International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health (nepjol.info)
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Musculoskeletal Pain of Gastrointestinal Endoscopists
Full text linkIntroduction: Prolonged and repetitive musculoskeletal injuries are common among gastroenterologists who are overwhelmed with complex endoscopic procedures. Data is sparse regarding procedure-related musculoskeletal pain among endoscopists in Bangladesh. The objective of the study was to find out the frequency, sites, severity and factors related to musculoskeletal pain of practicing GI endoscopists in Bangladesh.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using Google Forms (a pre-designed structured questionnaire) among 91 Gastrointestinal Endoscopists of different gastroenterology centers of Bangladesh from 1st October 2021 to 30th June 2022. Data were collected using the total population sampling technique.
Results: The average weekly duration of doing endoscopic procedures was 8.1 ± 7.7 hours (median 5 hours). More than half (52.7%) of the endoscopists had musculoskeletal pain. The most painful site was the low back. On average, the severity of pain on a numerical rating scale is 3. 92 ± 1.74 out of 10. Musculoskeletal pain was significantly more common among endoscopists with more average weekly procedures (p = 0.029).
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pain is frequent among endoscopists in Bangladesh. Reducing the number of procedures may help to some extent in this regard
Occupational Safety and Health in Ecuador: Legal Frameworks, Labor Inspectorate Challenges and Insights
Full text linkThis study examines the legal framework of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Ecuador, focusing on labor inspection in the province of Cañar. With a qualitative approach, the research employed inductive, analytical, synthetic, and dogmatic methods, utilizing bibliographic review and documentary analysis. It was identified that the lack of adequate inspections is due to the shortage of labor inspectors and the omission of key requirements in evaluations. As a result, workers are exposed to occupational risks without adequate supervision. The study concludes that it is urgent to strengthen the labor inspection system by increasing the number of inspectors, standardizing procedures, and imposing stricter sanctions. These measures would help ensure compliance with OSH regulations and the effective protection of workers
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among female workers in the fish processing industry in Odisha, India
Full text linkIntroduction: The fish processing industry in India has experienced significant growth in recent years, making a substantial contribution to the national economy. Several tasks involved in processing are dependent on manual handling, which leads to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDS). The study was made to assess the prevalence of WMSDs among the female fish processing workers.
Methods: A total of 200 female workers were randomly selected from three fish processing units in Mancheswar , Khurda district, Odisha. A descriptive design was chosen for the study, which involved assessing physical and demographic parameters, work organization, and work stress among female workers. A modified Nordic Questionnaire was used to assess pain and discomfort among the workers. The study also included posture analysis by using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (REBA) tool. The study was carried out for 10 months from February 2024 to November 2024.
Results: 90% of the female fish processing workers complained of having discomfort in different parts of their bodies. The risk estimates also indicated that workers performing sorting were at 3.2 times (95% CI 2.0-5.1) at higher risk of developing pain and discomfort in the upper back, 10.2 times (95% CI 4.0-26.1) in the wrist and 3.8 times (95% CI 2.1-6.7) in the finger. The RULA score of posture practiced during sorting had a medium risk of MSD injury occurrence. Awkward posture increased the risk of MSD injury occurrence by 9.5 times (95% CI 2.2-11.3).
Conclusion: The female workers of the fish processing industry experience pain and discomfort. Prolonged working in static, awkward, and standing postures, along with performing repetitive jobs, increases the risk of developing work-related MSDs
Linking laboratory air quality to workers’ psychological performance in Malaysian university laboratories
Full text linkIntroduction: Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in laboratories can negatively impact worker comfort and psychological well-being. This study investigates the relationship between IAQ and psychological performance among laboratory workers in Malaysia.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2023 in six university laboratories categorised into chemical and non-chemical. A total of 52 workers, aged 20-49 years, participated. IAQ was measured in real-time for 8 hours during weekdays using instruments to monitor particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), airborne microorganisms, carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature (°C), relative humidity (RH), and air movement. Psychological distress was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis, One-Way ANOVA, and Chi-Square tests.
Results: Significant differences in IAQ parameters were found across laboratories, with elevated PM2.5 (p=0.007) and PM10 (p=0.020), and high CO levels (p=0.042). Over 51.9% of workers experienced psychological distress, particularly those exposed to high CO levels (≥2.5 ppm) and temperatures above 23.3°C. Workers in these conditions were 6.5 times more likely to report discomfort (p=0.042).
Conclusion: High CO levels and elevated temperatures are significantly associated with psychological distress among laboratory workers. Improving ventilation and maintaining optimal temperatures could enhance both comfort and mental well-being in laboratory environments. External stressors may also influence psychological performance but were not fully controlled
Assessing safety culture and stress-related disorders among chemical laboratory workers in Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional study
Full text linkIntroduction: This cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between safety culture and stress-related disorders (SRDs) among chemical laboratory workers in Sri Lanka\u27s academic, industry, and government sectors. Understanding the impact of safety culture on mental health is essential for developing effective interventions.
Methods: A total of 267 laboratory workers participated by completing the Laboratory Safety Culture Survey and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The survey assessed key safety culture components, including attitudes, perceptions, laboratory practices, and safety opinions. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationships between these factors and mental health outcomes.
Results: SRDs were prevalent in 36.3% of participants, with many exceeding the GHQ threshold for mental health concerns. Sociodemographic factors, including education, job role, and chemical handling experience, significantly influenced mental health outcomes. Strong negative correlations were found between SRDs and safety culture subscales, specifically attitudes and perceptions, and safety opinions. Enhanced perceptions of safety culture and positive safety opinions were linked to potential reductions in SRDs by 32.4% and 52.1%, respectively. Longer chemical handling durations emerged as a significant predictor of SRDs. Multiple regression confirmed that a positive safety culture reduces SRD risk, while prolonged chemical exposure increases vulnerability. Industry workers reported higher SRD levels than academic and government sectors.
Conclusion: Enhancing safety culture, improving mental health support, and balancing safety with productivity are crucial for reducing SRDs and ensuring the well-being of chemical laboratory workers across sectors in Sri Lanka
Assessing the Consistency of Two Models of Benzene Neurotoxicity Risk Assessment to Create and Validate a Health Risk Screening Guideline Among Fuel Service Workers
Full text linkIntroduction: This research and development study aimed to (1) evaluate the consistency of two models of benzene neurotoxicity risk assessment (NRA) and (2) create and validate a neurotoxicity risk screening manual among fuel service workers (FSW). Data were collected through interviews and urine collection. The neurotoxicity risk screening was divided into two models: qualitative neurotoxicity risk assessment (NRA-1) and quantitative neurotoxicity risk assessment (NRA-2). The two sample groups included inside- and outside the fuel dispenser area were 100 per group, and a neurotoxicity risk screening guide was created and validated using a panel of 15 experts.
Methods: NRA-1 used the following variables in health screening to assess exposure to benzene: frequency of exposure, duration of work (years), number of working hours, number of overtime hours per week, number of trucks providing refueling services per day, and reuse of clothes. NRA-2 used two variables to screen for frequency of exposure: frequency of work (hours per day) and trans, trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) levels in urine.
Results: NRA-1 showed that 29.0% of the workers had a low risk level, 37.0% moderate, 13.0% high, and 2.0% very high. For NRA-2, 32.0% of the workers had a low risk level, 37.5% moderate, 11.5% high, and 6.0% very high. Both NRAs were statistically significantly consistent (r = 0.409, p < 0.001). The neurotoxicity risk screening guide was criticized by experts, and it can be concluded that it can be used as a pilot for neurotoxicity screening of FSWs.
Conclusion: The risk assessment was conducted using both qualitative (NRA-1 model) and quantitative (NRA-2 model) methods. Both methods can be applied to easily implement the assessment. The low-cost method can be used to perform the qualitative assessment without testing for metabolites in urine
Occupational safety and health education for reducing workplace accidents in oil palm plantations
No full textIntroduction: The plantation sector ranked third in occupational accidents in Indonesia by 2022 (17.3%), with cases rising by 18–20% annually. A major contributing factor is workers’ limited knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). This study evaluates the effectiveness of module-based OSH education and cadre formation in improving workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as in reducing occupational accidents and diseases among workers.
Methods: This research was conducted over six months, from February to August 2024, in palm oil companies located in Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan Provinces, Indonesia. A quasi-experimental method was employed using purposive sampling. A total of 60 respondents were recruited based on predetermined inclusion criteria. The sample size was determined through statistical calculations at a 95% confidence level.
Results: The intervention resulted in a significant improvement in OSH indicators. The proportion of workers with good OSH knowledge increased from 41.67% to 80.00% (p < 0.001), positive OSH attitudes rose from 46.67% to 61.67% (p < 0.001), and good OSH practices improved from 41.67% to 66.67% (p < 0.001). The incidence of occupational accidents declined markedly from 66.7% to 10.0%, and the incidence of reported occupational diseases decreased from 43.3% to 33.3%.
Conclusion: Module-based OSH education and cadre empowerment effectively enhance OSH knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors while reducing occupational accidents and diseases in oil palm plantations. This model offers a sustainable and scalable approach to improving workplace safety and health, which other plantation sectors can adopt to support long-term occupational health improvements
Occupational safety and health (OSH) in Nepal: current situation and way forward
No full textIntroduction: Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is recognized as a fundamental human right and principle at work by the International Labor Organization (ILO). The Constitution of Nepal upholds the rights of workers to live with dignity in their workplaces. Ensuring proper workplace safety is crucial for enhancing efficiency and productivity across all sectors, particularly in developing countries where workers often face significant safety challenges in hazardous sectors. This paper presents a Nepal’s OSH landscape, including its existing policies, institutional mechanisms and prevailing gaps and ways to enhance OSH in workplace.
Methods: A qualitative review of relevant literature, policy documents, and government reports was conducted to analyze the development and current status of OSH in Nepal. The study also examines the effectiveness of existing institutional frameworks and identifies key challenges.
Results: Findings indicate that while Nepal has made progress in establishing OSH policies and legal frameworks, significant gaps remain in implementation, enforcement, and awareness. Government initiatives have been launched to improve OSH, but these efforts are often hampered by limited resources, insufficient training, and lack of preventive approaches.
Conclusion: There is an urgent need to strengthen Nepal’s OSH systems through actionable policy measures, legal reforms, and research-based interventions. Emphasis should be placed on preventive strategies, comprehensive training, awareness activities, and education to ensure safer workplaces
Work-related stress and mental well-being among police personnel in the Mangalore jurisdiction
Full text linkIntroduction: Stress is the physiological response to any stimulus that requires mental or physical focus or exertion. Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws in their jurisdiction. As there is a rise in the personal risk of verbal and physical assaults, as well as ongoing involvement in a range of unpleasant situations, the duties of law enforcement officers tend to become fundamentally stressful. This research aims to assess work-related stress and mental well-being among police personnel in the Mangalore jurisdiction.
Methods: A Descriptive study was conducted with 220 police personnel from the Mangalore Jurisdiction from March 3, 2023, to March 31, 2023. The Operational Police Stress Questionnaire and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scales were used to gather data from participants selected through a disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. To determine the relationship between police officers\u27 mental wellness and their level of work-related stress, Karl Pearson\u27s Correlation Coefficient was calculated.
Results: 87.3% of the police personnel experienced high stress, followed by 10.5% who had medium stress, and 2.2% who had low stress. The majority, 59.6% of police personnel, had medium mental well-being, 35.9% had high mental well-being, and 4.5% had low mental well-being. The results also showed that there was no significant correlation (r = 0.034) between work-related stress and mental well-being among police personnel.
Conclusion: This study concluded that there is a high level of work-related stress among police personnel in the Mangalore jurisdiction, which is directly or indirectly affecting their mental well-being
Chronic respiratory morbidity, musculoskeletal disorders and other self-reported illness among migrant brick kiln workers in rural South India
Full text linkIntroduction: Brick kiln workers face a higher risk of respiratory issues like Chronic Bronchitis and Asthma due to exposure to fine particulate matter. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of these conditions, along with musculoskeletal discomfort and other self-reported morbidities, among workers in a rural health center’s field practice area.
Methods: The This cross-sectional study included all men and women above 18 years of age (n=650) working in the 12 brick kilns in the study area. Out of 650, 580 workers gave consent for study participation. A standardized and validated questionnaire (ICMR-INSEARCH) along with Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) was used to assess the prevalence of respiratory morbidity. Other morbidities were assessed by history taking and clinical examination of the participants.
Results: There were 580 workers, with a mean age of 36.47(SD 11.45) years. Of them, 66% were engaged in molding, 25% in carriage, and 6% in baking work. There were 15.2% smokers and 8.4% tobacco users. Chronic bronchitis was present in 37 (6.4%) and Asthma in 12 (2.1%) workers. Higher age (>50 years) was associated with chronic bronchitis. (p<0.05) Males and those who smoke less than 10 beedis daily had a higher PEFR. (p<0.05) Musculoskeletal problems, low back ache (37%), neck pain (10.5%), and knee pain (9.5%) were the most common self-reported morbidities, followed by hypertension (9%) and gastritis (6%).
Conclusion: The brick kiln workers had a high prevalence of Chronic bronchitis and Bronchial Asthma. Musculoskeletal problems, especially low backache, were the most common morbidity reported