scholarly journals ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO IMPROVE HOME OFFICE ERGONOMICS – RESULTS FROM A STUDY ON THE FIRST WAVE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN LATVIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 99-106
Author(s):  
Linda Matisāne ◽  
Linda Paegle ◽  
Ivars Vanadziņš ◽  
Asnate Anna Linde ◽  
Sarmīte Rozentāle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Web Survey ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Home Office ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Distance Work ◽  
Mental And Physical Health ◽  
Office Chair

Introduction: Telework, also known as remote work, distance work, telecommuting, was gaining popularity already before the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite benefits, telework can also cause workers' mental and physical health, and forced telework during the COVID-19 pandemic has promoted the onset of these problems. Objectives: The objective of the study was to analyze the management of ergonomics in teleworking workplaces and the association between pain longer than three days and preventive measures provided by employers in Latvia during the 1st emergency restrictions, which were in force between 12 March and 9 June 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Web-survey was used to gather information from respondents – workers. In total, 1006 workers fully filled in the questionnaire in October 2020. Four hundred eighty-three teleworkers of both genders were identified. Results: 35.7% of respondents reported pain longer than three days. The odds of pain were increased in case of lack of all analyzed preventive measures. For those who reported not being provided with a computer and other IT equipment OR for pain was 1.50 (CI 0.95-2.37). Even higher OR was observed in case of not receiving advice on how to arrange an ergonomic workstation (OR= 2.37, CI 1.32-4.25) and not having identified working conditions (OR= 2.61, CI 1.43-4.77). The highest risk was observed if the employer had not provided an office table and office chair (OR=5.46, CI 1.78-16.80). Conclusion: Teleworkers not receiving support from the employer on the arrangement of home offices have an increased risk of having pain for longer than three days. Provision of an office worktable, an office chair, advice on how to arrange an ergonomic workplace and provision of workplace risk assessment are key measures to be taken by the employer to improve home office ergonomics of their workers.

scholarly journals АSSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL RISK DRIVERS OF SPECIALIZED VEHICLES

2019 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 357-362
Author(s):  
S. V. Grebenkov ◽  
L. V. Dovgysha ◽  
E. B. Kolesova ◽  
Ya. M. Sukhova ◽  
S. B. Fedorova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Circulatory System ◽  
Occupational Risk ◽  
Moderate Degree ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Circulatory System Diseases ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Introduction. The problem of preservation of the health of drivers is a topical for most of countries. In the process of working, the mentioned group is exposed to a complex of harmful occupational factors, that both leads to an elevated increased risk for health disorders and increases the risk of road accidents. However, in available sources it was not possible to reveal reports devoted to the study of the impact of the labor conditions of drivers on various health indices on the base of the methodology of occupational risk assessment. The aim of the study is to assess the occupational risk for drivers of specialized vehicles on the basis of indices of pathological affection, calculated on the results of periodic medical examinations. Material and Methods. As a core group there were selected truck drivers (n = 1050), as a comparison group - engineering and technical personnel of the enterprise (n = 1220), matched by age and social indices. The assessment of the occupational morbidity rate was carried out on the base of the analysis of fourfold tables with the use of c2 criteria. The assessment of the degree of the occupational dependence was executed with the calculation of risk indices in accordance with the Guidelines for Risk Assessment. Results. In the course of the study there were obtained results showing drivers to suffer most frequently from diseases of eyes (65.4%), circulatory system (46.6%) and digestive system (11.6%). The main reason for the recognition of drivers as unfit to drive vehicles is hypertension at the II stage and above (71.1%). Also, there is noted an increased occupational risk in drivers for such diseases such as hypertension at the I stage (RR=2.2, CI95%=1.8-2.8, EF=54.5%, a high degree of the relationship with the work); encephalopathy of the vascular genesis (RR = 1.6, CI95%=1.1-2.4, EF = 37.5%), moderate degree of the relationship with the work in the age of older 60 years - is very high); dorsopathies at the lumbosacral level (RR=2.9, CI95%=1.6-5.3, EF=65.7%), a high degree of the relationship with the work at the age of over 50 is almost total); sensorineural hearing loss (RR=1.2, CI95%=0.7-2.0, EF=16.4%), a low degree of the relationship with the work over the age of older 60 years - moderate); hyperopia (RR=2.1, CI95%=1.7-2.5, EF=52.4%, a high degree of the relationship with the work), which determines the priority of preventive measures in relation to these diseases. The potential effect of the preventive measures is most pronounced for the circulatory system diseases in total (NNT = 13.6) and hypertensive disease at the I stage (NNT = 10.0).

scholarly journals IMPROVEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT ON THE BASIS OF EXPERT METHODS

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
O. Kruzhilko ◽  
N. Volodchenkova ◽  
O. Tokar ◽  
V. Maistrenko
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Occupational Risk ◽  
Regulatory Requirements ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Occupational Risks ◽  
Production Factors ◽  
Expert Assessments ◽  
Flexible Mechanism

Objective: to develop and theoretically substantiate such an approach, which should ensure the creation of information and calculation-analytical basis for planning and implementation of effective preventive measures aimed at minimizing occupational risks in the workplace. Various approaches to the calculation of occupational risk are analyzed, primarily those based on the results of the assessment of working conditions in the workplace on the indicators of production factors (certification of jobs). Among the general shortcomings of the methods that use the results of job certification, the main ones should be noted: the probability of violation of the measurement method, insufficient objectivity in the assessment of production factors, the long period between measurements, high cost. It is noted that the main tasks that need to be addressed are: the formation of information databases for calculations, development of assessment methods and the involvement of qualified experts. A method of occupational risk assessment is proposed, the peculiarity of which is taking into account the results of measurements of the levels of production factors and expert assessments. As a result of calculations, the calculated value of occupational risk for a particular profession allows us to draw a conclusion about the extent to which working conditions meet current regulatory requirements. Conclusions: the proposed approach provides incentives for employers to ensure safe and harmless working conditions, as well as active involvement of employees in solving problems of labor protection. As promising areas for improving the assessment of occupational risks noted: the introduction of a flexible mechanism for systematic survey of working conditions in the workplace, justification of levels of gradation of occupational risk, the introduction of modern information systems for accounting and analysis of production factors in dynamics.

scholarly journals Risk assessment of workpalces for electrical energy production

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 301-315
Author(s):  
Naim Baftiu ◽  
Afrim Loku ◽  
Nadire Loku-Shehu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Injured Workers ◽  
Application Software ◽  
Workplace Hazards ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Electrical Energy Production

In this paper is presented the assessment of the workplace hazards for power plant "Kosova" A. The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the work places based on the realized measurements of the conditions for safety and protection at work, classification and categorization of jobs with increased risk as well as measures for improving working conditions and preventing endangered and injured workers from injurious. Measurements of working conditions and assessment of workplace and workplace risk have been carried out by exploring, identifying, recording and analyzing any workplace in a riskiness case. With Application Software, all workplaces in which the measurements were performed are processed.

VTE risk assessment in cancer

2016 ◽  
Vol 07 (01) ◽  
pp. 20-25
Author(s):  
I. Pabinger ◽  
C. Ay
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Medical Oncology ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Cancer Surgery ◽  
Ambulatory Setting ◽  
Oncology Patients ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Risk Assessment Models ◽  
Increased Risk

SummaryVenous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality, and its prevention is of major clinical importance. However, the VTE rates in the cancer population vary between 0.5% - 20%, depending on cancer-, treatment- and patient-related factors. The most important contributors to VTE risk are the tumor entity, stage and certain anticancer treatments. Cancer surgery represents a strong risk factor for VTE, and medical oncology patients are at increased risk of developing VTE, especially when receiving chemotherapy or immunomodulatory drugs. Also biomarkers have been investigated for their usefulness to predict risk of VTE (e.g. elevated leukocyte and platelet counts, soluble P-selectin, D-dimer, etc.). In order to identify cancer patients at high risk of VTE and to improve risk stratification, risk assessment models have been developed, which contain both clinical parameters and biomarkers. While primary thromboprophylaxis with lowmolecular- weight-heparin (LMWH) is recommended postoperatively for a period of up to 4 weeks after major cancer surgery, the evidence is less clear for medical oncology patients. Thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized medical oncology patients is advocated, and is based on results of randomized controlled trials which evaluated the efficacy and safety of LMWH for prevention of VTE in hospitalized medically ill patients. In recent trials the benefit of primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in the ambulatory setting has been investigated. However, at the present stage primary thromboprophylaxis for prevention of VTE in these patients is still a matter of debate and cannot be recommended for all cancer outpatients.

Occupational risk and early signs of disadaptation in young traffic police officers working in a shift schedule

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 884-887
Author(s):  
Ekaterina F. Chernikova
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Road Safety ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Traffic Police ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Early Signs ◽  
Scientific Justification ◽  
Years Of Service

Introduction. In the course of their professional activities, traffic police inspectors of State Road Safety Inspectorate (SRSI) are exposed to harmful working conditions. The aim of study is to provide scientific justification for the periods of service of inspectors that are important for the diagnosis of early signs of professionally caused diseases. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in a group of traffic police inspectors of the traffic police in accordance with the ethical standards set forth in the Declaration of Helsinki, 1975 (with additions, 1983), a positive conclusion of the ethical committee. The age of the traffic police officers was 24-50 years old, the experience was 1-19 years (average values 34±0.46 and 8.21±0.40 years). Results. In the course of the study, a class of working conditions was determined-3.4. low-level traffic police officers showed signs of disadaptation, a high risk of morbidity with temporary disability and professionally caused pathology of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, and digestive systems. Conclusions. It is advisable to conduct an in-depth preventive medical examination of inspectors after 1-2 years of service. The first 4 years of service are important for preventive measures.

Hygienic assessment of working conditions working in LLC “Oil and gas equipment plant»

2020 ◽  
pp. 733-733
Author(s):  
V. P. Rodkin ◽  
A. N. Usatov ◽  
V. G. Demchenko
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Working Environment

The authors conducted a hygienic assessment of working conditions of employees in LLC «Oil and gas equipment plant» on the basis of research of the Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Omsk region. The factors of the working environment and working conditions of workers having an impact on their health. Are studied. Hygiene-based preventive measures have been developed.

Working conditions and occupational pathology of coal miners in the Arctic

2019 ◽  
pp. 452-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Gorbanev ◽  
S. A. Syurin ◽  
N. M. Frolova
Keyword(s):  
Coal Mining ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Occupational Diseases ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Coal Mines ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Coal Miners ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Introduction. Due to the impact of adverse working conditions and climate, workers in coal-mining enterprises in the Arctic are at increased risk of occupational diseases (OD).The aim of the study was to study the working conditions, causes, structure and prevalence of occupational diseases in miners of coal mines in the Arctic.Materials and methods. Th e data of social and hygienic monitoring “Working conditions and occupational morbidity” of the population of Vorkuta and Chukotka Autonomous District in 2007–2017 are studied.Results. It was established that in 2007–2017 years, 2,296 ODs were diagnosed for the first time in 1851 coal mines, mainly in the drifters, clearing face miners, repairmen and machinists of mining excavating machines. Most often, the ODs occurred when exposed to the severity of labor, fibrogenic aerosols and hand-arm vibration. The development of professional pathology in 98% of cases was due to design flaws of machines and mechanisms, as well as imperfections of workplaces and technological processes. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (36.2%), respiratory organs (28.9%) and nervous system (22.5%) prevailed in the structure of professional pathology of miners of coal mines. Among the three most common nosological forms of OD were radiculopathy (32.1%), chronic bronchitis (27.7%) and mono-polyneuropathy (15.4%). In 2017, coal miners in the Arctic had a professional morbidity rate of 2.82 times higher than the national rates for coal mining.Conclusions. To preserve the health of miners of coal mining enterprises, technical measures to improve working conditions and medical interventions aimed at increasing the body’s resistance to the effects of harmful production and climatic factors are necessary.

Surveying adherence of dental clinic patients to preventive measures in oral cavity

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. V. Kudryavtseva ◽  
V. V. Tachalov ◽  
E. S. Loboda ◽  
L. Yu. Orekhova ◽  
E. Yu. Nechai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Cavity ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Periodontal Diseases ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Dental Clinic ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Impact

Relevance. Periodontal diseases are a medical and social problem due to the wide spread among the population of developed countries and the impact on the quality of life. Among the many factors that are important in the development of inflammatory periodontal diseases, an important role is played by adherence to the recommendations of the dentist in respecting oral hygiene. Aim of the work was to study the adherence of patients of the dental clinic to compliance with preventive measures in the oral cavity.Materials and methods. A total of 98 patients of dental clinic, 62 female (medial age 38,6 ± 14,0 years) and 36 male (medial age 37,2±13,1 years) participated in survey. The study participants flled in the profle and answered questions about age, gender, harmful working conditions and bad habits, frequency of visits to the dental clinic, attitudes to the prevention of dental diseases, knowledge about the means and methods of oral hygiene.Results. As a result of the study, it was found that in the vast majority of cases, respondents are employed in production that does not adversely affect their health (91%), only 8% of patients indicated harmful working conditions.Conclusions. The study revealed that, despite the recommendations of the dentist, patients are not always committed to the implementation of preventive measures in the oral cavity. Dentists need to motivate patients to use not only the usual methods and means of hygiene, but also additional ones necessary for maintaining dental health.

scholarly journals First trimester employment, working conditions and preterm birth: a prospective population-based cohort study

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-107072
Author(s):  
Tanja Vrijkotte ◽  
Teus Brand ◽  
Gouke Bonsel
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Work Load ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Pregnancy Induced Hypertension ◽  
Prolonged Standing ◽  
Physical Work Load ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Induced Hypertension

ObjectivesTo explore the association between working conditions during first trimester and total preterm birth (PTB), and subtypes: spontaneous PTB and iatrogenic PTB, additionally to explore the role of hypertension.MethodsPregnant women from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study, filled out a questionnaire between January 2003 and March 2004, two weeks after first prenatal screening (singleton liveborn, n=7561). Working conditions were working hours/week, standing/walking hours/week, physical work load and job strain.ResultsProlonged standing/walking during first trimester was associated with an increased risk for total PTB (OR=1.5; 95% CI 1.0–2.3, after adjustments). Other working conditions were not related to total PTB. The separation into spontaneous and iatrogenic PTB revealed that standing/walking was associated with iatrogenic PTB only (OR=2.09; 95% CI 1.00–4.97). The highest risk was found for the combination of a long workweek with high physical work load (OR=3.42; 95% CI 1.04–8.21). Hypertension did not mediate these associations; however, stratified analysis revealed that high physical work load was only related to iatrogenic PTB when pregnancy-induced hypertension was present (OR=6.44; 95% CI 1.21–29.76).ConclusionThis study provides evidence that high physically demanding work is associated with an increased risk for iatrogenic PTB and not with spontaneous PTB. Pregnancy-induced hypertension may play a role: when present, high physical work load leads to a more severe outcome.

Associations Between Workplace Violence, Mental Health, and Physical Health among Korean Workers: The Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 216507992110238
Author(s):  
Hae Ran Kim
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Workplace Violence ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Verbal Abuse ◽  
Safety Education ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Background: Workplace violence (WPV) is a global public health problem and a threat to the health of Korean workers. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of WPV and its association with mental and physical health among Korean workers. Methods: Data obtained for 50,205 respondents to the Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey were utilized for this study. Verbal abuse, threats, physical violence, and sexual harassment were assessed individually and as a composite for “any WPV.” Workers were characterized by education, income, shift work status, access to a health and safety education program, work sector and overall health. Descriptive analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the prevalence of WPV and its association with mental and physical health. Findings: Overall, 5.6% of workers reported experiencing one of four forms of WPV. The prevalence of verbal abuse, threats, physical violence, and sexual harassment were 4.9%, 0.7%, 0.2%, and 1.1%, respectively. Most perpetrators were customers. Prevalence of WPV was associated with lower education level, poor health status, long working hours, shift work, and no experience of health and safety education; 9.0% of service workers experienced violence. Workers who had experienced WPV were more likely to experience anxiety, sleep-related problems, depressive symptoms, back pain, headache/eye strain, and overall fatigue. Conclusions/Applications to Practice: Workplace violence is a serious occupational and public health concern in Korea. These results suggest managing WPV may improve workers’ well-being and that violence-prevention strategies, policies, and regulations should be implemented across most industries.

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