Impact of biomechanical exposure (job-exposure matrix 'MADE') and social support on return to work following occupational injuries.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the determinants that influence the outcome of the return to work (RTW) after occupational injuries. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study at the National Health Insurance Fund of Tunisia among victims of occupational injuries. Individual and professional factors have been evaluated through a face-to-face questionnaire for ten months. Biomechanical exposure was estimated by the job-exposure matrix "MADE" and social support by the Social Support Scale. Along with descriptive statistics, we used bivariate analysis, binary logistic regression, and random forest. RESULTS: We included 199 injured workers aged 20-60 years (mean = 42.73; 79.9 % male).Of the 199 injured workers, 39.7 % had unsuccessful RTW. Low social support, biomechanical exposure, blue-collar workers, working long hours, and severe injuries were associated with an unsuccessful return to work. In the variable importance plot issued from the random forest model, low social support at work was the most important risk factor of an unsuccessful RTW, followed by MADE variables: repetitiveness and effort. CONCLUSION: Biomechanical exposure and social support are main influencers of the return-to-work process.

Prevention of post-ERCP complications.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a common endoscopic procedure which plays a key role in the management of diseases of the bile ducts and the pancreas. Despite ERCP being performed routinely since more than 4 decades, it is still related to a considerable rate of complications with post-ERCP pancreatitis being the most frequent one. Lately, endoscopic techniques have evolved, and numerous modalities have been developed to prevent or manage ERCP-related complications, especially PEP, such as the use of intra-rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), insertion of prophylactic stents in the pancreatic duct (PD) or intravenous hyperhydration. Knowledge of the various risk factors and applying validated preventive methods are keys in providing a safe procedure and optimizing overall patient care.

Keratitis after corneal projection of biological fluids: a possible occupational prejudice?

This article describes a case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis resulting from projection of biological fluids (bronchial secretions) on the face, mainly in the right eye. The employee presented with keratitis complicated by a corneal abscess. Consequently, the employee had a chronic and severe ocular surface and stoma destruction, possibly due to microbial proliferation into the surface tissues exacerbated by contact lenses. The infection was determined to be work related by experts. [Workplace Health Saf 2014;62(10):400-402.].