and ratifying the convention as soon as possible.

Presence of Antibodies to Heat Stress Proteins and its Possible Significance in Workers Exposed to High Temperature and Carbon Monoxide

Antibodies to the ubiquitous group of stress proteins known as heat shock proteins (Hsps) have been found to be associated with a number of diseases in humans. Hsps are known to be induced by certain xenobiotics, some of which are common in the working environment. The biological significance of the presence of such autoantibodies is presently unclear. In the present study, we used immunoblotting to investigate the presence of antibodies against the different stress proteins, Hsp27, Hsp60, Hsp71, Hse (heat shock cognate ) 73 and Hsp89a and D in groups of workers exposed to high temperature or carbon monoxide. These data were related to a detailed clinical evaluation and to various laboratory measurements including electrocardiogram (ECG), B echogram, white blood cell counts and typing, the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lymphocyte DNA damage. Antibodies to Hsp27 and Hsp71 were found more frequently in the high temperature and carbon monoxide-exposed groups than in controls (P (0.05 ). The carbon monoxide-exposed group showed the highest incidence of anti-Hsp antibodies. Anti-Hsp60 antibodies were only detected in workers exposed to high temperature or carbon monoxide. The percentage of workers with abnormal ECG, B echogram changes and displaying hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg ) was higher in the carbon monoxide group than in the control group (P＜0.05 ).There was a significant inerease in the activity of ALT in the high temperature and carbon monoxide groups and in the activities of ACP and ALP in the carbon monoxide group (P＜0.05 ). The extent of DNA damage measured in lymphoeytes was higher in workers from the high temperature and carbon monoxide-cxposed groups. We suggest that the increased frequeney of antibodies to Hsps is the result of these damages, of the release of denatured Hsps and of a decrease in the phagocytic ability of macrophages in these workers. The data gathered in the present study show a statistical relation between the occurrence of antibodies against Hsps and the frequency of health problems in workers and suggest a potential role for the antibodies as useful biomarkers to assess whether workers are experieneing environmental stress

SARS-CoV-2, surgeons and surgical masks

The exact risk association of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)for surgeons is not quantified which may be affected by their risk of exposure and individual factors.The objective of this review is to quantify the risk of COVID-19 among surgeons,and explore whether facemask can minimise the risk of COVID-19 among surgeons.A systematised review was carried out by searching MEDLINE to locate items on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or COVID-19 in relation to health care workers(HCWs)especially those work in surgical specialities including surgical nurses and intensivists.Additionally,systematic reviews that assessed the effectiveness of facemask against viral respiratory infections,including COVID-19,among HCWs were identified.Data from identified articles were abstracted,synthesised and summarised.Fourteen primary studies that provided data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection or experience among surgeons and 11 systematic reviews that provided evidence of the effectiveness of facemask(and other personal protective equipment)were summarised.Although the risk of COVID-19 could not be quantified precisely among surgeons,about 14%of HCWs including surgeons had COVID-19,there could be variations depending on settings.Facemask was found to be somewhat protective against COVID-19,but the HCWs’compliance was highly variable ranging from zero to 100%.Echoing surgical societies’guidelines we continue to recommend facemask use among surgeons to prevent COVID-19.

Gloves and Ebola virus:a consideration of the penetration possibility based on nanostructure consideration

To the editor,Ebola virus infection is the new deadly viral infection that is presently problematic in many countries in Africa.The prevention of this disease seems to be difficult and the rapid distribution of disease becomes the important issue for further discussion.As noted by Muyembe-Tamfum et al.[1],one of the major disease control measures is the distribution of protective equipment to health care workers.Gloves are important protective equipments

Prevalence of Occupational Injury and Knowledge of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Accessibility among Healthcare Workers in Mogadishu, Somalia

Introduction: Healthcare workers in Mogadishu, Somalia face significant occupational injury risks, particularly needle stick injuries, with 61.1% reporting incidents. This poses a serious threat to their health, leading to infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Despite the high prevalence of injuries, awareness of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) accessibility is relatively high, with 84.0% of respondents aware of it. However, there are gaps in knowledge and implementation, as evidenced by variations in availability of PEP. Improving workplace safety measures, providing comprehensive training on injury prevention and PEP protocols, and ensuring consistent availability of PEP in healthcare facilities are crucial steps to safeguard the well-being of healthcare workers in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among hospital workers in Mogadishu, Somalia, focusing on professionals from various healthcare facilities. The study targeted nurses, doctors, laboratory personnel, and pharmacists. Purposive sampling was employed, resulting in a sample size of 383 calculated using Fisher’s sample size formula. Data were collected using coded questionnaires entered into Microsoft Excel 2019 and analyzed with SPSS software to generate frequencies and proportions, presented through frequency tables and pie figures. Results: The study in Mogadishu, Somalia, examined the prevalence of occupational injuries and knowledge of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) accessibility among healthcare workers. Findings indicate a high prevalence of injuries, with 61.1% reporting incidents, predominantly needle stick injuries (60.6%). Despite the majority seeking prompt medical attention (72.0%), work-related illnesses affected 53.2% of respondents, notably work-related stress (59.5%). While most received training on injury and illness prevention (68.9%), gaps exist in PEP awareness, with 16.0% unaware of it. Nonetheless, 84.0% were aware, predominantly through health facilities (52.0%). Availability of PEP was reported by 71.3% in healthcare facilities, with variations in shift availability. The majority reported guidelines for PEP use (55.7%). Efforts are needed to bolster PEP awareness and ensure consistent availability in healthcare facilities to safeguard worker health. Conclusion: High prevalence of occupational injuries among healthcare workers, with needle stick injuries being the most common (60.6%). Despite this, 84.0% of respondents were aware of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), primarily learning about it from health facilities (52.0%). While 71.3% reported the availability of PEP in their facility, 28.7% noted its unavailability. These results emphasize the need for improved education and accessibility of PEP to mitigate occupational injury risks.

Rural Migrant Workers' Welfare and Labor Protection in China under the Labor Contract Law

This paper employs difference-in-differences(DID) approach to evaluate the effects of China's Labor Contract Law's implementation on rural migrant workers' welfare.Our findings suggest that the Labor Contract Law has reduced rural migrant workers' working hours by 23%, and increased their social insurance coverage by 10% to 26%. This conclusion holds true after removal of sample selection bias and policy expectation factor.Further analysis reveals that Labor Contract Law's welfare improvement effect was more significant for migrant workers in regions where workers had poor bargaining power. Other economic factors during the same period of time did not affect the law's labor protection effect. Our findings give a clear answer to controversies over whether the Labor Contract Law can improve labor rights for underprivileged groups, and are of reference value for developing labor protection systems.

Ocular injuries in industrial technical workers in Delta State,Nigeria

Objective:To identify the types and causes of eye injury in industrial workers. Methods: A cross sectional study of the pattern of ocular injuries in Delta state of Nigeria was carried out over 3 months. Five hundred workers were interviewed and examined using the Snellen's chart, pen-torch, direct ophthalmoscope, magnifying loupe and the Perkin's hand-held applanation tonometer. Results: All the 500 workers were males. One hundred and twenty-three workers (24.6%) reported a history of ocular injury at work. The most common causative agents were sand dust, 53 workers (25.1%); cake dust, 27 workers (12.8%) and chemicals, 32 workers (15.1%). The main types of ocular injury were corneal/ conjunctival foreign bodies, 79 workers (64.2%); burns, 35 workers (28.5%) and blunt injury, 9 workers (7.3%). Only 36 (7.2%) workers used protective eye devices at work. Thirteen workers (2.6%) developed monocular blindness from ocular injury. Conclusion: Ocular injury at work is common and few workers wear protective devices at work in industries in Delta state, Nigeria. Industrial workers should have regular eye services and wear eye safety devices at work.

Practices and Barriers for Personal Protective Equipment among Health Care Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic Management at Tertiary Care Government Hospital of South Gujarat, India

Introduction: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has prompted concern about the compatibility of IPC guidelines with health care workers, their working practices and behaviours. These guidelines can be difficult and time-consuming to adhere to in practice. By identifying barriers and facilitators to IPC guideline adherence, especially using personal protective equipment (PPE), we can identify focussed strategies that will support health care workers to undertake the IPC measures needed at such a critical time in health care internationally. Material & Methods: This was a cross-sectional study designed during the COVID-19 pandemic management in the South Gujarat region, to analyse the knowledge, attitude and practices of health care workers about their usage of personal protective equipment. A semi-structured questionnaire-based study was prepared, deriving pointers from our previous experience of seasonal flu outbreaks. 225 participants enrolled who were doctors, resident doctors, nurses, lab technicians, ward boys and food distributors. Result: Analysis of the barriers-related questions show good preparedness by the medical institution. Overall we found good knowledge, attitude and practice related to PPE during COVID-19 pandemic management. There are few gaps found in the knowledge of donning of PPE (p-0.0075), N-95 mask related knowledge (p-0.01) and the attitude that PPE use causes discomfort while nursing patients (0.0001).

Chinese Trade Unions Strive to Protect Workers' Rights and Interests in Dealing with the Global Financial Crisis

Protecting the rights and interests of workers and staff members constitutes an important aspect of China＇s human rights protection. At the time when the country is dealing with impacts of the global financial crisis, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions has been working fruitfully and effectively to accelerate economic and social development and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of workers, therefore making contributions to the protection of the rights and interests of Chinese workers. Now I would like to make a brief introduction on this subject.

Adverse effects of personal protection equipment among health workers during COVID-19

Personal Protective Equipment(PPE)has become a protective measure for healthcare workers during COVID times.Healthcare workers are front liners to fight against COVID pandemics.Healthcare workers developed many adverse effects while working using PPE.Dermatological,ocular,psychological were some of the common adverse effects reported by the healthcare workers.Preventive measures help to reduce them to some extent.The use of PPE and related pros and cons are well-established,with the benefits outweighing minor adverse events also associated with it.

Zhejiang Keen to Protect Migrant Workers' Rights and Interests

EDITOR＇S NOTE： FoUowing are some of the stories about how migrant workers＇ rights and interests are protected in Zhejiang, one of the best developed province on the Chinese mainland. Through interviews with more than 100 migrant workers in the province, we found that migrant workers there enjoy equal treatment as their counterparts registered as urban residents, and that their rights and interests are effectively protected.

Experts on Protection of Workers' Right to Remuneration in Accordance With Labor Law

Adozen experts of law gathered on April 1, 2003 to share their views on protection of the workers’ right to remuneration for their work in accordance with the Labor Law of the People’s Republic of China. That took place at a seminar jointly sponsored by the Human Rights and the Beijing-based Democracy and Law magazines and the Branch of Labor and Social Security Laws of the Beijing Society of Law. Participants were from the All-China Federation of Trade Unions,

Revision of Trade Union Law: For Better Protection of Workers' Rights and Interests

On October 27, 2001, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress adopted a decision on revision of the People's Republic of China Trade Union Law. Guan Huai, legal advisor to the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, had the following to say in an interview with the Human Rights:

Unions Protect Migrant Workers

Our story goes back to late April 2006, just before May Day. In Beijing, a local newspaper reported that at a construction site,migrant workers from poor rural villages across China were often given leftovers to eat as their employer tried by every possible means to reduce the cost. The news report instantly aroused public indignation, and Cui Ruilan, a local union leader, felt uneasy about what had happened to those migrant workers she was supposed to protect. She lost no time to intervene in her capacity as vice- chairperson of the Construction Industry Work Committee of the Beijing Municipal Federation of Trade Unions. She went down to the construction site, found the contractor and talked with him. In just a few days migrant workersthere were able to find that their food and accommodation had improved a great deal.

放射防护教育的重要性及针对不同专业医务人员的培训策略

目前越来越先进的医学影像及电离辐射应用于临床诊断和治疗,在众多被提出用于辐射暴露管理的策略中,教育和培训对辐射防护和剂量减少尤为重要。然而研究显示医务人员普遍出现缺乏基本放射防护方面的知识。因此,如何进行放射防护的教育和培训,是当前大型综合性医院需探讨实践的重要问题。文章通过分析电离辐射暴露造成的医务人员或患者的伤害,进而阐述了医务人员进行教育培训的必要性,医务人员应进行辐射物理学、放射生物学、放射防护以及辐射相关的国家法律法规的知识培训。另外,除了以上主题,放射防护的教育培训计划也必须考虑到每个医学专业的需求和要求,因此文章也详细分析了各专业医务人员应具备的辐射相关知识及教育培训内容,这将对临床上如何更好地做好放射防护具有积极重要的意义。

面向火电厂煤粉尘浓度的预测评估算法的研究

火力发电的主要能源来自煤炭,而由于燃煤发电过程中产生的煤尘扩散是引起火电厂粉尘爆炸风险和尘肺职业病的主要根源之一,因此必须进行实时有效的检测和控制。当前粉尘检测方法仅使用单一的粉尘质量浓度指标来评估粉尘污染整体状况,缺乏对多种复合因素影响的考量,依靠单一阈值设定进行报警,易出现误报、漏报等现象,以及忽略粉尘爆炸这一重要事故场景,不能建立粉尘污染全面客观的评价方法。研究建立了一种粉尘质量浓度预测模型,基于金豺优化算法对极限学习机的最优初始权重进行寻优,再使用极限学习机对样本数据进行训练学习,提高神经网络模型的精度,可较为准确地预测30 min以内任意时间间隔的粉尘质量浓度,并将现场数据及模拟仿真数据与建立的粉尘质量浓度预测模型进行对比分析。结果显示:建立的粉尘质量浓度预测模型准确度良好,与现场数据及模拟仿真数据对比误差分别为0.72%和2.1%,可加强对火电厂粉尘环境进行预测预警,从而及时采取合理的粉尘控制策略,确保火电厂的生产安全并降低粉尘对作业人员的职业危害。

超龄劳动者保护的利益衡量与规则重塑

超龄劳动者保护的现行法律规则利益衡量失度,存在劳动与民事立法忽视超龄劳动者权益保护、司法解释区分保护规则利益衡量进退失度以及行政规范性文件不当加重用人单位用工责任的问题。需要进行利益再衡量,“调和”超龄劳动者生计与劳动保护利益、适龄劳动者就业利益、用人单位用工成本和保障政府养老财政可持续性等不同利益,确定适度保护超龄劳动者的目标,以此指引规则完善与创新。具体而言,宜增加超龄劳动者特殊的劳动基准保护制度,矫正用人单位义务配置过重的法律规则,为政府设定实施积极老龄化战略的必要义务,平衡超龄劳动者保护关涉的各方利益。

零工经济下完善新生代农民工社会保护的路径探析

《2022年农民工监测调查报告》显示,新生代农民工占农民工总数的一半以上,长期在城市生活和工作,是从事零工经济的主要群体之一。以零工经济下新生代农民工社会保护为研究对象,分析零工经济的内涵与特征。采用调查研究法,对零工经济下新生代农民工的社会保护现状进行梳理,并指出存在的主要问题。从用工模式“去劳动关系化”,就业安全性不足;就业形式“灵活多样化”,社会保障供给结构性失衡;用工平台就业“去中心化”,用工权益难以保障;组织建构工会困难,利益表达渠道不畅通四个方面分析其影响因素。为落实共享发展理念、实现共同富裕、构建和谐劳动关系,应进一步完善相关法律法规,规范零工经济用工模式、创新社会保险体系;维护社会保障权益、加大监管力度;强化用工平台责任、完善工会组织建设,创新维权服务方式。