Quantitative Validation of Control Bands Using Bayesian Statistical Analyses
This study presents a quantitative validation of 15 Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs) that were derived via control bands inherent to the Risk Level Based Management System currently being used at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. For 93% of the SEGs that were evaluated, statistical analyses of personal exposure monitoring data, through Bayesian Decision Analysis (BDA), demonstrated that the controls implemented from the initial control bands assigned to these SEGs were at least as protective as the controls from the control band outcomes derived from the quantitative data. The BDA also demonstrated that for 40% of ...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - August 21, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Selecting Controls for Minimizing SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol Transmission in Workplaces and Conserving Respiratory Protective Equipment Supplies
We describe severa l examples for workers at high risk of exposure in essential or return to work categories. The goal of using control banding for such workers is to develop effective infection and disease prevention programs and conserve personal protective equipment. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - August 21, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Experimental Assessment of Inhalation and Dermal Exposure to Chemicals During Industrial or Professional Activities in Relation to the Performance of ECETOC TRA
In conclusion, this study gave insights into dermal and inhalation exposure levels during selected task scenarios, and showed that ECETOC TRA is conservative when dermal exposure is estimated. Inhalation exposure estimates fo r PROCs 10 and 13 tasks with the moderate volatility liquid were underestimated in this study. It may be therefore necessary to re-evaluate base model predictions for these scenarios when medium fugacity liquids are involved. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - August 6, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
From Smoking-Permitted to Smokefree Prisons: A 3-Year Evaluation of the Changes in Occupational Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke Across a National Prison System
ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive international study to objectively measure SHS levels before, during, and after implementation of a smokefree policy across a country ’s prison system. The findings confirm that such a policy change can be successfully implemented to eliminate occupational exposures to SHS. The results are highly relevant for other jurisdictions considering changes to prison smoking legislation. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - August 5, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Metals and Particulates Exposure from a Mobile E-Waste Shredding Truck: A Pilot Study
AbstractThe US electronics recycling industry has introduced a novel mobile electronic waste (e-waste) shredding truck service to address increasing needs for secure data destruction of e-waste. These trucks can shred small electronics with data security concerns at remote locations for a wide variety of clients. Shredding jobs usually involve hand-feeding electronic waste (e-waste) for 4 –10 h day−1, 1 –5 days. Shredding of e-waste has been documented as a source of high metal exposures, especially lead and cadmium. However, no studies have been done to assess exposures on mobile e-waste shredding trucks. We conduct...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - August 4, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Skin Exposure to Acrylates in Nail Salons
ConclusionsThese results confirm that acrylates are present in nail products. However, no acrylates were detected in skin wipes. MMA, a chemical prohibited for use in cosmetics in Canada, was detected in nail polishes. Nail technicians should continue to employ safe work practices that reduce the probability of skin contact with acrylates and other chemicals. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - August 1, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Health and Safety in Nail Salons: A Cross-Sectional Survey
ConclusionsNail technicians in Toronto, Canada are experiencing work-related symptoms. Musculoskeletal symptoms were the most common symptoms reported. Much of the focus on nail salons and health has been on chemical exposures, but ergonomic hazards should not be overlooked. Efforts to increase knowledge and improve occupational health in nail salons should include information on multiple possible workplace hazards and how to reduce impacts of exposure. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - July 30, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Combined Effects of Physical Behavior Compositions and Psychosocial Resources on Perceived Exertion Among Eldercare Workers
ConclusionsOur findings suggest that reallocating time from MVA to sitting can mitigate perceived physical exertion in eldercare workers. More time in LA increased physical exertion only for workers with low psychosocial resources, supporting a positive effect of a better psychosocial work environment in elderly care. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - July 30, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Potential Scenarios and Hazards in the Work of the Future: A Systematic Review of the Peer-Reviewed and Gray Literatures
In conclusion, the future of work will be comprised of diverse complex scenarios and a mosaic of old and new hazards. These findings may serve as the basis for consideri ng how to shape the future of work. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - July 28, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Evaluation of Sub-micrometer-Sized Particles Generated from a Diesel Locomotive and Jackleg Drilling in an Underground Metal Mine
AbstractConcerns have been raised regarding small respirable particles, i.e. sub-micrometer-sized particles, associated with mining activities. This evaluation was designed to investigate the emissions from jackleg drilling and diesel engines and to characterize the nature of emitted particles using gravimetric analysis and number metrics. The mass concentration to which workers are potentially exposed was determined from a 4-h sampling in the vicinity of drilling activities in an underground metal mine; this concentration was found to be lower than 0.6 mg m−3 of total respirable dust. This mass concentration is low; how...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - July 28, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Development of a Personal Aerosol Sampler for Monitoring the Particle –Vapour Fractionation of SVOCs in Workplaces
AbstractSemi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), partitioned between particulates and vapours of an aerosol, require special attention. The toxicological effects caused by the inhalation of such aerosols may depend on the concentration and in which phase the organic compounds are found. A personal denuder-gas –particle separation aerosol sampler was developed to provide information about the partitioning of aerosols from organic compounds. The sampler was tested in a series of controlled laboratory experiments, which confirmed the capability and accuracy of the sampler to measure gas–particle mixture s. An average diff...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - July 28, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
(Mono-) Exposure to Naphthalene in the Abrasives Industry: Air Monitoring and Biological Monitoring
AbstractExposure to the bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon naphthalene occurs in most cases along with other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Here we report from an investigation of 63 healthy, non-smoking male employees in the abrasives industry where naphthalene is the only relevant chemical exposure. Exposure assessment was performed using a combination of Air and Biological Monitoring over nearly a whole working week (Mo. –Th.). Air measurements were carried out during the shift on Thursday with the GGP mini-sampling system, combining particle and vapour sampling at low flow rates. In urine spot samples, the metabolites ...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - July 13, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
A Total Worker Health Approach to Skin Exposure Assessment: Experiences from the Firefighter Cancer Initiative
AbstractIncreasing scientific evidence suggests that addressing complex, wide-ranging concerns among worker populations should include the integration of traditional occupational safety and health with often siloed worksite wellness programs. The Total Worker Health (TWH) approach developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health can support skin cancer prevention efforts by integrating organizational-level policies, programs, and practices that strategically merge both skin protection from work-related safety and health hazards with promotion of skin illness prevention efforts. In the firefighter work...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - July 3, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Time-Based Data in Occupational Studies: The Whys, the Hows, and Some Remaining Challenges in Compositional Data Analysis (CoDA)
AbstractData on the use of time in different exposures, behaviors, and work tasks are common in occupational research. Such data are most often expressed in hours, minutes, or percentage of work time. Thus, they are constrained or ‘compositional’, in that they add up to a finite sum (e.g. 8 h of work or 100% work time). Due to their properties, compositional data need to be processed and analyzed using specifically adapted methods. Compositional data analysis (CoDA) has become a particularly established framework to handl e such data in various scientific fields such as nutritional epidemiology, geology, and chemistry,...
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - July 1, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
Does Experiencing an Injury Claim Impact Small Construction Company Leaders ’ Participation in a Fall Protection Survey?
ConclusionsThe survey had a relatively encouraging response rate for a hard-to-reach sector. The large but not statistically significant difference in survey engagement rates suggests that adverse events motivate companies to engage with fall protection research. Low equipment familiarity in the sample substantiates the need to identify effective engagement methods for fall protection practices. (Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene)
Source: Annals of Occupational Hygiene - July 1, 2020 Category: Occupational Health Source Type: research
