Carpenter Shop Wood Dust Control: Practical Experience to Reduce Hardwood Dust Exposures Below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Values

Chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function parameters in large-scale wood factory workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Occupational wood dust causes chronic respiratory health problems as well as a decline in lung function. However, data on the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and lung function parameters among large-scale wood factories workers in Ethiopia producing furniture are limited. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, lung function measures, and associated factors among large-scale wood industry workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 232 wood workers and 232 controls. Participants for the study were selected using stratified and systematic sampling from soft drink and wood factories. The chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using a modified American Thoracic Society (ATS) questionnaire, and lung function tests were performed using an Easy on PC spirometer in accordance with the ATS standards for spirometry. The data were imported into Epi-data version 4.4.2 and analyzed with SPSS version 23. Poisson regression, Multivariate linear regression and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used.

RESULTS

The prevalence ratio of overall chronic respiratory symptoms was significantly higher among woodworkers (65.7%) compared to controls (23.3%) in this study (PR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.51-3.12). Current chronic respiratory symptoms were associated with gender, and previous chronic respiratory disease. Woodworkers had significantly lower Forced vital capacity (FVC) and Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) when compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Woodworkers had a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and lower lung function measures, which lowered lung capacity when compared to controls. To reduce workers' exposure to wood dust, engineering control methods should be implemented.

Effectiveness of a worksite intervention to reduce an occupational exposure: the Minnesota wood dust study

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce wood dust, a carcinogen, by approximately 26% in small woodworking businesses.

METHODS

We randomized 48 businesses to an intervention (written recommendations, technical assistance, and worker training) or comparison (written recommendations alone) condition. Changes from baseline in dust concentration, dust control methods, and worker behavior were compared between the groups 1 year later.

RESULTS

At follow-up, workers in intervention relative to comparison businesses reported greater awareness, increases in stage of readiness, and behavioral changes consistent with dust control. The median dust concentration change in the intervention group from baseline to follow-up was 10.4% (95% confidence interval = -28.8%, 12.7%) lower than the change in comparison businesses.

CONCLUSIONS

We attribute the smaller-than-expected reduction in wood dust to the challenge of conducting rigorous intervention effectiveness research in occupational settings.

Designing intervention effectiveness studies for occupational health and safety: The Minnesota Wood Dust Study

BACKGROUND

A planning model was used to guide the design of a randomized controlled study of the effectiveness of tailored interventions in lowering dust exposures in small woodworking shops.

METHODS

Guided by Green's PRECEDE-PROCEED model, we used a planning committee, focus groups and a pilot study to gain information on small woodworking shops, causes of and controls for high dust levels, and barriers and incentives surrounding availability and use of dust controls.

RESULTS

The planning committee identified key characteristics of small woodworking shop owners. Focus groups with owners and employees served to further elucidate why dust control was considered unimportant. The pilot study gave measures of dust exposures, tasks, and use of controls. Interventions focused on providing owners with technical and economic assistance to lower dust levels and an educational program for employees discussing health effects and effective methods of dust control.

CONCLUSIONS

The PRECEDE-PROCEED model proved a useful framework for designing an intervention in the occupational setting.