Vigilância epidemiológica hospitalar de Goiás: 1ª coletânea de boletins dos núcleos hospitalares de epidemiologia / Hospital epidemiological surveillance in Goiás: 1st collection of bulletins from hospital epidemiology centers

Coletânea de 13 boletins publicados no site da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de Goiás, que se destacaram por descrever o perfil de morbimortalidade da unidade e apresentar temas relevantes para a população do Estado de Goiás. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, realizado com dados do período de janeiro a março de 2023, com informações provenientes das declarações de óbitos e prontuário eletrônico do paciente

Collection of 13 bulletins published on the Goiás State Department of Health website, which stood out for describing the unit's morbidity and mortality profile and presenting relevant themes for the population of the State of Goiás. This is a descriptive study, carried out with data from January to March 2023, with information from death certificates and the patient's electronic medical record

Estudio de las heridas por amoladora tratadas en el Hospital de Clínicas y Hospital Pasteur, Montevideo, Uruguay / Grinder injuries treated at the Clínicas and Pasteur Hospital of Montevideo, Uruguay / Estudo das lesões por esmerilhadeira tratadas no Hospital de Clínicas e Hospital Pasteur, Montevidéu, Uruguai

Resumen: Introducción: las heridas causadas por amoladora representan una consulta frecuente al cirujano plástico en nuestro país. Los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron conocer la epidemiología de los pacientes que consultaban con estas lesiones, conocer las circunstancias del accidente y estudiar si existía relación entre las condiciones de uso de la herramienta y la gravedad de las lesiones. Material y método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, donde se recabaron los datos de los pacientes que consultaban por heridas por amoladora en las puertas de emergencia de Hospital Pasteur y Hospital de Clínicas en un período de 6 meses. Resultados: un total de 76 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio, la mayoría de sexo masculino, en edad laboral activa (39 a 58 años) dedicados a la realización de trabajos temporales o tareas de construcción, con bajo nivel de instrucción. El 84% de las heridas fueron graves. El 61% de los pacientes no utilizó los elementos de seguridad de la herramienta al momento del accidente. La mayoría de las lesiones se produjeron fuera del ambiente laboral. Conclusiones: en base a nuestro trabajo pudimos establecer el perfil epidemiológico de la población más susceptible de sufrir estas lesiones. Comprobamos que las heridas producidas por amoladora son en su mayoría graves y requieren procedimientos complejos para su resolución.

Summary: Introduction: grinder injuries represent a large number of consultations for plastic surgeons in our country. This study aims to learn about the epidemiological characteristics of patients who consulted for these lesions and the circumstances of the accidents, and to analyze whether there is a relationship between the conditions for tool use and the severity of lesions. Methodology: we conducted a retrospective, descriptive, transversal study where we collected data from the patients who consulted for grinder injuries at the emergency departments of Pasteur and Clínicas Hospital during a 6-month period. Results: seventy-six patients were included in the study, most of which were male working adults (between 39 and 58 years-old) who had temporary jobs or were performing construction works and had low levels of education. 84% of lesions were severe. 61% of patients did not respect safety regulations at the time of the accident. Most lesions occurred out of working hours. Conclusions: based on our study, we could identify the epidemiological profile of the most vulnerable population for this kind of lesions. We proved that most grinder lesions are severe and their management requires complex procedures.

Resumo: Introdução: as lesões causadas por esmerilhadeira são causa frequente de consulta ao cirurgião plástico no Uruguai. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram conhecer as características dos pacientes que consultaram com essas lesões, conhecer as circunstâncias do acidente e analisar a possível relação entre as condições de uso da ferramenta e a gravidade das lesões. Metodologia: foi realizado um estudo descritivo, transversal, onde foram coletados dados de pacientes que consultaram por lesões de esmerilhadeira no pronto-socorro do Hospital Pasteur e Hospital de Clínicas durante um período de 6 meses. Resultados: foram incluídos no estudo 76 pacientes, a maioria do sexo masculino, em idade ativa para trabalhar (39 a 58 anos) dedicados à realização de trabalhos temporários ou trabalhos na construção civil, com baixo nível de escolaridade. 84% dos ferimentos foram graves. 61% dos pacientes não utilizaram os elementos de segurança da ferramenta no momento do acidente. A maioria das lesões ocorreu fora do ambiente de trabalho. Conclusões: com base em nosso trabalho conseguimos estabelecer o perfil da população mais suscetível a esses agravos. Constatamos que a maioria das lesões causadas por esmerilhadeiras são graves, exigindo procedimentos complexos para sua resolução.

Dynamics of severe accidents in the oil & gas energy sector derived from the authoritative ENergy-related severe accident database.

Organized into a global network of critical infrastructures, the oil & gas industry remains to this day the main energy contributor to the world's economy. Severe accidents occasionally occur resulting in fatalities and disruption. We build an oil & gas accident graph based on more than a thousand severe accidents for the period 1970-2016 recorded for refineries, tankers, and gas networks in the authoritative ENergy-related Severe Accident Database (ENSAD). We explore the distribution of potential chains-of-events leading to severe accidents by combining graph theory, Markov analysis and catastrophe dynamics. Using centrality measures, we first verify that human error is consistently the main source of accidents and that explosion, fire, toxic release, and element rupture are the principal sinks, but also the main catalysts for accident amplification. Second, we quantify the space of possible chains-of-events using the concept of fundamental matrix and rank them by defining a likelihood-based importance measure γ. We find that chains of up to five events can play a significant role in severe accidents, consisting of feedback loops of the aforementioned events but also of secondary events not directly identifiable from graph topology and yet participating in the most likely chains-of-events.

Analysis of ergonomic occupational accidents and near misses in a large Belgian university hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Health-care organizations are facing a high burden of ergonomic occupational accidents, and prevention is a continuous point of interest. In this manuscript, we describe the characteristics of ergonomic accidents in a large Belgian university hospital and discuss the value of near misses. METHODS: Combining databases, we identified the frequency [number of accidents × 106 hours worked per year], severity (number of days off work × 103 hours worked per year), and profile of the victims of occupational ergonomic accidents (with absence from work) or incidents or near-misses (without absence from work). Ergonomic accidents and incidents include slips, trips, falls, injurious body movements, overexertion, and handling heavy weights. RESULTS: In a period of 23 years, we noticed a significant decrease in the frequency of ergonomic accidents (from about 7 to about 4 standard units), without changes in the severity. The decrease in the frequency of accidents is mirrored by an increase in the frequency of incidents (from about 4 to about 6 standard units). Female and older employees are more vulnerable to accidents, and the frequency was between two and four times higher for employees mostly involved in manual tasks compared to employees mostly involved in managerial tasks. The profile of the victims and the causes of accidents and incidents were identical. CONCLUSION: Although it is premature to assume a cause-consequence relationship between incidents and accidents, it is tempting to speculate that the increased ratio of the frequencies of incidents over accidents might be one of the variables reflecting the adequacy of preventive measures and the growth of safety behavior.

Lesiones traumáticas en la mano por el uso de amoladora. Un problema en nuestro medio / Traumatic injuries to the hand from the use of an angle grinder. A problem in our field

Introducción: Las lesiones en las manos causadas por amoladora son comunes y generalmente ocurren en adultos jóvenes. En países en desarrollo, el ámbito doméstico y el trabajo informal son los escenarios más frecuentes. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir factores asociados a las lesiones por amoladora, y cuantificar y clasificar las heridas, según la gravedad y la región anatómica de la mano involucrada. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico, retrospectivo. Entre 2016 y 2020, estudiamos a los pacientes con heridas de mano causadas por amoladora. Se analizaron el nivel educativo, la experiencia con la herramienta, el material cortado, el uso de equipo de protección personal, la edad y el sexo. Para determinar el patrón de las lesiones se realizó un análisis clínico-anatómico y radiológico detallado e individualizado. La gravedad fue evaluada con el Hand Injury Severity Score. Resultados: Se evaluó a928 pacientes (920 hombres y 8 mujeres, edad promedio 42 años). Solo el 22,4% usaba equipo de protección personal en el momento del accidente. El 84,5% (776 casos) realizaba tareas inusuales para la que esta herramienta no fue diseñada. La mano más afectada fue la izquierda (62,06%). En 784 pacientes, las heridas involucraban los dedos, el patrón de asociación predominante fue entre el 2do y 3er dedo (54,44%). Las lesiones fueron leves (24,1%), moderadas (41,3%), graves (26%) y mayores (8,6%). Conclusiones: Las lesiones por amoladora pueden resultar devastadoras. Una actualización epidemiológica reforzaría la necesidad de desarrollar métodos preventivos con el fin de disminuir su alta incidencia. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Hand injuries caused by angle grinders are frequent and generally take place among young adults. In developing countries, the domestic and informal work environments are the most frequent places where this could happen. The present study is aimed at describing associated factors to these types of injuries. Lesions were quantified and classified according to the sever-ity and anatomic region of the hand involved. Methods: An epidemiologic, retrospective study was performed between 2016 and 2020. The patients' level of education, previous experience using the machine, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sex, and age were analyzed. To determine the pattern of the injuries, a clinical-anatomical and a detailed and individualized radiological analysis were performed on each patient. The severity was measured using the "Hand Injury Severity Score" (HISS). Results: 928 patients were studied (920 men, 8 women, average age of 42 years [range 18-67]). Only 22.4% were wearing PPE at the time of the accident. 776 participants were performing tasks for which the tool was not intended (84.5%). The left hand was the most af-fected (60%). In 784 patients, the injuries involved their fingers (84.48%); the predominant pattern was the index and middle finger (55%). According to the HISS, 24.1% were minor injuries, 41.3% were moderate, 26% were serious, and 8.6% were severe. Con-clusions: Injuries caused by an angle grinder can be devastating. We believe that an epidemiological update is likely to increase the need to develop preventive methods to decrease its high incidence. Level of Evidence: IV

Vigilância em Saúde do Trabalhador e articulações intersetoriais no enfrentamento do trabalho infantil em Diadema, SP, Brasil / Surveillance in Occupational Health and intersectorial articulations in the fight against child labour in Diadema, SP, Brazil

Este artigo visa apresentar uma intervenção desenvolvida no âmbito de atuação do Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador de Diadema, SP. Os objetivos foram analisar os acidentes de trabalho com adolescentes notificados pela rede municipal de saúde de 2009 a 2019 e relatar as estratégias intersetoriais e as ações de vigilância e prevenção implementadas. Foram analisados os dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, relatórios técnicos das vigilâncias e registros de reuniões e eventos da equipe. Dos 5.179 acidentes de trabalho graves notificados, 7,5% atingiram jovens entre 14 e 17 anos, sendo 72% do sexo masculino e 28% do feminino. A compreensão do fenômeno de modo ampliado foi favorecida pela discussão intersetorial e pelo matriciamento na saúde. Foram constatadas as dificuldades dos profissionais de saúde em identificar o acidente de trabalho e a negação dos pais sobre as condições adversas de trabalho. Espera-se superar a invisibilidade e subnotificação das situações de trabalho infantil e contribuir para aplicação dos princípios da precaução e da prevenção para construir paradigmas protetivos sobre as crianças e suas famílias no enfrentamento do trabalho infantil

This study aims to show an intervention developed within the scope of the Worker's Health Reference Centre in Diadema. We analysed municipal health network reports of occupational accidents with adolescents from 2009 to 2019 to assess intersectoral strategies and the implemented surveillance and prevention actions. Notifiable Diseases Information System, technical reports from surveillance, and records of our team's meetings and events of were analyzed. Of the 5,179 reported serious work accidents, 7.5% affected young people aged between 14 and 17 years, 72% of which were boys and 28%, girls. Intersectoral discussion and a matrix health support favoured a broader understanding of the phenomenon. We found difficulties of healthcare providers in identifying work accidents and parents' denial about adverse working conditions. We expect to overcome the invisibility and underreporting of child labour and contribute to the application of principles of precaution and prevention to build protective paradigms for children and their working families to combat child labour

Enfermedades, lesiones y accidentes en trabajadores de la construcción en Uruguay, período 2014-2018 / Illnesses, injuries and accidents among construction workers in Uruguay, 2014-2018

El presente trabajo se realizó en el marco de las actividades de investigación y extensión del Departamento de Salud Ocupacional de la Facultad de Medicina Universidad de la República, por iniciativa de los trabajadores del sindicato único de la construcción y afines. El objetivo fue conocer el perfil de salud y enfermedad de los trabajadores del sector con el propósito de generar acciones que promuevan la salud laboral del colectivo involucrado. La investigación realizada es de carácter descriptivo a partir de fuentes secundarias. De los resultados se destacaron las enfermedades del aparato osteomioarticular, lesiones por traumatismos o envenenamiento y patologías del aparato respiratorio como principales causas de ausentismo de origen médico. La patología osteomioarticular fue la primera causa de incapacidad total y también es la primera causa de incapacidad para la tarea en el periodo estudiado. La tasa de incidencia acumulada de los accidentes en el año 2014 fue de 81,8 por 1.000 trabajadores cotizantes de la construcción, presentando una caída sostenida hasta el 2018 que alcanzó el valor de 60,2 por 1.000 trabajadores cotizantes. El tipo de accidente más frecuente observado en el periodo fueron las lesiones a esfuerzo excesivo. Con respecto a los accidentes mortales existe una caída marcada entre los años 2014 al 2016 con un ascenso progresivo en 2018. De la investigación surge como necesidad mejorar el reconocimiento de la patología profesional en el sector, profundizar las acciones en seguridad y salud con énfasis en aspectos ergonómicos de la carga física(AU)

This study was carried out under the framework of the research and outreach activities of the Department of Occupational Health of the School of Medicine of the University of the Republic, as an initiative of the workers of its single union of construction and related industries. The objective was to describe the health and disease profile of workers in the sector in order to generate actions to promote their occupational health. The study was descriptive and consisted of a secondary analysis of existing data. Musculoskeletal disorders, traumatic injuries, poisonings and respiratory illnesses were the main cause of sickness absence. Musculoskeletal disorders were the main cause of both work-related and total disability. The cumulative incidence rate of injuries in 2014 was 81.8 per 1000 dues-paying construction workers, and subsequently declined until 2018, to an incidence of 62.2 per 1000 dues-paying workers. Overexertion was the most common mechanism of injury. With respect to fatal accidents, there was a arked decline between 2014 and 2016, followed by a progressive increasein 2018. This study underscores the need to improve the recognition of occupational illness and injury in the construction and related industries sector, and to add depth to safety and health interventions, with an emphasis on ergonomic aspects of physical loads(AU)

Prevalence of musculoskeletal injury and pain of UK-based podiatrists and the impact of enforced altered working practices.

BACKGROUND: Occupational musculoskeletal injuries are prevalent in healthcare workers and are reported to be profession-specific. There is, however, a paucity of information around the injuries sustained from working as a podiatrist. This paper looks at the incidence of injury from working as a podiatrist, the aggravating factors to sustain these injuries and whether the changes in workload due to the COVID-19 pandemic altered the incidence. METHODS: A modified work based musculoskeletal injury questionnaire was distributed in the UK via podiatry led social media platforms. Open and Closed questions explored the demographics of the sample, perceived injury 12 months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and then 6 months into the lockdown. Pre and post COVID-19 data were analysed for differences and thematic analysis was included to categorise reported experiences. RESULTS: 148 podiatrists representing 3 % of HCPC registered practitioners responded to the questionnaire. Employment status altered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with a 13 % reduction in those working full time. Environments also changed with domiciliary and telehealth significantly increasing (p > 0.00) and non-clinical roles being extended (p > 0.002). Pain frequency and intensity significantly (p > 0.04) increased as a result of the pandemic with shoulder pain being most frequent before lockdown altering to the neck during the lockdown. Two main themes were identified that were attributed to the causes of pain including physical demands and working in awkward spaces. CONCLUSIONS: Work-related musculoskeletal pain in podiatrists is common with the shoulder and neck being the most frequently affected. Changes in work practices due to the restrictions enforced from the COVID-19 pandemic increased the frequency and intensity of pain mostly associated with increased domiciliary and telehealth working environments.

Occupational injuries among health care workers at a public hospital in Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: information on occupational injuries to health care workers (HCWs) in Africa is limited. We sought to determine the prevalence of occupational injuries among HCWs at a Ghanaian hospital, determine the most common types of injuries, and assess HCWs' knowledge regarding occupational safety. METHODS: we interviewed 246 HCWs at a government hospital regarding occupational injuries during the prior year. The sample included: nurses (77.6%), physicians (9.3%), laboratory staff (5.7%), and non-clinical staff (6.9%). RESULTS: the 12-month prevalence of occupational injury was 29.7%. Incidence was 1.63 injuries per person-year. Leading mechanisms were needlesticks (35.4% of injuries), cuts from sharp objects (34.6%), hit by object (25.2%), and violence (24.4%). Most (62.2%) respondents had training in occupational safety. Most reported adherence to safety practices, including properly disposing sharps (86.6%) and using personal protective equipment (85.8%). However, there were gaps in knowledge. Few HCWs knew the officer in-charge for post-exposure prophylaxis (5.3%) or that there was a hospital occupational safety unit (26.4%). Many (20.8%) reported difficulty in seeking care for their injury. On multivariable analysis, correlates of injury included stress at work (aOR 2.68; 95% CI 1.26, 5.71) and being a laboratory worker (aOR 3.26; 95% CI 1.02, 10.50). CONCLUSION: occupational injuries to HCWs were unacceptably frequent. There is, however, a solid foundation to build on. Most HCWs had training in occupational safety and many reported adherence to safety practices. Health care workers need to be better informed of existing resources. Care for injuries needs to be improved, such as by increasing capacity for post-exposure prophylaxis.

Viral hepatitis caused by occupational accidents: distribution of cases in Brazil, 2007-2014 / Hepatites virais por acidentes de trabalho: distribuição dos casos no Brasil, 2007-2014 / Hepatitis viral por accidentes de trabajo: distribución de casos en Brasil, 2007-2014

Background and Objectives: to analyze the distribution of cases of viral hepatitis due to occupational accidents in Brazil from 2007 to 2014. Methods: this is an ecological study of a descriptive nature of notifications of viral hepatitis registered in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases. Results: they point out that the mean incidence of viral hepatitis due to occupational accidents in Brazil was 2 cases/1,000,000 of the economically active and employed population. There was an increasing trend in the Midwest region (p=0.02), among women (p=0.01) and those aged 38 to 49 years and 50 and older (p=0.01). The decreasing time trend was observed among those up to 37 years old and for non-black race/skin color (p=0.04). Conclusion: the temporal distribution was stationary in most regions and states in Brazil, increasing among female workers over 38 years old and decreasing among non-black women and under 37 years old.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: analisar a distribuição dos casos de hepatites virais por acidentes de trabalho no Brasil de 2007 a 2014. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo ecológico de natureza descritiva das notificações de hepatites virais registradas no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Resultados: apontam que a incidência média de hepatites virais por acidentes de trabalho no Brasil foi de 2 casos/1.000.000 da população economicamente ativa e ocupada. Houve tendência de aumento na região Centro-Oeste (p=0,02), entre as mulheres (p=0,01) e entre 38 a 49 anos e 50 anos ou mais (p=0,01). A tendência temporal decrescente foi observada entre aqueles com até 37 anos e para raça/cor da pele não preta (p=0,04). Conclusão: a distribuição temporal foi estacionária na maioria das regiões e estados do Brasil, aumentando entre as trabalhadoras acima de 38 anos e diminuindo entre as mulheres não negras e com menos de 37 anos.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: analizar la distribución de los casos de hepatitis viral por accidentes de trabajo en Brasil de 2007 a 2014. Métodos: se trata de un estudio ecológico de carácter descriptivo de las notificaciones de hepatitis viral registradas en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria. Resultados: señalan que la incidencia media de hepatitis viral por accidente de trabajo en Brasil fue de 2 casos/1.000.000 de población económicamente activa y ocupada. Hubo una tendencia creciente en la región del Medio Oeste (p=0,02), entre las mujeres (p=0,01) y las de 38 a 49 años y 50 y más (p=0,01). La tendencia temporal decreciente se observó entre los de hasta 37 años y para raza/color de piel no negra (p=0,04). Conclusión: la distribución temporal fue estacionaria en la mayoría de las regiones y estados de Brasil, aumentando entre las trabajadoras mayores de 38 años y disminuyendo entre las mujeres no negras y menores de 37 años.(AU)

Coercive pressure as a moderator of organizational structure and risk management: Empirical evidence from Malaysian construction industry.

INTRODUCTION: The construction industry in Malaysia has been bedevilled by myriads of risk issues that have hampered its smooth operations in recent times. This paper is an empirical assessment that aims to examine the effect of coercive pressure on the relationship between organizational structure and construction risk management among construction industry in Malaysia. METHOD: Based on the proposed model, a quantitative method was employed to obtain data from G7 construction industry operating within the peninsular Malaysia. Out of the 180 copies of questionnaire, 165 copies were properly filled, returned, and used for the analysis. PLS-SEM was used to analyze the obtained data. RESULTS: The findings of the study affirmed that specialization, centralization, and management of risk by the construction industry had positive correlation. CONCLUSIONS: As anticipated, coercive pressure had positive moderating correlation with both formalization and the management of risk by the construction industry. Similarly, it was also found that in the course of carrying out construction activities, coercive pressure made significant interactive influence on formalization, specialization, and centralization. Practical Applications: Coercive pressure reduced the frequency of accidents among workers in the process of carrying out construction works.

Assessment of ergonomic exposure, work-related occupational injuries, and prevention: Child work in the brickfield industry in India.

Child labor is an infraction of fundamental human rights, and it prevents the children's physical, psychosocial, and psychological development. In India, children have been working in different unorganized sectors as paid laborers. Children were found performing a fair amount of manual, rigorous tasks in the brickfield industry due to socioeconomic disadvantages. Child brickfield workers suffered from musculoskeletal pain and injuries due to working with a heavy physical workload, which hampers the overall quality of life. A study had been conducted among these child brickfield laborers from India during 2011-2017. The study found laceration (38.7% male and 36.9% female) as the primary injury followed by sprain and strain, scratches, avulsion, and fractures among child brickfield workers. The study shows that child workers are highly prone to injuries, mainly toe (23.9% male and 28.1% female), hands (22.0% male and 23.4% female), wrists, feet, ankles, and fingers. The injury rate among male and female child brickfield laborers was 7.64 and 9.52 per 1000 workers. The primary source of injuries in brickfields was due to falling from height. Several risk factors, including biomechanical, work stress, may play a key role in work-related injuries among child brickfield laborers.

Occupational safety and health in traditional date palm works.

OBJECTIVE: Date palm is mostly cultivated in Western Asia and North Africa and is the main wealth for the people of these regions. Traditional date palm crown access via manual climbing, as the main activity in date fruit production, suffers from occupational hazards. Mitigation of these problems through interventions or new designs initially needs to complete knowledge of safety and health aspects and relationships between them and characters of date palm climbers. This study provided detailed information about this concern. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of personal, operational, safety, satisfaction, financial and ergonomic demographics was used for data collection. 117 climbers participated in the study. Nonparametric correlations using Spearman's coefficient and logistic regressions investigated the linkage between characters obtained by the questionnaire. RESULTS: The annual mortality rate of falls from height was calculated by 3.4 per one thousand men. Fall was a major challenge in traditional date palm crown access and its rate was highly greater in comparison with the estimation of International Labor Office (ILO) about fatal agricultural injuries. Safety and health condition was the main contributing factor in the status of date palm climbing and was significantly linked to job satisfaction. Safety risk-taking and non-awareness of technology had a significant linkage with together (r = - 0.195, p = 0.035). Safety risk-taking, also, had significant correlations with discomfort in back (r = - 0.201, p = 0.030). Regressions showed heavier climbers (> 75 kg) were expected about 4.3 (1/0.230) times than more lightweight ones to have an upper leg discomfort with high severity relative to low severity (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Obesity, senescence, and awareness of technology as three personal characteristics of climbers need to be addressed. Future strategies are required to improve the safety condition of climbing and manage the workforces as well as governmental decision making to address the financial aspects of climbers for sustainable date production and reduction in reasons causing unemployment. Considering current status and modification of the present tool and equipment is recommended.

Knowledge and Understanding of Personal Protective Equipment Use among Laborer Population of the Nepalese Workforce.

The constructing laborers are mainly unskilled, untrained, migrant, socially backward, and uneducated with low bargaining power. Thus, we assessed the knowledge and prevalence on occupational safety and health (OSH) of laborers working at private constructing sites. A descriptive cross-sectional study of 229 laborers working at private constructing sites selected by 30 cluster sampling methods from the Lalitpur metropolitan city and Mahalaxmi municipality was conducted using a structured questionnaire and observation checklist. EpiData and SPSS were used for data analysis. Most of the laborers (62%) had inadequate knowledge on OSH. The level of knowledge was significantly associated with sex, education, and family type at 95% CI (p value < 0.05). The prevalence of occupational accidents within a year was 19.7% and was significantly associated with the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at 95% CI (p value < 0.05). About one-fifth of the participants had occupational accidents within a year because of the inadequate knowledge of OSH.

Incidence and time trend of occupational accidents in the textile and clothing industry: analysis of Santa Catarina, Brazil, between 2008 and 2017. / Incidência e tendência temporal de acidentes de trabalho na indústria têxtil e de confecção: análise de Santa Catarina, Brasil, entre 2008 e 2017.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and time trend of typical work accidents in the textile and clothing industry in Santa Catarina from 2008 to 2017. METHODS: This was a retrospective epidemiological study based on data from the Annual Social Information Report (RAIS). The time trend was analyzed by calculating the average annual change and logistic regression. RESULTS: There was a downward trend in the incidence of occupational accidents in Santa Catarina during the period studied (8.8%). The highest incidence occurred in 2008 among men (12.6%), workers aged between 40 and 49 years (6.7%), black people (7.4%), people with less than 12 years of education (5.0%), with an average income of 3 to 7 minimum wages (7.0%), with up to 4 years of employment (6.9%), workers in the manufacture of textile products (10, 3%), medium-sized establishments (that is, between 100 and 499 workers; 7.9%) and in the regions of Greater Florianópolis (7.0%) and Vale do Itajaí (6.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The risk for typical occupational accidents dropped significantly over the period studied. However, future studies are needed to analyze new relationships that may point to other associated factors. It is hoped that this study can contribute to support measures for the prevention, promotion, protection and rehabilitation of the health of workers in this production sector.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a incidência e a tendência temporal dos acidentes de trabalho típicos na indústria têxtil e de confecção de Santa Catarina no período de 2008 a 2017. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo baseado nos dados da Relação Anual de Informações Sociais (RAIS). A tendência temporal foi analisada por meio do cálculo da mudança média anual e da regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Houve tendência de queda na incidência de acidentes de trabalho em Santa Catarina no período estudado (8,8%). Observaram-se as maiores taxas de acidentes no ano de 2008 entre homens (12,6%), trabalhadores com faixa de idade entre 40 e 49 anos (6,7%), negros (7,4%), pessoas com menos de 12 anos de estudo (5,0%), com remuneração média de 3 a 7 salários mínimos (7,0%), com até quatro anos de tempo de emprego (6,9%), trabalhadores da fabricação de produtos têxteis (10,3%), estabelecimentos de médio porte (100 a 499 trabalhadores) (7,9%) e nas regiões da Grande Florianópolis (7,0%) e Vale do Itajaí (6,8%). CONCLUSÕES: O risco de acidente de trabalho típico caiu significativamente ao longo do período. Contudo futuros estudos são necessários para analisar novas relações que possam apontar outros fatores associados. Espera-se que este estudo possa contribuir para subsidiar ações de prevenção, promoção, proteção e reabilitação da saúde dos trabalhadores desse setor produtivo.

Hand injuries during COVID-19: Lessons from lockdown.

The two-month nationwide lockdown implemented in Australia in response to COVID-19 involved restrictions on social gatherings and non-essential services, resulting in marked changes to the distribution of time spent at home and in the workplace. Given the likelihood of future lockdowns, this study aimed to investigate whether the lockdown was associated with an alteration in the pattern of acute hand injuries admitted to Sydney Hospital Hand Unit relative to the same period in 2019, and whether target areas for preventative strategies could be identified. During the lockdown period in 2020, 332 acute presentations were noted, and in the same period in 2019, 310 cases were noted. The mean patient age was higher in 2020, largely due to a 327% increase in do-it-yourself (DIY) injuries. Workplace injuries increased in 2020 despite a 9.5% reduction in hours-worked, reflecting a redistribution of workers into manual labour jobs with a higher risk for hand injuries. Patients who suffered low-energy injuries at work were also significantly younger in 2020, suggesting this effect was most pronounced in younger age-groups, probably due to the shutdown of hospitality-based industries. Domestic violence-related injuries increased in 2020, highlighting the need to maintain resources to provide support in such cases at subspecialty hand units, which are often largely outpatient-centred. This study, therefore, identified a number of key areas that could be targeted in the event of future lockdowns, including messages regarding safe DIY activities, and more stringent requirements regarding worksite briefing and safety for people commencing labour-based jobs, especially if transferring from another industry.

Exploratory narrative text analysis to characterize tasks associated with injuries among electric utility line workers: EPRI Occupational Health and Safety Database 1995-2013.

BACKGROUND: Injury prevention is an important goal for electric utility line workers who are among the top 10 U.S. occupational groups sustaining fatal injuries on the job. METHODS: Using narrative text fields, we identified 10 high-risk tasks among electric utility line workers. We performed a case-control study of task-injury associations using data from the Electric Power Research Institute Occupational Health and Safety Database (1995-2013). RESULTS: Drawn from 12,323 line worker injuries, cases were individuals with a major injury (5 or more days lost work) matched to controls, individuals with a minor injury (less than 1 day lost work), on company and year of injury. Conditional logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Some tasks associated with higher odds for major injuries among line workers included: climbing up/down ladder/stairs/elevator (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 2.6, 7.4); climbing down poles and transmission towers (OR = 5.5; 95% CI = 3.6, 8.4); entering/stepping out/approaching utility trucks, bucket, or vaults (OR = 5.8; 95% CI = 4.0, 8.4); and performing repetitive work/overtime (OR = 5.5; 95% CI = 3.2, 9.5). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge gained can be used to focus efforts and plan efficient preventive measures that reduce injury rates, time lost from work, and costs within the electric power industry.

Injuries outside of horseracing: is it time to focus on injury prevention of jockeys outside of races?

Objectives: Falls and injuries are frequent in professional horseracing. However, professional jockeys spend a large part of their week in horse-related activities outside of racing such as schooling, exercise riding, and yard-related activities. The injury risk related to these activities remains largely unknown internationally. This study aimed to identify the injury prevalence and injury profile of flat and jump jockeys during non-racing activities. Methods: In total 45.6% and 38.5% of all licensed Irish professional flat and jump jockeys completed a cross-sectional self-recall questionnaire examining injuries that occurred outside of racing during 2018. Injury proportion, repeat incidence proportion, and descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: Fifteen percent of professional jockeys sustained an injury outside of a race, half of those injured receiving at least another injury in 2018 and 66.52 injuries per 1,000 falls were noted. Injuries frequently occurred to the upper limb (36.67%), with fractures common (32.00%). Most injuries occurred due to a fall (60.00%) and 77.27% occurred in the gallops. Half of injuries resulted in the jockey missing racing, with 31.00 ± 47.18 (4-180) days lost on average. Twenty-three percent of jockeys attended hospital and 16.67% required surgery due to injury. Interestingly, just under a third did not report their injury to anyone. Conclusion: Injuries to professional jockeys, whilst not as frequent outside of racing, tend to be serious and can affect jockeys financially and impact their availability to ride. Prioritizing injury prevention strategies to maximize availability of jockeys to race is important. Education on the importance of reporting all injuries regardless of where they occur is important to ensure their management and rehabilitation.

Sociodemographic characteristics and exposure patterns of pesticide-related cases reported to a poison service center in Brazil between 2012 and 2016.

Pesticide poisoning is a significant public health problem responsible for an estimated three million poisoning cases per year and more than 250,000 deaths, most of which occur in underdeveloped countries. We evaluated pesticide exposure cases reported to a toxicological service center in Brazil, between 2012 and 2016. There were 3211 cases of pesticide exposure, with a high prevalence in adults aged 20-39 years (41.2%). Attempted suicide was the leading cause of pesticide cases (48%). Occupational exposure to pesticides of agricultural use was more frequently observed among men. Accidental exposure and attempted suicide were more frequently observed in urban areas while occupational exposure was more prevalent in rural areas. A higher exposure rate was observed among men in counties with higher agricultural activities. Establishing prevalence and cause of pesticide exposure is important to provide subsidy for evidence-based interventions in the field.