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Ingram M, Wolf AMA, López-Gálvez NI, Griffin SC, Beamer PI. Proposing a social ecological approach to address disparities in occupational exposures and health for low-wage and minority workers employed in small businesses. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:404-411. [PMID: 33774651 PMCID: PMC8003897 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00317-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Occupational disease and injuries are the 8th leading cause of death in the United States. Low-wage and minority workers are more likely to work in hazardous industries and are thus at greater risk. Within the small business sector, in particular, the health of low-wage and minority workers is threatened by a multitude of complex and interrelated factors that increase their risk for injuries, death, and even chronic disease. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified these concerns, as many low-wage and minority workers are essential workers, and many small businesses are reopening with little to no guidance. The article describes work-related health risks and reviews current research on occupational and social ecological approaches to improving the health of minority and low-wage workers primarily employed by small businesses. We propose a conceptual framework that integrates the social ecological model with the hierarchy of controls to address work-related health among low-wage and minority workers specifically in the small business sector. Community-based strategies are recommended to engage small business owners and workers in efforts to address their immediate needs, while building towards sustainable policy change over time. These strategies are of particular importance as small businesses reopen in the ongoing pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia Ingram
- College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Paloma I Beamer
- College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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A National Survey of Health and Safety Knowledge and Beliefs Among Technical Vocational Faculty in Autobody Collision Repair Technology. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 62:519-525. [PMID: 32730028 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Career technical education (CTE) programs prepare new generations of technicians in a variety of trades. Even though occupational safety and health (OSH) ought to be included as an essential part of CTE curricula it is frequently absent or inadequately taught. METHODS OSH knowledge and beliefs were assessed in a national sample of 125 secondary and post-secondary faculty in autobody collision repair technology. RESULTS Over 50% of faculty thought at least 75% of OSH knowledge was learned at school, and 9% felt that safety was primarily learned on the job. Knowledge scores ranged from 22% to 78%. Overall knowledge scores were significantly lower high school than post-secondary instructors (42% vs 50%, P ≤ 0.001) and in two categories: hazard recognition (44% vs 54%, P ≤ 0.05) and hazard control and shop equipment (30% vs 37%, P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS There are substantial gaps in OSH knowledge among secondary and post-secondary CTE instructors. CTE programs should address these gaps by providing trade-specific safety and health education to their instructors upon hiring.
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Ahmad I, Balkhyour MA. Occupational exposure and respiratory health of workers at small scale industries. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:985-990. [PMID: 32140043 PMCID: PMC7051098 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain occupations like welding, painting, and vehicle repairing are associated with regular exposure to dust, exhausts, fuels, fumes, PM, and vapors of welding, solvents, and paint. Many studies have proved a reduction in lung functions due to exposure to these agents. The present study aims to assess and compare respiratory symptoms and pulmonary functions among exposed and non-exposed persons as well as suggests controls respectively. A cross-sectional case study was carried out among small scale industry workers having matched demographic and anthropometric parameters. Medical Research Council (MRC) questionnaire and Micro Direct computerized automated spirometer were used for recording respiratory ailments and pulmonary function tests (PFT) respectively. The percentages of mechanics, welders and painters were 40.9, 31.8, and 27.3 respectively. The highest reported respiratory symptom was chest tightness and whistling among exposed (22.7%) and unexposed (10%). Among study exposed cases, the occupational exposure was found as often (22.7%), sometimes (68.2%) and never (9.1%) while the reported use of airway protection (masks) was very low. Overall respiratory health of the exposed versus controls was reported as excellent (54.5% vs 73.4%), good (27.3% vs 23.3%) and average (18.2% vs 3.3%) respectively. The exposed group on contrary to control one has decreased mean values for FEV1 (3.12 vs 3.50), FVC (4.12 vs 4.43), FEV1/ FVC % (79.60 vs 80.79) and PEF (414.77 vs 523.16). The present study reveals that exposed workers are at increased risk of developing respiratory symptoms and decreased pulmonary functions as compared to unexposed. Such exposure research studies are instrumental in health status evaluation of workers. However, this area has been neglected by the researchers in Saudi Arabia. It is, thus, strongly recommended to carry out prospective studies to substantiate the study results including large sample size, background pollutants concentrations and biological monitoring. Control strategies should be adopted to reduce the vapor concentration in the ambient air, protect and promote respiratory health of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ijaz Ahmad
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, International Islamic University, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mansour A. Balkhyour
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80208, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Bejan A, Xi M, Parker DL. Outcomes of a Safety and Health Educational Intervention in Auto Body and Machine Tool Technologies Vocational College Programs: The Technical Education Curricula for Health and Safety (TECHS) Study. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 64:185-201. [PMID: 31830247 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxz092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Technical Education Curricula for Health and Safety (TECHS) is a research collaboration between safety and health professionals and vocational instructors in three Minnesota colleges. Curriculum materials, including full and refresher modules with of classroom presentations, lab activities, homework, and quizzes, were developed for auto body collision technology (ABCT) and machine tool technology (MTT) programs. Curricula were implemented during the 2015-2018 academic years. Graduates' safety-related knowledge, skills, work practices, and workplace safety climate were assessed 1 year postgraduation using an electronic survey. Responses were received from 71 ABCT and 115 MTT graduates. Classroom presentations were used consistently throughout the study. Instructors cited a lack of time as the main barrier to using other materials (lab activities, homework, and quizzes). Graduates with TECHS instruction had significantly greater safety-related knowledge overall (both trades) as well as in two topic areas: eye and respiratory protection (ABCT) and hearing protection and machine guarding (MTT). Our data confirm that nearly all graduates consistently engage in practices such as use of safety glasses, hearing protection, and respirators, use of machine guards, material handling strategies. At 1 year postgraduation, MTT graduates' work practices related to machine guarding improved significantly. Graduates with TECHS instruction had improved in about half of the work practices, but statistical significance was not achieved. Graduates' self-reported work practices were not significantly correlated with their knowledge or skills. Work practices variability was best explained by graduates' attitudes toward safety rules and their rating of the workplace safety climate. TECHS findings confirm that classroom instruction alone has little impact on graduates' work practices. We propose institutions formalize their commitment to safety and health education by ear-marking teaching time for this subject and providing assistance to instructors to facilitate curricula integration. Instructors would benefit from learning more about trade-specific safety and health, and adult education teaching methods. Additional research is needed to understand how students' attitudes toward safety change during vocational college attendance and the first year of employment in the trade, explore implementation supports and barriers at institutional and instructor levels, and assess educational effectiveness beyond the end of the academic program. The entire curricula are available on the study website www.votechsafety.net.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Bejan
- HealthPartners Institute, Bloomington, MN, USA
| | - Min Xi
- HealthPartners Institute, Bloomington, MN, USA
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Keer S, Taptiklis P, Glass B, McLean D, McGlothlin JD, Douwes J. Determinants of Airborne Solvent Exposure in the Collision Repair Industry. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 62:871-883. [PMID: 29912331 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess the determinants of airborne solvent exposures in contemporary vehicle collision repair workplaces. Methods Personal, full-shift airborne solvent exposures (n = 97) were assessed in 85 vehicle collision repair workers from 18 workshops. Peak exposures were assessed using a small number of video exposure monitoring measurements. Results Solvent exposures were highest in spray painters (geometric mean = 2.7 ppm) followed by panel beaters (0.5 ppm), but were well below workplace exposure standards. The lowest exposure levels were observed for mixing room extraction located away from the mixing bench [exposure ratio (ER) = 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.30-0.87]. Time spent mixing paint was associated with higher exposures (ER for every 10-min increase = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.05-1.24), as was time spent cleaning equipment with solvents (ER = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.88-1.39), spraying primer (ER = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.96-1.27), and spraying clear coat paint (ER = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.00-1.15). Overall, the combined non-spray painting tasks (mixing paint, degreasing, and cleaning equipment) were more strongly associated with exposure (ER = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03-1.18) than the combined spray painting tasks (ER = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00-1.05). Peak exposures ranged from 10 to 1100 ppm with the strongest and most frequent peaks occurring during paint mixing, decanting of solvents, cleaning of equipment, and painting in a cross-draft spray booth. Conclusions Airborne solvent exposures in the collision repair industry were associated with job title, the design and location of exhaust ventilation and emission sources, and time spent on specific tasks, with the highest average and peak exposures shown for non-spray painting tasks. These findings provide a contemporary basis for intervention programmes to reduce airborne solvent exposures in this industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Keer
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Phoebe Taptiklis
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Bill Glass
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Dave McLean
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Jeroen Douwes
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Bejan A, Parker DL, Skan M, Xi M. Health and Safety Education in Auto Body Collision and Machine Tool Technology Programs in Vocational Colleges: Challenges and Opportunities. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 62:S81-S92. [PMID: 30212879 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Collision repair, machining, and metal manufacturing are industries with a large percentage of small businesses whose owners face unique challenges implementing health and safety regulatory requirements. Previous research found that 72% of collision repair technicians and 47% of machinists attended some classes or graduated from vocational colleges. Although health and safety is a mandatory part of the curricula for post-secondary vocational education, little is known about what, how, and when health and safety is taught and if teaching is effective. Surveys and discussion groups were used to evaluate health and safety education in two vocational colleges in Minnesota. Six instructors and 76 students in collision repair, and 6 instructors and 130 students in machine tool technology programs participated. Instructors had no formal training in health and safety, few teaching materials, and lacked opportunities to learn about safety in their trade. Teaching was unscripted and heavily influenced by each instructor's™ industry experience, knowledge, perceptions and attitude towards safety, with little or no guidance from school administration, or safety professionals. Student survey results show that graduates have significant gaps in safety and health knowledge. Standardized trade-specific curricula and instructor training are needed to ensure students receive adequate health and safety education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Bejan
- HealthPartners Institute, Bloomington, MN USA
| | | | | | - Min Xi
- HealthPartners Institute, Bloomington, MN USA
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Parker DL, DeRung D. Career readiness: Finding a place for health and safety education. Am J Ind Med 2019; 62:803-811. [PMID: 31192479 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have identified gaps in health and safety knowledge and work practices of vocational students in the United States and abroad. Little is known about what, how, when, or if health and safety are taught and if the teaching that takes place is effective. Faculty skilled in their technical area may lack knowledge related to health and safety and pedagogy. This knowledge gap is compounded by a deficiency or absence of high-quality safety and health resources for vocational and technical college faculty, the use of outdated and often inaccurate information, and lack of any standardized assessment of knowledge and skills. METHODS To identify these knowledge gaps, we conducted group interviews with auto body collision technology and machine tool technology faculty at two colleges. RESULTS Most instructors reported a rapid transition from technical trade worker or business owner into their faculty role, with little support or education related to teaching. No instructor used a defined health and safety curriculum and materials or could describe the breadth safety skills required for their profession. Instructors tested and evaluated health- and safety-related skills on an ad hoc basis and said that workers and employers were ultimately responsible for job health and safety. CONCLUSIONS Standardized health and safety training is needed nationally and should be progressive and integrated with career-specific educational programs. It should ensure that students obtain knowledge and understanding of how to apply the principles of safety and health and communicate with employers about health- and safety-related issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L. Parker
- Health Partners InstituteHealth Research Minneapolis Minnesota
| | - Dale DeRung
- Auto Body Collision Repair Technology ProgramSaint Cloud Community and Technical College Saint Cloud Minnesota
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Assessment of personal protective equipment use and occupational exposures in small industries in Jeddah: Health implications for workers. Saudi J Biol Sci 2018; 26:653-659. [PMID: 31048988 PMCID: PMC6486506 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-scale industries account for a large proportion of jobs and play a vital role in most countries' economic growth and prosperity. Due to the very low use of personal protective equipment (PPEs), employees are exposed to numerous physical, chemical, and accidental hazards in small-scale industries. PPEs are very effective in minimizing occupational injuries, accidents, and other hazards which otherwise result in substantial manpower and financial losses. The study objective was to assess the availability and use of PPEs as well as self-reported occupational exposures among workers in surveyed small industries in Jeddah. The study involved 102 workers from 28 small-scale industries (vehicle repair, welding, and paint). A survey was conducted to gather data of socio-demographic characteristics, self-reported occupational exposures, and frequency of PPEs used by workers. The occupational exposures (never exposed, sometimes exposed and always exposed) were reported in percentages including; noise exposure (19.6, 73.5 and 6.9%); dust/smoke exposure (9.8, 69.6 and 20.6%); vapors/fumes exposure (11.8, 60.8 and 27.5%); and direct sunlight (43.1, 56.9 and 0%), respectively. The reported use of different PPEs in descending order was; knee joints mats (50%), welding shields (50%), safety glasses (33.3%), gloves (27.5%), face masks (26.5%), safety shoes (10.8%) and earplugs/ muffs (8.8%). On the basis of this study findings, hand hygiene and general OSH awareness like interventions can be developed which will help in minimizing workplace exposures among small-scale industry workers.
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Abstract
The filtering facepiece air-purifying respirator is annually purchased in the tens of millions and widely used for worker protection from harmful airborne particulates. The workplace consumers of this safety product, i.e., employers, workers, and safety and health professionals, have assurances of its effectiveness through the respirator certification and disclosure requirements of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. However, the certification of a critical performance requirement has been missing for the approved filtering facepiece respirator since 1995: fit capability. Without this certification, consumers continue to be at risk of purchasing a respirator model that may fit a small percentage of the intended users. This commentary updates and expands an earlier one by this author, addresses the consequences of poorly fitting certified models on the market and lack of disclosure, and calls for further action by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to meet the needs and expectations of the consumer.
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Cowan DM, Benson SM, Cheng TJ, Hecht S, Boulos NM, Henshaw J. Evaluation of reported fatality data associated with workers using respiratory protection in the United States (1990-2012). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2017; 72:235-246. [PMID: 27341297 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2016.1205546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OSHA revised the 1971 respiratory protection standard in 1998 to add guidance for selecting and maintaining respirators. Fatality reports from 1990 to 2012 were used to characterize historical trends in fatalities associated with respirators. Industry- and time-specific trends were evaluated to determine the effect of the revision to the standard on respirator-related fatalities; 174 respirator-related deaths were reported. The majority of fatalities were associated with using an airline respirator (n = 34) or the absence of using a respirator in required spaces (n = 38). Overall, 79% of fatalities were associated with asphyxia. Fatalities were associated with improper employee use or lack of employer compliance. Reductions in fatality rates over time appeared to be associated with the revisions to the respirator standard, although other variables may influence rates (eg, controls). Recommendations for employers and employees regarding maintaining safe use of respirators are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shelby Hecht
- a Cardno ChemRisk, LLC , Aliso Viejo , California , USA
| | | | - John Henshaw
- c Cardno ChemRisk, LLC , Sanibel , Florida , USA
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Bejan A, Parker DL, Brosseau LM, Xi M, Skan M. Two-year follow-up of the Collision Auto Repair Safety Study (CARSS). ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2014; 59:534-46. [PMID: 25539646 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents an evaluation of the sustainability of health and safety improvements in small auto collision shops 1 year after the implementation of a year-long targeted intervention. During the first year (active phase), owners received quarterly phone calls, written reminders, safety newsletters, and access to online services and in-person assistance with creating safety programs and respirator fit testing. During the second year (passive phase), owners received up to three postcard reminders regarding the availability of free health and safety resources. Forty-five shops received an evaluation at baseline and at the end of the first year (Y1). Of these, 33 were evaluated at the end of the second year (Y2), using the same 92-item assessment tool. At Y1, investigators found that between 70 and 81% of the evaluated items were adequate in each business (mean = 73% items, SD = 11%). At Y2, between 63 and 89% of items were deemed adequate (mean = 73% items, SD = 9.5%). Three safety areas demonstrated statistically significant (P < 0.05) changes: compressed gasses (8% improvement), personal protective equipment (7% improvement), and respiratory protection (6% decline). The number of postcard reminders sent to each business did not affect the degree to which shops maintained safety improvements made during the first year of the intervention. However, businesses that received more postcards were more likely to request assistance services than those receiving fewer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Bejan
- 1. Park Nicollet Institute, 3800 Park Nicollet Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA
| | - David L Parker
- 1. Park Nicollet Institute, 3800 Park Nicollet Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA
| | - Lisa M Brosseau
- 2. School of Public Health, University of Illinois, 2121 W.Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Min Xi
- 1. Park Nicollet Institute, 3800 Park Nicollet Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA
| | - Maryellen Skan
- 1. Park Nicollet Institute, 3800 Park Nicollet Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA
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