International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health (nepjol.info)
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The fate of a Military Pilot in Malaysia: Lingering on the ground after young stroke
Get PDFStrokes in young pilots can result in the devastating loss of productive years of life, especially for pilots at the peak of their careers. A 32-yr-old male military helicopter pilot was diagnosed with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis and bilateral parietal hemorrhages secondary to protein S deficiency after 15 years in military service. Two years post-stroke, he was carefully evaluated for a possible return to work after aeromedical assessment and the 1 percent rule being considered. A decision was made by the medical board for him to be disqualified to fly and grounded with work accommodation. The authors recommend that there is a need for reassessment up to two years using the objective PULHEEMS method for young pilots who failed aeromedical assessment due to stroke for returning to work as their experiences and knowledge is highly valuable
Binge eating and sitting behavior as a risk cluster in obesity among software employees
Get PDFIntroduction: Binge eating disorder (BED) was underdiagnosed, underestimated eating disorder known to be responsible for obesity in both children and adults. Sedentary behavior estimated by measuring the sitting time was one of the major contributing factors in the development of metabolic syndrome in adults. People working in Information Technology (IT) sector possess both of these determinants in a significant capacity and thereby might be at risk for obesity, which in turn can be responsible for various cardio-metabolic events in their life.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 513 working adults belonging to the IT sector, using a face-to-face interview with a pre-tested questionnaire along with anthropometric measurements to measure BMI for obesity. Binge-eating disorder screener-7 for adults was adopted to assess the disorder, and the Marshall Sitting Questionnaire was used to evaluate their sitting behavior.
Results: The study found that the prevalence of BED (23%) was higher in unmarried individuals, and moderate BED is significantly associated with higher BMI among them. Conversely, sitting time (Mean=8.83 hours/day) was seen mostly in married adults, and is also associated with higher BMI. As a risk cluster, both BED and sitting time combined had higher odds of resulting in Obesity than existing separately.
Conclusion: Several lifestyle factors such as binge-watching TV, late working hours, higher salaries, etc., have contributed to developing Binge eating disorder and higher sitting time, which pose a significant risk for metabolic disorders like obesity
Real work experiences, practices and adverse events associated with long term usage of N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic – A cross-sectional survey amongst Indian physicians
Get PDFIntroduction: Doctors are at increased risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus, and use of N95 respirators has emerged as a key preventive measure. This study aimed to study the real-world experiences, practices and adverse effects of N95 respirator usage amongst doctors of India.
Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021. Real-world usage characteristics of N-95 respirators were collected via a pre-validated questionnaire (use, reuse, wearing and disposal practices) and compared amongst different sub-cohorts.
Results: 453 responses from physicians were analyzed. The most important adjunct to the N95 respirator perceived by the respondents was the full-face shield (81.9%). Most doctors had to purchase extra mask per month (median = 5) and this was more amongst the medical specialties (p = 0.006). Highest mean VAS scores for adverse events were reported for breathing on exertion (6.62 ± 2.25) and ear pain (6.34 ± 2.69). VAS ear pain was higher in ages < 40 and doctors working in the public sector (p = 0.017 and p = 0.019 respectively).
Conclusion: There are many inadequacies with regard to proper mask removal and doffing techniques among doctors in India. The major adverse effects faced by the doctors on prolonged mask usage were ear pain and breathing on exertion. However, it can be noted in spite of these deficiencies; there is generally good adherence to protocols and good practices of mask usage in hospital setting
Pulmonary Functions and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of Road Construction Workers of West Bengal, India
Get PDFIntroduction: Road paving construction workers are exposed to bitumen, asphalt, and other aliphatic amines. They are also exposed to high temperatures and dust during the processing of asphalt production and transport of hot asphalt and bitumen to the working site. Bitumen fumes and asphalt produce respiratory irritations and shortness of breath in asphalt workers. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the respiratory impairment of asphalt workers on exposure to bitumen fumes and to assess cardiovascular stress on exposure to high temperatures and heavy workload.
Methods: This cross-sectional study has been made on 32 asphalt workers and 20 control group workers of Kolkata city of West Bengal and its surrounding. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured by standard procedure. Respiratory parameters were taken by Digital Spirometer (Spirovit SP1) and respiratory symptoms & musculoskeletal problems were recorded by a standard questionnaire.
Results: The study indicated that prolong exposure to bitumen fumes may enhance the risk of lung impairment by reduction of all respiratory parameters (p< 0.05-0.001). Smoking habits and the reluctance to use protective gadgets among asphalt workers increase the risk of respiratory distress.22% of workers reported chest tightness, 20% had Chronic Bronchitis and10% suffered from Bronchial asthma. The maximum percentage of Paver operators showed Chest tightness (83.33%), Chronic Bronchitis (100%) and Bronchial asthma(66.66%). Musculoskeletal Disorder(MSD) among Paver operators was maximum(33.3-50%). Odds ratio values of the prevalence of respiratory disorder and MSD with >10years of exposure to bitumen fumes vary from 2-4.5. Exposure to high temperature and heavy workload, mainly among asphalt strippers and paver operators might be the reason for higher heart rate. The awkward working posture might be the cause of musculoskeletal disorders among them.
Conclusion: The use of appropriate respiratory protection and the introduction of modern equipment and technologies can reduce the emission of bitumen fumes to protect the health of asphalt workers
An Efficacy of Covid – 19 Pandemic: Recovery of Workplace Environment and Ecosystem
Get PDFThe Covid-19 pandemic started in the late December 2019 and is still progressing globally at a rapid rate. The easy spreading nature of the covid-19 causative virus has made most of the countries to implement complete lockdown. The lockdown measure taken by most countries to combat the disease has not only assisted in decreasing the rate of spread but also the pollution of the workplace environment and environment as a whole. In the absence of most human and industrial activities that cause pollution, the nature is on its way in purifying itself. Without human intervention, the pollution free environment and its interaction with the ecosystem is bouncing back at a faster pace. The article explained the impact of lockdown measures on the reduction of environmental pollution on a global scenario.
Stress Prevalence and associated Factors among Bank Employees in Niamey, Niger
Get PDFIntroduction: The difficulties associated with the financial crisis have led to deep restructuring in the banking sector. The consequences are the emergence of stress among employees. The objective of this study was to assess job stress and related factors among bank workers in Niamey.
Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from 24 February to 23 August 2020 among bank workers in Niamey, Niger. A random draw of one agency per bank from four banks of the city, followed by a thorough recruitment of employees from the four selected agencies, was carried out. Stress was measured using the Karasek and Siegrist model. The data had been analyzed with the Epi info7.2 software.
Results: A total of 275 employees had been included. The average age was 38.09 ± 7.1 years. They were 152 men (55.27%), a sex ratio of 1.23. Half (50.55%) were executing agents; 30.91% worked more than 5 days a week. The prevalence of stress was 21.90% and 28%, respectively, according to the Siegrist and Karasek models. Work more than 5 days per week (p=0.0254; OR=2.75), feeling job insecurity (p=0.0047; OR=6.99) with the desire to change jobs (p<0.0041; OR=2.90) were associated with stress. On the other hand, male (p=0.0084; OR=0.42 and feeling satisfied with work (p=0.000; OR=0.10) were protective.
Conclusion: The prevalence of stress in the banking sector in Niger is high. Measures to reduce the number of working days; ensuring job stability; to reward employees and support women\u27s work are necessary to reduce stress
Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Plantation Workers in Kerala, India
Get PDFIntroduction: Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is one of the major occupational health problems worldwide. Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) can indicate an underlying MSD. This paper assesses the prevalence of MSS among different plantation workers in Kerala, India.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to February 2021 among 83 rubber tappers, 90 cardamom plantation workers, and 87 tea pluckers (N=260). The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) was used to capture the MSS. MSS was compared across the three types of plantation workers, and the Chi-square test was used to test the significance. The Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were estimated using binary logistic regression analysis.
Results: The prevalence of MSS (any regions) in the last 12 months among all participants was 87.7% and did not significantly vary between the three groups of workers. In general, the most affected regions were the low back (61%), one or both knees (47%) and shoulders (44%), respectively. Compared to rubber tappers, the odds of MSS in hips/ thighs (adjusted OR=2.38: 95% CI: 1.17-4.84) and wrists (adjusted OR=3.77: 95% CI:1.85-7.69) were significantly high among cardamom plantation workers. But the odds of MSS in elbows (adjusted OR=0.58: 95% CI: 0.31-1.07) and knees (adjusted OR=0.26:95% CI: 0.10-0.63) were low in the tea plantation workers as compared to rubber tappers.
Conclusion: Though there was no variation in the overall prevalence of MSS between the three groups, there was a significant variation between the groups regarding the MSS in different body regions. Using supportive aids according to the nature of work and doing simple stretching exercises during breaks may help to improve the musculoskeletal health of plantation workers
Prevalence and factors associated with lung function abnormalities among rice millworkers in Sokoto state, Northwest Nigeria
Get PDFIntroduction: Northwest Nigeria has witnessed an increase in rice milling activities due to the ban on rice importation. The majority of workers in the industry, as it is in many informal sectors workers are disproportionately affected by hazards in the workplace due to poor usage of protective devices. Inhalation of dust over a long period results in lung function abnormalities. The study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with lung function abnormalities among rice mill workers in Sokoto state, Northwest Nigeria.
Methods: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. Data were collected between June 2019 and July 2019 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a lung function examination was conducted using a calibrated Contec SP10 digital spirometer following standardized procedures. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23 and presented in tables and charts.
Results: About a third of 119 (30.2%) of the respondents had abnormalities on spirometry, and there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean FVC (3.63 ± 0.39) and FEV1 (3.01 ± 0.36). Being at least 30 years of age (aOR=3.3), working more than 8 hours a day (aOR=2.4), and having at least a symptom of respiratory morbidity (aOR=10.1) were the factors found to be significantly associated with lung function abnormalities.
Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of lung function abnormality among rice mill workers in Sokoto state is relatively high and age, number of hours worked per day and having at least a symptom of respiratory morbidity were the factors associated with lung function abnormalities
Slips, Trips and Falls among the workers in a garment industry in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Get PDFIntroduction: Slips, trips and falls (STFs) lead to considerable accidents and injuries with a large financial consequence. In garment industries, occupational accidents and injuries are not uncommon and slips, trips and falls are the major contributory factors. It aimed to find out the contributing factors of slips, trips and falls among the garment workers in Bangladesh.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a garment industry to find out the factors responsible for slips, trips and falls among the workers. The study participants were garment workers with one year of experience, regardless of age and sex. A total of 208 workers was selected by simple random sampling. The study was conducted from July 2018 to June 2019.
Results: Among the total 208 respondents, 130 (62.5%) were female and the mean age was 27.49±7.18 years. The majority of the respondents (57.2%) had a primary level of education and had work experience up to five years (71.6%). Of the total respondents, 62 (29.8%) had the experience of slips, trips and falls (STFs) in the last six months. Among them, slips were experienced by 34(16.3%), trips by 43(20.7%) and falls by 40(19.2%) respondents. Poor housekeeping 23(53.6%), mopped wet floor 18(52.9%), slopped and slippery floors 14(35.0%), improper storage 14(32.6%), uneven floor 12(30.0%) and spilling of drinks 9(26.5%) in a higher proportion were responsible for slips, trips and falls. The ergonomic factors which were reported to contribute to slips, trips and falls in a higher proportion were working posture 30(69.8%) and load-bearing 24 (60%). Workplace stress, on the other hand, was found to be the most common 37(92.5%) contributing factor to slips, trips and falls.
Conclusion: Almost two-thirds of garment workers experienced slips, trips and falls in their workplace. To prevent slips, trips and falls, steps should be taken to reduce the contributing factors, especially the workplace stress among the workers. 
Sexual Behaviours among Oil and Gas Workers in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria: Assessing the Impact of Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs
Get PDFIntroduction: The major means of transmitting sexual-related diseases including HIV is through unprotected sexual activities. This study aimed to assess the impact of comprehensive HIV prevention interventions on the sexual behavior of oil and gas workers in Bonny Island, a rural community of Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: This is a cross-sectional-quantitative study that employed a structured questionnaire among oil and gas workers aged 15 – 49 years in Bonny Island. The information collected from February to April 2012 (after a three year HIV prevention and control intervention programs) includes the socio-demographics; age, gender, education, occupation, marital status and data related to sexual behaviors. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0. Results: There were 419 respondents each in baseline and post-intervention surveys. The rate of unprotected sex among respondents at baseline was 82.1% as compared to 20.3% after the intervention, odds ratio-18.02 (95% CI-12.76-25.45; P<0.0001). Sixty-one (14.6%) exchanged sex for gifts in the baseline and 12.4% in the post-intervention. At the baseline, 5.0% used condoms in the last sexual intercourse as compared to 26.0% in the post-intervention; odds ratio - 6.66 (95% CI-4.08-10.88; P<0.0001). Factors associated with condoms use include sex, age, education, duration in the community, marital status, and living with spouses (p<0.01). Conclusion: There was a significant positive impact of a comprehensive intervention programme on the sexual behavior of the workers in the rural community of Rivers State, Nigeria. However, regular interventions in rural communities towards the prevention of spread of STIs and HIV are needed in Nigeria