Respiratory Impairment in Cotton-Ginning Workers Exposed to Cotton Dust

Dust generated during the handling and processing of cotton causes ill health of ginning workers. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among cotton-ginning workers. This study involved 188 workers of 10 cotton-ginning factories. Forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) declined significantly with increasing duration of exposure (p < .001) of the cotton-ginning workers. Results of a standard respirator medical evaluation questionnaire indicated that, depending on duration of exposure, 51%–71% of cotton-ginning workers suffered from chest tightness, 55%–62% experienced chest pain, while 33%–42% of the workers reported frequent cough. Blood tests of the workers showed higher values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, eosinophils, and white blood cells when exposure was longer. Byssinosis symptoms were observed among the workers. We recommend regular periodical medical check-ups, compulsory use of personal protective equipment, and proper ventilation at the workplace.     

Assessment of the effect of welding fumes on welders’ cognitive failure and health-related quality of life

Introduction. This study examined whether cognitive symptoms and health-related quality of life can be affected by welding fume exposure. Method. Participants consisted of welders (n?=?40) and welder assistants (n?=?25) from welding units as the exposed group, and office workers (n?=?44) as the non-exposed group. All participants were studied using ambient air monitoring and two types of questionnaires: the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results. Welders and welder assistants were exposed to higher concentrations of all airborne metals than office employees, except for aluminum and chromium (p?p?M (SD)?=?54.84 (17.88)). The relationships between total CFQ score and the measured concentration of nickel at peak work rate was significant for welders. Conclusion. Cognitive symptoms and health-related quality of life were not related to the measures of welding fume exposure and further research should be performed to find other influencing factors.     

箱形长钢梁内焊接危害分析与对策

大跨度起重机箱形梁,因结构强度的要求,需要从两端进入梁内施焊。由于截面小、长度大,作业中产生大量烟尘、毒气,不能及时排出,严重损害工人身体健康。特别在高温季节,焊接热又使梁内温度增高,操作者闷热难忍,危害身心健康,影响工作效率。本文在实验研究基础上,分析了箱形长钢梁内多人焊接时,产生的烟尘、毒气及其分布情况,并“以人为中心”,剖析各种解决焊接危害技术的特点,提出适用于截面在1～2m~2、长度在30～50m范围的钢梁内多人施焊时的排烟降温对策。     

基于脑电数据的管制架次对管制员疲劳影响研究

为量化研究管制区域内飞机架次的时空变化对管制员疲劳的影响,设计相应测试方案进行试验研究。有针对性地选取20名在职管制员分别在大、小夜班的班前和班后进行试验,采集完成不同流量等级下雷达模拟机任务过程中的管制员的脑电(EEG)信号数据,从数据中提取疲劳指标值,运用SPSS20.0软件统计分析指标值,根据管制员的岗龄将其分成2组进行比较,线性拟合班前班后的管制员疲劳指标值。结果表明:岗龄≥10年的管制员疲劳指标值及其波动性明显低于岗龄<10年的管制员;班前管制员疲劳指标值随管制架次的增加中后期呈下降趋势;班后管制员的疲劳指标值随管制架次的增加而增长,随时间呈3次曲线变化。     

Theoretical predictions and actual hearing threshold levels in workers exposed to ultrasonic noise of impulsive character--a pilot study.

Results of standard pure-tone audiometry (PTA) were collected from 25 workers, mainly females, aged 23-58 years, exposed for 2-13 years to ultrasonic noise emitted by ultrasonic welders. Hearing tests were completed by evaluation of exposure to ultrasonic noise. The subjects' actual audiometric hearing threshold levels (HTLs) were compared with theoretical predictions calculated according to ISO 1999:1990. In 60% of cases sound pressure levels in the 10-40 kHz 1/3-octave bands at workstands exceeded Polish exposure limits for ultrasonic noise. Our comparison of predicted and measured HTLs suggests that the ISO 1999:1990 method, intended for audible noise, might also make it possible to predict reliably permanent hearing loss (in the 2000-6000 Hz frequency range) after exposure to ultrasonic noise. No significant progress of hearing impairment (assessed using PTA) in the operators of ultrasonic welders was noted. Nevertheless, further studies on the hearing status of workers exposed to ultrasonic noise are needed.     

Respiratory Problems of Workers in the Zarda Industry in Kolkata,India

This study was undertaken to assess the pulmonary and respiratory problems of workers in a zarda factory. A total of 70 permanent zarda workers (50 manufacturing workers and 20 office ones) were studied in a factory in Baguihati, Kolkata, India. The study included (a) completion of a questionnaire (on pulmonary and respiratory problems), (b) measurement of physical parameters, (c) spirometry and (d) measurement of peak expiratory flow rate. At the same time, the worksite was analyzed with an OSHA-recommended ergonomics checklist. Many zarda manufacturing workers complained of respiratory symptoms. Continuous exposure to the tobacco processing environment reduced the workers’ lung volume and peak expiratory flow rates. Our study indicates that zarda manufacturing workers may have respiratory and pulmonary disorders related to exposure to tobacco dust in their work environment.     

Respiratory problems of workers in the zarda industry in Kolkata, India.

This study was undertaken to assess the pulmonary and respiratory problems of workers in a zarda factory. A total of 70 permanent zarda workers (50 manufacturing workers and 20 office ones) were studied in a factory in Baguihati, Kolkata, India. The study included (a) completion of a questionnaire (on pulmonary and respiratory problems), (b) measurement of physical parameters, (c) spirometry and (d) measurement of peak expiratory flow rate. At the same time, the worksite was analyzed with an OSHA-recommended ergonomics checklist. Many zarda manufacturing workers complained of respiratory symptoms. Continuous exposure to the tobacco processing environment reduced the workers' lung volume and peak expiratory flow rates. Our study indicates that zarda manufacturing workers may have respiratory and pulmonary disorders related to exposure to tobacco dust in their work environment.     

Some consequences of labor–management negotiations: Laboratory and field studies

The stress associated with labor-management negotiations is investigated in two longitudinal studies. In Study 1, changes in anxiety and blood pressure following a simulated negotiation exercise are assessed. The sample consisted of 49 advanced undergraduate Industrial Psychology students, divided into experimental (n = 24) and control (n = 25) groups. The experimental group engaged in a simulated labor–management negotiation, whereas the control group participated in a class discussion session. Anxiety and blood pressure levels of both groups were tested before and after the manipulation. Statistically controlling for pretest differences, the experimental group yielded more negative changes in anxiety and blood pressure levels than the control group from pretesting at posttesting. In Study 2, moderators and psychological consequences of participation during in vivo labor–management negotiations were studied. Data were collected from 96 industrial relations (IR) practitioners immediately before negotiations and three months later. Using moderated multiple regression, negatively perceived IR stress predicted negative changes in psychological well-being. Family support moderated the relationship, while personality hardiness yielded a negative buffering effect on this relationship. Explanations of the findings are discussed and implications for future research are suggested.     

Combined Effects of Physical Demands and Shift Working on Low Back Disorders Among Nursing Personnel

The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effects of physical demands and shift working on low back disorders (LBDs) among nursing personnel. The study used 2 questionnaires: a self-administered questionnaire composed of parts of Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire to assess LBDs and job content questionnaire to assess physical demands. The participants were divided into 4 groups: from group 1 (low physical demands day workers) to group 4 (high physical demands shift workers). In regression analysis, high physical demands were associated with the prevalence of LBDs independently (OR 4.4, 95% CI [2.40, 8.00] and p < .05), but there was no association between shift working and LBDs (p > .05). Odds ratio in high physical demands shift workers was 9.33 compared to the reference group (p < .001). Calculated synergistic index was 7.37. Simultaneous impacts of shift working and high physical demands may increase the prevalence of LBDs among nursing personnel.     

Injuries among electric power industry workers, 1995–2013

IntroductionWorkers in the electric power industry face many risks of injury due to the high diversity of work tasks performed in potentially hazardous and unpredictable work environments.MethodWe calculated injury rates by age, sex, occupational group, and injury type among workers in the Electric Power Research Institute’s (EPRI) Occupational Health and Safety Database (OHSD), which contains recordable injury, medical claims, and personnel data from 18 participating electric power companies from 1995 to 2013.ResultsThe OHSD includes a total of 63,193 injuries over 1,977,436 employee-years of follow-up, for an overall injury rate of 3.20 injuries per 100 employee-years. Annual injury rates steadily decreased from 1995 to 2000, increased sharply in 2001, and subsequently decreased to their lowest rate of 1.31 injuries per 100 employee-years in 2013. Occupations with the highest injury rates were welders (13.56 per 100 employee-years, 95% CI 12.74–14.37), meter readers (12.04 per 100 employee-years, 95% CI 11.77–12.31), and line workers (10.37 per 100 employee-years, 95% CI 10.19–10.56). Males had an overall higher injury rate compared to females (2.74 vs. 1.61 per 100 employee-years) although some occupations, such as meter reader, had higher injury rates for females. For all workers, injury rates were highest for those in the 21 to 30 age group (3.70 per 100 employee-years) and decreased with age. Welders and machinists did not follow this trend and had higher injury rates in the 65 + age group. There were 63 fatalities over the 1995 to 2013 period, with 21 fatalities (33.3%) occurring among line workers.ConclusionsAlthough injury rates have decreased over time, certain high-risk groups remain (i.e., line workers, mechanics, young males, older welders and machinists, and female meter readers).Practical applicationsProtective measures and targeted safety programs may be warranted to ensure the safety of electric power workers.     

The effect of integrated management system on safety and productivity indices: Case study; Iranian cement industries

Nowadays, with implementation of management systems and environment management and due to the influence of safety and health issues on working processes, organizations have also sought to acquire health and safety management systems. This study which aims to examine the influence of integrated management system on safety and productivity indices has retrospective experimental nature. It was conducted in Cement Factories in which three systems are used: quality, environment and safety systems. The collected data were: accident reports and the investigation of events in 6 years during 2005-2010 (3 years before and 3 years after the implementation of the system). The safety indices that used in this study are: IFR, ISR, FSI, and Safe T. Score. Then, the data analyzed with the T-test, mean and standard deviation. The results showed a significant difference between various safety indices before and after the implementation. The examination of production indices such as increasing rate of productivity and production indicates the influence of these systems on production and productivity indices. The results have showed that the safety system existence cannot ensure productivity increase. Indices definition can be helpful for the safety system effectiveness and system continual improvement. It is important to say that there might be various indices definition in different industries.     

The impact of the 2007 graduated driver licensing law in Massachusetts on the rate of citations and licensing in teenage drivers

ObjectiveWe recently demonstrated that the 2007 Massachusetts Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) law decreased the rate of motor vehicle crashes in teenage drivers. To better understand this decrease, we sought to examine the law's impact on the issuance of driving licenses and traffic citations to teenage drivers.MethodsCitation and license data were obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Census data were obtained from the Census Data Center. Two study periods were defined: pre-GDL (2002–2006) and post-GDL (2007–2012). Two populations were defined: the study population (aged 16–17) and the control population (aged 25–29). The rates of licenses per population were compared pre- vs. post-GDL for the study group. The numbers of total, state, and local citations per population were compared pre- vs. post-GDL for both populations. A sensitivity analysis was performed for the rates of citations using licenses issued as a denominator.ResultsWhile licenses per population obtained by the study group decreased over the entire period, there was no change in the rate of decrease per year pre- vs. post-GDL (2.0% vs. 1.4%; p = 0.6392). In the study population, total, state, and local citations decreased post-GDL (17.8% vs. 8.1%, p < 0.0001; 3.7% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.0001; 14.1% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.0001, respectively). In the control group, total and state citations did not change (26.7% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.3606; 9.2% vs. 10.2%, p = 0.3404, respectively), and local citations decreased (17.5% vs. 13.7%, p = 0.0389). The rates of decrease per year for total, state, and local citations were significantly greater in the study population compared with control (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0002, p < 0.0001, respectively).ConclusionsThe 2007 GDL law in Massachusetts was associated with fewer traffic citations without a change in the rate of licenses issued to teenagers. These findings suggest that 2007 GDL may be improving driving habits as opposed to motivating teenagers to delay the issuing of licenses.     

电弧焊触电事故原因分析

在总结生产实践中关于电弧焊作业在人身安全方面的经验和教训的基础上,归纳出重点针对工矿企业和野外作业的十种主要的触电事故因素,分别为：电焊机机壳漏电触电、人体触及电源触电、二次侧异常电压触电、特殊作业点触电、电焊机空载电压触电、不规范焊接回路触电、电焊机误接高电压电源触电、特殊焊接对象焊前处理不当触电、个人防范欠缺触电、安全管理措施落实不到位触电,对其逐一地进行了分析探讨。     

3-Parameters SPW technique: A new method for evaluation of target safety integrity level

Introduced by IEC-61508 standard, safety integrity levels (SIL) have been used for assessing the reliability of safety instrumented functions (SIF) for protection of the system under control in abnormal conditions. Different qualitative, semi-qualitative and quantitative methods have been proposed by the standard for establishing target safety integrity levels amongst which “Risk Graph” has gained wide attention due to its simplicity and easy-to-apply characteristics. However, this method is subject to many deficiencies that have forced industry men and experts to modify it to fit their demands. In this paper, a new modification to risk graph parameters has been proposed that adds more flexibility to them and reduces their subjective uncertainties but keeps the method as simple as before. Three parameters, namely severity (S), hazard avoidance probability (P), and demand rate (W) are used instead of former four parameters. Hence, the method is named SPW. The outcome results of this method can be directly converted to probability of failure on demand (PFD) or risk reduction factor (RRF). The proposed method has been tested on an example case that has been studied before with conventional risk graph and LOPA techniques. The results show that new method agrees well with LOPA and reduces costs imposed by conservative approximations assumed during application of conventional risk graph.     

电弧焊防触电技术探讨

从电焊机保护接地（或接零）的规则、电源线与焊钳的安全技术、控制电器的安全技术、电焊工作业中的安全保障措施等四个方面，探讨了电弧焊作业中如何防范触电事故的技术措施，实践证明，所述的安全要求和技术方法对于电弧焊作业的安全管理和安全生产具有很高的实用价值。     

Lower Leg Injury Reference Values and Risk Curves from Survival Analysis for Male and Female Dummies: Meta-analysis of Postmortem Human Subject Tests

Objective: Derive lower leg injury risk functions using survival analysis and determine injury reference values (IRV) applicable to human mid-size male and small-size female anthropometries by conducting a meta-analysis of experimental data from different studies under axial impact loading to the foot–ankle–leg complex.

Methods: Specimen-specific dynamic peak force, age, total body mass, and injury data were obtained from tests conducted by applying the external load to the dorsal surface of the foot of postmortem human subject (PMHS) foot–ankle–leg preparations. Calcaneus and/or tibia injuries, alone or in combination and with/without involvement of adjacent articular complexes, were included in the injury group. Injury and noninjury tests were included. Maximum axial loads recorded by a load cell attached to the proximal end of the preparation were used. Data were analyzed by treating force as the primary variable. Age was considered as the covariate. Data were censored based on the number of tests conducted on each specimen and whether it remained intact or sustained injury; that is, right, left, and interval censoring. The best fits from different distributions were based on the Akaike information criterion; mean and plus and minus 95% confidence intervals were obtained; and normalized confidence interval sizes (quality indices) were determined at 5, 10, 25, and 50% risk levels. The normalization was based on the mean curve. Using human-equivalent age as 45 years, data were normalized and risk curves were developed for the 50th and 5th percentile human size of the dummies.

Results: Out of the available 114 tests (76 fracture and 38 no injury) from 5 groups of experiments, survival analysis was carried out using 3 groups consisting of 62 tests (35 fracture and 27 no injury). Peak forces associated with 4 specific risk levels at 25, 45, and 65 years of age are given along with probability curves (mean and plus and minus 95% confidence intervals) for PMHS and normalized data applicable to male and female dummies. Quality indices increased (less tightness-of-fit) with decreasing age and risk level for all age groups and these data are given for all chosen risk levels.

Conclusions: These PMHS-based probability distributions at different ages using information from different groups of researchers constituting the largest body of data can be used as human tolerances to lower leg injury from axial loading. Decreasing quality indices (increasing index value) at lower probabilities suggest the need for additional tests. The anthropometry-specific mid-size male and small-size female mean human risk curves along with plus and minus 95% confidence intervals from survival analysis and associated IRV data can be used as a first step in studies aimed at advancing occupant safety in automotive and other environments.     

Shipyard fatalities in Turkey

The objective of this paper is to investigate causes and incidence rates of 115 fatalities between 2000 and 2010 in Turkish shipyards and to propose mitigation measures. The fatality rate in Turkish shipbuilding industry is unacceptably high, being 3.5 times the average of all industry groups. Classification of fatal occupational accidents revealed five major fatality reasons for the shipbuilding industry; falling from higher elevation to a lower level, exposed to electric shock, fire and/or explosion, being struck by or struck against objects, and caught in between. The highest number of cases of fatal accidents was found among welders, blasters, painters and substructure workers. Statistically analyzed data showed that working on Mondays and Saturdays have special impact on the fatality probability. Also, the number of fatalities is highest in working temperatures above average 25 °C, which covers from June through September. Strategies recommended to minimize the fatalities at shipyards are discussed. Furthermore a risk framework of fatal occupational accidents were drawn so that when working conditions are within the high risk region, extra precautions can be taken in order to minimize the occurrence of accidents and fatalities.     

Predicting work performance in nuclear power plants

Diagnosis and monitoring are the major tasks of an operator in main control room of nuclear power plants (NPPs). The operator’s mental workload influences his/her performance, and furthermore, affects the system safety and operations. This study investigated the operator’s mental workload and work performance of the NPP in Taiwan. An experiment including primary and secondary tasks was designed to simulate the reactor shutdown procedure of the fourth nuclear power plant (FNPP). The performance of the secondary tasks (error rate), subjective mental workload (NASA Task Load Index, NASA-TLX) as well as seven physiological indices were assessed and measured. The group method of data handling (GMDH) was applied to integrate these physiological indices to develop a work performance predictive model. The validity of the proposed model is very well with R² = 0.84 and its prediction capability is high (95% confidence interval). The proposed model is expected to provide control room operators a reference value of their work performance by giving physiological indices. Besides NPPs, the proposed model can be applied to many other fields, e.g. aviation, air transportation control, driving and radar vigilance, etc.     

The Relationship Between Shift Work Schedules and Spillover in a Sample of Nurses

The aim of the present study was to estimate spillover effects between the work and the family sphere in a sample of nurses (N = 2058). Hierarchical regression analyses investigated whether shift work schedules were associated with negative or positive spillover, both from family to work and vice versa, controlling for demographic factors, job demands and decision latitude. With daytime work as a reference group, all types of shift work (day and evening shift, night shift only and rotating 3 shift) were associated with higher negative work-to-family spillover. Night work was associated with significantly less negative family-to-work spillover. None of the different shift work schedules were related to any type of positive spillover. The results indicate that working outside of daytime hours is less compatible with workers’ family lives, compared to working ordinary day shifts. On the other hand, working night shifts only was associated with reduced negative family-to-work spillover.     

The effects of ergonomics training on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of teleworkers

PROBLEM: The rapid growth of teleworking has raised several social and legal issues regarding an employer's responsibility for the safety of an employee's home office. In this paper, researchers discuss the need for safety training for teleworkers and the effectiveness of a home office ergonomics training program. METHOD: Study participants (N = 50) were randomly assigned into a treatment or control group. The treatment group completed the ergonomics training and a pre- and posttest. The control group completed the pre- and posttests without training. RESULTS: The study demonstrated the need for teleworker ergonomics training. More than 85% of participants had not received teleworker training before, and 44% had experienced pain or discomfort while teleworking. Participants who completed the training significantly improved their scores on knowledge, attitude, and practices subtests. In a follow-up survey, participants indicated that they had made ergonomic changes to their offices based on the training. Several participants indicated that the pain or discomfort that they had been experiencing was eliminated or reduced as a result of the training.