Sleep Efficiency and Sleep Onset Latency in One Saskatchewan First Nation.

BACKGROUND: Sleep efficiency and sleep onset latency are two measures that can be used to assess sleep quality. Factors that are related to sleep quality include age, sex, sociodemographic factors, and physical and mental health status. This study examines factors related to sleep efficiency and sleep onset latency in one First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. METHODS: A baseline survey of the First Nations Sleep Health project was completed between 2018 and 2019 in collaboration with two Cree First Nations. One-night actigraphy evaluations were completed within one of the two First Nations. Objective actigraphy evaluations included sleep efficiency and sleep onset latency. A total of 167 individuals participated, and of these, 156 observations were available for analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted using logistic and linear regression models. RESULTS: More females (61%) than males participated in the actigraphy study, with the mean age being higher for females (39.6 years) than males (35.0 years). The mean sleep efficiency was 83.38%, and the mean sleep onset latency was 20.74 (SD = 27.25) minutes. Age, chronic pain, ever having high blood pressure, and smoking inside the house were associated with an increased risk of poor sleep efficiency in the multiple logistic regression model. Age, chronic pain, ever having anxiety, heart-related illness, and smoking inside the house were associated with longer sleep onset latency in the multiple linear regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep efficiency and sleep onset latency were associated with physical and environmental factors in this First Nation.

Blood and Hand Surface Lead in Veterinary Workers Using Lead Shielding During Diagnostic Radiography.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives are to compare lead blood concentrations in veterinary workers using lead shielding with concentrations in a control population, to measure hand surface lead before and after use of shielding, and to compare hand surface lead with and without the use of disposable gloves worn under hand shielding. METHODS: Blood and hand wipe samples were analyzed for lead using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: There was no difference in blood lead between exposed and control groups. After lead glove use, 69% (18/26) of hand surface lead samples from workers not using disposable gloves were greater than 500 µg, 42% (11/26) were greater than 1000 µg, and 12% (3/26) were greater than 2000 µg. CONCLUSIONS: If lead shielding use is unavoidable, disposable gloves should be worn, and skin should be decontaminated after use.

Trends in Work-Related Fatal Farm Injuries, Saskatchewan, Canada: 2005-2019.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to estimate farm fatality rates and to describe patterns of fatal agricultural injuries on Saskatchewan farms from 2005 to 2019. METHODS: Data on work-related farm fatalities was collected from January 2005 to December 2019 in the Province of Saskatchewan as a part of the injury and mortality surveillance for the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting (CAIR) program. Data were abstracted from records made available by the Provincial Coroner's Office. RESULTS: There were 166 farm work-related fatalities recorded between 2005 and 2019 in Saskatchewan. The majority (93.4%) of work-related fatalities were in males. The overall work-related fatality rate was 10.5 (95% CI: 8.9-12.1) per 100,000 farm population. The overall age-adjusted work-related fatality rate was 18.1 (95% CI: 15.2-20.9) per 100,000 farm population among males and 1.4 (95% CI: 0.6-2.3) per 100,000 farm population among females. Age-adjusted rate decreased from 91.2 (95% CI: 69.4-117.66) per 100,000 farm population in 2005-2009 to 89.7 (95% CI: 64.9-120.2) per 100,000 farm population in 2015-2019 in males. Trend analysis of the work-related fatality rate in all cases showed a non-significant average annual decline of 2.6% (p = 0.156). Rollover injuries contributed to a high proportion of fatalities in children (30.0%) and the elderly population (14.9%). The most common causative agent was a tractor, and the most common location of injury was the farmyard or field. CONCLUSION: The burden of mortality in this industry is still substantial. There was a non-significant decreasing trend in the injury rate over the 15-year period. Elderly farmers continue to be at high risk for fatality, while the rates for children have declined. Application of prevention approaches could reduce the risk of fatal injury, and in particular the high proportion of rollover injuries in children and the elderly population.

STOP-Bang Score and Prediction of Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a First Nation Community in Saskatchewan, Canada.

The STOP-Bang questionnaire is an easy-to-administer scoring model to screen and identify patients at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, its diagnostic utility has never been tested with First Nation peoples. The objective was to determine the predictive parameters and the utility of the STOP-Bang questionnaire as an OSA screening tool in a First Nation community in Saskatchewan. The baseline survey of the First Nations Sleep Health Project (FNSHP) was completed between 2018 and 2019. Of the available 233 sleep apnea tests, 215 participants completed the STOP-Bang score questionnaire. A proportional odds ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted using the total score of the STOP-Bang as the independent variable with equal weight given to each response. Predicted probabilities for each score at cut-off points of the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) were calculated and plotted. To assess the performance of the STOP-Bang questionnaire, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs), negative predictive values (NPVs), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. These data suggest that a STOP-Bang score ≥ 5 will allow healthcare professionals to identify individuals with an increased probability of moderate-to-severe OSA, with high specificity (93.7%) and NPV (91.8%). For the STOP-Bang score cut-off ≥ 3, the sensitivity was 53.1% for all OSA and 72.0% for moderate-to-severe OSA. For the STOP-Bang score cut-off ≥ 3, the specificity was 68.4% for all OSA and 62.6% for moderate-to-severe OSA. The STOP-Bang score was modestly superior to the symptom of loud snoring, or loud snoring plus obesity in this population. Analysis by sex suggested that a STOP-Bang score ≥ 5 was able to identify individuals with increased probability of moderate-to-severe OSA, for males with acceptable diagnostic test accuracy for detecting participants with OSA, but there was no diagnostic test accuracy for females.

Warning: medical education is hazardous to your mental health. Medical students should make an informed decision to begin and continue training.

For decades there has been ample evidence that training to become a physician and practicing medicine is hazardous to one's health and wellness. In the face of the extremely high rates of suicide, substance abuse, depression and burnout in the medical student, resident, and physician populations, it would be dishonest to suggest medical education and practice is all gain and no pain. This article is directed to members of the medical education community and challenges stakeholders to view their teaching and training of medical students as an intervention requiring free and informed consent. We hope this exercise shifts the paradigm of educators and enables students to enter medical training from a free and informed position.

Depuis des décennies, il existe amplement de preuves à l'effet que la formation t et la pratique de la médecine peuvent compromettre la santé et le bien-être de la personne. Face aux taux extrêmement élevés de suicide, de toxicomanie, de dépression et d'épuisement professionnel tant chez les étudiants, les résidents que les médecins, il serait faux de prétendre qu'on est ou qu'on devient médecin sans faire de sacrifice. Cet article s'adresse aux acteurs du milieu de l'éducation médicale pour les inciter à considérer la formation qu'ils donnent aux étudiants en tant qu'intervention nécessitant le consentement libre et éclairé de ces derniers. Nous espérons que cet exercice amènera les enseignants à changer de paradigme et les étudiants à entreprendre leur formation médicale de façon libre et informée.

Obesity, Sex, Snoring and Severity of OSA in a First Nation Community in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Sleep disorders have been related to body weight, social conditions, and a number of comorbidities. These include high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, both of which are prevalent in the First Nations communities. We explored relationships between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and risk factors including social, environmental, and individual circumstances. An interviewer-administered survey was conducted with adult participants in 2018−2019 in a First Nations community in Saskatchewan, Canada. The survey collected information on demographic variables, individual and contextual determinants of sleep health, and objective clinical measurements. The presence of OSA was defined as an apnea−hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5. Multiple ordinal logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine relationships between the severity of OSA and potential risk factors. In addition to the survey, 233 men and women participated in a Level 3 one-night home sleep test. Of those, 105 (45.1%) participants were reported to have obstructive sleep apnea (AHI ≥ 5). Mild and moderately severe OSA (AHI ≥ 5 to <30) was present in 39.9% and severe OSA (AHI ≥ 30) was identified in 5.2% of participants. Being male, being obese, and snoring loudly were significantly associated with severity of OSA. The severity of OSA in one First Nation appears relatively common and may be related to mainly individual factors such as loud snoring, obesity, and sex.

X-ray tube operators can be exposed to equal or higher scattered radiation doses to the hand as cassette holders during diagnostic radiographic procedures of the equine vertebral column and limbs.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to investigate scattered radiation doses to the hands of equine workers holding the cassette and the x-ray tube by hand, for both limb and vertebral column studies, and to compare the scattered radiation attenuation of lead with radiation protection lead-free gloves. Radiation doses to the hands of the cassette holder in the primary beam were also investigated. SAMPLE: A whole-body horse cadaver. PROCEDURES: A portable x-ray unit was used to simulate 6 radiographic study types in the horse cadaver. Doses were measured with no shielding and, for cassette holders, with the ion chamber enclosed in a lead glove and a lead-free glove. Thirty exposures were performed for each study view and condition (n = 1,920). RESULTS: Mean scattered doses to x-ray unit operators were higher than doses to cassette holders for ungula (hoof), thoracic vertebrae, and lumbar vertebrae studies, whereas doses to cassette holders were higher than doses to x-ray tube operators for studies of the metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) and tarsus (hock). Doses did not differ for the stifle joint. Mean percentage decrease in scattered radiation dose was 99.58% with lead gloves and 98.9% with lead-free gloves. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: X-ray tube operators can be exposed to equal or higher scattered radiation doses to the hand as cassette holders. Lead-free hand shielding should only be considered as an alternative to lead gloves if their lighter weight increases frequency of use by workers.

Workers should take steps to mitigate surface lead exposure when using lead-containing personal protective equipment.

Veterinary workers use lead shielding for protection against harm from ionizing radiation during diagnostic imaging. Surface lead on shielding has been reported as a potential exposure hazard. The purpose of this prospective, analytical, descriptive study was to measure surface lead on lead-containing shielding in the field service and small animal radiology areas of a veterinary teaching hospital, and to examine potential risk factors for surface lead. Surface lead on a convenience sample of 54 lead shielding items was measured in a commercial laboratory using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The median and range of surface lead for aprons, thyroid collars, and gloves were 3.6 µg/dm2 (range, 1.3-22.4 µg/dm2 ), 23.1 µg/dm2 (range, 2.6-116 µg/dm2 ), and 134 µg/dm2 (range, 1.5-155 µg/dm2 ), respectively. In the final multivariable analysis, the mean surface lead on thyroid collars and gloves was higher than on aprons (relative differences 4.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2, 10.5, P < 0.001; and 9.5, 95% CI 4.4, 20.6, P < 0.001, respectively). The mean surface lead on shielding in the worst condition was higher than on shielding in the intermediate and best conditions (P < 0.001). Lead shielding provides effective protection against the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, and shielding should always be worn during radiation exposure. Based on our findings and the common use of lead shielding in veterinary workplaces, we recommend that employers inform workers of this hazard and provide training on steps to mitigate exposure, including the use of disposable gloves when wearing lead shielding and handwashing after use.

Intergenerational transfer of occupational risks on family farms.

BACKGROUND: Cultures of safety in farm work settings are under the authority of a responsible owner-operator, who establishes rules, attitudes, and behaviors for farm work practices. This novel analysis provides new evidence to show that risks that can lead to injury and are commonly practiced on Canadian farms are indeed transferred between generations. METHODS: Baseline data were provided by representatives from eligible and consenting farms (n = 589) in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, during the first quarter of 2013. Mailed questionnaires were sent to participating farms and completed by a single respondent. Questionnaires included scaled assessments of hazards and safety practices by farm operators, and young workers on each farm. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships between farm owner-operator risks and safety practices and those reported for the young workers. FINDINGS: Graphical descriptive analyses showed that as farm owner-operator risks increased, so did those reported for children and young workers. Similarly, as farm owner-operator safe work practices increased, young worker hazards decreased, albeit more modestly. The young worker hazard scale increased by 0.20 (95% CI: 0.10-0.30) points, and decreased by 0.08 (95% CI: -0.016 to -0.000) points for each one-point increase in the owner-operator hazard and safe work practices scales, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational health and safety risks and protections experienced on farms appear to be transferred between generations. This suggests the need to target farm owner-operators, the responsible authority on the farm, as a focus of primary prevention strategies aimed at injury risks to children and young workers.

Duration and quality of sleep in 2 rural Cree First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Estimates of sleep duration and quality are lacking for Canadian First Nations peoples. This study examines the prevalence of and risk factors for short/normal/long sleep duration and sleep quality. METHODS: Five hundred eighty-eight adults participated in the baseline survey of the First Nations Sleep Health Project conducted in 2018-2019 in Saskatchewan, Canada. Sleep duration and quality were self-reported. RESULTS: Mean sleep duration was 8.18 hours per night. About 45.5% slept the recommended 7 hours per night. However, short sleep duration and poor sleep quality were relatively common: about one-quarter of the participants slept fewer hours than recommended. Sleep duration was significantly less for men than women. Women were significantly more likely to report poor sleep quality than males. Multiple regression models revealed that age was significantly related with shorter sleep duration; sex and employment status were significantly related with sleep duration; and sex and income indicators were significantly associated with sleep quality. Nearly half of participants reported having had the recommended hours of sleep, but nearly two-thirds reported poor sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: Information about the proportion of First Nations adults who sleep the recommended duration and the quality of sleep is important in informing health care and health policy.

Survey of self-reported radiation safety practices among North American veterinary technicians involved in equine radiography using portable x-ray equipment.

OBJECTIVES: To describe self-reported radiation safety practices by equine veterinary technicians in North America and identify factors associated with these practices. SAMPLE: 154 equine technicians. PROCEDURES: An electronic questionnaire regarding radiation safety practices during the use of portable x-ray equipment was sent to 884 members of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants. Data were summarized, and various factors were evaluated for associations with reported safety practices. RESULTS: 221 of 884 (25.0%) questionnaires were completed, including 154 by equine technicians who had been involved in equine radiography as x-ray tube operators, cassette holders, or both in the previous year. Lead apron use was suboptimal, reported as "always" for 80.0% (104/130) of tube operators and 83.1% (123/148) of cassette holders. Approximately 20% of participants never wore thyroid shields, and approximately 90% never wore lead eyeglasses. Almost 50% of participants did not have lead eyeglasses available. Although > 55% of participants always held the x-ray equipment by hand, 58.4% (73/125) of tube operators and 25.0% (35/140) of cassette holders never wore gloves. Cassette holders wore lead gloves and personal radiation dose-monitoring devices significantly more frequently than did tube operators. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Compliance of North American equine technicians with radiation safety recommendations by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements was suboptimal. Improvements in radiation safety training and education, strengthening the connection between academic institutions and private practices, and greater availability and requirement of personal protective equipment use by senior clinicians and employers might aid in improving safety practices.

Self-reported radiation safety behaviors among veterinary specialists and residents performing fluoroscopic procedures on small animals.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the radiation safety behaviors of veterinary specialists performing small animal fluoroscopic procedures and examine potential risk factors for these behaviors, including knowledge of radiation risk and training regarding machine operating parameters. SAMPLE: 197 veterinary specialists and residents in training. PROCEDURES: An electronic questionnaire was distributed to members of the American Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine (subspecialties of cardiology and small animal internal medicine), Veterinary Radiology, and Veterinary Surgery. RESULTS: The overall survey response rate was 6% (240/4,274 email recipients). Of the 240 respondents, 197 (82%) had operated an x-ray unit for a small animal fluoroscopic procedure in the preceding year and fully completed the questionnaire. More than 95% of respondents believed that radiation causes cancer, yet approximately 60% of respondents never wore hand or eye protection during fluoroscopic procedures, and 28% never adjusted the fluoroscopy machine operating parameters for the purpose of reducing their radiation dose. The most common reasons for not wearing eye shielding included no requirement to wear eyeglasses, poor fit, discomfort, and interference of eyeglasses with task performance. Respondents who had received training regarding machine operating parameters adjusted those parameters to reduce their radiation dose during procedures significantly more frequently than did respondents who had not received training. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On the basis of the self-reported suboptimal radiation safety practices among veterinary fluoroscopy users, we recommend formal incorporation of radiation safety education into residency training programs. All fluoroscopy machine operators should be trained regarding the machine operating parameters that can be adjusted to reduce occupational radiation exposure.

Seasonal Changes in Sleep Patterns in Two Saskatchewan First Nation Communities.

Sleep is crucial for maintaining the recovery and restoration of the body and brain. Less sleep is associated with poor mental and physical performance. Seasonal changes in sleep patterns can be observed. This paper examines seasonal effects on sleep timing, duration, and problems in two Cree First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Data were available from a community survey of 588 adults aged 18 years and older (range: 18-78 years) with 44.2% males and 55.8% females. Results are presented using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic-regression model to identify the association between seasonal changes in sleep patterns, and demographic, social, and environmental factors. The participants reported sleeping the least during the spring and summer months and sleeping the most during the fall and winter months. This was further confirmed by sleep hours and the lower proportion of recommended hours of sleep during the spring and summer, and a higher proportion of longer sleep duration during the fall and winter months. There was no significant variation in sleeping onset and wake-up times by season. Overall, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of sleep deprivation, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness by season. When stratified by age group and sex, some differences existed in the prevalence of sleep problems by season. More than two-thirds (68.6%) of the participants reported that there was a change in sleep patterns across seasons, and about 26.0% reported a very or extremely marked change in sleep patterns across seasons. Changes in sleep patterns by season were related to money left at the end of the month and damage caused by dampness in the house.

Sleep deprivation in two Saskatchewan First Nation communities: a public health consideration.

OBJECTIVES: Sleep deprivation is a common problem in Canada and is associated with many health problems. More than a quarter of Canadians get fewer than the recommended sleep hours (<7 h). This paper examines the prevalence and risk factors for sleep deprivation in two First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. METHODS: The baseline cross-sectional survey was completed between 2018 and 2019 in collaboration with the two Cree First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. There were five hundred and eighty-eight participants participated in the survey from two communities. A Multivariate logistic regression model was used for analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of sleep deprivation (<7 h of sleep) was 25.4%. The multivariate logistics regression revealed that middle and older age groups, visible mold in the house, and being male with nighttime insomnia symptoms were significantly associated with a higher risk of sleep deprivation among study participants in the study. CONCLUSIONS: In these two First Nation communities, a higher proportion of the participants reported having sleep deprivation. This was a unique study, which evolved from ongoing research collaboration with two First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Findings will be helpful in the management of patients with sleep deprivation in these communities; as well as for co-creating policy with the communities and future research priorities.

Radiation safety practices among Canadian equine veterinary workers during diagnostic procedures with portable X-ray equipment.

The objective of this study was to report observed radiation safety practices among equine workers using portable X-ray units at 3 veterinary practices in Canada. Practice 1 was comprised of equine field service workers from an academic institution, whereas Practices 2 and 3 were comprised of workers from private equine referral practices. Out of 2969 exposure-worker observations, protective aprons were worn for > 99% (2968/2969), thyroid shields for 87% (2584/2969), and eyeglasses for 10% (310/2969). The cassette was held by hand for 97% (1078/1114) of observations, and the X-ray unit was held by hand for 100% (1293/1293) of observations. Gloves were used for 54% (606/1114) and < 1% (5/1293) of observations involving cassette holders and X-ray tube operators, respectively. Use of gloves was more frequent among technologists than DVMs (P = 0.004), and among workers in Practices 1 and 3 than in Practice 2 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, given that workers commonly hold cassettes and X-ray tubes by hand, improvement in shielding use is needed. Consideration should be given to specific behavior recommendations in radiation regulations.

Pratiques de radioprotection chez les travailleurs vétérinaires équins canadiens pendant les procédures de diagnostic avec un équipement de radiographie portable. L'objectif de la présente étude était de rapporter les pratiques de radioprotection observées chez les travailleurs équins utilisant des appareils de radiographie portatifs dans trois pratiques vétérinaires au Canada. La pratique 1 était composée de travailleurs équins sur le terrain d'une institution universitaire, tandis que les pratiques 2 et 3 étaient composées de travailleurs sur le terrain issus de pratiques de référence équines privées. Sur 2969 observations de travailleurs exposés, des tabliers de protection ont été portés pour > 99 % (2968/2969), des écrans thyroïdiens pour 87 % (2584/2969) et des lunettes pour 10 % (310/2969). La cassette a été tenue à la main pour 97 % (1078/1114) des observations et l'unité de radiographie a été tenue à la main pour 100 % (1293/1293) des observations. Des gants ont été utilisés pour 54 % (606/1114) et < 1 % (5/1293) des observations impliquant des porteurs de cassette et des opérateurs de tubes à rayons X, respectivement. L'utilisation de gants était plus fréquente chez les technologues que chez les vétérinaires (P = 0,004) et chez les travailleurs des Pratiques 1 et 3 que ceux de la Pratique 2 (P < 0,001). En conclusion, étant donné que les travailleurs tiennent généralement des cassettes et des tubes à rayons X à la main, une amélioration de l'utilisation du blindage est nécessaire. Il faudrait tenir compte des recommandations de comportement spécifiques dans les réglementations relatives aux rayonnements.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Prevalence of Insomnia in Two Saskatchewan First Nation Communities.

Insomnia is a common problem in Canada and has been associated with increased use of health care services and economic burden. This paper examines the prevalence and risk factors for insomnia in two Cree First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, Canada. Five hundred and eighty-eight adults participated in a baseline survey conducted as part of the First Nations Sleep Health Collaborative Project. The prevalence of insomnia was 19.2% among participants with an Insomnia Severity Index score of ≥15. Following the definition of nighttime insomnia symptoms, however, the prevalence of insomnia was much higher, at 32.6%. Multivariate logistic regression modeling revealed that age, physical health, depression diagnosis, chronic pain, prescription medication use for any health condition, and waking up during the night due to terrifying dreams, nightmares, or flashbacks related to traumatic events were risk factors for insomnia among participants from two Saskatchewan Cree First Nation communities.

High Risk? Indoor Cannabis Producers' Perceptions of Occupational Health and Safety.

Introduction: Recent legal changes mean Canadian cannabis production has moved from an illegally grown crop to a potentially common one. However, little is known about the needs of long-time producers accustomed to operating outside a legal framework. In order to develop effective safety communication strategies, there is a need to better understand cannabis producers' perceptions of OHS regulations, OHS controls, and sources of OHS information.Methods: The specific objectives of this study are to (1) Describe production tasks and identify potential hazards related to these tasks and (2) describe workers' current sources of OHS information.This study gathered two types of information: facility and production information gathered from key informants during three facility walkthroughs, and health and safety perceptions gathered during face to face interviews with nine cannabis production workers. Interviews were thematically analyzed using interpretive description.Results: Cannabis production and related occupational health and safety issues occur within a larger context, and descriptions of contextual factors were interwoven with workers' responses which, on the whole, expressed positive views of occupational health and safety. Perceived barriers to OHS included cost, lack of specialized skills, and lack of worker consultation, while named sources of OHS information included courses, requests to OHS agencies, and the internet.Conclusion: It is hoped that an enhanced understanding of Canadian cannabis producers can inform the development of effective occupational health and safety interventions to promote the health and productivity in this workforce.

A 7-min video training intervention improves worker short-term radiation safety behavior during small animal diagnostic radiography.

Although manual restraint for small animal diagnostic radiography is common, worker protection is often not optimized, particularly for hands and eyes. Radiation safety training videos generally include hours of material on content other than personal protective equipment (PPE), have limited content, if any, on reducing dose to the lens of the eye, and are presented at the level of veterinary professionals. The objectives of this prospective, observational study were to develop a short, open access video training intervention at the layperson level, focused on proper use of PPE, and to test the effectiveness of the training video in changing behavior of workers. The use of PPE, optimal head position, and body position relative to the source of scattered radiation were compared before and after the video training was completed by workers. Results of unconditional and multivariable analyses were similar. In final multivariable analysis, workers wore gloves correctly more frequently (odds ratio [OR] = 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68-2.59; P < .001) and wore eyewear more frequently (OR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.23-2.78; P = .003) after completing the training intervention. Workers also had an optimal head position more frequently (OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.03-1.58; P = .03) and stood straight or leaned back more frequently (OR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.48-2.23; P < .001) after completing the training. The video training developed in this study is an effective tool that can be incorporated into a radiation protection program to improve worker radiation safety behaviors during manual restraint for small animal diagnostic radiography.

Trunk Posture Exposure Patterns among Prairie Ranch and Grain Farmers.

Objectives: Low back disorders (LBD) are the most common musculoskeletal disorder among farmers, and awkward trunk postures such as repetitive bending are often cited as a contributor. However, it is not clear whether trends of increasing mechanization in agriculture may be impacting the requirement for trunk-intensive tasks. This study compared the patterns of working trunk posture among prairie farmers during both machine-intensive and non-intensive work days.Methods: Forty-nine adult farm workers from 22 farms participated in this study. Individual and farm characteristics were documented via questionnaire. Trunk angles and velocities were measured with an I2M inertial sensor placed on the chest. Participants completed electronic posture assessments during up to three regular work days throughout the growing season for a total of 91 electronic posture measurements. Forward and lateral trunk bending patterns were expressed in three domains: magnitude, duration, and frequency.Results: Working tasks were categorized into driving, manual, and mixed. Driving was the most commonly measured task (52% of work days), and mixed tasks the least (12%). Both 90th percentile trunk flexion-extension angles and velocities were significantly higher for manual as compared to driving tasks. Participants spent 38% of their working time in trunk forward flexion ≥ 20°, which, according to previous epidemiological studies, may increase their risk for LBD.Conclusion: The directly-measured trunk posture exposure patterns in this study suggest that machinery-intensive workdays result in less awkward trunk posture and lower velocities. Increasing mechanization invites more research on the exposures associated with machinery operation and increasing automation.