摘要:

AbstractThe concept of worker notification has evolved over the years to a prevailing view that workers should be notified of all epidemiologic studies that make use of their medical information. To adequately communicate health information to workers, epidemiologists must consider the intended audience along with its need for risk information that is scientifically valid and clearly outlines areas of uncertainty. This goal is facilitated by full disclosure to workers of information pertinent to the planning, conduct, and interpretation of research efforts. Subjectivity in choosing unanticipated research findings for inclusion in worker notifications may permit bias toward a personal viewpoint, but this can be minimized by prestudy agreement on appropriate criteria for selecting which research findings to communicate. Epidemiologic theory and principles of causal inference should guide the development of appropriate criteria. The timeliness of worker communications has received limited attention, and workers have often been the “last to know” about important studies. This may influence workers' receptivity to the risk message. Sponsoring organizations should ensure that an acceptable communications plan is included in research protocols and that the plan accords priority to notifying workers about study results. © 1993 Wiley‐Lis

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700230112

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractIn January 1991. NIOSH completed a retrospective cohort mortality study of 3,588 Westinghouse Electric Corporation workers who had been engaged in the manufacture of electrical capacitors. The study evolved from a NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation, which was conducted at the request of the Indiana State Board of Health because of its concern about PCB exposures among the Westinghouse workers.Life table analysis revealed a fourfold excess of deaths due to malignant melanoma. Though the workers were principally exposed to PCBs, the available exposure data did not lend itself to constructing an exposure‐response curve that could relate PCB exposure to development of malignant melanomas. This was further complicated by the lack of substantial corroboration from other studies of PCB‐exposed cohorts.Because of the magnitude of the malignant melanoma excess and the fact that malignant melanoma is probably more amenable to treatment and remediation than most other cancers, NIOSH determined that notification of the individual cohort members was a prudent and necessary public health action.This article describes the notification process from the time the decision to notify was made through the postnotification period. It details the interaction between NIOSH, the former and current plant owners, the two labor organizations that represented the workers at the plant, and the recipients of the notification materials. Scientific and other issues surrounding this notification effort are also discussed. A number of lessons were learned about the notification process; these are described for the benefit of others who conduct notifications. © 1993 Wiley‐Lis

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700230113

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractA notification about exposure requires a detailed search of records and interviews with personnel to properly identify potentially exposed groups. Next, these potentially exposed groups must be examined to determine which groups had the potential for highest exposures. The notification should address three key questions: Why am I receiving this notification? What problems are associated with exposure to the chemical? What am I supposed to do? Consideration should be given to notifying lesser‐exposed groups, as to why they are not considered to be at increased risk. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss,

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700230114

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractSince October 1985, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has required hospitals to report all patients with a discharge diagnosis of asbestosis. As follow‐up to a needs assessment survey of these patients, the NJDOH developed an educational packet including an information bulletin titled “Asbestos Disease: Medical and Legal Facts for Employees” and a pre‐stamped postcard evaluation survey. The packet was sent to 1,418 patients reported by hospitals; 433 patients returned the evaluation questionnaire. The survey assessed attitudinal responses (were the materials helpful and easy to understand?) and behavioral responses (did the respondent plan on discussing the materials with a doctor or lawyer?) to the information in the packet. Of the postcard respondents, 85% found the materials helpful, and approximately half indicated that they would discuss the materials with a doctor or lawyer. Of the 33% who were proxy respondents, half appeared not to have understood that the materials had relevance to them as family members. Modifications to the protocol for the asbestos disease educational packet were made based on the evaluation data. Limitations of the evaluation survey and the value of process evaluations in risk communication projects are discussed. © 1993 Wiley

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700230115

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractIn April 1978, the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare launched a multimedia campaign to inform doctors, workers, and others about the increased risks of asbestos exposure. Unlike most worker notification efforts, this one had no lists of workers or even of workplaces but faced the challenge of locating people who had worked in the shipbuilding industries more than 30 years earlier.Multiple mass media channels were used, but since most messages were distributed as public service announcements, gatekeepers were critical to the success of the campaign. Some campaign messages were aired, but mostly at hours other than prime time, and the coverage focused more on the controversial, fast‐breaking events rather than on estimates of risk or on behaviors to reduce risk.The campaign was effective in increasing the number of people who believed they were at risk, but was less successful with older Americans than with manual laborers. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss,

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700230116

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractThis study, based on 169 telephone interviews, explores how a sample of chromium‐exposed workers responded to notification of their cohort's elevated risk of lung cancer. It is important to recognize that notified workers do not react as isolated individuals. Their responses aresocial, actively constructed through interaction with others, unfolding over time within a context of relationships and shared symbols that mediate the risk information. This report illustrates some of the ways that socially‐based beliefs and interaction with the social environment can influence worker response, and suggests a more sociologically sophisticated concept of notification to fit the realities of workers' lives. © 1993 Wiley‐Lis

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700230117

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractA high‐risk notification program is in progress for 4,862 former chromate and bichromate production workers. A previous mortality study of this cohort found a 29‐fold increase in mortality for respiratory cancer. The increase was greater in black than white workers (80‐fold vs. 15‐fold). The cohort was compiled from Social Security Administration records. Notification was performed mainly using addresses on file with the Internal Revenue Service.At this time, 68% of the cohort has either been determined to have died or has been contacted. A description of the various steps of notification is included. This project has demonstrated that it is possible to perform high‐risk notification in an economical manner even in the absence of employer personnel records or current addresses. The methodology used in this project is generalizable to other cohorts. © 1993 Wiley

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700230118

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractThe Hazard Communication Standard, commonly known as the Worker Right to Know law, requires that a chemical information sheet, known as a material safety data sheet (MSDS), be produced for all hazardous chemicals. This study examines the comprehensibility of a sample of MSDSs to a group of about 100 unionized workers in manufacturing industries located in the state of Maryland. Workers were given several MSDSs and performed the equivalent of an open‐book test answering questions regarding health and safety information that was provided on the MSDS. On average, the information on the MSDSs was found to be about one‐third incomprehensible. This result raises concerns regarding policies and practices for hazard communication. There is a clear indication that MSDSs need to be improved if workers must rely on them for health and safety information. © 1993 Wiley‐Lis

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700230119

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractWorker notification involves informing current and past employees of their risk of disease. It also involves suggesting ways to reduce their risks. The asbestos screening and education programs designed for the building and construction trades unions were a national multisite effort that focused on improving the health of eligible union members and retirees at high risk of developing asbestos‐related disease. The asbestos screening and education programs were made available to “high‐risk,” asbestos‐exposed local union members through the efforts of a number of international unions, including the International Union of Elevator Constructors and the Laborers' International Union of North America—both affiliates of the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL‐CIO. Consultation and program assistance in developing and implementing these programs were provided by the Occupational Health Foundation, a labor‐sponsored, nonprofit organization with a multidisciplinary safety and health staff. Program components included identification of “high‐risk” individuals, notification of risk, education, medical screening, legal referral, and various support services. Community‐based physicians and/or physician‐staffed mobile testing units provided services on a contractual basis according to a standardized medical protocol. Between 1988 and 1991, 2, 136 union members and retirees from 89 local unions affiliated with the Elevator Constructors or the Laborers were screened in 59 regional programs. A general description and historical perspective are offered concerning program implementation, integration into existing union infrastructures. Emphasis is placed on the role of the unions in advancing members' interests when dealing with the health and socioeconomic implications of asbestos‐related dise

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700230120

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractAll members of Local 158 of the United Paperworkers International Union in Cloquet. Minnesota, were invited to attend a meeting to notify them about the outcome of the Union's study concerning exposure to asbestos fiber. Union members and their families were contacted by letter, radio and television announcements, area newspapers, and word of mouth. They were informed about the medical screening that was being planned and about other information on asbestos‐related diseases. During the meeting, they were asked to attend one of the educational sessions, to schedule an appointment for the screening, and to fill out a medical history. It was determined that paperworkers with asbestos‐related disease might have rights to at least two types of compensation: worker's compensation from their employers and/or court‐ or jury‐awarded compensation from asbestos manufacturers. Other sources of compensation such as social security of disability pensions might also be available to eligible individuals. The Union did not have a complete listing of all the individuals who worked at plants or in operations where asbestos exposure may have occurred. The Union solicited the aid of the Minnesota Department of Health to help identify former asbestos‐exposed workers and to develop an ongoing screening and medical program for workers who were exposed but did not develop symptoms of asbestos‐related disease; these illnesses usually take 20 years or more to develop. However, the Union was able to follow‐up the notification and subsequent screening by sending members and their families the results of the initial screenings and other information concerning the status of any legal actions taken on behalf of the exposed. The Minnesota Department of Health provided information about that Department intentions and goals for the future. In addition, the Union asked members and families who participated in the education and screening activities for feedback about the program. © 1993 W

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700230121

出版商:Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company    

年代:1993

数据来源: WILEY