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Idris MA, Markham C, Mena KD, Perkison WB. Examining Management and Employees' Perceptions of Occupational Heat Exposure and the Effectiveness of a Heat Stress Prevention Intervention on Safety and Well-Being among Natural Gas Construction Workers: A Qualitative Field-Based Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:1255. [PMID: 39338139 PMCID: PMC11432089 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21091255] [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: 08/15/2024] [Revised: 09/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous risk factors have been identified as significantly influencing outdoor workers' risk for heat stress and heat-related conditions, impacting their health, well-being, and productivity. However, the specific effects of these factors on construction workers' safety, health, and well-being remain under-researched. With climate change increasing temperatures, assessing heat stress among construction workers is imperative. OBJECTIVE To identify the barriers and facilitators influencing the safety of natural gas construction workers and evaluate an implemented heat stress intervention. METHODS In the summer of 2023, two semi-structured interviews and six focus groups were conducted with twenty-one stakeholders at a Texas natural gas construction site. RESULTS Key facilitators include employee preparedness, use of employer-provided resources, hydration logs, and real-time communication tools. Contrarily, the barriers include daily work schedules, access to dehydrating beverages, and generational differences with the non-implementation of mandatory rest breaks. The heat stress program was perceived as effective, surpassing recommended guidelines. CONCLUSION To advance construction workers' safety, health, and well-being, both employee involvement and employer management are needed, along with no-cost accessible resources. Additionally, implementing a required routine rest break and comprehensive heat stress education, particularly for older workers, will significantly promote safety and safe work practices in hot environments. Note: in this study, the terms 'worker' and 'employee' are used interchangeably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muinat Abolore Idris
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christine Markham
- Department of Human Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kristina D Mena
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - William B Perkison
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Habibi P, Razmjouei J, Moradi A, Mahdavi F, Fallah-Aliabadi S, Heydari A. Climate change and heat stress resilient outdoor workers: findings from systematic literature review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1711. [PMID: 38926816 PMCID: PMC11210127 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19212-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Global warming has led to an increase in the number and intensity of extreme heat events, posing a significant threat to the health and safety of workers, especially those working outdoors, as they often have limited access to cooling strategies. The present systematic literature review (a) summarizes the current knowledge on the impacts of climate change on outdoor workers, (b) provides historical background on this issue, (c) explores factors that reduce and increase thermal stress resilience, (d) discusses the heat mitigation strategies, and (e) provides an overview of existing policy and legal frameworks on occupational heat exposure among outdoor workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this systematic review, we searched scientific databases including Scopus (N = 855), Web of Science (N = 828), and PubMed (N = 202). Additionally, we identified relevant studies on climate change and heat-stress control measures through Google Scholar (N = 116) using specific search terms. In total, we monitored 2001 articles pertaining to worker populations (men = 2921; women = 627) in various outdoor climate conditions across 14 countries. After full-text assessment, 55 studies were selected for inclusion, and finally, 29 eligible papers were included for data extraction. RESULTS Failure to implement effective control strategies for outdoor workers will result in decreased resilience to thermal stress. The findings underscore a lack of awareness regarding certain adaptation strategies and interventions aimed at preventing and enhancing resilience to the impact of climate change on heat stress prevalence among workers in outdoor tropical and subtropical environments. However, attractive alternative solutions from the aspects of economic and ecological sustainability in the overall assessment of heat stress resilience can be referred to acclimatization, shading, optimized clothing properties and planned breaks. CONCLUSION The integration of climate change adaptation strategies into occupational health programs can enhance occupational heat resilience among outdoor workers. Conducting cost-benefit evaluations of health and safety measures for thermal stress adaptation strategies among outdoor workers is crucial for professionals and policymakers in low- and middle-income tropical and subtropical countries. In this respect, complementary measures targeting hydration, work-rest regimes, ventilated garments, self-pacing, and mechanization can be adopted to protect outdoor workers. Risk management strategies, adaptive measures, heat risk awareness, practical interventions, training programs, and protective policies should be implemented in hot-dry and hot-humid climates to boost the tolerance and resilience of outdoor workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peymaneh Habibi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jaleh Razmjouei
- Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Moradi
- Safety and Risk Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, NL, Canada
| | - Farank Mahdavi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Fallah-Aliabadi
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Accident Prevention and Crisis Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ahad Heydari
- Department of Health in Disaster and Emergencies, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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Elshamy RA, Eladl AM, Zaitoun MF. Climatic changes: knowledge and adaptation behavior to heat-related illness among solid waste disposal workers. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2024; 99:9. [PMID: 38705924 PMCID: PMC11070406 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-024-00155-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Earth's climate changes are progressing at an alarming rate. One of the most severe effects of climate change is extreme heat. This study aimed to assess knowledge and adaptation behavior to heat-related illness (HRI) among solid waste disposal workers in the 10th of Ramadan City, Egypt, and to study the predictors for their knowledge and adaptation behavior. METHODS An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 solid waste disposal workers. A structured interview questionnaire was used to assess the studied workers' sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, heat exposure risk, and their knowledge, and adaptation behavior. RESULTS The results showed that 40% and 30% of participants had adequate levels of total knowledge and adaptation behavior, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between workers' knowledge and both age and education. There was a statistically significant relationship between workers' adaptation behavior and age, duration of employment, working hours, and education. A binary logistic regression for significant predictors of knowledge and adaptation behavior showed that age and education were the most significant predictors. CONCLUSION Solid waste disposal workers were at high risk of HRI due to their low levels of knowledge and adaptation behavior regarding HRI. Educational health programs that guide workers to follow healthy behaviors and prevent HRI are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghda A Elshamy
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Afaf M Eladl
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mona F Zaitoun
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Zhou L, Liu C, He C, Lei J, Zhu Y, Gao Y, Xuan J, Kan H, Chen R. Quantification of the Heat-Related Risk and Burden of Hospitalizations for Cause-Specific Injuries and Contribution of Human-Induced Climate Change: A Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Study in China. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:57005. [PMID: 38752990 PMCID: PMC11098006 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although ambient temperature has been linked with injury incidence, there have been few nationwide studies to quantify the temperature-related risk and burden of cause-specific injury hospitalizations. Additionally, the impact of human-induced climate change to injury burden remains unknown. OBJECTIVES Our objectives are to examine the associations between ambient temperature and injury hospitalizations from various causes and to quantify the contribution of human-induced warming to the heat-related burden. METHODS We collected injury hospitalization data from a nationwide hospital-based registry in China during 2000-2019. Using a time-stratified case-crossover design, we investigated the associations between daily mean temperature (°C) and cause-specific injury hospitalizations. We also quantified the burden of heat-related injuries under the scenarios with and without anthropogenic forcing, using the Detection and Attribution Model Intercomparison Project to assess the contribution of human-induced warming. RESULTS Our study included a total of 988,087 patients with hospitalization records for injuries. Overall, compared to the temperature at minimum risk of hospitalization (- 12.1 ° C ), the relative risk of hospitalization at extreme hot temperature (30.8°C, 97.5th percentile) was 1.18 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 1.22], with an approximately linear association between temperature and hospitalization. Vulnerability to heat-related injuries was more pronounced among males, young (< 18 years of age) or middle-aged (45-64 years of age) individuals, and those living in the North. The heat-related attributable fraction increased from 23.2% in the 2000s to 23.6% in the 2010s, with a corresponding increase in the contribution of human-induced change over time. In the 2010s, the heat-related attributable fractions for specific causes of injury ranged from 12.4% to 54.4%, with human-induced change accounting for 6.7% to 10.6% of the burden. DISCUSSION This nationwide study presents new evidence of significant associations between temperature and cause-specific injury hospitalizations in China and highlights the increasing contribution of human-induced warming to the injury burden. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14057.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhou
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng He
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jian Lei
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixiang Zhu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianwei Xuan
- Health Economic Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haidong Kan
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Children’s Health, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renjie Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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Gibb K, Beckman S, Vergara XP, Heinzerling A, Harrison R. Extreme Heat and Occupational Health Risks. Annu Rev Public Health 2024; 45:315-335. [PMID: 38166501 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-060222-034715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Climate change poses a significant occupational health hazard. Rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves are expected to cause increasing heat-related morbidity and mortality for workers across the globe. Agricultural, construction, military, firefighting, mining, and manufacturing workers are at particularly high risk for heat-related illness (HRI). Various factors, including ambient temperatures, personal protective equipment, work arrangements, physical exertion, and work with heavy equipment may put workers at higher risk for HRI. While extreme heat will impact workers across the world, workers in low- and middle-income countries will be disproportionately affected. Tracking occupational HRI will be critical to informing prevention and mitigation strategies. Renewed investment in these strategies, including workplace heat prevention programs and regulatory standards for indoor and outdoor workers, will be needed. Additional research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in order to successfully reduce the risk of HRI in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Gibb
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
| | - Stella Beckman
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
| | | | - Amy Heinzerling
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
| | - Robert Harrison
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA;
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N SVSC, Xu Z. Heat and health of occupational workers: a short summary of literature. J Occup Health 2024; 66:uiae018. [PMID: 38604180 PMCID: PMC11131018 DOI: 10.1093/joccuh/uiae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, occupational workers suffer various health impacts due to extreme heat. In this short review, we examine the literature discussing health impacts of heat on occupational workers, and then discuss certain individual and institutional measures needed to address the problem. Though the available literature in the recent decade discusses health impacts of heat on workers as various heat-related illnesses, we found very few studies examining how occupational workers suffer from issues concerning cardiovascular health, neurological health, respiratory health, and mental health. In this regard, we highlight the need for more studies to examine how occupational workers exposed to extreme heat conditions suffer from fatal health issues like cardiovascular attack, brain stroke, and other ailments impacting vital organs of the body. Occupational workers across the world should be made aware of measures to protect themselves from extreme heat. Further, countries should develop occupational heat safety guidelines with statutory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Venkata Sarath Chandra N
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Zhiwei Xu
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, QLD 4222, Australia
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Debela MB, Begosaw AM, Deyessa N, Azage M. The Burdens of Occupational Heat Exposure-related Symptoms and Contributing Factors Among Workers in Sugarcane Factories in Ethiopia: Heat Stress Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Meter. Saf Health Work 2023; 14:325-331. [PMID: 37822459 PMCID: PMC10562153 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Heat stress is a harmful physical hazard in many occupational settings. However, consequences of occupational heat exposure among workers in a sugarcane factory in Ethiopia are not well characterized. This study aimed to assess the level of occupational heat exposure-related symptoms and contributing factors. Methods In this cross-sectional study, five workstations were selected for temperature measurement. Heat stress levels were measured using a wet-bulb globe temperature index meter. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 1,524 participants. Heat-related symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires. Results The level of occupational heat exposure was 72.4% (95% CI: 70.2%-74.8%), while 71.6% (95% CI: 69.3%-74.9%) of participants experienced at least one symptom related to heat stress. The most common heat-related symptoms were swelling of hands and feet (78%), severe thirst (77.8%) and dry mouth (77.4%). The identified risk factors were a lack of reflective shields (AOR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.53, 3.17), not-enclosed extreme heat sources (AOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.51), a lack of access to shade (AOR: 9.62, 95% CI: 6.20, 14.92), and inappropriate protective clothing provision (AOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.27, 2.71). Conclusions The burden of occupational heat exposure and heat-induced symptoms was high. Lack of reflective shields, the absence of enclosed extreme heat sources, a lack of access to shade, and inappropriate protective clothing provision were considerable attributes of heat stress. Therefore, the use of mechanical solutions to stop heat emissions at their sources and the key factors identified were areas for future intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitiku B. Debela
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
| | - Achenef M. Begosaw
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
| | - Negussie Deyessa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Schools of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis-Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Azage
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
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Gariazzo C, Taiano L, Bonafede M, Leva A, Morabito M, De' Donato F, Marinaccio A. Association between extreme temperature exposure and occupational injuries among construction workers in Italy: An analysis of risk factors. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107677. [PMID: 36495676 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Extreme temperatures have impact on the health and occupational injuries. The construction sector is particularly exposed. This study aims to investigate the association between extreme temperatures and occupation injuries in this sector, getting an insight in the main accidents-related parameters. METHODS Occupational injuries in the construction sector, with characteristic of accidents, were retrieved from Italian compensation data during years 2014-2019. Air temperatures were derived from ERA5-land Copernicus dataset. A region based time-series analysis, in which an over-dispersed Poisson generalized linear regression model, accounting for potential non-linearity of the exposure- response curve and delayed effect, was applied, and followed by a meta-analysis of region-specific estimates to obtain a national estimate. The relative risk (RR) and attributable cases of work-related injuries for an increase in mean temperature above the 75th percentile (hot) and for a decrease below the 25th percentile (cold) were estimated, with effect modifications by different accidents-related parameters. RESULTS The study identified 184,936 construction occupational injuries. There was an overall significant effect for high temperatures (relative risk (RR) 1.216 (95% CI: (1.095-1.350))) and a protective one for low temperatures (RR 0.901 (95% CI: 0.843-0.963)). For high temperatures we estimated 3,142 (95% CI: 1,772-4,482) attributable cases during the studied period. RRs from 1.11 to 1.30 were found during heat waves days. Unqualified workers, as well as masons and plumbers, were found to be at risk at high temperatures. Construction, quarry and industrial sites were the risky working environments, as well as specific physical activities like working with hand-held tools, operating with machine and handling of objects. Contact with sharp, pointed, rough, coarse 'Material Agent' were the more risky mode of injury in hot conditions. CONCLUSIONS Prevention policies are needed to reduce the exposure to high temperatures of construction workers. Such policies will become a critical issue considering climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Gariazzo
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Roma, Italy.
| | - Luca Taiano
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Roma, Italy
| | - Michela Bonafede
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Leva
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Morabito
- CNR-IBE, National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Bioeconomy, Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy
| | - Francesca De' Donato
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Roma, Italy
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Chen Y, Yang Y, Zheng Z, Wang H, Wang X, Si Z, Meng R, Wang G, Wu J. Influence of occupational exposure on hyperuricemia in steelworkers: a nested case-control study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1508. [PMID: 35941633 PMCID: PMC9361698 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13935-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational exposure may be associated with an increased risk of developing hyperuricemia. This study sheds lights on the association between occupational exposure and hyperuricemia in steelworkers. METHOD A nested case-control study was conducted within a cohort of workers in steel companies to explore the association between occupational exposure and hyperuricemia. The case group consisted of a total of 641 cases of hyperuricemia identified during the study period, while 641 non-hyperuricemia subjects with the same age and gender distribution were randomly selected from the cohort as the control group. RESULTS The incidence rate of hyperuricemia among workers in the steel company was 17.30%, with an incidence density of 81.32/1,000 person-years. In comparison to the reference group, the risks of developing hyperuricemia for steelworkers undergoing ever shifts, current shifts, heat exposure, and dust exposure were 2.18 times, 1.81 times, 1.58 times and 1.34 times higher respectively. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 1.87(1.12-3.13) and 2.02(1.21-3.37) for the cumulative number of days of night work at 0-1,972.80 and ≥ 1,972.80 (days), respectively. Compared to the group with the cumulative heat exposure of 0 (°C/year), the ORs (95% CI) for the risk of developing hyperuricemia in the groups with the cumulative heat exposure of 0-567.83 and ≥ 567.83 (°C/year) were 1.50(1.02-2.22) and 1.64(1.11-2.43), respectively. The OR (95% CI) for the risk of developing hyperuricemia was 1.56(1.05-2.32) at the cumulative dust exposure of ≥ 30.02 (mg/m3/year) compared to that at the cumulative dust exposure of 0 (mg/m3/year). Furthermore, there was a multiplicative interaction between heat exposure and dust exposure in the development of hyperuricemia. CONCLUSION Shift work, heat, and dust are independent risk factors for the development of hyperuricemia in steelworkers. Additionally, there is a multiplicative interaction between heat exposure and dust exposure in the development of hyperuricemia. Interventions for shift work, heat and dust may help to reduce the incidence rate of hyperuricemia and improve the health of steelworkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyu Chen
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhong Yang
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziwei Zheng
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuelin Wang
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhikang Si
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Meng
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoli Wang
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety for Coal Industry, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Wu
- School of Public Health, Caofeidian New Town, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Avenue, Tangshan City, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China. .,Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety for Coal Industry, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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Bonafede M, Levi M, Pietrafesa E, Binazzi A, Marinaccio A, Morabito M, Pinto I, de’ Donato F, Grasso V, Costantini T, Messeri A. Workers’ Perception Heat Stress: Results from a Pilot Study Conducted in Italy during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138196. [PMID: 35805854 PMCID: PMC9266050 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many workers are exposed to the effects of heat and often to extreme temperatures. Heat stress has been further aggravated during the COVID-19 pandemic by the use of personal protective equipment to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, workers’ risk perception of heat stress is often low, with negative effects on their health and productivity. The study aims to identify workers’ needs and gaps in knowledge, suggesting the adaptation of measures that best comply with the needs of both workers and employers. A cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was conducted in Italy in the hottest months of 2020 (June–October) through different multimedia channels. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics; analytical tests and analysis of variance were used to evaluate differences between groups of workers. In total, 345 questionnaires were collected and analyzed. The whole sample of respondents declared that heat is an important contributor to productivity loss and 83% of workers did not receive heat warnings from their employer. In this context, the internet is considered as the main source of information about heat-related illness in the workplace. Results highlight the need to increase workers’ perception of heat stress in the workplace to safeguard their health and productivity. About two-thirds of the sample stated that working in the sun without access to shaded areas, working indoors without adequate ventilation, and nearby fire, steam, and hot surfaces, represent the main injuries’ risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Bonafede
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Miriam Levi
- Epidemiology Unit, Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority Tuscany Centre, 50135 Florence, Italy;
| | - Emma Pietrafesa
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Alessandra Binazzi
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene Department, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Marco Morabito
- Institute of Bioeconomy, National Research Council (IBE-CNR), 50019 Florence, Italy;
| | - Iole Pinto
- Physical Agents Sector, Regional Public Health Laboratory, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Francesca de’ Donato
- Department of Epidemiology Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL ROMA 1, 00147 Rome, Italy; (F.d.D.); (T.C.)
| | - Valentina Grasso
- LaMMA Consortium—Weather Forecaster and Researcher at Laboratory of Monitoring and Environmental Modelling for Sustainable Development, 50019 Florence, Italy;
| | - Tiziano Costantini
- Department of Epidemiology Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL ROMA 1, 00147 Rome, Italy; (F.d.D.); (T.C.)
| | - Alessandro Messeri
- LaMMA Consortium—Weather Forecaster and Researcher at Laboratory of Monitoring and Environmental Modelling for Sustainable Development, 50019 Florence, Italy;
- Climate and Sustainability Foundation, 50100 Florence, Italy
- AMPRO—Professional Weather Association, 00142 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-522-6041
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