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Thomas OE, Adefolarin A, Ana G, Odaibo G. Determinants of knowledge associated with occupational hazards and perceived health problems among dye workers in Abeokuta, Nigeria. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:1985. [PMID: 37528951 PMCID: PMC10389106 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.1985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of potential hazards, their adverse health effects, and predisposing factors in the workplace are critical to improving safety. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of occupational hazards, the prevalence of perceived health problems and their predictors among textile dye workers in Abeokuta Nigeria who work in unsupervised settings. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 199 participants using a validated semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of knowledge while Pearson Chi-square was employed to test the association between perceived health problems, sociodemographics and work environment characteristics. Results The mean age of the respondents was 40 (SD=12) years with an average work experience of 19 years. The majority of respondents 139 (69.8%) had lower than average scores on knowledge of 25 questions on chemical hazards. There was no correlation between knowledge score and work experience (P=0.492) or age (P=0.462) but the knowledge was significantly associated with exposure score (P=0.004), gender (P=0.002) and adherence to instructions on chemicals usage (P=0.041) after adjusting for safe practice. The most frequent health problems among the dye workers were respiratory disorders (53.8%), allergies (51.8%), and skin disorders (24.1%). Airborne gaseous pollutants from the mixing of chemicals were associated with allergies (P=0.045), circulatory (P=0.02) and skin disorders (P=0.049) while air-borne textile fiber/dye particles could predict allergies (P=0.028). Conclusions Findings revealed that exposure, gender and adherence to instruction labels on dye/chemical containers could determine knowledge of chemical hazards while physical work environment characteristics could determine health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Godson Ana
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Faculty of Public Health
| | - Georgina Odaibo
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
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Anlimah F, Gopaldasani V, MacPhail C, Davies B. A systematic review of the effectiveness of dust control measures adopted to reduce workplace exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:54407-54428. [PMID: 36964805 PMCID: PMC10121514 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26321-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The recent increase in silicosis cases in several countries casts doubt on dust control practices and their effectiveness in preventing respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. Apart from silicosis, RCS may lead to other illnesses, health-related quality of life losses for workers and their families, and economic losses for companies. Thus, this systematic literature review examined the effectiveness of interventions employed to prevent exposure to RCS and increase the use of dust control measures. The review used keywords related to dust control interventions to search seven databases. Search results were screened and extracted for synthesis. The narrative synthesis showed the extent of research investment in China. In several designs and combinations, the interventions utilized water, surfactant, foam, and air currents to reduce dust exposure. These interventions offer varying degrees of dust control effectiveness against RCS and respirable dust. Although evidence indicates that interventions significantly decrease dust concentration levels, the control measures in place may not effectively prevent workplace overexposure to RCS. The review found that education and training interventions are employed to improve dust controls and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) use. Also, marketing strategies promote the use of RPE. These interventions can increase the frequency of use of RPE and the adoption of best practice dust control measures. Interventions increase knowledge, awareness, and attitudes about RPE usage and generate positive perceptions while reducing misconceptions. However, the benefits obtained from an intervention may diminish after its implementation, indicating that the interventions may not continually motivate workers to adopt control measures or use RPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Anlimah
- Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Health and Society, Centre for Occupational Public and Environmental Research in Safety and Health (COPERSH), University of Wollongong, Building 29, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Vinod Gopaldasani
- Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Health and Society, Centre for Occupational Public and Environmental Research in Safety and Health (COPERSH), University of Wollongong, Building 29, Room 124, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Catherine MacPhail
- Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Building 29, Room 242, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Brian Davies
- Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, School of Health and Society, Centre for Occupational Public and Environmental Research in Safety and Health (COPERSH), University of Wollongong, Building 29, Room 116, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
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Martins-Filho PR, dos Santos JTDC, Rezende MS, de Carvalho FO, dos Reis ÉS, Barboza WDS, Cavalcante TF, dos Santos CA, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Grespan R, Corrêa CB, de Moura TR, Schimieguel DM, Quintans JDSS, de Souza Araújo AA. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among urban cleaning and solid waste management workers during transmission of the Omicron variant in Brazil. Epidemiol Health 2023; 45:e2023025. [PMID: 36822192 PMCID: PMC10586922 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2023025] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study estimated the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in urban cleaning and solid waste management workers during the transmission of the Omicron variant in one of the poorest regions of Brazil (the state of Sergipe). Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 494 workers, and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was tested by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidities, vaccination status, mask use, and use of public transport to commute to the workplace were collected. The prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated from the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases among the total number of individuals tested. The prevalence ratio (PR) with a 95% CI was the measure of association used to evaluate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the exposure variables. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 22.5% (95% CI, 19.0 to 26.4). Individuals under the age of 40 had a higher prevalence of infection (PR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.30) as well as those who did not believe in the protective effect of vaccines (PR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.05 to 2.89). Our results indicate the need for better guidance on preventive measures against coronavirus disease 2019 among urban cleaning and solid waste management workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cliomar Alves dos Santos
- Government of Sergipe State, Health Foundation Parreiras Horta, Central Laboratory of Public Health (LACEN/SE), Aracaju, Brazil
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Fauzan NS, Sukadarin EH, Widia M, Irianto I, Ghazali I. A Systematic Literature Review of the Factors Influencing Hearing Protection Device Usage among Industrial Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2934. [PMID: 36833630 PMCID: PMC9965930 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to determine the factors influencing the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among industrial workers. This study was guided by the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) review method, and four databases comprising Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar were employed. A total of 196 articles were identified, and 28 studies on the factors associated with HPD use among industrial workers from 2006 to 2021 met the inclusion criteria. Resultantly, five main themes emerged from this review: sociodemographic (29%), interpersonal influences (18%), situational influences (18%), cognitive-perceptual (29%), and health-promoting behavior (6%) associated with HPD use among industrial workers. A total of 17 sub-themes were identified, including age, gender, educational level, noise level, working experience, social models, interpersonal support, social norms, safety climate, training, organizational support, perceived barrier, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, self-efficacy, and cues to action. The significant factors influencing workers to use HPDs are sociodemographic, interpersonal influences, situational influences, and health-promoting behavior. Future studies should focus on the cues to action toward human behavior influencing the use of HPDs, workers' health status, and comorbidities of hearing loss. Therefore, this systematic study gives valuable reference resources for up-and-coming researchers as well as new knowledge to expert professionals and academics in various industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Syafiqah Fauzan
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, University Malaysia Pahang, Lebuh Persiaran Tun Khalil Yaakob, Kuantan 26300, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Ezrin Hani Sukadarin
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, University Malaysia Pahang, Lebuh Persiaran Tun Khalil Yaakob, Kuantan 26300, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mirta Widia
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, University Malaysia Pahang, Lebuh Persiaran Tun Khalil Yaakob, Kuantan 26300, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Irianto Irianto
- Department General Education, Faculty of Resilience, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 114646, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ihwan Ghazali
- Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, Durian Tunggal 76100, Malaysia
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Zhang Y, Ha J, Kinyua M. Developing occupational and health susceptibility personas for wastewater personnel in the United States in the age of COVID-19. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2022; 94:e10778. [PMID: 36045581 PMCID: PMC9538245 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Compared with the public, wastewater personnel, are at an increased risk of infection and illness from wastewater pathogens due to work-related tasks. Unfortunately, current risk assessment approaches do not consider individual personnel factors (e.g., age and health conditions) that may influence their susceptibility to a health effect. The objective of this study is to establish a baseline level of occupational and health factors among the wastewater personnel population, quantify these factors using a susceptibility evaluation scoring system, and examine relevant susceptibility features using the concept of "Personas." Using survey data from 246 respondents and public health risk data on COVID-19 from the CDC, personnel clustered into three persona groups: "low susceptibility," "high occupational susceptibility," and "high health susceptibility." Results highlight the intersectionality between gender, age, underlying health conditions, job tasks, and level of exposure to wastewater and provide context for incorporating individual variables into risk assessment methodologies with the goal of protecting this essential workforce. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A risk assessment framework that combines health and occupational susceptibility factors was developed for wastewater treatment plant personnel. Wastewater personnel clustered into three persona groups: "low susceptibility," "high occupational susceptibility," and "high health susceptibility." The intersectionality between job related activities and individual health provides a holistic approach to risk assessment for wastewater personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of California at DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jessica Ha
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of California at DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Building Construction Artisans’ Level of Access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the Perceived Barriers and Motivating Factors of Adherence to Its Use. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2022:4870731. [PMID: 35528634 PMCID: PMC9068319 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4870731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Employers are required to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) to all employees in Ghana, and employees are required to wear the PPE provided. In Ghana, previous studies on health and safety in the construction industry that touched on PPE use did not explicitly demonstrate the reasons why many workers choose to use or not to use it, though they may be at risk of occupational hazards. The purpose of this study was to determine building construction artisans' level of access to PPE and the perceived barriers and motivating factors of adherence to its use. The contribution of this study lies in its examination of the perceived barriers and motivating factors underlying adherence and nonadherence to PPE use in the construction industry, particularly building construction, which is yet to be determined in Ghana. Method Data was collected from 173 frontline building construction workers using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using a two-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine the effects of demographic variables on the perceived barrier and motivating factors of adherence to PPE use. Results The most common PPE that participants had access to was safety boots/shoes, with their main source being borrowing from colleagues. The majority of participants disagreed with the perceived barriers while agreeing with the motivating factors of adherence to PPE use. The results suggest statistically significant differences for years of working experience (Wilks = 0.77, F = 2.47; p ≤ 0.01) and form of employment (Wilks = 0.72, F = 3.25, p ≤ 0.01) for perceived barriers to adherence. For perceived motivating factors to adherence, significant differences were obtained for age group (Wilks = 0.84, F = 2.42, p ≤ 0.01), years of experience (Wilks = 0.85, F = 2.35, p ≤ 0.01), and form of employment (Wilks = 0.71, F = 5.22, p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion Age groups, years of experience, and form of employment were the main factors mediating adherence and nonadherence to PPE use by the construction workers. This study recommends safety training for workers if good safety management and performance concerning PPE use are to be achieved.
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Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment and Associated Factors among Large-Scale Factory Workers in Debre-Berhan Town, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2021. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2022:8439076. [PMID: 35178097 PMCID: PMC8847034 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8439076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Personal protective equipment was designed to protect workers from serious workplace injuries or illnesses resulting from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Use of personal protective equipment has been identified as an important hazard control strategy in work environments where it may not be practical to adopt other strategies. Objective To determine personal protective equipment utilization and its associated factors based on health belief model among large scale factory workers in Debre-Birhan, Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed in Debre-Birhan Town, North Shoa Ethiopia, from April 1 to May 1, 2021. The data were collected by using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. A total of 412 samples were selected by systematic random sampling method. The data were entered to EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS. All independent variables were fitted into the binary logistic regression model to evaluate the degree of association and variables with a p value of <0.2 that was fitted for multiple logistic regressions. Finally, variables with a p value of <0.05 was found to be statistically significant. Result A total of 412 workers were study participants with 100% response rate. The mean age was 29 (±7.3) years. Most workers, 367 (89%) knew that PPE can prevent work-related injury and illness. Overall, 172 (41.7%) of the workers were considered to have good personal protective equipment utilization. Perceived susceptibility (AOR = 1.2, 95%, CI (1.076–1.38)), perceived severity (AOR = 1.1, 95%, CI (1.088–1.163)), perceived self-efficacy (AOR = 1.2, 95%, CI (1.082–1.349)), and perceived barrier (AOR = 0.87, 95%, CI (0.800–0.956)) were found to be significant predictors of good personal protective equipment utilization. Conclusion The study revealed that good personal protective equipment utilization in large-scale factory workers. Perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived barrier, and perceived self-efficacy were found to be predictors of PPE utilization. It is recommended that, during delivery of health education special emphasis should be given to severity, susceptibility, barrier, and self-efficacy of occupational disease.
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Ginandhani WR, Kurniasih D, Rachman F. A Model of Factors Affecting the Use of Personal Protective Equipment Using a Path Analysis among PLTU Contractor Workers in East Java. THE INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.20473/ijosh.v10i1.2021.137-143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Based on the survey data in one of the PLTUs in East Java from January-November 2019, there were 9.134 findings of non-compliance with PPE. In addition, based on the audit data from October to November 2019, there were 125 findings of non-compliance with the use of PPE. The factors causing this non-compliance could be seen from the characteristics of the workers or could be based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) approach through 6 constructs. Based on these data, this article aimsto analyze a model of factors that have a direct and indirect effect on the use of PPE on PLTU contractor workers in East Java. The researchers used the Health Belief Model approach because the use of PPE for workers is an effort related to healthy behavior in the workplace. Methods: This research was a quantitative research. The total sample was 100 workers from a population of 400 contractors workers, based on the Slovin methodand as a fulfillment of the path analysis requirement. The analyses of direct and indirect effects between variables used a path analysis method. Results: The results of data processing showa direct effect of perceived benefits (t=4,837), cues to action (t=5,990), perceived severity (t=2,131), knowledge (t=3,183), and perceived susceptibility (t=2,212) on the use of PPE, while education iis known to have an indirect effect on the use of PPE through knowledge (t=2,222). Conclusion: Perceived benefits, cues to action, perceived severity, knowledge, and perceived susceptibility have a direct effect on the use of PPE. However, education has an indirect effect on the use of PPE through knowledge.Keywords: health belief model, occupational diseases, path analysis, personal protective equipment
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Matos RV, Ferreira F, Matos JS. Influence of ventilation in H 2S exposure and emissions from a gravity sewer. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2020; 81:2043-2056. [PMID: 32701485 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2020.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of natural ventilation and intermittent pumping events in hydrogen sulfide and methane dynamics, in terms of system operation and risk of gas exposure. Work was conducted in a full scale gravity sewer downstream of pumping stations, in Portugal. Different ventilation rates and locations were assessed, as well as H2S removal rates and potential exposure risk, through the opening of distinct manhole covers. Increased ventilation, resulting from opening of one manhole cover, saw a 38% increase in average pipe air velocity peaks, doubling the estimated rate of air turnovers per day, accompanied by an increase of nearly 20% in H2S average removal rate. Simultaneous opening of two manhole covers induced similar airflow rates through the vent stack, but different rates throughout the pipe. H2S removal rates were also found to differ, according to location of open manholes, but also initial H2S headspace concentration. Under more unfavourable conditions, natural ventilation did not suffice in attaining recommended safety concentrations, regardless of number and location of open manhole covers. H2S concentrations above defined thresholds were verified for all studied setups. Headspace oxygen concentrations below an 18.5% asphyxiation threshold also occasionally occurred, even at manholes immediately downstream of ventilation point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Ventura Matos
- CERIS, Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal E-mail:
| | - Filipa Ferreira
- CERIS, Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal E-mail:
| | - José Saldanha Matos
- CERIS, Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal E-mail:
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LeChevallier MW, Mansfield TJ, Gibson JM. Protecting wastewater workers from disease risks: Personal protective equipment guidelines. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2020; 92:524-533. [PMID: 31560153 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic revived concerns about infection risks to wastewater workers. Prior research has shown that wastewater can contain a variety of known and emerging pathogens and that wastewater workers are at increased risk of infectious illnesses. However, guidelines on using personal protective equipment (PPE) to decrease these risks are lacking. We engaged 34 wastewater utility personnel and public health experts to conduct a job safety analysis identifying tasks in which workers could be exposed to pathogens and to develop a PPE selection matrix for preventing those exposures. We identified 43 relevant job tasks. Recommended PPE ranges from durable gloves (all tasks) to safety glasses (24 tasks), Tyvek suits or coveralls (4 tasks), and respiratory protection (N95 mask or face mask, depending on the activity, 10 tasks). The PPE selection matrix can serve as a guide for protecting the 120,000 wastewater workers in the United States from known and emerging pathogens. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Wastewater workers are at increased risk of infectious illnesses. Policies to protect wastewater workers from these illnesses are lacking. We developed guidelines for use of personal protective equipment by wastewater workers to prevent exposure to infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theodore J Mansfield
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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