[Assessment of low frequency noise annoyance in steering premises according to subjective annoyance rating by workers. A pilot study]. / Ocena uciazliwosci halasu niskoczestotliwosciowego w pomieszczeniach sterowniczych wg subiektywnej oceny pracowników--wyniki badan pilotazowych.

The study covered 192 workers aged 26-62 years (mean 41 +/- 6), employed at workposts in the control rooms. A questionnaire was applied as a main tool of the study. The aim of the study was subjective annoyance rating of low frequency noise at workplaces on a 100-degree rating scale. Using the same scale, the study subjects rated annoyance of reference wide-band noise (60 +/- 2, 70 +/- 2, 75 +/- 2 and 80 +/- 2 dB(A)) and reference low frequency noise (65 +/- 2, 70 +/- 2, 75 +/- 2 and 80 +/- 2 dB(A)) reproduced by phones. Questionnaire inquires were preceded by the measurements of A-, C- and G-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure levels (LA eq.T, LC eq,T i LG eq,T). Noise with prominent low frequency components (10-250 Hz) at A-weighted sound pressure level of 47.7-65.2 dB was assessed as more than somewhat annoying (more than 25 degrees on the 100-degree annoyance rating scale) by 70% of workers examined. No correlation between subjective annoyance rating of the noise at the workplaces and LA eq,T or LG eq,T was noted. Statistically significant correlation (r = 0.23) between subjective annoyance rating and LC eq,T was observed. The subjective rating of annoyance of the reproduced low frequency noise and wide-band noise differed significantly. Low frequency noise was rated as more annoying than wide-band noise at the same A-weighted sound pressure levels.

[Validation of methods used for the assessment of the efficiency of selected psychophysical functions in gantry operators]. / Walidacja metod do oceny sprawnosci wybranych funkcji psychofizycznych maszynistów suwnic.

The aim of the study presented was to develop psychological procedures useful for the replacement examinations of gantry operators. The psychological traits needed to ensure proper and safe handling of gantry were defined on the basis of work analysis. The experimental test battery for measuring these traits was worked out on the same basis. The group of 138 gantry operators, aged 19-59 years, were examined. Their test scores were used to estimate psychometric parameters of the test battery. The analysis of the results allowed to choose the best predictors of work capability. The authors also proposed the principles of the decision-making process based on the test scores.

[The participation of psychological laboratories in the implementation of tasks assigned to district occupational health centers]. / Udzial pracowni psychologicznych w realizacji zadan wojewódzkich osrodków medycyny pracy.

For many years psychologists have carried out examinations for the benefit of Occupational Health Services. In the past, they mostly focused on the qualification of persons to be employed at posts that require a good psychomotor performance. Since 1996 when the modified Labour Code, the Occupational Health Services Act, and regulations on preventive health examinations became effective, the scope of tasks and objectives to be accomplished by psychologists engaged in occupational health services have expanded greatly. The aim of the studies was to define the extent of responsibilities of and the task performance by psychological laboratories of district occupational health centres as well as to find out what changes should be introduced in order to best improve the functioning of these laboratories.

[Hazards to workers' health caused by work-related psychosocial factors--a challenge to occupational health services]. / Zagrozenie zdrowia pracowników czynnikami psychospolecznymi zwiazanymi Z praca--wyzwanie dla sluzb medycyny pracy.

Health hazards which occur at work are related with exposure to physico-chemical and psychosocial factors. Little concern has been given so far to the latter group of factors by occupational health services in their diagnostic and preventive activities. That resulted from a specific character of psycho-social stimuli and their direct effect on workers' health disorders. A large multitude and variety of psycho-social hazards, a growing exposure to these hazards and health effects induced by them together with economic consequences call for much more attention to be paid to these factors. It will not be an easy task and that is why the authors speak about a challenge to occupational health services.

[Protection of workers' health against occupational psycho-social hazards--theoretical models]. / Ochrona zdrowia pracowników przed zagrozeniami psychospolecznymi w miejscu pracy--rozwazania modelowe.

Occupational Health Service are not yet equipped with tools which could permit them to include protection of workers' health against occupational psycho-social hazards into their prophylactic activities. The authors present a model of such a system, its objectives and conditions which should be satisfied in order to put the system into operation. The model discussed is somewhat an ideal solution which does not necessarily adhere to the reality but it sets tasks and identifies lines of activities to be carried out at the Department of Occupational Psychology, the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz. These activities are aimed at monitoring and evaluating of health risk generated by psycho-social factors.

[Indications for psychological examination in diagnosis, certification and prevention of occupational diseases]. / Wskazania do badania psychologicznego w diagnostyce, orzecnictwie i profilaktyce chorób zawodowych.

The work is based on the author's clinical experience gained due to her responsibilities as a consultant in the Department of Occupational Diseases, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, as well as on the literature dealing with the effect of some chemical and physical occupational hazards on the central nervous system. The author points out that psychological examinations play a significant role in diagnosis and prevention of occupational disease. She suggests that workers should be subjected to periodical psychological examinations during the whole period of employment. Particular indications for these examinations are also discussed.

[Psychological evaluation of the effects of chronic occupational exposure of paint shop workers to the mixture of organic solvents]. / Psychologiczna ocena skutków przewleklego narazenia zawodowego lakierników pracujacych w stycznosci z mieszanina rozpuszczalników organicznych.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychological effects of chronic occupational exposure to the mixture of organic solvents containing xylene, toluene, n-butanol, butyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, ethyl acetate and cyclohexanone defined by MAC values. Thirty-four paint shop workers and 34 controls, matched according to sex, age, education and the type of work performed, were examined. The Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery (NCTB) was used in the study. In the exposed workers, a longer simple reaction time was observed, as well as reduced manual skills and impaired precision of the hand movements.

[Dynamics of the intellectual changes in workers exposed to long-term effect of carbon dioxide]. / Dynamika zmian intelektualnych u pracowników narazonych na przewlekle dzialanie dwusiarczku wegla.

In workers exposed for many years to carbon disulphide toxic effects of this substance on the central nervous system can be observed. These effects manifest themselves in intellectual function disorders. The aim of the present study was to answer the following questions: a) does the whole period of exposure to CS2 seriously affect a decrease in intellectual efficiency level, b) what is the dynamics of these changes in relation to the exposure duration? For the purpose of a study which included 120 employees of plants producing artificial fibres who were exposed to CS2 for a long time the following techniques were used: Wechsler's Intelligence Scale for Adults, A. L. Benton's Visual Memory Test, T.;. Graham and B. S. Kendall's Memory-for-Design Test and L. Bender's Visual Motor Gestalt Test. The results obtained indicate that: a) rate of decrease in intellectual functions level depends on exposure duration and concerns those workers who had been exposed to CS2 for about 30 years; b) serious disorders are observed in such skills as: acoustic and visual memory, symbolic thinking, ability to plan and anticipate events, graphomotoric functions and mental work rate.

[Late effects of toxic methemoglobinemia]. / Pózne nastepstwa toksycznej methemoglobinemii.

A psychological testing rendered it possible to reveal some disorders of the central nervous system in a chemical industry worker who suffered from a serious intoxication with chloronitrobenzene a year ago. Such symptoms as loss of consciousness, convulsions and serious methemoglobinemia were observed. This case indicated a possibility of the development of late effects of poisoning which demand a long-term medical control. The authors explain the necessity to include psychological testing in preventive examination of persons who are at risk of acute poisonings.