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.     

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.     

冶金工厂呼吸性粉尘危害及评价方法探讨

随着冶金企业规模的扩大和接尘人员的增加，粉尘危害，尤其是呼吸性粉尘对作业人员的危害日益突出。治理呼吸性粉尘必须对呼吸性粉尘进行科学、合理的评价。针对冶金工厂实际情况，经过现场实验调查、数据统计分析，探讨了冶金工厂作业场所呼吸性粉尘的危害程度。建立了冶金工厂采用划分粉尘单元确定粉尘中游离二氧化硅含量的方法和采用餐尘危害程度分级评价呼吸性粉尘危害程度的方法。同时对国家呼吸性矽尘卫生标准在冶金工厂的实旋提出了扩档建乩     

全工班呼吸性粉尘测定及防尘措施研究

针对呼吸性粉尘对矿井工人身体健康的危害,对煤矿综采工作面、综掘工作面、炮掘工作面等进行分工种个体性的全尘和呼尘监测,测定了各工作面粉尘(全尘和呼尘)的浓度、粉尘分散度和SiO2浓度。其结果表明:全工班呼吸性粉尘测定的方法更加真实可靠,更真实地反映了呼吸性粉尘对井下各操作工种的致病危害,测得的各工作面各工种的呼尘浓度均高于国家标准。通过数据的分析以及工人的建议,提出了一些新式的、有效的防尘措施来降低呼吸性粉尘对人体健康的危害。     

农民工工伤保险现状及问题分析

通过文献分析和实地调研发现,造成我国农民工工伤保险参保率低、企业逃保、退保率高、申请工伤补偿难度大的原因可分为宏观和微观两个层面:城乡二元户籍制、劳动力供求关系、工伤保险制度等因素客观上使得农民工受歧视,地位低,工伤求偿困难;企业主观上追求短期利益和侥幸心理是构成其逃保、退保的主要因素.可通过优化制度体系、强化政府监管...     

Attributes of Occupational Injury Among Workers in the Chemical Industry and Safety Issues

Case-study research was carried out with a view to find the attributes of occupational injury among workers in the chemical industry and to enhance safety issues. Injury data were collected and processed in terms of different variables, such as age, gender, skills, type of hazard, etc. Pareto analysis was then applied to find a pattern of occupational injury among the workers. The study revealed that 79.52% of the injured workers were in the 40–59 age group; 57.14% of accidents occurred during the 1st shift; 73.26% of accidents caused injury to hands, feet, chest to thigh, arms and eyes; and 70.93% of injuries were caused by pumps, carrying and lifting, vehicles, pipelines, valves, and grinding. Surprisingly, no one was injured in the group of temporary workers. The paper also provides specific suggestions followed by some action plans.     

我国烟草加工系统粉尘爆炸危险性分析

介绍了烟草粉尘爆炸特性，对我国烟草加工系统粉尘爆炸危险性作了分析。     

车间空气中呼吸性矽尘卫生标准

对国家标准《车间空气中呼吸性矽尘卫生标准》在25个冶金工厂进行了试用，从卫生要求和浓度测定方法等方面验证该标准对冶金工厂的适用性，并提出了修订建议。     

Model for predicting peak expiratory flow rate of Nigerian workers in a cement factory in Itori,Ogun State,Nigeria

The main aim of the study was to propose a model for predicting the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of Nigerian workers in a cement factory. Sixty randomly selected non-smoker and healthy workers (30 in production sections, 30 in the administrative section of the factory) participated in the study. Their physical characteristics and PEFR were measured. Multiple correlations using SPSS version 16.0 were performed on the data. The values of PEFR, using the obtained model, were compared with the measured values using a two-tailed t test. There were positive correlations among age, height and PEFR. A prediction equation for PEFR based on age, height, weight and years of exposure (experience) was obtained with R²?=?.843 (p?<?0.001). The developed model will be useful for the management in determining PEFR of workers in the cement industry for possible medical attention.     

Health impact and noise exposure assessment in the cricket bat industry of Kashmir,India

Aim. The aim of the present study was to identify and evaluate predominant noise sources in the cricket bat industry of Kashmir, India. Methods. Sound levels were measured at operator’s ear level in the working zone of the workers of seven cricket bat factories. The impact assessment was made through personal interviews with each worker separately during their period of rest. Results. On average, 62.5% of the workers reported difficulty in hearing and 24.1% of the workers have become patients for hypertension. Only 58.1% of the workers complained of headache due to high noise level. Conclusions. The workers engaged in the cricket bat industry of Kashmir are exposed to high noise levels. It is suggested that personal protective equipment like ear plugs and ear muffs be used by these workers as a protection against this hazard.     

Safety Management in Multiemployer Worksites in the Manufacturing Industry: Opinions on Co-Operation and Problems Encountered

Co-operation between different parties and effective safety management play an important role in ensuring safety in multiemployer worksites. This article reviews safety co-operation and factors complicating safety management in Finnish multiemployer manufacturing worksites. The paper focuses on the service providers’ opinions; however, a comparison of the customers’ views is also presented. The results show that safety-related co-operation between providers and customers is generally considered as successful but strongly dependent on the partner. Safety co-operation is provided through, e.g., training, orientation and risk analysis. Problems encountered include ensuring adequate communication, identifying hazards, co-ordinating work tasks and determining responsibilities. The providers and the customers encounter similar safety management problems. The results presented in this article can help companies to focus their efforts on the most problematic points of safety management and to avoid common pitfalls.     

Factors affecting the musculoskeletal disorders of workers in the frozen food manufacturing factories in Thailand

The purpose of this research was to study factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders. The sample population of the study was 528 factory workers from the frozen food industry, as well as a controlled group of 255 office workers. The samples were collected during interviews using the Nordic questionnaire to assess musculoskeletal disorders, and to assess the risk by the rapid upper limb assessment and rapid entire body assessment techniques. The findings of the study were that most symptoms were found in the dissecting department, higher than in the controlled group. The details of the symptoms were, accordingly: elbow pain (adjusted odds ratio, 35.1; 95% CI [17.4, 70.9]). Regarding the risk of alcohol drinking, workers were exposed to more risks when alcohol was consumed. It is suggested that workers’ health should be monitored regularly. People who work in a cold environment should be encouraged to wear body protection and to avoid drinking.     

Deposition and Resuspension of Selected Aerosols Particles on Electrically Charged Filter Materials for Respiratory Protective Devices

The primary aim of the study was to analyse the non-steady state of filtration for selected electrostatic filter materials designed for use in respiratory protective devices. The obtained results showed that the filtration process in electrostatic filters was dependent in the main on the following factors: type of the filter material, electrostatic field strength of the material, and the charge of the aerosol.

To a lesser degree the filtration process depended on the sign of the charge and the relative humidity of the air. A significant correlation was found between the increase in the penetration and the decrease in breathing resistance while the filter was being loaded.

The effect of resuspension (tearing off and re-deposition of dust agglomerates inside the filter) on the filtration process very significant. It was also observed that under certain conditions electrostatic filter materials lost their protection properties.     

Associations Between Worker Characteristics,Workplace Factors,and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study of Male Construction Workers in Nigeria

Objective. This study assessed the association between worker characteristics, workplace factors, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in Nigeria’s construction industry. Methods. A cross-sectional site-by-site survey was conducted in 5 existing construction companies in Uyo, Nigeria. The subjects (n = 1200 males), aged 18-55 years, filled in the semistructured Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and the job content questionnaire on demographics, work and lifestyle characteristics, and workplace risk factors for WMSDs. Results. The overall prevalence of WMSDs was 39.25%. Differences in age, race, weight, body mass index (BMI), education status, and employment status were significantly associated with the prevalence of WMSDs. Prevalence according to trade was as follows: ironworkers highest at 49% and administrative staff lowest at 31%. Ironworkers (55.7%), administrative staff (53.3%), and security staff (38.7%) scored higher on physical, psychosocial, and individual risk factors, respectively. Workplace factors with increased odds for WMSDs were psychological demands and mental workload, age, BMI, low work experience, low education status, awkward movement of head and arms, working against force or vibration, fast work pace, and race. Conclusion. The recorded high prevalence was multifactorial in etiology; hence, multi-intervention strategies are required.     

Postural Loading Assessment in Assembly Workers of an Iranian Telecommunication Manufacturing Company

Background. Changes in industries and work practices have coincided with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of MSDs and to assess postural loading in assembly workers of an Iranian telecommunication manufacturing company. Methods. Data were collected from 193 randomly selected workers in 4 units of the company. The Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire and the UBC ergonomic checklist were used as data collection tools. Loading on the upper body assessment (LUBA) was used to assess postural loading. Results. Lower back symptoms were the most prevalent problems among the workers (67.9%). LUBA showed that most assembly workers (94.3%) had experienced considerable and high postural loading (postural load index, PLI > 5). Regression analyses revealed that lighting, rotation, contact stress, repetition, gender and age were factors associated with symptoms. Conclusion. Work-related MSDs occurred at a high rate among workers. Postural loading requires consideration. Any ergonomic intervention should focus on eliminating ergonomic factors associated with symptoms.     

重点行业在用呼吸防护用品质量状况的调查分析

调查重点行业企业在用呼吸防护用品质量状况,发现主要问题并研究对策,促进对呼吸防护用品的监督管理。对106家企业进行问卷调查,并随机抽样37家企业对在用69种呼吸防护用品进行检测。所有企业均配发了呼吸防护用品,样品合格率为40.58%,LA认证率33.33%。防尘口罩过滤效率和泄漏率的合格率较低（40.38%和48.08%）,且国内外品牌差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）;防毒口罩防护时间合格率35.29%,防护时间、过滤元件通气阻力（30 L/Min和95 L/Min）的国内外品牌差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。     

Occupational Safety and Health Status of Sanitation Workers in Urban Areas: A Pilot Study From Wuhan,China

Sanitation workers ‘ workload increases quickly with rapid urbanization, but there is almost no evidence or policy recommendations for their management in developing countries. This study describes the health status and occupational protection of sanitation workers; it also explores risk factors related to their health status in Wuhan City, China. Three hundred and eighty-five sanitation workers from 54 streets of Wuhan were surveyed. Their prevalence of 2-week illness and arthritis was relatively higher than in the general population in China. Findings related to occupational protection showed that both sanitation workers (users) and their managers (providers) neglected the role of low-cost protection measures, especially masks, soap/hand sani-tizer and prejob training (use rate of 7.27%, 26.75% and 43.64%, respectively). High-intensity workload was an important risk factor for 2-week illness, and prejob training was an important protective factor against arthritis.     

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders,Job Stressors and Gender Responses in Foundry Industry

The main aim of this paper was to identify job stressors, gender responses and association of psychosocial work stressors with prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among foundry workers. The data were obtained with ergonomics checklist using Likert scale. The results of this study showed a high prevalence of MSDs among workers. The male workers were more prone to pain in neck while the female workers were more prone to MSDs in upper back and shoulders. Correlation analysis showed significant relationship of dimensions of work aspects with pain and discomfort. It proved that the work-related MSDs are the results of interaction of multiple stressors associated with work and work environment, and other personal factors. ANOVA indicated that the perception of work aspects as stressors differed significantly between male and female workers.     

Health Risk Factors in Different Seasons of Carpet Industry in Kashmir,India

Abstract

Carpet workers are exposed to different types of health risk factors in different seasons of the year. As the environmental conditions become harsh, risk for developing various types of diseases increases. These problems are further aggravated when the environmental conditions at the workplace deteriorate. An attempt has been made to study the health risk factors in the carpet industry in different seasons of the year. It has been concluded that in winter weavers are affected by several types of health risk factors as compared to the other seasons.     

Efficiency of Filtering Materials Used in Respiratory Protective Devices Against Nanoparticles

The basic aim of this research was to establish the efficiency of filtering materials widely used in respiratory protection devices with particular interest in their porosity, degree of electric and changeable process parameters, such as the flow rate of the test nanoaerosol and the size range of nanoparticles. Tests were carried out with an NaCl solid aerosol of 3.2 × 10⁵ particles/cm³ for the range of particle size of 7–270 nm, at aerosol flow rate of 1800, 2700, 3600, 4500 and 5400 L/h. The tests showed that electrospun nonwovens were the most effective filtering materials for nanoparticles over 20 nm. Melt-blown electret nonwovens with lower porosity than electrospun nonwovens had higher values of penetration of 1%–4%. Those materials provided very efficient protection against nanoparticles of certain sizes only.