Occupational exposure to crystalline silica in artificial stone processing.

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) is a hazardous substance with known effects that can be well correlated with exposure levels that still persist in many traditional sectors, such as construction or stone processing. In the past decade, exposure scenarios for RCS have been found in the sector of artificial stone processing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of RCS in facilities specialized in the production of artificial stone countertops and other accessories for the furnishing of kitchens, bathrooms, and offices after the introduction of some preventive technical measures such as wet processing or local exhaust ventilation systems. The study involved 51 subjects in four facilities. Personal silica exposure assessment was carried out using GS3 cyclones positioned in the breathing zone during the work shift. Quantitative determination of silica was carried out by X-ray diffraction analysis. Respirable dust levels were in the range 0.046-1.154 mg/m3 with RCS levels within the range <0.003-0.098 mg/m3. The highest exposure was found in dry finishing operations. Although there was a remarkable reduction in RCS exposure levels compared to what was observed in the past before the introduction of preventive measures, the data still showed hazardous exposure levels for some of the monitored activities.

Multiorgan accelerated silicosis misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis in two workers exposed to quartz conglomerate dust.

INTRODUCTION: Clusters of silicosis cases have been reported in the fabrication of quartz conglomerate, a new high-silica-content artificial stone for kitchen and bathroom benchtops (countertops). AIM: We describe two cases of accelerated-type silicosis with hepatic granulomas arising in workers exposed to artificial quartz conglomerates. METHODS: A confident diagnosis of multiorgan silicosis was based on high level of respirable silica in the workplace, typical radiological alterations in chest high-resolution CT, histological findings in the lung and liver, and detection of silica crystals in both tissues by phase-contrast polarising light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. RESULTS: The development of the disease <10 years after the first exposure is consistent with an accelerated-type of silicosis. Compared with other studies related to quartz conglomerate exposure, we determined that the levels of airborne crystalline silica during activity in the finishing area were between 0.260 and 0.744 mg/m3, that is, much higher than the threshold limit value according to American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (0.025 mg/m3). Moreover, liver granulomas were associated with accumulation of crystalline silica particles in the hepatic tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Quartz conglomerate fabrication is a potentially dangerous occupation. General practitioners and physicians should have awareness of this newly described occupational hazard. Accurate occupational history is critical in avoiding misdiagnosis, as silicosis caused by inhalation of dust from artificial quartz conglomerates may exhibit atypical presentation. These features seem to be related to the extremely high level of silica exposure and, possibly, to an increased toxicity of the dust generated in this process.

How to improve performance and prevent burnout in safety representatives.

BACKGROUND: The present work is part of a greater research project, aimed to examine Safety Representatives' (SRs) role, twenty years after the appointment of this figure. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to investigate the role of some personal and organizational dimensions in the promotion of SRs' well-being, in terms of reducing burnout and improving performance. METHODS: The study involved 455 SRs operating in North East Italy. They completed a self-report questionnaire, regarding conflicts with co-workers, ethical conflict, training satisfaction, work engagement, performance, and burnout. RESULTS: Structural equation models show that work engagement partially mediates (γ=-0.52, p<0.001; ß=0.23, p<0.01) the relationship between conflict with co-workers and performance (γ=-0.26; p<0.01), as well as partially mediating (γ=0.14, p<0.05; ß=0.23; p<0.01) the relationship between training satisfaction and performance (γ=0.21, p<0.001). Moreover, it totally mediates the relationship between conflict with co-workers and burnout (γ=-0.52, p<0.001; ß=-0.40, p<0.001), as well as totally mediating the relationship between training satisfaction and burnout (γ=0.14, p<0.05; ß=-0.40, p<0.001). Finally, ethical conflict is positively associated with burnout (γ=0.047, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides useful information about the improvement of SRs' well-being, highlighting the importance of their involvement in this role.

Occupational Exposure to Flour Dust. Exposure Assessment and Effectiveness of Control Measures.

The adverse effects associated with exposure to flour dust have been known since the 1700s. The aim of the study was to assess the occupational exposure to flour dust in Italian facilities, identify the activities characterized by the highest exposure, and provide information to reduce workers' exposure. The study was performed in different facilities such as flourmills (n = 2), confectioneries (n = 2), bakeries (n = 24), and pizzerias (n = 2). Inhalable flour dust was assessed by personal and area samplings (n = 250) using IOM (Institute of Occupational Medicine) samplers. The results showed personal occupational exposure to flour dust over the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene (ACGIH) and the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limit (SCOEL) occupational limits (mean 1.987 mg/m3; range 0.093-14.055 mg/m3). The levels were significantly higher for dough makers in comparison to the dough formers and packaging area subjects. In four bakeries the industrial hygiene surveys were re-performed after some control measures, such as installation of a sleeve to the end of pipeline, a lid on the mixer tub or local exhaust ventilation system, were installed. The exposure levels were significantly lower than those measured before the introduction of control measures. The exposure level reduction was observed not only in the dough making area but also in all bakeries locals.

Upper and Lower Respiratory Signs and Symptoms in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Flour Dust.

A group of 142 bakers was studied in order to investigate the relationship between higher/lower respiratory signs/symptoms and inflammation biomarkers and occupational exposure to flour dust. A complete upper and lower respiratory tract evaluation was performed. Seven percent of bakers complained of lower respiratory symptoms, while 22% of them complained of upper respiratory symptoms. Fifty five percent of the bakers were allergic, and 37.1% showed sensitization to occupational allergens. Abnormal spirometries were found in 15% of bakers, while fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was above the normal reference in 24.5% of them. Moreover, 23.8% of bakers were found to be hyposmic. Population mean peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) was in the normal range even if almost all the workers suffered from neutrophilic rhinitis at nasal cytology with the number of nasal neutrophils increasing with the increase of the duration of exposure to flour dust (p = 0.03). PNIF and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the 1st second) showed a positive correlation (p = 0.03; r = 0.19). The Tiffeneau index decreased with the increase of dust (p = 0.017). A similar result was obtained once we divided our population into smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.021). Long-term exposure to bakery dusts can lead to a status of minimal nasal inflammation and allergy.

[Effectiveness trial for prevention of occupational injuries in the wood processing industry]. / Un trial di efficacia nella prevenzione degli infortuni nel settore del legno.

BACKGROUND: Training is a key tool to improve prevention and safety management at the workplace. Few studies have aimed at assessing quality of training and its outcomes. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: This paper describes the rationale, design, content, and evaluation of an ongoing randomized controlled trial aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a training programme designed to reduce the risk of occupational injuries among employees of the wood processing industry. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Well designed, targeted training programmes could represent a feasible means of reducing work injuries by improving employers' behaviour and attitudes towards safety; nevertheless, these kinds of interventions have a considerable impact both in terms of human resources and in terms of cost. For these reasons, assessment of effectiveness and knowledge-sharing should be considered as essential phases of injury prevention programmes.