摘要:

AbstractFor many years, the annual survey of occupational injuries and illnesses by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has consistently reported, without explanation, that injury rates in the smaller establishments (<50 employees) are substantially lower than those for midsize establishments (100‐499 employees). Also during those years, a remarkable increase has been reported in the injury rate in large companies, following the imposition of stiff fines for failure to keep required injury records. The rate patterns are identical for Michigan and the country in general. We investigated possible causes for lower injury rates in small establishments since such rates are inconsistent with reports ofhigher fatalityrates in small establishments in the mining, construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries and higher, or at least comparable, injury rates for small establishments in the mining industry. They are also inconsistent with increased turnover and decreased availability of occupational safety services in small companies. Moreover, injury severity, as measured by missed worktime, is greater for workers in small establishments. We investigated the possibility that interactions of workforce or injury characteristics with establishment size could explain the rate differences. We also reviewed the available literature to see whether differences in labor turnover rates could explain the BLS findings. Graphical and statistical analyses of the 1988 CPS Annual Demographic File, a sample of employed persons in the U.S. workforce, failed to identify any associations between workforce characteristics and enterprise size that would explain the lower rates. Similarly, graphical and statistical analyses of all Michigan workers incurring a compensable injury in 1986 failed to indicate any associations between injury characteristics and establishment size that would explain the lower rates. The potential role of labor turnover on the injury rate was analyzed from data in the literature on turnover rate by establishment size and risk of injury by time on the job. None of these analyses explains the lower injury rates reported for small establishments. This leaves underreporting of injuries from small establishments as a substantial possibility. If small establishments were subject to the same injury incidence rates as midsize establishments, then the 1986 survey for Michigan may have missed as many as 54,000 injuries (and far more nationally). We suggest that BLS undertake methodological studies to validate the completeness of reporting from small establishments. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss,

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700280102

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

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractMagnetic field strength or its surrogate has been used as the measurement of exposure in all studies involving field exposure. Video display terminals (VDTs) are considered a minor source on this scale because its field strengths lie in the low range of magnetic fields. Several experiments show, however, that field strength may not be the only relevant variable in determining exposure. This paper explores the use of a method based on “effects functions” to determine the extent to which the VDT can be distinguished from other sources. It is shown that VDT exposure may be of consequence if exposure depends on certain types of time variation of the field. Because of the incompleteness of science in this area, this is a demonstration of a method rather than an actual demonstration of VDT as a significant source of exposure. © 1995 Wiley‐Lis

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700280103

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

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractCumulative exposure is frequently used as a measure of exposure in the quantitative analysis of epidemiologic studies. It is recognized that the imposed symmetry between duration and intensity of exposure is a potential problem with this measure, but it is less widely recognized that the finding of an exposure‐response relationship, using cumulative exposure as the exposure metric, does not necessarily imply that exposures were accurately or even consistently estimated. This report describes a simulation study drawn from a nested case‐control analysis of mesothelioma in a cohort of asbestos cement workers. Intensity of exposure in the range of 0.1‐40 fibers/ml was randomly assigned to subjects. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that there was no association between mesothelioma risk and the randomly assigned intensity of exposure. However, in 171 (86%) of 200 trials, mesothelioma risk was significantly associated with cumulative exposure, even though intensity of exposure remained randomly assigned. A strong exposure‐response relationship might thus be misleading. One would be more confident about quantitative risk assessment when there are a large number of independent studies available for analysis. © 1995 Wiley

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700280104

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

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractConstruction, one of the larger industries in the United States, employs 7.6 million workers, many in skilled trades occupations. Previously published data about potential worksite exposures and mortality of construction site workers are limited. We analyzed occupation and industry codes on death certificates from 19 U.S. states to evaluate mortality risks among men and women usually employed in construction occupations. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) for cancer and several other chronic diseases were significantly elevated among 61,682 white male construction workers who died between 1984 and 1986. Men younger than age 65, who were probably still employed immediately prior to death, had significantly elevated PMRs for cancer, asbestos‐related diseases, mental disorders, alcohol‐related disease, digestive diseases, falls, poisonings, traumatic fatalities that are usually work‐related, and homicides. Elevated PMRs for many of the same causes were observed to a lesser degree for black men and white women whose usual industry was construction. In addition, women experienced excess cancer of the connective tissue and suicide mortality. Various skilled construction trades had elevated PMRs for specific sites, such as bone cancer and melanoma in brickma‐sons, stomach cancer in roofers and brickmasons, kidney and bone cancer in concrete/terrazzo finishers, nasal cancer in plumbers, pulmonary tuberculosis in laborers, scrotal cancer and aplastic anemia in electricians, acute myeloid leukemia in boilermakers, rectal cancer and multiple sclerosis in electrical power installers, and lung cancer in structural metal workers. Using a standard population of blue collar workers did not result in fewer elevated PMRs for construction workers. Despite lifestyle differences and other limitations of the study, the large numbers of excess deaths observed in this study indicate the need for preventive action for construction workers. © 1995 Wiley

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700280105

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

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractPaternal occupational data already collected as part of the Oxford Survey of Childhood Cancers have been reviewed. Information on paternal occupation was available for 14.869 children dying from cancer in England, Wales, and Scotland in the period 1953‐81 and for an equal number of matched controls. The importance of fathers working, at any time before or after conception of the survey child, in any of the following occupations was assessed: radiologists (clinical), surgeons and anesthetists, veterinary surgeons, dental surgeons, nuclear industry workers, industrial radiographers. There was no indication that preconception employment in any of these occupations was more important than postconception employment with regard to the risks of all childhood cancers or all childhood leukemias. Findings were consistent with neither paternal preconception exposure to external ionizing radiation nor exposure to unsealed sources of radionuclides being an important risk factor for childhood leukemia or for the overall grouping of all childhood cancers. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss,

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700280106

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

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractOccupational analyses were conducted between 1971 and 1978 comparing 165 cases of testicular cancer in the Hannover region of Germany with 187 controls without neoplastic diseases admitted to the Hannover University Medical School during the same period. The results showed a significantly higher risk of metal workers developing seminomas and mixed seminomatous tumors compared to the controls (odds ratio 2.05; 1.17–3.58). There was a lack of risk for the nonseminomatous tumors as a whole group, and cases with a history of metal work may have a decreased risk for embryonal carcinomas. No definite single noxious substance responsible for the development of testicular tumors could be detected. In view of the results in animal experiments, cadmium and zinc are especially considered in the discussion. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss,

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700280107

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

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractTo evaluate the prevalence of skin and respiratory symptoms associated with the use of protective gloves in health care workers, an inquiry study was carried out on 534 hospital employees who used protective latex or vinyl gloves on a daily basis at work. The prevalence of skin disorders related to the usage of gloves was 56%. Rhinorrhea or nasal congestion was present in 13% of the workers who used powdered disposable gloves. The prevalence of both skin and respiratory symptoms was significantly higher among the workers who used gloves>2 hours a day (p<0.001). The skin disorders were more common in young employees. The findings indicate that most of the symptoms were caused by irritation or an immediate, IgE‐mediated allergy. We conclude that there is a positive correlation between the duration of daily glove usage at work and the skin and respiratory symptoms. In order to reduce skin disorders associated with the daily use of gloves, it is necessary to develop safer materials in the glove manufacturing process. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss,

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700280108

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

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractA cross‐sectional study investigated whether the exposure of sewer workers to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was associated with reduced lung function. Sixty‐eight sewer workers and 60 water treatment workers performed spirometric tests. Job titles were used to classify the sewer workers according to presumed H2S exposure, and water treatment workers served as a comparison population presumed to have no occupational exposure to H2S. There was a statistically significant difference in mean FEV1/FVC values between sewer and water treatment workers of similar age, height, race, and smoking habits (−3.1, s.e. = 1.4). This deficit was greatest (−5.7, s.e. = 2.0) for sewer workers presumed to have high H2S exposure. Nonsmoking sewer workers presumed to have high H2S exposure achieved only 89% of their predicted FEV1/FVC value, whereas nonsmoking water treatment workers achieved nearly 98% of their predicted FEV1/FVC value. In conclusion, this study found evidence that chronic low level exposure to H2S may be associated with reduced lung function. © 1995 Wiley

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700280109

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

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractMeasurement of specific organic compounds in exhaled breath has been used as an indicator of recent exposure to pollutants or as an indicator of the health of an individual. A typical application involves the collection of multiple breaths onto a sorbent cartridge or into an evacuated canister with the use of a relatively complex sampling apparatus. A new method has been developed wherein a single exhaled breath is directly transferred from the mouth into an evacuated 1 1 or 1.8 1 stainless steel SUMMA® canister. The single breath canister (SBC) method avoids the necessity for a complex sampling system requiring maintenance and cleaning and allows easy collection of samples. Additionally, it is possible to collect a rapid sequence of samples from a subject to establish the elimination curve subsequent to an exposure to specific volatile organic compounds with a theoretical resolution of adjacent breaths. The SBC method was compared to an accepted canister based sampling system to assure comparability and then used to demonstrate its utility by measuring the absorption and elimination of chloroform during and after exposure to chlorinated shower water. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss,

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700280110

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

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractIn 1987–1992, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) implemented a nationwide asbestos program aimed at preventing asbestos‐related risks in good cooperation with governmental authorities, industry, trade unions, the health care and insurance systems, and mass media. The goals were to minimize all exposure to asbestos, identify people exposed at work, and improve the diagnostics of asbestos diseases, especially cancers. The program entailed several concrete actions and extensive dissemination of information, training, services, and scientific research. As proposed by the State Asbestos Committee, new use of asbestos products was banned and strict regulations were applied to renovation and inspection of old buildings. The screening study of asbestos‐induced diseases included 18,943 current and retired workers from house building, shipyard, and asbestos industries. Pleural and parenchymal changes were found in 4.133 persons (22%), who were referred to further clinical examinations as suspected cases of an occupational disease. It was estimated that past exposure of asbestos among the Finnish population of 5 million causes>150 mesotheliomas and lung cancers annually, totalling>2,000 asbestos‐induced cancer deaths by the year 2010. Although several major control actions were made or started during the program, the bulk of the preventive work still lie

ISSN:0271-3586    

DOI:10.1002/ajim.4700280111

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

年代:1995

数据来源: WILEY