248 research outputs found
The Politics of Occupational Health
No full textHow do political decisions shape and mould the practice of occupational health in the UK and what is the impact on both practitioners and patients? Andrew Watterson examines the political influences impacting on OH practice today. Visit the publisher's website at: www.atworkpartnership.co.u
Firefighter fatalities at fires in the UK: 2004-2013: Voices from the fireground
No full textIn the last ten years, the UK has witnessed a horrific series of 14 firefighter/fire technician fatalities at fires in what is a relatively small national workforce - Bethnal Green in London 2004 (2); Harrow Court in Hertfordshire 2005 (2); Marlie Farm in East Sussex 2006 (2); Atherstone in Warwickshire 2007 (4); Dalry Rd in Edinburgh 2009 (1); Shirley Towers in Hampshire 2010 (2); Oldham St. in Manchester (1) 2013. In England alone between 1993/94 and 2003/04, there were 6 firefighter deaths at fires but in the next ten years 2004/05 to 2013/14 this more than doubled in the UK with 13 firefighter deaths and one fire technician death. One firefighter in Wales was killed in 2004 in an explosion due to a criminal act. Often these fatalities occurred in similar settings and similar circumstances. In the same period there has also been a series of serious injuries to firefighters at fires and other major incidents and an unknown number of near misses. Whilst the risks of firefighting are obvious, the scale of death and injury is unacceptable. Many risks can be avoided if appropriate management and systems, inspection and regulation, training and other related matters are in place. Good practice that exists has periodically been ignored so the problem is compounded by lessons slowly learnt, communication of information stifled, by lengthy legal wrangles creating a justice deficit and by organisational denials of accountability
21st Century Neighborhood:
No full textGladys Haddad continues to explore the Greater University Circle Initiative and how it hopes to bring community wealth and economic inclusion to these neighborhoods of Cleveland. This conversation focuses on the 21st Century Urban Neighborhood with a combination of new and old residents, sustainable businesses, and collaborative environments. The session was held at the Shorebank Enterprise Center in Glenville, this session brings together Andrew Watterson (Program Director, Office of Sustainability, City of Cleveland), Holly Harlan (President and Founder, Entrepreneurs for Sustainability) and Chris Bongorno (Associate Planner, University Circle Inc) to discuss the Greater University Initiative. Part two was held at the Shorebank Enterprise Center in Glenville, this session brings together Steven Kiel (Managing Director, Hudson Consulting Group), Genna Petrolla (Greater Circle Living Manager Dorothy Adams (Glenville Resident) and Donald Hunt (Hough Resident, Deputy Registrar, Case Western Reserve University) to discuss the Greater University Initiative and to discuss how to create a 21st century neighborhood with traditional and new residents
Prevalence of skin problems and leg ulceration in a sample of young injecting drug users
No full textBackground: Drug users suffer harm from the injecting process, and clinical services are reporting increasing numbers presenting with skin-related problems such as abscesses and leg ulcers. Skin breakdown can lead to long-term health problems and increased service costs and is often the first indication of serious systemic ill health. The extent of skin problems in injecting drug users has not previously been quantified empirically, and there is a dearth of robust topical literature. Where skin problems have been reported, this is often without clear definition and generic terms such as ‘soft tissue infection' are used which lack specificity. The aim of this study was to identify the range and extent of skin problems including leg ulceration in a sample of injecting drug users. Definitions of skin problems were developed and applied to descriptions from drug users to improve rigour. Methods: Data were collected in needle exchanges and methadone clinics across Glasgow, Scotland, from both current and former drug injectors using face-to-face interviews. Results: Two hundred participants were recruited, of which 74% (n = 148) were males and 26% (n = 52) were females. The age range was 21-44 years (mean 35 years). Just under two thirds (64%, n = 127) were currently injecting or had injected within the last 6 months, and 36% (n = 73) had previously injected and had not injected for more than 6 months. Sixty per cent (n = 120) of the sample had experienced a skin problem, and the majority reported more than one problem. Most common were abscesses, lumps, track marks and leg ulcers. Fifteen per cent (n = 30) of all participants reported having had a leg ulcer. Conclusions: This is an original empirical study which demonstrated unique findings of a high prevalence of skin disease (60%) and surprisingly high rates of leg ulceration (15%). Skin disease in injecting drug users is clearly widespread. Leg ulceration in particular is a chronic recurring condition that is costly to treat and has long-term implications for drug users and services caring for current or former injectors long after illicit drug use has ceased
Can talcum powder really cause ovarian cancer?
No full textFirst paragraph: The debate about whether or not talcum powder causes ovarian cancer has rumbled on for decades. However, it recently reached fever pitch after a US court awarded damages to the family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer, allegedly as a result of having used talc as a feminine hygiene product for many years. Does that mean women should avoid using talcum powder? What does the science say?https://theconversation.com/can-talcum-powder-really-cause-ovarian-cancer-5546
Does fracking cause cancer and infertility?
No full textFirst paragraph: It can be hard to know what to believe when it comes to fracking safety. Campaigners against the controversial oil and gas drilling technique say it can contaminate water supplies, pollute local air and cause dangerous earthquakes. But the fossil fuel industry contradicts these claims by pointing to reports that the risks can be managed and fracking operations set up safely.https://theconversation.com/does-fracking-cause-cancer-and-infertility-4954
Ten deadly carcinogens (you've probably never heard of)
No full textFirst paragraph: Bad news for bacon butty lovers and barbecue afficionados. The World Health Organisation now deems bacon, sausage – and other processed meats – a serious cancer risk.https://theconversation.com/ten-deadly-carcinogens-youve-probably-never-heard-of-4983
Asbestos in schools: what you need to know
No full textFirst paragraph: The Department for Education referred nearly 700 schools in England to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as they did not provide evidence that they were managing asbestos in line with regulatory requirements. Of the 29,000 schools in Britain, more than 75% contain asbestos.https://theconversation.com/asbestos-in-schools-what-you-need-to-know-12004
For most work-related cancers, you have a 1% chance of state compensation
No full textFirst paragraph: While both main political parties come under pressure over how they will cut the UK deficit, the Conservatives reportedly see one possible target as the benefits scheme for industrial injuries. They would pass the costs on to private companies, requiring them either to take out insurance or become members of a default scheme that they would have to pay for. The saving is being touted at £1bn.http://theconversation.com/for-most-work-related-cancers-you-have-a-1-chance-of-state-compensation-3961
Occupational Safety and Related Impacts on Health and the Environment
No full textThe inter-relationship between safety, health and the ‘environment’ is a complex and at times a relatively neglected topic. In this issue, ‘safety’ is often viewed by contributors as ‘health and safety’ and includes occupationally-related ill health as well as injury or harm to employees and the wider public. ‘Environment’ is also interpreted in the widest sense covering both physical and work environments with upstream work hazards presenting risks to downstream communities. The focus is very much on exploring and where possible addressing the challenges, some old and some facing workers in a range of public and private settings and also at times their nearby communities. The 19 papers in the issue cover public and private sectors, global and very local populations, macro-theoretical perspectives, large epidemiological and some single factory or hospital site small case studies. A number of the papers are just beginning to explore and draw out for the first time the risks from hazards in their part of the world. The methodologies adopted also range from lab-based studies through ergonomic assessments and interventions to therapeutic approaches.Output Type: Editoria
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