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Long term Outpatient Occupation Medicine Opportunity in Ohio with the Option of Permanent Placement :: Ohio :: CompHealth Inc
Job 1580352-0004 Clinic is expanding Monday through Friday: 8am-5pm 100 % Outpatient Paper charting Approximately 8-12 patients per day We offer competitive pay that may include incentives and bonuses
Occupational Medicine Facility in the Tri-State area is looking for a pool of physicians. :: New Jersey :: CompHealth Inc
Job 1619577-0035 Board Certified Preferred Solo Coverage 100 % Outpatient Local Physicians Preferred We offer competitive pay that may include incentives and bonuses We coordinate and pay for your travel,
Local pool of physicians are needed for Occupational Medicine Facility in the DC area :: District of Columbia :: CompHealth Inc
Job 1640425-0006 100 % Outpatient Adult Patient Population Board Certified Required 18-20 Patients Per Day We offer competitive pay that may include incentives and bonuses We coordinate and pay for

American Journal of Industrial Medicine

Asbestos-related cancers among 28,300 military servicemen in the Royal Norwegian Navy
Leif Aage Strand, Jan Ivar Martinsen, Vilhelm F. Koefoed, Jan Sommerfelt-Pettersen, Tom Kristian Grimsrud Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:13:00 -0000
This study focus on the incidence of asbestos-related cancers among 28,300 officers and enlisted servicemen in the Royal Norwegian Navy. Until 1987, asbestos aboard the vessels potentially caused exposure to 11,500 crew members.Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated for malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal, pharyngeal, stomach, and colorectal cancers according to service aboard between 1950 and 1987 and in other Navy personnel.Increased risk of mesothelioma was seen among engine room crews, with SIRs of 6.23 (95% CI = 2.51-12.8) and 6.49 (95% CI = 2.11-15.1) for personnel who served less than 2 years and those with longer service, respectively. Lung cancer was nearly 20% higher than expected among both engine crews and non-engine crews. An excess of colorectal cancer bordering on statistical significance was seen among non-engine crews (SIR = 1.14; 95% CI = 0.98-1.32). Land-based personnel and personnel who served aboard after 1987 had lower lung cancer incidence than expected (SIR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.64-0.92). No elevated risk of laryngeal, pharyngeal, or stomach cancers was seen.The overall increase (65%) in mesotheliomas among military Navy servicemen was confined to marine engine crews only. The mesothelioma incidence can be taken as an indicator of the presence or absence of asbestos exposure, but it offered no consistent explanation to the variation in incidence of other asbestos-related cancers. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Safety knowledge, safety behaviors, depression, and injuries in Colorado farm residents
Cheryl L. Beseler, Lorann Stallones Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:13:00 -0000
Changing safety behavior has been the target of injury prevention in the farming community for years but significant reductions in the number of farming injuries have not always followed. This study describes the relationships between safety knowledge, safety behavior, depression, and injuries using 3 years of self-reported data from a cohort of farm residents in Colorado.Farm operators and their spouses (n = 652) were recruited in 1993 from a farm truck registration list using stratified probability sampling. Respondents answered ten safety knowledge and ten safety behavior questions. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale was used to evaluate depression. The most severe farm work-related injury over a 3-year period was the outcome variable. Factor analysis was used to produce a single measure of safety knowledge for logistic regression models to evaluate the relationships between injuries, safety knowledge, and behaviors.Safety knowledge was significantly associated with wearing personal protective equipment. None of the safety behaviors were significantly associated with injuries. In the presence of depression, low safety knowledge increased the probability of injury (OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.00-15.0) in models adjusted for age, sex, hours worked per week, and financial problems. Compared to those not depressed, those depressed with a low safety score showed significantly greater risk of injury than those depressed with a high score in adjusted models (OR 3.09, CI 1.31-7.29 vs. OR 0.86, CI 0.31-2.37).Future work on injuries in the farming community should include measures of mood disorders and interactions with safety perceptions and knowledge. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Occupational health crossing borders part 2: Comparison of 18 occupational health systems across the globe
Katja Radon, Vera Ehrenstein, Dennis Nowak, Janine Bigaignon-Cantineau, Maria Gonzalez, Arun Dev Vellore, Veronica Enzina Zamora, Neeraj Gupta, Lirong Huang, Salamat Kandkers, Ana MarĂ­a MenchĂş Lanza, Leila Posenato Garcia, Keti Stylianos Patsis, Ana Maria Sanchez Rojas, Ashraf Shoma, Jos Verbeek, Occupational Health Crossing Borders Summer School Team Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:13:00 -0000
Occupational health and safety (OHS) is considered one of the most important factors for a sustainable development; however, it is often considered a luxury by decision-makers. This article compares OHS systems of 18 countries at different stages of development.In an international summer school, structure of the national OHS system, definition of occupational accidents and diseases, procedures for compensation claims, outcome (expressed as incidence of occupational accidents) and training opportunities were presented.National OHS systems ranged from non-existent to systems implemented almost 200 years ago. Priorities, incidence of occupational accidents and training opportunities varied. Common problems included the lack of OHS service for small enterprises and in rural areas.International training programs like this summer school might enhance the exchange about OHS opportunities around the globe and contribute to improved workers health. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Occupational injuries among emergency responders
Audrey A. Reichard, Larry L. Jackson Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:16:00 -0000
Emergency responders frequently incur injuries while providing medical, fire, and law enforcement services. National surveillance systems provide fragmented perspectives on responder injuries because they omit specific classes of workers (e.g., government or volunteers); they report only selected injuries; and employment information is incomplete.We characterized injuries among emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, and police occupations by using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System - Occupational Supplement (NEISS-Work) for injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2000-2001.Sprains and strains were the leading injury (33-41%) among EMS, firefighter, and police occupations. Police officers and career firefighters had the highest injury rates (8.5 and 7.4 injuries per 100 full-time equivalent workers, respectively).The physical demands of emergency response are a leading cause of injuries that may benefit from similar interventions across the occupations. To assess risk, improved exposure data need to be acquired, particularly for volunteers. Am. J. Ind. Med. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Agricultural tractor overturn deaths: Assessment of trends and risk factors
John R. Myers, Kitty J. Hendricks Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:17:00 -0000
Tractor overturn deaths have been recognized as a public health concern for decades. Studies have reported on the hazards associated with tractor overturns, but none have reported on trends in tractor overturn fatality rates in the United States (US).Tractor overturn fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries were used in Poisson regression models to: identify risk factors associated with overturn fatalities; examine trends in tractor overturn fatality rates between 1992 and 2007; and assess trends in overturn fatality rates for specific risk factors.Characteristics found to be associated with tractor overturn fatality rates were age, type of farm, region, and the victim's relationship to the farm (P < 0.0001). Older age groups, crop farms, farms in the Midwest and Northeast, and family workers all had higher fatal tractor overturn risks. Overall, tractor overturn fatality rates declined 28.5% between 1992 and 2007. Significant decreases in tractor overturn fatality rates were found for the Northeast and South regions, hired workers, crop farms, and in every age group except those less than 25 years of age.Tractor overturn fatality rates decreased between 1992 and 2007. These decreases were not consistent between different categories of the agricultural workforce or regions of the US. Changes in tractor overturn fatality rates may be partially explained by increases in the prevalence of ROPS on farm tractors in the US. ROPS promotion programs are needed to reduce tractor overturn fatalities, especially among those subpopulations at highest risk. Am. J. Ind. Med. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effectiveness of the training program for workers at construction sites of the high-speed railway line between Torino and Novara: Impact on injury rates
A. Bena, P. Berchialla, M.E. Coffano, M.L. Debernardi, L.G. Icardi Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:46:00 -0000
There are very few published studies evaluating the impact of safety and health training on injury outcomes in the construction industry. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the training program on injury rates at a major railway construction project.The population consisted of 2,795 workers involved in a safety training program at the construction sites of the high-speed railway line Torino-Novara. Two types of analyses were carried out in order to assess the effectiveness of the training program in reducing the number of injuries: (i) a pre-post analysis, which took into account the fact that workers were enrolled at different times and the training intervention did not occur at the same time for all subjects; (ii) an interrupted time-series model, which corrected for the time trend and considered the autocorrelation between individual observations.Twenty-nine percent of workers who spent at least 1 day at the construction sites attended at least one training module. Pre-post analysis: At the end of the training program, the incidence of occupational injuries had fallen by 16% after the basic training module and by 25% following the specific modules. Time-series model: Training led to a 6% reduction in injury rates, which was not statistically significant.The training program that was implemented had a moderately positive impact on the health of workers. Further studies are being conducted to obtain a more complete assessment of the actual effectiveness of the program in reducing the incidence of injuries. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

Case–control study of knee osteoarthritis and lifestyle factors considering their interaction with physical workload
Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:08:22 -0000
Abstract Aims  The aim of this study is to examine the dose–response relationships between age, “lifestyle factors” (body mass index, tobacco smoking, sports), and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in a population-based case–control study. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the mode of interaction between body mass index (BMI) and physical workload (occupational kneeling/squatting and lifting/carrying of loads) with respect to the risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Methods  In five orthopedic clinics and five practices, 295 male patients aged 25–70 with radiographically confirmed knee osteoarthritis associated with chronic complaints were recruited. The control group comprised 327 male control subjects. In a structured personal interview, body weight at different ages, body height, cumulative amount of smoking, and cumulative duration of different sports activities until the date of first diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis were elicited. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression analysis. An interaction analysis for the parameters BMI and kneeling/squatting respective lifting/carrying of loads was performed. Population attributable risks (PAR) for knee osteoarthritis were determined for BMI solely and for the combination of BMI with occupational kneeling/squatting and lifting/carrying of loads, respectively. Results  Age and overweight were strongly associated with the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. Compared with persons less than 35 years old, persons who were at least 65 years old had an odds ratio (OR) of 19.0 (95% CI 6.1–58.7) for knee osteoarthritis. Persons with a BMI â‰Ą 28.41 kg/m2 had a strongly elevated risk of knee osteoarthritis (OR 10.8; 95% CI 4.8–24.3) compared to persons with a BMI < 22.86 kg/m2. Heavy tobacco smoking (≥55.5 pack years) was associated with a decreased knee osteoarthritis risk in comparison with never-smoking (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1–0.5). Ball games (handball, volleyball, basketball) and cycling were associated with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OR 4.0; 95% CI 1.8–8.9 and OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.7–7.8 in the highest category of cumulative duration, respectively); to a weaker degree jogging, swimming, and soccer also were positively related to symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Combining the two parameters, BMI and kneeling/squatting into one variable led to a multiplicative interaction mode for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. For persons with elevated BMI in combination with moderate to high exposure to occupational kneeling/squatting, the population attributable risk (PAR) was 4%. The PAR for elevated BMI in combination with moderate to high exposure to occupational lifting/carrying of loads was 7%. Conclusions  In accordance with the literature, we find a strong association between BMI and knee osteoarthritis risk. Considering the relatively high prevalence of occupational manual materials handling, prevention of knee osteoarthritis should not only focus on body weight reduction, but should also take into account work organizational measures particularly aiming to reduce occupational lifting and carrying of loads. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0486-6Authors Ilias Vrezas, Cyprus University of Technology Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health in Association with Harvard School of Public Health Corner of Athinon Road & N. Xiouta Street 3041 Lemesos CyprusGine Elsner, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Institute of Occupational Medicine Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 60590 Frankfurt/Main GermanyUlrich Bolm-Audorff, Giessen University Labour Inspection, Division of Occupational Health, Simone-Veil-Str. 5, 65197 Wiesbaden, Germany, and Associated Professor of Occupational Health Giessen GermanyNasreddin Abolmaali, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 60590 Frankfurt/Main GermanyAndreas Seidler, Federal Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Nöldnerstr. 40-42 10317 Berlin Germany Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131
Exposure to poultry dust and health effects in poultry workers: impact of mould and mite allergens
Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:08:21 -0000
Abstract Purpose  The aim of the study was to evaluate exposure to moulds and house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in poultry farms, and related health effects in poultry workers (PW). Methods  The study involved 41 PW and 45 control office workers. Working environment was evaluated for D. pteronyssinus allergen (Der p 1), moulds and endotoxin. In workers, eye, skin and respiratory symptoms, ventilatory lung function, atopy markers (skin prick test to inhalatory allergens, total IgE) and specific IgG to moulds were assessed. Results  Der p 1 levels ranged <0.1–3.3 ÎĽg/g, exposure to fungi was 4.9 Ă— 103–6.8 Ă— 104 cfu/m3, with prevailing Aspergillus, Penicillium and Mucor species, and endotoxin levels ranged 230–284 EU/m3. In comparison to control subjects, significantly higher prevalence of work-related nose, asthma, eye and skin symptoms, and slight decline in ventilatory lung function was found in PW. PW had significantly higher prevalence of IgG antibodies to moulds comparing to controls (63 vs. 36%, respectively, P = 0.01), especially to Alternaria and Aspergillus species. The prevalence of atopy markers in PW was lower than in population-based studies. Conclusions  Hazardous levels of Der p 1, endotoxin and moulds were determined in poultry houses. High prevalence of work-related symptoms and IgG antibodies to moulds was found in PW. Healthy worker effect is proposed as an explanation of low atopy markers prevalence among PW. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0487-5Authors Davor Rimac, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Ksaverska cesta 2 10000 Zagreb CroatiaJelena Macan, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Ksaverska cesta 2 10000 Zagreb CroatiaVeda M. Varnai, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Ksaverska cesta 2 10000 Zagreb CroatiaMarija VuÄŤemilo, University of Zagreb School of Veterinary Medicine Heinzelova 55 Zagreb CroatiaKristina Matković, University of Zagreb School of Veterinary Medicine Heinzelova 55 Zagreb CroatiaLjerka Prester, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Ksaverska cesta 2 10000 Zagreb CroatiaTatjana Orct, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Ksaverska cesta 2 10000 Zagreb CroatiaIvanÄŤica Trošić, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Ksaverska cesta 2 10000 Zagreb CroatiaIvan PaviÄŤić, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health Ksaverska cesta 2 10000 Zagreb Croatia Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131
Organizational justice, psychological distress, and work engagement in Japanese workers
Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:45:12 -0000
Abstract Purpose  To investigate the cross-sectional association between organizational justice (i.e., procedural justice and interactional justice) and psychological distress or work engagement, as well as the mediating roles of other job stressors (i.e., job demands and job control, or their combination, effort–reward imbalance [ERI], and worksite support). Methods  A total of 243 workers (185 males and 58 females) from a manufacturing factory in Japan were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire including the Organizational Justice Questionnaire, Job Content Questionnaire, Effort–Reward Imbalance Questionnaire, K6 scale, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and other covariates. Multiple mediation analyses with the bootstrap technique were conducted. Results  In the bivariate analysis, procedural justice and interactional justice were significantly and negatively associated with psychological distress; they were significantly and positively associated with work engagement. In the mediation analysis, reward at work (or ERI) significantly mediated between procedural justice or interactional justice and psychological distress; worksite support significantly mediated between procedural justice or interactional justice and work engagement. Conclusion  The effects of organizational justice on psychological distress seem to be mediated by reward at work (or ERI) while those regarding work engagement may be mediated by worksite support to a large extent, at least in Japanese workers. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0485-7Authors Akiomi Inoue, The University of Tokyo Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-0033 JapanNorito Kawakami, The University of Tokyo Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-0033 JapanMasao Ishizaki, Kanazawa Medical University Department of Social and Environmental Medicine (Hygiene) 1-1 Daigaku Uchinada Ishikawa 920-0293 JapanAkihito Shimazu, The University of Tokyo Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-0033 JapanMasao Tsuchiya, The University of Tokyo Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-0033 JapanMasaji Tabata, Ishikawa Health Service Association 115 Kaminomachi-higashi Kanazawa Ishikawa 920-0365 JapanMiki Akiyama, Tokyo Healthcare University Division of Nursing, Faculty of Healthcare 4-1-17 Higashi-gotanda Shinagawa-ku Tokyo 141-8648 JapanAkiko Kitazume, The University of Tokyo Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-0033 JapanMitsuyo Kuroda, The University of Tokyo Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-0033 Japan Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131
The cardiovascular response to an acute 1800-ÎĽT, 60-Hz magnetic field exposure in humans
Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:13:42 -0000
Abstract Purpose  Previously published literature has suggested an effect of extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MF) on human heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). The combined response of the microcirculation and macrocirculation to ELF MF exposure has not previously been studied in humans. This study investigated the effects of 1-h exposure to an 1800-ÎĽT, 60-Hz MF on human microcirculation (represented in this study as skin blood perfusion), HR, low-frequency HRV, and high-frequency HRV. Methods  Fifty-eight volunteers were recruited to partake in a double-blinded, counterbalanced study consisting of two testing sessions (real and sham) administered on separate days. Each session included four consecutive blocks of measurements, separated by 15-min rest periods, allowing measurement of cumulative and residual MF effects. Within subjects, ANOVA were conducted on each of the measured parameters. Results  A decrease of skin blood perfusion and HR, and an increase of HRV were observed over blocks (p < 0.05). No session by block interactions were found for any of the cardiovascular parameters which would have suggested a MF effect (p > 0.05). A session by block interaction (p < 0.001) and a MF order effect (sham or real exposure first, p < 0.05) were observed for skin surface temperature. Conclusions  The MF used in this experiment did not affect cardiovascular parameters. Although an alternative explanation for why skin surface temperatures decreased in the sham and not in the real exposure condition is presented, the possibility of a MF effect cannot be excluded. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0484-8Authors David A. McNamee, Lawson Health Research Institute Bioelectromagnetics, Imaging Program 268 Grosvenor Street N6A 4V2 London ON CanadaMichael Corbacio, Lawson Health Research Institute Bioelectromagnetics, Imaging Program 268 Grosvenor Street N6A 4V2 London ON CanadaJulie K. Weller, Lawson Health Research Institute Bioelectromagnetics, Imaging Program 268 Grosvenor Street N6A 4V2 London ON CanadaSamantha Brown, Lawson Health Research Institute Bioelectromagnetics, Imaging Program 268 Grosvenor Street N6A 4V2 London ON CanadaFrank S. Prato, Lawson Health Research Institute Bioelectromagnetics, Imaging Program 268 Grosvenor Street N6A 4V2 London ON CanadaAlex W. Thomas, Lawson Health Research Institute Bioelectromagnetics, Imaging Program 268 Grosvenor Street N6A 4V2 London ON CanadaAlexandre G. Legros, Lawson Health Research Institute Bioelectromagnetics, Imaging Program 268 Grosvenor Street N6A 4V2 London ON Canada Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131
Relationship between indoor chemical concentrations and subjective symptoms associated with sick building syndrome in newly built houses in Japan
Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:13:42 -0000
Abstract Objectives  This study explored possible associations between chemical substances and sick building syndrome (SBS)-type symptoms of residents living in new houses in Japan. Methods  We randomly sampled 5,709 newly built conventional homes. In the end, 1,479 residents in 425 households completed a questionnaire survey and agreed to environmental monitoring for indoor aldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to be conducted in their homes. If the residents had complained about at least one SBS-related symptom, they were classified as suffering from SBS. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to select predictive chemical factors of SBS symptoms. Results  About 14% of the subjects suffered from SBS. Many aldehydes and VOCs were associated factors of optical, nasal, and gular symptoms in univariate analysis. After adjustment for other possible risk factors, formaldehyde dose-dependently showed to be a significant risk factor for SBS. Several chemicals had tendency to be associated with SBS symptoms. Conclusions  Chemicals detected in Japanese newly built houses tend to increase the risk of subjective symptoms in residents suffering from SBS. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0475-9Authors Tomoko Takigawa, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Public Health 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku Okayama 700-8558 JapanBing-Ling Wang, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Public Health 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku Okayama 700-8558 JapanYasuaki Saijo, Asahikawa Medical College Department of Health Science Midorigaoka E2-1-1-1 Asahikawa 078-8510 JapanKanehisa Morimoto, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine Department of Social and Environmental Medicine 2-2 Yamadaoka Suita 565-0871 JapanKunio Nakayama, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine Department of Social and Environmental Medicine 2-2 Yamadaoka Suita 565-0871 JapanMasatoshi Tanaka, Fukushima College 1-1 Chigoike Miyashiro Fukushima 960-8505 JapanEiji Shibata, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine Department of Health and Psychosocial Medicine Nagakute-cho Aichi Prefecture 480-1195 JapanTakesumi Yoshimura, Fukuoka Institute of Health and Environmental Sciences 39 Mukouzano Dazaifu 818-0135 JapanHisao Chikara, Fukuoka Institute of Health and Environmental Sciences 39 Mukouzano Dazaifu 818-0135 JapanKeiki Ogino, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Public Health 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku Okayama 700-8558 JapanReiko Kishi, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Department of Public Health Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-ku Sapporo 060-8638 Japan Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131
Mortality in the Baltimore union poultry cohort: non-malignant diseases
Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:13:41 -0000
Abstract Background  Workers in poultry plants have high exposure to a variety of transmissible agents present in poultry and their products. Subjects in the general population are also exposed. It is not known whether many of these agents cause disease in humans. If they do, we reason this would be readily evident in a highly exposed group such as poultry workers. We report here on mortality from non-malignant diseases in a cohort of poultry workers. Methods  Mortality was compared with that of the US general population, and with that of a comparison group from the same union. Risk was estimated by standardized mortality ratio, proportional mortality ratio, and directly standardized risk ratio. Results  Poultry workers as a group had an overall excess of deaths from diabetes, anterior horn disease, and hypertensive disease, and a deficit of deaths from intracerebral hemorrhage. Deaths from zoonotic bacterial diseases, helminthiasis, myasthenia gravis, schizophrenia, other diseases of the spinal cord, diseases of the esophagus and peritonitis were non-significantly elevated overall by all analyses, and significantly so in particular race/sex subgroups. Conclusions  Poultry workers may have excess occurrence of disease affecting several organs and systems, probably originating from widespread infection with a variety of microorganisms. The results for neurologic diseases could well represent important clues to the etiology of these diseases in humans. The small numbers of deaths involved in some cases limit interpretation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00420-009-0478-6Authors Eric S. Johnson, UNT Health Science Center Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health Fort Worth TX USALillian C. Yau, Tulane University Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine New Orleans LA USAYi Zhou, Tulane University Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine New Orleans LA USAKaran P. Singh, UNT Health Science Center Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health Fort Worth TX USAHarrison Ndetan, UNT Health Science Center Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health Fort Worth TX USA Journal International Archives of Occupational and Environmental HealthOnline ISSN 1432-1246Print ISSN 0340-0131

Occupational Therapy International

Post-stroke fatigue: qualitative study of three focus groups
Nancy A. Flinn, Jan E. Stube Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:18:00 -0000
Fatigue affects many persons after cerebrovascular accident, particularly those with mild stroke. A qualitative methodology using focus groups with 19 community-living post-stroke survivors was utilized to explore the occupational impact of fatigue as communicated by the participants. Although self-report of a small sample of the United States' post-stroke population will have limitations in generalizability, this study identifies specific health-related quality of life issues that can occur with post-stroke fatigue. The participants felt unprepared for the fatigue phenomenon and struggled to adapt, with fatigue having a debilitating influence upon daily occupational performance and roles, including social participation, return to work, driving, reading and sleeping. The participants indicated that exercise (such as walking and water aerobics) and use of assistive technology were helpful strategies in reducing fatigue. The occupational performance and role impact identified by participants in this study can inform the design of effective occupational therapy interventions and further quantitative study of persons with post-stroke fatigue. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occupational therapy students' attitudes towards inclusion education in Australia, United Kingdom, United States and Taiwan
Keli Mu, Ted Brown, Claudia G. Peyton, Sylvia Rodger, Yan-Hua Huang, Chin-Yu Wu, Callie Watson, Karen Stagnitti, Eve Hutton, Jackie Casey, Chia Swee Hong Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:45:00 -0000
This international, cross-cultural study investigated the attitudes of occupational therapy students from Australia, United Kingdom, United States and Taiwan towards inclusive education for students with disabilities. The possible impact of professional education on students' attitudes was also explored. A total of 485 students from 11 entry-level occupational therapy education programmes from Australia, the United Kingdom, the United Sates and Taiwan participated in the study. Among them, 264 were freshmen (first-year students) and 221 were seniors (final-year students). Data collected from a custom-designed questionnaire were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively.In general, the occupational therapy students reported having positive attitudes towards inclusion. Considerable differences, however, existed among the student groups from the four countries. Professional education appeared to have a significant impact on students' attitudes towards inclusion from first year to senior year. Although students were in favour of inclusion, they also cautioned that their support for inclusive practices depended on various factors such as adequate preparation, support and assistance to students with disabilities.Limitations of the study included the small, convenience sample and different degree structures of the participating programmes. Future research studies need to compare occupational therapy students' attitudes with students from other health care professions. A longitudinal study on the impact of the professional education programme on students' attitudes towards inclusive education is warranted. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying indicators of well-being for caregivers of children with disabilities
Elizabeth Larson Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:39:00 -0000
This study identified key indicators of well-being for caregivers of children with disabilities, Thirty-nine caregivers completed life satisfaction and psychological well-being (WB) measures, and qualitative interviews. Data analysis included descriptive statistics of WB measures and categorical analysis of qualitative data. Data triangulation was achieved by importing theoretically derived codes for initial qualitative coding and quantitizing qualitative categories. Core indicators focused on positive family functioning and a reasonable family lifestyle, caregiver's personal growth and capacity to manage life demands, and the importance of daily balance. Study limitations included no standardized assessments of the child with disabilities' functioning, and the inclusion of caregivers with a range of years of experience. Findings suggest therapists need to attend to how interventions foster or impede positive family functioning and assist caregivers in balancing daily occupations to support capacity to caregiving. Future research should examine how well-being varies over time as caregivers adapt from initial and later caregiving. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Occupational Medicine - current issue

In this issue of Occupational Medicine
Hobson, J.
The importance of thinking in occupational medicine
Shanahan, E. M., Sladek, R. M.
Ben Shahn Death of a Miner (1949)
McKiernan, M.

pubmed: 0355-3140

The interplay between physical activity at work and during leisure time - risk of ischemic heart disease and all-cause mortality in middle-aged Caucasian men.
Holtermann A, Mortensen OS, Burr H, Søgaard K, Gyntelberg F, Suadicani P Related Articles The interplay between physical activity at work and during leisure time - risk of ischemic heart disease and all-cause mortality in middle-aged Caucasian men. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2009 Oct 21;:466-474 Authors: Holtermann A, Mortensen OS, Burr H, Søgaard K, Gyntelberg F, Suadicani P OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to test the hypothesis that a high level of physical activity during leisure time increases the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality among men with high physical work demands. METHODS: We carried out a 30-year follow-up of the Copenhagen Male Study of 5249 caucasian, male workers aged 40-59 years; 274 men with overt cardiovascular disease were excluded from the follow-up. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 591 men (11.9%) died from IHD. Cox analyses of men with low (N=1236), medium (N=2651), and high (N=858) physical work demands showed that those with high demands had a higher risk of IHD mortality compared to men with low demands [age-adjusted hazard ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.18-1.94]. In all three groups, men with a low level of physical activity during leisure time had a higher risk of IHD than men with a medium or high level. Overall, the age-adjusted hazard ratio for IHD mortality associated with a high level of leisure time physical activity was 0.49 (95% CI 0.34-0.70). Among workers with high physical work demands, the hazard ratio for IHD mortality (adjusted for confounders) was 0.82 (95% CI 0.42-1.56) for a high level of leisure time physical activity and 0.62 (95% CI 0.40-0.97) for a moderate level. CONCLUSION: We did not find support for the hypothesis that a high level of physical activity during leisure time increases the risk of IHD mortality among men with high physical work demands and with no pre-existing clinical cardiovascular disease. In contrast, moderate and high levels of activity during leisure time seemed to be protective against IHD mortality among people with medium and high physical activity at work. PMID: 19851700 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Fate of abstracts presented at an International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) congress - followed by publication in peer-reviewed journals?
Rollin L, Darmoni S, Caillard JF, Gehanno JF Related Articles Fate of abstracts presented at an International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) congress - followed by publication in peer-reviewed journals? Scand J Work Environ Health. 2009 Oct 9;:461-465 Authors: Rollin L, Darmoni S, Caillard JF, Gehanno JF OBJECTIVES: Presentations at international meetings offer an excellent way to disseminate current research findings. One measure of the quality of research is its subsequent publication. Our study aimed to determine the publication rate of abstracts presented at a congress of the International Commission of Occupational Health (ICOH), and to identify predictive factors of publication and differences between presented abstracts and -subsequently published papers. METHODS: We identified a random sample of 318 abstracts presented at the 2000 ICOH meeting from the book of abstracts. Using Medline and Embase, we assessed their publication rate in the period ranging from 1998 to 2006 and investigated the factors associated with publication rate. RESULTS: Of 318 abstracts originating from 51 countries, 105 articles [33%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 27-38)] were subsequently published in 67 journals indexed in Medline or Embase. Mean time to publication was 17 months (95% CI 13-21). Multivariate analysis revealed that abstracts with quantitative data and written by authors originating from developed countries were significantly more published. From the time of abstract presentation to publication in a peer-reviewed journal, both the study sample size and the first author frequently changed (respectively 25% and 29%), but the overall conclusions remained stable, except in one case. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the abstracts presented at the 2000 ICOH congress were not subsequently published as full research reports. If this is the case for most abstracts submitted to conferences, this may limit the ability of a reader to judge the validity, reliability, and generalizability of the research presented. Caution is advised when referencing or generalizing from abstracts that have not been subsequently published in full. PMID: 19851699 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Annals of Occupational Hygiene - current issue

Proposed British-Dutch Guidance on Measuring Compliance with Occupational Exposure Limits
Ogden, T. L.
Oxygen Depletion and Formation of Toxic Gases following Sea Transportation of Logs and Wood Chips
Svedberg, U., Petrini, C., Johanson, G. Several recent accidents with fatal outcomes occurring during discharge of logs and wood chips from ships in Swedish ports indicate the need to better understand the atmospheric conditions in holds and connecting stairways. The principal aim of the present study was to assess the air levels of oxygen and toxic gases in confined spaces following sea transportation of logs and wood chips. The focus of the study was the conditions in the stairways, as this was the location of the reported accidents. Forty-one shipments of logs (pulpwood) and wood chips carried by 10 different ships were investigated before discharge in ports in northern Sweden. A full year was covered to accommodate variations due to seasonal temperature changes. The time from completion of loading to discharge was estimated to be 37–66 h (mean 46 h). Air samples were collected in the undisturbed air of altogether 76 stairways before the hatch covers were removed. The oxygen level was measured on-site by handheld direct-reading multi-gas monitors. On 16 of the shipments, air samples were additionally collected in Tedlar® bags for later analysis for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mean oxygen level was 10% (n = 76) but in 17% of the samples the oxygen level was 0%. The oxygen depletion was less pronounced during the cold season. The mean CO2 and CO levels were 7.5% (n = 26) and 46 p.p.m. (n = 28), respectively. More than 90% of the hydrocarbons were explained by monoterpenes, mainly -pinene (mean 41 p.p.m., (n = 26). In conclusion, the measurements show that transport of logs and wood chips in confined spaces may result in rapid and severe oxygen depletion and CO2 formation. Thus, apparently harmless cargoes may create potentially life-threatening conditions. The oxygen depletion and CO2 formation are seemingly primarily caused by microbiological activity, in contrast to the oxidative processes with higher CO formation that predominate in cargoes of wood pellets. Improved technical and organizational measures are considered necessary to prevent future accidents. Recommendations given regarding safe entry procedures and technical preventive methods may also apply to other oxygen-depleting products.
Rate and Peak Concentrations of Off-Gas Emissions in Stored Wood Pellets--Sensitivities to Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Headspace Volume
Kuang, X., Shankar, T. J., Bi, X. T., Lim, C. J., Sokhansanj, S., Melin, S. Wood pellets emit CO, CO2, CH4, and other volatiles during storage. Increased concentration of these gases in a sealed storage causes depletion of concentration of oxygen. The storage environment becomes toxic to those who operate in and around these storages. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature, moisture, and the relative size of storage headspace on emissions from wood pellets in an enclosed space. Twelve 10-l plastic containers were used to study the effects of headspace ratio (25, 50, and 75% of container volume) and temperatures (10–50°C). Another eight containers were set in uncontrolled storage relative humidity (RH) and temperature. Concentrations of CO2, CO, and CH4 were measured by gas chromatography (GC). The results showed that emissions of CO2, CO, and CH4 from stored wood pellets are more sensitive to storage temperature than to RH and the relative volume of headspace. Higher peak emission factors are associated with higher temperatures. Increased headspace volume ratio increases peak off-gas emissions because of the availability of oxygen associated with pellet decomposition. Increased RH in the enclosed container increases the rate of off-gas emissions of CO2, CO, and CH4 and oxygen depletion.
Emission of Volatile Aldehydes and Ketones from Wood Pellets under Controlled Conditions
Arshadi, M., Geladi, P., Gref, R., Fjallstrom, P. Different qualities of biofuel pellets were made from pine and spruce sawdust according to an industrial experimental design. The fatty/resin acid compositions were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for both newly produced pellets and those after 2 and 4 weeks of storage. The aldehydes/ketones compositions were determined by high performance liquid chromatography at 0, 2, and 4 weeks. The designs were analyzed for the response variables: total fatty/resin acids and total aldehydes/ketones. The design showed a strong correlation between the pine fraction in the pellets and the fatty/resin acid content but the influence decreased over storage time. The amount of fatty/resin acids decreased ~40% during 4 weeks. The influence of drying temperature on the aldehyde/ketone emission of fresh pellets was also shown. The amounts of emitted aldehydes/ketones generally decreased by 45% during storage as a consequence of fatty/resin acid oxidation. The matrices of individual concentrations were subjected to multivariate data analysis. This showed clustering of the different experimental runs and demonstrated the important mechanism of fatty/resin acid conversion.
Effects of Headspace and Oxygen Level on Off-gas Emissions from Wood Pellets in Storage
Kuang, X., Shankar, T. J., Sokhansanj, S., Lim, C. J., Bi, X. T., Melin, S. Few papers have been published in the open literature on the emissions from biomass fuels, including wood pellets, during the storage and transportation and their potential health impacts. The purpose of this study is to provide data on the concentrations, emission factors, and emission rate factors of CO2, CO, and CH4 from wood pellets stored with different headspace to container volume ratios with different initial oxygen levels, in order to develop methods to reduce the toxic off-gas emissions and accumulation in storage spaces. Metal containers (45 l, 305 mm diameter by 610 mm long) were used to study the effect of headspace and oxygen levels on the off-gas emissions from wood pellets. Concentrations of CO2, CO, and CH4 in the headspace were measured using a gas chromatograph as a function of storage time. The results showed that the ratio of the headspace ratios and initial oxygen levels in the storage space significantly affected the off-gas emissions from wood pellets stored in a sealed container. Higher peak emission factors and higher emission rates are associated with higher headspace ratios. Lower emissions of CO2 and CO were generated at room temperature under lower oxygen levels, whereas CH4 emission is insensitive to the oxygen level. Replacing oxygen with inert gases in the storage space is thus a potentially effective method to reduce the biomass degradation and toxic off-gas emissions. The proper ventilation of the storage space can also be used to maintain a high oxygen level and low concentrations of toxic off-gassing compounds in the storage space, which is especially useful during the loading and unloading operations to control the hazards associated with the storage and transportation of wood pellets.
Evaluation of Five Decontamination Methods for Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Viscusi, D. J., Bergman, M. S., Eimer, B. C., Shaffer, R. E. Concerns have been raised regarding the availability of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-certified N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) during an influenza pandemic. One possible strategy to mitigate a respirator shortage is to reuse FFRs following a biological decontamination process to render infectious material on the FFR inactive. However, little data exist on the effects of decontamination methods on respirator integrity and performance. This study evaluated five decontamination methods [ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), ethylene oxide, vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP), microwave oven irradiation, and bleach] using nine models of NIOSH-certified respirators (three models each of N95 FFRs, surgical N95 respirators, and P100 FFRs) to determine which methods should be considered for future research studies. Following treatment by each decontamination method, the FFRs were evaluated for changes in physical appearance, odor, and laboratory performance (filter aerosol penetration and filter airflow resistance). Additional experiments (dry heat laboratory oven exposures, off-gassing, and FFR hydrophobicity) were subsequently conducted to better understand material properties and possible health risks to the respirator user following decontamination. However, this study did not assess the efficiency of the decontamination methods to inactivate viable microorganisms. Microwave oven irradiation melted samples from two FFR models. The remainder of the FFR samples that had been decontaminated had expected levels of filter aerosol penetration and filter airflow resistance. The scent of bleach remained noticeable following overnight drying and low levels of chlorine gas were found to off-gas from bleach-decontaminated FFRs when rehydrated with deionized water. UVGI, ethylene oxide (EtO), and VHP were found to be the most promising decontamination methods; however, concerns remain about the throughput capabilities for EtO and VHP. Further research is needed before any specific decontamination methods can be recommended.

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